Ricoh FF-90 Super Review – A Landscape Photographer’s New Companion – By Adam Smith

A couple of months ago I found myself heading to Wilson’s, a local antiques shop. Overlooking the aqua- marine waters of Lake Michigan, this shop is a popular destination for antique hunters, tourists and those that are looking for an indoors activity on a rainy day. I often drive by, telling myself that I should stop in and take a quick look. But as is often the case, I drive by—wondering why I did not just make a quick stop—it’s just a simple right turn after all…

That all changed this past February. While working out at the local YMCA, I decided that today was the day. I had no afternoon obligations, so why not head over to Wilson’s to look around? Perhaps I would find something I could not live without. After finishing up at the YMCA, I walked out the doors to a bright, late-winter sun.

Now driving, I began to envision what I may find. Earlier that morning, I was searching the web for a fair price on a Ricoh FF-90 SUPER. Despite my best efforts, I ended the search in defeat. “Tick-tick-tick, tick-tick-tick”, turning the steering wheel, the tick of the turn signal level faded as I entered the parking lot. I had arrived. Upon opening the door, I offered a friendly greeting to the two staff behind the checkout counter. The bells on the door broke the silence as it swung shut.

My eyes scanned the first vendors booth for anything promising. Hmmmm…no luck. As I continued my search, a small box caught my eye. Tucked between some old flashlights and duck hunting decoys, I read the words RICOH FF-90 SUPER. I became quite excited, as I was not expecting to find the SUPER version of the FF-90. I quickly grabbed the box, inspected the camera, and headed to the checkout counter to pay $20.00 (around 15 pounds).

In the car, I again inspected the camera. Under the packing foam, I found the original paperwork.  I discovered that the camera was purchased by a local in 1988 from the local downtown camera shop.

At home, I took the Ricoh FF-90 Super out of the box, installed a battery and loaded a roll of expired test film to see if the camera was functioning properly. The shutter fired properly, the flash worked, as did the take-up spool motor. I was pleased when I heard the rewind motor rolling the film back into the canister. After about 20 minutes, the camera was cleaned up, and loaded with a roll of Kodak 400 TX. I was eager to take the camera with me on an afternoon hike (and around town). 

Blue Skies with the Ricoh FF-90 Super

I felt a bit odd leaving the house without my Nikon D-SLR. Typically, a retreat into the woods encompasses my D-SLR, a tripod, and a small set of filters (UV, HAZE, CP…). But today, and the past two weeks, I decided to leave the D-SLR at home, and rely on the Ricoh FF-90 Super to capture those indescribable moments in time. I always anticipate with much excitement heading out into the woods (or anywhere) with a camera in hand. I was very interested to see first-hand how the camera performed (function and image quality).

I arrived at the Pellazari Natural Area trailhead, grabbed my coffee and camera, and made my way into the woods. Up above, deep-blue skies permitted the sun to warm the understory. Evergreens and other mixed hardwoods gently swayed in the breeze. Ravens could be heard over the next hill, going about their daily rituals.

As I continued to walk, stop, and take a picture or two, I could not help but be impressed with the handling of the camera. As a landscape photographer, I was glad to know I had the ability to cancel the flash. I was also impressed with the viewfinder…large and bright! Two hours later, I emerged from the woods—all 36 exposures wound back into the canister.

The Results…

The film (Kodak 400-TX) was developed and scanned at the same shop the camera was purchased from. I was eager for the results. Two weeks later, envelope in hand, I headed home to see the scans. The wait was certainly worth it. Each frame of the roll was well-exposed, focused and sharply rendered. I shoot primarily landscapes, but for the sake of a more well-rounded, complete review, I shot a few frames in town (as can be seen below).

Final Thoughts

Overall, I loved my time with the Ricoh FF-90 super. The sharp lens (5 elements in 5 groups), light-weight body (300 grams without battery), and flash-override function combine, making a fine landscape camera. I also love the styling; being a child of the 80’s, the camera evokes a sense of nostalgia. I also appreciated the large LCD display. Finally, the camera can utilize a wide range of film speeds (ISO 25-1600) …another great feature for a landscape photographer.

Though I love the camera, I have two minor gripes. First, it’s too bad the tripod mount was not centered. I cannot fault the camera despite this—the camera was likely intended to be used handheld (street shooting). Second, threads for using filters would have been nice (think Nikon l-AF 35, Ricoh af-2,5…). Again, the camera’s intended market likely would not miss this feature.

Using the Ricoh FF-90 Super made me feel like a kid again: care-free, spontaneous and adventurous. Though I have visited this trail (and other places) many times, bringing along the Ricoh encouraged me to see my surroundings with a fresh set of eyes. Highly recommended.

Another Review of this camera: Ricoh FF-90 Super (1987) – By Mike Eckman
Hamish’s Review of the Ricoh FF-90

My Website – The Wilderness Journal

Share this post: