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.

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 1/10 - 1/500 sec + B
• 5-element Riken Ricomat 45 mm f/2.8 lens
• Dimensions: 140mm x 83mm x 67mm
• Weight: 670 g

with matching Ricoh meter image by vincentnip (Image rights)

The third version, from 1959 is very similar, but has the Seikosha SLV shutter, again with speeds 1/10 - 1/500 second, plus 'B', but now with a self timer. The lens is the same.

The fourth version, also named Ricoh Jet, with a bigger and framed viewfinder, features :

• Seikosha SLV shutter, Speeds 1/10 - 1/500 sec + B, + self timer
• Riken Ricoh 2.8/45 lens

Links

In English

• Ricoh 500 camera manuals at www.orphancameras.com
• Ricoh 500 at Photoethnography.com

In French:

• Ricoh 500 at Flickr
• Ricoh 500 on www.collection-appareils.fr by Sylvain Halgand

In Japanese:

• Ricoh 500 at AEI Collectibles