Recently, I bought myself a new toy... Slim, strong, black. Magnesium alloy. Loveable. Cult. GR1v.
An exceptional MTF chart that demonstrates high quality
The design of the GR1v's 28mm lens was based on a simple performance target: utilisation of the full picture frame, with a sharp picture from corner to corner. The success of this effort is reflected in the exceptional performance data shown in the lens's MTF curve. The red solid and dotted lines on this MTF chart show the data for a test pattern of ten lines per millimetre. Note the extremely high overall level (above 95% at the lens centre), even when the aperture is fully opened at F2.8. And the level remains high even at the edge of the lens, reflecting excellent image quality, high contrast and high resolution even at the corners of the picture frame. In addition, the two MTF line (one for tangential data and the other for radial data) are close together, indicating good image control even for portions of the picture that are outside the "in-focus" range.
A multi-coated optical-glass lens unit with 7 lenses in 4 groups.
The 28mm lens incorporated in the GR1v is similar in construction to the interchangeable lenses used in SLR cameras. The lens unit uses seven lenses in four groups, with two aspherical elements and a high-precision gluing assembly technique enabling sharper images and a more compact size. Ricoh also uses high-quality optical glass and special lens polishing and coating technologies to ensure overall sharpness and excellent contrast characteristics.
In the course of normal lens element manufacturing, the final lens elements differ from each other by an extremely tiny degree, on the order of a few microns, with only negligible effect on lens performance. However, to achieve the very best results with the GR1v, Ricoh introduced a new technique for selecting the closest matching lens combination for each unit, adjusting the spaces among the lens groups and the optical axis. In other words, each assembled lens is custom-made for maximum performance and maximum satisfaction of each customer.
Distortion correction for a natural-looking image
Thanks to its high optical quality, combined with Ricoh's lens coating technology, the 28mm GR lens provides superb colour reproduction on a level with some of the world's finest lenses. The lens has been designed to meet the strict performance requirements of colour slide film. One measure of its success is the aperture efficiency data, which is nearly 100% at F5.6. Another is the high level of distortion correction performance and the very neutral colour contribution index.
Exposure Compensation Dial to create special exposure effects
The Exposure Compensation Dial, an important feature in advanced SLR cameras, has been included in the GR1s and GR1v models. This dial compensates exposure from + to - 2.OEV in half steps, to enable the expression of intentional exposure effects, especially in slide films where print compensation isn't possible. It is also effective for high-key or low-key expression, and bracketing exposure for professionals. And it can be used to change a film's ISO setting in special shooting situations.
A seven-blade shutter for a nearly round lens aperture
One of the important factors in a pleasing photograph is the appearance of the photo's "out of focus" images the areas of the picture that are distant from the main subject and so aren't in sharp focus. The quality of these images is heavily dependent on the shape of the shutter. While most compact camera designers ignore this factor during the design phase, the designers of the GR1v specified a high quality shutter with a seven-blade aperture, for a nearly round lens iris. This is precisely controlled for correct exposures, and makes a significant difference in photographic expression. It is also important for advanced amateur photographers who use various aperture priority settings for photographs with controlled depth of field.
High-performance dual SPD photocell for accurate exposure metering
Based on its long experience in developing cameras, Ricoh chose a high-performance dual SPD (silicon photo diode) for the GR1v's exposure metering system. Data concerning exposure level, aperture setting, exposure compensations and DX coding are processed by Ricoh's specially designed CPU chip for highly accurate exposure control.
Aperture Priority AE for greater freedom of expression
A number of elements go into creating a good photograph correct exposure, accurate focus, proper framing, good shutter timing and so on. Of all of these, the beginning photograph is most likely to underestimate the importance of aperture control. The GR1v, however, incorporates aperture priority AE to meet the demanding requirements of advanced photographers. You can set the aperture from F2.8 to F22 in 1/2 steps in order to achieve the desired aperture effect. You can also enjoy easy snapshot operation simply by setting the aperture dial to "P" for Program AE mode.
Passive-type multi auto focus system for highly accurate focus
Two of the most popular features of compact cameras are small size, for easy portability, and autofocus, for easy operation. The GR1v balances the requirements of compactness and autofocus performance by using a highly accurate passive-type AF system. Unlike conventional active-type AF systems, this passive-type system can focus on objects located on the opposite side of a transparent window. Another helpful feature is wide multi-AF framing, so that even if our subject is off centre if will still be in focus. The distance symbols at the bottom of the viewfinder indicate where the lens is focuses.
Centre-weighted exposure metering for advanced requirements
Being able to utilise a centre-weighted exposure metering system is a big advantage for photographers who want the freedom to compose shots as they please under various lighting conditions. The GR1v provides both a conventional average metering system and a centre-weighted system, so you can choose the best exposure metering for any situation. When you press the mode button for Single Auto Focus, centre-weighted exposure metering is activated automatically (at EV6 and above).
Easy pan focus with a 28mm lens
The GR1s & GR1v lens has a focal length of 28mm, and the angle of view is 75 degrees diagonally, for a relatively wide view. And thanks to its large depth of field, pan-focus shooting is easy. Simply set the mode button to Snap Mode and set a small aperture setting to enjoy crisp, sharp corner-to-corner snap shooting.
Electronically controlled shutter with time exposure mode
The electronically controlled seven-blade shutter includes a special time exposure mode, similar to bulb mode, to enable extended exposures for still object photography and nighttime photography.
To activate this mode, press the Self timer/Time exposure mode button, then press the shutter button. The shutter will stay open, and the LCD information panel will indicate the number of seconds the shutter has been open. Press the shutter button again to close the shutter.
Lens hood eases backlighting difficulties
When the image you want to capture has strong backlighting, simply attach the GR1v lens hood. This compact hood is easily removed and stored, but can be quickly attached when needed. This incredibly useful accessory is included with the GR1v - but not with most compact cameras.
A range of photographic modes
The GR1v is ready to respond to a wide variety of situations. The modes provided by the GR1v range from advanced photographic techniques to easy snap shooting.
- Fixed Focus Mode: You can lock the focus distance in Single AF mode for convenient repeat shots of a subject at the same distance. Frame the subject, hold the shutter button halfway down, and press the mode button to indicate ‘SNAP' in the LCD panel. The focus will then be locked at the distance where the subject is located until you release the mode.
- Snap Mode: In this mode the focus is fixed at 2m (6.6 feet) for easy snap shooting.
- Infinity Mode
- Manual Focus Mode Allows you to focus on following distances: 1, 2, 3, 5 metres and infinity.
- Additional Modes: Time Exposure Mode, Self-timer Mode, Single Autofocus Mode, Exposure Bracketing Mode
A sophisticated flash system
Automatic flash is a very convenient feature, but in the GR1v it is not the main flash mode, because we feel that Flash On and Flash Off modes are just as important for creative control. So, instead of using a conventional button control, where the button must be pressed several times to select the desired mode, the GR1v incorporates a simple slide switch. With this, any flash mode can be set with equal ease according to your creative requirements.
To set the Red-Eye Reduction Mode, press both the Self Timer/Time Exposure Mode button and the mode button simultaneously for one second.
· Flash Off Mode
· Flash On Mode
· Auto Flash Mode
· Redeye Reduction Mode
· Soft Flash
Illuminated Display Panel
See at a glance the camera settings, amount of film remaining and battery status. The illuminated display lets you check this information even in poor lighting conditions. Perfect for checking the timing on long exposure night shots.
Extra-clear bright-frame viewfinder
The GR1v has a genuine bright-frame viewfinder, with high-quality optical lenses and a highly accurate prism to ensure an extraordinarily bright view. The viewfinder also provides a wealth of information, o a par with advanced SLR viewfinders, to meet the demanding requirements of professional and advanced amateur photographers. This includes focus indicators, 2-step parallax correction marks, and multi-and single-autofocus indicators; there is also a viewfinder illuminator for low-light shooting.
Compact magnesium alloy die-cast body
While most camera manufacturers are still using titanium alloys, we've already begun to use the latest magnesium alloy die-cast materials to create a slim yet extremely strong and stylish camera body which fits perfectly in your hand.
Solid–looking exterior design in black or silver
The quality finish of the exterior matches the excellence of the camera's features. The two colour choices – black or silver – express the quiet confidence of the GR1v.