Super Ricohflex TLR camera








(c 1955)

Uncle Frank is a chachka collector as I am. He has a very interesting camera collection that includes this Ricohflex TLR.

This camera belonged to Grandpa' Vito Pasciucco, who gave it to him because he did not use it any more.

This TLR is getting worn by the exposure to elements. 

The focusing elements were seized too.

The leatherette is comming off from the camera and there is a small amount of rust

Back side

Right side

The leatherete was put back with Elmer's glue. It creates a good bond that can be undo in a next restoration. Crazy glue is imposible to remove properly.

 

Back lid. The letherette needed to be removed and ironed.

Prior to glue it back, I polished and cleaned the red window.

Bottom of the camera.

The mirror and focusing glass were very derty. The mirror has lost some shine and it is impossible to polish.

To remove the mirror, you have to pull out the retainer.

Those fine lines were erased with the cristal cleaner I used.

I painted back the lines with a pencil on the inner side of the glass.

 

Back in place.

 

Front letherette emoved and strightened

The focusing elements were loosened with thin oil and lots of movement.
The top lens has some dirt inside but does not affect the image quality. Since the image is Ok, it is better not to dismantel it and the have to refocus both lenses.

Good image

Finished camera

Good for another 50 years.