Ricoh 500

Ricoh 500, first type with Seikosha MX shutter. image by David Broglin (Image rights)

The Ricoh 500 is a 35 mm rangefinder camera with fixed lens made in Japan by Ricoh from 1957. Four different main types were marketed between then and 1960.

All models have some features in common :

• The Triggermatic winding system; a folding advance lever mounted on the bottom of the camera, operated with fingers of the left hand.
• A detachable back (i.e. not hinged: the back and base, including the winding mechanism, come off for loading).
• A coupled rangefinder, combined with the viewfinder.
• Light Value system for setting the exposure (the Ricoh 500 was the first camera in Japan to adopt the LV system); an external selenium light meter, fitting in the accessory shoe, was available (it is not coupled to the camera).

The first type, from 1957, is based on the Ricoh 35 S. It has a dropped section at the each end of the top housing. At the left-hand end, the rewind knob is taller than on other versions of the camera. It doesn't have a film-type reminder, which other versions do (on the bottom). It has:

• Seikosha MXL shutter (or MX; see the example pictured), Speeds 1/10 - 1/500 sec + B
• Coated Riken Ricoh 45 mm f/2.8 lens

Ricoh 500, second type. Images by David Donnadieu (Image rights)

Top view, showing new frame counter. Bottom view, showing trigger advance lever, opening catches and film-type reminder dial.

Ricoh 500 (second type) with accessory dual-range selenium meter, also by Ricoh. Images by vincentnip (Image rights)

The second type, from 1958, is the most common one. It has a flat top plate, and the rewind crank and other controls are flush with this. It has:

• Seikosha MXL shutter, Speeds 1 - 1/500 second, plus 'B'
• 5-element Riken Ricomat 45 mm f/2.8 lens
• Dimensions: 140mm x 83mm x 67mm
• Weight: 670 g

The third type is very similar, but has the Seikosha SLV shutter, again with speeds 1 - 1/500 second, plus 'B', but now with a self timer. The lens is the same.

The fourth type has a Riken Ricoh (not Ricomat) 45 mm f/2.8, and again a Seikosha SLV shutter. The top housing has been restyled, to accomodate a larger viewfinder, with a bright-line frame. This camera, but with an f/1.9 lens, was sold as the Ricoh Jet.

Ricoh 500, fourth type. Images by David Donnadieu (Image rights)

Links

• User's manuals at Mike Butkus' Orphan Cameras:
  • Ricoh 500 second type.
  • Ricoh 500 fourth type (with large brightline viewfinder).

• Ricoh 500 (first type) at Karen Nakamura's Photoethnography.com.

• Ricoh 500 cameras at Sylvain Halgand's Collection d'Appareils (text in French):
  • First type
  • Second type
  • Third type (with Seikosha SLV shutter)
  • Fourth type (with brightline viewfinder)