Ricoh KR-5 Super II
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| image by Klem Photo (Image rights) |
The KR-5 Super II is one of a series of SLRs for 35mm film by Ricoh, all accepting K-mount lenses. Others include the Ricoh KR-5, KR-5 Super, etc.
The "Super II" introduced in 1993 has a completely redesigned body, made smaller and lighter than its predecessors. Where the earlier models had a limited range of shutter speeds, the Super II offered 1/2000 to 1 second, plus B; and flash sync at 1/125th. The Super II also replaced the mechanical match-needle exposure indicator with three LEDs. These are visible at the left of the viewfinder when the shutter is partly depressed: Green for correct exposure; or a red plus or minus, for over- and under-exposure, respectively. However the mechanical shutter remains fully usable even if the meter circuit lacks the power ordinarily provided by two LR44/SR44 1.5v batteries.
It is often recommended to students of (film) photography that they begin with a "back to basics" manual-focus/manual-exposure SLR, such as the venerable Pentax K1000. While retaining all those same virtues, the Ricoh KR-5 Super II is arguably a more versatile choice, with its more modern shutter, robust LED display, and self-timer option. However, this model does still lack a depth-of-field preview, and a PC terminal for connecting off-camera flash.
This model was available in some markets as the XR-8. The Ricoh KR-5sv is a similar model with a few cosmetic differences.
Links
- KR-5 Super II features description via Mike Butkus' OrphanCameras.com
- Ricoh KR-5 Super II online manual from Mike Butkus' OrphanCameras.com
In Japanese
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| Asia-market branding as XR-8 image by ume-y (Image rights) |
