Difference between revisions of "Ricoh AD-1"
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| − | The '''Ricoh AD-1''' and related '''A-2''' are two somewhat idiosyncratic [[scale focus]] cameras notable for their spring tension film-advance mechanisms. [[Ricoh]] introduced the AD-1 in July 1979, with an ability to shoot 10–15 exposures (single or continuous) after winding up a knob on the bottom of the camera. The film travels "backwards" compared to most 35mm models, and the rewind crank is also on the bottom of the camera. This placement means the tripod socket has been relocated to one side of the body. At the end of the roll the user turns the knob to the "rewind" position and presses the rewind release. Spring tension is released with what the (English) manual describes as a "zzee" sound, with the reassurance that this is not a cause for concern. | + | The '''Ricoh AD-1''' and related '''A-2''' are two somewhat idiosyncratic [[scale focus]] cameras notable for their spring tension film-advance mechanisms (pioneered on the [[Ricoh Auto Half]] series). [[Ricoh]] introduced the AD-1 in July 1979, with an ability to shoot 10–15 exposures (single or continuous) after winding up a knob on the bottom of the camera. The film travels "backwards" compared to most 35mm models, and the rewind crank is also on the bottom of the camera. This placement means the tripod socket has been relocated to one side of the body. At the end of the roll the user turns the knob to the "rewind" position and presses the rewind release. Spring tension is released with what the (English) manual describes as a "zzee" sound, with the reassurance that this is not a cause for concern. |
Focusing is done using zone symbols (a numerical distance scale is hidden upside-down on the lens barrel) and the [[CdS]] photocell enables programmed autoexposure. | Focusing is done using zone symbols (a numerical distance scale is hidden upside-down on the lens barrel) and the [[CdS]] photocell enables programmed autoexposure. | ||
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*[https://www.cameramanuals.org/ricoh_pdf/ricoh_ad-1.pdf Ricoh AD-1 manual (PDF)] from Mike Butkus's [https://www.butkus.org/chinon/ OrphanCameras.com] | *[https://www.cameramanuals.org/ricoh_pdf/ricoh_ad-1.pdf Ricoh AD-1 manual (PDF)] from Mike Butkus's [https://www.butkus.org/chinon/ OrphanCameras.com] | ||
*[https://www.flickr.com/photos/29504544@N08/albums/72157616878587554 Five views of the AD-1] at [https://www.flickr.com/photos/29504544@N08/ Hans Kerensky's Flickr stream] | *[https://www.flickr.com/photos/29504544@N08/albums/72157616878587554 Five views of the AD-1] at [https://www.flickr.com/photos/29504544@N08/ Hans Kerensky's Flickr stream] | ||
| − | *[http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/japan/products/ricoh-filmcamera/cameralist/ad-1.html Ricoh AD-1 & A-2 (Japanese)] and in [https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=ja&tl=en&u=http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/japan/products/ricoh-filmcamera/cameralist/ | + | *[http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/japan/products/ricoh-filmcamera/cameralist/ad-1.html Ricoh AD-1 & A-2 (Japanese)] and in [https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=ja&tl=en&u=http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/japan/products/ricoh-filmcamera/cameralist/ad-1.html Google Translate English]; from Ricoh's company [http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/japan/products/ricoh-filmcamera/index.html film-camera history pages] |
[[Category:Ricoh]] [[Category:Japanese 35mm viewfinder]] | [[Category:Ricoh]] [[Category:Japanese 35mm viewfinder]] | ||
Revision as of 13:43, 17 June 2021
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| image by Hans Kerensky (Image rights) |
The Ricoh AD-1 and related A-2 are two somewhat idiosyncratic scale focus cameras notable for their spring tension film-advance mechanisms (pioneered on the Ricoh Auto Half series). Ricoh introduced the AD-1 in July 1979, with an ability to shoot 10–15 exposures (single or continuous) after winding up a knob on the bottom of the camera. The film travels "backwards" compared to most 35mm models, and the rewind crank is also on the bottom of the camera. This placement means the tripod socket has been relocated to one side of the body. At the end of the roll the user turns the knob to the "rewind" position and presses the rewind release. Spring tension is released with what the (English) manual describes as a "zzee" sound, with the reassurance that this is not a cause for concern.
Focusing is done using zone symbols (a numerical distance scale is hidden upside-down on the lens barrel) and the CdS photocell enables programmed autoexposure.
The other curious feature of the AD-1 is its date imprinting function. This is a primitive version (unlike the electronic type that would become a familiar feature of later point & shoots) as the camera does not keep time; the date is entered manually (in the form YY-MM-DD) and exposed onto the image area after sliding a yellow switch atop the camera. The manual cautions that with film types too far from the optimum ASA 100 speed, the numbers may not come out clearly. (ASAs 25 to 400 can be set with the ring around the lens.)
The Ricoh A2 followed in March, 1980, and is nearly the same camera, simply omitting the date-imprinting function. As the highest number available in the AD-1 Year field is "93," this is not going to be a real hardship for the modern-day user.
Links
- Ricoh AD-1 manual (PDF) from Mike Butkus's OrphanCameras.com
- Five views of the AD-1 at Hans Kerensky's Flickr stream
- Ricoh AD-1 & A-2 (Japanese) and in Google Translate English; from Ricoh's company film-camera history pages
