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GXR any good?

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ANAYV

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Hi all, I'm curious as to what you guys think of the GXR system?

I have the GR I with APS-C 16MP sensor.

This is the best I.Q. of any camera I have ever owned.

I have only had 1/2.3 sensors and 1.1/7 sensors prior.

(FZ superzooms with 1/2.3" type sensors , LX3/ LX7 1.1/7 type sensors)

Loving the Ricoh design and layout, I'm wanting more from Ricoh.

28mm Is good, but limiting

Was looking at the GXR with either 28 to 300mm lens...and could then buy the 24 to 72mm lens.

I think the sensors are both small, but even smaller with the 28 to 300mm lens.

Will I be degrading I.Q. by a little...a lot ?

Any comments at all welcome and appreciated

Thanks!

ANAYV
 
ANAYV said:
Hi all, I'm curious as to what you guys think of the GXR system?

I have the GR I with APS-C 16MP sensor.

This is the best I.Q. of any camera I have ever owned.

I have only had 1/2.3 sensors and 1.1/7 sensors prior.

(FZ superzooms with 1/2.3" type sensors , LX3/ LX7 1.1/7 type sensors)

Loving the Ricoh design and layout, I'm wanting more from Ricoh.

28mm Is good, but limiting

Was looking at the GXR with either 28 to 300mm lens...and could then buy the 24 to 72mm lens.

I think the sensors are both small, but even smaller with the 28 to 300mm lens.

Will I be degrading I.Q. by a little...a lot ?

Any comments at all welcome and appreciated

Thanks!

ANAYV
Click to expand...
The GXR modules will be on par with the small sensor cameras you mention. At best, and probably a little bit behind.

Cheers

Al
 
I think the GR will likely be better than the GXR with the 28mm module because the module only has 12mp and an older sensor and processor. The other modules you mention are so-so and will not be an improvement over your other small cameras. The only reason I would buy it now is to use the GXR + the M mount module with vintage lenses (you'll need an adapter except for M mount-i.e Leica mount) lenses.
 
At this point I would skip the GXR. That was a long time ago and things have rapidly moved forward. I still love and use the 50mm A12/GXR camera, but I would not buy it today. If you are looking for a zoom to complement the GR there are many good options. I'd take a look at Fuji or even the Panasonic LX100 or Leica Dlux (109). Or even M43s, if smaller sensors are ok with you.
 
Earthrise said:
ANAYV said:
Hi all, I'm curious as to what you guys think of the GXR system?

I have the GR I with APS-C 16MP sensor.

This is the best I.Q. of any camera I have ever owned.

I have only had 1/2.3 sensors and 1.1/7 sensors prior.

(FZ superzooms with 1/2.3" type sensors , LX3/ LX7 1.1/7 type sensors)

Loving the Ricoh design and layout, I'm wanting more from Ricoh.

28mm Is good, but limiting

Was looking at the GXR with either 28 to 300mm lens...and could then buy the 24 to 72mm lens.

I think the sensors are both small, but even smaller with the 28 to 300mm lens.

Will I be degrading I.Q. by a little...a lot ?

Any comments at all welcome and appreciated

Thanks!

ANAYV
Click to expand...
The GXR modules will be on par with the small sensor cameras you mention. At best, and probably a little bit behind.

Cheers

Al
Click to expand...
Thanks. The layout and control of the GXR is certainly above other cameras I owned.

I might try out the 24 to 72mm lens/ sensor. For about $250, seems worth a try.

Always wanted the GX200 anyway

ANAYV
 
Well, I dunno. To me, the special value of a GXR is the ability to equip it with one of the small sensor zooms and use it as a compact camera, or change modules to APS-C, and use either the single foal length lenses or the APS-C zoom. The strength of this is that you have one interface to deal with and unless you use your cameras a lot, the less confusion the better.

The "M Module", used for vintage rangefinder lenses is really for those interested in those old lenses. In some ways it makes a poor man's Leica. I have found that manual lenses on the M Module makes for a slow working camera if focus is critical.

In reality, the pixel count is fine for what most of us use our cameras for.
 
M Dennis Fern said:
I think the GR will likely be better than the GXR with the 28mm module because the module only has 12mp and an older sensor and processor. The other modules you mention are so-so and will not be an improvement over your other small cameras. The only reason I would buy it now is to use the GXR + the M mount module with vintage lenses (you'll need an adapter except for M mount-i.e Leica mount) lenses.
Click to expand...
Thanks. Probably won't be getting into the M mount or Leicester lenses.

But I do like the interface, and might try it out with the smaller sensor modules.

I will keep the GR, and possibly use this GXR instead of a travel zoom, like the Panasonic ZS 50.

Did they ever release the A16 module with APS-C sensor and 24 to 72mm lens?

ANAYV
 
Richard Frederick said:
Well, I dunno. To me, the special value of a GXR is the ability to equip it with one of the small sensor zooms and use it as a compact camera, or change modules to APS-C, and use either the single foal length lenses or the APS-C zoom. The strength of this is that you have one interface to deal with and unless you use your cameras a lot, the less confusion the better.

The "M Module", used for vintage rangefinder lenses is really for those interested in those old lenses. In some ways it makes a poor man's Leica. I have found that manual lenses on the M Module makes for a slow working camera if focus is critical.

In reality, the pixel count is fine for what most of us use our cameras for.
Click to expand...
 
AscherJim said:
ANAYV said:
Did they ever release the A16 module with APS-C sensor and 24 to 72mm lens?

ANAYV
Click to expand...
Yes, they did. See the thread in this forum labeled "Zoom Questions" of two weeks ago. Also, Sean Reid reports very favorably about it on his (paid) site.
Click to expand...
I avoided it until it became cheap and then was surprised at what a plurry good module that it was. It has its special look and that look is good.

... and I did not need Seans help ... ;)
 
ANAYV said:
Hi all, I'm curious as to what you guys think of the GXR system?

I have the GR I with APS-C 16MP sensor.

This is the best I.Q. of any camera I have ever owned.

I have only had 1/2.3 sensors and 1.1/7 sensors prior.

(FZ superzooms with 1/2.3" type sensors , LX3/ LX7 1.1/7 type sensors)

Loving the Ricoh design and layout, I'm wanting more from Ricoh.

28mm Is good, but limiting

Was looking at the GXR with either 28 to 300mm lens...and could then buy the 24 to 72mm lens.

I think the sensors are both small, but even smaller with the 28 to 300mm lens.

Will I be degrading I.Q. by a little...a lot ?

Any comments at all welcome and appreciated

Thanks!

ANAYV
Click to expand...
I was interested in the GXR when it was full price but determined I could not afford. I ended up with GRDIV and a couple other compact cameras, but the GXR was always the camera that got away. When it was discontinued, I began cobbling together a body, M unit, 50mm unit, a second body, then the 28mm and, eventually, the A16 zoom with body. Finally even got the S zoom unit and a flash. Some units and backs were second hand and some new, but all were found at affordable prices and in perfect condition.

I am far from a pro and will never need the latest issue. And while I have fumbled and been frustrated in learning different cameras I purchased, I love the Ricoh layout and ergonomics, and the GXR is no exception. I had used a bare bones film SLR for 30 yrs, and struggled to adapt to digital. Ricoh cameras alone helped me become comfortable with the digital format. I eventually was curious as to the differences of GR to GRD and purchased. It's a great little camera. I even purchased a GX100 in the past year and have enjoyed playing with that as well. They are all different but FUN and I am pleased with the images I capture with these cameras.

I still love the GXR and have no plans to replace. And while some may think the body and A16 zoom lens is bulky, by no means is it difficult for me to carry in my hand with a wrist strap. And the 50mm unit is terrific as well. I haven't played much with the S unit to give an honest opinion, but my initial testing was positive.

I am finally ready to let my husband have my Panasonic LX7 if he wants it, as I find it absolutely maddening to go back and forth from any of the Ricohs to the Panasonic. I also have a Panasonic ZS20 that was a freebie, and he can have that as well. The only one I haven't decided about is the original Pentax Q with 50mm prime, but after playing with that for a week recently, it now suddenly won't turn on with fresh batteries . . . Must have known it was possibly on the chopping block and caved under pressure. :-)
 
Andrewteee said:
At this point I would skip the GXR. That was a long time ago and things have rapidly moved forward. I still love and use the 50mm A12/GXR camera, but I would not buy it today. If you are looking for a zoom to complement the GR there are many good options. I'd take a look at Fuji or even the Panasonic LX100 or Leica Dlux (109). Or even M43s, if smaller sensors are ok with you.
Click to expand...
Thanks. Being that the GXR is now so cheap, I might buy it. Having the GR turned me into a big Ricoh fan.

Ergonomics, layout, menu system are great, IMHO.

GXR with either S10 or P10 lens go for around $200 used, in good condition.

A12 or A16 lens/sensors (lensors) go for around the same.

EVF also around the same.

Seems a real bargain, compared to what these went for new.

Will update if I get the GXR and the lensors

ANAYV
 
Richard Frederick said:
Well, I dunno. To me, the special value of a GXR is the ability to equip it with one of the small sensor zooms and use it as a compact camera, or change modules to APS-C, and use either the single foal length lenses or the APS-C zoom. The strength of this is that you have one interface to deal with and unless you use your cameras a lot, the less confusion the better.

The "M Module", used for vintage rangefinder lenses is really for those interested in those old lenses. In some ways it makes a poor man's Leica. I have found that manual lenses on the M Module makes for a slow working camera if focus is critical.

In reality, the pixel count is fine for what most of us use our cameras for.
Click to expand...
 
AscherJim said:
ANAYV said:
Did they ever release the A16 module with APS-C sensor and 24 to 72mm lens?
ANAYV
Click to expand...
Yes, they did. See the thread in this forum labeled "Zoom Questions" of two weeks ago. Also, Sean Reid reports very favorably about it on his (paid) site.
Click to expand...
Thanks. Seems the best sensor is in that lens.
Might complement my GR well. Even when cropped to 5MP , it's only 47mm.

Plus, i get 24mm for the wide end, which I always liked on my LX3 /7 and ZS 20/30

ANAYV
 
The Q is dead, and Ricoh/Pentax said to send to Precision Camera for repair.
 
Tom Caldwell said:
Richard Frederick said:
Well, I dunno. To me, the special value of a GXR is the ability to equip it with one of the small sensor zooms and use it as a compact camera, or change modules to APS-C, and use either the single foal length lenses or the APS-C zoom. The strength of this is that you have one interface to deal with and unless you use your cameras a lot, the less confusion the better.

The "M Module", used for vintage rangefinder lenses is really for those interested in those old lenses. In some ways it makes a poor man's Leica. I have found that manual lenses on the M Module makes for a slow working camera if focus is critical.

In reality, the pixel count is fine for what most of us use our cameras for.

--
**** Frederick
Click to expand...
I tend to agree **** but the poor man with a GXR-M and a few legacy MF lenses can be a lucky man with the amount of wind in the hair old time fun that can be had. The GXR-M is purpose built for MF and the Mode2 focus peaking when magnified can be very easy to use, quick and precise.

Much more so than the make-do afterthought adapters and flicker-driven focus peaking available from other brands (including Ricoh's own flickering Mode1).

No more patiently seaching for the flickers of other focus peaking systems - the sharpness of the Mode2 outlines almost jumps out of the camera and bites you the instant your subject is in focus.

With a bit of practice MF with Mode2 can be very quick.

I agree that 12mp aps-c sensors were a point where image quality should be good enough for all but the most exacting.

--
Tom Caldwell
Click to expand...
Hi Tom, glad you chimed in ( was hoping you would).

Question about the M mount:

Is it (module) limited to Leica Glass, or can it use other lenses?

I have no Leica glass, nor can afford any, but wouldn't mind buying some older lenses from other companies, to try out, if it's possible.

BTW , I just ordered a GXR with S10, and also the A16 24 to 85mm . I probably should of bought the GXR with the P10 , but version with S10 was $30 less, and didn't plan on buying the A16, til yesterday.

Might try out a S10'modified for IR, too.

Thanks

ANAYV
 
The "M Mount" directly accepts any bayonet mount Leica. Thread mount Leicas need a small adapter and other lenses also need an adapter. I have older bayonet and screw mount Leicas as well as a number of Nikon SLR lenses. All work fine, but require manual focus and a manual aperture ring. The new Nikon "E" mount lenses, with in camera aperture control only would not work.
 
ANAYV said:
Question about the M mount:

Is it (module) limited to Leica Glass, or can it use other lenses?

I have no Leica glass, nor can afford any, but wouldn't mind buying some older lenses from other companies, to try out, if it's possible.
Click to expand...
There is a wealth of legacy glass that can be used with the correct adapter. For budget but quality rangefinder glass I'd recommend the Canon LTMs along with a LTM to M adapter. Voigtlanders LTM and M lenses are very good to. With the right adapter you can use old manual SLRs lenses as well. As has been mentioned the thing to look for is that both aperture and focus can be set manually. One type to look at is the legacy Pentax M42 mount glass. Choices here at all prices.

I'm biased, but I'd agree that the M mount module will be considered a "classic". Just wish Ricoh would make a new version :-) (*ducks*)

cheers

Al
 
N Desmond said:
I was interested in the GXR when it was full price but determined I could not afford. I ended up with GRDIV and a couple other compact cameras, but the GXR was always the camera that got away. When it was discontinued, I began cobbling together a body, M unit, 50mm unit, a second body, then the 28mm and, eventually, the A16 zoom with body. Finally even got the S zoom unit and a flash. Some units and backs were second hand and some new, but all were found at affordable prices and in perfect condition.

I am far from a pro and will never need the latest issue. And while I have fumbled and been frustrated in learning different cameras I purchased, I love the Ricoh layout and ergonomics, and the GXR is no exception.
Click to expand...
I, too love their design...my first was the GR (APS-C sensor)
N Desmond said:
I had used a bare bones film SLR for 30 yrs, and struggled to adapt to digital. Ricoh cameras alone helped me become comfortable with the digital format. I eventually was curious as to the differences of GR to GRD and purchased. It's a great little camera. I even purchased a GX100 in the past year and have enjoyed playing with that as well. They are all different but FUN and I am pleased with the images I capture with these cameras.
Click to expand...
I came from a digital camera background. I did use film, but only for occasional snapshots, and had cheapo cameras (110 film, Kodak Disc, Polaroid)
N Desmond said:
I still love the GXR and have no plans to replace. And while some may think the body and A16 zoom lens is bulky, by no means is it difficult for me to carry in my hand with a wrist strap. And the 50mm unit is terrific as well. I haven't played much with the S unit to give an honest opinion, but my initial testing was positive.
Click to expand...
Sounds good. I have ordered the A16. Was worried that it's too big, but fell better after reading your comments.
N Desmond said:
I am finally ready to let my husband have my Panasonic LX7 if he wants it, as I find it absolutely maddening to go back and forth from any of the Ricohs to the Panasonic.
Click to expand...
I am a big Panasonic fan. I owned the LX7...really liked it, but soon after buying the GR, I hardly used it...so sold it
N Desmond said:
I also have a Panasonic ZS20 that was a freebie,
Click to expand...
Gave mine to a fried two months ago. Also had the ZS30 (cant find it) and 4 previous ZS/TZ's
N Desmond said:
and he can have that as well. The only one I haven't decided about is the original Pentax Q with 50mm prime, but after playing with that for a week recently, it now suddenly won't turn on with fresh batteries . . . Must have known it was possibly on the chopping block and caved under pressure. :-)
Click to expand...
Hahaha

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, as I wait for the GXR and lenses to come.

Tempted to buy the EVF for it, as I type

ANAYV
 
Earthrise said:
ANAYV said:
Question about the M mount:

Is it (module) limited to Leica Glass, or can it use other lenses?

I have no Leica glass, nor can afford any, but wouldn't mind buying some older lenses from other companies, to try out, if it's possible.
Click to expand...
There is a wealth of legacy glass that can be used with the correct adapter. For budget but quality rangefinder glass I'd recommend the Canon LTMs along with a LTM to M adapter. Voigtlanders LTM and M lenses are very good to. With the right adapter you can use old manual SLRs lenses as well. As has been mentioned the thing to look for is that both aperture and focus can be set manually. One type to look at is the legacy Pentax M42 mount glass. Choices here at all prices.

I'm biased, but I'd agree that the M mount module will be considered a "classic". Just wish Ricoh would make a new version :-) (*ducks*)

cheers

Al
Click to expand...
Al

I would second the M42 screw mount lenses. There is a wealth of lenses available to suit. The Takumars in particular seem universally suitable and are so well built it is hard to find a bad one.

The Takumar focus ring is always so nice and creamy that it is a pleasure just to twist it for that lovely motion. Almost forget to focus it ....

The Takumars must have been the lenses that made Pentax its good name.

They don't all have to be "fast" as the less well known 200/5.6 can be reasonably affordable and handles well on a GXR-M body simply because it is quite compact.

I would second a revival of the GXR. Such a lot of intelligent design and potential lost.

But at Least i managed to get a foot in the door, or maybe several feet ....?
 
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