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[1] and featuring TTL metering. The Ricoh Singlex TLS was also sold in the USA by Sears as Sears TLS and by Kmart as Focal 1000 TLX.[2] The Chinonflex TTL is another variant, and in that form (with a recess on the pentaprism housing for alternate nameplates), was further rebadged, e.g. by Porst as Porst Uniflex TTL in Germany. [3]

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

Links

Notes

  1. According to its history page (in English Google translation here), from Ricoh's film camera history pages.
  2. This version retains a Ricoh badge on the face of the camera, and Ricoh branding on the manual.
  3. In a version which leaves a small Chinon badge visible; see PORST Uniflex TTL at kamera-geschichte.de