RICOH SINGLEX TLS

The Ricoh Singlex TLS is a 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera introduced in 1967 as Ricoh's flagship M42 screw-mount SLR with through-the-lens (TTL) metering. It was not the first Ricoh SLR with TTL metering, though. The earlier Ricoh TLS 401 (1966) already had stop-down TTL metering.

Overview

Released in 1967, the Ricoh Singlex TLS was designed to compete with high-end SLRs from Pentax, Topcon, and Minolta during a period of rapid innovation in 35mm photography. Positioned as Ricoh’s top-tier model, it succeeded the earlier Singlex series and was notable for being one of the first Ricoh SLRs to feature TTL metering via a full-aperture CdS (cadmium sulfide) cell. The "TLS" designation stands for "Through-the-Lens," "Light metering," and "Stop-down," reflecting its dual metering capability: users could meter either at full aperture for convenience or stop down for depth-of-field preview with accurate exposure reading.

The camera was aimed at advanced amateur and professional photographers who wanted precision, reliability, and a wide range of M42 lenses. It has a die-cast metal chassis, a leatherette-covered body, and a large pentaprism viewfinder that makes composition and manual focusing more accurate. The shutter is a vertically traveling, focal-plane cloth type. Flash sync is available through PC terminals and a hot shoe. The viewfinder is interchangeable, though rarely replaced, and the camera supports various accessories for studio and field work.

Within Ricoh's lineup, the Singlex TLS stood above models like the Ricoh Singlex II and Ricoh TLS 401. It showed Ricoh's ambition to build credibility in the competitive Japanese SLR market, drawing on its long history in lens manufacturing. (The Ricoh XR series came after the Singlex TLS and was not contemporaneous.) Ricoh never reached the brand recognition of Pentax or Nikon. Vintage camera enthusiasts still respect the Singlex TLS for its solid construction and advanced metering system.

Specifications

Specification	Value
Type	35mm Single-Lens Reflex (SLR)
Film Format	35mm (135 film), 24 x 36 mm image size
Years Produced	1967–1972
Lens Mount	M42 × 1 mm screw mount (Pentax Universal)
Shutter	Vertically traveling focal-plane cloth shutter; speeds from 1 sec to 1/1000 sec, plus Bulb (B)
Metering	TTL CdS metering with full-aperture and stop-down capability
Exposure Modes	Manual exposure only; stop-down metering via AE switch lever
Viewfinder	Fixed pentaprism with microprism spot and split-image rangefinder center; Approx. 0.92× magnification; approx. 97% coverage
Dimensions	145 mm (W) × 95 mm (H) × 53 mm (D); weight approx. 710 g (body only, without battery)

Key Features

TTL Full-Aperture CdS Metering: One of the first Ricoh SLRs to offer through-the-lens metering at full aperture, enabling faster and more accurate exposure readings without stopping down the lens.
Dual Metering Mode: Switchable between full-aperture metering for ease of use and stop-down metering for depth-of-field preview and accurate exposure with non-automatic lenses.
M42 Lens Compatibility: Fully supports the extensive range of M42 screw-mount lenses from Ricoh, Pentax, Fujica, Zeiss, and others, including auto and manual aperture lenses.
Precision Viewfinder: Bright pentaprism with split-image rangefinder and microprism collar for precise manual focusing, ideal for critical work.
Robust Mechanical Construction: Die-cast metal chassis with durable shutter mechanism and mechanical reliability even without battery power (shutter functions mechanically at all speeds except metering).

Historical Context

The Ricoh Singlex TLS arrived when TTL metering was moving from novelty to standard feature in mid-to-high-end cameras. The Pentax Spotmatic (1964) had already shown the appeal of full-aperture metering, and Ricoh answered with the Singlex TLS to get a share of the growing enthusiast market. Earlier Ricoh SLRs relied on external or stop-down-only metering. The TLS put a CdS cell in the pentaprism housing, so you could read exposure through the lens without closing the aperture - a big usability improvement.

The Singlex TLS had technical merits but faced stiff competition. The Pentax Spotmatic series dominated the M42 market, and newer cameras from Minolta (SR-T series) and Topcon (RE series) offered similar or superior features. Ricoh's weaker brand presence in Western markets limited sales. The TLS was discontinued by 1972, succeeded by the Ricoh Singlex II, a simplified and more affordable model, and later the Ricoh XR series of electronic SLRs. It showed that Ricoh could build sophisticated, professional-grade cameras, and it laid the groundwork for future collaborations with Pentax.

Collectibility & Value

Today the Ricoh Singlex TLS is sought after by collectors of vintage SLRs, particularly those interested in M42 systems or Japanese camera engineering from the 1960s. It isn't as widely collected as the Pentax Spotmatic F or Topcon RE, but it is appreciated for its build quality, accurate metering, and ergonomic design. In excellent working condition, prices typically range from $80 to $150 USD, depending on shutter functionality, light seal integrity, and viewfinder clarity. Fully functional metering adds significant value. It needs a PX625 1.35V mercury battery or a modern equivalent with voltage adjustment.

When buying a Singlex TLS, check the shutter at all speeds, especially 1/1000 and 1 sec. Listen for mirror slap noise or sticking, and verify that the CdS cell responds correctly to light changes. Common problems are degraded light seals (which cause light leaks), stiff aperture levers, and fogged or delaminated viewfinder prisms. The camera uses a mercury battery, now obsolete, so people often substitute zinc-air or alkaline batteries. The voltage difference may affect meter accuracy. Adapters or meter recalibration may be necessary for precise exposure.

Similar Cameras

Pentax Spotmatic F (1973) – The benchmark M42 SLR with TTL metering, similar build and target market.
Topcon RE Super (1963–1971) – Professional-grade M42 SLR with exceptional viewfinder and build, direct competitor.
Fujica ST801 (1969) – High-quality M42 camera with TTL metering and premium finish.
Praktica PLC 3 (1976) – Later M42 SLR from East Germany with similar metering and mechanical design.
Yashica TL Electro-X (1970) – Electronically controlled M42 SLR with CdS metering, slightly later but comparable in function.

Repair & Maintenance

The Ricoh Singlex TLS uses a 1.35V PX625 mercury battery (now discontinued) for its CdS meter. Modern replacements include Wein Cell (zinc-air, 1.35V) or alkaline PX625A (1.5V). The alkaline cell may require exposure compensation or a voltage-reducing adapter for accurate metering. The shutter and film advance are fully mechanical and do not rely on batteries, so the camera still works without power.

Common maintenance issues include sticky shutter curtains at slow speeds, worn foam light seals (replace them to prevent light leaks), and degraded leatherette. The meter coupling mechanism can become misaligned if lenses are forced or improperly mounted. Professional CLA (Clean, Lubricate, Adjust) service is recommended every 5-10 years for regular users. The camera is mechanically simple and uses the M42 mount, so it is relatively straightforward to repair, though specialized parts may be scarce. Enthusiast forums and vintage camera technicians familiar with M42-era Ricoh models are valuable resources for restoration.