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CLICK HERE FOR A Ricoh RT-550 PDF
VERSION
OF THIS HTML PAGE
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|
CONTENTS
|
Locating the controls 13 |
Auto-focus shooting 19 |
We are most gratified that you have selected a RICOH camera. Before using
your camera, please be sure to read these instructions carefully.
LOCATING THE CONTROLS
 |
1 Shutter Release Button |
|
21 Tripod Socket |
25 Film Loaded Window |
USING THE STRAP
Attaching the Strap
1. Insert the loop at the end of the Strap under the Strap Holder. (Fig. 1)
2. Insert the other end of the Strap through the loop and tie the
Strap onto the Strap Holder. (Fig 2)
INSERTING THE BATTERY
The camera will not operate unless the battery is installed. It is
important to make sure that the battery is installed correctly.
1. Push the Battery Compartment Cover Latch by a pen etc. in the direction of
the arrow and pull open the cover. (Fig 3)
2. Insert the 6 volt lithium battery, checking that+ and - on the battery are
lined up correctly according to the polarity diagram inside the battery
compartment. (Fig. 4)
3. Close the Battery Compartment Cover by pushing it in the direction of the
arrow. (Fig. 5)
* When the battery is inserted correctly, the Battery Condition Mark *** appears
on the LCD Panel when the Lens Shield is opened. (Fig. 6)
* When replacing the battery do so as quickly as possible, and avoid having film
inside the camera.
* Do not remove the battery from the camera unless it is to be replaced with a
new one.
Battery for use - Lithium battery (6V) Duracell DL223A (Only MADE IN USA ),
Panasonic CR-P2 and BR-P2DR
OPENING THE LENS SHIELD
1. Open the Lens Shield by sliding the Viewfinder Cover in the
direction of arrow. (Fig. 7)
* You can only fire the camera when the Lens Shield is completely open.
* To avoid tripping the shutter inadvertently and wasting battery power, always
keep the Lens Shield closed when you are not taking pictures.
* When the Lens Shield is closed, the Battery Condition Mark will disappear to
conserve the battery power.
* Opening the Lens Shield while pressing the shutter release will release the
shutter.
CHECKING THE BATTERY
1. The 
symbol is displayed on the LCD Panel when the battery power is sufficient. (Fig.
8)
2. When the battery is nearly exhausted, the 
symbol will appear. (Fig. 9)
If there is film in your camera, finish the roll as soon as possible and obtain
a new battery.
3. When the battery is completely exhausted the 
symbol will be displayed. (Fig. 10)
Replace with a new battery.
* Cold temperatures will reduce battery efficiency. In freezing weather, the
symbol may turn off and only the
or
symbol
may show in the LCD panel. When the camera returns to normal temperature, the
Battery "ALL Right
symbol
should reappear. If you are taking pictures in cold weather, keep the camera
warm and take it out only when you need it.
* If the battery voltage is insufficient, the shutter may not release or the
film may not advance completely. In the following cases, replace the battery:
1) When the battery mark displays the C sym bolt
2) When the shutter does not release.
3) When film advance and rewind cannot be done.
4) When the self timer does not function.
LOADING THE FILM
Always avoid direct sunlight when loading the film.
1. Push the Back Cover Latch downwards to open. (Fig. 11)
2. Load the film cassette into the Film Chamber and pull out enough
film leader to extend over the mark of the film leader position. (Figs. 12-A,
12.B)
3. Please make sure that the film is within the Film Guides (Fig.
13), and that the film is not slack. (Fig. 14)
4. Press the Back Cover shut so that the Back Cover Latch returns
to its original position. The film is automatically advanced until number 1
appears in the LCD Panel. As soon as you close the Back Cover, the LCD Panel
will show the following signs. (Fig. 15)
(1) Film Cassette loaded Symbol
(2) Film Advance Symbols (these symbols will flash in
sequence toward the right to tell you the film is winding.)
(3) Exposure Counter
5. If the film has not advanced correctly and is not taken up onto the Film
Take-up Spool, the Film Cassette Loaded Symbol, and Exposure Counter will blink
for about 30 sec. (after 30 sec., they appear without blinking but start to
blink when the Shutter Release Button is pressed and the shutter can not be
released).
Please reload the film by following steps 1--4 shown above. (Fig. 16)
* Whether there is film in your camera or not can be confirmed by either the
Film Loaded Window or the cartridge symbols in the LCD Panel. (Fig 17)
* Do not use special-purpose films such as 35 mm Instant Reversal Film, etc.
because your camera may not be able to transport and expose them properly.
* You can load film in your camera although the Lens Shield is closed. However,
the loading signs disappears after the film has advanced correctly.
SETTING THE FILM SPEED
DX coded films are provided with black-and-silver patterns
corresponding to film speeds which the camera reads and automatically sets. Your
camera accepts DX films with speeds ranging from ISO 64 to 3200.
Please check whether the film has a DX code system or not. (Fig 18)
When using a film with DX code, setting the film speed is not necessary Your
camera automatically makes the correct film speed setting.
When using a film without DX code, your camera will automatically set itself to
ISO 100.
HOLDING YOUR CAMERA
1. Use both hands to steady your camera. (Figs 19, 20)
* When holding vertically always position it with the flash at the top.
* Be careful not to place your fingers over the lens flash, or focusing windows.
(Fig. 21)
VIEWFINDER (Fig. 22)
Field of View Frame:
The subject (such as people or scenery) that you wish to take
should be set within this frame.
Parallax Correction Marks:
When taking a picture of subject that is between 0.9 m--1.2 m away
from your camera, the subject should be positioned within these marks. Anything
outside the marks will not be included in the picture even if you can see it
through the view" finder.
Autofocus Frame:
The auto-focus system focuses automatically on any subject that
appears within this small circle.
WIDEANGLE/TELEPHOTO LENS SELECTOR
1. Your camera's wide and tele lenses let you select the
composition that best suits your subject. Just press the Lens Selector; the lens
movement is motorized. (Fig. 23)
Wideangle (35 mm focal length)
Telephoto (70 mm focal length)
* When changing lenses, please make sure you do not have your fingers near the
moving lens components.
AUTO FOCUS SHOOTING
For subjects that are less than 0.9 m (3.0 ft.) away from your camera, the
shutter is locked with the flashing AF Monitor (Green LED) to prevent any
un-sharp focus even if you press the Shutter Release Button. You can concentrate
in composing your photography. (Fig. 24)
1. Set the subject you wish to take within the Auto Focus Frame in center of the
Viewfinder.
2. When you press the Shutter Release Button halfway, the AF
Monitor will light up. If the subject is close than 0.9 m (3.0 ft), the AF
Monitor blinks and the shutter locks.
3. Gently press the Shutter Release Button down to take the
picture. (Fig. 25) The film will advance automatically as soon as the shutter
has been released.
* The AF Monitor may be rare not to warn that you are too close to the subject
depend on the surrounding conditions. Therefore, make sure the subject is at
least 0.9 m (3.0 ft.) away from the camera.
* Avoid pressing the Shutter Release Button too abruptly to avoid camera shake
or possible misoperation.
* Please be careful not to accidentally cover the Distance Measuring Windows at
the front of your camera, as this will cause the incorrect focusing.
* Please keep the Distance Measuring Windows clean so that focusing is accurate.
If they get dirty, they should be wiped clean with a soft cloth.
* There may be rare cases where the subject cannot be well-focused. (For
instance, dark subject that do not reflect light well, glossy subjects, or
subject taken through glass.) In the cases, it is best to use the Pre Focus
technique to "lock" the focus on a more "normal" subject at the same distance.
While holding focus, turn your camera back to the original subject and shoot.
(See PRE-FOCUS SHOOTING for more details.)
PRE FOCUS SHOOTING
When the main subject you wish to focus on is not within the
Auto-Focus Frame, or if the subject is difficult to focus on, then you should
use pre-focus shooting
When the subject is not within the Autofocus Frame:
1. If you want to photograph two people, there may be cases where
neither of them can be within the Auto-Focus Frame in the center of the
Viewfinder. If you release the shutter then, only the background will be in
focus, and the people, who are the main subject, will be out-of-focus. (Fig. 26)
2. Move the camera so that one of the people is within the Auto-Focus Frame
Press the Shutter Release Button halfway so that the AF Monitor
lights up. Hold your finger in that position on the Shutter Release Button.
(Fig. 27)
3. Now return the camera to its original position so that both people are in the
Field of View Frame again, and press the Shutter Release Button fully to take
the picture. (Fig. 28)
When the subject is difficult to focus on:
1. When you are photographing subjects that are difficult to focus
on (such as a black dog, glossy surface or behind glass), find another subject
at about the same distance from the camera You can pre-focus on that subject in
the same way as described above.
* If you are shooting through a window, aiming the camera at a slight angle to
the glass usually avoids any direct reflection of auto-focus beam.
* When you remove your finger from the Shutter Release Button, the pre-focused
condition is cleared, so that you can pre-focus again as many times as you wish.
REWINDING THE FILM (AUTO REVERSE)
1. After the end of the film has been reached, the film is
automatically rewound.
2. The film rewind is indicated by three dashes flashing in
sequence from right to left and the counter gives a subtractive reading. (Fig.
29)
3. When the f ilm is fully rewound, the motor stops automatically
and "E" is displayed in the LCD Panel, you can now open the Back Cover to unload
the film. (Fig. 30)
* If you wish to rewind the film before the end of the film is reached, push the
Manual Film Rewind Button with a pen, etc. (Fig. 31)
* The shutter release is locked when "E" is displayed.
* When removing film, the rewind mechanism may occasionally operate briefly as
the Back Cover is opened. This is not abnormal.
* The rewound film will still have part of the film tongue protruding out of the
film cartridge. (Fig 32)
FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY
1. If flash is required, the Flash Ready Lamp blinks (Fig. 33) when
the Shutter Release Button is depressed halfway. Then, the power source of the
flash automatically turns on.
2. When the flash is fully charged, the Flash Ready Lamp lights up.
Then take a flash photography.
* When the Flash Unit is charging, the Flash Ready Lamp and the Flash Indicator
*** in the Viewfinder (Fig 34) blink. The Shutter Release Button can not be
released. If you keep holding the Shutter Release Button down from when the
flash is not ready, the shutter will be released immediately after the flash
becomes fully charged.
* After the power source turns on (after Flash Ready Lamp starts to blink by
pressing the Shutter Release Button), it will take about 2 seconds to charge
fully.
* Recommended Flash Shooting Range (ISO 100)
Wideangle: 0.9 m - 4.4 m
Telephoto: 0.9 m ~ 2.2 m
NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY
You can easily shoot night photographs that take advantage of
natural illumination by pressing the Flash ff Mode Button. (Fig. 35)
1. Press the Flash Off Mode Button.
2. Then, press the Shutter Release Button halfway while holding the
Flash Off Mode Button down.
3. When the AF Monitor lights, press the Shutter Release Button
fully.
* Using a tripod, or other suitable film support, is recommended to reject
camera shake.
* If you wish to cancel the flash off mode once it has activated, remove your
finger from the Shutter Release Button.
* Be careful! not to put your fingers in front of the flash window.
Daytime Synchronization
When taking pictures of backlit subjects, the camera automatically
compensates for the lighting situation. If the subject is backlit and is within
about 3 meters from the camera, the strobe turns on automatically and
compensation is done via daylight synchronization.
Thus, even with backlit subjects, trouble-free, natural-looking pictures can be
taken. (Fig. 36)
USING THE SELF TIMER
1. Press the Self-timer Button. The Self-timer LED on the front of
your camera will light for approximately 8 seconds. Then, the LED will blink for
about 2 seconds to indicate that the shutter will release soon. After a total 10
seconds have elapsed, the shutter will release (Figs. 37, 38)
* If you wish to clear the self-timer once it has started, close the Lens Shield or press the Self-timer Button again.
Using the Self timer for Flash Photography:
a. The Flash Unit will tu rn on automatically when the Self-timer
Button is pressed if there is insufficient light.
b. Wait for the Flash Ready Lamp to light.
c. Press the Self-timer Button again (the camera will focus) to
make the exposure as described above. Make sure that the Self-timer LED lights
up.
* For backlit subjects within about 3 m from the camera, the Flash Unit will
turn on automatically to compensate for the lighting situation.
Using the Self-timer for Pre focus Photography:
a. Select the subject you wish to pre-focus on. Move the camera so
that it is in Auto-Focus Frame.
b. Press the Shutter Release Button halfway down to adjust and
lock-in the focus.
c. While holding the Shutter Release Button halfway, press the
Self-timer Button to activate the self-timer
d. The focus will remain fixed at the locked-in distance until the
photograph is taken.
USING THE CONTINUOUS SHOOTING MODE
This mode allows you shoot continuously as long as the shutter is
pressed.
You can accurately capture the continuous action of car races, competitive sport
events, and even the movements of an infant without missing any important
moments. (Figs. 39, 40, 41)
1. Press the Mode Button to set your camera to the Continuous Shooting Mode.
Confirm that the *** mark appears in the LCD Panel. (Fig. 42)
2. Press and hold down the Shutter Release Button. Your camera will
continuously take pictures at a rate of one f fame per second as long as the
Shutter Release button is held down. (Fig. 43) * If you want to cancel the
Continuous Shooting
Mode before taking any picture, close the Viewfinder Cover or press the
Continuous Shooting Mode again until the mode marks go off.
Combining the Continuous Shooting Mode and the Self-timer:
1. Set your camera to the Continuous Shooting Mode.
2. Press the Self-timer Button. Your camera will wait 10 seconds,
then shoot two sequential frames.
Combining the Continuous Shooting Mode and the Flash:
1. Set your camera to the Continuous Shooting Mode.
2. Press the Shutter Release Button halfway down.
3. If the amount of light is insufficient, the Flash Unit will turn
on automatically.
4. The Flash Ready Lamp lights, when the flash is fully charged.
5. Press and hold down the Shutter Release Button to continue
shooting. Your camera will automatically make another exposure each time the
Flash Ready Lamp relights.
Combining the Continuous Shooting Mode with the Self-timer and Flash:
1. Set the camera to the Continuous Shooting Mode.
2. Press the Self-timer Button. If the amount of light is
insufficient, the flash will turn on automatically.
3. When the flash is fully charged, again press the Self-timer
Button. The Self-timer LED will light.
4. The Self-timer LED will remain lit for 8 seconds and then start
to f lash for 2 seconds. After a total of 10 seconds have elapsed, the shutter
will release.
5. As soon as the Flash Ready Lamp comes on again, the shutter
releases a second time.
PROPER CARE OF YOUR CAMERA
* If there is dirt on the lens or Distance Measuring Windows, do not touch with
fingers. Use a blower to blow the dust away, or wipe the surface gently with a
soft cloth. (Fig. 44)
* Camera malfunction can be caused by shock, humidity, salt etc. After using the
camera at the beach or places where there are chemicals, wipe it carefully (Fig.
45)
* Take care not to expose the camera to sudden changes in temperature, as they
may cause condensation on the lens or other malfunctions. (Fig. 46)
* Do not expose the camera for a long period of time in extremely high
temperatures, such as in your car or on the beach, as this may ruin your film,
or cause other malfunctions. (Fig. 47)
* When using a tripod, do not try to force a long screw into the socket. The
screw length should be less than 5.7 mm. (Fig. 48)
* Do not place the camera near equipment that has strong magnetic fields such as
a television or radio. (Fig. 49)
MAJOR SPECIFICATIONS:
Type:
35 mm wide-an gle/telephoto switchable lens sh utter type with
automatic focus.
Lens: 35 mm f3.5, 4 elements/3 groups. 70 mm f6.6, 8 elements/6 groups.
Focusing: Automatic focusing with pre-focus facility Distance measuring (shooting)
Range: 0.9 m - 00. Distance less than 0.9 m: AF monitor (green LED) blinks and shutter release locks.
Shutter: Programmed AE type electronic shutter, 1--1/500 sec.
Self Timer: Built-in electronic visual type. Operating delay of approx. 10 sec. Can be com bined with continuous shooting mode to shoot two pictures.
Viewfinder: Al bade type bright-f fame viewf inder. Adjustable for telephoto and wide-angle by motor.
Magnification: 0.70X (at telephoto); 0.38X (at wide-angle).
Field of view: 87% (at tale); 84% (at wide).
Viewfinder Information: Field of view frame, parallax correction marks, auto focus frame.
Exposure Adjustment: With CdS photocell.
Exposure coupling range: Telephoto EV6.4--18 (ISO 100), Wide-angle EV3.5--17 (ISO 100).
Film Speed Range: ISO 64--3200. Compatible with the DX code system.
Film Advance/Rewind: By a built-in motor. Automatic 1st f fame setting. Automatic f ilm rewi nd at end of film.
Film Loading: Ricoh auto-load system.
Exposure Counter:
Additive counts down during film reverse.
LCD Display:
Film loaded, film advance, exposure counter, film
reverse and reverse completion, continuous shooting, battery loaded, battery low
warning, flash charging indicator.
Built-in Flash:
Electronic flash automatically activates in dim
light or for backlight compensation.
Flash Range:
Approx 2.2 m (telephoto), 4.4 m (wide-angle) with ISO
100 film. Exposure adjust ment through flashmatic system.
Interval Between Flashes: About 2 seconds.
Power Source: 1 lithium 6-volt battery (DL223A (Only MADE IN USA ), BR-P2DP! CR-P2).
Dimensions: 137 (w) x 73.5 (h) x 54 (d) m m.
Weight:
300 9 (without battery)
*Specifications are subject to change without notice.