Ricoh · Point & Shoot

Ricoh GR1

The ancestor of today's GR digital cameras: a razor-sharp 28mm f/2.8 in a flat pocket body, still a benchmark for street compacts.

~$650–1100 typical used price · updated 2026-09-23

Legendary 28mm GR lensStreet kingAperture priority

01Quick character

Warmth
Contrast
Sharpness
Vignette
Unpredictability

Editorial guidance, not lab measurements — examples vary, and film & processing change the result.

02Best for

Use cases: Street · Travel · Everyday

Control: Some control

Beginner friendly: 3/5

Portability: 5/5

What it feels like

A point & shoot with autofocus focusing and aperture priority + ae exposure — The ancestor of today's GR digital cameras: a razor-sharp 28mm f/2.8 in a flat pocket body, still a benchmark for street compacts.

03Key specifications

Format35mm
Camera typePoint & Shoot
Lens28mm f/2.8 GR
FocusingAutofocus
ExposureAperture priority + AE
FlashBuilt-in
Production1996–2001

Known buying issues

  • High used prices
  • LCD can fail
  • Focus mechanism can jam
  • Flash capacitor aging

04Used buying checklist

  • Test AF lock quickly
  • Check LCD segments
  • Fire the flash
  • Confirm aperture priority responds

When possible, test a camera before buying — or buy from sellers with real return policies.

05Film pairings

Recommendations, not guarantees — exposure, processing and scanning change the final look.

Ilford HP5 Plus

Classic B&W street pairing with the 28mm look.

Kodak Portra 400

Flexible color for a fast-aperture compact.

06Current price options

Prices are used-market estimates. Links open merchant searches in a new tab; affiliate status will be added as programs are set up.