The Ricoh S-2

    Most likely, the first thing you'll notice about the Ricoh S-2 is that, compared to that of most other cameras, the top plate is as flat as the deck of an aircraft carrier. If you study the photo at the right carefully, you can just see the shutter release peeking up at the left and a sliver of the rewind knob at the right.
    Sturdily built and carefully crafted, this camera bears the <EP> mark, an indication that it was made during the occupation of Japan from 1945-1952.
     When you use the camera, the unique Ricoh trigger wind shown retracted just below the lens takes some getting used to. I found it to be effective, but having used lever and knob wind cameras for many years I wouldn't make it my first choice.
       The bright rangefinder/viewfinder window offers parallax lines, is bright and clear, and poses no problem for eyeglass wearers. The little red spot in the photo marks the self timer lever. The knob on the focusing ring, which rotates fewer than 45 degrees, is at 3 o'clock. The fixed lens is a 2.8/45mm Riken Ricoh.

   Seen from above, the Ricoh S-2 appears to be quite simple and elegant. The film counter sits at the right enclosed behind a little glass window. The shutter release button is to its left at an angle. Immediately to the left of the shutter release is a tiny screw. I think you would remove this screw to adjust the rangefinder, but don't take my word for it. The hot shoe is in the center, and the rewind knob is at the left.

The rewind knob has a little pull-up lever that rests at about 45 degrees from its base for ease of operation. And it even has a little red directional arrow on it. Of course, I haven't seen every camera ever made, but the only other camera on which I've seen a similar setup is the Canon VT.
     Viewed from below in the photo at the right, you can see the two large knobs that serve to hold the removable back in place. As with many other cameras, the tripod mount is on the left rather than in the center. The knob on the right houses an ASA indicator. The PC connector is at the bottom left. The <EP> mark appears on the bottom of the trigger wind.
    In the photo, left, the red dot denotes the shutter speed control dial; blue marks the aperture adjusting ring; yellow shows the focusing knob and ring; and green marks the depth of field scale.
    You'll notice that the lens barrel is is constructed of very shiny metal. That's the only thing I don't like about this camera. Here's why. When you're outside shooting in bright sunlight, reflections off the metal can sometimes make it difficult to adjust the controls.

      Amazingly, I "stole" this camera from an unsuspecting vendor for $14. Although I've spent some time trying to find more information about it on the Internet, I've been unsuccessful. If you have information to share, I'd love to hear from you.

COMING SOON: Ricoh Five One Nine