Ricoh's 1985 zone-focus 35mm compact — 35mm f/4 Rikenon, built-in flash, AA power, sliding lens cover.
The Ricoh XF-30 is a compact 35mm viewfinder camera introduced in 1985, sold as a simple everyday snapshot machine in Ricoh's budget compact line-up. It spawned several variants over its life, including the XF-30 Super, XF-30D and XF30-E, and was offered in colour versions alongside standard black.
It carries a fixed 35mm f/4 Rikenon lens protected by a sliding cover, focused manually by a zone-focus slider above the lens with three symbols covering 1m to infinity. The shutter runs from 1/30 to 1/500 second, film speed is set by hand to ISO 100, 200, 400 or 1000, and there is a built-in flash plus self-timer. Film loading is automatic and power comes from two AA batteries, with the body weighing 245g.
The XF-30 suits film beginners and students who want a cheap, mechanical-feeling compact without autofocus surprises: the zone-focus control rewards a little thought and the wide-ish 35mm lens is forgiving for street and holiday snaps. It is basic, so anyone wanting autofocus or exposure override should look elsewhere.
When buying used, confirm the flash charges and fires, since electronics are the usual weak point on 1980s compacts, and that the film advance motor winds smoothly. AA power means no battery sourcing problems. Check the sliding lens cover still actuates the camera correctly and that the zone-focus slider moves freely, and inspect light seals around the film door.