
Riken Ricohmatic 35
Riken · Japan · 1961–1964 (3 years) · 135 film
The Ricohmatic 35 was a basic 35mm viewfinder camera produced by Riken during the early 1960s, targeting the mass consumer market. It featured a fixed lens and a simple shutter speed/aperture system, typical of entry-level models of the era. Designed for straightforward point-and-shoot photography, it utilized readily available 135 (35mm) film, making photography accessible to a broad audience during Japan's camera manufacturing boom. Its construction focused on affordability and ease of use rather than advanced features or ruggedness.
As a representative of the mid-century Japanese camera industry's push towards affordable consumer products, the Ricohmatic 35 exemplifies the practical, utilitarian approach of many manufacturers of that time. It served as an accessible entry point into 35mm photography for countless individuals, prioritizing function over form or innovation. While not a groundbreaking camera, it played a small role in popularizing the 35mm format for everyday snapshots during its production run from 1961 to 1964.
Specifications
| Film Format | 135 |






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