Looking for info about Ricoh "35"s

[tjod]

<p>Hi all;<br>

I have an old Ricoh rangefinder - a "35"s. The quote marks are actually part of the name and engraved on the camera:<br>

<img src="http://timster.net/cameras/Ricoh35s.jpg" alt="" /><br>

Although I've found a few pictures and a few specs on the web, I've been unable to locate an operations manul or repair manual. If anyone has information about the camera, I'd be interested and grateful.<br>

I've checked Butkus's site and Craig's and neither listed that particular model. Mediajoy has a bit on the specs.<br>

Thank you.<br>

Tim O'Donoghue</p>

[gene m]

<p>Somethin' like this.</p>

<p>http://westfordcomp.com/classics/ricoh35deluxe/ricohdeluxe.html</p>

[tjod]

<p>Thanks, Gene. It's very similar, and I've found references and manuals for the DeLuxe. The "35"s remains elusive.<br>

The camera seems to be in good condition - rangefinder is bright and clear, lens looks good, nothing falling off or missing that I can see... A roll or two a film should tell the rest of the tale.</p>

[Lou_Meluso]

<p>Here is some info <a href="http://www.camerapedia.org/wiki/Ricoh">http://www.camerapedia.org/wiki/Ricoh</a> </p>

[Lou_Meluso]

<p>The 35 Deluxe is similar but had an improved shutter that went from 1 sec to 1/500. I believe yours only offers 1/10 to 1/300. The next model up was the 500 and the top was the Five-One-Nine with the better, six-element lens. The manual for the 35 Deluxe or the 500 should get you close.</p>

[tjod]

<p>That'll work. The 35s does only go to 1/300th. I'll check the usual sites for the DeLuxe or 500. Thanks!</p>

[Lou_Meluso]

<p>Tim and Gene: Both you guys have real nice looking Ricoh examples. This was a wonderful line of shooters.</p>

[tjod]

<p>I've had mine for many years (20+?), though only recently found some time to take another look at it. I picked it up in a thrift store in Northampton, Mass. or possibly in Springfield. At least the box it was stored in was from the Massachusetts vintage items. If I recall correctly, it was under $20.</p>

[tom_cheshire]

<p>According to the McKeown's the plain "35" is circa 1955, has a f3.5/45mm Ricomat lens in Riken shutter with speeds of 1/10th to 1/200th plus B. Also a version with f2.8/45mm in Seikosha-Rapid 1 to 1/500th plus B (not the Deluxe). </p>

[tjod]

<p>I kept finding descriptions like that which were close, but one thing or other wasn't quite the same. It's been fun looking though.<br>

This list on Butkus' site shows how interesting the Ricoh line of cameras can be ...<br>

<a href="http://www.butkus.org/chinon/ricoh/ricoh_list_of_models.txt">http://www.butkus.org/chinon/ricoh/ricoh_list_of_models.txt</a></p>

 

[Lou_Meluso]

<p>This is the Ricoh FIve One Nine shooter I've been playing with recently. I finally found one in great condition.</p><div></div>

[tjod]

<p>Now I'm jealous. Mine only came in B&W. 8-(</p>

[larry_raisch]

<p>Sugiyama and Naoi list the 35 "S" as dating to 1957. The shutter is a Riken with speeds of "B" 1/10 to 1/300. Interestingly, this may be the last Ricoh to have both knob and trigger wind.<br>

Mine has the 1/300 top speed and is stamped EP, but oddly, the book "All That of Ricoh Cameras" lists the top speed as 1/200 and specifies a price of 13500 Yen.</p>

[ralf_j.]

<p>I just repaired my Ricoh 35 and put a roll of film through it. Great camera and great build. Have fun with it. Rangefinder adjsutment is a piece of cake and can be done by releasing the screw in the front and one in back between the glass viewfinder windows.</p>

[tjod]

<p>Larry - that works out to about $138. Not bad for a $20 investment!</p>

<p>Ralf - good info - thanks! Do you have a repair manual? If so, where can I get one?</p>

[jean_moxhet]

<p>One of the best sourse of info about japanese rangefinder is:<br>

<a href="http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~rd2h-ari/camera_shoukai.htm">http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~rd2h-ari/camera_shoukai.htm</a><br>

Unfortunately, it's in japanese... but pics and figures are great.<br>

Anyway, Ricoh 35 -> 500 -> FiveOneNine cameras are great, with nearly perfect ergonomy. Your "35"s is fitted with the same lens as it's succesor the 500, so you can use the add-on lenses Wide and Tele, to be used with deicated external viewfinder. Filters and hood are with a diameter of 34mm.<br>

As you can see on the following pic, all these accessories are beautifull (and perfectly made) and the leather case are as beautifull. On that pic, all the parts on the left with case and the filter are for the 1:2.8 lens and the Wide add-on with viewfinder on the right are for the 1:1.9 lens of the FiveOneNine.</p>

<p>Have lot of fun with your new camera!!!</p><div></div>

[jean_moxhet]

<p>And 2 more pics, the first one is a Ricoh "35" (without s) and with the lder top plate and the 1:3.5 lens with prtected commands.<br>

It's the direct ancestor of your "35"s.</p><div></div>

[jean_moxhet]

<p>And finaly a pic of the 500 with Ricohmeter and sky filter installed.<br>

The 500 is the successor of your "35"s, quite similar except the flatter top-plate with film knob missing.</p><div></div>

[tjod]

<p>Jean;<br>

<br /> That's an excellent collection you have there.<br>

<br /> My unadorned "35"s is hoping for sun today, or at least a lack of rain. Test roll is ready to go if the weather cooperates.<br>

<br /> Tim</p>