Lea & Lens

My kids had a random day off school (a Tuesday no less) and we decided to take the opportunity to visit a few museums – which I love and they probably tolerate, at least in part. We also took a stroll around downtown and took a few street shots as well.

I took along my current camera (rented, not purchased), the tiny Ricoh GR III.

This little powerhouse really does pack a punch and I found myself looking for reasons to pull it out, even when the morning light in my living room was the most exciting part of my day.

The focal length (18.5mm or 28mm full frame equivalent) is great, and it was fun to play around with, especially during this interim time when I don’t actually own a standalone camera of my own. That said, it’s basically the same focal length as an iPhone, and with the lack of tactile controls found on say, Fujifilm cameras, I’m not sure the shooting experience is any more enjoyable. It’s definitely made me VERY curious about the new Ricoh GR IIIx with the narrower 40mm equivalent focal length, though given chip shortages and delays in shipping, I think it will be a good while before that’s even available in the states. When it is, maybe I’ll rent it and give it a go…

At this point, I have to say that I’m very interested in the new iPhone 13 Pro as well. In terms of a camera to have in your pocket always, it’s hard to beat your smartphone.

As Chase Jarvis said, “The best camera is the one you have with you.”