Sears TLS: Black is Back!

<p>This is a 1967 Sears TLS camera in black finish. This is, without a doubt, the coolest looking 35mm film camera I own. Whenever I take it out, it always gets plenty of looks and comments. This manual classic is actually a Ricoh Singlex TLS rebranded with the Sears logo. Sears never made cameras but contracted with third parties to supply their stores. It’s the stylized S-R initials (Sears-Roebuck) against the shiny jet-black paint that gives it the cool looks. Some say it looks like an “atomic age butterfly”. Although few people today recognize it, it did have a couple of seconds of screen time in Oliver Stone’s movie J.F.K.<br>

The Sears TLS is a tank of a camera. Solidly built and heavy, over 2lbs, it offers photographers a precision steel platform that takes commonly found M42 screw mount lenses. It offers shutter speeds from B, 1- 1/1000 of a second from the legendary Copal Metal Square shutter and syncs flash at 1/125 second. The 675 1.3v mercury battery (I have a secret stash) only runs the match-needle CdS meter on this all-mechanical beauty. It has ASA speeds from 25-to-1600. </p><div></div>

<p>In the hands, with the standard Sears 55mm f/1.4 lens, the Sears T.L.S. is one hefty SLR. It does feel good and solid and can be swung as a mace if self-defense is ever needed. The design is clean and classic. The shutter dial is located on the front and is surprisingly ergonomic. The film advance lever, however, is not and my thumb doesn’t like this lever much. The focusing screen, while adequate, is not as bright as some other M42 mount cameras I use. Both of these shortcomings were addressed, along with moving the shutter dial to the top deck, in the next model, the Singlex II. </p><div></div>

<p>For this camera I have a tidy line up of matched Sears M42 lenses. These are the Sears 55mm f/1.4, 28mm f/2.8, 135mm f/2.8 and 200mm f/3.5. These fine lenses, designed and built by Tomioka Optical Company, represent some of Japan’s best. The finely machined, knurled aluminum barrels encapsulate precision multi-coated glass. Since many of the uninformed are put off by the Sears brand name, these lenses can sometimes be found at bargain prices. The 55mm f/1.4 and the 200mm f/3.5, in particular, are superb. With adapters, they fit every 35mm camera, film or digital, I own. Here are some pictures made with this kit on Fuji Superia 400 film. </p><div></div>

<p>#1 Walking the Dog on a Snowy Path 55mm f/1.4 </p><div></div>

<p >#2 Self Portrait in a Black Hat 55mm f/1.4<br>

I wanted a new self-portrait for my photo.net bio page. I may use this one. This is one-handed at 1/30 sec at f/2.0. Black hat, black coat, black camera. Black is back!</p><div></div>

<p>#3 Three figures on a ramp 28mm f/2.8</p><div></div>

<p >#4 Old Tubs 28mm f/2.8<br>

Impressive sharpness and contrast </p><div></div>

<p >#5 Log End 200mm f/3.5<br>

I liked the light raking the end of this log. This 200mm is a cracker jack. </p><div></div>

#6 Winter weeds 200mm f/3.5<div></div>

<p >#7 Portrait of Angela 135mm f/2.8<br>

The 135mm lacks the biting contrast of the other lenses and makes a wonderful portrait lens-sharp but with smooth skin tones. A flash is bounced off the left side wall here.</p><div></div>

<p >#8 White on Red<br>

For the last two I attached a short extension tube to the 55mm F/1.4 lens and played around with a little club soda in my basement studio. Both are shot at f/16</p><div></div>

<p >#9 Pink on Black</p>

<p >Last one. While not my favorite M42 camera, the Sears T.L.S is a capable performer with solid feel and killer good looks. Black is back!</p><div></div>

<p>Oh Jeez Louis,</p>

<p>You already have me searching ebay for this camera and lenses. You dirty little......</p>

<p>The portrait of Angela is simple amazing. It is one of the nicest photos I have ever seen. WoW!</p>

<p>Mike</p>

<p>What a sensational outfit! And great photographs to match.."Walking the Dog.." and "Three Figures..." I particularly like. Don't know about the dude in the "Black is Back" pic though.....Great presentation and fine photography, and I'm slightly very deep green with envy...</p>

<p>Excellent pics! as always. I recall that Ricoh/Sears was one of the first to be equipped with a Copal metal bladed shutter. Too bad they closed down. Regards, sp.</p>

<p>Louis, "Old Tubs" and "Portrait of Angela" are amazing. They show the quality of lenses, but first of all your excellence as a photographer. What films did you use for these 2 images?</p>

<p>You said Sears is not your favorite m42 camera. What is, then?</p>

<p>Thank you for the pictures. Or maybe I should not thank you: I thought my adventure with m42 was over, but now I'm thinking of spending money again!</p>

<p>Great presentation. I had a TLS once.<br>

<a href="http://westfordcomp.com/classics/searstls/index.htm">TLS</a></p>

<p>Very nice indeed.</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

<p>Louis, I always enjoy your posts, and this one is wonderful. I keep coming back to "White on Red", my favorite among this bunch, and "Old Tubs" is also very nice.</p>

<p>Wow, all were great shots, however, I too enjoyed the *Angela* shot the best as-well.</p>

<p>~Jack</p>

 

Beautiful Louis. I love your self portrait too.

<p>Wonderful post! Wonderful images. Now I expect a run on ebay for the Singlex. I was looking through some 1971 Popular Photography issues the other day, and Ricoh had 2-page spreads of their cameras. I think the the Singlex and a 50mm 1.8 went for about $130.</p>

<p>I had a Ricoh Singlex TLS when I was in Vietnam (1969). loved it. It was what got me into photography. I would love to get another one, but the availability (or lack thereof) of the mercury batteries is an issue.</p>

<p>Impressive portfolio! A pleasure to see what you accomplished with equipment others would pass over at a Thrift store. I especially enjoyed your portrait of Angela. I recently got that Sears 135mm 2.8 for $5 in mint condition at a local Thrift store. Looks perfect for portraits. And that one is superb. The colors and her dress look right out of a magazine from 1940. How did you light it?<br>

Thanks for sharing. Can't wait to get out and play with my Sears 135 on a Spotmatic.</p>

<p>Great camera and beautiful pics, Louis. I cut my SLR teeth on that model Singlex with the 50mm 1.4 lens. It's long gone, but I've got 1000's of Kodachromes to show as its legacy.</p>