Ricoh Snap Focus Changes the Way You Photograph

If you enjoy street photography, you know the best photographs often happen when you react quickly. That is one reason I have been having so much fun with Ricoh Snap Focus on my Ricoh GR Digital III.

This little camera may be more than 15 years old, but Snap Focus gives me a completely different way to photograph. Instead of waiting for autofocus to find my subject, I can set a specific focusing distance ahead of time. On the GR Digital III, I can choose one meter, 2.5 meters, five meters, or infinity.

For me, 2.5 meters has become my favorite setting. That is roughly eight feet, which works well for many street photography situations.

How Ricoh Snap Focus Works

With Snap Focus, I am not asking, “What should the camera focus on?” Instead, I am thinking, “Where will my subject be?”

That small change makes a big difference. For example, when I see something interesting while walking, I can raise the camera, compose quickly, and take the photograph without waiting for autofocus.

In addition, Snap Focus makes shooting from the hip much easier. Because I already know my focusing distance, I can hold the camera down at my side and photograph without bringing it to my eye.

Of course, not every photograph will work. However, that is part of the fun. Sometimes an imperfect photograph captures a moment that I would have missed if I had stopped to carefully compose the image.

Why Snap Focus Changes My Photography

The Ricoh GR Digital III doesn’t compete with my modern cameras in autofocus performance or technology. Instead, it gives me a different photographic experience.

I spend less time thinking about camera settings and more time paying attention to what is happening around me. Furthermore, the camera is small enough to carry in my pocket, so I am more likely to have it with me.

If you own a Ricoh with Snap Focus, try setting it to 2.5 meters and taking a 30-minute walk. Don’t worry about making every photograph perfect. Instead, focus on seeing, reacting, and capturing the moment.

Sometimes, Ricoh Snap Focus is all you need to photograph a little differently.

Watch the full video here