Ricoh AF-50

The Ricoh AF-50 is a point-and-shoot camera with autofocus. It was manufactured in the 80s by the Japanese company Ricoh. Also known as the Myport ELLE and AF-70, the version with a databack was sold under the names AF-50D and AF-70D respectively.

The Ricoh AF-50 has a Rikenon Lens 35mm f/3.5 with 4 elements in 3 groups. Focusing is done with an autofocus system, and the closest focusing distance is one meter.

Typical of a point-and-shoot camera, the camera handles the exposure settings. It can read the film speed from the DX code (ISO 100 to ISO 1000) or the user can set it themselves via a slider on the front.

Other functions include the built-in flash and self-timer.

Power for the Ricoh AF-50 comes from two AA batteries (eBay / Amazon*).

Films for the Ricoh AF-50

The Ricoh AF-50 is a compact camera designed to expose 35mm film. Despite the advance of digitalization, 35mm film is still in use and can be easily developed by most photo labs.

There are many different types of 35mm film, including the Agfaphoto Vista 200* and the Ilford FP4 Plus*, which are suitable for use in 35mm compacts from Japan. Other suppliers such as Foma, Adox and Rollei also offer a wide range of 35mm films suitable for different applications.

Color films are usually developed using the C-41 process, which is offered by most photo labs. Many photo labs also offer the option of directly making prints of the photographs, so that you can have the pictures, for example from your last vacation or trip, in your hand immediately after development. In addition, there is the option to digitize the negatives in order to edit or archive them on the computer.

Black and white films require a different development process, with different options depending on the film. Black and white film development is also offered by most professional photo labs.