Continuing with interesting
looking cameras, this post will be going over the Ricoh camera range. This post
is all about the Ricohflex Model IIII.
As usual, I will first go over
the camera company’s history. The Ricoh camera company started in 1936 in
Japan, Tokyo by Kiyoshi Ichimura, who was a “remarkable visionary who
championed a responsible, progressive, and people-first approach to doing
business. Mr Ichimura recognised the importance of embracing human potential to
create a better future for our people and planet…” (Ricoh 2025).
The company first started as Rikagaku
Kogyo, a company started by the “Institute of Physical and Chemical Research to
commercialize the fruits of its R&D” and sensitized paper in 1927 and then
changed its name to Riken Kankoshi Co., Ltd. in 1936, then to Riken Optical
Co., Ltd two years later and by 1963 to Ricoh Company, Ltd. (Ricoh Media).
When the company went by Riken
Kankoshi Co., Ltd. when the sensitized paper division split under the
directorship of Ichimura and “led the successful development of the business
that started with 350,000 yen in capital and a staff of 33…” (Ricoh Media).
The company only started
selling cameras in 1937 and in “1950, it created Japan’s first mass production
structure for cameras, driving their popularity among consumers. The company
entered the business machine field in 1955 by launching the Ricopy 101…” (Ricoh
Media).
.jpeg) |
| Ricopy 101. Image Source: https://www.ricoh.com/-/Media/Ricoh/Sites/com/about/company/history/2000/img/copy_01.jpg |
The key to their success was
the fact that Ricoh was the first company to introduce the conveyer belt system
“achieving a production capacity of 10,000 units/month —more than ten times the
capacity of the then standard level of less than 1,000 units/month from the conventional
handicraft industry…” which lead to the Ricohflex Model IIIB to be created in
mass production(Camera-wiki) leading to it being more affordable and a big hit
with the public, “representing more than 50% of total national camera
production during its sales peak…” (Ricoh Media). This mass camera production led
to them receiving the Ohkochi Memorial Production Prize in 1957 (Ricoh.com).
.jpeg) |
| Ricohflex Model IIIB. Image Source: https://p1-d9ebd2ee.imageflux.jp/c!/w=1280,h=1280,a=0,u=1,q=75/101048/1723170986882.jpg |
In 1955 the company released
the Ricopy 101, their first office copier. It became a popular item and even
received the “Mechanical Engineering Heritage Certification No.54 for fiscal
year 2012.” Then by 1962, the paper plant in Numazu (1960) was expanded to
include the sensitized paper production. In that same year led to the Ohmori
Plant and the General Research Lab, which helped “served as strong Ricoh bases
to support expansion of its business areas of microphotography cameras, o‑set
printers, data processing systems, and many others…” (Ricoh Media).
.jpeg) |
This led to Ricoh to venture
into the automatic cameras, creating the Ricoh Auto-35 (the first camera with
an electric-eye made in Japan) and the Ricoh Auto-Half (a more advance system
with automatic film-rewind, focus and exposure). These cameras were easy to use
and “purse-sized” which made them popular, especially among the female
populace. This same year also saw the founding of the USA branch: Ricoh
Industries, U.S.A. Inc. (Ricoh.com). This led to their 10-million-yen sales
milestone leading to the name change of Ricoh Company, Ltd. in 1963 (Ricoh
Media) and also the founding of the European branch in Switzerland
(Ricoh.com).
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| Ricoh Auto-35. Image Source: https://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4653634054_44d699f75f.jpg |
.jpeg) |
| Ricoh Auto-Half. Image Source: https://cdn.assets.lomography.com/da/acdd28f0730006b46608fa371ec82cf565fd39/1216x912x2.jpg?auth=3d26372ec45511d061302c9ba93c97ec2b1f9a86 |
This led to them wanting to
make further leaps in the industry, but business started to fade but came back
when they brought out their first electrostatic copier, the Ricopy BS-1 (Ricoh
Media). The next two years saw the opening of two factories in two other
prefectures in Japan and in 1968, the death of Kiyoshi Ichimura (Ricoh.com).
.jpeg) |
| Ricopy BS-1. Image Source: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CQyj1gYU8AA79FS.jpg:large |
In the 1970s, the company opened
Ricoh of America, Inc. through the integration of the Ricoh Industries, U.S.A.
Inc., and throughout the 1970-1984, released more office equipment, factories
in different Japanese prefectures and even one in Germany and California USA.
They also established new subsidiaries (like Imaging Technology) and even had
mergers with the Ricoh of America, Inc. and Rapicom, Inc. This period also saw
the death of another company president, Mikio Tatebayashi (Ricoh.com).
From 1985-1999, saw the company
still grow. Creating more office equipment, which won them twenty-one more
awards, more international offices in France, USA, Russia, UK, India, Italy,
Spain and China, as well as more factories in other Japanese prefectures. This
period also saw the Ricoh company entering the CD industry and producing its
first digital camera, the Ricoh DC-1 in 1995, which won the Camera Grand Prix
'95 Special Prize in Japan (Ricoh.com).
.jpeg) |
| Ricoh DC-1. Image Source: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSmJwsvcdj6GbJUhUnjZkY62orgVZ85Y2R6yA&s |
This growth just wouldn’t stop. In 2000-2010, the company got more awards, opened more international and prefecture offices, more advanced office and camera equipment. They even inaugurated the Ichimura Nature School Kanto for youth education and development, joined the UN Global Compact, joined a partner agreement with the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, Janan and even became the sponsor for the Woman’s British Open international golf tournament (Ricoh.com).
Then by 2010 and onwards,
Ricoh’s: “range of value provided to customers has begun to expand significantly.
Ricoh launched the Projection System business in 2010, the United Communication
System business in 2011 and the Additive Manufacturing (AM) business in 2014,
coupled with the introduction of various network appliances linked to cloud
services. In 2013, we released RICOH THETA, the world's first digital camera
capable of taking fully spherical pictures. These are some of the many ways
Ricoh creates new value for its customers…”
This period saw more awards
(shocker!), factories and subsidiaries. It even entered the health care
industry and became more environmentally conscious, while still innovating in
the world of office and school equipment. Their most notable achievements
(notable to me anyway) is that it bought and acquired the Pentax brand in 2011
and releasing the Ricoh GR (Kaninsky), brought out the RICOH THETA, a “product
capable of capturing the scene around, above and below the device in a fully
spherical image…” and the RICOH-SV-M-S1, “an industrial stereo camera which can
take accurate and speedy 3D measurements…” as well as many more impressive
cameras and camera equipment (Ricoh.com). Please do check out the Ricoh timeline: https://www.ricoh.com/about/history
for the full story.
.jpeg) |
| Ricoh GR. Image Source: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQjQpOgHvQgXZsDmrgwiBCdCWcXgWaqn1ADsLbF47Z6iHZ6nbCZhpgX5FVcuis8hnhY4XU&usqp=CAU |
 |
| Ricoh Theta. Image Source: https://cameralandsandton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ricoh-theta-x-8-768x495-1-1.jpg |
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| Ricoh-SV-M-S1. Image Source: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQlT_xjVMZCFfWQxj5zkk9LZFx1E7lnR-gPng&s |
It really seems like the Ricoh
name isn’t going away anytime soon and that nothing will stand in the way of
this powerhouse!
But anyway, now for the main
event: a look at the camera of this post, the Ricohflex Model IIII.
The Ricohflex Model IIII was
produced 1952 (Erker). What is interesting is that this camera is the second in
the series, despite the first one being labelled as Model III (Pantax 2021).
 |
| Ricohflex Model III. Image Source: https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2702/4517454296_6d328e0fcd_m.jpg |
It seems that the Model IIII
was part of the conveyer belt system that developed the Model IIIB, the second
variation of the Model III (SpyZee).
What I find interesting about
the Model IIII is that since it came out in the 1950s, its full name is
technically Riken Optical Co., Ltd Ricohflex Model III camera, as proven by the
date and the fact that the lens cap has the name Riken on it.
The second piece is that this
camera is the early version of the Model IIII, because “Earlier ones are
labelled IIII which was later changed to the more correct Roman Numeral IV…”
(Erker).
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| Ricohflex Model IV. Image Source: https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/bmc-penny-images/production/1200/10.40.07-2ba1847e29db4d0314d4f2eb413d28bf.jpeg |
This camera was followed up
with the Model VI (Camera-wiki), a Model V was never made (TLRgraphy 2012),
making the Model IIII (or IV) a part of Ricoh’s “19 TLRs, albeit some of them
are remarkably like each other. Its TLRs span the near bottom of the market and
a few quite high-end models…” (SpyZee).
 |
| Ricohflex Model VI by David Donnadieu. Image Source: https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3391/3259016770_de827edf5b_m.jpg |
It appears that there is no difference between the different models. The only differences seem to be that certain models have faster shutter speeds, f/stop settings and film advance wind knobs, like the Ricohflex Holiday (Erker).
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| Ricohflex Holiday. Image Source: https://i.etsystatic.com/13173561/r/il/c488c9/4635822556/il_1080xN.4635822556_cqza.jpg |
But comparing the Model III to
the Model IIII, I can’t really see any difference. Both have the same type of
lenses, f/stops and shutter speeds (Spyzee), except for the first Model III,
which had the smallest f/stop at 16 (the Model IIII is 22), but later models of
the Model III came with the 22 setting (TLRgraphy 2012).
Another difference is that the
Model IIII has “a folding viewfinder shade which was changed to the pop-up type”
which was introduced when the Model IIIB was made (TLRgraphy 2012).
It looks more like the Model
IIIB and IIII/IV could be the same. My theory is that the Model III was popular
and when Ricoh used the conveyer belt system, they possibly felt that naming the
new camera model IIIB didn’t fit their brand of being the company that made new
luxury models with their new method of producing cameras, so they made the
Model IIIB, but renamed it the Model IIII and then renamed it the Model IV to
the correct roman numeral. But this is just my theory, so I could be wrong.
Now the only difference I can
find between the Model IIII and the VI, is that VI came with a red film counter
window (Erker).
Now time to look at the camera
itself. The body is “made from sheet steel with a thicker steel lens plate…”
(Erker) and covered in snakeskin leatherette. It has a weight of
approximately 453g (BlueMoon) and 5” (7 when viewfinder is unfolded) x 2.7” x 2,9”
in size.
Now for the front of the
camera.
First the lenses.
The lenses are similar to the Eugen
Ising Pucky I Flex Camera, except the Model IIII is a real TLR with a
geared lens (Camera-wiki).
I do go over what a TLR is in
my Pucky I post, but I will give a brief overview:
“A twin lens reflex (TLR)
camera is a type of camera that features two lenses: one for capturing the
image on film and another for the finder. This lens reflex camera offers an
alternative experience in photography to the standard film camera. Pioneering
models like the Rolleiflex and Mamiya C series have been instrumental in
the camera makers’ industry. These cameras mostly used 120 film, with
fixed lens setups such as the 80mm tessar lens. A few later models, like the Mamiya
c220, introduced interchangeable lenses. The camera body often has controls for
shutter speed and aperture, enabling the adjustment of depth of field. Using a TLR
entails looking down into the top of the camera through the viewfinder, which
contains a reflex mirror. The image seen in the viewfinder is reflected from
the front of the camera and behind the viewing lens…” (Photoco 2025).
.jpeg) |
| Rolleiflex. Image Source: https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/UwzbuvZS6eAJjUq346fa2PqUl0lV0vqPTvCZhihNdaHEqJGQeeBRc5pK8BZ_ejY2cnMMNRfghrMyeO6cfgsVSoIm5cuctYT9nGzoc7_7kiiiMAizzurb |
.jpeg) |
| Mamiya C220. Image Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/62/Mamiya_C220front.JPG |
Or: “the TLR employs two lenses of the same focal length, arranged one above the other. The lower lens is the ‘taking’ lens, while the upper lens is the viewing lens, behind which is a fixed mirror set at 45-degrees to reflect the image up to a focusing screen. The mirror accounts for the word “reflex” and the twin lens arrangement were designed to give a viewfinder image that was remarkably close to the one that was recorded by the taking lens. There is some parallax error – the slight difference in the two lenses’ fields of view – but it was negligible when focusing over long distances. It was more of an issue when shooting close-up, but many TLRs had a moving indicator in the viewfinder to show the difference in framing…” (Burrows 2021).
So, unlike an SLR, which the
viewfinder is connected to the lens, the TLR has two separate lenses that are
the same and when focusing one, the other focuses at the same time and with the
Model IIII, it is done through a gear system.
Both are most likely 3 element
coated as well (Erker), talked about in the Polaroid
SX-70 Land Camera post.
Now let’s look at each lens
individually, starting with the viewer lens.
It is a Ricoh Viewer, with a focal length of 80mm and a maximum aperture of 1:3.5. It is also most likely an anastigmat lens (which is discussed in Agfa Billy Record 7.7 Pocket Camera post). But through further research, I suspect that the Ricoh Viewer is similar, if not the same, as the Triver Anastigmat lens found on the Ricohflex B from 1941 (Camera-wiki).
 |
| Ricohflex B. Image Source: https://www.collection-appareils.fr/ricoh/images/Ricohflex_Mod_B_face.jpg |
This is also where the focus
range settings are set. It can be set between 3.5-60 feet and infinity.
Now for the taking lens.
This is obviously like the
viewer lens. An anastigmat lens with a maximum aperture of 3.5 and a focal
length of 80mm. The only real difference between the two lenses is that the
taking lens is where the shutter speed and f/stop settings and the aperture
peddles are set.
Speaking of...
It is a different type of
shutter lever. By this I mean its method of preventing any accidental double
exposure. To use the shutter, one must lift the shutter lever to cock the
mechanism. According to the Model VIIs manual, “The convenient design of the
Ricohflex shutter combines the setting and tripping lever in one unit.” Then
once it is set, the user presses down on the lever to take the picture.
The shutter is a leaf-shutter,
specifically a Riken shutter, which means that it is synchronized for flash
photography (Camera-wiki).
The shutter speed settings are
found above the taking lens and behind the gear TLR system, on the outer ring.
It has the setting speeds of 1/25, 1/50, 1/100 of a second and a B setting.
Above the lever is the Cable
Release Socket, for remote shutter release cable.
Then on the other side of the
taking lens…
Is the PC flash connector,
with a pin (see Eugen
Ising Pucky I Flex Camera for more information).
Underneath that is the f/stop
settings, with the settings being 3.5, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16 and 22. The aperture peddles,
like the Agfa
Billy Record 7.7 Pocket Camera and The
Utility Falcon Model F, are behind the shutter.
On top -
Is the viewfinder, with a
“self-erecting and closing hood” where the 45-degree angle mirror is to look
through the viewer lens, which is manufactured from ground glass. The hood is
used to help block out light and have the user see the image better. It is used
the same as the brilliant finders on the Kodak
Brownie Model 1 and the Brownie
No. 2 Model D, meaning that it is viewed from the user’s hip.
The viewfinder also comes with
a Wide Field Magnifier, which is built into the hood and is used for occasions
when lighting is too distracting for viewing on the hip, or if the mirror is
out of focus, by looking directly into the magnifier.
“To use the magnifier, look
through the magnifying lens to the rear of the hood with one eye, while
observing the subject with the other eye. The eye looking through the magnifier
sees two thin white outlines. The large square outline shows the limits of the
field, when 12O film is used; the small rectangular outline shows the field
covered by 35mm film, used in the RICOHKIN ADAPTER…” according to the Model VII
manual.
On the left side…
Is the film advance winder
knob, which like the Brownie cameras, also holds the film carrier in place and
is released by pulling the knob outwards.
There are also the studs.
There is one on either side and this is where the strap would go.
Underneath…
Is the tripod socket and the
Rear catch and lock that keeps the film compartment cover closed.
Speaking of which, the back…
This is where the film compartment cover is. On the cover is the film counter window and the window cover.
As mentioned, the later
Ricohflex models had red windows and the Model IIII seems to have a yellowish
window.
In the film compartment is the
film carrier, that takes twelve 6 x 6 pictures with 120 film (see Agfa
Clack Film camera for more information) and is easy to load. It is similar
to the Brownies and the Pucky I.
Although according to Erker, a
Ricohkin or Color Adapter, can be used to allow the camera to use 35mm film.
The Model IIII might not be as
advanced as the other TLR cameras, but it is simple and easier to use and is a
good introduction for photographers (yes, even better than the Eugen
Ising Pucky I Flex Camera) who want to get into the TLR camera game. Just
found it a bit frustrating because of how limited the information about this
camera is out there.
But anyway, thank you for
making it to the end. And as always, I hoped you enjoyed this as much as I did
researching it.
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Please see the Please help this site post on this blog, for more information.
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List of sources:
BlueMoon. Ricoh
Ricohflex Model IV Twin Lens Reflex Camera. https://bluemooncamera.com/shop/product/RED0120%7C118155C/ricoh-ricohflex-model-iv-twin-lens-reflex-camera?srsltid=AfmBOopGlMCFjusJs_o2ogsmdvqJG8U6RDfmqg_PatJiEyaMIC_ZqjZe
Burrows, P. 2021. The
rise and fall of the TLR: why the twin-lens reflex camera is a real classic. https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/features/the-rise-and-fall-of-tlr-cameras-why-the-twin-lens-reflex-is-a-real-classic
Mike. Ricohflex VII
Manual. https://butkus.org/chinon/ricoh/ricohflex_vii/ricohflex_vii.htm
Camera-wiki. Ricohflex
B. http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Ricohflex_B
Camera-wiki. Ricohflex
(geared lens). http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Ricohflex_(geared_lens)
Erker, G. Ricohflex /
Diacord / Ricohmatic 6x6 TLRs. https://www.angelfire.com/ca/erker/ricohflex.html
Kaninsky, M. History
of Pentax. https://aboutphotography.blog/blog/history-of-pentax-ricoh-imaging
Pantax. 2021. Ricohflex
Model III Medium Format TLR. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjIHyB9Y2SM
Photoco. 2025. The
Art of the Twin lens Reflex Camera: A Complete Guide for Photographers. https://photococamera.com/the-art-of-the-twin-lens-reflex-camera-a-complete-guide-for-photographers/#:~:text=A%20twin%20lens%20reflex%20(TLR,and%20behind%20the%20viewing%20lens.
Ricoh. 2025. Our
History. https://www.ricoh.co.za/about-us/our-company/#:~:text=Ricoh%20was%20formed%20in%201936,from%20experts%20across%20our%20industry.
Ricoh.com. Company
History. https://www.ricoh.com/-/Media/Ricoh/Sites/com/about/company/history/pdf/1936_1969/all.pdf
Ricoh Media. Company
History. https://www.ricoh.com/about/history
Spyzee. Riken's Ricoh
TLRs. http://www.tlr-cameras.com/japanese/Ricoh.html
TLRgraphy. 2012. Collection: Ricoh. https://tlrgraphy.com/tag/ricohflex/
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