Check out my new children's book, it will officially be released on 27 August 2026, but it is available for pre-orders here: https://pegasuspublishers.com/book/thomas-and-hugabe
And...
Before
we begin, I would like to announce that my new Patreon exclusive camera series
is now up, with my first post talking about the Chuzhoa M1 Retro Camera. It can
be viewed by either joining my Patreon or buy just buying the post for a
onetime fee. I hope you will check it out, not only will you be part of an
exclusive club, but you will be helping this site out.
You
can find the first post on my new series here:
Remember
to also check out my displate:
https://displate.com/artist/bfennsw?art=66e809bf952d9
Anyway,
back to the camera at hand:
Going from an underwhelming
looking camera to a very cool looking camera. This post will be looking at
another Ricoh camera; this is the Ricoh Hi-Color 35.
I already went through the
history of the Ricoh company in my Ricohflex
IIII post.
With that let’s jump into the
camera at hand.
The Hi-Color 35 is based off
of another Ricoh camera, the Auto Shot. The difference between the Hi-Color 35
and the Auto Shot is that the Hi-Color 35 was the improved version which “…offered
auto exposure through the use of an exposure meter, but unlike the simpler
models, also offered full manual control which was becoming an increasingly
less common thing to see on consumer oriented cameras…” (Eckman 2020).
 |
| Ricoh Auto Shot. Image Source: https://farm1.static.flickr.com/86/272735005_aaef740d35.jpg |
According to Ricoh (2026)
themselves, although the Auto Shot was quite popular, “…it had become outdated
due to the use of devices such as selenium photocell-based AE. Therefore, the
AE function was completely revamped to improve its overall performance.”
The Hi-Color 35 went through a
few variations and iterations. The camera of this post seems to be the third
iteration. The first version of the Hi-Color 35, was just called the Hi-Color,
no 35, just Hi-Color (Camera-wiki 2024) and had a “…rectangular shutter release
slider on the front plate…” (Eckman 2020).
 |
| Ricoh Hi-Color. Image Source: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ-FYEVPK74SDjMIJ_wuxd78Yrj-pNfQ7X6BswA1Uzicw&s |
The second iteration was
released as the Hi-Color 35, and had the shutter release on the top plate. This
camera looks like the camera in this post, but the reason why the camera of
this post is the third iteration, is because the original second iteration of
the Hi-Color 35 didn’t come with a hot-shoe/accessory clip, it was only later
models (third version) that came with one (Camera-wiki 2024).
 |
| Ricoh Hi-Color, no hot-shoe clip. Image Source: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lBOggKLT8xY/oardefault.jpg?sqp=-oaymwEYCJUDENAFSFqQAgHyq4qpAwcIARUAAIhC&rs=AOn4CLCDsAYWhnGP7NQXO4uXAn4ykJ-TbA&usqp=CCk |
Then came the Hi-Color 35 S,
which came with a timer (Camera-wiki 2024).
 |
| Ricoh Hi-Color 35 S. Image Source: https://nikon-film.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/21032-Ricoh-Hi-Color-35-Body-Only-chrome-287563-5-scaled.jpg |
Then lastly, was the Hi-Color
35 BT, which “…was all black and had a more trapezoidal body shape…”
(Camera-wiki 2024).
 |
| Ricoh Hi-Color 35 BT. Image Source: https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/H1YAAOSwGUJnahex/s-l1200.jpg |
But despite the changes and
differences between all of the Hi-Color cameras, “…the mechanism remained the
same as the highly experienced Auto Shot system…” (Ricoh 2026).
The Hi-Color 35 cameras also
came in different body coverings, the most common being the leatherette
covering, with (what appears to only be Japanese releases) three other
coverings (Eckman 2024).
 |
| Catalogue for four different coverings for the Hi-Color 35. Image Source: https://mikeeckman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/RicohHiColor-2-1-768x836.jpg |
But that isn’t the only thing,
as this camera was rebranded by Sears and sold under the name “…Sears Auto 35
which also came in chrome and black…” (Eckman 2024).
 |
| Sears Auto 35 chrome. Image Source: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ8uf6NSLwh1qMDWRUg3ZV89HId6nRfiRMar7SwrqqRAw&s=10 |
 |
| Sears Auto 35 black. Image Source: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQt1JKe3_CeCo_IcJ08T005gK1CrR73BwW1TNAAMhQg7rpIx1ebjydNNbsY&s=10 |
There doesn’t seem to be much
else about this camera, the only other thing I could find relevant to why this
type of camera was made comes from Ricoh’s (2026) explanation to why the
created the Auto Shot, which was:
“The pressure to make cameras
smaller and lighter emerged, and to meet this demand, the design deviated from
the conventional camera structure. The design of the Ricoh Auto Half was
adapted to create a full-frame image. The lens focal length was set to 35mm,
which was in the wide-angle category at the time, to minimize lens protrusion.”
With that, let’s have a closer
look at the camera at hand, the Ricoh Hi-Color 35. As mentioned this camera is
the third iteration/version of the Hi-Color series. It was released in 1969,
according to cameracollector.net (2024), but on the Ricoh (2026) website, it
states that the 35 version was released in 1968.
The camera does have some
weight to it for a small compact camera, but it is still very sturdy
(135compact.com). It weighs approximately 445g (cameracollector.net 2024) and
its size is 4.5 x 3.5 x 2 inches. The body is made from metal and has a
leatherette covering, and this “…front leather upholstery was covered with
anodized aluminium plates, allowing for free design of the plates. As a result,
a wide variety of designs were created, including those for events…” (Ricoh
2026).
Now time to examine the
camera, starting as always with the front-
First the lens-
It is a Color Rikenon lens,
with a focal length of 35mm and a max f/stop of 2.8. The name Rikenon lens
doesn’t mean that much, as Nel (2025) points out that the name is just a
rebrand from the previous name of Ricohnar, this was just a name Ricoh gave
their lenses as, similar to Nikon’s Nikkor (see my Coolpix
S01 post), an indication that the lens was made in-house and by the camera
company themselves, instead of outsourcing them. And the “Color” in the name
refers to the fact that the lens has element coatings (Eckman 2020), to learn
more please see my SX-70
post.
The lens is also a 4-element
lens in 3 groups (135compact.com), meaning that it has four pieces of glass,
but two of the pieces are cemented together, meaning that the lens technically
has three pieces of glass (see my Halina
Super X35). This is also confirmed by the manual, as it states: “4 elements
3 sections.”
The lens is also fixed and
built-in, but it does have an adaptor that allows it to use lens filters (Ishii
2025).
Then, on the lens are two
rings.
The first one is the focus ring and can be set between 4-30 feet.
It also has three focus zones,
which are represented by three symbols and their focus numerical value is
indicated on the back.
The symbols are a human-like figure (or a figure-eight) which is 3.3 feet, this is used for close-up pictures.
Then there is a circle within a circle, which is 8.2 feet and is meant for full-length and group photos, it is also recommended to be used in “RAPID SEQUENCE PHOTOGRAPHY.”
Then finally there is the
mountain symbol, which is infinity, mostly used for landscape and distant
scenery pictures.
The second ring, is the f/stop or aperture setting. It has settings of 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16 and 22.
Then there is the auto setting
which “…automatically sets the f-stop to control the amount of light striking
the film and the proper exposure is always set. automatically…” according to
the manual.
This automatic system works with a CdS exposure meter, which is activated by the CdS cell located next to the lens in the left-hand corner.
“…CdS light meters use a
photoresistor sensor whose electrical resistance decreases proportionately to
the intensity of light exposure. These require a battery to operate, but are
significantly more sensitive to low light, able to detect lighting levels
approximately 1⁄100 of the lower sensitivity limit of selenium cells. However,
CdS sensors fell out of favour due to their slower response and extended
sensitivity to red and infrared wavelengths.”
As mentioned above, this
system was replaced by the infrared system (see my AF-Big
Finder post). And also be aware that the CdS cell doesn’t have an off
switch and activates whenever light hits it, meaning that it will consume
battery power if not stored away in a dark place. And if you want to use the
camera without the CdS, you must just cover up the window with your finger or
remove the battery.
Then on the same side, in the lower corner, is the shutter speed window. This is connected to the shutter speed ring, located underneath the lens. The speed settings that can be set to 1/30, 1/60, 1/125 and 1/300 second.
There is also another setting
which takes the symbol of the flash icon. This is used in tandem with the auto
setting on the f/stop ring, when taking flash photography and ensures the best
and clearest result, through automation.
Through assessing the above
statement, we can assume that the flash setting on the shutter speed dial sets
the speed automatically since it works with the auto f/stop setting.
Then above the lens is the
viewfinder.
This viewfinder is a strange
one, as the eyepiece and the front viewfinder aren’t aligned.
Instead it has a “…Double
Porro Scale Focus with Underexposure Warning Flag…” and means that “…the
viewfinder has two optical lenses and two prisms in a double Porro formation
that work similarly to how a viewfinder in a pair of binoculars work…” (Eckman
2020) and was used in order to make sure that the camera could be as small and
compact as possible by having the viewfinder employ “…a real-image optical
system commonly known as the Keplerian type. Its characteristic feature is the
clearly defined field of view. While this type of optical system is commonplace
in today's compact cameras, it was unusual for a viewfinder at the time…”
(Ricoh 2026).
.png) |
| Sideview diagram of the Hi-Color 35 viewfinder. Image Source: https://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/japan/products/ricoh-filmcamera/cameralist/image/ss_finder.gif |
This viewfinder might seem
complicated, but according to Eckman (2020), it “…gives a very crisp and exact
image that allows you to see an image from immediately above the taking lens,
mostly eliminating parallax error that was common on point and shoot cameras of
the day…” but the unfortunate part is that it is very small.
The viewfinder also has two
extra features; one is a small window at the bottom, also known as a “Judas
window” (Eckman 2020). The name comes from the definition: “A window enabling a
prison guard to see into a cell without being seen by the prisoner…” (Stands4
2026). This window “…allows you to read the focus distance markings on the lens
without ever having to take the camera away from your eye…” (Eckman 2020).
.png) |
| Screenshot from the manual of the "Judas Window" in the viewfinder. |
Then second is the underexposure warning flag (Eckman 2020), which appears as a red dot above the viewfinder when there isn’t enough light. But this works only if the battery is loaded, otherwise the dot will always be there.
Underexposure warning flag example. Image Source:
https://mikeeckman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/RicohHiColorVF-512x427.jpg
First is the film speed dial.
Which has a specific method on
how it should be used, and for that I will refer you to the manual:
.png) |
| Screenshot from the manual. |
.png) |
| Screenshot from the manual. |
Then next to that is the
hot-shoe plate, which if you have a flash that can directly connect to it, the
hot-shoe will power that flash. If the flash doesn’t have a direct connection,
then this hot-shoe is just an accessory clip where a cable flash or a light
meter is placed to hold it.
Then there is the shutter
release button. This button is also the socket connector for remote cable
shutters.
This camera has a Seiko BS11A
B shutter (Ricoh 2026), which is a mechanical leaf shutter invented by the
Seiko company, also known as Seikosha (Camera-wiki 2021).
Then lastly is the battery
compartment.
It is an “…elegantly designed
circular battery chamber cover which nicely balances out the film speed dial on
the opposite end. If you like symmetry
like I do, you’ll appreciate this small detail…” (Eckman 2020).
I really do like the design of
the cover, which opens by unscrewing it.
This camera uses 1.35v PX675
Mercury battery (Eckman 2020), these batteries are no longer produced as the
mercury have been linked to health risks to consumers (Camera-wiki 2026). But
there are alternatives, such as the alkaline, LR9 or V625U, Silver oxide, like
the 386 battery and Zinc-Air’s WEIN Cell (xtalfu 2020).
 |
| Battery alternatives. Image Source: https://cameragx.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/mercury_batt-8290.jpg |
Underneath, from right to
left-
First is the spring motor
winding knob.
This is used to windup the
spring so that you can take multiple shots in one go without the need to keep
on advancing the film manually, as this camera has an automatic film advance
system similar to point-and-shoot cameras, Sinpo
PQ-3, the Praktica
Sport and the Minolta
AF-Big Finder. And according to the manual: “…one full winding is enough
for only 10 to 15 shots…”
Then in the middle of the knob is the film rewind button.
This button unlocks and allows
the advance film spool to turn in the opposite direction when rewinding the
film.
Then there is the film
counter, which is inconvenient as one would have to stop taking pictures and
has to turn the camera upside down to see what frame they are on. This is even
more inconvenient than the Vokar
I and Argus A3,
and the window on the Hi-Color 35 is very small.
Then there is the rewind
crank, so that means this camera has to be manually rewound.
On the right side-
Above is the flash connector socket.
Then underneath that is the tripod socket.
This is for tripods or flash
guns.
 |
| Flash gun example. Image Source: https://mikeeckman.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/RicohHiColor-2-1-768x836.jpg |
On the left side-
Is the eyelet, with the
plastic/rubber protector and the wrist strap.
Above that is the back cover
latch.
Lastly, the back-
Here is the back cover.
On this back cover is the
three focus zones value sticker.
Then there is the viewfinder
eyepiece, which as mentioned above is not aligned with the front viewfinder.
Then there is the film
compartment.
The door has a pressure plate
and as can be seen the foam is missing. This seems to be a common problem,
which Eckman (2020) and 135compact.com had with their cameras as well.
And this can be a problem, as
the foam not only held the film cartridge in place, as with other cameras, but
the foam also blacked out the compartment and prevented light leaks. But have
no fear as Eckman (2020) has an easy repair solution:
“…The gallery below shows six
pictures of the job of replacing all of the light seals on this camera. It took me about an hour, but after it was
done, I was pleased at how it turned out and felt very confident that this should
prevent any light leaks. If you’ve done
light seal replacements on other cameras, it’s not any different, just takes
much longer.”
.png) |
| Gallery of Eckman repairing the missing foam. Image Source: https://mikeeckman.com/2020/05/ricoh-hi-color-35-1968/ |
This camera uses 135 film and has a negative size of 24 x 36mm. This camera, like the Argus A, A2B and RF 35, advances film from right to left instead of left to right.
And is loaded as such:
.png) |
| Screenshot from the manual. |
.png) |
| Screenshot from the manual. |
.png) |
| Screenshot from the manual. |
And just like the Kodak KB10
and RF
35, the film advance knob isn’t connected to the camera’s cocking
mechanism, instead the film’s sprockets hooks into the teeth of the film
advance wheel and moves it, cocking the camera shutter or in other words, the
“…shutter is driven by the dented wheel via the film sprockets of the film…”
135compact.com.
Underneath that is, what I
believe is the film counter reset spring.
And that is that. I like this
camera a lot and its easy to use system, as well as its complicated mechanism,
but as Ishii (2025) points out that even though Ricoh is an old company, it
isn’t as known as some others and according to Eckman (2020), these cameras
specifically: “…are hardly collectible, but represent a small niche of simple
yet capable Japanese point and shoot cameras from the 1960s. For people who still appreciate a compact
film camera that produces great results, the Hi-Color 35 is an excellent option
for its quality lens, motor drive, and full manual control that works with or
without a meter.”
This camera’s biggest asset is
its size, motorised film advanced system, amazing lens and quality. It is a fun
compact camera, with a lot of potential and a great starting point for new film
photographers that want to step up from point-and-shoot cameras.
But what do you think? Do you
want one in your collection? Would you use the Hi-Color 35? Or do you think
that digital is the way to go? Let me know in the comments.
And as always, thank you for making it to the end and I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did researching it.
Please
remember to check out my Patreon at: patreon.com/OnlineCurator
where you can find my first post of my new series, as well as pictures and
links to my other Fantasy Blog series.
Please
see the Please help this site post
on this blog, for more information.
Or
if you want to help in another way, please visit my Displate Store.
Thank you for the support.
List
of sources:
135compact.com.
Ricoh Hi-Color 35. https://www.135compact.com/ricoh_hicolor_35.htm
Cameracollector.net.
2024. Ricoh Hi-Color 35. https://cameracollector.net/ricoh-hi-color-35/
Camera-wiki.
2021. Seikosha (shutter). https://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Seikosha_(shutter)
Camera-wiki.
2024. Ricoh Hi-Color 35. https://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Ricoh_Hi-Color_35
Camera-wiki.
2026. Mercury cells. https://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Mercury_cells
Eckman,
M. 2020. Ricoh Hi-Color 35 (1968). https://mikeeckman.com/2020/05/ricoh-hi-color-35-1968/
Ishii,
J. 2025. Ricoh I color 35. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaoId92slbk&t=1s
lars_bergquist.
2012. Light meter history. https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/171938-light-meter-history/
Mike.
2010. Ricoh Hi-Color 35 manual. https://butkus.org/chinon/ricoh/ricoh_hi-color_35/ricoh_hi-color_35.htm
Nel,
D. 2025. Ricoh Rikenon XR 55mm F2.2 - Killing me softly | Cheap Vintage Glass. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-VgHSSSkkM&t=62s
Popular
Mechanics. 1970. Low-cost rapid-fire Camera. https://books.google.co.za/books?id=8dcDAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA144&dq=%22lenco+photo+products%22&pg=PA144&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=%22lenco%20photo%20products%22&f=false
Ricoh.
2026. Ricoh AutoShot. https://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/japan/products/ricoh-filmcamera/cameralist/autoshot.html
Ricoh.
2026. Ricoh Hi-Color. https://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/japan/products/ricoh-filmcamera/cameralist/hi-color.html
Stands4.
2026. What does Judas window mean? https://www.definitions.net/definition/judas%20window
Wikipedia.
2026. Light Meter. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_meter
Xtalfu. 2020. Replacement options for mercury batteries. https://cameragx.com/2020/02/12/replacement-for-mercury-batteries-2/
