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Leica M to GRD to Fuji?

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I think it is very interesting but it is bigger than the GXR, maybe not with the 50mm but surely with the 28 and the S10 module. So if size is important. I will say this, it is one very cool looking camera for use old guys.
 
I love it! It's not that big considering the luxury OVF/EVF built in the body. I was always against the built-in optical finders in compact cameras, because they were good only for rough framing with no status info (not speaking about DSLRs). And while GXR external EVF is not bad, it makes the GXR body even less pocketable. Not to mention the need to press the oddly placed button to switch between the EVF/LCD.

X100 may be physically bigger, but it appears much more compact because of minimum number of protrusions. And from what I read, the X100 VF/LCD is switched automatically? Ricoh should definitely make a new version of EVF with built-in proximity sensor.

--
Ricoh Film & Digital Forum
http://www.ricohforum.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7597032@N05/
 
Pavel Kudrys said:
I love it! It's not that big considering the luxury OVF/EVF built in the body. I was always against the built-in optical finders in compact cameras, because they were good only for rough framing with no status info (not speaking about DSLRs). And while GXR external EVF is not bad, it makes the GXR body even less pocketable. Not to mention the need to press the oddly placed button to switch between the EVF/LCD.

X100 may be physically bigger, but it appears much more compact because of minimum number of protrusions. And from what I read, the X100 VF/LCD is switched automatically? Ricoh should definitely make a new version of EVF with built-in proximity sensor.

--
Ricoh Film & Digital Forum
http://www.ricohforum.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7597032@N05/
Click to expand...
Good points Pavel, thanks. Now to see how it performs, but being a Fuji with an APS-c sensor I have high expectations.
 
Harold66 said:
I think we all do

The irony is that it is a fuji with a Sony sensor , the same one as in the ricoh by the way
I think the big question is going to be the user interface
Harold
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http://www.harold-glit.com
http://www.modelmayhem.com/haroldglit
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Absolutely Harold. I have never used a Fuji with RAW or manual controls, but if you look at the camera it looks like an old time RF with all right there to be set....so it might be easier than we think, of course no My 1, etc, but if you are shooting RAW, big deal.
 
As soon as I saw the X100 I thought

"why did Ricoh not do this"?

I'm still wondering that right now. One major point I wan't to convey to Ricoh..do not ignore users who want an OVF. That is why the X100 looks so appealing both EVF and OVF users are covered.

Products like the GRD III should have an OVF IMO. (built in)
 
Hello Barry

Actually I do not agree . I think that for the GRD3 the external OVF works just fine , especially because the DOF allows you to use snap focus

Now on the APS sensor size it is a different issue. Plus on the GXR , not to have the hotshoe centered is a real drawback

but on the GRD 3 , an OVF would either make the camera much taller or you would get a very approximate view like on the Canon G

Harold
--
http://www.harold-glit.com
http://www.modelmayhem.com/haroldglit
 
I am very excited about the Fuji X100 and I have a GXR also. My observation, first, the viewfinder on Fuji might look better on paper than in real working situation. Is it bright or big enough? Second, though Fuji looks like a classic range-finder, the GXD might still have the edge in handling and usability. Third, I think Ricoh or other mirrorless camera will come up with the same view finder or even better ones soon. And I really like a hybrid viewfinder that is part of the camera body.
--
monoblocks
 
I just find the overly retro design a bit embarrassing... otherwise i'm curious to see images!
Sorry, I am actually not a Leica M user, so not really adressed here.
 
Harold66 said:
I think we all do

The irony is that it is a fuji with a Sony sensor , the same one as in the ricoh by the way.
Click to expand...
Fuji has built a sensor that is optimised to work with the lens on the X100.

why would they even use a Sony sensor when they build their own?
 
wildeone said:
Harold66 said:
I think we all do

The irony is that it is a fuji with a Sony sensor , the same one as in the ricoh by the way.
Click to expand...
Fuji has built a sensor that is optimised to work with the lens on the X100.

why would they even use a Sony sensor when they build their own?
Click to expand...
They claim that the new CMOS sensor and the EXR engine allows for fast AF. I wonder whether it will also feature the on-sensor passive AF technology that Fujifilm announced not so long ago.

With regards interface as mentioned earlier. Whether it's as good as the GRD who knows, but it has manual aperture and shutter speed dials. And with the addition of a shutter button, I'm not sure a camera really needs much more in terms of interface. I'm saying that we're slightly spoilt with the GRD and I think if the IQ and AF are good then I would put up with a slightly creeky menu interface to get a built-in OVF.

I agree with a previous poster about the geekish retro styling, but if it lives up to the promise as a camera, I'm sure they could easily be forgiven for that.
 
Harold66 said:
Hello wildeone

check around the announcements. They are several that mentioned that the X100 does not have a fuji sensor ( it is also clear from the official press release) and a few others who mention a Sony one

Harold
Click to expand...
Fujifilm's own website is not explicit about manufacturer but it talks about a custom CMOS sensor developed and optimised for this model. I think that this suggests that they are doing it themselves.

http://www.fujifilm.com/news/n100920.html

Harold, what are your sources for this sony sensor rumour, please? I couldn't find any.
 
Harold66 said:
Hello Barry

Actually I do not agree . I think that for the GRD3 the external OVF works just fine , especially because the DOF allows you to use snap focus
Click to expand...
I don't think it's a problem myself, in fact I think makers put too much emphasis on small and not enough on practical. With a fixed focal length it would be easy to do.

I'd take a smaller LCD for it too.

Just my own view I'm disappointed Ricoh don't understand that some users like OVF's but Fuji seem to have picked this up..says something to me.
 
Fuji payed attention to their potential customers. It isn't only Ricoh, but the rest of the camera market that has ignored those of us that wanted to keep our optical viewfinders, but wanted fast autofocus in a large sensor camera. So, the whole market failed to see this, but now they must all go back to their designers and ask themselves what their next move might be. Ricoh actually has an easy out. They can make other body modules in the same way that they make lens/sensor modules. The X100's viewfinder has real potential, but would certainly be difficult to directly translate into a camera with interchangeable modules, or lenses. The next two years will certainly be interesting.
 
Gary H said:
Ricoh actually has an easy out. They can make other body modules in the same way that they make lens/sensor modules.
Click to expand...
Yes - Ricoh could still win in this game, and snatch victory from Fuji.

Having the viewfinder integrated into the body is a major want - no carbuncle sticking up or getting knocked around or reducing pocket-ability. A good OVF/EVF combination is the magic ticket into the hearts of every Leica/Rangefinder user.

A GXRII body with an optical viewfinder with projected EVF/LCD frames for 28 to 50mm lenses.

And to put the cherry on the cake, and upstage the Fuji X100, a Leica M module with x1.3 ... x1.6 crop ( that would fit the GXR and GXRII )

The projected LCD has been done before by Ricoh in the GR film compacts - just needs updated from line graphics, to todays hi-res EVF grade color LCD. (illustration below is from the GR1 brochure )

 
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