GXR vs GR

[keytarjunkie]

I have a Ricoh GR and love it. The jpgs out of the camera are amazing, I still shoot raw with my DSLR but not with the ricoh. I am so happy with it.

Anyway, I would like something small and compact with a longer focal length. My attention is currently drawn to the GXR + 50mm. I also like the idea of the Sigmas, but in practicality they don't seem that wonderful (especially the ones I can afford). The GXR is discontinued so I was hoping that means they're on the cheaper side now, but I haven't found many for sale at all. Are people hoarding them? Are they good cameras? How do they compare to the GR in terms of button layout, image quality, etc?

 

[btgc]

If GR has sweet spot in your heart I may guess DP's aren't for you. I don't have GR but it seems to be on opposite end of scale of shooting habits. Output is another, of course.

Why people aren't dumping GXR? Could it be another cult camera, changing hands on rare occasion? Should this affect prices?

 

[GaryLH]

The menu and control layout is very similar. Outside of the lensor for the apsc zoom (16mp), all the other apsc lensenor units are 12mp including the m module. I would not get the p&s size lensenor modules myself.. The a12 m module leaves shutter closed over the sensor which makes dust cleaning difficult. It does not have an aa filter though. One has option of saving config info by lensenor unit or on the main body itself. The write times tends to be slow due to lensenor local temp gathering operation then io bus operation to the main body before the sd card write can even begin.

Gary

 

[CliveC]

I own a GXR and I started with the M-mount and S10 module. I have since added a second body and the 28mm f/2.5 module. I love the system, but there are drawbacks. The maximum ISO is 3200 and it gets pretty noisy at 3200. Focus is also pretty slow. On the 28mm lens, the snap focus is nice. I would say the GXR plus the 28mm is the poor man's GR.

I'm still on the market for the 50mm lensor. Might as well collect the whole set since they're not going for much these days. (The VF2 viewfinder is still pretty pricey though.) My favorite aspect of the GXR system is the interface and focus peaking. The fact that it looks pretty stealth is great as well, since few would assume a camera as small as the GXR would be packing an APS-C sensor.

As for whether or not this will become a classic, who knows. I know I'm most likely not getting rid of mine. It creates wonderful B&W and the lack of the AA filter means pretty darn sharp images.

 

[Godfrey]

The menu and control layout is very similar. Outside of the lensor for the apsc zoom (16mp), all the other apsc lensenor units are 12mp including the m module. I would not get the p&s size lensenor modules myself.. The a12 m module leaves shutter closed over the sensor which makes dust cleaning difficult. It does not have an aa filter though. One has option of saving config info by lensenor unit or on the main body itself. The write times tends to be slow due to lensenor local temp gathering operation then io bus operation to the main body before the sd card write can even begin.

Gary

Gary, there's an option to shut down with shutter open.

 

[rhl-oregon]

I still have one gxr/EVF + 33 2.5 + M + p10 (which cost $20 with body). Handling is 95% like grd, and I know it so well I sometimes prefer it to my XE/XF despite the advantages of XF lenses/sensor. The 33 2.5 offers a sharp 50 to go with the GR 28, while the M is great for adding fast 75-150+mm equivalents, or a superwide CV for an 18-21mm.

People do seem to be hanging on to them, and I too go back/forth about selling my gxr kit--which is now frankly redundant--and would prefer to pass it along to an RFFer who appreciates Ricoh design/function. I guess that's an invite to be in touch if interested in the kit!

btw Gary, one can set the m module to keep the shutter open/sensor exposed. It's in the gxr menus, I forget where, but I used it when I needed to clean the M sensor.

 

[maggieo]

Just an aside, if you're not shooting RAW with the GR, you're missing out on some incredible files.

 

[GaryLH]

Thanks Godfrey and Robert.
Gary

 

[johannielscom]

Article on my web site: "The Ricoh GXR M-mount, the Piccolo M240"

http://www.johanniels.com/index.php/camera-gear-articles/43-the-ricoh-gxr-m-mount-the-piccolo-m240

I love mine and it has gotten me some real great portraits of wedding guests once the excitement has died down and dinner commences...

 

[Godfrey]

I have a Ricoh GR and love it. The jpgs out of the camera are amazing, I still shoot raw with my DSLR but not with the ricoh. I am so happy with it.

Anyway, I would like something small and compact with a longer focal length. My attention is currently drawn to the GXR + 50mm. I also like the idea of the Sigmas, but in practicality they don't seem that wonderful (especially the ones I can afford). The GXR is discontinued so I was hoping that means they're on the cheaper side now, but I haven't found many for sale at all. Are people hoarding them? Are they good cameras? How do they compare to the GR in terms of button layout, image quality, etc?

The design DNA is similar. The A12 50mm Macro camera unit is excellent, as are both the 28mm and M-mount camera units. Still have mine, still planning to sell it although I've had no time to do so. Good camera, but I've moved on to other things.

G

 

[xyz3450]

The GXR is a good camera. Part of its popularity can be explained by how well m-mount lenses work on the m-mount unit (including wide angle). The 50mm (equivalent) unit is excellent too (very sharp, nice macro, but slow to focus). The external evf is below todays standards, but it works. Sean Reid gives the GXR good reviews, if thats useful.

The GXR has been around a while -- somewhat remarkable in a digital world and a testament to how good the camera is 🙂 ....

 

[GaryLH]

I am in the same situation now as Godfrey.. I just don't tend to use it much anymore. The overall iq IMHO is better on the GR...

Gary

 

[Robin3mj]

What are you doing with the files?
Any reason why the 47mm crop mode on the Ricoh isn't sufficient?

 

[keytarjunkie]

What are you doing with the files?
Any reason why the 47mm crop mode on the Ricoh isn't sufficient?

Because it's a little too low-resolution for me...but I have been using it. A lot! Part of me thinks life would be much better and simpler just sticking to the crop mode than buying this extra camera...ugh...well, I appreciate all your advice, and we'll see if one comes my way. If not I'll just keep happily using the GR.