Ricoh Shotmaster Ultra Zoom User manual

17. Film Take-up Spool

18. Back Cover Latch                           25. Battery Compartment Cover

19. Safety Lock                                 26. Film Cassette Chamber

20. Tripod Socket                               27. Film Loaded Window

21. Film Guides                                28. Back Cover

22. Film Rewind Gear                           29. Sprocket

23. Manual Film Rewind Button                 30. Flash Charge Monitor

24. Battery Compartment Cover Latch           31. AF Monitor





MAIN FEATURES

- light and compact with built-in ZOOM lens

- Safety Lock

- Super Night Mode

www.butkus.us

BEFORE USING

- This camera has a high voltage circuit. Because it is dangerous, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TAKE
CAMERA APART

- Do not hold the lens part of the camera.

- Before taking important pictures (at weddings, on trips abroad, etc.) test the camera to see how it
works.




Images for figures 1- 64 and examples 1- 8
Click and print each individual page if needed





ATTACHING THE STRAP





1. Insert the small loop at the end of the Strap under the Strap Holder. (Fig. 1)

2. Insert the other end of the Strap through the loop to tie the Strap onto the Strap Holder. (Fig. 2)

INSERTING THE BATTERY


The camera will not operate unless the battery is installed. It is important to make sure that the
battery installed correctly.

1. Use a pen to push the Battery Compartment Cover Latch in the direction of the arrow and pull
open the cover. (Fig. 3)

2. Insert the recommended 3 volt lithium battery, contact end first, checking that the + and - on the
battery are aligned according to polarity diagram inside the battery compartment. (Fig. 4)

3. Close the Battery Compartment Cover by pushing it in the direction of the arrow until it locks
firmly in place. (Fig. 5)

* With the battery inserted correctly, the Battery Condition Mark ~ appears on the LCD Panel
when the Lens Shield is opened. (Fig. 6)

* Do not remove the battery from the camera until you are ready to replace it.

* When replacing the battery, do so as quickly as possible to avoid erasing camera memory. We
recommend replacing the battery when there is no film in the camera.


Recommended Replacement 3V Lithium Batteries

Include:

Lithium bakery (3V)
Panasonic CR-123A
Duracell XL DL-123A


OPENING THE VIEWFINDER COVER

1. Open the Lens Shield by sliding the Viewfinder Cover in the direction of arrow. (Fig. 7)

2. When the Lens Shield is opened, the lens emerges from its standby position to the ready position
and the camera sets everything automatically.

* You can only take pictures when the Lens Shield is completely open.

* To avoid tripping the shutter inadvertently and wasting battery power, always keep Viewfinder
cover closed when you are not taking pictures.
* When the Viewfinder Cover is closed, all LCD indicators will disappear to conserve battery
power.

www.butkus.us

CHECKING THE BATTERY


1. The ~D: symbol is displayed on the LCD Panel when battery power is sufficient. (Fig. 8)

2. When the battery is nearly exhausted, the ~ symbol will appear. (Fig. 9) Replace with a new
battery as soon as possible. (Use of flash at this time is not recommended.)

3. When the battery is completely exhausted, the G symbol will be displayed. (Fig. 10) Replace
with a new battery.





* In extremely cold temperatures, the battery mark may display the C symbol. (In cold
temperatures, the battery voltage is reduced.) You may be able to use the camera if you remove the
batteries and warm them up.

* If the battery voltage is insufficient, the shutter may not release or the film may not advance
completely. In the following cases, replace the battery:


1) When the battery mark displays the C symbol.

2) When the shutter does not release.

3) When film advance and rewind cannot be done. 4) When the self-timer does not function.

LOADING THE FILM

Always avoid direct sunlight when loading the film.

1. Push the Back Cover Latch Downward to open.

* When the Safety Lock on the bottom of the camera is in the "on" position, the back cover cannot
be opened. Turn the lock to the "off" position to open the back cover. (Fig. 11)

2. Load the film cassette into the Film Chamber and pull out enough film leader to extend past the
mark of the film leader position. (Figs. 12-A, 12-B)
* If there is any dust on the inside lens surface, use a blower to blow the dust away.

3. Make sure the film stays within the Film Guides and lies flat. (Figs. 13,14)

4. Press the Back Cover shut so that the Back Cover Latch returns to its original position. The film
is automatically advanced until number "1" appears in the LCD Panel. As soon as you close the
Back Cover, the LCD Panel should confirm proper loading with the Exposure Counter (Fig. 15)

5. If the film has not advanced correctly and is not taken up onto the Film Take-up Spool, the
Exposure Counter will blink. (Fig. 16) The shutter release will also lock so you cannot take a
picture until the film is loaded properly.
Reload the film by following steps 1 - 4 shown above.

* Whether there is film in your camera or not can be confirmed by either the Film Loaded Window
or the Exposure Counter in the LCD Panel. (Fig. 17)

* You can confirm that the film-wind or rewind is working properly by observing the Exposure
Counter.

* You can load film in your camera with the Lens Shield closed. However, the loading sign will
disappear after about 3 sec.

* Do not touch the inner lens with your fingers or the edge of film. (Fig. 18)

www.butkus.us



SETTING THE FILM SPEED





DX-coded film cassettes have black-and-silver patterns corresponding to film speeds that the
camera reads and automatically sets. Your camera accepts DX films with speeds ranging from ISO
64 to 3200. Before loading your film, please check whether the cassette is DX-encoded or not. (Fig.
19)

When using DX coded films, setting the film speed is not necessary. Your camera automatically
sets the correct film speed.

When using a film without DX code, your camera will automatically set itself to ISO 100.

HOLDING YOUR CAMERA

1. Always use both hands to steady your camera. (Fig, 20)

* When holding the camera vertically always position it with the flash at the top. (Fig. 21)

* Be careful not to place your fingers over the lens, flash or focusing windows. (Fig. 22)

* We suggest that you become familiar with your new camera by shooting and processing at least
one roll of film before using your camera to record an important occasion.
* If the camera moves during the exposure, the whole picture will be blurred. To take clear
pictures, hold the camera steadily and properly.

VIEWFINDER (Fig. 23)


(1) Field of View Frame: The subject (such as people or scenery) you wish to photograph should
be set within this frame.

(2) Parallax Correction Marks: (Close focusing) When taking a picture of a subject that is
between 0.6 m -1.2 m away from your camera, the subject should be positioned within these marks.
Anything outside the marks will not be included in the picture even if you can see it through the
viewfinder

(3i) AF Mark in the AF mode the auto-focus system focuses automatically on any subject that
appears within this small [ ] target.


ZOOMING THE LENS

The built-in 38 - 60 mm zoom lens lets you get closer to your subject without changing your
position. This lets you easily select the composition that best suits your subject. (Examples 1, 2) To
zoom the lens, just slide the zoom switch (Fig. 24) in either direction until your subject is framed
properly.

* When zooming the lens, keep your fingers away from the moving lens components.

* When closing the Viewfinder Cover, the lens will return to its storage position automatically.

* After about 3 minutes, the lens will return to wide position and the display on the LCD panel will
disappear.


AUTO-FOCUS SHOOTING
1. Set the subject you wish to take within the Viewfinder Frame. (Fig. 25)

2. If the subject is closer than 0.6m the AF-Monitor will blink and the shutter will lock to prevent
out of focus pictures. (Fig. 26)

* Under certain unusual conditions, the AF Monitor may not warn when you are too close to the
subject.

3. Press the Shutter Release Button gently to avoid camera shake. The film advances automatically
after the shutter has been released.

* Be careful not to accidentally cover the Auto Focus Distance Measuring Windows on the front of
your camera, as this will cause incorrect focusing.
* Keep the Auto Focus Distance Measuring Windows clean to ensure accurate focusing. If they get
dirty, they should be wiped clean with a soft cloth.

www.butkus.us

* There may be rare cases when accurate focusing is difficult or impossible. (For instance, with
dark subjects that do not reflect light well, glossy subjects, or subjects taken through glass.) In these
cases, it is best to use the Pre-Focus technique to "lock. the focus on a more ·normal. subject at the
same distance. While holding focus, turn your camera back to the nominal subject and shoot. (See
PREFOCUS SHOOTING (page 22) for more details.)





PRE-FOCUS SHOOTING
When the main subject you wish to focus on is not within the Auto-Focus Frame, or if the subject is
difficult to focus on, then you should use pre-focus shooting.

When the subject is not within the Auto-Focus Frame: 1. If you want to photograph two people,
there may be cases where neither of them can be within the AutoFocus Frame in the center of the
Viewfinder. If you release the shutter then, only the background will be in focus, and the people,
who are the main subject, will be out-of-focus. (Fig. 27)

2. Move the camera so that one of the people is within the Auto-Focus Frame.

Press the Shutter Release Button halfway so that the AFMonitor lights up. Hold your finger in that
position on the Shutter Release Button. (Fig. 28)

3. Now return the camera to its nominal position so that both people are in the Field of View Frame
again, and press the Shutter Release Button fully to take the picture. (Fig. 29)

When the subject is difficult to focus on:

1. When you are photographing subjects that are difficult to focus on (such as a black dog, glossy
surface or behind glass), find another subject at about the same distance from the camera. You can
pre-focus on that subject in the same way as described above.

* If you are shooting through a window, aiming the camera at a slight angle to the glass usually
avoids any direct reflection of auto-focus beam.

* When you remove your finger from the Shutter Release Button, the pre-focused condition is
cleared, so that you can pre-focus again as many times as you wish.


REWINDING THE FILM (AUTO REVERSE)

1. After the end of the film has been reached, the film will automatically rewind.

2. Film rewinding is indicated by the Exposure Counter and the counter counting backwards. (Fig.
30)

3. When the film is fully rewound, the motor stops automatically and "E" is displayed in the LCD
Panel. (Fig. 31) Open the Back Cover to unload the film.

* When the Safety Lock is in the "one position, the Back Cover will not open even if the Back
Cover Latch is released. Move the Safety Lock to the ·off. to remove your film.

* If you wish to rewind the film before reaching the end of the film, push the Manual Film Rewind
Button with a pen, etc. (Fig. 32)

* The shutter release is locked with "E" is displayed.

* Be careful not to touch the inner lens surface with your fingers or the edge of film.


FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY
1. If additional light is required, the built-in Flash automatically activates. (Fig. 33)

* Recommended Flash Shooting Range (ISO 100)

Wideangle: 0.8 m - about 4.2 m (2.6 ff. - 13.8 ft.) Telephoto: 0.6 m - about 3.0 m (2 ff. -10 ft.)

2. When the flash is still charging, the Red Flash Monitor will blink. (Fig. 34) Wait until RED-LED
turns off in order to use the flash.

www.butkus.us

AUTO BACKLIGHT CONTROL/ AUTO FILL FLASH
When taking pictures of backlit subjects, important details are often lost in the shadows. Your
camera automatically compensates for these lighting situations. If the subject is backlit and is at
least about 3 meters from the camera, Auto Back-Light Control (ABLC) will be activated. If the
subject is within about 3 meters of the camera, the flash activates automatically and the shadows
are lightened up using automatic daylight fill-flash. Thus, with backlit subjects, natural-looking
pictures can be taken easily and automatically. (Fig. 35)




USING THE SELF-TIMER





1. Compose your picture with the camera on a steady support.

2. Press Self-timer Button. The Self-timer LED on the front of the camera will light steadily for
approximately 8 seconds. Then the LED will blink for about 2 seconds to indicate that the shutter is
about to release. After a total of about 10 seconds have elapsed, the shutter will release. (Figs. 36,
37)

* If you wish to stop the self-timer once it has started, close Viewfinder Cover or press the Self-
timer Button again.

Using the Self-timer for Flash Photography:

When the Self-timer Button is pressed the built in Flash will fire automatically when ever there is
insufficient light.

* You may not be able to activate the self-timer when the flash is just beginning to recharge. Wait 2
- 3 seconds and try again.

* If the distance between subject and camera is too close, the AF Monitor will blink. At that time,
the self-timer will not activate. Move back a little and try again.

* Too-Close Warning Lamp (AF Monitor) will blink only when pushing Self-timer Button and/or
the Shutter Release Button.

Using the Self-timer for Pre-focus Photography:

a. Select the subject you wish to pre-focus on. Move the camera so that it is in Auto-Focus Target.

b. Press the Self-timer Button to lock-in the focus and reposition the camera if necessary.

c. The self-timer activates and the focus will remain fixed at the locked-in distance until the
photograph is taken.


CREATIVE MODES
This camera includes a variety of special operating modes which permit you to widely express your
creativity. These modes include Flash-off, Flash-on, TV, Continuous and Super Night.

Many combinations may be made using these selections with flash photography, self-timer, and/or
remote control picture taking, allowing you to fully and precisely obtain the image you seek. Try
experimenting. These modes are designed to stimulate your imagination and creativity.

* To select operating modes, simply press the Mode Button next to the LCD Panel located on the
top of the camera. (Fig. 38)

You can confirm that the desired feature mode is in effect by checking the LCD Panel with ~ which
displays the current feature mode. The symbols used for these modes are listed below. For detailed
operation of each mode, refer to their respective sections in this manual.

Feature Mode Symbols (Fig. 39)

· Flash-off
· Flash-on
· Super Night
·Continuous

www.butkus.us

FLASH-OFF MODE
This mode forcibly prevents automatic firing of the flash, thus allowing available light photography
in museums, churches, etc. where flash photography is prohibited.

1. Press the Mode Button until the ~ symbol appears on the LCD Panel. (Fig. 40)

2. Press the Release Button and the shutter will be topped without flash.

* To cancel this mode, press the Mode Button until there is a different mode symbol (or none) on
the LCD Panel, or close the viewfinder cover.

* In dim light, the camera's shutter speed will be automatically reduced. To prevent a blurry
picture, hold the camera steadily and press the Shutter Release Button gently.



FLASH-ON MODE





This forcibly trips the flash when you want to photograph subjects with sunlight to their side or
back. It lets you take more natural looking pictures by softening harsh shadows.


Example 3: When the Flash-on mode is set


Example 4: When the Flash-on mode is not set

1. Press the Mode Button until the S symbol appears on the LCD Panel. (Fig. 41)

2. Press the Release Button. There will now be flash every time the shutter is topped.

* The camera will follow a daytime SYNCHRO-Sunlight Exposure program in cases of bright
light.

* The camera will go to slow synchro photography in cases of dim light.

* To cancel this mode, press the Mode Button until there is a different mode symbol (or none) on
the LCD Panel, or close the viewfinder cover


SUPER NIGHT MODE

With the Super Night Mode, beautiful pictures can be easily taken at night. The camera
automatically selects the optimum settings for pictures of night scenery, pictures of people at night
(slow synchro photography), and evening or day landscape pictures. (Example 5)

1. When the Mode Button is pressed, ~ in the LCD Panel indicates the In. mark. (Fig. 42)

2. To prevent the camera from moving, stabilize it with a tripod. Then, gently press the Shutter
Release Button to take a picture. When taking pictures of night scenery with no subjects, the
camera will focus on A. The flash will not fire, and the shutter will open for one second (when
there is no object within 6 m). For taking photos of people against a background of night scenery,
the camera will first focus on ~ and open the shutter for 1 second without flash. After closing the
shutter, the camera will then70cus on the people and take another picture with the flash.

* By doing this, beautiful pictures of both the night scenery and people are possible. (The people
have to be within 6 m.)

* When taking pictures of landscapes in bright daylight, the camera will focus on °° and set itself to
auto exposure.

If people are taken in bright daylight, the camera will set itself to daytime SYNCHRO-sunlight
Exposure program which will set flash off.


Reference:
To prevent blurry pictures from slow shutter-speeds, we recommend using a tripod and accessory
cable release or remote electronic shutter.

www.butkus.us

CONTINUOUS SHOOTING MODE





This mode allows you to shoot continuously as long as the shutter is pressed.

You can accurately capture the continuous action such as competitive sport events, moving subject
and even the movements of an infant without missing any important moments.

1. Press the Mode Button to set your camera in the Continuous Shooting Mode. Confirm that the
1~, mark is indicated by ~ in the LCD Panel. (Fig. 43)

2. Press and hold down the Shutter Release Button. Your camera will continuously take pictures at
a rate of one frame per second as long as the Shutter Release Button is held down. (Fig. 44)

3. Press the Mode Button to cancel the Continuous Shooting Mode.

* If you want to cancel the Continuous Shooting Mode before taking any picture, press the Mode
Button again until the mode marks go off, or close the Viewfinder Cover


Combining the Continuous Shooting Mode and the Self-timer:

1. Set your camera to the Continuous Shooting Mode.

2. Press the Self-timer Button. Your camera will wait 10 seconds, then shoot two sequential frames.

3. Push the Mode Button to cancel the Continuous Shooting Mode.

* Because the Auto-Focus adjusts with each exposure, be sure the subject is in the Auto-Focus
Target to ensure that the focus will not be on any other object.


TV MODE
Use this mode to record your computer graphics or video images from the screen of a computer
monitor or television.

1. Press the Mode Button until the ~ mark is indicated by ~ in the LCD Panel. (Fig. 45) Take the
picture.

* The Flash Unit will not activate in the TV Mode.

* When taking pictures in the TV Mode, the shutter speed will be set between 1/30 sec. (wide) and
1/16 sec. (tale) and ISO will be reset to 100.

* For TV Mode photography, slow-moving TV images will usually turn out clearer than fast-
moving ones. Using a tripod and electronic cable release is recommended to prevent camera shake.

* To use the self-timer in this mode, press the Mode Button until the camera is set to TV Mode,
then press the Self-timer Button.

* To cancel this mode, press the Mode Button until the LCD Panel shows a different mode symbol
(or none), or close Viewfinder Cover


ELECTRONIC REMOTE CONTROL SOCKET

This camera is equipped with an Electronic Remote Control Socket. You can trip the shutter
remotely in venous ways by plugging an (optional) infrared sensor, remote controller, etc., into this
socket. A 50 cm Electronic Cable Release cord and a 10m extension cord are also available from
Ricoh as options for use in remote control photography.

www.butkus.us

Typical Installation





1. Insert the plug of the Electronic Cable Release or Remote Controller to the Electronic Remote
Control Socket. (Fig. 46) An extension cord can be used for taking photographs at a distance from
subjects.

2. Using a secure support, aim the camera at the subject and gently press the remote controller
button. (Fig. 47)

* Before inserting or pulling out a cord into/from this socket, close the Lens Shield. If the Lens
Shield is left open, the shutter might accidentally be released.


Optional Wireless Remote Controller RC-10
The separately sold Wireless Remote Controller RC-10 allows you to easily use remote control
photography. (Fig, 48)

(OPTIONAL) DATABACK SETTINGS

Nomenclature of the date imprinting feature (Fig, 49)

(1) Display panel

(2) Month indication

(3) Imprint mark

(4) Set button

(5) Selector button

(6) Mode selector button


Imprinting mode

Examples of date imprinting (Fig. 50)

(1) 1992 February 1st

(2) 1st 15:59 (a) No imprinting

(3) February 1st, 1992

(4) 1st February, 1992

The date imprinting mode can be divided into 5 types: date, time, and no imprinting.


Selecting imprinting mode (Fig. 50)

Each time the Mode selector button is pressed, the display changes as shown below.

(1) Date(Year/month/day)

(2) Time(Day/hour/minute)

(3) No imprinting

(4) Date(Month/day /year)

(5) Date(Day/month/year)


Checking imprinting (Fig. 51)

After shooting, the imprint mark -- flickers in the display panel for a few seconds for correct
imprinting. The mark and the letter "M" are not imprinted on the picture.

Resetting the date and time (Figs. 52-A-C)

1. Each time the Selector button is pressed, the flashing digits change in the order of year, month,
day, hour, minute and colon (:).

www.butkus.us

2. When the digits to be reset flash, press the Set button until the desired digits appear. When the
Set button is kept pressed, the digits change rapidly.


Accurately setting seconds (Figs. 53-A - C)

1. Press the Mode selector button for Time display mode.

2. Press the Selector button so that the colon (:) flickers.

3. Press the Set button according to the radio or telephone time signal. The time count starts from 0
seconds.

* It is recommended that the second digits be adjusted after adjusting the minute digits.


Battery Replacement (Figs. 54-A, 54-B)





1. Open the back cover.

2. Remove the screw from the databack battery compartment cover with a small (+) screwdriver

3. Remove the battery compartment cover holding the roller section, and lift up the battery.

4. Load the new battery with the side marked (+) facing upwards. Then, close the battery
compartment cover using the (+) screwdnver. (Use lithium battery CR2025. The service life is
about 3 years.)

* When the battery is exhausted, the imprinted digits become faint. At that time, replace the battery.

* Do not open the date battery compartment lid except when replacing the battery.

* Keep the battery out of reach of children. If a child swallows the battery, contact your doctor
immediately.


Notes on date imprinting feature

* At temperatures below 0~C (32°F), the battery performance deteriorates. The date imprinting
feature may not function correctly and imprinting may become impossible.

* When the battery is replaced, the display panel sometimes shows wrong digits. Reset the digits
for correct indication.

* The date is sometimes illegible if it is imprinted on the following objects.

(1) ~Warm"-colored objects, such as red, yellow, orange, etc.

(2) Objects with details similar in size to the imprinted date (gravel, leaves, etc.)

(3) Objects of high luminance (sky white wall, etc.)

* Imprinting is not possible in the following modes. (1) Print off mode

(2) Reset mode

(3) Battery check display mode (The display panel flashes.)


PROPER CARE OF YOUR CAMERA

* If there is dirt on the lens or Distance Measuring Windows and in the camera body, do not
attempt to remove it with your fingers. Use a blower to blow the dust away, or wipe the surface
gently with a soft cloth. (Fig. 55)

* Camera malfunction can be caused by shock, humidity, salt etc. After using the camera at the
beach or places where there is salt spray, high humidity or chemicals, wipe it off carefully. (Fig.
56)

www.butkus.us

* Take care not to expose the camera to sudden changes in temperature, as they may cause
condensation on the lens and inside the body, or other malfunctions. (Fig. 57)

* Do not expose the camera for a long period of time in extremely high temperatures, such as in
your car or on the beach, as this may ruin your film, or cause other malfunctions. (Fig. 58)

* When using a tripod, do not try to force a long screw into the socket. The screw length should be
less than 5.7 mm. (Fig. 59)

* Do not place the camera near equipment that has strong magnetic fields such as a television or
radio. (Fig. 60)


MAJOR SPECIFICATIONS:

Type: Full-automatic 35 mm autofocus lens-shutter camera with built-in ZOOM lens.

Lens: 38 mm f4.5 - 60 mm f6.9 zoom lens 5 elements 5 groups

Focus: Automatic focusing with pre-focusing facility.

0.6 m - °°/at telephoto 0.8 m - Cat wide angle
Self-timer: Built-in electronic type with LED indicator. Operating delay of approx. 10 sec.

Shutter: Programmed AE type electronic shutter, 1/4 -1/300 sec.

Viewfinder: Albada type with bright-frame zoom viewfinder

Exposure adjustment: With CdS photocell. Programmed automatic exposure adjustment with
Automatic Backlight Control system.

Exposure coupling range EV6.3 -17 (wide), EV7.5 -18.2 (Tele)/lSO 100
Film speed range: ISO 64 - 3200. Compatible with the DX code system. (Non-DX films are set to
ISO 100.)

Film loading: Ricoh auto-load system

Film advance/rewind: Automatic film advance and rewind, Automatic 1 st frame setting,
Automatic film rewind at the end of film.

Exposure counter: Additive, counts down during film rewind.

Built-in flash: Electronic flash automatically activates in dim light and backlight.

Flash range: 0.8 m - 4.2 m (2.6 H. -13.8 ft.) (at wide-angle),

0.6 m - 3.0 m (2 R. -10 ft.) (at telephoto) (ISO 100)