Ricoh GR21 For Sale | Mint Condition [Best Deals]

RICOH GR21

Another top-of-the-line masterpiece, the Ricoh GR21 shook the world in the year 2001 when it was released because it was the first compact camera to have a lens with a wide-angle focal length of 21 millimeters. As the camera of choice for Daido Moriyama, the Ricoh GR21 was able to win the Best Prestige Camera Award given out by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) in the year 2001. It also won the hearts of many other street photographers and fans of compact cameras. It has been hailed as the pinnacle of compacts by a multitude of experts, but due to its scarcity, many ardent followers have not been able to get their hands on it. Naturally, I was excited to get my hands on one, and I was particularly interested in evaluating how well it performed in light of my extensive experience using a Contax T2 and a Yashica T4 Super.

RICOH GR21 BACKGROUND HISTORY

This new model of the Ricoh GR incorporates all of the features that were introduced in earlier versions of the camera and was developed using those models. At first glance, they appear to be the same; however, the GR21 lens projects outward because it cannot be retracted all the way. Regarding the lens, it is a Leica L39/LTM version of an aspherical 21mm f3.5 multicoated piece of perfection. It is so good that they made a version of it for the Leica L39. On this very site, we have previously discussed the 28mm version.

Off mode comparison of the Ricoh GR1 and the Ricoh GR21

It is rumored that only around 4,000 of these cameras were ever put into production, making it fairly challenging to come across one that is in fully operational condition in the present day. The Ricoh GR21 is considered to be one of the great swan songs performed by Japanese manufacturers for 35mm film cameras, alongside the Contax Aria and the Nikon F6.

RICOH GR21 TECH SPECS

Camera with a 35mm lens and an autofocus lens shutter
Lens: GR Lens 21 mm F3.5 (9 elements, 6 groups) lens components made of multi-coated spherical aspherical glass
Passive-type multi-autofocus with focus lock and three-point indication for focusing; automatic auxiliary AF light for use in dim light
Shutter: approximately 2 to 1/500 seconds when using programmed AE; approximately 2 to 1/250 seconds when using aperture priority AE Time Exposure Mode

Controlling the Exposure: Using the Aperture Priority ModeViewfinder of the reverse Galilean type, with an LCD bright frame and in-viewfinder illumination when there is little available light
The viewable area is 83% of the whole.
0.33 is the magnification of the viewfinder.
Diopter: -1dpt.

Film Speeds range from ISO 25 to 3200 and are compatible with the DX code system. ISO 100 is the default setting for non-DX film. It is possible to set the ISO manually in 1/3 EV increments.

The Ricoh auto-load pre-wind system is used for loading film. When the back cover is closed, the film automatically pre-winds to the last frame number. A rewind in the middle of the roll is an option.

Electronic film counter that keeps track of the number of exposures that are still available
Built-in Flash: An electronic flash that can automatically adjust the amount of light it emits to match the conditions of the surrounding light. Flash that automatically fires in low light or when facing into the light. When the subject is up close, an automatic soft flash will go off.

Auto, flash-on, flash-off, slow synchro, and red-eye reduction are the available flash modes. Reduction
Power of the flash: ISO 100 reversal film – 0.3 – 1.6 m (1 – 5.4 ft.); ISO 400 reversal film – 0.3 – 3.3 m (1 – 10.7 ft.); ISO 100 negative film – 0.3 – 2.3 m (1 – 7.5 ft.); ISO 400 negative film – 0.3 – 4.6 m (1 – 15. 1 ft) (1 – 15. 1 ft.)
Time Required for Flash to Cycle: Roughly 5 Seconds
Self-Timer is a built-in digital timer that lasts 10 seconds, and its operation is indicated by an LED.
Auto After approximately five minutes of use, the power will be turned off.

One lithium battery rated at 3 volts is the source of power (CR2 or equivalent)
Other Characteristics: Cable release socket, synchronized terminal, date imprinting, and the ability to attach a 30.5 mm filter
The lens barrel is not included in the following dimensions: 117 x 64 x 26.5 mm (4.6 x 2.5 x 1 in); 117 x 64 x 38.5 mm (4.6 x 2.5 x 1.5 in) (including lens barrel)

Weight: 200g (240g with film and battery)

Filters of 30.5 millimeters, available as an optional accessory (PL, MC – Y2, MC – 1B, 6x – Cross, MC-ND4). Electrical cable release

FEATURES AND ERGONOMICS
Since the Ricoh GR21 is the only ultra-wide pocketable film camera ever made with a 21mm focal length, the lens is naturally the most notable component of the camera. However, an additional feature of this lens is that it is contained within a package that is both compact and lightweight. With a loaded roll of film giving it a total weight of 240 grams, let's see how it stacks up against some of the other svelte beauties we have on hand.

 

210 grams for a Minox 35AL.

214 grams for Ricoh G1s.

Minolta TC-1: 225g

228 grams for a Yashica T4 Super.

240g for the Ricoh GR21.

Due to the Ricoh GR21's light weight—it is only 30 grams heavier than a Minox, despite being made of an aluminum and magnesium alloy—and its extensive collection of manual controls, transporting it from place to place throughout the day is not a problem. The only drawback is that the lens does not fully retract, which makes the camera less than ideal for carrying in a pocket and creates a potential weak point in terms of its overall robustness. Take extra precautions if you plan to keep it in the pocket of your jacket.

Date imprinting is yet another relic technology from the past that I find to be interesting. Although I probably wouldn't want it on a print that was going to be displayed in an exhibition, I do think it would be a useful option to have for everyday photos and documentation of trips. Ricoh was successful in concealing the function within a minute window that is located on the right hand grip of the camera.

 

Flash socket (no shoe) and electrical remote release socket are two other cool functions that have been smuggled into the body of the camera despite its diminutive size. Both of these functions could come in handy at some point. However, because the metering system does not take into account the exterior flash, you need to be careful not to overexpose your photos when using it. Having the ability to use a handheld off-camera strobe is a nice detail aimed at professionals.

It is also possible to rewind the tape in the middle of the roll by pressing the discrete little button that is tucked away to the left of the flash socket. Additionally, an auto-load pre-wind system is integrated into the Ricoh GR21. Once the back cover is closed, the film automatically pre-winds to the last frame number when you load a roll into the camera. Keep in mind that the pre-wind system requires some amount of time. It loads at a rate of approximately one frame per second, so you should be prepared to wait approximately forty seconds from the time it begins loading before you are able to fire your first shot.

 

The ergonomics of the GR series are renowned for a reason that should come as no surprise. It has a wonderful feel in the hands, and all of the necessary buttons are located exactly where they should be. The leatherette is deftly wrapped around the entire grip, and even provides a nice place to rest one's thumb around the film canister window.

 

Users recommend that you put your camera into snap mode, set your aperture to f8, and then go use up some film in order to get into incognito street mode. Because the depth of field is so great with a 21 focal, focusing isn't much of an issue when using this lens. Because using Snap mode locks the focus to 2 meters, using f8 should work well for anything from 2 meters to infinity.

RICOH GR21 SAMPLE IMAGES (B&W)
The following were captured on JCH Streetpan 400 at an ISO400 setting, and then pushed one stop in development using Cinestill Df96. The Plustek Opticfilm 8200i was used to perform the scanning.

 

RICOH GR21 SAMPLE IMAGES (COLOR)

The following were captured on Kodak Gold 200 film developed with Cinestill CS41 and shot at box speed. The Plustek Opticfilm 8200i is responsible for the scanning, as well. Sadly, it appears as though the Cinestill CS41 is on its last legs; the lens exhibits some strange spotting, but despite this, it is still possible to see what the lens is capable of.

The top LCD has a reputation for being unreliable, which is unfortunate. As was the case with the sample that I used, the numbers can fluctuate, and this is especially the case when going from very cold to very hot temperatures. You can power on the camera and leave it on while it is at room temperature; you will need to check on it again in a few minutes. When you're out in the field, it's annoying when you can't always tell how many frames you have left or what mode the camera is currently set to.

Aside from that, the engineering on the Ricoh GR21 is exceptional, and the camera is a delight to work with. Even though 21mm is too wide for my taste, it was still enjoyable to carry around and use as I went about discovering the city. Because it can be stored easily in the back of a cycling jersey, this camera is ideal for riding around and capturing snaps of interesting wide scenes as they pass quickly.

The prices are absolutely insane for a p&s, but alas, that is the age in which we now find ourselves; premium compacts will typically cost more than one thousand dollars in US currency. The color rendering and contrast capabilities of the lens are excellent, especially considering its relatively small size. It is simply too wide for my needs, and in my opinion, it does not have the same allure as the Sonnar of the Contax T2 or the Tessar of the Yashica T4 Super. I dunno, maybe I'm just a Zeiss snob.

In general, I am not a fan of retracting lenses, and particularly not of ones that don't even retract completely. One of the reasons I decided to sell off my T2 was because the tiny motors that move these lenses are virtually impossible to repair at this point in time. When fully extended, the GR21 lens is 3 centimeters away from the camera's body; when it is retracted, it is still 1.7 centimeters away. In contrast to the GR1s, TC1s, and 28Tis, this camera does not have a design that makes it pocketable.

If you absolutely must have a wide 21mm compact, then, unfortunately, you don't really have any other choice. In the same vein as the Michael Jackson documentary, this is it. After having the chance to use one for the first time, I am able to comprehend the excitement that surrounds the Ricoh GR21, and I wish that it were a better fit for my requirements. In spite of this, it truly is a marvel of engineering, and it rightfully holds a place at the summit of the Mt. Olympus of compact film cameras.

It wouldn't be my "jack-of-all-trades" compact camera, but it would be the perfect companion for a Leica M when I'm out shooting in the streets. Instead of switching to a lens that is wider when the situation calls for it, the Ricoh GR21 would make an excellent wide, silent, and sneaky "B cam." Indeed, this is the height of luxury. I hope that everyone is staying safe out there, and please share your thoughts and experiences regarding the infamous wide boi with us.