
500ME Comparison
| photo | price | summary | rating |
|---|---|---|---|
![]() | $10.99 | Condition is Used, RICOH 500ME Genuine Original User Instruction Manual (G) 81-06, shipping cost = $2.99 | 100.0% |
![]() | $45.99 | Condition is Used, RICOH SP-WINDER for RICOH 500 ME / RF / ST / ZF, shipping cost = $18.99 | 100.0% |

The Ricoh 500ME is a classic 35mm film rangefinder camera, renowned for its sleek design, exceptional build quality, and impressive optical performance. This Japanese-made camera boasts a rich heritage in the realm of photography, catering to both beginners and seasoned photographers with its intuitive controls and advanced features.
The camera's body is clad in a durable, all-metal chassis, which not only imparts a premium, vintage aesthetic but also ensures robustness and reliability. The top plate of the Ricoh 500ME houses essential controls, including aperture and shutter speed dials, a film rewind knob, and a built-in CdS light meter, which provides accurate exposure readings in various lighting conditions.
The heart of this camera lies in its rangefinder focusing mechanism, which allows for quick and accurate focusing through the use of a split-image rangefinder and a separate viewfinder. This system enables photographers to focus on their subjects with precision, even in challenging lighting situations or when working at various distances.
The Ricoh 500ME is fitted with a versatile 45mm f/2.8 Ricoh-Auto Tessar lens, a high-performance optic that delivers crisp, sharp images with excellent contrast and color rendition. This lens features a bright maximum aperture, allowing for the capture of stunning low-light shots and the ability to create beautiful, soft backgrounds with selective focus.
Additional features of the Ricoh 500ME include a selenium light meter, which provides reliable exposure readings without the need for disposable batteries, a built-in flash, and a threaded lens cap and filter mount, enabling the use of various accessories.
With its impressive craftsmanship, advanced features, and exceptional optical capabilities, the Ricoh 500ME 35mm film rangefinder is an excellent choice for photographers seeking a versatile, high-performance tool to expand their creative potential and capture stunning images.
The Ricoh 500ME is a 35mm film rangefinder camera that was produced by Ricoh from 1966 to 1971. It is known for its compact size, simple design, and excellent build quality. Here are some pros and cons of buying a Ricoh 500ME:
Pros:1. Compact and Portable: The Ricoh 500ME is one of the smallest and lightest rangefinder cameras, making it an excellent choice for street photography or travel.
2. Manual Focus: The camera has a manual focus rangefinder system, which allows for precise focusing and better control over the image.
3. Bright Viewfinder: The camera has a bright and clear viewfinder, which makes it easier to compose and focus your shots.
4. Simple Design: The Ricoh 500ME has a simple and intuitive design, which makes it easy to use, even for beginners.
5. Excellent Build Quality: The camera is known for its excellent build quality and durability, which makes it a great investment for photographers who value a well-built camera.
Cons:1. Limited Features: The Ricoh 500ME is a basic camera with limited features, which may not be suitable for more advanced photographers.
2. No Meter: The camera does not have a built-in light meter, which means that you will need to use external meters or rely on your knowledge of exposure settings.
3. Film Advantage: As with any film camera, there are additional costs associated with buying film, developing it, and scanning the negatives.
4. Manual Focus: While the manual focus rangefinder system can be an advantage, it can also be a disadvantage for photographers who are not used to it or who prefer autofocus.
Conclusion:The Ricoh 500ME is an excellent choice for photographers who value a simple, compact, and well-built camera. Its manual focus rangefinder system and bright viewfinder make it an ideal choice for street photography or travel. However, its limited features and lack of a built-in light meter may not be suitable for more advanced photographers. Additionally, the additional costs associated with film photography should be taken into consideration.
Recommendation:If you are looking for a compact and portable rangefinder camera with excellent build quality and a precise manual focus system, the Ricoh 500ME is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a camera with more features, such as a built-in light meter or autofocus, then you may want to consider other options. Ultimately, the decision to buy a Ricoh 500ME depends on your photography style and preferences.
Details:
Camera is in good working order. Everything is in excellent condition as you can see from the photos. Light seals are good. This camera has been film tested and i've included a few example shots from the test roll.
Black Ricoh 500 me 35mm film rangefinder camera. All shutter speeds are smooth and appear to be accurate. Rangefinder focusing is accurate and smooth. Aperture blades move freely in manual mode and work properly when switched to the auto exposure.
No lens cap is included but a skylight filter on the to protect it. Feel free to reach out with any questions. Includes original soft case and strap.
specifications filmamm:
- brand: Ricoh
- mpn: 500me
- type: Rangefinder
- format: 35 Mm
- unit type: Unit
- focus type: Manual
- color: Black
- features: Built-in Light Meter, Timer, Auto Exposure, Multiple Exposure
payments filmamm:
- wallet: apple-pay
- other
- credit card: mastercard
returns filmamm:
- policy: no returns
general filmamm:
- category: Camera & Photo > Photography > Film Cameras
seller filmamm:
- rating: 100.0%
- # reviews: 214
- city: belding, michigan
shipping filmamm:
- class: expedited
- type: calculated
- service: usps priority mail
- transit: 5-13 days
- carrier: usps
offer filmamm:
- sold #: 13
- started: august 23, 2025
- availability: in stock
- prices: $10.99–$45.99
- item condition: Used
- in stock #: 2
- options: ship-to-home
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