Difference between revisions of "Ricoh Singlex TLS"
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| − | The '''Ricoh Singlex TLS''' was introduced by [[Ricoh]] in June 1967, enabled by a vertically-traveling metal shutter from [[Copal]]<ref>According to its [http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/japan/products/ricoh-filmcamera/cameralist/singlex_tls.html history page] (in English [https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=ja&tl=en&u=http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/japan/products/ricoh-filmcamera/cameralist/singlex_tls.html Google translation here]), from Ricoh's [http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/japan/products/ricoh-filmcamera/ film camera history pages].</ref> and featuring [[TTL]] metering. The Ricoh Singlex TLS was also sold in the USA by [[Sears]] as '''[[Sears TLS]]'''. The '''[[Chinonflex TTL]]''' appears to be another variant, and in that form (with a recess on the [[pentaprism]] housing for alternate nameplates), was also rebadged under other brands: e.g. by [[Kmart]] as '''Focal 1000 TLX''' in the US; and by [[Porst]] as '''Porst Uniflex TTL''' in Germany. <REF>see [http://www.kamera-geschichte.de/porst-slr-uniflex-ttl-d/ PORST Uniflex TTL] at [http://www.kamera-geschichte.de/start-deutsch/ kamera-geschichte.de]</REF> | + | The '''Ricoh Singlex TLS''' was introduced by [[Ricoh]] in June 1967, enabled by a vertically-traveling metal shutter from [[Copal]]<ref>According to its [http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/japan/products/ricoh-filmcamera/cameralist/singlex_tls.html history page] (in English [https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=ja&tl=en&u=http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/japan/products/ricoh-filmcamera/cameralist/singlex_tls.html Google translation here]), from Ricoh's [http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/japan/products/ricoh-filmcamera/ film camera history pages].</ref> and featuring [[TTL]] metering. The Ricoh Singlex TLS was also sold in the USA by [[Sears]] as '''[[Sears TLS]]'''. The '''[[Chinonflex TTL]]''' appears to be another variant, and in that form (with a recess on the [[pentaprism]] housing for alternate nameplates), was also rebadged under other brands: e.g. by [[Kmart]] as '''Focal 1000 TLX''' in the US; and by [[Porst]] as '''Porst Uniflex TTL''' in Germany. <REF>In a version which leaves a small Chinon badge visible; see [http://www.kamera-geschichte.de/porst-slr-uniflex-ttl-d/ PORST Uniflex TTL] at [http://www.kamera-geschichte.de/start-deutsch/ kamera-geschichte.de]</REF> |
Lower serial-number examples of the TLS simply have "Singlex" as the prominent branding, with "Ricoh" only on a small secondary badge; later examples substitute "Ricoh" in bolder lettering on the [[pentaprism]]. While there is a notable similarity to the [[Cosina Hi-Lite]] the body designs do not exactly match. | Lower serial-number examples of the TLS simply have "Singlex" as the prominent branding, with "Ricoh" only on a small secondary badge; later examples substitute "Ricoh" in bolder lettering on the [[pentaprism]]. While there is a notable similarity to the [[Cosina Hi-Lite]] the body designs do not exactly match. | ||
Revision as of 12:09, 31 May 2021
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| Ricoh Singlex TLS image by s58y (Image rights) |
The Ricoh Singlex TLS was introduced by Ricoh in June 1967, enabled by a vertically-traveling metal shutter from Copal[1] and featuring TTL metering. The Ricoh Singlex TLS was also sold in the USA by Sears as Sears TLS. The Chinonflex TTL appears to be another variant, and in that form (with a recess on the pentaprism housing for alternate nameplates), was also rebadged under other brands: e.g. by Kmart as Focal 1000 TLX in the US; and by Porst as Porst Uniflex TTL in Germany. [2]
Lower serial-number examples of the TLS simply have "Singlex" as the prominent branding, with "Ricoh" only on a small secondary badge; later examples substitute "Ricoh" in bolder lettering on the pentaprism. While there is a notable similarity to the Cosina Hi-Lite the body designs do not exactly match.
Specifications
- Film Format and Frame Size: 35mm film, 24x36mm.
- Lens Mount: M42 screw-mount
- Exposure meter: CdS with match needle, stopdown metering, on-off switch
- ASA settings 25-1600
- Shutter: Copal Square metal blade shutter. 1sec - 1/1000sec +B.
- PC X and M Sync terminals, optional accessory shoe
- Battery: Originaly 675 1.3v mercury
- Dimensions: 147 x 95 x 50mm
- Weight: 720gr body only
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| Click for more pictures image by David Donnadieu (Image rights) |
Links
- Ricoh Singlex TLS manual at Mike Butkus' OrphanCameras.com
- Multiple views of a later Singlex TLS by Brett Johnson on Flickr
- A black Ricoh Singlex TLS and manual from Paul M. Provencher's DieCastPro
- Ricoh Singlex TLS sample images on westfordcomp.com
Notes
- ↑ According to its history page (in English Google translation here), from Ricoh's film camera history pages.
- ↑ In a version which leaves a small Chinon badge visible; see PORST Uniflex TTL at kamera-geschichte.de
