Ricohflex First Shots

[brmill26]

This is my first ever roll of film. It was also a try-out for my Ricohflex New Diacord, which being so old, I couldn't be entirely sure it functioned perfectly. Fortunately, though, it appears that shutter times and everything is dead-on, no problems. I did discover it wound too far in taking up the first frame, leaving two whole frames blank (and therefore cutting off 2.5). But will be easy to fix (I hope) by starting the roll further back. But that being the only problem I had, I'm quite happy.

These aren't the single most exciting shots ever, but I was very impressed with the technical quality. They're very sharp, well saturated, and the Bokeh blows away even L lenses thanks to a 10 blade aperture. The film is Kodak E100VS (120 6x6 format), scans as done by the lab, no post processing.







This one is about half a stop too dark... alas


My second favorite of the lot


This is my favorite, though it could stand to be cropped. I love the color of the leaf and the reflection and wow, the bokeh of this camera is so awesome. I'm particularly proud of this shot as well b/c that leaf was moving downstream so I had to track it w/ manual focus - I'm a little surprised I actually got it in focus!



Let me know your thoughts, suggestions, critiques; whatever. I've got the camera reloaded with some Fuji Velvia now for fall... just waiting for some nice days to use it! Overall, from a technical standpoint, I'm extremely happy with the results. Now to make some great photos...

[danic]

I agree with you on the last shot, it looks great!

I'm hoping to get my hands on some slide film soon.

[Xia_Ke]

Looking good Brad :thumbsup: Love that last shot. The Ricohflex are probably the best bang for the buck with TLR's. They are great cameras and can be had dirt cheap. Starting the roll a bit before the start mark should take care of the cut-off problem. My Rolleicord has the same problem, though not quite that bad, and I just about a frame early and works fine. Do you have a lens hood for it? If not, I would look into getting one, makes a big difference. Looking forward to seeing how the Velvia turns out

Aaron

[brmill26]

Thank you both! When I figured out the winding problem I did just as you describe, Aaron. I wound and rewound it a few times to figure out the right distance. Turns out I think part of my problem with the first roll was not getting the film wound tightly on the new spool - I think its being loose made the wind pull more film, thereby exacerbating the problem. I found that I really don't have to start it too much further back, so hopefully that'll have it fixed.

I don't have a lens hood. I've heard this model takes a Bay 1 filter, same as the Rolleicords, but I'm not entirely sure. If so, any idea if a Rollei hood would fit? And Aaron, would you believe me if I told you I got it for $51 on eBay?! Not only that, but it's what I'd call mint and fully functional! Quite the buy indeed considering pretty banged up Rolleicords go for 3x that price. I'm really looking forward to the Velvia as well, so I'll post when I get it back.

Here's a look if this helps you tell what filter/hood it would use.

[NYArtboy]

Shots look great and what an awesome buy! Ready to give up Digital yet? I am in a similar boat but I have always been shooting 35mm to keep my techniques in check however I am just recently stepping up to medium format. I hope my first 120 roll has as much success!

Cheers!

[Xia_Ke]

Hi Brad, yes that model does use bayonet 1 filters and accessories. You got a very good deal. Looks like it is excellent condition. I have not handled that model yet, only some of the older Ricohflex's. I've always loved the results I have seen from the earlier models but, comparing the build quality to the Rolleicord, they felt cheap. Looks like that model is better built. If you keep a close eye out on Ebay you can snag some very good deals on filters and accessories on it. I had been looking for a Rolleinar (close up set) and was getting out bid at the $40-$50 mark. Scored last week on an auction including a Rolleinar 1 set, a Rollei mid yellow filter, a Rollei Sport filter, and a Rollei lens hood, all in near mint condition with cases, for like $35 shipped...LOL Just don't go sniping me now

Aaron

[brmill26]

NY, if I had an unlimited budget, I just might think about it! Except that I shoot a lot of racing and panning with a reversed viewfinder might get a little bit challenging... not to mention focus tracking manually But, that's why I love the manual camera - it forces you to slow down, truly analyze the shot and compose. I feel much more like the camera is an extension of myself, as it should be. I'm going to a vintage motorcycle race this weekend and I will be taking the Ricohflex for some shots in the pits and parking lot. Period bikes shot with a period camera; even though Velvia isn't exactly period film, it should be great for beautiful Fall days.

Aaron, thank you very much for the info! I'll try not to out-snipe you As for the quality, as far as I've read there's a massive difference b/t the earlier geared lens Ricohflexes and the later Duo-lever models like mine. Other people say they're some of the best-built TLRs not named Rollei. I have no illusions that it matches German engineering, but I think it was one of the first consumer TLRs to use light baffles behind the lens. In any case, having a Rebel XTi as my other camera, this thing feels like I could throw it off the roof and it would just bounce. I mean it's 52 years old and there's not even a scratch on the casing; meanwhile the rubberized grip on my XTi is chipping away after 9 months. They truly don't make 'em like they used to...

Thanks again everyone; I'll have some more shots to share soon!

[TaylorIn94]

Hello,
i have just recently gotten a Ricohflex Diacord camera that came without any film,
I was wondering where you got yours or a place to get the film?

Thanks,
Taylor

[Xia_Ke]

Hi Taylor, welcome to PR and congrats on the new TLR! :thumbsup: I highly recommend checking out Freestyle Photo. They have good prices, a great selection, and the best customer service. B&H and Adorama are also excellent choices. Any particular film you were looking for?

Aaron

[brmill26]

Awesome Taylor, which model did you get? If you don't know, you can get a rough idea here: http://www.tlr-cameras.com/Japanese/Ricoh.html

I got my first roll of 120 film from a local camera store/lab. Big mistake - way over-priced and not a great selection. So after I used that roll, I ordered a pro pack from Adorama b/c they had the best price on Fuji Velvia 100. But as Aaron said, I'd use B&H or Freestyle just as well.

Let us know how you like it and post some results after you run some film. My second roll (first roll of Velvia) is currently getting developed and scanned...

[danaart]

Your photos are encouraging . I just bought a Richoflex Holiday, the same as a Richoflex VII. I understand mine is a more econo model than yours but it is in very nice, except the shutter is sluggish. I priced having it refurbished $85.00 plus shipping. I payed $70.00 (ebay). I was going to send it back but that would have meant $20.00 total lost in shipping and it is a cool camera. I just wish I could get it refurbished for less. Any resources?

[Xia_Ke]

Hi danaart, welcome to PR

How bad off is the shutter? I have a Rolleicord where the slow speeds (1/15s - 1s) are sticky but, I just use it as a walking around camera, using the faster speeds. I've put about 80 rolls through it now like that and have had great results. That said, you will need to compensate a little in your metering. For instance, depending on how off the speeds are, with my 'cord, if I meter something at say 1/125, I will shoot at 1/250. I would run a roll through it trying out all shutter speeds and take notes on what speed you use for each shot so that you can see how bad the problem is. If the lens is clean and clear, and you like the camera a lot, it might be worth having it CLA'd but, you will be paying more than what you have into the camera already.

[danaart]

This is about 1 second at 1/100. I could do night photography with it. It wont shut at slower speeds, I have to turn it up to 1/100 to get it to shut. I'm thinking the spring is weak. The focus was jammed too but has loosened up and works fine now.

I just picked up a second one a Ricohflex VI for $30.00. Wee will see if that works. The holiday is a cool looking camera, I like the name plate (Holiday)and the geared lens so until I spring for the repair its great art.

So is $85.00, $110.00 with shipping a reasonable price for refurbish with a 6 month warranty? A local shop wanted $150.00.

[brmill26]

I'm sorry I have no help for you Dan; I was lucky enough to receive my copy in as near as perfectly working condition. I've since discovered that at cooler temperatures (under ~60*) the shutter get sticky below 1/25, but that's not a huge problem since I live in the South and also usually try to keep speeds above that anyway.

As you've found, it's cheaper just to get another camera that will hopefully work. As with all things on eBay, caveat emptor. Let us know how the new one shakes out...

[Xia_Ke]

Sorry danaart, didn't see your last reply. Honestly, unless your really like that particular camera, for the price of the CLA, I've seen plenty of excellent condition Ricohflexes on Ebay go for less. Or, for around the same price as the CLA, I would consider looking for a Yashicamat, Rolleicord, or a Zeiss Ikoflex.