HISTORY OF THIS CAMERA
My professional and private background is all about electronics, audio and 'The Arts' but NOT really photography! My photographs on this website will atest to that!
Over the years, I seem to have gathered together a bunch of strange camera's (some are odd looking) and instead of sitting in a plastic box under the house (which had the lid on! although I know this is not the ideal environment for a camera!) I am seeking someone who may find a use for this camera (display, spare parts or heaven's forbid - use it!)
I am not a photography enthusiast so this camera is offered as-is (described to the best of my abilities)
In our professional capacity we worked with some broadcast Betacam video gear and these domestic market film camera's seemed to have come into my hands as well - I really have very little interest in old camera's.
Actually I have a number of camera's I am sorting out and testing (if I can) ... look for more camera's here on my website.
I offer the description below as best I can but this camera MAY have a fault(s) or the lens system could be dirty (I am not prepared or knowledgeable enough to evaluate the optics)
I am not even sure anyone is interested in old film camera's (or old digital for that matter) but I am very big on sustainability and if this fits into someone's museum of photography or even spare parts for other Ricoh's this would please me greatly.
PLEASE read the description completely and decide if this camera may be of interest to you.
There are no returns or refunds offered, this is second hand and offered 'as-is"
I have described this RICOH as 'funky' because it has this unusual (to me anyway) side handle, I guess it is so you can hold the camera while taking your shots!
RICOH Camera
Technology: Hybrid electronics and film based
For a film camera, this seems to have a few 'bells and whistles' powered by a battery
Model: Mirai DB-5M
Made in Japan (stamped into the body underneath)
NO carry case could be found
NO lens cap is present - I wouldn't know if these even had one but the lens is 'fully exposed' to the environment without one.
A film roll was found inside, marked as 400 (ASA ?) No tail so I guess it has been exposed and wound back into the reel ready to be developed - no idea really
I would have liked to look inside that handle system because I think this is where batteries go BUT I cannot get it open! It looks like someone else had a go at it too (a long time ago because I have had this for years and years) The plastic nut which is supposed to release the handle end piece doesn't release it. It looks as though someone has tried hard to open it (the plastic nut has some damage) and I tried (very carefully) but no matter what, the end piece would not budge.
I looked through the viewfinder, it seems to be a 'through the lens' system because I can see out of the front lens easily. I do notice some light little brown dots (not heavy but noticeable) I suspect this means mould or a fungal growth has gotten inside the lens system.
Actually it is good to have that handle, it is a surprisingly heavy camera and the handle helps manage it.
Weight: 1.1Kg
It is also quite large (looks like a video camera at first glance) and doesn't seem to be designed with a lady in mind, it is LARGE
Dimensions: 150mm wide x 140mm front to back and 80mm high (more like a brick than a handheld camera!)
COSMETIC CONDITION:
Clean
NO camera body damage at all, but a couple of 'scuff' marks here and there - nothing bad and not deep scratching.
I did notice this 'tape like' material on the big lens has lifted slightly - this seems to be just a cosmetic thing and I am guessing a drop of suitable adhesive would fix that problem (if it is a problem)
On the top is a metal gear of some sort (it looks as though it is supposed to rotate) I am guessing this could be something to do with a flash system, again I really have no idea but that gear does not move freely - it seems to be powered inside the camera.
NO issues noticed with the 'user controls' such as opening the backdoor to access the film (very clean inside) or the movement of that funky little handle.
Although there is no lens cover of any sort, I looked closely at the front lens and cannot see any scratching.
It has buttons and little 'ports' all over the camera, pretty hi tech for a film camera I thought to myself
TESTING:
I really would have liked to get some batteries inside so at least I could see what happens but no such luck (explained above). Of course I don't have any film to suit this camera anyway!
If it isn't working or the optics are no good then I am thinking that perhaps the camera is a candidate as an 'organ donor" camera for those who like to restore these RICOH camera's or just keep it as a "museum" piece - one day (perhaps) everyone will be wanting one of these old film camera's "for memories sake"!
Since checking out the camera I have now sealed it in plastic, to at least keep it in the present condition and it is our spare room, which has a controlled temperature environment so the overall condition should not deteriote further.
