Ricoh cameras

On Sun, 04 Feb 2007 18:35:32 GMT, David J Taylor wrote:

> What should I infer from the lack of reviews of Ricoh brand cameras
> on the major review sites?

That Ricoh either doesn't sell in very large numbers or their
cameras aren't generally available in all major markets, or both.
The only one that I'm sure of is that most or all of their cameras
aren't sold in the USA. I've heard that some of their cameras are
rebadged (as Rollies, I think). But when I checked with some large
camera sellers about a year ago, couldn't find any, not even an "out
of stock" listing. Adorama has been advertising the GR-Digital for
several months, so perhaps Ricoh's marketing restrictions are
loosening up a bit.
 >> Stay informed about: Ricoh cameras 

On Feb 4, 1:35 pm, "David J Taylor" <david-tay... RemoveThis @blueyonder.co.not-
this-bit.nor-this-part.uk> wrote:
> What should I infer from the lack of reviews of Ricoh brand cameras on the
> major review sites?
>
> David

That Ricoh doesn't make their cameras available for reviews. Kodak,
Canon, Nikon, etc. understand the value of PR at introduction of a new
camera. Ricoh -- which is too engrossed in office products to really
focus on cameras anymore -- is content to let "mystique" and word-of-
mouth carry the day.

But I wouldn't buy a new camera without a U.S. warranty, and Ricoh
can't support repairs in the U.S. So it's all for the best.

-DK
 >> Stay informed about: Ricoh cameras 

On Sun, 04 Feb 2007 18:35:32 +0000, David J Taylor wrote:

> What should I infer from the lack of reviews of Ricoh brand cameras on the
> major review sites?
>
> David

That not many folks have reviewed them.
 >> Stay informed about: Ricoh cameras 

ASAAR wrote:
> On Sun, 04 Feb 2007 18:35:32 GMT, David J Taylor wrote:
>
>> What should I infer from the lack of reviews of Ricoh brand cameras
>> on the major review sites?
>
> That Ricoh either doesn't sell in very large numbers or their
> cameras aren't generally available in all major markets, or both.
> The only one that I'm sure of is that most or all of their cameras
> aren't sold in the USA. I've heard that some of their cameras are
> rebadged (as Rollies, I think). But when I checked with some large
> camera sellers about a year ago, couldn't find any, not even an "out
> of stock" listing. Adorama has been advertising the GR-Digital for
> several months, so perhaps Ricoh's marketing restrictions are
> loosening up a bit.

Not being sold in the USA would explain quite a lot, although Ricoh aren't
the only company to be selective about where products are sold. As I'm
not buying in the USA, the lack of USA warranty mentioned by DK doesn't
concern me.

At least no-one has yet said it's because the cameras are no good!

Thanks,
David
 >> Stay informed about: Ricoh cameras 

"David J Taylor" <david-taylor.RemoveThis@blueyonder.co.not-this-bit.nor-this-part.uk>
wrote in message news:4sCxh.6103$9S5.5979@text.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
> ASAAR wrote:
>> On Sun, 04 Feb 2007 18:35:32 GMT, David J Taylor wrote:
>>
>>> What should I infer from the lack of reviews of Ricoh brand cameras
>>> on the major review sites?
>>
>> That Ricoh either doesn't sell in very large numbers or their
>> cameras aren't generally available in all major markets, or both.
>> The only one that I'm sure of is that most or all of their cameras
>> aren't sold in the USA. I've heard that some of their cameras are
>> rebadged (as Rollies, I think). But when I checked with some large
>> camera sellers about a year ago, couldn't find any, not even an "out
>> of stock" listing. Adorama has been advertising the GR-Digital for
>> several months, so perhaps Ricoh's marketing restrictions are
>> loosening up a bit.
>
> Not being sold in the USA would explain quite a lot, although Ricoh aren't
> the only company to be selective about where products are sold. As I'm
> not buying in the USA, the lack of USA warranty mentioned by DK doesn't
> concern me.
>
> At least no-one has yet said it's because the cameras are no good!
>
> Thanks,
> David
>

I've owned 2 Ricoh cameras, the RDC-5000 & RDC 5300, since 2000, and they
have given excellent results. They were feature-laden for their time.
Ricoh may have an image problem in the US. They have been rebadging their
cameras as Rollei in this market.
 >> Stay informed about: Ricoh cameras 

jeremy wrote:
[]
> I've owned 2 Ricoh cameras, the RDC-5000 & RDC 5300, since 2000, and
> they have given excellent results. They were feature-laden for their
> time. Ricoh may have an image problem in the US. They have been
> rebadging their cameras as Rollei in this market.

Thanks, Jeremy.

I just got an R5 and wondered why the brand wasn't better known. It works
very well considering its size the the 1/2.5-inch sensor.

http://www.digicamreview.co.uk/ricoh_caplio_r5_review.htm

David
 >> Stay informed about: Ricoh cameras 

"David J Taylor" <david-taylor RemoveThis @blueyonder.co.not-this-bit.nor-this-part.uk>
wrote in message news:JDKxh.6343$9S5.2959@text.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
> jeremy wrote:
> []
>> I've owned 2 Ricoh cameras, the RDC-5000 & RDC 5300, since 2000, and
>> they have given excellent results. They were feature-laden for their
>> time. Ricoh may have an image problem in the US. They have been
>> rebadging their cameras as Rollei in this market.
>
> Thanks, Jeremy.
>
> I just got an R5 and wondered why the brand wasn't better known. It works
> very well considering its size the the 1/2.5-inch sensor.
>
> http://www.digicamreview.co.uk/ricoh_caplio_r5_review.htm
>
> David
>

Ricoh has not done a good job of advancing their brand awareness. They once
were a well-known film camera manufacturer, but they withdrew from film and
concentrated on their copier and office equipment lines.

The RDC-5000 was an innovative digital camera--remote control, keep settings
menu, text mode, styled to look like a traditional camera--resembled the
Contax G2, LCD protective cover, ability to use camera with LCD cover
closed, real-image viewfinder, excellent all-glass 9-element lens, 3
aspheric surfaces, even an interval shooting mode for timed shots of
anywhere between 30 seconds and three hours apart. The camera came with all
cables, AC adapter, case and even a videotape that explained basic
operations. It could output onto TV (US and European standards) and it was
a most unusual camera in its day.

I still use mine (I have 3 of them--bought two more on eBay). For 4x6
snapshots, the camera was perfect. 2.3 MP resolution of 1200x1800 yielded
300 ppi at 4 x 6. The CCD chip had a 3:2 aspect ratio--just like 35mm film.

I think that Ricoh had associations in the minds of consumers of being a
"second tier" manufacturer--somewhat like Vivitar. That might explain why
their cameras are being distributed under the Rollei name in the US.

I shoot mainly 35mm film, and I scan the images to digital. But for my
less-important work, the RDC-5300 camera works fine, and I have not found
any need to go up to a more recent digicam. My own experience with Ricoh
was quite pleasant, and I would not hesitate to recommend their cameras.
But they are clearly the sort of brand for the person that marches to his
own drummer.
 >> Stay informed about: Ricoh cameras 

"David J Taylor" <david-taylor DeleteThis @blueyonder.co.not-this-bit.nor-this-part.uk>
wrote in message news:JDKxh.6343$9S5.2959@text.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
> jeremy wrote:
> []
> > I've owned 2 Ricoh cameras, the RDC-5000 & RDC
> > 5300, since 2000, and they have given excellent results.
> > They were feature-laden for their time. Ricoh may have an
> > image problem in the US. They have been
> > rebadging their cameras as Rollei in this market.
>
> Thanks, Jeremy.
>
> I just got an R5 and wondered why the brand wasn't better
> known. It works very well considering its size the the 1/2.5-> inch
sensor.
>

My GF has been very pleased with her R4 which she bought after taking me to
look at a shortlist of models from different manufacturers. My experience
with several Ricoh film cameras (GR1v, GR10, GR21) encouraged me to take
them seriously, and when trying out the options in the shop it blew away the
alternatives (other cameras with a reasonably wide end to their zooms, and a
price about £50-100 either side of the Ricoh.)


Peter
 >> Stay informed about: Ricoh cameras 

In article <FbMxh.2601$yI1.2410@trndny01>, jeremy.RemoveThis@nospam.com says...
>
>
>"David J Taylor" <david-taylor.RemoveThis@blueyonder.co.not-this-bit.nor-this-part.uk>
>wrote in message news:JDKxh.6343$9S5.2959@text.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
>> jeremy wrote:
>> []
>>> I've owned 2 Ricoh cameras, the RDC-5000 & RDC 5300, since 2000, and
>>> they have given excellent results. They were feature-laden for their
>>> time. Ricoh may have an image problem in the US. They have been
>>> rebadging their cameras as Rollei in this market.
>>
>> Thanks, Jeremy.
>>
>> I just got an R5 and wondered why the brand wasn't better known. It works
>> very well considering its size the the 1/2.5-inch sensor.
>>
>> http://www.digicamreview.co.uk/ricoh_caplio_r5_review.htm
>>
>> David
>>
>
>Ricoh has not done a good job of advancing their brand awareness. They once
>were a well-known film camera manufacturer, but they withdrew from film and
>concentrated on their copier and office equipment lines.
>
>The RDC-5000 was an innovative digital camera--remote control, keep settings
>menu, text mode, styled to look like a traditional camera--resembled the
>Contax G2, LCD protective cover, ability to use camera with LCD cover
>closed, real-image viewfinder, excellent all-glass 9-element lens, 3
>aspheric surfaces, even an interval shooting mode for timed shots of
>anywhere between 30 seconds and three hours apart. The camera came with all
>cables, AC adapter, case and even a videotape that explained basic
>operations. It could output onto TV (US and European standards) and it was
>a most unusual camera in its day.
>
>I still use mine (I have 3 of them--bought two more on eBay). For 4x6
>snapshots, the camera was perfect. 2.3 MP resolution of 1200x1800 yielded
>300 ppi at 4 x 6. The CCD chip had a 3:2 aspect ratio--just like 35mm film.
>
>I think that Ricoh had associations in the minds of consumers of being a
>"second tier" manufacturer--somewhat like Vivitar. That might explain why
>their cameras are being distributed under the Rollei name in the US.
>
>I shoot mainly 35mm film, and I scan the images to digital. But for my
>less-important work, the RDC-5300 camera works fine, and I have not found
>any need to go up to a more recent digicam. My own experience with Ricoh
>was quite pleasant, and I would not hesitate to recommend their cameras.
>But they are clearly the sort of brand for the person that marches to his
>own drummer.
>
Kia Ora
I fully endorse Jeremy's comments. My ricoh was actually 5300Dc, very similar
to his. But I was persuaded to try the Caplio R3 and have found though it is a
lot smaller, the pics are at least as good as the 5300DC but Oh the speed it
writes to card & the ability to take immediate consequetative shots, and fast
readback is wonderful.
Also the Li Ion Battery, seems to last forever.
Usually have this great camera in my pocket!
Mac
 >> Stay informed about: Ricoh cameras 

In reply:
I am on my 4ht, the latest being an R5 following a pleasurable
experience with an R3. My daughter still uses the I7 which is a vest
pocket format. Quality is great but the macro and the 28 - 200mm lens
are features I like to the R3/5
>"David J Taylor" <david-taylor RemoveThis @blueyonder.co.not-this-bit.nor-this-part.uk>
>wrote in message news:JDKxh.6343$9S5.2959@text.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
>> jeremy wrote:
>> []
>> > I've owned 2 Ricoh cameras, the RDC-5000 & RDC
>> > 5300, since 2000, and they have given excellent results.
>> > They were feature-laden for their time. Ricoh may have an
>> > image problem in the US. They have been
>> > rebadging their cameras as Rollei in this market.
>>
>> Thanks, Jeremy.
>>
>> I just got an R5 and wondered why the brand wasn't better
>> known. It works very well considering its size the the 1/2.5-> inch
>sensor.
>>
>
>My GF has been very pleased with her R4 which she bought after taking me to
>look at a shortlist of models from different manufacturers. My experience
>with several Ricoh film cameras (GR1v, GR10, GR21) encouraged me to take
>them seriously, and when trying out the options in the shop it blew away the
>alternatives (other cameras with a reasonably wide end to their zooms, and a
>price about £50-100 either side of the Ricoh.)
>
>
>Peter
>
>

--

Ken Ashcroft
 >> Stay informed about: Ricoh cameras 

"jeremy" <jeremy.RemoveThis@nospam.com> wrote in message
news:FbMxh.2601$yI1.2410@trndny01...
> I think that Ricoh had associations in the minds of consumers of being a
> "second tier" manufacturer--somewhat like Vivitar. That might explain why
> their cameras are being distributed under the Rollei name in the US.

Vivitar was a distributor of photographic items, not a manufacturer.
 >> Stay informed about: Ricoh cameras 

"Doug Robbins" <crobbins6.RemoveThis@triad.rr.com> wrote in message>

> > I think that Ricoh had associations in the minds of consumers of being a
> > "second tier" manufacturer--somewhat like Vivitar. That might explain
why
> > their cameras are being distributed under the Rollei name in the US.
>
> Vivitar was a distributor of photographic items, not a manufacturer.

You mean that the famous Vivitar 283 was really made by some basement
outfit, whose name we shall never know?

RichK
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"RichK" <me.TakeThisOut@isp.net> wrote in message
news:m42dnYkI1vvR2FbYnZ2dnUVZ_rCsnZ2d@comcast.com...
>
> "Doug Robbins" <crobbins6.TakeThisOut@triad.rr.com> wrote in message>
>
>> > I think that Ricoh had associations in the minds of consumers of being
>> > a
>> > "second tier" manufacturer--somewhat like Vivitar. That might explain
> why
>> > their cameras are being distributed under the Rollei name in the US.
>>
>> Vivitar was a distributor of photographic items, not a manufacturer.
>
> You mean that the famous Vivitar 283 was really made by some basement
> outfit, whose name we shall never know?
>
> RichK
>
>

Yep.
 >> Stay informed about: Ricoh cameras