EasyManua.ls Logo

Ricoh TLS 401 - User Manual

Ricoh TLS 401
17 pages
Print Icon
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
Loading...
Ricoh TLS 401
Posted 12-8-'02
This camera manual library is for reference and historical purposes, all rights reserved.
This page is copyright by , M. Butkus, NJ.
This page may not be sold or distributed without the expressed permission of the producer
I have no connection with Chinon Co., Japan
On-line camera manual library
This is the full text and images from the manual. This may take 3 full minutes for all images to appear.
If they do not all appear. Try clicking the browser "refresh" or "reload button" or right click on the image, choose "view image" then go back. It should now appear.
To print, try printing only 3 or 4 pages at a time.
If you find this manual useful, how about a donation of $3 to:
M. Butkus, 29 Lake Ave., High Bridge, NJ 08829-1701
and send your e-mail address so I can thank you.
Most other places would charge you $7.50 for a electronic copy or
$18.00 for a hard to read Xerox copy.
This will allow me to continue to buy new manuals and pay their shipping costs.
It'll make you feel better, won't it?
If you use Pay Pal, use the link below. Use the above address for a check, M.O. or cash.
Back to main camera manual page
Question and Answer IconNeed help?

Do you have a question about the Ricoh TLS 401 and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Ricoh TLS 401 Features

Exclusive 4-in-1 Range;View Finder

Captures subjects via eye-level or waist-level eyepiece, with switchable average/spot light metering.

Through-the-Lens Viewing

Ensures exact picture framing by showing the entire image within the viewfinder before shooting.

Through-the-Lens Focusing

Features a micro-split image rangefinder and focusing screen for enhanced sharpness.

Through-the-Lens CdS Exposure Meter

Measures light accurately for proper exposure settings.

Single Stroke Film-Advance Lever

Cocks the shutter, counts exposures, and prevents double exposures.

Instant Return Mirror

Returns immediately after exposure, preventing viewfinder blackout.

High Speed Auto Rikenon Lens

Enables shooting in low light, producing sharp slides and prints with good color fidelity.

Automatic Diaphragm

Allows focusing and composing at the widest aperture, preventing viewfinder dimming.

High Speed Focal Plane Shutter

Offers speeds from 1 sec to 1/1000 sec, plus bulb, for freezing action or low-light conditions.

Know Your Camera Controls

Film-wind Lever

Controls the winding of the film.

Film Counter

Indicates the number of exposures made.

Shutter Release Button

Initiates the shutter release for taking a picture.

Exposure Meter Signal

Signals the 'switch-on' and 'film-wound' status of the exposure meter.

Neck Strap Eyelets

Points for attaching a neck or shoulder strap.

Viewfinder Change-over Knob

Switches between Eye-level and Waist-level viewfinder positions.

Film Speed Selector

Sets the camera to match the ISO/ASA speed of the loaded film.

Shutter Speed Dial

Adjusts the shutter speed for controlling exposure.

Self-timer Lever

Activates the self-timer for delayed exposures.

F-stop Ring

Controls the aperture (f-stop) of the lens.

Distance Scale

Indicates the focusing distance set on the lens.

Focusing Ring

Adjusts the lens focus for sharp images.

Depth of Field Scale

Shows the range of acceptable sharpness in front of and behind the subject.

Exposure Meter Switch

Turns the built-in exposure meter on or off.

Film Reference Dial

Helps in remembering the type of film loaded.

Film Rewind Knob

Used to rewind the film back into its cartridge.

Waist-level Eyepiece

The eyepiece for waist-level viewing.

Accessory Shoe

Mounting point for external accessories like flashes.

Eye-level Eyepiece

The eyepiece for eye-level viewing.

Film Loading Procedure

Achieving Correct Exposure

Setting the Lens Aperture

Setting the Shutter Speed

Light Measuring Modes

Viewing and Focusing

Understanding Depth of Field

Depth of Field Previewer

Allows previewing the area of sharpness before taking a picture.

Depth of Field Scale

Determines the area of sharpness based on aperture and distance.

Using the Self-Timer

Changing Lenses

Flash Photography

Unloading the Film

Tips for Better Pictures

Camera Accessories

Telephoto Lens

Brings distant subjects closer for detailed shots.

Summary

Ricoh TLS 401 Features

Exclusive 4-in-1 Range;View Finder

Captures subjects via eye-level or waist-level eyepiece, with switchable average/spot light metering.

Through-the-Lens Viewing

Ensures exact picture framing by showing the entire image within the viewfinder before shooting.

Through-the-Lens Focusing

Features a micro-split image rangefinder and focusing screen for enhanced sharpness.

Through-the-Lens CdS Exposure Meter

Measures light accurately for proper exposure settings.

Single Stroke Film-Advance Lever

Cocks the shutter, counts exposures, and prevents double exposures.

Instant Return Mirror

Returns immediately after exposure, preventing viewfinder blackout.

High Speed Auto Rikenon Lens

Enables shooting in low light, producing sharp slides and prints with good color fidelity.

Automatic Diaphragm

Allows focusing and composing at the widest aperture, preventing viewfinder dimming.

High Speed Focal Plane Shutter

Offers speeds from 1 sec to 1/1000 sec, plus bulb, for freezing action or low-light conditions.

Know Your Camera Controls

Film-wind Lever

Controls the winding of the film.

Film Counter

Indicates the number of exposures made.

Shutter Release Button

Initiates the shutter release for taking a picture.

Exposure Meter Signal

Signals the 'switch-on' and 'film-wound' status of the exposure meter.

Neck Strap Eyelets

Points for attaching a neck or shoulder strap.

Viewfinder Change-over Knob

Switches between Eye-level and Waist-level viewfinder positions.

Film Speed Selector

Sets the camera to match the ISO/ASA speed of the loaded film.

Shutter Speed Dial

Adjusts the shutter speed for controlling exposure.

Self-timer Lever

Activates the self-timer for delayed exposures.

F-stop Ring

Controls the aperture (f-stop) of the lens.

Distance Scale

Indicates the focusing distance set on the lens.

Focusing Ring

Adjusts the lens focus for sharp images.

Depth of Field Scale

Shows the range of acceptable sharpness in front of and behind the subject.

Exposure Meter Switch

Turns the built-in exposure meter on or off.

Film Reference Dial

Helps in remembering the type of film loaded.

Film Rewind Knob

Used to rewind the film back into its cartridge.

Waist-level Eyepiece

The eyepiece for waist-level viewing.

Accessory Shoe

Mounting point for external accessories like flashes.

Eye-level Eyepiece

The eyepiece for eye-level viewing.

Film Loading Procedure

Achieving Correct Exposure

Setting the Lens Aperture

Setting the Shutter Speed

Light Measuring Modes

Viewing and Focusing

Understanding Depth of Field

Depth of Field Previewer

Allows previewing the area of sharpness before taking a picture.

Depth of Field Scale

Determines the area of sharpness based on aperture and distance.

Using the Self-Timer

Changing Lenses

Flash Photography

Unloading the Film

Tips for Better Pictures

Camera Accessories

Telephoto Lens

Brings distant subjects closer for detailed shots.

Overview

The Ricoh TLS 401 is a 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera designed for general-purpose photography, offering a unique dual light measuring system and versatile viewing options.

Function Description:

The camera's primary function is to capture images on 35mm film. It features a built-in through-the-lens (TTL) CdS exposure meter for accurate light measurement, ensuring correct exposure for various lighting conditions. The camera allows for both automatic and manual diaphragm control, providing flexibility for different photographic needs, including special effects photography with accessories like a Bellowscope or Extension Ring. The shutter speed and lens aperture can be adjusted to control the amount of light reaching the film, with a full range of speeds from 1 second to 1/1000 second, plus a "bulb" setting for long exposures. The self-timer function provides an 8-second delay for self-portraits or group shots. Flash synchronization is supported for various flash bulbs and electronic flashes, connecting via two Flash Sockets.

Important Technical Specifications:

  • Film Type: Standard 35mm (20 or 36-exposure) film, color or black and white.
  • Viewfinder System: Exclusive 4-in-1 range/viewfinder, offering both eye-level and waist-level viewing.
  • Focusing: Through-the-lens focusing with a micro-split image rangefinder and focusing screen.
  • Exposure Meter: Through-the-lens system CdS exposure meter with dual light measuring system: "Av" (Average) for overall scene light and "Sp" (Spot) for a central, narrowed measuring area. The meter needle in the viewfinder indicates correct exposure, overexposure, or underexposure.
  • Shutter Speeds: Full range from 1 second to 1/1000 second, plus "B" (bulb) setting. "60" (1/60 second) is recommended for subjects not in motion, while faster speeds (1/125 to 1/1000 second) are used to "freeze" swift action. Slower speeds (1/30 to 1 second and "B") are available for low-light conditions or maximum depth of field, requiring a tripod.
  • Lens Mount: Interchangeable lens system.
  • Standard Lens: AUTO RIKENON Lens, typically f:1.4 to f:16 (or f:1.7 to f:16), with an f:/2.8 55mm lens also available. The f-stop ring has "AUTO" for automatic diaphragm control and "MANUAL" for pre-setting.
  • Film Advance: Single stroke film-advance lever, which also cocks the shutter, counts exposures, and prevents double exposures.
  • Mirror: Instant return mirror, preventing viewfinder "blackout" after exposure.
  • Battery: Exposure Meter Battery (Eveready EPX 625, Mallory RM 625R, or equivalent), inserted with plus (+) end up.
  • Flash Synchronization: "M" sync for flash bulbs (No. 5, 5B, 25, 25B, M5, M5B, M2, M2B, AG1, AG1B, 6, 6B, 8) and "X" sync for electronic flash or No. SM flash bulbs. Shutter speeds for flash vary depending on the bulb type.
  • Depth of Field: Preview switch ("M" Manual) to stop down the lens to the set aperture for visual depth of field preview, or determined using the Depth of Field Scale (M) on the lens.

Usage Features:

  • Film Loading: Load film in the shade. Open the camera back by pulling up the Film Rewind Knob (P), insert the film cartridge into the Film Chamber (W), and ensure the Rewind Shaft (V) engages. Pull the film leader across to the Take-up Spool (CC), ensuring sprocket holes engage. Close the back, advance the film-wind lever twice (depressing the shutter release each time), then advance once more to set the film counter to "1".
  • ASA/DIN Setting: Set the film's ASA number on the Film Speed Selector (G) and the film type on the Film Reference Dial (O).
  • Exposure Meter Activation: Turn "ON" the Exposure Meter Switch (N) by pushing it upward. The meter automatically turns on when the film-wind lever is wound and off when the shutter release button is pressed. It's crucial to turn the main switch "OFF" when not in use to conserve battery life.
  • Viewing and Focusing: Choose between eye-level (EL) or waist-level (WL) viewing using the Change-over Knob (F). Focus by rotating the Focusing Ring (L) until the subject appears sharp in the micro-split image.
  • Taking Pictures: Hold the camera steady and press the Shutter Release Button (C) slowly and smoothly.
  • Self-Timer: Move the self-timer Lever (I) away from the lens and press the Shutter Release Button. An 8-second delay will occur before the shutter releases. A tripod is recommended.
  • Lens Changing: To remove a lens, turn it counterclockwise. To insert, turn clockwise until secured.
  • Unloading Film: After the last picture, press the Rewind Button (AA). Lift the crank on the Film Rewind Knob (P) and turn it clockwise until the film is fully rewound. Open the camera back and remove the cartridge.

Maintenance Features:

  • Battery Replacement: The exposure meter battery lasts about a year and should be replaced with Eveready EPX 625, Mallory RM 625R, or equivalent.
  • Care and Handling: Protect the camera from dust, dirt, and rough handling. Avoid exposing the camera or film to excessively high temperatures.
  • WL Finder Cover: Use a cover for the waist-level finder when not in use to keep it free from dust.
  • Film Rewind: Do not force the film-wind lever if it becomes harder to advance at the end of a roll; rewind the film instead.
  • Film Processing: Have film processed as soon as possible after unloading.
  • Instruction Booklet: Read the instruction booklet carefully before use.
  • Practice Roll: Shoot a practice roll of film before important events or trips.
  • Neck Strap/Fingers: Keep fingers and the neck strap clear of the camera lens during operation.

Ricoh TLS 401 Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandRicoh
ModelTLS 401
CategoryFilm Camera
LanguageEnglish

Related product manuals