Revue Solar 100

The Revue Solar 100 is an analog single-lens reflex (SLR) camera for the 35mm film format. Its unique feature is its power supply, which is provided exclusively by an integrated solar cell.

This model was launched in the mid-1990s and was manufactured in Japan. It was offered in Germany by Foto Quelle under the name Revue Solar 100 and is a variant of the Cosina E1 Solar, also known as the Ricoh XR Solar.

Lenses for the Camera

The Revue Solar uses the “K” bayonet mount, which means it is compatible with a wide variety of lenses that feature this widely used connection.

Focusing is performed manually using the lens’s focusing ring. A central split-image indicator flanked by a microprism ring serves as an aid in the viewfinder. Alternatively, focus can also be assessed across the entire focusing screen. Focus is correct when the split image of the split-image indicator is aligned, the flickering in the microprism ring disappears, or the image on the focusing screen is at its sharpest.

Exposure Settings

The camera is equipped with a TTL exposure metering system at full aperture, which uses center-weighted average metering. The metering range at ISO 100 extends from EV 5 (e.g., f/2 at 1/8 s) to EV 17 (e.g., f/16 at 1/2000 s).

Exposure is set manually, with the system assisting the user. There are three LEDs in the viewfinder: a “+” for overexposure, a “0” for correct exposure, and a “-” for underexposure.

To adjust the correct exposure, press the shutter button halfway to start the metering. Then, adjust the aperture on the lens or the shutter speed on the shutter speed dial until the central “O” LED lights up (zero-balance principle).

The camera features a mechanical metal focal plane shutter that travels vertically. It allows exposure times from 1 second to 1/2000 second, as well as a “B” (bulb) setting for long exposures as needed.

Exposure times are selected using the shutter speed dial on the top of the camera; only the detent values, not intermediate values, may be set.

The aperture is adjusted using the aperture ring directly on the lens. It is possible to either preselect a shutter speed and adjust the aperture (shutter priority) or to set an aperture and adjust the shutter speed (aperture priority) to achieve the correct exposure according to the display.

Flash System

The Revue Solar is equipped with a standard hot shoe with a center contact (X-contact). This allows for the direct connection of external flash units without the need for an additional sync cable.

Flash synchronization is achieved at a shutter speed of 1/125 second or slower. Using faster shutter speeds will result in partial shadowing of the image by the shutter curtain.

Exposure control for flash photography is manual. The photographer is responsible for setting the appropriate aperture on the lens according to the flash unit’s guide number (G.N.), the film speed setting, and the distance to the subject.

Additional Features

In addition to the basic functions, the Revue Solar offers several useful additional features.

A mechanical self-timer is built in, which is cocked via a lever on the front of the camera. After pressing the shutter button, the self-timer runs for approximately 10 seconds before the picture is taken. Once activated, the self-timer cannot be stopped.

A standard tripod thread is provided on the bottom of the camera for use on a tripod.

A special feature is the multi-exposure lever. If this is activated by the cocking lever during film advance, the shutter is recocked but the film is not advanced. This allows multiple subjects to be captured in the same frame without the frame counter advancing.

The camera also features a depth-of-field preview button. This allows the depth of field at the currently set aperture to be checked in the viewfinder before the actual shot.

An additive frame counter displays the number of shots taken and automatically returns to the “S” (start) position when the back is opened. A small window next to the rewind knob acts as a film advance indicator; if the rewind knob is turned during film advance, the film advances correctly.

Dimensions and Weight

The dimensions of the Revue Solar 100 are 138.5 mm wide, 91.0 mm high, and 66.2 mm deep. The camera body alone weighs 380 grams. This makes it a comparatively compact and lightweight representative of the SLR cameras of its era.

Power Supply

The power supply is the Revue Solar’s most striking feature. It requires no conventional batteries. Instead, it is equipped with a solar cell and a capacitor to ensure its operation.

The light falling on the solar cell is converted into electrical energy. This energy is either used directly to power the exposure meter or stored in the capacitor for later use.

If the camera has been stored in the dark for an extended period, the capacitor must first be recharged. To do this, the solar cell should be exposed to bright light (at least 4,000 lux, which corresponds to a 20W fluorescent lamp at a distance of 20 cm) for a few minutes.

After this charge, the camera is ready for operation for at least 10 minutes, according to the manufacturer, even without further direct light. A special solar lever next to the film speed dial offers two settings: The green marking is intended for normal operation, which uses stored energy. The red marking should be selected when the camera is used directly from darkness in only moderate light (from approximately 400 lux, comparable to a room lit at night) to potentially optimize direct light output.

In general, it is advisable not to store the camera permanently in the dark to keep the capacitor charged. Without sufficient charge or sufficient ambient light, the exposure display in the viewfinder will not function (the “B” setting is an exception).

Film Recommendations for the Revue Solar 100

The Revue Solar uses commercially available 35mm film (24x36mm format).

The film speed must be set manually using the film speed dial. The adjustable range extends from ISO 25/15° to ISO 1600/33° in one-third increments. Automatic DX code detection is not integrated.

The choice of film depends on the subject and the prevailing lighting conditions. For shots in bright daylight, such as landscapes or seaside scenes, films with lower sensitivity (e.g., ISO 100 or 200) are suitable, as they often exhibit finer grain. For indoor shots, sports photography, or low-light situations, films with higher sensitivity (e.g., ISO 400, 800, or higher) are more advantageous, as they allow for shorter exposure times or smaller apertures to prevent motion blur or camera shake.

Possible films for the Revue Solar are the Fujifilm Superia 400* for color photos and the Kodak T-Max 400* for black and white photos.

Quick Operation Guide

1. Check Charge/Load: Expose the camera to bright light, if necessary. Set the solar lever to the green mark.
2. Load Film: Lift the rewind knob to open the back. Insert the film cartridge into the compartment. Insert the film tab into the take-up spool slot, ensuring the perforations engage the teeth of the advance wheel.
3. Close Camera: Push the back closed until it clicks.
4. Advance Film: Operate the film advance lever and press the shutter button. Repeat this process until the frame counter reads “1”. Check that the rewind knob moves.
5. Set the film speed: Preselect the film’s ISO value using the control dial.
6. Set the exposure: Select the desired aperture on the lens or the exposure time using the shutter speed dial.
7. Meter and focus: Look through the viewfinder. Press the shutter button halfway to activate the light meter. Focus with the focusing ring (using split image/microprisms).
8. Adjust exposure: Adjust the aperture or shutter speed until the “O” LED appears in the viewfinder.
9. Release the shutter: Press the shutter button all the way down to take the photo.
10. Advance the film: Move the film advance lever all the way down.
11. Rewind the film: After the last shot, press the rewind button on the bottom of the camera. Extend the rewind crank and turn it clockwise until the film is completely rewound into the cassette (resistance will decrease). Open the back cover and remove the film.