The Ricoh RZ 1100 SF (marketed on the Japanese market as the Ricoh Myport 310SF) is a fully automatic viewfinder camera for classic 35 mm film. Introduced in 1995 by the Japanese manufacturer Ricoh, this model belongs to the RZ series, known for its user-friendly handling and advanced compact camera technology. The SF suffix in the product name refers to a creative additional function that distinguishes this model from the standard version of the time.
Camera Lens
The camera is equipped with an aspherical zoom lens marketed under the name Ricoh Aspheric Zoom Lens.
The focal length range extends from a wide-angle setting of 38 millimeters at an aperture of f/4.5 to a moderate telephoto focal length of 110 millimeters at an aperture of f/9.1. This corresponds to nearly a threefold optical zoom.
The optical arrangement consists of seven glass lenses in six groups, with aspherical lens elements integrated to minimize aberrations and edge blur. An additional macro mode allows detailed close-ups from a minimum distance of 0.6 meters.
Focusing and Exposure Automation
A core feature of the Ricoh RZ 1100SF is the precise autofocus system, marked on the front with the imprint AF Multi. It operates as a passive multi-point autofocus system with seven measuring points, making focusing easier even with off-center subjects. An integrated AF assist light supports focusing in low light conditions. Distance measurement is performed in over a thousand individual steps, ensuring accurate focusing between 0.6 meters and infinity.
Exposure control is fully automatic via an electronic program mode. The shutter covers speeds from half a second to 1/400 second in normal shooting mode.
Creative Functions and Special Modes
The special feature of this SF model is the integrated Soft Focus mode. This soft-focus function allows the photographer to create a soft-focus atmosphere with reduced contrast, especially for portrait shots. For landscape photography, the camera offers an infinity focus mode that sets the distance to the horizon. Additionally, the model features a continuous shooting mode for fast motion sequences and an electronic self-timer.
Film sensitivity is read fully automatically via the DX coding system in the range of ISO 50 to ISO 3200. When loading the film, a motorized prewind system first pulls the entire film out of the cassette. Exposed frames are then rewound into the cassette continuously to protect them from light exposure if the back cover is accidentally opened.
Power Supply and Flash Technology
The Ricoh RZ 1100SF is powered by a lithium battery of type CRP2 with a voltage of 6 volts. The built-in flash is versatile and features modes for red-eye reduction, automatic fill-in for backlight, and slow sync for balanced night shots where the background remains visible.
The body is finished in an elegant silver tone and measures 132 millimeters in width, 73 millimeters in height, and 54.5 millimeters in depth, with an empty weight of approximately 300 grams.
