Ricoh XR-20SP 35mm SLR w/ Rikenon P 50mm lens + manual (serial 92168302) | film🎞tested

We wrote a blog article on the film-test for this camera, read it here. 

The Ricoh XR-20SP is a lightweight and easy-to-use manual focus 35mm SLR from 1985. It competed with the Pentax Super Program (Super A), Minolta X-700, and Canon AE-1 Program. 

The XR-20SP is compatible with Pentax K-mount lenses. When used with Rikenon R-K mount lenses (like the included Rikenon P 50mm f2), you gain access to program autoexposure modes. With other K-mount lenses you can still use aperture-priority autoexposure or manual exposure modes. 

One nice feature in the XR-20SP that is much of its competition lacked is the 'Speed Program' mode on the dial. In this mode, the camera will still choose your shutter speed and aperture for you but it will only use speeds of 1/250 seconds or faster. This is handy when you're trying to avoid motion blur (or camera shake blur if using a zoom or telephoto lens).

Battery information

The XR-X can be powered by four 357/SR44 batteries (not included; available as an option), or four LR44 alkaline batteries (not included), or two CR-1/3N lithium batteries (not included).

Estimated battery life (according to Ricoh):

"Four alkaline 1.5 V batteries (LR44): Lasting about six months under normal use.
Four silver oxide 1.55V batteries (357/SR44): Lasting about one year under normal use.
Two lithium 3V batteries (CR-1/3N): Lasting about one year under normal use."
 

Condition notes

We film-tested this camera and it delivered sharp, well-exposed negatives. The camera and included lens are in very good condition (see photos). In addition, we adjusted the camera's film plane focus accuracy. We also confirmed its shutter speed and autoexposure accuracy are very good. The included user manual is in good legible condition with some torn and dog-eared pages.

Example photos

Besides the included test photo scans, here are some photos that other people have taken using the Rikenon P 50mm f2 lens (with various camera bodies):
https://www.lomography.com/lenses/1408-ricoh-rikenon-p-1-2-0-50mm/photos

Manual

https://butkus.org/chinon/ricoh/kr-30sp/xr-20sp.pdf

Specifications 

• Type: 35 mm SLR with focal plane shutter and automatic electronic exposure control.
• Photographic Modes: Program automatic exposure mode, speed program automatic exposure mode, aperture-priority automatic exposure mode and manual exposure mode.
• Film Format and Frame Size: 35mm film, J135, 24 x36 mm
• Lens Mount: RICOH system R-K mount
• Shutter: Electronically controlled, vertically moving metal focal plane shutter.
  • Automatic: 16 sec. to 1/2000 sec.
  • Manual: 4 sec. to 1/2000 sec., B (Bulb)
• Self-Timer:Operating time: 10 seconds View finder. During operation, red lamp blinks.
• Viewfinder:
  • Field of view covers 93% horizontally and vertically.
  • Magnification: 0.88X (with 50 mm F1.4 standard lens)
  • Displays in the viewfinder: Exposure adjustment, AE lock, manual, program mode, overexposure mark, shutter speed indicator, long time exposure, underexposure mark, bulb, battery low warning signal, and programmed f-stop number. LED indicator: Flash ready indicator.
• Focusing: Diagonal split-image spot in microprism band
• Exposure Meter: TTL full open metering for center-weighted average light reading. 
• Exposure Coupling Range: EV O to EV 18 (with ASA 100 film, 50 mm F1.4 standard lens)
• Film Speed Range: ISO 12 to 3200
• Accessory Shoe: Hot Shoe (with Flash Ready Signal Contact)
• Exposure Adjustment: Exposure adjustment system (+2 to -2, in 1/3 steps), AE lock system,
• Film Advance: Single stroke film advance lever, 135° winding angle and 35° stand-off.
• Automatic Film Advance: Possible with XR winder 2 or motor drive.
• Exposure Counter: Additive, automatic resetting.
• Film Rewind: Film rewind crank system.
• Mirror: Swing back type quick return mirror.
• Back Cover: Hinged type, opened by pulling up Film rewind knob.
• Other Functions: Interchangeable grip and direct contact for data back.
• Power Source: Four LR44 1.5V alkaline batteries, four SR44 1.55 V silver oxide batteries
  or two CR-1/3N 3V lithium batteries.
• Dimensions: 137 (W) x 89 (H) x 51 (D) mm (Body only)
  Weight: 490g (Body only)