The Ricoh Professional Auto 35H is a half-format camera. The Japanese company Ricoh built the camera in the 1970s.
In contrast to other 35mm cameras, the lens on this model is permanently installed and cannot be replaced. It has a focal length of 25 mm and a maximum aperture of f/2.8. The distance setting of the lens is fixed, with a minimum focusing distance of 100 cm from the subject.
The camera is equipped with an integrated light meter that supports films with ISO values from 25 to 400. While the shutter speed is fixed, the aperture can be freely selected, which allows flexible adjustment of the exposure.
The camera has a hot shoe connection for using an external flash unit. Numerous manufacturers offer compatible flash units, so a large selection of accessories is available.
Another advantage: the camera does not require power to operate, which makes it particularly reliable.
Half-format camera
The Ricoh Professional Auto 35H belongs to the category of half-format cameras. Unlike conventional 35mm cameras, which create images in the format 24 mm x 36 mm, a half-format camera produces negatives with a size of 17 mm x 24 mm. This doubles the number of possible images on a 35mm film - up to 72 photos can be made from a 36-frame film.
This advantage makes half-format cameras particularly attractive for photographers who experiment a lot or need a higher number of images per film. At the same time, the smaller negative format ensures a special look with slightly increased grain and its own aesthetic character, which is appreciated by photographers.
Films for the Ricoh Professional Auto 35H
The Ricoh Professional Auto 35H uses commercially available 35mm films. Due to the widespread use of the 35mm format, there is still high demand, which contributes to various manufacturers continuing to produce films for this format.
Suitable films include the Fujifilm Superia 400* and the Kodak T-Max 400*. Both films are praised in test reports for their versatility and solid results.
Color films for the camera are developed using the common C-41 process, which is available in almost all photo labs. Alternatively, development can also be done in numerous drugstores.
The film transport is automatic, which increases user convenience. However, it is rewound manually using a crank.
