That was actually me. I wrote that. XR-P was my 1st camera, and I still think it's a better design camera than any Pentax manual focus cameras. Unfortunately, the poor choice of materials mean cracked top and bottom plates and rusting metal parts. The camera doesn't feel solid (unlike most Pentax manual focus cameras). It's strength lies on its excellent viewfinder display and well designed interface. I "think" the matched TTL flash was Speedlite 360T (or 300T?) (not a bad flash either). Unfortunately, the screen was rather dim and the split image darkened with my Sigma 70-210/4-5.6 (more than 10 yrs ago). 3 screens were offered - split image, matt, and grid screen. However, they aren't really user changable (but still can be done by yourself if you knew how, without disassemble the camera). My grid screen was sold few months ago on eBay, but I'd say you would be very very lucky if you will ever see one. Due to the fact that most XR-P users didn't have the screen changed back in the 80's, Ricoh might still have some in stock. However, these screens (packed in a small plastic bag and paper box) were sold as spare parts instead of accessories, you cannot buy them through any retailers. You have to go to their service centre for it. The ironic part was, the service centre thought I was joking when I requested to install the grid screen back in the 80's. XR-P takes either XR Motor or MB-10 Grip Winder (not 100% certain on the names). I had the Winder and it was crap. The plastic body cracked in no time. Saw the Motor once in Melbourne few years ago, quite rare afaik. It also takes an optional grip which is a bit like the Grip B for LX, but with shutter release button. Back in the 80's, this grip usually came with the camera. Quite a nice piece of accessory, but I guess most are landfill these days. About the vibration, as I remember, it's not too bad. I cannot think of any cameras I have used had more vibration than the Super A/Program (I could actually felt my hand "jumped" when it fired). However, XR-P was quite a noisy camera (so to the LX). Sadly, if my XR-P didn't crack and rust so badly, I might still be using it today.
regards, Alan Chan >Yet in a message titled "Off topic, need comments on Ricoh bodies," PDML's >Alan Chan wrote of the XR-P (1999-06-12), "The screen was relatively dark". >Alan added, "but the viewfinder was well designed (the display is still the >best IMO.)." I'd have to agree. There's no need to tap the shutter button >to update the readout. Imagine a vertical LCD shutter-speed array that >constantly reflects the exposure value, combining the fluidity of the KX's >match needle system with the digital readout of the LX. > >I had read that the XR-P was loud, but the salesman pointed out that the >noise was chiefly from second mirror slap, which comes after the exposure >is made. Indeed, I did not find vibration objectionable; it was below that >of my Super Programs. > >Would anyone else care to comment on the XR-P's brightness? Freedom from >vibration? _________________________________________________________________ Chat with friends online, try MSN Messenger: http://messenger.msn.com - This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org .
