Ricoh Singlex

[casualcollector]

Several years ago a friend gave me a Nikkorex F that had been given to him. Upon learning that camera's story, I caught the bug for one of these.



It's the original Ricoh Singlex with Nikon F bayonet mount. Basically, a restyled Nikkorex F. Just delivered today, I picked it up off E-bay last week.

The history I've seen on the web says that Mamiya originally designed the camera. Nikon was "encouraged" to pick it up as an entry level camera. When Nikon later designed the Nikkormat, Ricoh picked it up. No one seems sure if assembly took place at Ricoh or Mamiya. The camera was also rebadged and sold by Sears-Roebuck & Co. as the Sears SL-11.

This one is grungy, gummed up and jammed. Ever the optimist, I'm hoping I can make it work again. I'll be looking for the Sears version, too.

Bill

[herron]

Yep! ;D
Mamiya made the Nikkorex F for Nikon. It was roughly based on the Mamiya Prismat NP. Mamiya also sold the design to Ricoh. Info about it is on my site at this link.

Let us know if you get yours working!

[stevedittmar]

Great find. I was taken by the same story and also found one on ebay. Other than some typical seal issues, mine is pretty good. I have become addicted to early Nikons, and would like to find a Sears one also. I think you could use one of these as a weapon if you had to. I think they are uncommon, and have been told they are very sought after by collectors in Europe and Japan. Good luck cleaning yours up.

[casualcollector]

Thanks, Steve. I've just relocated and am trying to figure out how to display the collection! Hope to get tinkering soon.