The Ricoh 999 is not a myth…
With only a handful of images online of the Ricoh 999, I assumed it was a prototype rather than a production model. The designation ‘999’ seemed a bit odd, like it was given to the project until they thought of an actual name for it!
I have periodically searched sales platforms over the last few years, just in case it was real! The latest search turned up an actual camera for sale - with only a couple of hours left on the auction. Luckily it turned out nobody wanted it as much as me, and I won it! To be honest, with it’s rarity I expected it to go for a much higher price, but I am not complaining.
Ricoh 999
The Ricoh archive says it was released in July 1960, but there are no production figures. Further research confirms it was actually made in significant numbers, but only a small percentage were branded as Ricoh. The majority being sold through GAF as the Anscomark M in the United States. The reason for this is - it was actually designed and produced for GAF in return for their photocopier technology and not a stand alone Ricoh product. This may be why the 999 designation was used.
The 999 is a chunky 35mm rangefinder camera with interchangeable lenses (3 lenses were made for the system), a selenium meter hidden under the logo panel and a Seiko SL leaf shutter with speeds from 1s-1/500 plus B.
Ricoh 999
The styling is very modern for the 1960’s, and really sets it apart from similar spec cameras from the time. Some interesting features include the frame counter inside the rear film door, the wedge shaped shutter button on the front, and bottom mounted advance lever. It really is a complete new design. Ricoh did use the bottom mounted advance levers through the 50’s and 60’s.
1960 looks to have been a good year for the design team at Ricoh with models such as the Auto 35 with it’s sleek stylish body and the 999 - moving in another direction to the standard layout of the Ricoh 35 and 500 rangefinders.
So, onto ‘My’ Ricoh 999, arriving very well packed, all the way from Japan. Although it was sold as Junk / untested, it works perfectly! Also in great condition, with only some age related marks, and a little ding on the filter ring of the lens.
The first thing that strikes you is the weight - it is heavy - very fitting as it is shaped like a house brick! Despite this there are some delicate little touches like the small lever on the side that pops open the flap covering the selenium cell in a way that wouldn’t scare off a butterfly! All-in-all it is a very nice camera, with a nice crisp shutter sound, good viewfinder with visible rangefinder patch, and the speed and aperture controls around the lens barrel with their oval windows to show settings.
Ricoh 999
The last thing I noticed is when it was put in the display cabinet ready for shooting - from across the room it sparkles! With the LED lighting in the cabinet hitting the silver textured front, it lets off a gorgeous sheen.
I can’t wait to get out shooting with it, but currently there are several cameras with films nearly finished, so once they are done it will be the Ricoh’s turn…
Ricoh 999