Ricoh R1
The Ricoh R1 is a 1994 point and shoot with a wide angle setting. The base lens is a 30mm f3.5 that readjusts to a 24mm wide angle.
The three settings are Normal, P for panorama and Wide P for wide panorama. The panorama settings bring down a plastic frame for an image that fills the normal frame side to side but not top to bottom. I read about some people that disable the frames so they can use the 24mm setting at full frame.
The Ricoh R1 uses a DX code reader but defaults to 100 ASA if there is no DX code. Loading the film the camera winds it out of the canister on to a spool then wind is back in the canister as you shoot, like a disposable. Advantage is that if you open the back you ruin the un-shot film but not the shot film.
I did not use the panorama options I am not a fan of the look, so my use is specifically as a point and shoot.
My Take:
The R1 was fine as a pocket size point and shoot. I like the slim size. It takes reasonable shots and was easy to use. The auto focus seemed slow but acurate and exposer was correct. I would not make it my top pick for small camera but for the price, not bad. I have not shot any of the Ricoh GR1 series but I assume thy are much nicer or should be at over 10X the price. I'd say the R1 is worth having as a tuck in a pocket and take along camera, just don't pay too much.
Lens: Ricoh 30mm f3.5
Film: FujiColor 100
