Ricoh TLS 401 User manual

THE NEW RICOH TLS 401 HAS FEATURES YOU'LL LIKE.




                                                enables you to capture your subject either
                                               through the eye-level or waist-level eyepiece.
                                          And, you can switch the average light measuring
Exclusive 4-in-i range/view finder                to spot light measuring or vice versa as the
                                               occasion requires. The A (average) or S (spot)
                                        mark in the viewfinder indicates the measuring
                                                  area you are aiming at.

                                             ends accidental subject cropping. . .you see your
Through-the-lens viewing                                                 exact picture in the viewfinder as you take it.

                                                   Micro-split image rangefinder plus focusing
Through-the-lens focusing                                                 screen make extra-sharp pictures easier to take.

                                             measures the light with a high degree of
Through-the-lens system CdS exposure meter
                                                 accuracy.

                                                   also winds the shutter, counts exposures, and
Single stroke film-advance lever
                                                 prevents double exposures.

                                               Automatically returns to viewing position the
Instant return mirror                              instant an exposure is made --no viewfinder
                                                   'blackout" to delay picture taking.

                                                            lets you shoot in lighting situations where slower
High Speed AUTO RIKENON Lens             lenses would fail; produces slides and prints of
                                                Superior sharpness and color fidelity.

F) Eye-level Waist-level Change-over   Q) Waist-level Eyepiece
Knob
                                 R) Accessory Shoe
G) Film Speed Selector
                                     S) Eye-level Eyepiece
H) Shutter Speed Dial

I) Self-timer Lever





T) Average Spot Switch
                                   AA) Rewind Button
U) Flash Socket (2)
                                      BB) Sprocket Teeth (2)
V) Rewind Shaft
                                      CC) Take-up Spool
W) Film Chamber
                                   DD) Film Pressure Plate
X) Exposure Meter Battery Compartment Cover
                                        EE) Cartridge Retaining Spring
Y) Tripod Socket

Z) Preview Switch

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FILM LOADING

              Always load your camera in the shade, never in bright or direct sunlight.

Use good quality standard 35mm (20 or 36-exposure) film, color or black and white.

Press Shutter Release Button (C)...Pull Film Rewind Knob (P) until camera back clicks open. Swing open
camera back, place film cartridge into Film Chamber (W) and push Rewind Knob back to its original
position...Be certain Rewind Shaft (V) engages film cartridge.




                                            Pull tapered end of film across back of camera and
                                                insert into and through the left side of slit of Take-up
                                      Spool (CC). Rotate Take-up Spool in direction of arrow
                                              to take film slack...check to see that sprocket holes in
                                           film have engaged both sets of Sprocket Teeth (BB).
                                               (Fig. 1)

                                       Close the camera back and snap it shut. Advance Film-
                                    wind Lever A) twice, depressing Shutter Release
                                       Button (C) each time. Advance Film-wind Lever once
                                   more and Film Counter (B) will be automatically set to
                                         "1" ", ready for your first picture.

                                          Set exposure meter for the film you are using, rotating
                                      Film Speed Selector (G), while pulling it, until the ASA
                                   number of your film is opposite the green indicator line.
                                               (Fig. 2) Also turn Film Reference Dial (0) and set the
                                         corresponding type of your film to the black indicator
                                                   line. This will help to remind you of the type of the film
                                    you are using. Check the instruction sheet packaged
                                        with your film for the correct ASA speed for that film.

                                                       If you are using German film, please refer to Fig. 3 for
                                            the relationship between ASA and DIN.

Fig 3.

CORRECT EXPOSURE

Correct exposure is achieved by setting the lens f-stop) and shutter in correct combination for the film, subject,
and lighting conditions. As your RICOH TLS 401 camera has a built-in through-the-lens system CdS exposure
meter, you can adjust the exposure with a high degree of accuracy in the following manner:

1. Unscrew Exposure Meter Battery Compartment Cover (X) with a coin and place a battery with plus (+) end
up. (Fig. 4) The battery will last for a year or so. For replacement use Eveready EPX 625, Mallory RM 625R or
equivalent.  See this link on a Wein Air replacement battery.

2. Check that the correct ASA number is set on the Film Speed Selector (G).

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3. Turn "ON" the Exposure Meter Switch (N) pushing it upward. (Fig.5).
This Exposure Meter Switch is the main switch in the heart of the light sensing system. When you wind Film-
wind Lever (A) another micro-switch is turned on automatically. If you press Shutter Release Button (C), the
micro-switch is turned off automatically. When the main switch is left at ON position and the shutter is left
unreleased, the Exposure Meter Battery is consumed. Always make sure that the main switch is at OFF position
whenever the camera is not in use for a long period of time or make it a rule to always carry the camera with the
shutter released. This little care will take a new lease of the Exposure Meter Battery. The second microswitch
can be seen in a little window by winding the lever.





                                          When lever is wound, i.e., switched
                                                            on, green sign is in the window.

                                                  With the release of the shutter, i.e.,
                                                          switch off it turns to red.





4. Set either the shutter speed or lens opening according to your photo graphic needs. (Read "Setting the lens"
and "Setting the shutter" carefully.)

5. Set Eye-level Waist level Change over Knob (F) at EL (Eye-level position) (Fig. 6) and while looking at your
subject through the Eye-level Eyepiece (S), rotate either Shutter Speed Dial (H) or F-Stop Ring (J) until the
exposure meter needle at the right side of the Viewfinder comes to the complete horizontal position... Now your
subject is in correct exposure. If the exposure meter needle is above the horizontal position, this is over
exposure.





Change the shutter speed to faster speed or use smaller lens opening so that the correct exposure combination is
made. If, on the contrary, the exposure meter needle is found under the horizontal position indicating
underexposure, you must use a slower shutter speed or bigger lens opening. (Fig. 7)





6. If you want to use Waist-level finder, set Eye-lever/ Waist-level Change-over Knob (F) at WL (Waist-level
position) and look your subject through the Waist-level Eyepiece (Q) on the top of the camera. (Fig. 8) It is
recommended that you utilize the rubber eye-cup packed with each camera, especially for Waist-level
measuring, for clear and better viewing.

Except for lens, the specifications and operation remain unchanged. As per Fig. 10, you will find f-stop
numbers on the f-stop ring on two sides, "AUTO" and "MANUAL". The "AUTO" is for automatic diaphragm
control, while the "MANUAL". is for pre-setting diaphragm control. The latter device is necessary when you
take special effect photograph using a Bellowscope or an Extension Ring, where automatic diaphragm control is
not available.

Three f-stop numbers are substituted by dots, which are (those bold)

2.8 4.0 5.6 8.0 11 16 22

                          SETTING THE SHUTTER

Simply turn the Shutter Speed Dial H until the desired shutter speed number is set opposite the black indicator
line. Be certain the Dial is set at a click stop. (Fig. 11

The shutter speed setting governs the amount of time the film is exposed to light. "60" (160-second) is
recommended for subjects not in motion. Where motion exists, shutter speeds ranging from 1125 to 11000
should be used...1, 1000 second speed will "freeze" fast action best for sharpest pictures of fast action -- keep
camera at a 45° angle to subject.

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To achieve maximum depth of field (area of sharpness in front of and behind subject), or when shooting in
poorly lit areas, speeds ranging from 1/30 to 1 second and "B" (bulb) are available. When using these slower
speeds, use a tripod or other firm support to prevent movement of camera and blurred pictures. When set at "B"
the shutter will remain open as long as the Shutter Release Button (C) is depressed. The "B" setting is used for
long night exposures using street lights or electric signs as a light source, or under poor light conditions when
flash cannot be used.





AVERAGE AND SPOT LIGHT MEASURING

The Ricoh TLS 401 has an unique and exciting dual light measuring system. For general picture-taking set the
Average:Spot Switch (T) at "Av" (Average) (Fig. 12) so that the built-in exposure meter measures the intensity
of light on the entire scene. When you wish to take a specific subject in a vast scene or the back-lighted subject,
set Average /Spot Switch (T) at "Sp "(Spot). Then, the measuring area of the exposure meter is narrowed down
distinctly so as to measure the only central past of the finder. The most effective results could be achieved with
a small lens opening in case of Spotlight measuring. "Av" (Average) or 'Sp" (Spot) light measuring is also
indicated in the viewfinder by a green needle. (Fig. 13).

Caution: When using Spot-light measuring system,
                                make sure that you measure the intensity of light within
                                           the round matt phase in the center of the viewfinder.
                                              (Fig. 14)

                                  Combined with the Eye-level or Waist-level viewing
                                         system, you will be able to enjoy four ways of viewing
                                    and measuring, for example, Eye-level/Averaging light
                                        measuring, Eye-level/Spot light measuring, Waist-level
                                     Averaging light measuring and Waist-level/Spot light
                                        measuring.




VIEWING AND FOCUSING

Look into Viewfinder Eyepiece (either EL or WL) to compose your picture and focus the lens. Rotate Focusing
Ring (L) until subject becomes clear in the micro-split image (Fig. 15)

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When your subject appears sharpest in the micro-split image, your picture is focused. To take the picture, hold
the camera as steady as you can and press Shutter Release Button (C) slowly and smoothly (Fig. 16). Since you
are viewing through the lens there is no parallax problem...what you are viewing in the viewfinder will appear
in your picture. Even when you shoot close-ups is no danger of accidental cropping.





DEPTH OF FIELD

A portion of the picture in front of and behind your subject will also be sharp. If you wish to know how much of
an area will be sharp in your final picture, this can be predetermined in two ways:

Depth of Field Previewer





Setting the Preview Switch (Z) at "M" Manual) ( Fig. 17) will set the lens at the corresponding opening you
previously set on the F-Stop Ring. This will enable you to preview the area of sharpness in the picture before
you take it. The preview Switch (Z) may be moved back to A (Automatic position before you press Shutter
Release Button (C)... The lens will be reopened and remain open until you take your picture.

Depth of Field Scale

After you have set the lens opening and have focused the camera, the area of sharpness in front of and behind
your subject can also be determined on the Depth of Field Scale (M). Locate, on the depth of Field Scale, the
two f-numbers corresponding to the f-stop you have set on the F-Stop Ring (J). The distance between these two
f-numbers on the Distance Scale (K) will be the area of sharpness in your picture (Fig. 18).

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THE SELF-TIMER





                                                   Merely move the self-timer Lever (I)
                                               away from the lens (Fig. 19) and press
                                                             the Shutter Release Button. There will
                                                    be an 8 second delay before the Self
                                                          timer will automatically release the
                                                               shutter and make the exposure for you.
                                                Camera should be placed on a tripod
                                                           or other sturdy support.





CHANGING THE LENS




                                Your camera is equipped with an interchangeable standard
                                        lens (Pentax thread mount) which is the proper focal length
                                          for general-purpose picture taking. You may also use wide-
                                      angle lenses for wide angle pictures and telephoto lenses for
                                         telescopic picture. To remove the lens continuously turn the
                                        lens in a counterclockwise direction until it can be removed.
                                          Fig. 20)

To insert regular lens or wide angle or telephoto lens, turn lens in a clockwise-direction until lens is secured in
position.

FLASH PICTURES

Your camera has synchronization designed to permit flash pictures with most types of flash bulbs and also
electronic flash. The flash connecting cord from your flash gun or electronic flash is connected to one of the
Flash Sockets (U).





Connect flash cord to Flash Socket

"M "...when using Flash Bulb No 5, 5B, 25, 25B, M5, M5B, M2, M2B, AG1, AG1B, 6, 6B, 8.

Connect flash cord to Flash Socket

"X"...when using an electronic flash or No. SM flash bulbs.

Shutter speed from 130 to 1125 sec. may be used with No. 5, 5B, M5, M5B flash bulbs.

Shutter speed from 1/30 to 1 125 sec. may be used with electronic flash, No, 6, 6B, 8 flash bulbs.

Shutter speed from 1 30 to 160 sec. may be used with No. M2, M2B, AG1, AG1B, SM flash bulbs.

UNLOADING FILM

Always unload your camera in the shade, never in bright light.

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                                                  *After the last picture on the roll has been
                                                      taken, press Rewind Button (AA). Lift up
                                                 crank on Film Rewind Knob (P).

                                                         (Fig. 21) Be sure not to pull out Film Rewind
                                       Knob (P). Turn crank in a clockwise direction
                                                           until the entire roll has been rewound --
                                                     tension on the crank will decrease noticeably.

                                         *Open the camera back by pulling up the Film
                                          Rewind Knob and remove the film cartridge.

                                          *Have film processed as soon as possible.





TIPS FOR BETTER PICTURES




                              * Read the instruction booklet carefully.

                              * Before you go on a trip or photograph a special event, shoot
                                  a practice roll of film.

                              * Keep fingers and neckstrap clear of the camera lens.

                              * When you reach the end of the roll of film (check Exposure
                                    Counter), the film Wind Lever becomes harder to advance
                                       don't try to "just one more shot"; its time to rewind and re-
                                      load.


* Protect your camera from dust, dirt, and rough handling Do not expose camera or film to excessively high
temperatures.

* In order to keep WL finder free from dust, usage of a cover, when not in use, is recommendable. (Fig. 22)

ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR RICOH TLS 401 CAMERA

Telephoto Lens. Brings distant subjects closer. The following telephoto lenses are available for the Ricoh TLS
401.

Automatic diaphragm---135mm f 2.8

Preset diaphragm --200mm f4.5

300mm f 5.5

400 mm f 6.3

600mm f 8.0

Zoom 90--190mm f 5.8

Wide Angle Lens. Permits sweeping scenic shots outdoors, photos of large groups indoors. Automatic
diaphragm--35mm f 2.8

Bellows Attachment. Has focusing knob for maximum sharpness at extremely close distances.. .shoot many
objects actual size and even larger, excellent for copying of photographs too.

Extension Ring Set. Photograph objects at extremely close distances. Rings can be used separately or in
combination depending upon distance from object you desire to photograph.

Microscope Attachment. Allows camera to be attached to microscope for photographing objects utilizing
microscope magnification.

Lens Hood. Ricoh slip-on lens hood prevents unnecessary light from reaching the lens, eliminates diffused
reflection and limits incoming light only to that which is really needed.

Filters. Ricoh screw-in type Y2, UV and 85A filters are provided. These filters control the quantity and quality
of the light that reaches the film through the lens.