WE296 Projector Lens 0.5–0.6:1 for 10 Ricoh Models, incl. PJ RU6608L, PJ RU6605L, WUL6670

WE296 is a short-throw lens for the 0.65/0.66/0.67 panel group (Ricoh), with a 0.5–0.6:1 throw ratio and lens shift. It is compatible with 10 models across 2 model series. This article presents the lens specifications, installation distance, model compatibility list, and replacement considerations in one place.

1. Lens Specifications

The lens-shift capability is the key differentiator of this lens. The shift ranges of ±35% horizontally and ±10% vertically allow the projector to be installed off the screen's central axis and the image to be repositioned through lens shift without using keystone correction. Keystone correction comes at a cost—each correction step sacrifices some effective pixels and softens the edges of text. In professional installations, never use keystone correction when lens shift can resolve the issue; this is the baseline for image quality.

2. Calculating Installation Distance from Throw Ratio

The throw ratio is the ratio of installation distance to image width. This is a zoom lens (0.5–0.6:1), so a given image size corresponds to a range of distances, and the image can be focused anywhere within that range during installation.

The distances above are the clear distance from the lens front face to the screen and do not include clearance for rear chassis ventilation or cabling. These values are calculated for a 16:10 image; actual values should be verified through on-site measurement and against the manual.

Image quality varies at the two ends of the zoom range: near the short-throw end, the image is brighter and the edges are slightly softer; near the long-throw end, the edges are sharper and brightness is slightly lower. When site conditions allow, the middle of the range is recommended. After installation, first find the sharpest position using the focus ring, then fine-tune the lens shift—adjusting both variables at the same time makes precise alignment difficult.

3. Compatible Models (10 Models, Ricoh)

The table below is ordered by model production date from newest to oldest. It lists the resolution, brightness, and zoom ratio of the original factory lens for each model, making it easy to identify the right option for a project.

The zoom ratio is the zoom factor of the model's original standard lens (upper limit ÷ lower limit of the original throw-ratio range), not the zoom range of the lens discussed in this article.

Original Factory Lens Models

2 models among these can be fitted with original factory lenses. The corresponding throw ratio for each lens model is listed below for comparison with the original factory solution.

Ricoh Factory Lens

The 0.5–0.6:1 model discussed here is closest to the throw-ratio range of the original A3A (1.22-1.52) lens, enabling a direct comparison when selecting a lens.

Common Traits of These Models

For most of the 10 models, the throw ratios of the original standard lenses fall within the 1.22-1.52：1 range. The 0.5–0.6:1 model discussed here effectively changes the lens range, allowing different image sizes at the same projection distance—this is the direct reason for replacing the lens. It also retains the full lens-shift capability, so the image can still be aligned after the range is adjusted.

4. Three Checks Before Replacement

• The panel and resolution must match. This model is designed for a 0.67-inch panel. Projection performance varies somewhat among projectors with different panel sizes or resolutions, so the safest approach is to check the projector nameplate before installation.
• Interface compatibility and the locking mechanism. Interfaces on platforms of the same generation are generally compatible, but the position of the locking latch differs between generations. If the image appears skewed or the edges are not sharp after installation, the lock is usually not fully engaged; this is generally not a lens defect.
• Allow for the lens-shift margin during installation. The shift range provides some installation flexibility, but edge image quality declines when the shift is pushed to its limits. For practical use, keep the lens shift within 70% of the rated value.

For models not on the list, the safest way to confirm compatibility is to send us photos of the projector nameplate and original lens—platforms of the same generation often share the same interface, but the risk of placing an order based solely on a similar model designation is not worth taking.