Ricoh's splash-proof 1993 compact — 34mm f/4.5, active AF, JIS Class 4 sealing, AA power, panorama mode.
The Ricoh RW-1 is a weather-resistant 35mm point-and-shoot introduced in December 1993, the fully loaded model of Ricoh's splash-proof RW series. Its rounded, sealed body was aimed at beach, boat and bad-weather duty in the same niche as the era's other rain-ready compacts. A Date version with a databack was also sold.
It uses a Ricoh 34mm f/4.5 lens of 3 elements in 3 groups with single-point active autofocus, in a splash-proof body rated to JIS Class 4. Exposure is handled by a simple two-speed shutter of 1/50 and 1/100 second with apertures of f/4.5 and f/11.2, and DX coding sets the camera for ISO 100 or 400 film only. Automatic flash with red-eye reduction, a self-timer and a switchable panorama mask complete the feature set. It runs on two AA batteries and weighs 250g.
The RW-1 suits hikers, festival-goers and anyone who wants a film compact that shrugs off drizzle and sand. The wide-ish 34mm lens and true autofocus lift it above focus-free rivals, but the limited two-speed exposure system means it is happiest outdoors on ISO 400 film.
When buying, check the rubber seals around the film door and battery compartment, as perished seals undo the whole point of a weather-resistant camera. Test the flash charges and the AF window is unobstructed. AA power keeps it easy to run; corroded contacts from stored cells are the most common fault to look for.