In reading the latest issue of LHSA Viewfinder there is a great article comparing four 21mm lens, one of which being the Ricoh 21 3.5 which was made in limited quanity in a LTM which can be used on the M. The authors conclude this is a great lens. It now seems Ricoh has reintroduced this lens on the GR1 platform and calls it the GR21. This point and shoot, available only overseas, was pricey at first but now has come down in price. This would appear to be a great user. Anyone have any experience with this camera. It has a built in flash and I wonder if it gives full even coverage for this wide a lens. Thanks

-- Bob Haight (rhaigh5748@aol.com), October 19, 2001

Answers

The last time I checked, the GR21 was selling in the US for around $1000. That's pretty steep for a limited-purpose P&S. The Voigtlander 21/4 sells for around $400 and fits on any LTM or M body. Even if you don't already have such a body, a Bessa L can be had for around $200 or less.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), October 19, 2001.

I got a quote on the Ricoh GR21 from a shop in Singapore just 3 days back. Their best offer for a brand new item (day-date black model) was about Sing$1400. At the present coversion rate of US$1 = Sing$1.815, that works out to about US$770. He told me on the phone it's a great point-and-shoot, but then most sellers would say the same too.

-- Paul Chan (janpo@tm.net.my), October 20, 2001.

Someone is selling one on Ebay with no reserve.

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1287157505

-- Mitchell Li (mitchli@pacbell.net), October 20, 2001.