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Is the Ricoh GXR+A12 worth a look?


algrove

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Just wondered what others are thinking about the above combo considering it will take Leica M mount lenses with EVF and pretty nice sounding focusing assist.

 

Saw Sean Reid's first look article on Luminous-Landscape website and just wondered what others think. OK, I know it's a bit early, but B&H seems to be expecting the A12 option in soon.

 

Could this be a viable backup to an M9? Or are others hot for the Sony NEX-7? I currently use a GF-1 with M lens adapter for my M9 backup just in case something goes haywire.

 

I do not normally go for the latest and greatest only to be disappointed when the next latest and greatest comes out a few months later, but in this case a modular concept is intriguing even though "only" 12MP.

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I am definitely taking a close look at the GXR M Module. I came really close to pulling the trigger on an NEX 5n and an adapter, but the larger sensor, the lack of AA filter, and the fact that the A12 module is tuned to RF lenses seems just right. The NEX 7 looks interesting also, but I do not really want to get into a new lens system, as I don't think the Leica glass will give optimal results on the Sony sensors.

 

For my purposes, the pixel density of the sensor will do just fine. I will wait another couple of months and see how things shake out.

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About three weeks now. Strangely I find myself gravitating to the R lenses when using the M Module - the balance is great, particularly with the 28mm Elmarit-R. I also like the handling of the 35mm Biogon and 50mm Sonnar - neat and precise. There's definitely a histogram, as you would expect, if you want to show it as one of the display options. More thoughts here: http://lightmancer.blogspot.com/2011/10/replacement-therapy.html

 

Regards,

 

Bill

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I have the 35 Biogon and the 50 Sonnar so that is very good input. I do believe I will order the m-A12 and the GXR. Is the 100% viewfinder good to havei guess for bright sunlight?

 

Definitely. It takes some getting used to, but is a big advantage. It tilts, too.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

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Looks like I'm going to have a GF1 body and EVF for sale real soon.

 

Have you heard of plans for module that takes say 4/3' s lenses? I love some of my Panny long lenses I use on my GF1. I also have micro 4/3 lenses that I' d like to keep as well.

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After saw the first exemples and read the Bill's blog, I ordered a GXR with EVF and M mount module.

Me too was thinking about a Nex, but I decided for the GXR for these reasons.

 

  1. It's a different camera from the usual other mirrorless gear: no AA filter, microlenses on sensor optimized for older lenses, firmware and operation designed for manual focusing
  2. Seeing from the samples on the web, the Nex-5n sensor, electronic and firmware seems to prevail against lens characteristics, while the GXR is more prone to register each lens characteristics. In fact the output from Nex-5n is in part similar from what I have with my Nikon D7000, I prefer to buy a camera that gives me a different approach.
  3. The GXR is very well built and has the controls where they should be: a very photographer-centric piece of hardware and software.
  4. The native lens mount is surely interesting, and I can use my Leica R, Nikon and Olympus manual lenses with little effert.
  5. Tried my typical black and white workflow conversion on both GXR and Nex-5n samples, and the results from GXR seemed much more promising (and I use black and white very often).
  6. I'm not searching for a new mirrorless AF system, for AF operations I'm totally pleased by my Nikons (D2x, D7000), and the size of the D7000 is perfect for using good zooms as well as primes. I'm looking for a mirrorless system only for using manual lenses.

The Nex-7? Wonderful piece of hardware (at least it seems), but 24 Mp are too much on an APS-C sensor for my taste. I would prefer that Sony used the 16 Mp sensor on it.

The GXR is a useful bridge solution in order to evaluate the solutions that will arrive in the next years (Leica and Fuji in primis). And >Ricoh could possibile issue new upgraded M modules too (imagine the Pentax K5 sensor without AA filter and with microlenses).

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