Ricoh L-20
posted 8-10-2003

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VERSION OF THIS HTML PAGE

Ricoh L-20 camera

 

Ricoh L-20 camera

(1) Viewfinder
(2) Film Counter Window
(3) Shutter Release Button
(4) Lens Cover
(5) Infinity Switch
(6) Film Speed Selector
(7) Flash Unit
(8) Photocell
(9) viewfinder Eyepiece
(10) Flash Ready Lamp
(11) Flash Switch
(12) Back Cover Latch
(13) Film Take-up Spool
(14) Manual Film Rewind Switch
(15) Film Guides
(16) Film Rewind Shaft
(17) Battery Compartment Cover
(18) Battery Compartment Latch
(19) Back Cover
(20) Film Loaded Window
(21) Film Chamber
(22) Sprocket
(23) Film Counter Switch


1. Inserting the batteries

Ricoh L-20 camera · Push the Battery Compartment Latch to pull open Battery Compartment Cover

· Insert a Lithium battery (Panasonic CR-123A or Duracell DL-123A) or two AA size batteries (Alkaline or Manganese) following the polarity information inside the Battery Compartment.

· Close the Cover by pushing it shut

Notes:  Do not use Nickel Cadmium batteries.

Remove AA batteries from the camera when you do not expect to use it for a long period time.

Replace batteries with new ones when the Flash Ready Lamp takes more than 30 seconds to light up.

In cold conditions the capacity of the battery decreases, and the camera may not operate correctly. In that case, you should warm the battery (carry them in your pocket for exam pie) before using the camera.



2. Opening the Lens Cover
Ricoh L-20 camera

 

· Slide the Lens Cover in the direction of the arrow.

· The Lens Cover is interlocked with the safety mechanism of the camera You can fire the camera only when the Lens Cover is open.


3. Checking the Battery

Ricoh L-20 camera · Cover the Photocell with your finger, and press the Shutter Release Button down halfway

· Make sure that the Low Light Warning LED in the Viewfinder lights up.

Note: Some clear plastic surfaces may be covered with a protective plastic film. Gently remove this material before using camera.

4. Setting the film speed

Ricoh L-20 camera

· Slide the Film Speed Selector to the closest ISO number according to the film speed indicated on the outside of the film.

· Applicable Films: ISO 100 ISO 1000 It's recommended you use color negative films. Color slide films may be improperly exposed under varying lighting conditions.

(webmaster: Color slide film is very sensitive to the kinds of light it is shot under.  Fluorescent lights, indoor lights, etc. The colors may be off and slide film cannot be "corrected" like print film can when being printed.

Ricoh L-20 camera

· Push the Back Cover Latch down

· Load the film into the Film Chamber, pull out the film leader, press the film container's outlet so that the surface becomes level with the rail surface and place the film

 

Ricoh L-20 camera  · Line up the film within the Film Guides. Make sure that there is no slack in the film and that the edge of the film stays over the Film Counter Switch. Then press the Back Cover shut.


Ricoh L-20 camera · Press the Shutter Release Button once The film will be automatically advanced until number"1" appears in the Film Counter Window. If number "1" does not appear, or the film transport motor does not stop, the film has not advanced correctly. Open the camera back

· The Film Loaded Window confirms whether film is in the camera or not, and shows you what type of film is being used.


6. Taking a picture

Ricoh L-20 camera

· Be sure your subject is at least 1 m 3 ft. ) A away from the camera

· Take pictures with sunlight behind you.

 

Ricoh L-20 camera · The camera takes beautiful pictures outdoors at any focusing distance greater than 1 m (3 ft.) by simply pressing the shutter For distant subjects, the image will be clearer if the Infinity Switch is held while the shutter is pressed. The Infinity Switch is the small gray lever on the front of the camera.

· Push the Back Cover Latch downward.

 7. Using the Flash/

Ricoh L-20 camera

· Use the flash whenever the Low Light Warning LED lights up.

· Slide the Flash Switch to the ON


Ricoh L-20 camera · Wait until the Flash Ready Lamp is lit before shooting.

· Do not block the flash reflector

· Always turn off Flash Switch when not in use.

· Flash shooting Range 1.2-3.1 m (3.9-1 0.2 ft.) (ISO 100 color negative film)

 

8. Rewinding the Film. 

Ricoh L-20 camera

· After the end of the film has been reached, the film will I be automatically rewound.

· After the film is fully rewound and the motor stops automatically and the "S" is seen in the film counter.



9. Unloading the Film

Ricoh L-20 camera

· Push the Back Cover Latch downwards

· If you wish to rewind the film before the end of roll is reached, push the Manual Film Rewind Switch


Ricoh L-20 camera · Open the Back Cover to remove the film cassette.




Proper care of your camera

*If there is dirt on the lens, do not touch with fingers. Use a blower to blow the dust away, or wipe the surface gently with a soft cloth.

Major Specifications

Type: 35 mm lens shutter type

Lens: 35 mm Ricoh f4.5 lens, 3 elements, 3 groups

Focusing: Fixed Focus with Infinity Switch

Distance 1 m (3.3 ft) - 00 

Shutter: Mechanical shutter, 1/125 sec.

Viewfinder: Reverse Galilean viewfinder

Magnification: 0.52X

Field of view: 80%

Low light warning: CdS photocell activates Red LED in viewfinder

Film speeds: ISO 100 200 400, 1000

Film loading: Ricoh auto load system

Film advance: Automatic advance

Film rewind: Automatic rewind at the end of roll

Exposure counter: Additive, automatic resets to "S" when the camera back is opened.

Built-in flash: Electronic flash

Flash recycling time: About 6 sec. (with fresh batteries, at room temperature)

Flash shooting range: 1.2-about 3.1 m (3.9ft.-10.2ft.) with 150100 color negative film

Power source: 1 lithium battery (Panasonic CR-123A or Duracell DL-123A) or 2 AA penlight Alkaline or Manganese batteries (Nickel Cadmium batteries can not be used.)

Dimensions: 132(W)x68(H)x50(D)mm (5.2x 2.7x2.0 inches)

Weight: 220g (without batteries)

Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.