Ricoh Shotmaster Zoom
posted 6-15-'03

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 any camera company

On-line camera manual library 

Back to main camera manual page

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.

If you use Pay Pal, use the link below.
Use the above address for a check, M.O. or cash.

CLICK HERE FOR A
PDF VERSION OF THIS Ricoh Shotmaster Zoom PAGE

CONTENTS

USING THE STRAP

Attaching the strap

1. Insert the small loop at the end of the Strap under the Strap Holder. (Fig. 1)

2. Insert the other end of the Strap through the loop to 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 installed correctly. 1. Use a pen to push the Battery Compartment Cover Latch in the direction of the arrow and pull open the cover. (Fig. 3) 2. Insert the recommenced. 6 volt lithium battery, checking that + and - on the battery aligned according to 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)

* With the battery inserted correctly, the Battery Condition Mark (battery image) appears on the LCD Panel when the Lens Shield is opened. (Fig. 6) * Do not remove the battery from the camera until you are ready to replace it.

* When replacing the battery, do so as quickly as possible to avoid erasing camera memory. We recommend replacing the battery when there is No film in the camera.

Recommended Replacement Batteries
Lithium battery (6V)
Panasonic CR-P2p
Duracell XL DL223A (Made in USA)
Kodak K223LA



OPENING THE LENS SHIELD

1. Open the Lens Shield by sliding the Viewfinder Cover in the direction of arrow. (Fig. 7) * You can only take pictures 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 battery power.

CHECKING THE BATTERY

1. The (full battery image) symbol is displayed on the LCD Panel when battery power is sufficient. (Fig. 8) 2. When the battery is nearly exhausted, the (half battery image) 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 C 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 symbol. 

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 downward to open. (Fig. 11)

2. Load the film cassette into the Film Chamber and pull out enough film leader to extend past the mark of the film leader position. (Figs. 12-A, 12.B)

* If there is a dust on the inner lens which drops from the film when you load it, please use a blower to blow the dust away

3. Make sure the film stays within the Film Guides and is not slack. (Figs. 13,14)

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: (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 (4) Film taken up onto Film Take-up Spool (5). If the film has not advanced correctly and is not taken up onto the Film Take-up Spool, the Film Take-up Spool Symbol and Exposure Counter will blink for about 30 sec. (After 30 sec., these symbols will appear without blinking but start to blink when the Shutter Release Button is pressed and the shutter can not be released.), or the LCD Panel will not show all film loading signs mentioned in the step 4. 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 Film Cassette Loaded Symbol in the LCD Panel. (Fig. 17)

* Do not use special-purpose films such as 35mm Instant Reversal Film, etc. because your camera may not be able to transport and expose them properly. * You can load film in your camera with the Lens Shield closed. However, the loading sign will disappear after the film has advanced correctly. * Do not touch the inner lens with your fingers or the edge of film. (Fig. 18)

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 is DX-encoded or not. (Fig. 19)

When using a film with DX code, setting the film speed is not necessary. Your camera automatically sets the correct film speed.

When using a film without DX code, your camera will automatically set itself to ISO 100.

HOLDING YOUR CAMERA

 

1. Always use both hands to steady your camera. (Fig. 20) * When holding the camera vertically always position it with the flash at the top. (Fig. 21) * Be careful not to place your fingers over the lens, flash or focusing windows. (Fig. 22)

VIEWFINDER (Fig. 23)

(1) Field of View Frame: The subject (such as people or scenery) you wish to photograph should be set within this frame. (2) Parallax correction Marks: When taking a picture of a subject that is between 0.68m-- 1.2m (2.2 and 3.9 ft.) 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 viewfinder.

(3) Auto Focus

Frame: The auto-focus system focuses automatically on any subject that appears within this small frame.

ZOOMING THE LENS
 

The built-in 38-76mm zoom lens lets you get closer to your subject without changing your position. This lets you easily select the composition that best suits your subject. To zoom the lens, just press either of the zoom buttons (Fig. 24) until your subject is framed properly. The nominal focal length you have selected will appear on the LCD Panel. * When zooming the lens, keep your fingers away from the moving lens components.

3. Position zooming mode

You will appreciate the quick, convenient way to change to focal length, the mode moves directly to one of the three present focal lengths - the middle 54mm setting or to either the 38mm or 76mm setting. (Fig. 25)

1. Set the 3-Position zooming mode by pressing the zooming mode button on the top of camera. Be sure that the * * * symbol appears in the LCD panel. (Fig. 26)


AUTO FOCUS SHOOTING

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. (Fig. 27) If the subject is closer than 0.68m (2.2 ft.), the AF Monitor will blink and the shutter will lock. (Fig. 28) 3. Gently press the Shutter Release Button down to take the picture. The film will advance automatically as soon as the shutter has been released.

* Under certain unusual conditions, the AF Monitor may not warn when you are too close to the subject. Therefore, make sure the subject is at least 0.68m (2.2 ft.) away from the camera.

* Avoid pressing the Shutter Release Button too abruptly to avoid camera shake or possible mis-operation.

* Be careful not to accidentally cover the Distance Measuring Windows at the front of your camera, as this will cause incorrect focusing.

* Keep the Distance Measuring Windows clean to ensure accurate focusing. If they get dirty, they should be wiped clean with a soft cloth.

* There may be rare cases when accurate focusing is difficult or impossible. (For instance, with dark subjects that do not reflect light well, glossy subjects, or subjects taken through glass.) In these cases, it is best to use the Pre-Focus technique (see next section) 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 subject you wish to focus on is not located within the Auto-Focus Frame or is difficult to focus on, you should use pre-focus shooting. When the subject is not within the Auto-focus Frame: 1. If you want to photograph two or more people, there may be cases where none of your main subjects 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. 29) 2. Move the camera to one side 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. Keep holding your finger halfway down on the Shutter Release Button. (Fig. 30) 3. Now return the camera to its original position so that your main subjects are in the Field of View Frame again, and press the Shutter Release Button fully to take the picture. (Fig. 31)

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 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, aim the camera at a slight angle to the glass to minimize any direct reflection of the auto-focus beam.

* When you remove your finger from the Shutter Release Button, the pre-focus setting is cleared, so that you can prefocus 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. 32) 3. When the film 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. 33) * 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. 34) In this case, the rewound film will still have part of the film tongue protruding out of the film cassette. (You may wish to push the film completely back into the cassette to avoid accidentally reloading it again at a later time.)

* The shutter release is locked with "E" is displayed. * When removing film, the rewind mechanism may occasionally operate briefly as the Back Cover is opened. This is not abnormal. * Be careful! not to touch the inner lens with your fingers on the edge of film.

FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY
 

1. If flash is required, the Flash Unit automatically pops up and the Flash Ready Lamp blinks when the Shutter Release Button is depressed halfway. Then, the power source of the flash automatically turns on. (Figs. 35, 36) 2. When the flash is fully charged, the Flash Ready Lamp will be turned off. Then, press the Shutter Release Button to take a flash photograph. The Flash Ready Lamp lights again to tell you that the flash is ready when pressing the Shutter Release Button halfway. 3. When you have completed your flash photographs, please be sure to push the Flash Unit down. This turns off the flash power source and conserves your battery. (Fig. 37)

(2) When you are photographing in dark areas.

To help minimize the red eye, make the room lighting as bright as possible and/or have your subjects look toward the light just before photographing.

Daytime Synchronization

When taking pictures of backlit subjects, the camera automatically compensates for the lighting situation. If the subject is backlit and is at least about 4 meters from the camera, the Auto Back-Light Control (ABLC) will be activated. If the subject is within about 4 meters of the camera, the flash pops up automatically and compensation is done via daylight synchronization. Thus, even with backlit subjects, trouble-free, natural-looking pictures can be taken. (Fig. 38)

USING THE SELF TIMER
(CLICK HERE TO SEE IMAGE 39 -40)

1. Press the Self-timer Button. The Self-timer LED on the front of the camera will light for approximately 8 seconds. Then, the LED will blink and an electronic beep sound will be emitted for about 2 seconds to indicate that the shutter will release soon. After a total of about 10 seconds have elapsed, the shutter will release. (Figs. 39, 40) * 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. When the Self-timer Button is pressed the Flash Unit will pop up automatically if there is insufficient light. b. Wait for the Flash to fully charge. c. Press the Self-timer Button again (the camera will Autofocus) to make the exposure as described above. Make sure that the Self-timer LED and the Flash Ready Lamp light up. * For backlit subjects within about 4m from the camera, the Flash Unit will turn on automatically to compensate for the lighting situation.

This camera includes a variety of operating modes which permit you to widely express your creativity. These modes include Night Photography, TV, Continuous Shooting, Interval and Multiple Exposure (M.E.). These modes may be used with flash photography, self-timer, and/or remote control picture taking, allowing you to fully and precisely obtain the image you seek. Or you can experiment, these modes are designed to stimulate your imagination and creativity.

* To change operating modes, simply press the Mode Button located on the top of the camera. Each time this button is pressed, the camera will be set to the next mode. (Fig. 41) You can confirm that the desired feature mode is in effect by checking the LCD Panel which displays the current feature mode. The following symbols are used for the respective modes as listed below. For detailed operation of each mode, refer to their respective sections in this manual.

NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY MODE

The Night Photography mode lets you easily shoot breathtaking evening panoramas using natural illumination. 1. Press the Mode Button until the (mountains) symbol is shown in the LCD Panel. Then, press the Shutter release to take a picture. (Fig. 43)

* The lens is set to infinity.

* The Flash Unit does not pop up in the Night Photography Mode. Be careful! that the flash is fired if it is already up.

* To use the self-timer in this mode, press the Mode Button until the camera is set to the Night Photography Mode, then press the Self-timer Button. Using a tripod, or other camera support, is recommended to prevent camera shake.

* To cancel this mode, press the Mode Button until the LCD Panel shows no mode symbol, or close the Lens Shield.

* Use a tripod to avoid camera shake.

* When using this mode in daylight, the Scenery Mode will be activated and the focus set to (infinity sign) and the exposure will be set to automatic exposure.

TV MODE

Use this mode to shoot the screen of a computer monitor or television. (Refer to sample photo.) 1. Press the Mode Button until the (TV) mark is displayed on the LCD Panel. Then, take a picture. (Fig. 44)

* The Flash Unit does not pop up in the TV Mode. If flash is up, the TV Mode can not be set.

* When taking pictures in the TV Mode, the shutter speed will be 1/8--1/30 sec. and the F-stop will be F3.5.

* For TV Mode photography, a slow-moving TV image will turn out clearer than a fast-moving one. Using a tripod is also recommended to prevent camera shake.

* To use the self-timer in this mode, press the Mode Button until the camera is set to TV Mode, then press the Self-timer Button.

* To cancel this mode, press the Mode Button until the LCD Panel shows no mode symbol, or close the Lens Shield.

CONTINUOUS SHOOTING MODE

This mode allows you shoot continuously as long as the shutter is pressed. You can accurately capture the action of car races, competitive sport events, and even the movements of an infant without missing any important moments.

1. Press the Mode Button to set your camera in the Continuous Shooting Mode. Confirm that the (c multiple frame) mark appears in the LCD Panel. (Fig. 45)

2. Press and hold down the Shutter Release Button. Your camera will continuously take pictures at a rate of one frame per second as long as the Shutter Release Button is held down. (Fig. 46)

* To cancel the Continuous Shooting Mode, press the Mode Button again until the mode marks go off or close the Lens Shield.

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 the 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 pop up automatically.

4. After the Flash fully charges, press the Shutter Release Button to make the exposure.

5. Continue shooting by holding down the Shutter Release Button. Your camera will automatically make another exposure each time the Flash charges.

* Continuous flashing of the stroboscope may cause the battery and the camera to heat up. In such a case, we recommend you not to use the flash for a while.


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 pop up 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.
6. Cancel the Continuous Shooting Mode and push the Flash Unit down to the original position.

INTERVAL MODE

This mode release the shutter in 60 second intervals, allowing you to make a series of time-lapse photograph. You can use this mode for variety of applications, such as for remotely observing animals or birds, to document the blooming of a flower or make a dramatic scenes of the setting sun.

1. Set the camera to the interval Mode. (Fig. 47)

2. Press the Self-timer Button. After 60 seconds, the shutter will release. The camera will automatically make an exposure every 60 seconds until the Interval Mode is cancelled.

3. Press the Mode Button to cancel the Interval Mode, or close the Lens Cover. Confirm that the (60sec) symbol disappears.

* When the Interval Mode is activated, the Self-timer LED will blink and an electronic beep sound will be emitted for last 2 seconds.

* At the end of the roll, your camera will automatically rewind the film and reset itself to normal operation.

* You can also release the shutter during the Interval Mode. Then, the Interval Mode will be cancelled automatically.

* If the surrounding lighting is insufficient when in the Interval Mode, the Flash Unit will pop up automatically and the Interval Mode will be activated after the flash is charged and ready. Pictures will then be taken with flash. All pictures will be taken with flash unless the mode is cancelled or unless there is sufficient lighting and the Flash Unit is pushed back down.

* To cancel the Interval Mode, press the Mode Button or close the Lens Shield. If the mode is cancelled with the Mode Button, the camera will not switch to the next mode. It will be set for normal operation. To set it to the mode from the Interval Mode, use the Mode Button again to select the M.E. mode.

MULTIPLE EXPOSURE (M.E.) MODE

The multiple exposure capability allows you to combine several different images on the same film frame. Use your imagination to create exciting composite photographs.

1. Set your camera to the M.E. Mode. The M.E. symbol will be displayed on the LCD Panel. (Fig. 48)

2. Press the Shutter Release Button to make the first shot M.E in the LCD display panel disappears after the first shot

3. Make second exposure. Then, after the second shot is exposed, the M.E. mode will be cancelled automatically and the film will be wound automatically.

* The Exposure Counter will not advance during multiple exposure photography.

* When processing and printing your film, tell your lab that multiple exposures were taken. If you don't the lab may consider these shots "accident" double exposures and may not print them.

* To use the self-timer in the M.E. Mode, first press the Mode Button to select the M.E. Mode. Then press the Self-timer Button.

* The flash can also be used in this mode to obtain various special effects.

REMOTE CONTROL SOCKET
 

This camera is equipped with a Remote Control Socket. You can Grip the shutter remotely various ways by plugging an (optional) infrared sensor, audio sensor, remote controller, etc., into this socket. A 50cm electronic cable release cord, and a 10m extension cord, are available from Ricoh as options for use in remote control photography.

Typical Installation
1. Remove the cover of the Remote Control Socket to connect the electronic cable release of remote controller. An extension cord can be used forsaking photographs at a distance from subjects. (Fig. 49)

2. Set the camera, aim at the subject and gently press the remote controller button. (Fig 50)

* Before inserting or pulling out a cord into/from this socket, close the Lens Shield. If the Lens Shield is left open, the shutter might accidentally be released.

Optional 1.5x Teleconverter

It extends the longest focal length to the equivalent of 114mm, and also permits shots as close as 1.5 meters (4.9 ft.).


PROPER CARE OF YOUR CAMERA

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

* 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.

* Take care not to expose the camera to sudden changes in temperature, as they may cause condensation on the lens, or other malfunctions.

* 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.

* 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 (1/4 ~ ).

* Do not place the camera near equipment that has strong magnetic fields such as a television or radio.


MAJOR SPECIFICATIONS:

Type: Full-automatic 35 mm autofocus lens-shutter camera with built-in ZOOM lens.

Lens: 38 mm f3.5-76 mm f6.7 zoom lens.

(2 choice: zooming by motor or quick switchable focal length in 3 positions) 7 elements 3 groups.

Focus: Automatic focusing with pre-focus facility. Distance measuring

(shooting) range: 0.68 m (2.2 ft.)--00. Distance less than 0.68 m (2.2 ft.):

AF monitor (Green LED) blinks and shutter release locks.

Self-timer: Built-in electronic visual type. Operating delay of approx. 10 sec. Can be combined with continuous shooting mode to shoot two pictures.

Viewfinder. Albada type bright-frame viewfinder

Magnification: 0.65x (at telephoto) 0.35x (at wide-angle)

Field of view: 83%

Viewfinder information: Field of view frame, parallax correction marks, auto focus frame.

Exposure adjustment: With CdS photocell. Programmed automatic exposure adjustment with automatic backlight control system. Exposure coupling range: EV 4.6--17 (ISO 100) _

Film speed range: ISO 64--3200. Compatible with the OX code system.

Film loading: Ricoh auto-load system.

Film advance/rewind: Automatic film advance and rewind. Automatic 1st frame setting.

Automatic film reverse at the end of film.

Exposure counter: Additive, counts down during film reverse.

Built-in flash: Electronic flash automatically activates in dim light and backlight.

Flash shooting range: About 5.7 m (18.8 ft.) (at wide-angle), about 3 m (9.8 ft.) (at telephoto).

Interval between flashes: About 3sec.

Other features: Continuous shooting mode. Multi-exposure mode. Interval mode. Night photography mode. TV mode.

Power Source: 1 lithium battery

Dimensions: 140 mm/5.5 in. (w) x 74 mm/2.9 in. (h) x 54mm/2.1 in. (d)

Weight: 3609 (6-15/16 oz.) (without battery)

Specifications are subject to change without notice.