Super Ricohflex TLR
A fully manual 6×6 format camera, without light meter, using knob film advance with “red window”. Some models can use 35mm or 127 film (with two separate adapters). Using 127 film requires a Super Ricohflex with the multiple red windows on the back (plus the insert). Click here for photo. Some Super Ricohflex’s came with the Auto-Stop feature (though the red window was still present). It was also available as a user installed option.
Only the differences from (my) Model VII are noted.
Taking lens: 8cm f3.5 Anastigmat, same as VII but with more surfaces AR coated. On my Super Ricohflex all 6 surfaces are AR coated. This improvement over my Model VII may be due to the Super being a higher model or just because mine was made later. I have never noticed a difference in contrast between my VII and Super. And I use them for taking stereo photos so I take simultaneous shots under the same lighting conditions with both of them. (I always shoot with len shades ever since I have got them.) Lenses on later model cameras may be labeled 80mm.
Shutter: Riken shutter has two additional speeds (compared to VII): 1/10 and 1/200. The shutter cocking lever on mine is in a different location than the VII. It is below the taking lens, rather than at the 8 o’clock position of the VII. Other Super Ricohflexes have the cocking lever in the 8 o’clock position (this type appears to be more common than my type). The leaf shutter has three blades. Later models may have Riken shutter which has speeds from 1/10 to 1/300 plus a self timer.
Viewing lens: 8cm f3.5 Same as VII but all 6 surfaces are AR coated.
Flash: My camera is synced for electronic flash (X-sync) only. The 1/50 speed is marked in red which appears to indicate that it is the only flash sync speed. (On my camera the flash sync is a bit off at all speeds so I can’t tell for sure). Mine has a PC connector. A coldshoe is provided at the top of the left side (viewed from behind the camera). The factory installed Auto-Stop camera I know of doesn’t have the cold shoe (it is present on the case).
Film advance: same as VII. But the advance knob has a “film minder” dial that helps you remember whether there is colour or B&W film in the camera, and its speed. Some models have the Auto-Stop feature. This is known to be a factory and a user installed aftermarket option.
via Super Ricohflex TLR.
Repair Mamiya TLR Lenses
Recently my mamiya tlr 65mm lens got problem – the shutter blade won’t open at whatever speeds. I did some internet search and found some very useful information regarding repairing or fixing mamiya tlr lenses.
below is a summary of these information from various sources:
the first set of pictures are from flickr: Jones_Industries
Mamiya Service Manual 65mm Lenses
Scans from the Mamiya Service Manual, courtesy of the very kind Jack Fisher from photo.net
Mamiya 65mm f/3.5 exploded view
Scans from the Mamiya Service Manual, courtesy of the very kind Jack Fisher from photo.net
some detailed information regarding how to service / repair mamiya tlr or lenses can be found in a french blog site: http://tlr-mamiya-c.blogspot.sg/
of course, you can use google translate to make it to english
and lastly, an enlightening post on dpreview: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/thread/2944339
Lessons learned from restoring old Mamiya TLR lensesJan 23, 2011
For the older photographers in our forum, that use or plan to use Mamiya TLR cameras and lenses. Here are my lessons learned from repairing a couple of used “chrome” Mamiya TLR lenses. The usual disclaimer, use the lessons learned at your own risk.
Zero, before you start handling the lenses wash your hands. Use a clean white towel on a well lighted table as your work area. Should a part or screw fall out it will not go far and can be seen.
First, do not remove the lens from the back plane frame, there is no need to access the lens from that side. Front and rear optical assemblies unscrew. There is no need to use a spanner wrench on the retaining clamps that secure the lens to the supporting frame.
Second, if the shutter will not cock the chances are a single screw has come loose within the shutter assembly that can be restored. This screw is located at the two O’clock position viewing the exposed taking lens shutter assembly straight on with upper rings and cam plate removed, viewing lens at 12 o’clock.
Third, if the shutter cocks but does not operate the blades when released a different screw is loose or has fallen out, that can be restored. This is located just south of the release lever mechanism. Check all screws for tightness.
Fourth, never use oil on any part of the shutter mechanism or ring assemblies or aperture assemblies.
Fifth, if the aperture blades mechanism is stuck or sticky, this can be cured using small amounts of 91% isopropyl rubbing alcohol applied with a damp Q-tip. To access the aperture internal assembly, This will require unscrewing the rear optical assembly. Work the mechanism manually using the aperture selector arm, do not touch the blades with your fingers and use another Q-tip to remove excess and any grime. Do not use oil. Be sure to remove any lint left behind by the Q-tips prior to reassembly.
Sixth, if the shutter ring is sticky or the clicks indents are not “sharp”, disassemble the two rings and clean them with isopropyl alcohol. Slightly bend the metal finger on the cam plate that engages the indents on the shutter selection ring.
Seventh, screws are tiny, and can be lost in a flash. For most repairs I have done only one screw has to be removed.
Eighth, acquire the proper tools, i.e. jewelers screwdrivers, needle nose tweezers, etc. A spanner wrench designed for lenses is required (see lesson 10) to remove the optical retaining rings that hold the individual elements. If you do this be sure to note on paper which side is up, in or out facing. Do not rely on your memory.
Ninth, use ROR per the instructions to clean the optics, and do not use canned air.
Tenth, use rubbing alcohol mentioned above with your finger tips (no fingernails, just skin) in a circular motion to remove fungus clouds from optical surfaces. It may require several times to completely remove the fungus. Do not allow excess to drip anywhere. Clean with a lint free, chemical free (no anti static chemicals used in the dryer), white cotton t-shirt. Then use ROR with a t-shirt to remove any residues.
So far, I have restored two Mamiya TLR chrome shutter lenses and both are working fine now. They were a lost cause when I started. They are simple in design and easy to restore.
If you have any second thoughts I recommend taking your lens to a repair facility. But if you are a risk taker and have some common mechanical sense, my lessons learned may prove useful. Search the web for other information sources, and photographs of the lens assembly.
Good luck,
d2f
Best Places to do Travel Photography in 2013- From LP
1. Corsica, France
Melting pot of Med to host Tour
Best for: Activities, events, food
Mixing the cultures of Italy and France yet fiercely Corsican, the French Mediterranean island of Corsica has a furious beauty. It is this epic beauty combined with its challenging topography that make it a spectacular choice to host the historic centenary of the initial stages of the Tour de France. Race organisers wanted the hundredth Tour to start in an enchanting location, and decided Corsica was the place; this will be the first time the race has braved its challenges.
2. The Negev, Israel
Desert in throes of transformation
Best for: Adventure, activities, off the beaten track
For decades the Negev was regarded as nothing but a desolate desert. But today, this region is a giant greenhouse of development. Think eco-villages, spa resorts and even wineries. In the next few years a new international airport at Timna is scheduled to open, followed by a high-speed railway to Eilat and more hotels. Time is running out to experience the desert as nature intended.
3. Mustang, Nepal
Last chance to see ‘forbidden kingdom’
Best for: Activities, off the beaten track, culture
The completion of a road connecting Mustang to China in the north and the rest of Nepal to the south will make all the difference to this remote region. Lo Manthang, or Mustang as it’s usually called, has been dubbed ‘little Tibet’ or ‘the last forbidden kingdom’; though politically part of Nepal, in language, culture, climate and geography, it’s Tibet. Until 1992 nobody from outside was allowed in; for a while after that it was opened up to a few hundred a year, and these days it anyone can enter, though the pricey trekking permit keeps the numbers down. Expect that to change.
4. The Yukon, Canada
Putting the ‘wild’ in wilderness
Best for: Activities, adventure, off the beaten track
This vast and thinly populated wilderness has a grandeur and beauty that can only be properly appreciated in person. But while few places in the world today are so unchanged over the course of time, change has started coming fast to the Yukon. In 2013 it is still one of the least densely populated regions on the planet (there’s almost 14.2 sq km/5.5 sq miles for each hardy local) but its tremendous mineral wealth is drawing new residents in a reprise of the fabled Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. Climate change means that parts of the far north are actually dissolving into the Arctic Ocean and the glacier-clad parks are undergoing profound change.
5. Chachapoyas & Kuelap, Peru
Hidden gem of the Andes
Best for: Adventure, culture, off the beaten track
Nestled in the northern Peruvian Andes, the placid mountain city of Chachapoyas is small, quiet and a pain in the neck to reach. But this charming agricultural centre sits amid some of the country’s most incredible cultural and natural treasures, including an entire river valley’s worth of pre-Inca ruins, the funerary site of Karajía, and one of the world’s tallest waterfalls. The glorious isolation isn’t going to last for long. For the past half-dozen years, the Peruvian government has been quietly paving roads and improving other infrastructure to make the area more visitor-friendly.
6. The Gulf Coast, USA
Coast on comeback trail
Best for: Activities, family, value for money
An area that has become synonymous with the words ‘oil spill’ doesn’t sound like it’d be a vacation must-do. But a lot has happened since a deep-water drilling operation off the coast of Louisiana went fatally awry in 2010. The Gulf Coast – never a place to take disaster lying down – has rebounded. Rolling sand dunes once again sparkle and seasonal travellers are once again enjoying the Gulf’s tepid waters, not to mention its tender locally caught fish. The ‘Redneck Riviera‘ is edging back to its best.
7. Carinthia, Austria
Serene bargain nestled in Alps
Best for: Activities, family, value for money
With belts tightening across Europe, the Alps are fast becoming the exclusive preserve of the champagne set… but lesser mortals will find plenty to love about Carinthia. With ski resorts nestled on every mountain top, Carinthia is best known outside Austria for uncrowded slopes and après-ski where you don’t have to take out a second mortgage just to buy a beer. Backing onto Italy and Slovenia, the region dilutes the Austrian efficiency with Mediterranean laissez-faire. So where are the crowds? Check out Carinthia now, while peace and quiet reigns; it won’t stay like this forever.
8. Palawan, the Philippines
The ultimate archipelago for adventurers
Best for: Off the beaten track, adventure, culture
Palawan incorporates thousands of sparkling, rugged islands and is fringed by 2000km of pristine coastline. So far Palawan’s natural marvels have only been sampled by plucky backpackers. Not for much longer. The trail these pioneers have blazed is set to explode, with regional airlines waking up to Palawan’s potential and clambering to schedule direct flights to the capital. Throw in the mushrooming growth of style-conscious boutique hotels normally found in places like Ko Samui or Bali, and you can feel that Palawan is ready to hit the big-time in 2013.
9. Inland Sea, Japan
Japan without the bells, whistles and bullet trains
Best for: Culture, activities, off the beaten track
Tokyo, Kyoto, Mt Fuji… the islands of the Seto Inland Sea? You’d be forgiven if the name of this vast stretch of water in Japan’s west doesn’t ring any bells. With the exception of Miyajima, with its oft-photographed vermillion ‘floating’ torii (shrine gate), most of the Inland Sea islands aren’t on the usual international-tourist hit list. Fair enough. They’re out of the way, and there’s just so much to do in Tokyo. But those who make the effort are rewarded. Many of the islands in this roughly 400km-long waterway offer the chance to experience a Japan without all the bells, whistles and bullet trains.
10. Campania, Italy
Old classic prepares for epic year
Best for: Culture, family, food
© Copyright Lonely Planet Images
Campania is home to Italy’s most sumptuous stretch of coastline (the Amalfi Coast), one of its most mind-blowing and ebullient cities (Naples), the menacing beauty of Mt Vesuvius, and the frozen-in-lava ancient Roman city of Pompeii. This year it is receiving an enormous injection of cash as part of its role in hosting the UN’s fourth Universal Forum of Cultures from April to July. Events will include art exhibitions from all five continents, music, cinema, dance, street artists and theatre, circus acts, food markets and workshops.
Find out which countries and cities made the cut for Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2013:
TLRgraphy 