Ricoh 500 ME

The Ricoh 500 ME is a compact 35mm single-lens reflex camera introduced in 1982. Designed as a straightforward aperture-priority model, it features a metal chassis, a central Copal shutter with speeds from 1 second to 1/1000th plus bulb, and a needle center-weighted meter. It offers manual focus and basic exposure automation, aimed at photography enthusiasts seeking a reliable, no-frills SLR body. Its functional design and modest specifications place it firmly within the competitive mid-range consumer SLR market of its time.