The Ricoh Five-One-Nine...and More

     In an earlier blog (12/04/18) I highlighted the Ricoh S2 (photo left), a fine little camera that preceded the Ricoh Five-One-Nine (photo right). Although both cameras are similar in terms of build quality, style, and construction, there are a few differences between them. The S2, for example has a single focusing knob as opposed to the twin lugs on its cousin. What's more, the S2 has a Citizen MXV shutter as opposed to the Five-One-Nine's Seikosha MXL shutter.

Ricoh Five-One-Nine

Ricoh S2

    The S2 has a 2.8/45 Riken lens, while the 5-1-9  boasts of a faster 1.9/45. Interestingly, the S2 sports a self timer, which is lacking on its costlier counterpart. The S2, however, lacks the EV system that's found on the 5-1-9. The shutter speeds on both the 5-1-9 and the S2 range from B-1/500.
       Not being technically oriented, I have no idea as to why a Seikosha MXL shutter would be preferred over a Citizen MXV shutter. And because I'd be happy with a 2.8 lens as opposed to a 1.9 and probably wouldn't use an EV system, I'd go with the S2.

Enter the Ricoh 500 

     Better yet, if I had my druthers, I'd probably opt for the Ricoh 500 which, except for a few minor
differences and a slower 2.8 lens is essentially the same as the Five-One-Nine. It's built on the same platform as its counterpart and has

Ricoh 500

the same trigger wind, twin lugs, viewfinder/rangefinder, and more. Of course, I have no way of knowing what's inside the camera, but I suspect the folks at Riken didn't skimp on quality when they produced this little gem during the fifties.
    As an aside, the biggest problem I've had with cameras that don't have interchangeable lenses is that the lubricant in their focusing mechanisms tends to harden over the year. Fortunately for me, this hasn't been the case with the cameras in my collection.

     Here's an older version of the Ricoh 500. Although it appears to be somewhat taller and bulkier than its cousin, it really isn't. It has a 2.8/46 Riken Ricomat lens and a Seikosha MXL shutter with speeds from B-1/500. It also features an EV system and a  trigger wind.
    The viewfinder patch, however, differs from that of its predecessors in that it's diamond shaped rather than rectangular.  Made in occupied Japan, this camera bears the <EP> mark. It still functions perfectly.


      During the fifties when these cameras were manufactured, Riken Optical also produced a number of interesting accessories, one of which was the  Ricoh Meter.  Linked to their EV systems, this handy gadget mates with the Five-One-Nine and both versions of the 500. It can also be used on cameras that don't have EV capability.
    Not long ago, I was lucky enough to find one of these old timers that still works and, wonder of wonders, is accurate! As far as selenium cell meters are concerned, that was a first for me!


COMING SOON: Aires 35 IIIC