Ricoh

The Ricoh Company, Ltd., founded in 1936 as Riken Kankoshi Co., Ltd. Founded in Tokyo, is a Japanese multinational that has made a name for itself through innovations in imaging. Originally specializing in light-sensitive paper, Ricoh began camera production in 1938 and established itself as a major manufacturer of digital cameras, lenses and office communication systems. Since taking over Pentax in 2011, Ricoh has been one of the few brands to offer a wide range of compact, SLR and industrial cameras as well as interchangeable lenses. With sales of around 17 billion euros (2014/15) and around 110,000 employees, Ricoh is a global player with headquarters in Ōta, Tokyo.

Product portfolio
Cameras
Ricoh's cameras cover various segments, from compact premium models to rugged outdoor and 360° cameras:
GR series: The Ricoh GR III and GR IIIx are high-end compact cameras with 24 MP APS-C sensors, ideal for street and reportage photography. With fast wide-angle lenses (28 mm f/2.8 or 40 mm f/2.8) they offer razor-sharp images, 4-axis shake reduction and a switch-on time of just 0.8 seconds. The GR series is known for its compactness, high image quality and intuitive operation.

WG series: Robust outdoor cameras like the WG-90 are waterproof (up to 14 m), shockproof (1.6 m) and frost-proof (-10 °C). With 16-20MP, 5x zoom and macro functions, they are suitable for adventures such as diving or hiking.

Theta series: Innovative 360° cameras like the Theta X offer spherical recordings in 60 MP (photo) or 5.7K video. With WiFi, touchscreen and easy image transfer, they are ideal for real estate photography, virtual tours or creative projects.

Pentax models: Through the Pentax acquisition, Ricoh offers DSLRs such as the K-3 Mark III (25.7 MP, APS-C) with 5.5-stop image stabilization and weatherproof construction, as well as medium format cameras such as the 645Z (51.4 MP).

Lenses
Ricoh produces both fixed lenses for compact cameras and interchangeable lenses, especially for the Pentax K bayonet, as well as machine vision lenses:
Fixed lenses: The GR III features an 18.3mm f/2.8 (KB equivalent 28mm) with 6 elements in 4 groups, optimized for sharpness and low distortion. The Theta models use special spherical lenses for 360° images.

Pentax interchangeable lenses: The K bayonet supports a wide range, e.g. E.g. the HD Pentax-D FA 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6 for versatility or the HD Pentax-FA 50mm f/1.4 for portraits. Many lenses are weatherproof and equipped with HD coating.

Machine vision lenses: Ricoh's C-mount lenses, such as the 5 MP series (e.g. FL-CC3524-5MX, 35mm f/2.4), are optimized for industrial applications, e.g. B. for Basler cameras. They offer high precision and durability for inspections and quality controls.

Innovation and technology
Ricoh combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technologies:
Image Quality: APS-C sensors in the GR series deliver SLR-like results without a low-pass filter for maximum sharpness.

Shake Reduction: The GR III and Pentax models use 3- to 5-axis stabilization that reduces shake by up to 4 stops.

Speed: The GR III is ready to shoot in 0.8 seconds, ideal for spontaneous snapshots. Autofocus with face detection and 8 focus modes increase flexibility.

Connectivity: Theta and GR models offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for image transmission and remote control via smartphone apps.

Industrial Optics: Ricoh's machine vision lenses use advanced optical technologies for precise imaging in manufacturing processes.

Design and usability
Ricoh cameras are known for their compactness and intuitive operation. The GR series fits in your pocket, has a magnesium housing and a touchscreen for easy controls. Pentax DSLRs offer rugged, weatherproof designs with physical knobs for tactile operation. The retro design of the GR IIIx and the minimalist aesthetic of the Theta X appeal to both professionals and creatives. Lenses, especially for Pentax, are compact, bright and designed to last.

Areas of application
Ricoh's products cover a wide range of needs:
Street and reportage photography: The GR III/IIIx is compact, fast and discreet, ideal for urban scenes.

Outdoor and Adventure Photography: The WG series withstands extreme conditions, perfect for underwater or action photography.

360° Photography: Theta cameras are suitable for real estate, tourism and creative projects.

Professional photography: Pentax DSLRs and medium format cameras like the 645Z are used for landscape, studio and astrophotography.

Industry: Machine vision lenses support precision tasks in manufacturing and quality control.

Quality and market position
Ricoh is known for its build quality and durability, particularly in the GR series and Pentax products. The acquisition of Pentax has strengthened Ricoh's position in the DSLR and lens markets, while the GR and Theta series serve niches such as street and 360° photography. The brand enjoys an excellent reputation among professionals and enthusiasts, but remains more niche compared to Canon or Sony, which underlines its uniqueness. Regular firmware updates and projects like the “PENTAX Co-Creation Project” demonstrate Ricoh’s commitment to the community.

Ricoh combines innovation, compact designs and optical excellence to provide photographers and industrial users with reliable, versatile solutions that deliver from the street to the factory floor.