Ricoh SLR

Some 20 + years ago (1985?)I bought a black Ricoh SLR. At that time it
was new, but discontinued and was the last one on the shelf of the
camera shop. Two weeks later it was stolen. I think I'd like to get it
back! (well get one just like it anyways <g>)

Problem is, I can't remember the model.

In my foggy memory I think it looked like one of the KR .... series
cameras but I'm not sure. I definitely remember that it could operate
without batteries. I also think (maybe?) that it had an auto or semi
auto mode as well as a fully manual exposure mode, (but could be wrong
about that).

Is that enough info?

Can anyone tell me the model of my long lost Ricoh?
-Bob

 

No, but if all else fails, try browsing the manuals here until you see
the right one:

http://www.butkus.org/chinon/#RICOH

Perhaps an Ebay search might be a better way...
I used to have a KR-10M, black and similar specs but it was a motor
driven model that required batteries. Ricoh made/make some very good,
and underrated imo, cameras. I currently own one of their little 4Mp
compacts for when I'm not wanting to carry anything heavy or expensive.

 

Google knows all. Is the camera one of these:

http://www.butkus.org/chinon/ricoh/ricoh_slr_systems/ricoh_slr_systems.htm

only you can pick it out...

The Ricohs take Pentax 'K' mount lenses so there won't be any problem
finding optics that fit.

A glance at ebay says they go for a very reasonable [or sickeningly low,
if one is a die hard film user] price: $25 average/median with a
$10-$100 range.

At those prices you should be able to buy one of each model.

 

There is also the XR-X, which IIRC was the top of the range model, spot
metering and what have you.:-

http://www.butkus.org/chinon/ebay/ricoh_xr-x.htm

 

Ok, let's see if I have technical knowledge needed to select the
camera.

1. I assume that an electronic shutter needs a battery.
2. A mechanical shutter does not need a battery.

My camera had a manual exp. mode, an auto exp. mode, and could also be
used without a battery.

1. Was there a such thing as an electro-mechanical shutter that could
also work in auto mode with a battery and still be a fully functioning
mechanical shutter without a battery?

2. If the answer to the above question is "No", then perhaps my model
was an electronic shutter with an X shutter setting ?


(in that case both the XR-2s and KR-10 would qualify).

 

Pentax ME Super, for one, defaults to the X-Sync speed of 1/125th without a
battery. Everything else works of course.

 

That's exactly what the "M90" setting did on my Nikon FEs.

BTW, I did own and use a Ricoh KR camera for a number
of years. I think it was the KR-5S or something like that.
Had a Pentax lens mount, if I recall. I chose it because it
was cheap and relatively light for an SLR, and carried it
with me over 700+ miles of the Appalachian Trail. A few
of my favorite pix were taken with that camera.


rafe b
www.terrapinphoto.com

 

Pentax ES and its subsequent model, ES-II had fully mechanical shutters that
also operated electronically. The shutter speed dial had about 6 manual
shutter speeds--it was not a case where a lack of a working battery caused
the shutter to default to only one speed.

I am unaware of any other camera that used that particular shutter
arrangemement.

 

Pentax LX did 1/2000 down to X (1/50) upon battery failure.

 

Yes. That is the way auto cameras were made until the early 70's. The
current Nikon F3a works in this manner: a normally mechanical shutter
that can also be controlled electronically by solenoids.

Most early auto cameras with electronic shutters have a manual mode where
the shutter works without batteries but only at one speed.

 

mine jambed. I have a KR-10, which is a smaller and lighter model, but it's
all electronic w/ auto and manual speeds, but it doesn't work at all. I was
doing so good w/ Ricoh's my friend gave me 3 XR-2s, and a couple of winders.
Beautiful. Auto/Man/125 sync/ auto multi exp/DOF/ View finder blackout. The
35 f2.8 is a super lens, otherwise I use Pentax "K" mount lenses. The silver
oxide batteries in the camera seem to last forever as do the AAs in the
motors, prolly cause the motor ain't no record breaker, but I only use it on
single anyway. That's it, that's all I know. Bob Hickey

 

Thanks,
As far as I can tell, none of the auto Ricoh XR or KR models had the
ability for multiple shutter speeds without a battery -- at least the
info on the web doesn't indicate a feature like that. The XR2 and KR10
do have single speed capability.

Thanks,everyone this has been educational and interesting.

 

Bob Hickey wrote:
.. I have a KR-10, ... but it doesn't work at all. I was

similar cameras. What are the differences in actual use?

Also, do you know what the difference between an XR-2 and an XR-2s is?
I can't seem to find the answer on the web pages I've googled.
-Bob

 

They prolly look the same but the KR-10 is a little shorter, lighter and
slowly turning to plastic; about the same size as a Pentax ME. I have an
XR-1s and a couple XR-2s. All I can see is the 2s has a viewfinder shutter
for long exposures, the 1s doesn't. Otherwise,I see no difference. Both are
really fun to use and despite their age, the meters still work. Very rare. I
guess the "s" means the same as the "XR". Bob Hickey