Ricoh Riconar 55mm f/2.2. If you’re looking to purchase this lens I always check Adorama and Ebay for good deals. It helps me if you purchase it through one of these links here in this review. When you purchase through these links it financially enables me to devote time to develop this site further. Thanks for the help! -Todd

Barrel
Metal

Weight
4.9 oz (140g)

Focus Type
Manual focus

Focus Ring
Rubber on Plastic.
Very annoying since the focus ring also turns the filter ring which will throw off filters like a Polarizer or Grad. ND filters.

Close Focus
3 feet (0.8 meters).

Filter Threads
52mm, Plastic

Aperture Ring
Plastic.

Diaphragm
5 blades stopping down to f/16.

Mount
Mine came in a Pentax Metal K Mount.

Made in
Japan

 

 

Sharpness
f/2.2 Very soft with ok contrast and heavy amount of spherical aberration bleeding
everywhere.
f/2.8: Sharper with more contrast and less spherical aberration.
f/3.5: Sharper yet but still pretty soft for f/3.5.
f/4: Sharper yet with good contrast.
f/8: Sharper but still not amazing.

Vignetting

There is a little bit of vignetting at f/2.2 and almost clear at f/2.8 with a slight hint at f/3.5

Bokeh

Strangely the spherical aberration creates a unique soft effect which can actually look a little interesting but the image is soft and blurry looking.

Distortion
A bit of Barrel Distortion but not too bad.

Recommendations
On MF Camera
Optics:          ★
Mechanics:   ★ ★
Ergonomics: ★ ★ ★
Usefulness:   ★ ★
Availability:   ★
Overall:         ★

On AF Camera
Ergonomics: ★ ★
Overall:         ★
Out of 5

This is a slow lens for being a 55mm prime. It has terrible optics, a cheap plastic build, and can be annoying to use with filters. With filters such as a Polarizer or a Graduated Neutral Density filter, when you turn the focus ring it turns your filters throwing off your settings.

I feel bad for people who spent the money and bought the Ricoh body that came with
this kit lens. If you want a really soft, strange-looking blur to create some unique vintage-artsy images then this lens is for you! I’m sure some people can get some really creative images out of this lens. If you’re going for sharpness then skip it, but if you want to experiment with something strange then you might want to give it a try.

 

Did this review help?
My hopes are to take the time to continue developing this website with more test photo based reviews. If you are ever interested in purchasing this lens or other photography equipment please do so through these links here in this review. I always check Adorama and Ebay for good deals. This helps support my family and allows me to take more time for the site. The best part is this site is free for you and I link good deals I find!

Sometimes these links will actually give you better deals then typical retail prices! I personally buy from the links I have listed whether looking for new gear or fun old stuff. I can personally attest to their good & safe service from years of experience. Thanks again to you, our readers, for supporting us! -Todd