Ricoh Magic.
Gt George Street, Leeds - Ricoh GRIII
There are days when you feel like you have the perfect tool for the job. Sometimes, the perfect tool isn’t an interchangeable lens camera with a selection of lenses. Sometimes, it’s a tiny pocket camera with no viewfinder and no tilty/flippy screen. You compose and shoot; it’s as easy as that. I’m talking about the Ricoh GRIII. It has a reputation as a formidable street photography camera. It has a very clever focusing system that instantly captures moments unlike many other cameras. It’s useable with one hand as all the controls are accessible and designed to be operated one handed.
Handrail at the Piecehall, Halifax - Ricoh GRIII.
It has a macro capability that can produce very detailed close ups (see above image) which you do have to remember to switch off when you try to shoot a more general shot! I love it. I love it’s ability to capture razor sharp images with little or no fuss. You need to spend a little time setting it up to suit your needs but once you have, it’s a super powered point and shoot that’s in a different league to others. I’ve looked at images taken using the Leica Q cameras and as stunning as they can be, the Ricoh is a match. It has the same 28mm focal length as a Leica Q albeit in an APSC sensor (18.5 mm). The lens barely protrudes from the tiny body and has a very quick start up time. The downside of the camera is the battery life which is pretty poor. That however is the only downside. I normally shoot using Fujifilm cameras and lenses but I’ve started to mix and match a bit. I’m now using Sigma lenses and a stunning Mitakon Speedmaster manual lens. I’m really impressed with the Sigma lenses, they match and almost surpass the Fujifilm equivalents but in much smaller packages. I’m looking also to get myself an old Canon 5D MkII with just one 50mm lens because I’ve always wanted a full frame camera. I realise there are alternatives to just one manufacturer, much as I love Fujifilm gear.
Leeds Town Hall - Ricoh GRIII
The limitations of a fixed focal length can also be an advantage. You are forced to work a composition more because of the restriction of that view. You can include people in your street photography but you have to be braver than I am. I like to have people walk through the composition rather than be the subject. They are almost incidental. I’m not the most confident photographer when it comes to street work. The Ricoh does however capture people beautifully even if they are small in the larger image. The famous photographer Chase Jarvis once said “the best camera is the one that's with you” and he has a point. The Ricoh GRIII is that camera. It makes it easy for you owing to its size and functionality but ultimately, the image quality is its most attractive feature. If you’ve never tried one, give it a go. Test one, borrow one and if you’re in the position to, buy one. You won’t be disappointed, in fact I’d go as far to say, you will be captivated.
Oxenhope Moor - Ricoh GRIII