Ricoh Mirai User manual

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From Nicholas Jones
Olympus AZ-4 I have found the Ricoh Mirai and the Olympus AZ-4 identical except for the following:

The AZ-4 has no remote control socket
The AZ-4 uses 2xCR123 batteries, not one lithium and not 4xAAA
The AZ-4 does not have bulb mode; the bulb mode button instead allowsdouble exposure
A few of the LCD symbols are different;
On the AZ-4 'AV' for centre weighted average mode is instead 'F.I.'for Fill In flash
A C is used instead of a symbol on the button for continuous shooting mode.
There is no AE lock button on the AZ-4
There is a button marked 'spot' on the AZ-4 where the fill in flash
button is on the Ricoh Mirai. I have yet to determine what it does. The shape of the camera body is different
(top is round as opposed to
having a bump in the middle)

CONTENTS

I. PREPARING TO SHOOT ...7

1. Inserting Battery ...8

2. Turning the camera ON ...10

3. Monitoring Battery Condition ...11

4. Loading the Film ...13

5. Setting the Film Speed ...17

6. Viewfinder Indicators ...18

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7. LCD Data Panel ...21

8. How to Hold Your Camera (Using the Multi-Position Grip) ...24

II. BASIC STEPS ...27

1. Turning the Camera ON for Fully Automatic Operation ...28

2. Zooming the Lens ...28

3. Auto focusing ...30

4. Shooting ...31

5. Rewinding the Film ...32





                            Mike Butkus              Digitally                                                                                                                                                                                      DN:email=mike@butkus.org,Date:cn=Mike2023.05.17signedButkus,by14:56:29Mikeo=ButkusButkusc=US-04'00'camera manuals, ou=butkus.org,



III. MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR CAMERA ...37

1. Auto focus Techniques ...38

2. Pre-Focus Shooting ...40

3. Manual (Power) Focus ...42

4. Macro Setting ...43

5. Continuous Shooting Mode ...46

6. Metering Modes ...49

7. Understanding Programmed AE ...53

8. Auto Program Shift ...53

9. Manual Program Shift ...54

10. AE Lock ...56

11. Exposure Compensation ...58

12. Bulb (long exposure) Photography ...61

13. Remote Control Socket ...64

14. Flash Photography ...65

15. Daylight Fill-In Flash ...67

16. Flash Photography with Speedlite SL-301M ...69

17. Using the Self-Timer ...71

18. Using the Self-Timer with Flash ...73

19. Reset Button ...74





IV. CARING FOR YOUR CAMERA ...75

V. HELP! (Troubleshooting Guide)...77

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Vl. ACCESSORIES ...81

Vll. APPENDIX (Charts, Diagrams) ...85

Vlll. MAJOR SPECIFICATIONS ...91


1. INSERTING BATTERY





1. Remove the Battery Holder by turning the Battery Holder Screw counterclockwise with a coin. (Fig. 1)

2. Insert fresh a lithium battery or four AAA size batteries into the Battery Holder, first checking that the + and
-on each battery are aligned according to the polarity diagram inside the Battery Holder. (Fig. 2 A, 2.B)





3. Re-secure the Battery Holder to the Camera Grip by turning the Battery Holder Screw clockwise with a coin.
(Fig. 3)

Battery Choices:

* Lithium battery (CR-P2 or equivalent) is recommended. Four AAA (AM-4) alkaline batteries can be used.

* Condition of battery (batteries) should be monitored frequently. See section "Monitoring Battery Condition"
on page 11 for details


Care of Battery:

1. Before installing, be sure to wipe all moisture and skin oil off both battery contact surfaces in order to prevent
future problems of corrosion and poor electrical contact.

* Dispose of used battery properly. Do not throw it into fire or expose to high temperature.

2. TURNING THE CAMERA ON





1. Slide the Main Operating Switch (Power On/Off and Macro) to ON. (Fig. 4)

* The camera is designed to shut off the main power supply automatically to save battery energy when the
camera is not in use for about 15 sec. even if the Main Operating Switch is left ON. This will turn off the top
LCD Panel and the Viewfinder but the information contained in camera memory will be retained. Lightly press
the Shutter Release Button to turn on the power and update the LCD Panel. For maximum battery life, always
turn the Main Operating Switch to the OFF position when the camera is stored.

* If you set the Sound Switch on the bottom of the camera (Fig. 5) to the sound mark A), beep will be heard
whenever proper auto focus is obtained, the self timer is used, etc. This confirms that your selection has been
made.

3. MONITORING BATTERY CONDITION





1. The battery (or set of batteries if you are using 4 AAA-size) is in good condition when the sac symbol
appears on the top LCD Panel. (Fig. 6)


2. When the battery is nearly exhausted, the      symbol will be displayed on the top LCD Panel. (Fig. 7)


When the      symbol appears, it is recommended to replace the battery with a fresh one. If there is film in
your camera, finish the roll as soon as possible and then replace the old battery with a fresh one. Fig. 8


* If non-DX-coded film is in your camera when the      symbol is displayed, you may have to rewind the
film using the Manual Rewind Button (see page 33).


* If the battery's outline         is flashing do not use the flash unit until the battery is replaced. (Fig. 8)

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3. When the battery is virtually dead the "empty battery" symbol will appear in the LCD Panel.
Replace with a fresh battery. (Fig. 9)

* If the "empty battery" symbol lights for about one minute, then disappears, the battery is only capable of
retaining camera memory. Do not attempt to use other camera functions, and do not remove old battery until
you are ready to replace it with fresh one. The memory of the camera will be retained for about 30 minutes
without battery. If you replace with new battery within that 30 minutes, the display of all data in the camera
memory will reappear in the LCD Panel.


* Cold temperatures may reduce any battery's efficiency. In freezing weather, only the      symbol may show
on the LCD Panel. If you are taking pictures in extremely cold weather, keep the battery warm and insert it just
before shooting.

4. LOADING THE FILM





Always avoid direct sunlight when loading the film. 1. Depress the Back Cover Lock Release Button and slide
the Back Cover Latch down. (Fig. 10)

2. Load the Film Cassette into the Film Chamber and pull out enough film leader to extend just beyond the film
leader mark, against the Take-up Spool. (Fig. 11)





3. Make sure that the film is within the Film Guides, and that the upper sprocket edge will pass under the
Electronic Frame Counter Guide Plate. (Fig. 12)

4. Close the Back Cover, making sure that the Back Cover Latch snaps shut. (Fig. 13) The film will now
automatically  advance until number "1" appears on the top-deck LCD Panel. (Fig. 14)





Then, the LCD Panel will show the information. (Fig. 14)

* If the display shuts off, lightly press the Shutter Release Button halfway to reactivate the LCD. (Fig. 15)





* The Film Loaded Window on the back of the camera can be used to check whether there is film in the camera
or not. (Fig. 16)

5. If the film has not advanced correctly or was not taken up onto the Film Take-up Spool, the Film Cassette
Loaded symbol on the LCD Panel will blink for about 15 sec. (Fig. 17 and the shutter release will lock.

Reload the film correctly by repeating steps 1-4 shown above.

Note: If Non-DX film is loaded in your camera, no warning will appear on the LCD and the shutter release does
not lock.

5. SETTING THE FILM SPEED

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1. DX Films
DX-coded film cartridges are marked with black-and-silver patterns corresponding to the film speed and other
information. Your camera reads this pattern and automatically sets itself for DX-coded film speeds ranging
from ISO 25 to 5000. (Fig. 18)

2. Non DX Films
If Non-DX Film is used, your camera automatically sets itself to ISO 100. (Refer to the exposure compensation
(pages 58) when you make manual adjustments while loading Non-DX film in your camera.)

6. VIEWFINDER INDICATORS





1. Auto Focus Frame

When activated, the Auto-Focus System focuses automatically on any subject that appears within this small
rectangle.





2. Viewfinder Display Panel





                                 : Out of flash range (Shutter will still fire)


                                 : Subject in focus

                                 : Distance measurement cannot be made automatically; use manual
                     focusing (see page 42); or if too close, shift to macro mode (see page 43).

                                 : Manual focus shift direction indication (toward near)

                                 : Manual focus shift direction indication (toward infinity)

: Macro Mode is set.

                                 : Too-close warning: Switch to Macro Mode.

                                 : Exposure Program Shift indicator

                                 : Shutter Speed




                                    : Overexposure warning

                                    : Underexposure warning


                                    : Hand Shaking warning with 35mm-70mm focal lengths blinks at 1/30
                          sec. or less.

                                    : Hand Shaking warning with 70mm-135mm focal lengths blinks at 1/60
                          sec. or less.



                                    : Exposure Compensation is set.


                                    : F-stop


                      Overexposure warning (Actual f-stop number varies with focal length.)

                     Underexposure warning (Actual f-stop number varies with focal length.)



               AE Lock is set.


* Viewfinder illumination
on automatically when the finder LCD is dark and difficult to see.

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7. LCD DATA PANEL





                                    : The battery is in good condition.

                                    : The battery is nearly exhausted. If there is film in your camera, finish the
                             roll as soon as possible and then replace the old battery with a new one.

                                    : The battery is not powerful enough to fire the flash unit. Do not use the
                          flash unit.




                   The battery is virtually dead. Replace with new battery.

                   The film cassette is in your camera.

                   The film has not been taken up onto the Film Take-up Spool. You must
                        reload the film.


                   The film is loaded correctly in your camera, you can make a shot.

                   The film will automatically advance until next number "2" appears on the
               LCD Data Panel. Proper film advancement is indicated by the series of
                      segments flashing in sequence from left to right.

                 When the end of the film has been reached, the film will automatically
                       rewind. The film rewind is indicated by the series of segments flashing in
                      sequence from right to left, while the counter is displaying a countdown
                         reading.

                 When the film is fully rewound, the motor stops automatically and "E"
                       appears in the LCD Data Panel. You can now open the Back Cover to unload
                         the film.

: Fill-in Flash Photography Mode

                                     : Continuous Shooting Mode

                                     : Bulb Mode

                                     : Center-weighted Average Mode

                                     : Self-timer Mode


                                     : Exposure Compensation Mode

                                     : The focal length (to the nearest 5mm increment) is indicated on the LCD Data Panel
                         as you adjust ("zoom") the lens focal length. It appears for about 2 seconds, then
                         displays the frame number.

                                     : Number of exposures

                                     : The distance of your subject is indicated: 1.5m (4.9ft)

                                     : The distance of your subject is indicated: Infinity (00)

                                     : Macro Mode


 8. HOW TO HOLD YOUR CAMERA





The Mirai's convenient Multi-Position Grip allows you to maneuver the camera easily and comfortably.

The Grip can be adjusted to O°, 15°, 30°, 45°,60° and 75° angles for maximum comfort when the index finger
is on the Shutter Release Button. To adjust the Grip, press the Grip Lock Release Button while pushing the Grip
down until it locks into the desired position. (Fig. 21)

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 1. Lightly put your right-hand forefinger on the Shutter Release Button while holding the Camera Grip with
other fingers. Your thumb should be positioned near the AE Lock Button on the back of the camera. (Fig. 22)





2. Make sure your right arm is comfortable, but keep it as close to your body possible for maximum steadiness.

3. Use your left hand to steady the camera. (Fig. 23.A, 23.B)

4. Look through the Viewfinder to compose your picture.

* When holding taking flash pictures with your camera held vertically, always position it with the flash side up.

* It is important to practice holding the camera steady to avoid blurred or tilted pictures.

II. BASIC STEPS

1. TURNING THE CAMERA ON FOR FULLY AUTOMATIC OPERATION

When you slide the Mirai's Main Operating Switch to the ON position, the camera is ready for point-and-Shoot
operation. It automatically turns on the basic (or "default") settings for all functions.

* Automatic Backlight Control metering mode

* Standard autoexposure program (with automatic shift as you zoom the lens)

* Single-Shot (one-frame-at-a-time) film advance

2. ZOOMING THE LENS





The Mirai's built-in 35 - 135mm Zoom Lens lets you get closer to your subject without changing your position
This lets you easily select the composition that best suits your subject.

To zoom the lens, just rotate the Zoom Selector Dial (Fig. 1) until your subject is framed properly. The nominal
focal length you've selected will appear (for about 2 sec.) on the LCD Panel. (Although lens zooming action is
continuous, the focal length is displayed on the LCD Panel in 5mm increments 35mm, 40mm, 45mm, etc.

3. AUTO FOCUSING





1. Set the subject you wish to take within the Auto focus Frame in the center of the Viewfinder. (Fig. 2)

2. When you press the Shutter Release Button halfway, the green e symbol will light up to indicate the subject
in focus. (Fig. 3) With the Sound Switch turned ON, the camera will also beep when correct focusing is
obtained.

If the red < and "FLOWER" symbols blink, the auto focusing system is unable to verify correct focus. (See
page 38 for suggestions.) If both red <Symbols and the "FLOWER" symbol are blinking, you should move back
a little as your camera is too close to your subject. You may also use the Macro Mode. (See page 43.)

* AF (Auto focus) Auxiliary Light:
Infrared light is automatically emitted in the direction of the subject to accurately measure the distance even in
dark situations (light emission distance: About 5.5m).

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4. SHOOTING





1. Gently press the Shutter Release Button to take the picture. The film advances automatically as soon as the
shutter has been released.

In dim lighting conditions, the programmed shutter speed may be too slow for sharp handheld exposures. When
this occurs, the shutter speed display in the Viewfinder will blink. (If the lens is set to 35 - 70mm, "L32- 30"
will blink; if the lens is set to 70 - 135mm "L32-60" will blink.) (Fig. 4)

We recommend using the built-in flash (see page 65), or a tripod or other sturdy support for the best results in
these conditions.

5. REWINDING THE FILM





1. The film will rewind automatically when you reach the end of the roll.

* Film rewinding is indicated by a series of dashes flashing in sequence from right to left, while the exposure
counter is counting down. (Fig. 5)





2. When the film is fully rewound, the motor stops automatically and "E" appears on the LCD Panel. (Fig. 6)
Beep sound will also be heard if the Sound Switch is set to the "speaker sound" position. You may now open
the Back Cover to unload the film.

* The shutter release is locked when "E" is displayed. However, power zooming and auto focus functions will
remain operative, and flash (if in up position) will charge.

3. If you wish to rewind the film before the end of roll is reached, push the Recessed Manual Rewind Button
under the Creative Control Panel Cover with your fingernail or a pen, for about 2 seconds. (Fig. n

* Even if the Non-DX Film is used, your camera will usually rewind the film when the end of the roll is
reached. If it does not, you will have to rewind the film manually by pressing the Manual Rewind Button
located under the Creative Control Panel Cover. (See page 33.) Upon completion of rewinding, the film leader
is normally pulled completely inside the cassette. If you wish to leave some leader outside the cassette (for
reloading, etc.) push the Manual Rewind Button once while the film is rewinding.

III. MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR CAMERA

III. MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR CAMERA ...37

1. Auto focus Techniques ...38

2. Pre-Focus Shooting ...40

3. Manual (Power) Focus ...42

4. Macro Setting ...43

5. Continuous Shooting Mode ...46

6. Metering Modes ...49

7. Understanding Programmed AE ...53

8. Auto Program Shift ...53

9. Manual Program Shift ...54

10. AE Lock ...56

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11. Exposure Compensation ...58


1. AUTO FOCUS TECHNIQUES





Your camera is equipped with a highly accurate auto focus system that is designed to operate efficiently under
most shooting conditions. However, in certain rare conditions, it will be unable to focus properly.

These conditions include:
Subjects with poor contrast, such as misty scenes or uniformly white or black objects. (Fig. 1)
Subjects with an obstruction in front of them, such as caged animals at the zoo, subjects shot through leaves,
etc. (Fig. 2)





Subjects with repeating patterns or those containing only horizontal lines. (Fig. 3-A)

Subjects moving fast (Fig. 3-B)

Subjects that are extremely bright in the center of the screen

* Please be aware that some special filters cannot be used with this camera.

When AF is impossible, the red < Symbols will flash in the Viewfinder. If this occurs, you must use either pre-
focus or switch to the manual focus mode.

2. PRE FOCUS SHOOTING

When the main subject you wish to focus on is not within the Autofocus Frame, or if the subject is difficult to
focus on, you should use one of the following pre-focus shooting techniques.





· When the subject is not
                                   2. Move your camera so one of   3. Now return your camera to
within the Autofocus Frame:
                                the people appears in the            its original position so that all
                            Autofocus Frame. Gently press   the subjects are properly
1. If you want to photograph
                                the Shutter Release Button      composed in the frame again,
two or more people, there
                            halfway so that the green O     and depress the Shutter
may be cases where the
                           symbol lights up in the          Release Button fully to take
subject are not within the
                             Viewfinder and the correct       the picture. (Fig. 6)
central Autofocus Frame If
                              focus distance is indicated on
you release the shutter under
                                the LCD Panel. Keep holding
such conditions, the people
                             your finger halfway down on
(the main subject) will b out-
                                the Shutter Release Button.
of-focus. (Fig. 4)
                                  (Fig. 5)


3. MANUAL (POWER) FOCUS

· When the subject is difficult to auto focus on:

1. Find another subject at about the same distance from your camera You can pre-focus on that subject in the
same way as described in the page 40-41.

* When you remove your finger from the Shutter Release Button, the pre-focused condition is cleared, so that
you can prefocus again as many times as you wish.

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1. Set the Focus Mode Switch to M (Manual). (Fig. 7)
2. Center the Focus Frame on your subject.
3. Rotate the dual-purpose Zoom Selector Dial while keeping the ME (Manual Focus) Button depressed until
the subject appears sharp and the green focus signal lights in the Viewfinder. (Fig. 8)





4. Gently press the Shutter Release Button to
take pictures.

* This chart illustrates the focus signals when the Focus Mode is set to M.

·:Your subject is in focus.

:Rotate the Selector Dial in the direction of arrow (toward near).

:Rotate the Selector Dial in the direction of arrow (toward infinity).


4. MACRO SETTING
Close-up photography is possible at distances between 1.2m (3.9ft.) and 0.49m (1.6ft).
See above photograph.





Fig. 9


If the     and/or < > blinks when you press the Shutter Release Button halfway, your camera is too close to
your subject. (Fig. 9) You should use the Macro Mode, or move farther away from your subjects. If you choose
to use the Macro Mode:

    1)  Set the Main Operating Switch to Macro. (Fig. 10)

The mark      will light up. (Fig. 11)


2) Use the dual-purpose Zoom Selector Dial to manually focus. The green · symbol lights up to confirm the
subject in focus. (Fig. 12)

3) Press the Shutter Release Button fully to take the picture.
* The slow shutter speed warning (blinking shutter speed indicator in Viewfinder) will occur below 1/60 sec.

5. CONTINUOUS SHOOTING MODE





Your camera is designed with 2 types of film advance modes: Single-shot and Continuous. Whenever the
camera is turned ON, it is automatically in the single-shot mode.

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The film advance mode can easily be changed from Single-Shot to Continuous-and back again- by pressing the
Continuous Shooting Mode Button, located under the Creative Control Panel Cover. (Fig. 13)





1. Select the Continuous Shooting Mode by depressing the Continuous Shooting Mode Button.
Confirm that the mark appears on the LCD Panel. (Fig. 14)





2. Press and hold down the Shutter Release Button. Your camera will continuously take pictures at a rate of two
frames per second as long as Shutter Release Button is held down. (Fig. 15)

* To return to the Single-shot Mode, press the Continuous Shooting Mode Button again or the Reset Button.

* Do not use the built-in flash in the Continuous Mode. The flash will not recycle fast enough to keep up with
the continuous shooting rate. (If the flash is used in the Continuous Mode, the shutter release will "lock-up"
until the flash has recycled then it will fire automatically.)