Ricoh FF-70 vs Yashica T3

[muf]

Looking to buy one of these but I'm struggling to decide. From what I have read, the FF-70 was known as the FF-90 is the U.S. I have found out from reading up that both are noisy camera's but they take sharp pictures.

Anyone used both? Can you tell me which has the better manual options and the best lens? If it came down to having one or the other. Which would you choose and why?

 

[btgc]

Ricoh takes AA cells while T3 need lithium, so your project will have twice or triple less budget with Ricoh. No doubt Ricoh's lens is a killer in it's class.

 

[muf]

Thanks. Now the AA option hadn't ocurred to me. Those are available everywhere and cheap as you like. With you mentioning the Ricoh rather than the Yashica, and they are in the same class, do you see the Ricoh as the better camera to have?

 

[btgc]

I don't have T3, so can't say which is better. Even had I it wouldn't make things clearer for you, as I don't know your preferences. You can compare controls on internet, can stare at countless samples but once you keep camera in hands, it's completely another. After some rolls it's again another. After year of use it's again another. So I can't really suggest you one over another. I just know I like FF-70, which of course isn't perfect camera - but which is?

 

[muf]

Thanks. You're right of course. I suppose I really need to own both to know which I prefer. Just wondered if anyone owns both or has owned both who could share their opinion. Maybe if I can find them for a good price I can buy both and then sell on the one I least prefer. Problem is that I always find it hard to part with them as I feel an emotional attachment once they give me some good pictures. I've already got way too many...

 

[muf]

Well, I've managed to snaffle a FF-70. What a camara! Can't believe how well made it is. Everything works and two massive bonuses. Number 1. from ISO25 to ISO1600. Number 2. leaves the film lead out after rewinding. Metal door with rollers which I've only seen on high cost compacts i.e Contax T2. Massive clear digital display. Flash is very cool. No popup flash, just a popup button which you can hold down to switch the flash off. Very decent viewfinder. The only downside is the noise the camera makes when taking a picture. Wow! Not a camera for stealth shots for sure. I'm looking forward to seeing the results from this. Now all I have to do is snaffle a T3. Then the competition can begin!

Paul

 

[Bigeejit]

T3 IS A LOVELY CAMERA AND IT HAS THE WAIST LEVEL FINDER LIKE ON A T4 SUPER AKA T5.ZEISS LENS F2.8 WHICH IT DEFAULTS TO IN BAD LIGHT.ON THE STREET IT'S SHARP N SWEET AND THE TOP PLATE FINDER IS GREAT FOR NOT SPOOKING PEOPLE.I'VE HAD A FEW WHICH I SOLD BUT WOULD HAVE RETAINED 1 'CEPT I FINALLY GOT A T5 WHICH IS ONE CAMERA I WON'T SELL.I HAVE A RICOH FF-3af AS WELL AND ITS A NICELY PUT TOGETHER CAMERA WITH A 35MM F3.2 LENS BUT I HAVEN'T PUT A ROLL THROUGH IT YET .

 

[El Horla]

I have one ff70, and have used a T3 once. I love my Ricoh, it has certain control in focus, and ISO, which means that you can compensate exposure with the Iso button (put tape in your roll to override the DX code).
The T3 has two major advantages: the waist level finder (it really works) and, if you keep the shutter pressed after shooting, the film does not advance until you release it, perfect to avoid the noise of the motor. That makes it a very good street shooter.

I have some examples in my flickr:

FF70

T3

hope this helps.

 

[hexiplex]

Could anyone get me a photo of the waist level finder on the Yashica T3?

 

[chubasco]

I love the Ricoh FF-90, have a group on flickr dedicated to the Ricoh FF-xx
series cameras. Here are a few from the Ricoh:

For an average price of $10 off the 'bay, this is my main recommend for
the glove box in your car.

 

[muf]

Great camera. Superglued the sliding lens cover in error. Had to partially disasemble and remove the metal plate that acts as the cover. Ran a first film through and i'm thoroughly impressed. Sharp and contrasty just like these pics. Goes under the radar, is noisy and looks cheap. A wolf in sheeps clothing...

Paul

 

[Greyscale]

A camera so nice, I bought it thrice. The first one (FF90 Super) has a problem with the film advance, so it is for display only. But it came with tele and wide aux lenses, which I could not seem to be able to give away. So I bid $9 on an FF90-D, which I won. While that auction was active, I stumbled on an auction for an FF90 with minutes to go and no bidders, so I one that one for a penny. Both of the recent ones are working, and the date-back model is nearly perfect.

Now if the temp would rise above zero, I might go outside and take some pictures with them.

 

[muf]

Well, I've just snaffled a Yashica T3. So now I can do a proper fight off. In the red corner, in the blue corner. Wonder who's gonna win?

Paul

p.s The fight won't begin until the Yash arrives in the post, but I'm going to take them out together loaded with the same film, same batch. I start off taking a picture of one camera using the other so that I know which film goes with which camera when they arrive back from processing. Easy tactic that has worked very well in the past.

 

[Greyscale]

By strange coincidence, I am also waiting for the postman to bring me a T3.

 

[chubasco]

Well, I've just snaffled a Yashica T3. So now I can do a proper fight off. In the red corner, in the blue corner. Wonder who's gonna win?

Paul

p.s The fight won't begin until the Yash arrives in the post, but I'm going to take them out together loaded with the same film, same batch. I start off taking a picture of one camera using the other so that I know which film goes with which camera when they arrive back from processing. Easy tactic that has worked very well in the past.

Paul, smear some Vaseline on the T3's lens, just to make it even...😀

 

[muf]

I'm very impressed with the first film I put through the Ricoh, so if I get your drift, the T3 will have to have a heck of a lens. Hope you're right!

Paul

 

[Greyscale]

I got my T3 in the mail today, if it wasn't 30 below outside I would go out and shoot a roll or two with it (The camera might be weatherproof, but I'm not ... 😉). It is in excellent condition, and came in the original box, and with a good battery, neither were mentioned in the listing. I think it uses the same battery as the Canon Sure Shot Supreme, so I even have a fresh new spare (the Canon turned out to be a brick).

The build quality is excellent, at least on par with the FF90, it is quite robust. I think the FF90 winds a little quieter.The little waist-level finder is tiny, but quite usable, I believe.

 

[btgc]

I think the FF90 winds a little quieter.

Wow...I thought FF70/90 is loudest camera I've ever seen.

 

[muf]

Wow...I thought FF70/90 is loudest camera I've ever seen.

Nah, I'd say the Konica MT-11 is half again as loud. Well, my examples of both suggest so...

Paul

 

[muf]

Well, the T3 arrived today. It's in lovely condition. The black rubber grip was more light grey though. After a rub with 'back to black' from the car spares shop it is exactly that! Quiet, beautifully made and very nice to hold. I'm liking it already. A roll will be going through this one PDQ.

Also, is this camera weatherproof? With the lens concealed behind a glass screen and the shutter button behind a rubber cover, I get the impression it is.

Paul