Ricoh XR Solar

The Ricoh XR Solar is an analog single-lens reflex (SLR) camera designed for the 35mm film format. Its most striking feature is its power supply, which is entirely powered by a built-in solar cell.

This camera model was introduced in the mid-1990s and was produced in Japan. The Ricoh XR Solar is a variant of the Cosina E1 Solar, which was also available in Germany as the Revue Solar 100 from Foto Quelle.

Lenses for the Camera

The Ricoh XR Solar uses the popular “K” bayonet mount. This allows for compatibility with a wide range of lenses that feature this common connection.

Focusing is done manually using the focusing ring on the respective lens. To assist with focusing, a central split-image indicator surrounded by a microprism ring is integrated into the viewfinder. It’s also possible to assess the sharpness across the entire focusing screen. Focusing is considered accurate when the split image in the split-image indicator forms a single unit, the flicker in the microprism ring subsides, or the viewfinder image on the focusing screen reaches maximum clarity.

Exposure Settings

The camera is equipped with a TTL exposure metering system at full aperture, which performs center-weighted metering. The metering range at ISO 100 extends from EV 5 (for example, f/2 at 1/8 second) to EV 17 (approximately f/16 at 1/2000 second).

Exposure is adjusted manually, with the system assisting the photographer. Three LEDs in the viewfinder indicate the exposure situation: a “+” indicates overexposure, a “0” indicates correct exposure, and a “-” warns of underexposure.

To determine the correct exposure, the shutter button is pressed halfway, which activates the metering. The aperture is then adjusted on the lens ring or the shutter speed on the shutter speed dial until the center “O” LED lights up (zero-adjustment method).

The camera features a mechanical metal focal plane shutter that moves vertically and provides exposure times from 1 second to 1/2000 second, as well as a “B” (bulb) setting for any length of exposure.

Exposure times are selected using the shutter speed dial on top of the camera. Only the notched positions may be used, and no intermediate positions may be used.

The aperture is set directly on the lens aperture ring. You can either set an exposure time and adjust the aperture accordingly (shutter priority), or select an aperture and adjust the exposure time (aperture priority) to achieve the correct exposure according to the display.

Flash System

The Ricoh XR Solar features a standard hot shoe with a center contact (X-contact). This allows direct connection of external flash units without the need for a separate sync cable.

Synchronization with the flash is guaranteed at a shutter speed of 1/125 second or slower. Faster exposure times result in partial shadowing of the subject by the shutter curtain.

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

Additional Functions

In addition to the basic functions, the XR Solar offers several practical additional features.

A mechanical self-timer is integrated and is activated by a lever on the front of the camera. Approximately 10 seconds pass after the shutter button is pressed before the picture is taken. Once activated, the self-timer cannot be deactivated.

For shooting from a tripod, there is a standard tripod thread on the bottom of the camera body.

A special function is the multi-exposure lever. If used while the film advance lever is being used, the shutter is re-cocked without advancing the film. This allows multiple subjects to be exposed in the same frame without the frame counter running forward.

The camera also offers a depth-of-field preview button. This allows you to check the depth of field at the currently selected aperture directly in the viewfinder before shooting.

An additive frame counter indicates the number of shots taken and automatically resets to “S” (Start) when the camera back is opened. A small window next to the rewind knob serves as an indicator for film advance; turning the rewind knob during film advance signals the correct advance of the film.

Dimensions and Weight

The dimensions of the Ricoh XR Solar are 138.5 mm (width) x 91.0 mm (height) x 66.2 mm (depth). The camera body alone weighs 380 grams. This makes it one of the more compact and lightweight SLR cameras of its time.

Power Supply

The power supply is the most outstanding feature of the Ricoh XR Solar. It operates entirely without conventional batteries. Instead, it is equipped with a solar cell and a capacitor.

The light hitting the solar cell is converted into electrical energy. This energy is either used directly to operate the exposure meter or is 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 intense 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 recharge, the camera is ready for use for at least 10 minutes, according to the manufacturer, even without further exposure to light. A special solar lever, located next to the film speed dial, offers two modes: The green mark is for regular operation, which uses stored energy. The red mark should be selected when using the camera directly from a dark environment in moderate lighting (from approximately 400 lux, comparable to a lit room at night) to potentially improve direct light utilization.

It is generally recommended not to store the camera in the dark for extended periods to help the capacitor retain its charge. Without sufficient charge or sufficient ambient light, the exposure display in the viewfinder remains inactive (except at the “B” setting).

Film Recommendations for the Ricoh XR Solar

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

The film speed must be adjusted manually using the film speed dial. The available setting range extends from ISO 25/15° to ISO 1600/33° in 1/3-stop increments. Automatic DX code scanning is not available.

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

Suitable films for the Ricoh XR Solar include the Fujifilm Superia 400* for color shots and the Kodak T-Max 400* for black-and-white photographs.

Quick Operation Guide

1. Checking the Charge Status/Charging: Expose the camera to bright light if necessary. Position the solar lever to the green mark.
2. Loading the Film: Pull the rewind knob up to unlock the back. Place the film cartridge in the designated compartment. Insert the film tab into the slot on the take-up spool, ensuring that the perforations engage with the teeth of the advance wheel.
3. Closing the Camera: Press the back firmly until it clicks into place.
4. Advancing the Film: Operate the film advance lever and press the shutter button. Repeat this process until the frame counter displays “1.” Check that the rewind knob rotates.
5. Set film speed: Configure the ISO value of the loaded film using the control dial.
6. Configure 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 start the light meter. Adjust the focus with the focus ring (split image/microprisms).
8. Adjust exposure: Adjust the aperture or exposure time until the “O” LED in the viewfinder lights up.
9. Release the shutter: Press the shutter button all the way down to take the picture.
10. Advance the film: Pull 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 cartridge (the resistance will noticeably decrease). Open the back cover and remove the film.