Check out my blog to see the photos I've taken with this camera over the years:
wayoutwesley.c...
More of my photography and video work on my site:
www.traviswesl...
**UPDATE February 2018**: The GR1v has died. Bummer. The lens doesn't extend anymore once turned on, which is too bad because it's in near perfect condition otherwise. This camera lasted me a solid 4 years.
I also bought a Ricoh GR (the first 16mp one) around the same time, and that also died on me in Sept. 2018, but instead with the lens stuck out. Each camera lasted about 4 years with heavy daily use. If the GR1v hadn't gone up in price so much I would replace it, but I found an Olympus mju ii (also 2.8) for a third of the price which is now my daily pocket camera. Farewell GR1v! It's been a blast.
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This is a brief overview of the Ricoh GR1v autofocus compact 35mm film camera, with the date feature. It has a 28mm prime f/2.8 lens. I picked this up from Bellamy of Japan Camera Hunter. (www.japancamerahunter.com)
Big shout out to Bellamy of JCH. If you're looking for this camera or one like it I highly recommend you go through him rather than Ebay. He will hook you up with your dream camera and you won't be disappointed. Don't deal with shady Ebay people.
This is hands down my favorite camera to shoot with. Even more than my Canon 6D, Ricoh GR, or any of my cameras (digital or film) for that matter. A 35mm cam in an ultra compact and non-flashy package. Perfect for street shooting, travel, or just something to keep in your pocket. AND, it cost less than my other cameras (~$750).
I couldn't find a video of someone loading film into the camera and taking a shot. I need to hear how the camera operates.
Loading 1 roll of film takes roughly a full minute. That's not too bad, but if you're about to run out of film while the bride is coming down the aisle (or something equally critical) you should really keep this in mind and plan ahead.
This camera is truly amazing in every way. It may be a bit noisy and take time to load a roll, but the truly outstanding photos that come out of this thing paired with the ease of use make this camera a dream.
One last very important note: you can use the camera easily with just one hand. I picked up an Olympus XA a few months after I got this, and while I love that stealthy camera it requires 2 hands to open the clamshell.