posted January 12, 2019 10:07 AM                    

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" An affordable alternative to a Nikon R8, and possibly better than the R8 in some ways: It is the same lens as on the R8 (built by Nikon), minus the macro setting, and with extra coatings. This should in theory make the lens perform better than the controversial R8 lens. I have been unable to test this however as my R8 needs its wiring fixed. Like the R8/R10 it also auto-meters for a wide range of film speeds with a "variable" notch; can read film stock rated 10-250 ASA Daylight and 25-400 ASA Tungsten, making it an easy camera to use with modern film stocks, however the electronic and even the manual meter will not work without the additional button cell battery [PX-14 ]. While it does not have the dissolve and double exposure options offered by the R8, where I think this really beats the R8 is with the sturdy, compact design and fold-able handle, which makes it easy to fit in a backpack and great for tripod shooting. It's smaller and lighter than the R8 and more well balanced (imo). Not sure how steady it is in comparison to the R8, but a frame-master plate can eliminate most frame jitter anyway. You can also call it a "true successor" to the Nikon 8X Super Zoom, as the body design is very similar.

In Conclusion: A simple, no-nonsense, underrated camera with a decent lens. It should be competitive with the Canon 814 E AZ and Nikon R8 but typically the Ricoh can be had for much cheaper, I only paid $15 for mine. I would say it's also superior to the R10 in the same ways it's superior to the R8, however the lens on the R10 is what generally makes it a better camera. "

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