Ricoh 400G for kid

[BlackRicoh]

I have possibility to buy that camera model (second hand model). What would be good value for it? I am going to give it to one kid (5 year old). Do you think that it is enough strong for the use of kids?

 

[BlackRicoh]

Now I bought that camera. It is second hand model. Here is one test picture and two pictures where is 400G together with GRD.

 

[Schaki]

I recently bought a used 400G myself and thinks it is a good camera, except the purple fringing and that shot to shot times could be a little faster. Maybe i should try with a Panny SD class 6 card instead of the Sandisk extreme 3 2gb which I already had. I updated the firmware too. Too bad, I couldn't find the manual on Ricoh's site but there is little need for it + the manual for the Usual G4 Wide, which it is based on, cover up pretty well.

Oh, one more thing: It is not only the GX100 which is hit by dust. I discovered that my 400G have a small dust-corn which is stuck on the inside of the first glass on the lens. There are no marks on any of the screws so I dunno how it got in there.

 

[odklizec]

You can find the 400G manual for example here:
ftp://download.ricohpmmc.com/DC/400g/Manual/

 

[Schaki]

You can find the 400G manual for example here:
ftp://download.ricohpmmc.com/DC/400g/Manual/

Ah, thx
I didn't know about that ftp. I looked on their supprt-site for manuals and found for many other old models but not the 400G.

 

[odklizec]

There is no trace of 400G manual at Ricoh America support site. But luckily, there is also European site, containing manuals and other files for all recent and old cameras (even for some very old models)

 

[Schaki]

I'm not unsatisfied with the AF-performance but wonder anyway. Would it focus faster if I were using the special-battery? I know it makes a difference for the GRD series and Probably the GX too.
I didn't get any charger or battery when I bought it used, so I simply gave it the Sanyo Eneloops which I already had and it works well.
Sometimes there is a small lag until it starts to Autofocus when I do the half-press.

Between, I've done a small and simple cardWriting test witht he two 2gb-cards I have.
Do you, BlackRicoh, or anyone else, know if that lag still is there with the special-battery (If you are using it)? Somtimes it focus immidietly and sometimes not, I don't know exactly why. I've the latest firmware for it and the camera is in good condition and less than 2700 shots total.


Ricoh Caplio 400G Wide. With latest firmware and formated in camera.
Sandisk: Extreme III 2Gb SD: 11 red blinks.
Panasonic 2Gb SD class 6: 4 red blinks

Both cards were bought in proper Netstores, new to avoid all these slow pirate, fake-cards on Ebay etc.
The Panasonic obviously works alot better than the Sandisk with this model. Maybe Lexar would work even better as it too seems to be a good choice for slow-writing cameras. I think the Panasonic is quick enough for me though.
The reason I bought the Panny for it was because although the buffer still allow 1-2 more shots while writing, it will focus but the LCD stays black until the writing has been finished and i believed that the writing could be speeded up a bit.

 

[Schaki]

I was reasonably happy with the 400G but the Electronic got hit by water due the sealing jointing on the left side, which let a drop of water in once in a while and also sometimes caused a smaller mist-spot on the inside of the display. I used to put it in the desiccator for an hour or two. But now it seems to have died for good. Though I've not given up yet but have begun to look for a replacement. It will probably be a G600, or the 300G which is up for sale at Ebay now. All these models are rare so I'll almost have to go for the first best that I can find.