Review: film compact
Ricoh 500G: the pocket rangefinder and the magic of expired film
By the team Analog Gwerz
Rangefinder 35 mm · Tried with expired film · Settings manual
Ricoh 500G: the perfect companion for a week’s holiday in Superbagnères
When it comes to going on holiday, choosing a camera is always a dilemma for film enthusiasts. Should you take the heavy SLR with its interchangeable lenses, or go light? For my recent week’s holiday in Superbagnères, I decided to travel light without sacrificing quality. I went for an overlooked classic: the Ricoh 500G.
A compact rangefinder with big-camera credentials
The Ricoh 500G is a 35mm compact film camera with a coupled rangefinder. Released in the 1970s, it is known for its 40mm f/2.8 Rikenon lens. What strikes you straight away is how compact it is: it fits easily in a ski jacket pocket or a small hiking bag, which proved essential on our long walks in Superbagnères.
The magic of expired film
Using expired film always adds an element of mystery to the photographic process. The Ricoh 500G has a major advantage for this kind of experiment: its full manual mode. Although it offers shutter priority, I was able to adjust the exposure manually to make up for my expired film’s loss of sensitivity (the well-known “one stop per decade past expiry” rule).
The soft tones, the slight colour shifts towards warm or cool depending on exposure, and the clearly visible grain go perfectly with the grand landscapes of the Superbagnères resort. It’s the very essence of what we love at Analog Gwerz : capturing the perfect imperfection of the moment.
Why choose it?
If you’re looking for a camera that’s always ready to shoot, capable of superb rendering thanks to its 40mm lens, and that gives you the freedom of full manual as well as the reassurance of an automatic mode you can switch off, the Ricoh 500G is a formidable choice. Those few days in the mountains proved to me that it’s one of the best-value compact rangefinders around.
Want to capture your own holiday memories?
Discover our selection of film compacts, tested, serviced and ready to shoot new rolls (expired or not!).
Key takeaways
What we like
- A real rangefinder in a size that fits in a jacket pocket
- Easy-to-use manual settings, perfect for learning to meter light
- Simple mechanics, so not much to go wrong
Good to know before you buy
- Expired film gives unpredictable results: that’s the point, but it’s not for everyone
- No autofocus: focusing is done by hand, with the rangefinder
- You need to budget for film and developing on top of the camera
Getting started
- With expired film, overexpose slightly: old emulsions lose sensitivity over time.
- Note your settings on your first rolls: it’s the best way to understand what works.
- Keep a fresh roll in reserve for the photos you don’t want to miss.
Frequently asked questions about the Ricoh 500G
What is a rangefinder camera?
A camera where you focus by overlapping two images in the viewfinder. Once the two images line up, the subject is sharp. It’s manual, quick once you get the hang of it, and it uses no battery power.
Do you really have to use expired film?
No, it works perfectly well with fresh film. Expired film brings colour shifts and grain that some people look for, but results vary from one roll to another, and nobody can guarantee them in advance.
Where can I get my film developed?
At a lab, locally or by post. Black and white can also be developed at home. Factor this cost in on top of the camera before you start.
Is it a good first film camera?
Yes, if you’re happy to focus yourself and shoot more slowly. If you’d rather have a camera that decides for you, take a look at our automatic film compacts.