Ricoh GR1V vs GR21

I am considering buying one of the tiny 35mm Ricoh compacts. I'm aware
the 1V has a 28mm lens and the 21 a 21mm lens. Aside from the
differences in aesthetics that the different lenses imply, does anyone
here have any practical advice they can give me as to which to buy?

I'm thinking of things such as:

- The relative optical quality of the lenses;
- Practical differences (I believe that one may require a lens cap?
And the process for mounting filters differs?)

Also does anyone know of websites where the two are compared (I'm
aware of sites about the 1S and 1V but not the 21).

 

Mark Bishop wrote:

> Also does anyone know of websites where the two are compared (I'm
> aware of sites about the 1S and 1V but not the 21).

This site has good, detailed information on the GR1 series, including a
short section on the GR21.

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/the_leighs/

 

In article <>,
(Mark Bishop) wrote:

> I am considering buying one of the tiny 35mm Ricoh compacts. I'm aware
> the 1V has a 28mm lens and the 21 a 21mm lens. Aside from the
> differences in aesthetics that the different lenses imply, does anyone
> here have any practical advice they can give me as to which to buy?
>
> I'm thinking of things such as:
>
> - The relative optical quality of the lenses;
> - Practical differences (I believe that one may require a lens cap?
> And the process for mounting filters differs?)
>
> Also does anyone know of websites where the two are compared (I'm
> aware of sites about the 1S and 1V but not the 21).

The GR21 does require a lens cap, as the lens does not fully retract
into the body as does the GR1V's (then again, it's amazing they managed
to get a quality 21mm lens in the thing at all). I don't know about the
difference in filter/hood mounting systems between the two.

As for which is best from an optical quality standpoint? I'd give a
slight nod to the GR1V (with a faster lens as well, to boot). As a
super-compact super-wide option, the GR21 is practically your only
choice. (I use an early-generation GR1)

The ideal solution, of course, is to buy both.

--
BWB
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