Portable fax machine

Made:
1991 in Japan
maker:
Ricoh Company Limited
Ricoh PF-2 portable fax machine, made in Japan, 1991

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Ricoh PF-2 portable fax machine, made in Japan, 1991
Science Museum Group
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Musuem

Ricoh PF-2 portable fax machine, made in Japan, 1991. At the time of production, this was the world's smallest fax machine. This fax machine was designed to be used on the move and included an adaptor for use in the car. It includes a hard carrying case, instruction manual, AC adaptor and a car cigarette lighter.

At the time, this was the world’s smallest fax machine, and what is particularly interesting about this machine is its portability. The original owner bought it for use in his work for a print company. This job required regular commuting to visit clients and suppliers. This machine would have been important for his work, allowing him to send and receive important documents on the move when he likely had little to no access to emails or a computer.

Details

Category:
Telecommunications
Object Number:
2019-416
Materials:
plastic (unidentified)
Measurements:
fax machine in case: 85 mm x 370 mm x 290 mm, 3.5 kg
fax machine out of case: 57 mm x 277 mm x 180 mm, 2 kg
type:
fax machine
credit:
Simon Biggs