Centerfold photo. Figure 1.
Note: Click on any photo to see a larger (uncropped) version.
LOADING THE CAMERA Using 120 size filmPlace the camera with the lens down and turn the catch (A, fig. 2) in the direction of the arrow thus permitting the hinged back to be swung open. Now grasp the film winding knob (B, fig. 1), pull it out from the body of the camera and give it a slight turn counterclockwise. This holds the knob out in the disengaged position.
Lift the film cage (fig. 3) completely out of the camera body. Place a roll of #120 size film in the lower (B, fig. 3) film chamber and draw the Paper over the two rollers and attach the tapered end to the slit in the take-up spool (A, fig. 3).
Figures 2 and 3.
Replace the film cage into the camera body and release the film winding knob with a slight turn clockwise. Be sure that the knob engages the take-up spool and that the film is being transported as the knob is turned. Close the camera back and lock the catch. Raise the protective slide covering the film counter window on the back of the camera and turn the film winding knob until the number 1 is seen in the window. You are now ready to take your first picture. The protective slide should cover the film window at all times except when advancing the film.
UNLOADING
After the twelfth picture has been taken turn the film winding knob until the entire protective paper is on the take-up spool. Open the camera as before and remove the film cage. Seal the roll of film and remove it from the cage by releasing the pressure of the flat spring on the left end of the spool. Place the empty spool in the take-up position and reload with fresh film.
FOCUSING
Open the hood by simply lifting upward on the back part of the hood thus allowing it to spring into the erect position. When the protective lens cap is removed, the image may be seen on the ground glass as you look into the hood. You will notice that the ground glass has four thin black lines engraved on it; the small central area is the field covered when using the RICOHFLEX COLOR-BACK 35mm adapter.When using 120 size film the entire ground glass shows the picture area.The clarity of the image may be seen on the ground glass and is adjusted by slowly rotating either lens to the left or right until the image appears as clear as possible. It is always advisable to use the wide field magnifier (A, fig. 1 ) to obtain critical focus. Before closing the hood be sure to fold back the magnifier to its original position.
Figures 4 and 5.
A "Depth of Field Scale" is engraved on top of the upper lens and is seen from above as two scales of numbers corresponding to the f stops on the diaphragm. After the lens has been focused, the distance from the camera to the subject is indicated by the number opposite the center mark () on the Depth of Field Scale. The depth of field, or the area of sharp focus in front of and beyond the point of actual focus is dependent on the f stop. For example: with the camera focused at 10 feet and a diaphragm setting of f:16, we see on the right side of the depth of field scale opposite f:16 is 6 feet, and on the left side opposite f:16 is 30 feet, indicating that everything between 6 feet and 30 feet will be in focus if we set the diaphragm at f:16. If we stop the diaphragm down to only f:8 we see that the depth of field (or range of sharpness) now lies between 7 1/2 feet and 15 feet. The Depth of Field Scale will be very useful in determining what f stop will be necessary to keep objects at various distances from the camera in sharp focus.
USING THE EYELEVEL FINDER
To permit eyelevel viewing of the subject, an auxiliary finder is built into the hood of the new SUPER RICOHFLEX. Look through the magnifying lens at the rear of the hood with one eye, while observing the subject with the other eye. The eye looking through the magnifier sees two thin white outlines. The large square outline shows the limits of the field, when 120 film is used; the small rectangular outline shows the field covered by 35mm film, used in the RICOHFLEX COLOR-BACK ADAPTER.With a little practice, accurate eyelevel finding becomes simple and rapid. When shooting under poor light conditions, or when shooting sport subjects, or when standing in a crowd and having to hold the camera above the crowd; these and many other occasions make eyelevel contour-type composing a great help for successful twin lens picture taking.
SETTING THE SHUTTER
The shutter is of the rim set type and the speed is selected by rotating the rim (D, fig. 1) at the base of the lower lens so that the desired speed is opposite the black triangle on the upper left part of the rim. The shutter must be "set" before each picture is taken and this is done by lifting the shutter lever (F, fig. 1) slightly upwards until it clicks. The necessity for setting the shutter before each picture will serve as a reminder to wind the film for the next exposure. The convenient design of the SUPER RICOHFLEX shutter combines the setting and tripping lever in one unit. After the shutter has been "set" with the upward movement, the picture is taken by releasing the shutter with a steady downward movement of the shutter lever. For time exposures, the shutter is set at "B" and the release is held down for the desired length of exposure.
SETTING THE DIAPHRAGM
The diaphragm is set on the scale on the side of the shutter housing on the lower lens. The f value is seen in the opening on the diaphragm lever (A, fig. 5). An exposure meter is recommended to best determine what combination of shutter speed and f stop is needed for any light condition. A basic guide for exposure is enclosed with every roll of film and excellent results can be obtained by carefully following the recommendation of such a chart or exposure calculator.
TAKING FLASH PICTURES
The SUPER RICOHFLEX shutter is internally synchronized and automatically fires the flashbulb at the same time the shutter is released. Zero or X delay is provided and all electronic flashunits (strobe) as well as class F and M flashbulbs may be used. Any shutter speed may be used with electronic flashunits. With class F (SM or SF) bulbs set the shutter at 1/10, 1/25 or 1/50. When using class M bulbs (# 5,25,0,40 etc.) the shutter must be set at 1/10 or 1/25. Proper exposure is determined by reference to the chart supplied with the flashbulbs.
USING THE RICOHFLEX COLOR-BACK 35mm ADAPTER
The RICOHFLEX COLOR-BACK 35mm ADAPTER (fig. 6) adds the versatility of the 35mm camera to your SUPER RICOHFLEX.The RICOHFLEX COLOR-BACK adapter substitutes for the film cage that is supplied with the camera and is inserted in the same simple fashion. It is necessary to substitute a new winding knob, which is supplied with the RICOHFLEX COLOR-BACK. To do this, remove the screw in the center of the winding knob; replace the knob with the RICOHFLEX COLOR BACK knob and replace the center screw. This substitution is permanent and the new knob will accommodate 35mm film or the regular 120 size. Insert the cartridge of 35mm film in the empty chamber in the lower part of the RICOHFLEX COLOR-BACK. The tapered lead of the film is attached to the core of the empty black cartridge by slipping off one end of the cartridge and removing the core so that the film may be inserted into the slit in the core. The cartridge is closed and placed in the upper chamber of the RICOHFLEX COLOR-BACK. Make certain that the sprocket holes of the film are properly engaged by the sprocketed wheels of the RICOHFLEX COLOR-BACK. Insert the RICOHFLEX COLOR-BACK into the camera body in the same manner as the regular film cage. Place the pressure plate (fig. 7) over the film and close the camera back.
Figures 6 and 7.
The transport mechanism of the RICOHFLEX COLOR-BACK has an automatic stop which automatically measures the necessary film for each exposure. To transport the film, the winding knob is pulled out from the body and released. This releases the stop mechanism. The knob may now be turned in a clockwise direction until it stops, thus moving the film into position for the next exposure.The film counter is located on the winding knob. After inserting the new film, transport the film three times before taking your first picture. Now set the counter at zero by rotating the numbered ring on the counter knob until the zero is sitting opposite the arrow reference mark engraved on the ever-ready case. The RICOHFLEX COLOR-BACK yields 18 pictures on a 20 exposure roll or 34 on a 36 exposure roll of film. After the last exposure has been taken, the camera back is opened in subdued light, the film is disengaged from the original cartridge by cutting or tearing off the film, and then wound completely into the take-up cartridge. The empty cartridge is now available as the take-up cartridge for your next roll of film.
BE SURE TO LABEL THE CARTRIDGE INDICATING THE TYPE OF FILM ENCLOSED SO THAT IT MAY BE PROCESSED PROPERLY.
OUTDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE
The chart below is a simplified guide to proper exposure with medium speed film, such as Kodak Verichrome and Plus X, Ansco Plenachrome and Supreme. For maximum accuracy, however, the use of a photoelectric exposure meter is recommended.
BRIGHT SUN 1/10 1/25 1/50 1/100 1/200 Avg. subj. ---- f:l6 f:11 f:8 f:5.6 Shaded subj. f:16 f:11 f:8 f:5.6 f:3.5Choose the shutter speed which best suits the subject matter. For moving subjects use 1/100 second, for average snapshots 1/50 second. The correct f stop is shown underneath the desired shutter speed and opposite the type of scene and light condition existing. For Super XX or Superpan Press film, use the next smaller f stop (f:11 is smaller than f:8).CLOUDY BRIGHT
Avg. subj. f:11 f:8 f:5.6 f:4 ---- Shaded subj. f:8 f:5.6 f:4 f:3.5 ----
RIKEN OPTICAL INDUSTRIES, LTD. TOKYO & NEW YORK Printed in Japan. A-1
Email: greg.erker@shaw.ca
