3rd Party K-mount Cameras

disconnekt · 06-16-2018, 12:34 PM

Since I didn't find a post like this, thought I'd make a post of people showing off their 3rd Party K-mount Film Camera's (e.g. Sears, Ricoh, Vivitar, etc.) and their experiances with it.

Last edited by disconnekt; 06-16-2018 at 12:53 PM.

**boriscleto** · 06-16-2018, 01:03 PM - **2 Likes**

Oh, I might have a few...

kneemeister · 06-16-2018, 01:05 PM

I have several Chinon's Ricoh's and Sears cameras.

While not as fancy as a Super Program, the XR-P and CP-5/KSX-P both have pros and cons. Off the three; the Ricoh had the most features, but the electronics have not agged well. I have had several XR-P's and KR-30sp's just quit mid roll with fresh batteries. The CP-5 and its Sears KSX-P twin are my favorite of the buch. Great features, Program mode using ANY K-mount lens, and a plasticy industructable construction, and cheap AAA batteries.

My very first SLR was a Sears KS Super II and my second was a Ricoh KR-30sp, I bought as a College graduation present to myself.

Adam · 06-16-2018, 02:06 PM - **2 Likes**

Perhaps we should create a category for these in the camera DB!

Adam
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stevebrot · 06-16-2018, 02:19 PM

OK, I will play...

Here is one with two of my Ricohs playing nice winder games with the Super Program.

These are the winders after the cameras were called in for dinner. You can tell the Pentax one from the Ricoh's by its complexity. It works about the same, only with more buttons and not playing well with flash.

Here is the Ricoh XR-2s showing that it shares certain characteristics with the KX. I don't have a black KX, but if I did the two together would even more alarming.

Finally, here is the very special edition SteveBrot K-3, a rare Portlandic clone of the Ricoh/Pentax camera with the same name. I do rather prefer my SteveBrot.

I have M42 stuff too if you want to see those too.

Steve

(Just realized that I totally am lacking in beauty shots of the Ricoh XR7 and Ricoh XR-2s...will add those later.)

stevebrot · 06-16-2018, 02:20 PM

Originally posted by kneemeister

I have several Chinon's Ricoh's and Sears cameras.

While not as fancy as a Super Program, the XR-P and CP-5/KSX-P both have pros and cons. Off the three; the Ricoh had the most features, but the electronics have not agged well. I have had several XR-P's and KR-30sp's just quit mid roll with fresh batteries. The CP-5 and its Sears KSX-P twin are my favorite of the buch. Great features, Program mode using ANY K-mount lens, and a plasticy industructable construction, and cheap AAA batteries.

My very first SLR was a Sears KS Super II and my second was a Ricoh KR-30sp, I bought as a College graduation present to myself.

Love the brand-x winder on the Super Program

Steve

**ChrisPlatt** · 06-16-2018, 03:20 PM

I've never seen a Hikari camera before, but I did sell their Japanese koi food when I worked in the pet store:

Chris

Last edited by ChrisPlatt; 06-18-2018 at 04:29 PM.

**boriscleto** · 06-16-2018, 05:56 PM

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

I've never seen a Hikari camera before. I sold their Japanese koi food when I worked in the pet store.

Chris

It's basically the same camera as the Vivitar V3800N or Promaster 2500PK Super. Made by Cosina, probably derived from the Cosina C1s. That's about all the info I've ever been able to find...

**.a.t.** · 06-16-2018, 06:36 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by stevebrot

. . .
Here is the Ricoh XR-2s showing that it shares certain characteristics with the KX. I don't have a black KX, but if I did the two together would even more alarming.
. . .

From what I've read, the Sears KS Auto is a re-badged Ricoh XR-2s. Here's my Sears along with a KX:

I don't shoot with my KS Auto, but buying it at a Goodwill store a few years ago was a milestone for me. It was the 50mm lens attached to the camera which marked the beginning of my ascent into LBA lunacy.

disconnekt · 06-16-2018, 07:02 PM

Originally posted by Adam

Perhaps we should create a category for these in the camera DB!

Yeah that would be awesome to see, would be great to see a list of all the known 3rd party brands, even the odd-ball ones, that released kmount bodies on one site instead of trying to dig through google/random sites to get questionable info on a specific body.

stevebrot · 06-16-2018, 07:10 PM

Originally posted by .a.t.

From what I've read, the Sears KS Auto is a re-badged Ricoh XR-2s.

Yes, that is true. What is funny to me is that while there is imitation of control placement, the purposes are different. The shutter lock on the KX works as the battery check on the XR-2s/KS Auto while the battery check on the KX works as the film speed release on the XR-2s. There are the other, more obvious differences though. The XR-2s has no MLU and the KX has no multiple-exposure feature nor "Auto" position on the shutter speed dial nor viewfinder blind (no need). The viewfinder displays are almost identical except that on the XR-2s, there is a flash-ready lamp and half-press must be sustained in order for the meter needle to be active.

Steve

kneemeister · 06-16-2018, 08:08 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

Love the brand-x winder on the Super Program

Steve

Yeah, that was the first winder I bought. The real winder is on my ME-F

**bhbrake** · 06-16-2018, 08:20 PM

I had no idea there were so many off ball K mount bodies over the years. I'm getting an education! This makes the whole Ricoh buyout of Pentax a little more logical I think.

kneemeister · 06-16-2018, 08:26 PM

I just unpacked my new Ricoh XR-M. It is in almost perfect condition, only problem is the flash will not lock down. Here it is with the Chinon CP-7m about the same age.

stevebrot · 06-16-2018, 08:32 PM

Originally posted by bhbrake

I had no idea there were so many off ball K mount bodies over the years. I'm getting an education! This makes the whole Ricoh buyout of Pentax a little more logical I think.

There is evidence of collaboration between Ricoh and Pentax going back to the early days of the K-mount. For example, the Pentax-M 200/4 and XR Rikenon 200/4 clearly came from the same factory. Whether it was at Asahi or at Ricoh is a matter or speculation. As for the full range of K-mount cameras, even the Russians fielded a K-mount line. At one point, K-mount support was pretty much essential for a third-party lens maker to stay in business.

Steve

06-16-2018, 12:34 PM	#1
disconnekt Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: SoCal/I.E. Photos: Albums Posts: 1,699	3rd Party K-mount Cameras Since I didn't find a post like this, thought I'd make a post of people showing off their 3rd Party K-mount Film Camera's (e.g. Sears, Ricoh, Vivitar, etc.) and their experiances with it. Last edited by disconnekt; 06-16-2018 at 12:53 PM.

06-16-2018, 01:05 PM	#3
kneemeister Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Pittsford, Michigan Photos: Albums Posts: 89	I have several Chinon's Ricoh's and Sears cameras. While not as fancy as a Super Program, the XR-P and CP-5/KSX-P both have pros and cons. Off the three; the Ricoh had the most features, but the electronics have not agged well. I have had several XR-P's and KR-30sp's just quit mid roll with fresh batteries. The CP-5 and its Sears KSX-P twin are my favorite of the buch. Great features, Program mode using ANY K-mount lens, and a plasticy industructable construction, and cheap AAA batteries. My very first SLR was a Sears KS Super II and my second was a Ricoh KR-30sp, I bought as a College graduation present to myself. Attached Images

06-16-2018, 08:26 PM	#14
kneemeister Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Pittsford, Michigan Photos: Albums Posts: 89	I just unpacked my new Ricoh XR-M. It is in almost perfect condition, only problem is the flash will not lock down. Here it is with the Chinon CP-7m about the same age. Attached Images Last edited by kneemeister; 06-16-2018 at 08:42 PM.

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06-16-2018, 01:03 PM - 2 Likes	#2
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,473	Oh, I might have a few...

06-16-2018, 02:06 PM - 2 Likes	#4
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,593	Perhaps we should create a category for these in the camera DB! Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

06-16-2018, 02:19 PM	#5
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	OK, I will play... Here is one with two of my Ricohs playing nice winder games with the Super Program. These are the winders after the cameras were called in for dinner. You can tell the Pentax one from the Ricoh's by its complexity. It works about the same, only with more buttons and not playing well with flash. Here is the Ricoh XR-2s showing that it shares certain characteristics with the KX. I don't have a black KX, but if I did the two together would even more alarming. Finally, here is the very special edition SteveBrot K-3, a rare Portlandic clone of the Ricoh/Pentax camera with the same name. I do rather prefer my SteveBrot. I have M42 stuff too if you want to see those too. Steve (Just realized that I totally am lacking in beauty shots of the Ricoh XR7 and Ricoh XR-2s...will add those later.)

06-16-2018, 02:20 PM	#6
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by kneemeister I have several Chinon's Ricoh's and Sears cameras. While not as fancy as a Super Program, the XR-P and CP-5/KSX-P both have pros and cons. Off the three; the Ricoh had the most features, but the electronics have not agged well. I have had several XR-P's and KR-30sp's just quit mid roll with fresh batteries. The CP-5 and its Sears KSX-P twin are my favorite of the buch. Great features, Program mode using ANY K-mount lens, and a plasticy industructable construction, and cheap AAA batteries. My very first SLR was a Sears KS Super II and my second was a Ricoh KR-30sp, I bought as a College graduation present to myself. Love the brand-x winder on the Super Program Steve

06-16-2018, 03:20 PM	#7
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,692	I've never seen a Hikari camera before, but I did sell their Japanese koi food when I worked in the pet store: Chris Last edited by ChrisPlatt; 06-18-2018 at 04:29 PM.

06-16-2018, 05:56 PM	#8
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,473	Originally posted by ChrisPlatt I've never seen a Hikari camera before. I sold their Japanese koi food when I worked in the pet store. Chris It's basically the same camera as the Vivitar V3800N or Promaster 2500PK Super. Made by Cosina, probably derived from the Cosina C1s. That's about all the info I've ever been able to find...

06-16-2018, 06:36 PM - 1 Like	#9
.a.t. Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: yesterday Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,261	Originally posted by stevebrot . . . Here is the Ricoh XR-2s showing that it shares certain characteristics with the KX. I don't have a black KX, but if I did the two together would even more alarming. . . . From what I've read, the Sears KS Auto is a re-badged Ricoh XR-2s. Here's my Sears along with a KX: I don't shoot with my KS Auto, but buying it at a Goodwill store a few years ago was a milestone for me. It was the 50mm lens attached to the camera which marked the beginning of my ascent into LBA lunacy.

06-16-2018, 07:02 PM	#10
disconnekt Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: SoCal/I.E. Photos: Albums Posts: 1,699 Original Poster	Originally posted by Adam Perhaps we should create a category for these in the camera DB! Yeah that would be awesome to see, would be great to see a list of all the known 3rd party brands, even the odd-ball ones, that released kmount bodies on one site instead of trying to dig through google/random sites to get questionable info on a specific body.

06-16-2018, 07:10 PM	#11
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by .a.t. From what I've read, the Sears KS Auto is a re-badged Ricoh XR-2s. Yes, that is true. What is funny to me is that while there is imitation of control placement, the purposes are different. The shutter lock on the KX works as the battery check on the XR-2s/KS Auto while the battery check on the KX works as the film speed release on the XR-2s. There are the other, more obvious differences though. The XR-2s has no MLU and the KX has no multiple-exposure feature nor "Auto" position on the shutter speed dial nor viewfinder blind (no need). The viewfinder displays are almost identical except that on the XR-2s, there is a flash-ready lamp and half-press must be sustained in order for the meter needle to be active. Steve

06-16-2018, 08:08 PM	#12
kneemeister Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Pittsford, Michigan Photos: Albums Posts: 89	Originally posted by stevebrot Love the brand-x winder on the Super Program Steve Yeah, that was the first winder I bought. The real winder is on my ME-F

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06-16-2018, 08:20 PM	#13
bhbrake Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Colorado Photos: Albums Posts: 331	I had no idea there were so many off ball K mount bodies over the years. I'm getting an education! This makes the whole Ricoh buyout of Pentax a little more logical I think.

06-16-2018, 08:32 PM	#15
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by bhbrake I had no idea there were so many off ball K mount bodies over the years. I'm getting an education! This makes the whole Ricoh buyout of Pentax a little more logical I think. There is evidence of collaboration between Ricoh and Pentax going back to the early days of the K-mount. For example, the Pentax-M 200/4 and XR Rikenon 200/4 clearly came from the same factory. Whether it was at Asahi or at Ricoh is a matter or speculation. As for the full range of K-mount cameras, even the Russians fielded a K-mount line. At one point, K-mount support was pretty much essential for a third-party lens maker to stay in business. Steve