Ansco Memo II Automatic (1964)
A 35mm half-frame camera with auto-exposure and spring motor drive, rebadged from the Ricoh Auto Half.
Overview
The Ansco Memo II Automatic is a 35mm half-frame camera introduced in 1964 by Ansco, later operating under GAF. It is a rebadged Ricoh Auto Half. Half-height frames mean twice as many shots per roll, so the film goes a lot further. The camera does auto-exposure for general shooting. You can switch the automation off for flash or manual use, and in manual mode the shutter defaults to a fixed 1/30 second. Users have called it a "strange little bird" and described it as a "nice" camera - if a working example can be found.
Specifications
| Film format | 35mm half-frame |
| Exposure modes | Auto-exposure; can be turned off for flash or manual exposures |
| Shutter speed | Fixed 1/30 speed (when auto-exposure is turned off) |
| Drive mechanism | Spring motor driven |
Market
Working examples are not common. Current market listings show cameras with accessories such as lens caps, cases, and flash units, particularly on platforms like PicClick CA.
eBay Listings
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Service Manuals, Schematics & Catalogs
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