Ricoh Combines Ultra-Compact Design with AdvancedFunctionality in Affordable 35mm Camera.

NEW ORLEANS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 13, 1998--

Palm-sized FZ-70 Features Zoom Lens, Dual Power Sources, Remote

Control and Retractable Flash

Ricoh Consumer Products Group, a pioneer and innovator in cameras and digital imaging products, today announced availability

The FZ-70 has a 35-70mm zoom lens and retractable flash. It offers a choice of dual power sources, remote control operation, auto film load, and an optional dateback imprint. Aggressively priced at $299, this next generation camera combines resolution and flexibility of a traditional 35mm single lens reflex camera with the ease of point-and-shoot electronic operation.

The FZ-70 allows the user to load, capture and reload in rapid cycles, and offers automatic focus, flash, and backlight compensation to dynamically help customers capture a wider-range of photographs.

The camera has several easily selected capture settings, including focus lock, infinity and TV modes. These settings enable subjects to be locked into focus while the shot is recomposed, to fix distance settings, and to control exposure of TV or computer screen shots for flicker-free images.

At only 8.5 ounces, the small form factor, full-featured FZ-70 can be used in field applications without requiring additional accessory equipment. With the ability to choose between a 3V lithium battery or two commonly-available AA batteries, customers are guaranteed convenience and availability to ensure that no valuable photo opportunities will be missed.

"The FZ-70 is the latest evidence of Ricoh's continuing passion for photography and photographers," said Joseph Bollentini, senior vice president of Ricoh Consumer Products Group. "Ricoh strives to offer increased functionality in smaller, more affordable designs. With a wide-range of special options integrated into the base camera, the FZ-70 enables users to instantly capture a greater variety of memorable moments without switching cameras or accessories. It has the power and portability to make it any photographer's primary camera."

FZ-70 Will Get the Shot

The camera allows instant focal-length adjustment by incorporating a continuous 35mm - 70mm wide angle to telephoto zoom lens. Close-up or distant photos can be optimally composed with the touch of a button. Embedded macro capabilities allow photographers to capture the detail of smaller objects or focus on subjects as close as two feet (60 centimeters).