Antique and Classic Cameras

Ricohflex TLR Information Guide

Ricoh manufactured a series of Twin Lens Reflex Cameras in the 1950's. There were two basic lines, the first was a series of low cost TLR's that were made out of component pieces of stamped metal. These cameras are easily recognized by their geared focusing rings. These was sold in huge numbers by Ricoh. The other line of TLR's was the Ricohflex "Diamond" Series, started in the mid 1950's in an attempt to compete with the Yashicaflex line of TLR's. The Diamond series was also referred to as "Dia" and "Diacord" cameras. "Diacord," was the name given to the Diamond camera that was exported outside of Japan - an abbreviation of Diamond and an acknowledgment to the top selling Rolleicord series of cameras. Below is a table of the Diamond Series of cameras sold by Ricoh. Data comes from Ricoh's Japanese website. I was surprised to read that the first three models had 3 element Rikenon lenses - I had always assumed they were all 4 element Tessar type lenses. Another surprise is the fact that the only model with an F3.2 viewing lens is the Ricohflex Diamond L model - the rest have a F3.5 viewing lens. Lastly, as you can see in the table, many models were made in a short period time (1955-59 ) and I have seen some versions that have variations not listed. I assume these hybrids are transitional models.

Camera		Nameplate	Comments
Ricohflex Diamond	1955	Ricohflex	Ricoh Anastigmat 80mm F3.5 ~ 3 elements, F3.5 viewing lens, Citizen-MXV shutter to 1/400. Also called "Dia"
Ricohflex Diamond M	1956	Ricohflex	Rikenon 80mm F3.5 ~ 3 elements, F3.5 viewing lens, Seiko shutter 1/10 to 1/300. Also called "Dia M"
Ricohflex New Diamond I	1956	Ricohflex	Rikenon 80mm F3.5 ~ 3 elements, F3.5 viewing lens, Citizen-MXV shutter to 1/400
Ricohflex New Diamond II	1957	Ricohflex	Rikenon 80mm F3.5 lens ~ 4 elements, F3.5 viewing lens, Seikosha MX shutter to 1/500. First w/4 element taking lens
Ricohflex Diamond L	1957	Ricoh Diacord	Rikenon 80mm F3.5 lens ~ 4 elements, F3.2 viewing lens, Seikosha MXL shutter to 1/500, Light meter, exported as the "Diacord" and also called "Dia L"
Ricohflex Diamond G	1958	Ricoh Diacord	Rikenon 80mm F3.5 lens ~ 4 elements, F3.5 viewing lens, Citizen-MXV shutter to 1/400. Also called "Diacord G"
Ricohmatic 225	1959	Ricohmatic 225	Rikenon 80mm F3.5 lens ~ 4 elements, F3.5 viewing lens, Seikosha SLV to 1/500, Light meter.
Ricoh Automatic 66	1959	Ricoh Auto 66	Ricoh 80mm F3.5 ~ 3 element lens, F3.5 viewing lens, Seikosha-L shutter 1/25 to 1/250.

Having used multiple 4 element Diacords, I can highly recommend them and they are great value for the money. My advice is to seek out a 4 element model for $ 100 or so. These are very well made and can compete with the more expensive Yashica TLR models.

Diacord G from http://my.reset.jp/inu/ProductsDataBase/Products/RICOH/RICOH_TLR/RICOH_TLR.htm

Diacord L from http://my.reset.jp/inu/ProductsDataBase/Products/RICOH/RICOH_TLR/RICOH_TLR.htm

I would also recommend you steer clear of the cheaper "geared" models. These all have 3 element lenses and their build quality is much less than the Diacord models. The gears are a weakness and a pain to use. While they can produce decent images, for an additional $ 30-$ 50, its worth upgrading to the Diacord camera.