Ricoh SHOTMASTER AF SUPER

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Summary

The Feature Mode

Using the Panorama Mode

Shoot landscapes or long-distance objects for sharper images. Lens focuses at infinity.

Using the Night Photography Mode

Using the Continuous Shooting Mode

Using the Multiple Exposure (M.E) Mode

Summary

The Feature Mode

Using the Panorama Mode

Shoot landscapes or long-distance objects for sharper images. Lens focuses at infinity.

Using the Night Photography Mode

Using the Continuous Shooting Mode

Using the Multiple Exposure (M.E) Mode

The Ricoh Shotmaster AF Super is a compact 35mm lens-shutter camera designed for automatic focusing and ease of use, offering a variety of operating modes to enhance creative photography. It features automatic film advance and rewind, a built-in flash, and a self-timer, making it suitable for a wide range of shooting conditions and subjects.

Function Description

The primary function of the Ricoh Shotmaster AF Super is to capture photographs with automatic focus and exposure. It simplifies the photographic process by handling film loading, advance, and rewind automatically. The camera's auto-focus system ensures sharp images by automatically focusing on subjects within a designated frame in the viewfinder. For challenging lighting conditions, a built-in electronic flash automatically activates in dim light or when shooting backlit subjects, providing appropriate illumination.

Beyond basic point-and-shoot functionality, the camera offers several "feature modes" that allow users to explore different photographic styles:

Panorama Mode: Ideal for shooting landscapes or distant objects, this mode aims to achieve sharper images by setting the lens focus to infinity. The flash unit does not pop up in this mode, conserving battery power as it would not reach distant subjects.
Night Photography Mode: This mode is designed for capturing breathtaking evening panoramas that leverage natural illumination. It automatically sets the lens to infinity and uses a slower shutter speed (1/4 sec.) and a fixed f-stop (3.5) to maximize light capture. The flash unit remains off in this mode.
TV Mode: Specifically for photographing computer monitors or television screens, this mode sets the shutter speed to 1/30 sec. and the f-stop to 4. The flash unit does not pop up, and using a tripod is recommended to prevent camera shake and ensure clearer images, especially for slow-moving TV pictures.
Continuous Shooting Mode: This mode enables users to capture a rapid sequence of images as long as the shutter release button is held down, at a rate of one frame per second. This is particularly useful for capturing action shots, such as car races, sports events, or the movements of an infant.
Interval Mode: This unique mode allows the camera to take pictures at 60-second intervals. It's suitable for applications like wildlife observation or documenting the growth of plants, where consistent, timed shots are needed without constant manual intervention. If lighting is insufficient, the flash unit will automatically pop up and activate.
Multiple Exposure (M.E.) Mode: This creative mode allows users to superimpose several different images onto a single film frame, opening up possibilities for imaginative and artistic photographs. The exposure counter does not advance during multiple exposure photography.

The camera also supports remote control photography through a dedicated socket, allowing for the use of optional infrared sensors, audio sensors, or remote controllers to trigger the shutter from a distance. This feature is useful for capturing natural expressions or for situations where the photographer needs to be away from the camera.

Usage Features

The Ricoh Shotmaster AF Super is designed with user convenience in mind:

Film Loading: The camera features a Ricoh Auto-Load system. Users simply push the back cover latch, load the film cassette, pull out the film leader to the designated mark, and close the back cover. The film automatically advances to the first frame, and the LCD panel displays the film loaded symbol, film advance symbols, and exposure counter.
Battery Insertion: The camera requires a 6-volt lithium battery (Panasonic CR-P2DR). Proper insertion is crucial for operation, indicated by a battery condition mark on the LCD control panel when the lens shield is open. It's recommended to replace the battery quickly and avoid having film inside the camera during replacement.
Lens Shield: The lens shield is opened by sliding a switch. The camera can only fire when the lens shield is completely open. Closing the lens shield conserves battery power and prevents accidental shutter release.
Battery Check: The LCD panel displays a battery icon to indicate sufficient power. A "~" symbol appears when the battery is nearly exhausted, and a "c" symbol when it's completely exhausted, prompting replacement. Cold temperatures can affect battery efficiency.
Holding the Camera: Users are advised to use both hands for stability and to avoid placing fingers over the lens, flash, or focusing windows. When holding vertically, the flash should always be positioned at the top.
Viewfinder: The viewfinder includes a field of view frame, parallax correction marks (for subjects between 0.8m and 1.2m), and an auto-focus frame (a small circle where the auto-focus system focuses).
Auto-Focus Shooting: To shoot, users center the subject in the auto-focus frame and press the shutter release button halfway. An AF monitor lights up, blinking if the subject is too close (closer than 0.8m). Gently pressing the shutter release fully takes the picture, and the film advances automatically.
Pre-Focus Shooting: This technique is used when the main subject is not in the auto-focus frame or is difficult to focus on. Users can focus on an object at the same distance as their main subject, press the shutter release halfway to lock focus, then recompose the shot with the main subject and press fully to shoot.
Film Rewind: After the end of the film is reached, the camera automatically rewinds the film, indicated by flashing dashes and a subtractive counter on the LCD panel. Once fully rewound, "E" is displayed, and the back cover can be opened. Manual rewind is possible by pressing a dedicated button.
Flash Photography: The flash unit automatically pops up when needed (in dim light or for backlit subjects) upon pressing the shutter release halfway. Users wait for the flash ready lamp to light before taking the picture. After use, the flash unit should be pushed down to conserve battery.
Self-Timer: Pressing the self-timer button activates a 10-second delay (8 seconds lit, 2 seconds blinking LED) before the shutter releases. It can be combined with flash or pre-focus photography.
Mode Button: A single mode button cycles through all the feature modes. The current mode is displayed on the LCD panel with corresponding symbols. Modes can be canceled by pressing the mode button until no symbol is displayed or by closing the lens shield.

Maintenance Features

Proper care ensures the longevity and optimal performance of the Ricoh Shotmaster AF Super:

Lens and Distance Measuring Windows: Avoid touching these surfaces with fingers. Use a blower to remove dust or a soft cloth to gently wipe them clean. Keeping the distance measuring windows clean is crucial for accurate focusing.
Environmental Protection: Protect the camera from shock, humidity, and salt. After use in environments with chemicals or at the beach, wipe the camera carefully.
Temperature Control: Avoid exposing the camera to sudden temperature changes, which can cause condensation on the lens and lead to malfunctions. Do not leave the camera in extremely high temperatures (e.g., in a car or on the beach) for extended periods, as this can damage the camera and film.
Tripod Use: When using a tripod, ensure the screw length is less than 5.7 mm (1/4 inch) to prevent damage to the camera's socket.
Magnetic Fields: Keep the camera away from strong magnetic fields, such as those produced by televisions or radios.
Battery Replacement: When replacing the battery, do so as quickly as possible, and avoid having film inside the camera. Do not remove the battery unless it is being replaced with a new one.
Remote Control Socket: Always close the lens shield before inserting or pulling out a cord from the remote control socket to prevent accidental shutter release.