From 037d6d8c9a1575624f75405028a264b1999a55dd Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Michael Chan Date: Sun, 4 Aug 2024 08:46:15 -0700 Subject: [PATCH] update RICOH post --- chan.dev/src/content/uses/ricoh-gr-iii.md | 89 ++++++++++++++++------- 1 file changed, 63 insertions(+), 26 deletions(-) diff --git a/chan.dev/src/content/uses/ricoh-gr-iii.md b/chan.dev/src/content/uses/ricoh-gr-iii.md index 6313bca1..012c368a 100644 --- a/chan.dev/src/content/uses/ricoh-gr-iii.md +++ b/chan.dev/src/content/uses/ricoh-gr-iii.md @@ -7,45 +7,82 @@ frequency: regular links: [https://amzn.to/43fafEl] --- -The RICOH GR III is the best camera I've ever owned. -And that's saying a lot because it's always broken… +The RICOH GR III is my favorite. +High praise for a camera that's always broken. -## 4-year vibe +Small with a big sensor, +rich — film-simulated — jpegs, +ND-equipped, +the RICOH GR III is a pocket-sized photo powerhouse. -
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- The best camera is the on that's with you. -
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- — Chase Jarvis, The Best Camera Is The One That's With You: Iphone Photography (Voices That Matter) -
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+And it bests iPhone at time-to-picture — +out-of-pocket and up-to-face in a second. -If the best camera is the moste available camera, this camera wins. +## Contents -Of every camera I have ever owned it is: +## History -- The smallest… -- With an APS-C sensor… -- A built-in ND filter… -- Quality film simulations… -- And useable jpegs. +The RICOH has been our family snapshot camera since November 2019. -This is a potent combo. +I bought it to fill the spiritual void left by my Yashika T4 — +a 35mm film camera that became to expensive to shoot. -But it also beets a phone in time to picture. -It's out of my pocket is a second, and on by the time it's up to my face. +The RICOH delivers. -## How it can be improved +## The magic + +RICOH's Positive Film simulation (slightly under exposed), +produces supple, velvety images with toasty skin tones. + +My Kodak Gold addled brain loves these warm tones. + +The look leans heavy toward 80's Miami beach — +bikinis, mustaches, cigarettes, and candy-apple Ferraris. + +## Ergonomics + +Unlike an interchangeable lens camera, +the RICOH is designed to be shot with one hand. + +Every control is under your right thumb or index finger — +making the camera feel more bionic-limb than electronic. + +## The suck + +Like all greats, the RICOH is deeply flawed. + +The spinning dial on the back is trash. +Every review includes the same complaint: +"The dial broke after a month." -- Modern, phase-detect autofocus -- More robust physical controls -- Crop modes — spcefically 40mm +I spent the time and money to have mine replaced. +It broke again. +I gave up. -These three things would make it the perfect camera. +This isn't a deal-breaker because menus remain navigable via touch (clumsily) and the (slower) exposure center-detent control. + +But it's a shame that the camera becames clumsier over time (and less one-hand operable). + +## How it can be improved + +- More robust controls +- Phase-detect autofocus +- Crop compose modes (40mm) +- Passable video _(even 1080p@30, with a decent bitrate would be fine)_ ## Recipe - Positive Film - ISO 400-800 (ideal grain) - Under expose + +--- + +## 5-year vibe + +I still love this camera. + +But I'm reaching for video more frequently. +It's what my kids enjoy and want to rewatch. + +I'm using [OK Video](https://okvideo.app).