Ricoh Singlex TLS
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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
- 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.
- ↑ see PORST Uniflex TTL at kamera-geschichte.de
