Ricoh FF-70

Ricoh FF-70 in black image by Alf Sigaro (Image rights)

The FF-70 is an autofocus compact camera for 35mm film, introduced by Ricoh in 1985 as the successor to their FF-3 AF. This camera is also known as the FF-90 in North America. In Japan, it was widely marketed with the name of Myport LUI. A version with a date back was also available, and it was called the FF-70D or the FF-90D.

"The best that modern technology can offer", that was the claim of Ricoh when they introduced this camera at the time. What makes the FF-70 look different from its predecessor the most is its huge LCD control panel located on top of the camera. It provides information about the exposure, film speed (ISO), battery condition, backlight compensation etc at a glance. In addition to the very informative LCD panel, the FF-70 had some notable features that set it apart from ordinary compact point-n-shoots; a fast Rikenon 35mm f/2.8 lens, 2 to 1/500s shutter speed, a wide film speed range, DX-code/non-DX-code film capability, +2EV exposure compensation etc.

• Predecessor Models: FF-3/3D AF, FF-3/3D AF Super
• Successor Models: FF-300D, FF-700, FF-90 Super

Specifications

image by Zoltan Enevold (Image rights)

top view image by Zoltan Enevold (Image rights)

• Release Date: April 1985
• Lens: Rikenon Lens 35mm f/2.8, 5 elements in 5 groups
• Focusing System: Single-point active autofocusing system, 10 focusing zones, Pre-focus facility
• Focusing Range: 0.8 m - infinity
• Shutter: Programmed, 2 sec. - 1/500 sec.
• Film Speed Range: ISO 25 - 1600 (DX-code system), Capable of manual ISO setting, 1/3 step increments
• Built-in Flash: G.N. 12 (ISO 100 m), Flashmatic
• Other Features: LCD information display, Focus zone marks in viewfinder, +2EV exposure compensation button, Automatic backlight compensation, Self-timer
• Power Source: AA batteries X 2 (alkaline or manganese)
• Dimensions: 128 mm X 70 mm X 41 mm
• Weight: 290 g (without battery)

Links

• Ricoh FF-70/FF-70D on Ricoh Official Website Camera List (in Japanese)
• Ricoh FF-70 manual on Mike Butkus' site