Ricoh XR-2
image by Mark O'Brien (Image rights) |
The XR-2 is an SLR for 35mm film introduced by Ricoh in 1977. Along with the XR-1, these were Ricoh's first cameras to accept K-mount lenses, and both are recognizable by their front direct-viewing window showing the lens's aperture setting above the viewfinder image. The XR-2 was a higher-end model offering aperture-priority autoexposure.
To unlock the shutter and meter indicator, the film wind lever must be pulled outwards; the stowed position avoids accidental battery drain. The electronically-timed Copal shutter provides a wide range of speeds from 1/1000 second to 4 seconds plus B with flash sync up to 1/125 sec. The shutter is dependent on power from two 1.5v LR44/SR44 batteries, without which only the mechanical speeds of "X" (1/90th second) and B may be used.
A half-press on the shutter release activates the exposure indicator needle in the viewfinder. Battery power is checked by twisting a collar around the shutter release. The viewfinder meter needle should swing up to the top of the scale (if good, reaching the notch seen at the side). A rear "ME" switch permits intentional multiple exposures; alongside this is a lever for closing an eyepiece blind.
The 1979 Ricoh XR-2s is essentially the same camera, but with a baseplate able to accept an optional power winder. A bit more plastic has been substituted in the film-advance and self timer levers (the latter seems prone to breaking off); and the ME button has gained a lockout switch to avoid unintended double exposures.
Links
- Ricoh XR-2s manual from Mike Butkus' OrphanCameras.com
- Ricoh XR-2 review from November 1979 Popular Photography posted to MFLenses forum by Nesster.
- Rebadged as the Sears KS Auto
- Ricoh advertisement announcing the XR-1 and XR-2 in the
December 1977 Popular Photography; scan courtesy voxphoto. - A set of scans of a Popular Photography review and teardown from the era; by alookback.net on Flickr
In Japanese
The XR-2s version, accepting an autowinder (with aftermarket shutter button added) image by bokina90 (Image rights) |