Ricoh XR-2

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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.

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In Japanese