Ricoh Singlex TLS - Quick and Dirty Review

The Ricoh Singlex TLS was a basic, no-frills budget 35mm SLR popular in the late 1960s and early 70s. Its simplicity and solid, mechanical reliability make it an excellent choice for someone looking for their first film camera today. You can download the owners manual here: www.butkus.org/chinon/ricoh/r...
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#M42 #film #SLR

[@klausrickert3607]

Hi Brian ....again an annotation.

[@carlopatriarca2553]

My first camera was an Ikonta 4.5x6 with 3.5 lens. I used a lot going to school at Ciak in Rome italy getting 2 diplomas in photography and cinematografy. My fater was a photographer and i learned a lot from him. Before came to Canada i was a cameraman for over 10 years working in the special effect on a optical printer. In the seventies I bought a yascika tlx its that I still use and later got a Sears tls that I still have. I’m very familiar with analogic cameras,still have a dark room in my basement 2 enlargers 1 6x9 and 1 36mm

[@klausrickert3607]

Hi Brian,

[@garywelch3864]

I have two of these Ricoh singlex tls in beautiful condition.great photo show. Gary.

[@jazzper_nl]

My fist serious camera in 1999! Heavy as a tank but dragged it on trips like Thailand.

[@Thereal111t]

That’s the sound the timer makes. The functional color difference with the shutter speed markings delineates the maximum sync speed of 125. Also there is a 1.35v zinc air battery designed to replace the mercury cell. It’s sold by a company called Wein.

[@marydd4147]

Thank you!! I inherited a Richo TLS 401 and was so glad to see your videos!!

[@timryan894]

Its ironic that you released this video and I have the exact camera sitting on my desk for CLA (serial number in 5s) but the same camera nonetheless. I'm amazed at how tight and robust this camera is- what a sleeper. Why people chase the "name brand" favorites and no just use one of these with a nice lens is beyond me. These are wonderful, well built cameras.

[@AlexandreCamargoPontes]

Thanks for sharing this nice review. I just bought one and it’s very useful watching your video.

[@MrBarberousse]

Even though this video is about a specific camera, it covers so much about operating a 35mm camera. Well done!

[@kevinkelly2513]

I bought a new one when I was in high school. I think the price was between $125 - $150 USD. Less than major cameras like Canon, Pentax, and Nikon. The major selling point for me was the very accurate Copal metal bladed shutter, which was highly rated by camera magazines at the time. The stopped down metering worked fine, even for sports photography.

[@fernandosalazar5310]

I got a black paint Sears TLS just like this with the 55 1.4 and its my favorite camera for shooting slide film. Very accurate shutter and the patina on mine is beautiful

[@PeterKKraus]

My first camera. I got it Dec. 7 1972; my 13th birthday.

[@MMSpan]

Colour on the speed dial is to show what times can be used when using flash.....

[@NPJensen]

Nicely done.

[@philhodgkinson1460]

I have a Prinzflex reflex sold by Dixons chain in UK looks like the one you have.....

[@carlopatriarca2553]

I reveal you a secret. The schutter spead numbers are Red for one reason,to tell you that when you use the flash, those are the speads that you can use becouse the flash is sencronaised with the aperture. I am a professional with a ltle of experince that not to many have. My 80 years are worth samthing I think. ( grown up with analogic cameras)

[@Shelbington]

If you have the light meter on and then fire the shutter, does the switch go back down to open the aperture?

[@mathewrupp8568]

Good camera for a lefty, my Nikons love poking me in the right eye.