Your GXR lens mount lenses wishlist? ;)

[jsrockit]

I read that the APS-C NEX will do it, but the menu and control system is the worst kind of nasty. The GXR could be what I need.

Remember, Ricoh is designing this to use M mount lenses...all the other cameras were not. However, the NEX does mount the lenses in question, but I also agree with you on the control system.

 

[ginger]

I know this is a bit belated but if Ricoh was to release an M-Mount, will it work with non-Leica M lenses? I have been eyeing the Konica Hexanon Dual 21-35mm. Heard it's better than the Tri-Elmar MATE and is unique because of its multiple focal lengths. Anyone used this lens before and care to share if it's worth it to get for SGD$1400 second hand?

 

[odklizec]

I see no treason why it should not work? The only problem is that with 1.5 crop factor of M module APSC the lens will turn to 32-53mm/f3.4-4.0 lens. So I'm not quite sure if there is an advantage of this lens? The only advantage I see in the possibility to carry just one lens instead of two (rather expensive) A12 modules? In any case, it would be nice to try this lens with Ricoh M module.

I just noticed how expensive is this Konica!!! In this case, I don't think it's reasonable to buy such lens for M mount. I would rather invest this amount of money to something else.

 

[ginger]

Pavel, theres a second hand camera shop in Singapore. The guy quoted me SGD$1400 for the Konica but I'm not sure about the quality of the lens since it has been used before and the condition remains a question mark. It looks quite ok on the shopfront though. Only 800 units were ever made apparently.

Yes, the general idea is to have the versatility of 2 focal lengths in a single package. Below is a review of the lens:

http://www.dantestella.com/technical/2135.html

Cheers

 

[ZDP-189]

Keith, yes I also have 3 really useful and characterful C-mount lenses for M4/3. My shooting buddy who gave them to me says they don't have the coverage for his APS-C NEX.

Pavel, I have a collection of Voigtlander in LTM, plus the Nokton 50/1.1 (M) and some Canon LTM and even an Industar. I love them all, though I mostly shoot on film.

Tim, I recently got a Zeiss Ikon ZM, which is great with the Nokton, though I miss the Hexar's motor drive. Up till now I've only had the one M-mount lens for reasons of flexibility, but sometimes swapping adapters is a pain. Which Zeiss lenses perform the best compared to Voightlander?

 

[ZDP-189]

Pavel, as ginger implied, the Konica (like the Ricoh GR in M-mount) were good lenses but the price premium reflects collectibility due to scarcity, rather than value for money.

Let's face it, you don't buy either Ricoh, nor highly collectible lenses for the economy of it.

We've yet to get to some of the most confusing sub-topic of discussion - how cropped frame sensors affect IQ.

 

[JadeIceGreen]

How difficult will it be to focus with this manual sensors, using the EVF? If it is not that difficult, manual focusing may end up being faster than the 50mm macro's focus.
And yes, we really need that battery grip.

 

[willo]

Looks like new pictures of the M mount have surfaced:

http://www.grblog.jp/

Cases look interesting!

 

[odklizec]

Thanks for sharing the pics! I think the first pic shows an early stage prototype? It looks somewhat rough to me and there is no shutter seen. According to this article, the shutter should be open only at a time of exposure. So I believe the sensor should not be exposed, even if the lens is removed?

 

[odklizec]

How difficult will it be to focus with this manual sensors, using the EVF? If it is not that difficult, manual focusing may end up being faster than the 50mm macro's focus.
And yes, we really need that battery grip.

Hi JadeIceGreen and welcome here! Last information from Ricoh is that there will be no LiveView in the M mount module so I'm not sure the EVF will be of any use for manual focus. It seems Ricoh is working on something different for M mount? Follow this article for more details...
http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/ne ... ml?aff=rsn

 

[jankoxxx]

i suspect that there will be some kind of sensor build in in the lens unit working with an external hybrid viewfinder attached to the camera body (similar to the Fuji x100 concept). i dont think they will introduce a brand new camera body..

 

[andrewteee]

In that recent photo the VF-2 is clearly attached to the camera so it must have a use. Given that all other mirrorless cameras that enable the use of m-mount lenses have live view it would be a marketing mistake for Ricoh not to provide some form of live view on their GXR m-mount unit. It will be there in one form or another. And how else would you frame? Provide a large number of external OVFs? Not practical.

Ricoh has said they "have a solution for it". I trust they will.

 

[odklizec]

I think there will be new body introduced in a near future. Of course, not necessarily with the M mount module. The main reason why I think there will be new GXR body is new Phase Detection AF introduced with the CX5. CX5 is definitely not the target camera for this "new" feature. I rather consider CX range a test platform for more important cameras like GRD and newly GXR. Introduction of new body with integrated PD-AF would immediately speed up the AF of all existing modules, which is important mainly for A12 modules. All existing mirrorless cameras now use contrast detection based AF, which is not particularly fast. PD-AF is used by DSLRs in non-live view mode. This is why the DSLRs are much faster than all existing mirrorless cameras.

PD-AF is most probably not the only reason for new body. Support of new, faster and higher capacity SD cards is another reason, including the direct support for eye-fi wifi SD cards also introduced in CX5. And of course, there is a room for button layout redesign. I guess there is not many people using Direct button, just because of very odd button placement. The same apply for LCD/EVF button. And I definitely hope they will replace the ON/OFF switch with more common button

 

[Wiener]

I guess there is not many people using Direct button, just because of very odd button placement. The same apply for LCD/EVF button. And I definitely hope they will replace the ON/OFF switch with more common button

Hi Pavel,
I actually do use the 'direct' button, but maybe not in the way it was designed! For one thing, I find it useful for an initial 'check' when I switch on, just to remind me what focus mode and EV value I last used. The position is not a problem as this use is 'pre-shooting' if you like. The other time I use it (but there is probably a better way of achieving this) is when I am shooting AE/AF with the cross-hair. I find it easier to change the EV by entering the 'direct' screen rather than any of the other methods, and again I find the button location OK for this. However, any change of location which makes this easier would be great!
The button I have the greatest problem with is the open/flash (the middle one); this I find a real pain to use, and the menu which it brings up is even worse. I rarely end up in the right flash mode and this annoys me so much that I now almost never try and use fill in flash for anything. This is a pity, because I often use it on the GX100 where I find it useful.
Looking forward to the release of the A12 zoom and also the GRD4 After all, christmas IS coming!!
Cheers!
Andy

 

[JadeIceGreen]

I think there will be new body introduced in a near future. Of course, not necessarily with the M mount module. The main reason why I think there will be new GXR body is new Phase Detection AF introduced with the CX5. CX5 is definitely not the target camera for this "new" feature. I rather consider CX range a test platform for more important cameras like GRD and newly GXR. Introduction of new body with integrated PD-AF would immediately speed up the AF of all existing modules, which is important mainly for A12 modules. All existing mirrorless cameras now use contrast detection based AF, which is not particularly fast. PD-AF is used by DSLRs in non-live view mode. This is why the DSLRs are much faster than all existing mirrorless cameras.

PD-AF is most probably not the only reason for new body. Support of new, faster and higher capacity SD cards is another reason, including the direct support for eye-fi wifi SD cards also introduced in CX5. And of course, there is a room for button layout redesign. I guess there is not many people using Direct button, just because of very odd button placement. The same apply for LCD/EVF button. And I definitely hope they will replace the ON/OFF switch with more common button

If there is a new GXR body the features Phase Detection, that will be quite a winner. I love the GXR and would not want to go back to a dslr, but I do miss the speed of a dslr's AF. On a side note, I do wish Ricoh makes a prime lens that equates to the focal length of 80-100mm. I have been using the GXR for simple model shoots and that focal length will be awesome.

 

[cerbay]

Is it weird to dream a GR1 film module for GXR?

 

[odklizec]

Yes, it definitely is I'm afraid, film is dead for Ricoh and many other manufacturers. And honestly, what would be the point of such module? Not to mention I see no way how you would change the film in such module (without making the module too big and silly to use)? And what about other quirks like useless LCD and major part of the body electronic? The M mount module is enough crazy (but wonderful) adventure. We can only hope Ricoh will finish it right

 

[pr28893]

I wonder if I am missing something regarding phase detection. I understand this to be sensor based, related to light hitting the sensor, which in Ricoh's case is inside the Camera Unit. If this is the case it is not the body that needs upgrading but the Camera Units. I can't imagine introducing new 28mm and 50mm lenses with phase detection but maybe any new units will have this built in. I would be greatful if someone could put me straight on this.

 

[odklizec]

The PD-AF is "external" sensor based AF. Unlike the contrast detection AF, it has nothing to do with the main camera sensor. Just examine the CX5 (or older GX100, GRDI, GX8, R5 and lower). The small black window on the camera front panel is the PD-AF sensor. And this is why I think there will be introduced new GXR body with added PD-AF window. There is really no need to add this feature to multiple lens modules while it can be added to single body?

 

[spb_ch]

Well I would like to see Pentax lenses specifically Pancakes on the Ricoh.

Other features:
Borrow from Pentax, built in remote control! I love the control I have with a small wireless remote to K-7.

On the Ricoh, this would be brilliant in the next version of the base unit.

An LCD visible in bright sunlight!