A fully manual 6x6 format camera with uncoupled light meter, using crank film advance with automatic stop at next frame. Released in 1959 and sold for $99.95. Takes 120 film, or 35 mm with adapter (Colorback 225 {photo}).
- Taking lens: 8cm (=80mm) f3.5 Rikenon. This is a well regarded 4 element Tessar style fully coated lens. Accepts Bayonet 1 (Bay 1) accessories.
- Shutter: Seikosha-SLV and has speeds of 1 sec, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250 and 1/500 plus B. The shutter is cocked during film advance. A release by the crank allows recocking for intentional double exposures. The shutter is released with a front panel shutter button or cable release. (Cable release can be used if you get a Leica adapter which screws onto the large thread around the shutter button.) The leaf shutter appears to have 5 blades. The shutter release is locked when the viewfinder is closed. A self timer is provided by setting the VXM shutter switch to V.
Aperture: goes from a marked f3.5 to f22, with click every 1/3 stop. The aperture is formed by 5 curved blades and thus gives rounded-pentagonal out-of-focus highlights.
DOF scale: is not provided at the focus distance pointer (bottom of front face). A chart is provided on the rear of the camera (in feet and metres). Distances of 3.5, 5, 7, and 10 feet and 1.2, 2, 3, and 5 metres are included and the near/far focus limits are shown for each at apertures of f3.5, f5.6, f8, f11, f16 and f22. Markings appear to be based on a circle of confusion of 0.08mm (FL/1000) and so will give a somewhat soft image in critical applications. Older versions of this camera have a DOF scale in feet only. Distances of 3.5, 4, 5, 7, 10, 15, 30 and infinity are shown with the above apertures.
Viewing lens: 8cm f3.2 and appears to be 3 element with all surfaces appear coated. Accepts Bayonet 1 (Bay 1) accessories.
Finder: groundglass with fresnel making it bright even to the corners. The fresnel is visible as concentric circles except for a center clear spot (1/2" dia.). There are horizontal and vertical composition lines on the ground glass. The horizontal ones are located about 8 mm from the top and bottom edges. The vertical lines are located about 15 mm from the left and right edges. A flip-up magnifier (about 1" dia) is also provided for critical focusing. The sport finder functions the sames as the one on the Diacord L.
Meter: Selenium (no batteries required) uncoupled "Light Value" meter with two ranges. The sensor is located above the viewing lens, behind the Ricohmatic name plate. On the high range (bright light) the sensor sees through slots cut in this plate. In dim light the low range is used by flipping up the name plate to allow more light to strike the sensor. The meter is read from the top of the bulge on the left side of the camera (when viewing from behind). It reads out in exposure values and then the shutter and aperture are set to match this Light Value number.
Focusing: The same as Diacord L. Focus distance is indicated by a pointer below the front panel (in feet and metres). Minimum focus is 1 metre. Older cameras had a distance scale showing feet only.
Film advance is done with a crank. Advance is not possible until a photo has been taken (blank frame prevention). The mechanism stops the advance at the next frame.
Film changing: Same as Diacord L.
Flash: The shutter can be set for X (electronic strobe), M (flash bulbs) flash sync (or V for self timer). Flash connection is done though the PC connector on the front or the hot shoe on the top left hand side.
Advance crank can be seen. Above and to the left is the rewind knob for 35 mm film. Below this is the silver button that allows the shutter to be recocked. The roll film counter is located at the upper front of the right side. The 35 mm frame counter encircles the crank (not clear in photo).Visible at the top of the viewing lens is the window which shows the selected lens aperture, shutter speed, and the LV number (light value) that you match to the meter LV number.
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Email: greg.erker@shaw.ca
