|
Post by Randy on Jul 22, 2014 12:15:15 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by lesdmess on Aug 2, 2014 12:02:08 GMT -5
How about the Ricoh TLS401. On the side of the viewfinder is an actuator that switches a mirror to allow eye level or waist level viewing without the need for interchangeable viewfinders. I can't say that I have seen another camera with this configuration have you?
|
|
|
Post by philbirch on Aug 2, 2014 14:51:45 GMT -5
Not seen one of these before. Quite a handsome camera in a Minolta XE1/7 kind of way.
|
|
|
Post by lesdmess on Aug 2, 2014 17:27:06 GMT -5
Since others may be unfamiliar with the TLS401, here is a review of it from MP 1970.
|
|
mickeyobe
Lifetime Member
Resident President
Posts: 7,280
|
Post by mickeyobe on Aug 2, 2014 18:55:41 GMT -5
Ricoh TLS 401
It is, indeed, an attractive camera.
It looks substantial and businesslike.
Mickey
|
|
daveh
Lifetime Member
Posts: 4,696
|
Post by daveh on Aug 2, 2014 20:50:50 GMT -5
I would say the Ricoh is not unattractive.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 2, 2014 21:22:00 GMT -5
Ok, I'm probably gonna get in trouble, but.. .
The Ricoh look to me like a camera that after manufacturing was already under way they kept coming up with new ideas that were tack on. Switches and buttons sticking out everywhere. The term "Rube Goldberg" comes to mind.
|
|
mickeyobe
Lifetime Member
Resident President
Posts: 7,280
|
Post by mickeyobe on Aug 3, 2014 1:24:31 GMT -5
Ok, I'm probably gonna get in trouble, but.. . The Ricoh look to me like a camera that after manufacturing was already under way they kept coming up with new ideas that were tack on. Switches and buttons sticking out everywhere. The term "Rube Goldberg" comes to mind. Wayne, The switches and buttons and knobs and levers and attachments are part of its charm. They make it look like a serious, ready for anything camera. Sleek is slick but but attachments are emotional. Mickey
|
|
|
Post by lesdmess on Aug 3, 2014 11:50:00 GMT -5
Ok, I'm probably gonna get in trouble, but.. . The Ricoh look to me like a camera that after manufacturing was already under way they kept coming up with new ideas that were tack on. Switches and buttons sticking out everywhere. The term "Rube Goldberg" comes to mind. These are of course completely subjective so you won't get in trouble . . . Perhaps a comparative reference to frame it would be helpful? The Konica Auto-Reflex has the same front position dial and the XK requires an interchangeable waist level finder - which looses TTL metering. The Nikon F2 also has no TTL metering when equipped with the waist level finder but I don't have that configuration to compare.
|
|
daveh
Lifetime Member
Posts: 4,696
|
Post by daveh on Aug 4, 2014 3:00:40 GMT -5
Wayne, that was what I was hinting at by sating "not unattractive". It's not ugly, but neither is it attractive. I would venture that most people would find nothing really attractive in most SLRs, or indeed most cameras. Too much of camera design is taken with function. Too many cameras look the same, and those that don't are often just, being kind to them, quirky.
As regards the Minolta (and Nikon) not retaining TTL metering with the waist level finder, well, Topcon was ahead of the game here.
|
|
mickeyobe
Lifetime Member
Resident President
Posts: 7,280
|
Post by mickeyobe on Aug 4, 2014 5:04:00 GMT -5
Too much of camera design is taken with function. Which is a good thing. A very good thing. Mickey
|
|
|
Post by philbirch on Aug 4, 2014 13:57:43 GMT -5
Too much of camera design is taken with function. Which is a good thing. A very good thing. Mickey Function over form sometimes, some cameras are incredibly fiddly and difficult to use for someone with fat fingers. What's it like operating those cameras with the front knob? I have a Agimatic, a lovely camera, great to use with a one lever wind, cock and shutter release. You can fire off shots quickly. Where it falls down is that there is no rewind button, it's been 'designed' out, you must cock the shutter before you can rewind the film. So you can't take that last shot or if the film runs out half way through winding -on you are stuck. Difficult because of the design.
|
|
|
Post by lesdmess on Aug 5, 2014 20:13:55 GMT -5
In my collection, the most obvious example of form and function is the Nikon F - with and without a metered viewfinder. There is no denying that the plain prism is a beauty but the addition of the Photomic head clearly spoiled the landscape. Somehow, I don't think that hindered Nikon's domination . . .
|
|
|
Post by philbirch on Aug 7, 2014 7:41:13 GMT -5
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 7, 2014 17:07:57 GMT -5
If you want a Nikon plain prism be prepared to pay at least as much as it would cost for several "F" bodies.
|
|