Any experience with a Ricoh MIRAI?

[amhildreth]

It looks like I can get my hands on a Ricoh MIRAI 105 for pretty much nothing. Has anyone had ANY experience with these things? I know really nothing except that they were a joint venture with Olympus, and they're auto-focus. Anything would be great.

 

[kzphoto]

Never seen one before. Looks fun.

 

[coelacanth]

Wow. That is one funky looking camera. "Mirai" indeed. (Future) 🙂

I know nothing about it, but looks like they had SLR version of this as well.

 

[amhildreth]

I grabbed a Mirai 105 for less than $20, including shipping. It looks like it was barely used, and comes with the original case and instructions. Should be fun. I'll post pics when I get it and run a roll.

 

[btgc]

I know nothing about it, but looks like they had SLR version of this as well.

I thought Mirai IS reflex camera, isn't it?
I crossed fingers and let go nice set - camera and dedicated flash. But it looks not like a casual camera, I must admit!

 

[amhildreth]

most of the Mirai models seem to category under what was known as "bridge" cameras. Auto-focus, zoom capabilities, minimal controls, built in primary/fill flash. Designed for mostly one-handed operation.

 

[-doomed-]

It looks like one of those '80s visions of the future.
Funky.

 

[amhildreth]

It's interesting to shoot so far. More than a P+S, but not quite an SLR. It feels a bit more plasticy than I'm used to, but still fairly durable. Much quieter than I expected. I'll post some pics when I finish the test roll.

 

[David Hughes]

Hi, I just spotted your query and can give a little background to it.

Olympus and Ricoh had one of those joint development agreements and the Mirai was the first camera to come from it (1989 in the UK). It seems to be a simplified Olympus AZ-300 but the AZ-300 has a cover to those 4 little buttons and a slightly different look. Also the Olympus has spot metering. The strap lugs on the Mirai are different from the Olympus, which has a hand strap only on the right. I think the Mirai lens cap is fixed somehow.

Mine looks like this:-

I vaguely remember an external flash for the Olympus that covered the built-in flash and was triggered by it.

You should find it out performs most P&S's of that period. And was seen as very advanced at the time. I've one in the collection and use it from time to time, just to keep it active. I had to buy three to get one that worked with a case and manuals. The last one - of course - came with two copies of the manual!

FWIW the strap lugs are often damaged and the battery cover & lens cap get lost... It's 40·5mm and the clip in version. Let me know if you'd like a battery cover, Olympus strap or an Olympus manual (or even an Olympus version with the strap lug broken!).

I hope this is some use.

Regards, David

 

[amhildreth]

David - thanks for the info and the offer. The camera is in fantastic condition. My Ricoh has the lens cap. it covers both the lens and the view finder. Still working through the first roll, but I'm starting to like it already.

 

[teo]

With that camera I bet you look cooler than this guy:

😀

 

[amhildreth]

I still had a mullet when I got married in 1995, AND I still have a 1982 Yamaha Seca 650 motorcycle. I had that Richard Marx wanna-be beat before he was even born..

 

[hipsterdufus]

Any pictures yet? My wife just picked one up.

 

[amhildreth]

Just finished the roll - should have them soon. Even without seeing the images yet, I'm really enjoying this camera. It's still one of the quietest automatics I've ever used.

 

[amhildreth]

Sorry it took a bit. I had to go out of town for a few days. Here's a photo of my Ricoh with the odd lens cap on. It covers both the lens and viewfinder.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/amhildreth/5012650904/in/set-72157624402077848/

Here's a link to some of the photos I've taken with it.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/amhildreth/sets/72157624881404473/

 

[David Hughes]

Wow! Feedback! Thanks...

Regards, David

PS I see you have a Minolta 110 SLR; can you get 110 film still? The last lot I found on the www was rubbish. And I do mean rubbish.

 

[amhildreth]

I still have about 6 rolls of expired 110, but I'm going to crack the cases and get a film splitter. That way, I can shoot 110 Tmax at 100 or 400 and process it myself. I already have a 110 steel developing reel.

 

[David Hughes]

Thanks, I'd wondered about those splitters but haven't a tank and the camera would probably need a thorough going over (like a lot of others). So it looks as though it will either go on permanent display or else go on ebay. Luckily people will buy them if honestly described.

Thanks again.

Regards, David

 

[amhildreth]

It's been a bit, but I've since run six more rolls through this bad boy. Lens is fantastic on this thing. Color and contrast are dead-on, with great focus. It's not something you can whip out and get a shot in a hurry, but for those times when you want SLR-quality pics without carrying an entire kit around, this seems to fit the bill. I do wish it had a few more manual adjustments. Here's a link to a few pics I took:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/amhildreth/sets/72157624881404473/