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Ricoh Diacord

Affordable Japanese TLR with sharp Rikenon optics.

1955–1958 6x6 on 120 film Made in Tokyo, Japan
Ricoh Diacord twin-lens reflex camera

Specifications (Diacord L)

Taking LensRikenon 80mm f/3.5 (4 elements, 3 groups)
Viewing LensRicoh Viewer 80mm f/3.2
ShutterSeikosha MXL
Shutter Speeds1s – 1/500s + B
Light MeterSelenium (uncoupled)
Filter MountBay I
FocusingDuo-Lever (two-lever knob)
  • Sharp 4-element Rikenon taking lens
  • Duo-Lever focus for coarse and fine adjustment
  • Selenium meter on Diacord L variant
  • M and X flash sync
  • Sports finder built into hood

History

Riken Optical Industries (later Ricoh) entered the TLR market in the early 1950s with the Ricohflex series — simple, affordable cameras that sold in huge numbers across Japan. By mid-decade the company was ready for something more refined, and the Diacord line was the result.

The first model, branded Ricohflex Dia (1955), replaced the simple Ricohflex shutter with a proper Citizen MV leaf shutter capable of 1s–1/400s. It retained the knob-wind film advance and waist-level finder of its predecessors but added a much-improved 4-element Rikenon taking lens.

The Diacord L (1957) was the most significant upgrade: a Seikosha MXL shutter (1s–1/500s), an uncoupled selenium light meter on the side of the body, and the distinctive Duo-Lever focusing system that provides both coarse and fine focus adjustment. The L is the most commonly found Diacord today.

The final variant, the Diacord G (1958), dropped the meter and reverted to a simpler specification, making it a budget alternative to the L. Production ended in 1958 as Ricoh shifted focus to 35mm cameras.

Diacord Variants

ModelYearsShutterSpeedsMeterNotes
Ricohflex Dia1955Citizen MV1s – 1/400s + BNoneFirst Diacord; knob wind
Diacord L1957Seikosha MXL1s – 1/500s + BSelenium (uncoupled)Most common; Duo-Lever focus
Diacord G1958Citizen MVL1s – 1/400s + BNoneBudget model; no meter

Collector Notes

The Diacord series is often overlooked in favour of the more common Yashica and Minolta TLRs, but the Rikenon lens is genuinely excellent — sharp across the frame with pleasant rendering. The Diacord L's Duo-Lever focusing is a distinctive feature not found on other TLRs. Collectors sometimes confuse the Diacord line with the earlier, simpler Ricohflex models; the Diacord is a meaningfully better camera.

Buying Tips

Diacords are among the most affordable quality TLRs on the market, making them an excellent entry point to medium format photography.

  • Shutter: Test all speeds carefully. The Seikosha MXL on the Diacord L is reliable but old shutters can drag at slow speeds. A CLA restores accuracy. The Citizen shutters on the Dia and G models are also generally dependable.
  • Rikenon lens: The 4-element Rikenon 80mm f/3.5 punches well above its price class. Check for haze, fungus, and coating damage by shining a light through both taking and viewing lenses.
  • Selenium meter (Diacord L): The uncoupled meter relies on a selenium cell that degrades over time. Many will read low or not at all — factor this in if you're paying a premium for the L variant. The meter is a nice bonus but not essential since the app or any handheld meter works better.
  • Focus mechanism: The Duo-Lever system should move smoothly through its full range. Check both the coarse and fine adjustment levers for stiffness or play.
  • Film advance: Wind through a full roll's worth of advances and check that the counter increments properly. The red window should be clean and the backing paper numbers visible.
  • Body condition: Look for dents on the top hood and check that the waist-level finder opens and closes properly. Replacement leatherette is available if the original is worn.

See our complete TLR buying guide for a full inspection checklist.

Current Market Prices (USD)

ConditionPrice Range
Poor / As-Is$40 – $60
Average$60 – $100
Good$100 – $150
Excellent$150 – $200
Mint / CLA'd$200 – $250

Source: eBay 2024–2025. Diacord L commands a slight premium over Dia and G variants.

Shop for Ricoh Diacord on eBay

Manuals & Documentation

Photo Galleries

Sources

Shoot with your Ricoh Diacord

TLR Companion is a free light meter app and film roll tracker built for TLR and medium format photographers. Meter light, load film, track every frame.

Planning a long exposure? TLR Companion handles ND filter compensation and reciprocity correction for 19 film stocks.