Ricoh RZ-900 Review

The Ricoh RZ-900 is a nice camera for your bag when you want a quick point and shoot with a little more.

I was perusing the used section of some of my favorite online camera shops recently. I am looking for a nice M42 camera to replace a broken one. While searching through popular brands that had the M42 mount, I entered Ricoh and one of the offerings under the brand was the RZ-900.

It had a 38-90mm lens and was pretty cheap. I was just thinking about how I did not have a pocket camera with zoom while on a recent hiking trip. It came with a 90 day guarantee and was rated a 9 out of 10 on its condition. I figured I could not go wrong. It arrived 4 days after I ordered it.

It did not come with a manual or a camera strap, but there was a battery inside. A quick internet search provided a manual. Here are some of the basic stats:

• Lens: 38 mm f4.5—90 mm f7.2 zoom lens 7 elements 7 groups
• Focus: Multi-Beam Automatic focusing with single AF facility. Distance measuring (shooting) range: 0.5 m—00. subjects between 0.5 m and 0.25 m
• Self-timer: Built-in electronic type with LED indicator. Operating delay of approx. 10 sec.
• Shutter speed range: 1—1/400Sec.
• Film speed range: ISO 64—3200. DX code system. (Non-DX films are set to ISO 100.)
• Film advance/rewind: Automatic film advance and rewind. Automatic 1st frame setting. Automatic film rewind at the end of film.
• Built-in flash: Electronic flash automatically activates in dim light and backlight. (up to approximately 10ft.)
• Other features: Red eye reduction/Soft flash, Flash-on, Flash-off, TV mode, Single ~SPOT’ AF mode.

I used a roll of Fujifilm 200 and Kodak 100Tmax to test some of the features.

First the lens was bright and clear.

I tested the zoom standing in the same spot.

I tested the flash and was pleasantly surprised.

It took nice sunset pictures

I tried the macro but I read that the strap length was a guide made to .25 meters. Mine was not included but gave it a try.

I noticed that the autofocus fails sometimes, or I need to figure out how to manipulate it better.

Lastly I tried it a night with no flash. Hit and miss as minimum speed was 1 second.

It was also a little larger than I expected being 5.5″ × 1.5″ × 2.5″ so it will not be easy to throw in my pocket. All in all it is still not a bad camera for under $15. I read somewhere online that this model could be from the early 90’s and cost up to $400. If anyone knows more I would appreciate it.

Aloha.

written by neanderthalis on 2013-06-14 #gear #test #macro #review #zoom #autofocus