Ansco Memo II

Introduction: The Ansco Memo II at a Glance

The Ansco Memo II is a compact half-frame camera that takes standard 35mm film and turns it into pairs of small pictures. It sits in the friendly corner of analog cameras where the camera does most of the work: a coupled electric eye sets the exposure, a spring motor winds the film, and you only choose a focus zone and press the button.

Each picture measures 18 x 24 mm, so a 12-exposure cassette gives 24 pictures, a 20-exposure cassette gives 40 and a 36-exposure cassette gives 72. The camera carries both the Ansco and GAF names, but it is actually a rebadged Japanese Ricoh Auto Half.

Shooting half-frame changes how you think about a roll. Because every cassette stretches so far, small moments and quick sequences become affordable. The format rewards a relaxed, observant rhythm.

Design Roots and Historical Background

A rebadged Ricoh

The Memo II is the GAF-era Ansco half-frame camera. Camera-wiki notes that although it carries both the Ansco and GAF names, it is a rebranding of the Ricoh Auto Half. Sources disagree on exact dates, so this article gives no introduction year.

One visible difference from the Ricoh original is the accessory shoe, which sits off-centre on the Ansco.

Not the 1920s Ansco Memo

The 1920s Ansco Memo is a completely different camera, even though it also uses a half-35mm format. When you search for manuals or reviews, make sure the page is about the Memo II with the Memar lens.

Key Technical Highlights

Lens and exposure

The Memo II carries a 25mm f/2.8 Memar lens; on the Ricoh Auto Half it is based on, this is a 3-group, 4-element design. A selenium meter sets the exposure automatically, and the manual describes the electric eye as coupled to the lens and shutter. When there is enough light, a gold dot appears in the viewfinder. If it is absent, a flash lamp is needed.

On the Ricoh original, automatic exposure runs at about 1/125 s. Turn the ring so the red A disappears and f-numbers show, and you take manual control with the shutter fixed at 1/30 s.

Focusing, winding and flash

Focusing is by zone, with three settings: F for far (15 feet and beyond, about 4.6 m), N for near (6 to 15 feet, about 1.8 to 4.6 m) and C for close (3 to 6 feet, about 0.9 to 1.8 m). The manual suggests F for scenics, N for groups and C for close-ups.

The spring motor advances the film after each exposure, up to 20 pictures per winding, which prevents accidental double exposure and allows rapid sequences. For flash, you set the distance against the guide number scale, and an accessory clip on top holds the flash unit.

• Format: half-frame, 18 x 24 mm on standard 135 cassettes.
• Lens: 25mm f/2.8 Memar.
• Exposure: automatic with a selenium meter, or manual with a fixed 1/30 s.
• Focus: three zones, F, N and C.
• Film advance: spring motor, up to 20 pictures per winding.

Modern-Day Use in 2026

Where the Memo II excels

With zone focusing and automatic exposure, you spend your attention on composition and timing rather than settings. It suits outdoor days, where good light keeps the gold dot visible.

Use it for:

• Walks and travel days where you want many frames from one cassette.
• Quick sequences, thanks to the spring motor.
• Group shots using the N zone.

Practical shooting tips

• Check the viewfinder for the gold dot before you press the button; no dot means too little light for the automatic mode.
• Pick F, N or C before you raise the camera.
• Expect 72 pictures from a 36-exposure cassette, so count carefully.

Buying and Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying used

These general checks suit the Memo II well:

• Look through the lens against a bright light for haze, fungus or scratches.
• Press the shutter button and listen for a clean, consistent sound.
• Wind the spring motor and check that it advances and runs smoothly.
• Point the camera at a bright scene and see whether the gold dot appears in the viewfinder.
• Check that the focus ring moves through F, N and C and the exposure ring turns freely.
• Open the back and look for sticky or crumbling light seals.

Power, winding and flash

The film advance is driven by the spring motor and the meter is a selenium type, so the camera is simple, but a few habits help:

• Never force the winding.
• Use a flash lamp or flash unit when the gold dot is missing.
• Set the distance against the guide number scale when you use flash.

Basic care and accessories

Pair the camera with a few simple photography accessories:

• A soft case or small bag to protect the body.
• A microfiber cloth and a blower for the lens and viewfinder.
• A flash unit that fits the accessory clip on top, if you plan to shoot indoors.
• Fresh 135 film, chosen for the light you expect.

Conclusion: Small Frames, Simple Habits

The Ansco Memo II fits a lot of shooting pleasure into a small body. A rebadged Ricoh Auto Half with a 25mm f/2.8 lens, a selenium meter, zone focusing and a spring motor, it handles the technical work and leaves you free to look around.

If you like the idea of 72 pictures from one cassette and a camera that rewards quick, relaxed shooting, the Memo II is a charming way to try half-frame film.

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Sources: original Ansco Memo II instruction manual; GAF Ansco Memo II and Ricoh Auto Half on camera-wiki.org, text licensed under GFDL 1.3.