Ricoh's simplified wide compact — the R10, fixed 30mm f/3.5, program AE autofocus.
The Ricoh R10 is a fixed-lens 35mm compact derived from Ricoh's R1 series, sharing that line's slim body and wide 30mm lens in a simplified, budget-oriented form. It belongs to the same family of thin wide-angle point-and-shoots that Ricoh produced through the mid and late 1990s, some versions of which were also sold under the Ricoh ELLE name. It was positioned as an affordable everyday compact rather than a feature-led model.
Made for 35mm film, the R10 uses a fixed 30mm f/3.5 lens with autofocus and an infinity-lock setting for distant subjects. Exposure is fully programmed AE and the built-in flash offers automatic firing with a nightscape option. The camera is a straightforward automatic point-and-shoot with no manual aperture or shutter control.
The wide 30mm lens and compact body make the R10 a practical choice for casual street work, travel snapshots and general use where a small, simple camera is wanted. It gives more of the scene than a standard 35mm compact and is easy to carry all day. Its automation is basic, so it suits a user happy to leave exposure and focus to the camera.
On the used market, check that the autofocus confirms and that the infinity lock works, and inspect the 30mm lens for haze, fungus or coating marks. Confirm the data LCD is complete with no missing segments, test the flash and nightscape mode, and listen for smooth film advance and rewind. Inspect the battery door and contacts for corrosion, and verify the film-door light seals are sound. Note that Ricoh reused the R10 name for a later unrelated digital compact, so confirm you are handling the film model.