Ricoh diacord l manual

Photographers Harrison Globe Lens. Join our E-Mail List. Ricoh manufactured a series of Twin Lens Reflex Cameras in the 's. There were two basic lines, the first was a series of low cost TLR's that were made out of component pieces of stamped metal. These cameras are easily recognized by their geared focusing rings. These was sold in huge numbers by Ricoh. The Diamond series was also referred to as "Dia" and "Diacord" cameras. Below is a table of the Diamond Series of cameras sold by Ricoh.

Data comes from Ricoh's Japanese website. I was surprised to read that the first three models had 3 element Rikenon lenses - I had always assumed they were all 4 element Tessar type lenses. Another surprise is the fact that the only model with an F3. Lastly, as you can see in the table, many models were made in a short period time and I have seen some versions that have variations not listed. I assume these hybrids are transitional models. Having used multiple 4 element Diacords, I can highly recommend them and they are great value for the money.

These are very well made and can compete with the more expensive Yashica TLR models. I would also recommend you steer clear of the cheaper "geared" models. Ricoh SP-winder. Ricoh KRsp - Short instructions. Ricoh Photographic Product Catalogue Ricoh TLS Ricoh"Singlex" fact sheet.

Ricoh Mirai - 3 sections. Ricoh Singlex II. Ricoh XR Winder - 1. Ricoh XR-X RicohXR-P in one page. Ricoh XR-X. Ricoh Mirai Zoom 3. Ricoh XR-X3pf full 60 pages broken into 3 sections. Ricoh G.

Ricoh XR Speedlight. Ricoh XR - S Solar - older model. Ricoh P Speedlite. Ricoh XR Solar. Ricoh XR Speedlight Ricoh XR Auto.

Ricoh Focal TLX. Ricoh XR Speedlight p. Ricoh 35 DeLuxe. Ricoh 35 EFL. Ricoh Speedlite PX. Ricoh 35 FLEX. Ricoh SLX Ricoh Diacord L. Ricoh Diacord G. Ricoh ME. Ricoh RF.

Ricoh RC-5 remote control. I gave high remarks to the Minolta Autocord in that review, and other than the absence of the rapid wind lever, the Diacord equals, and in some cases exceeds that camera. The viewfinder was as bright as they come, with edge to edge brightness almost equal to aftermarket bright screens on other TLRs. Strangely, the magnifying glass on my example was missing from the camera, but even without it, I had no issues focusing, even in low light. For fast action, the front of the viewing hood can be folded down for a straight through sports finder.

Having shot most of the Rollei, Yashica, and Aires TLRs that Mike mentioned above, I absolutely agree with his assessment that the Ricoh Diacord is an excellent choice for someone who is looking for a quality TLR experience with a great lens, easy to use viewfinder, and excellent optics, all for an economic price. Here is a gallery of several other images I took for this review that show off the camera at various angles.

I first shot the Diacord in early spring with a roll of fresh Kodak Portra Porta is my favorite color film to shoot in any format as I find the semi-muted colors more natural than other films and I love the realistic blue skies that it delivers in outdoor scenes.

I would load up the camera a second time in the summer of using a very old roll of Kodak Panatomic-X, but sadly, that was a miserable failure because I failed to detect that the tape which secures the film to the backing paper had rotted away and the film tore in the camera.

Thankfully, I had better luck with a third roll, this time with the recently released CatLABS 80 film which is a very affordable all new black and white emulsion that is said to offer fine grain and lots of latitude. Where these cameras differ is in the subtle ways in which they operate. Is the perfect Diacord perfect? Right now. Seriously, log into eBay or whatever camera auction site you prefer and buy one.

Also surprised to see it was of the exact model I was given a few years back although not as pristine as your example. I have never taken a picture with although it appears fully serviceable on inspection. Good to know you high opinions of it.

He employs a few vintage gentlemen, all of whom are retired from eastern bloc camera makers. The earlier Flexaret models are said to be reliable. Good info Roger. Sometimes more is less, especially when it comes to complex TLRs!

Nice article and interesting info. I bought a Ricoh Diacord L about 4 years ago in very nice condition and put a couple of rolls of film through it.

It really is great. Looking forward to it. Home Photography Ricoh Diacord L It offers a competitive feature set to nearly every TLR ever made, and was a tremendous bargain both when it was new and today. It has an uncoupled selenium exposure meter that is easy to use, a very bright viewfinder, and an excellent lens.