Ricoh Auto Half SE

The Ricoh Auto Half SE is a fixed-lens, 35mm half-frame camera produced by Ricoh in the mid-1960s. Targeted at the consumer market, it utilizes the half-frame format (18x24mm per frame) to double the number of exposures per standard 35mm film cassette, offering a practical advantage for cost-conscious photographers. The camera is characterized by its simple, functional design, featuring a coupled rangefinder for focusing and a selenium light meter coupled to an automatic exposure system controlling the shutter speed, which simplifies operation for amateurs. Its construction is primarily plastic and metal, typical of its era and price point, prioritizing accessibility and ease of use over advanced features or premium build quality.