Ricoh's slim fixed-lens 35mm compact — wide lens, autofocus, panoramic mode, 1994.
The Ricoh R1 is a slim fixed-lens 35mm compact from Ricoh, introduced in 1994. It was notable for how thin its body was for a 35mm camera, and it drew a following as a cult compact and as a design predecessor to Ricoh's later GR film cameras. It offered a wide fixed lens with additional wider panoramic modes.
This is a fixed-lens 35mm compact with a wide fixed lens and autofocus. It offers automatic exposure with electronic metering and a built-in flash, and includes a panoramic crop mode and a wider-angle setting on some versions, so it depends on a working battery to operate. The lens is fixed and cannot be interchanged.
The R1 suits photographers who want a very slim, pocketable 35mm compact with a wide lens for street, travel, documentary and general photography. Its thin body makes it easy to carry everywhere, and the wide lens suits candid and environmental shooting, though controls are minimal by design.
As a sought-after slim compact, buy carefully. Confirm the electronic metering, autofocus and flash operate with a fresh battery, and check the battery-door area for corrosion. Inspect the lens for haze and fungus, check the LCD display for bleed or fade, and verify the lens cover and lens extend and retract cleanly. Check the light seals and film-advance mechanism for wear.