Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/02/01
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Alexander, Not sure where and when this thread started, but I can only find your post under this heading, so I do not really know if my considerations are redundant with things written by others in the most recent past. Nevertheless... I agree with your opinion on the GR-1. It is the most versatile 'P&S' (whatever one calls that category of cameras) I have ever touched. On the quality level (optical performance, metering reliability) it seems - -to my unperfect retinas- on par with M performance, even for Velvia slides. It allows plenty of user control (choice of aperture, hyperfocal management through 'permanent' focus lock, EV corrections), which is amazing in such a compact AF motorized package. The build quality is very nice (magnesium outer shell, real diaphragm, nice finish). Over a M6+28mm, the GR-1 has the advantages of size, weight, price, motor, AE and on board reliable flash. The whole GR-1 package takes less volume and weight than a 28mm-M lens alone... It has 2 drawbacks IMHO: the on-off button is sensitive to the point where it too easily extends and unprotects the lens when in your pocket and the camera is noisy compared to a M. The Minilux has a 40mm lens (f2.4) and an integrated flash, the 35Ti has a 35mm lens (f2.8) and an integrated flash and the Hexar has a 35mm lens (f2) and no integrated flash. The GR-1 has a 28mm lens (f2.8) and integrated flash. These are main differences and, when added to very obvious volume/weight considerations, prevent -to my eyes- all those systems from really competing against each other. I therefore do not quite agree with adding up all the "or...or" exclusions into a single 'high-end P&S' market segment. There are many ways to analyse that segment from the user requirements point of view, and the GR-1 really does stand apart: there are quite a few highly capable 35-40mm compact boxes around, but very few 28mm ones, and even fewer ultra-compact 28mm options. A great little camera! Alan Alexander wrote: > > all above mentioned cameras are great, however the Ricoh GR1 is simply AMAZING. it has an excellent lens. > superb for slide shots. I highly recommend it above all other mentioned P&S. Very portable and very user > friendly with good controls. > > Just my thoughts... > > -- > Regards, > Alexander > > http://www.mediadyne.gr/photos