TMP
Member
New guy here.
I recently wrote a little opinion piece (see below) which was also posted on the Ricoh Forum -- C&C are most welcome.
Being a reportage, street and travel photographer, when I look at what is available in terms of digital cameras for such uses, there always seems to be something missing. Yet, I am merely asking for a camera which: 1. produces images of good quality, 2. has precise metering and autofocus, 3. has good ergonomics, 4. is reactive, 5. is compact and well-built, 6. has (or has the option of having) a good viewfinder and 7. has an all-round lens.
These are seven points camera-makers seem incapable of combining into one single compact camera or system. And yet… in terms of image quality, today’s APS CMOS sensors can produce very good images from ISO 50 to 3200 (e.g. the Leica X1 and Ricoh GXR A12 modules). Precise metering and autofocus, good ergonomics, reactivity and compact as well as rugged design are all feasible (e.g. the Ricoh GR D III and GXR). As to the viewfinder, cameras can easily be built in order to let the photographer choose its viewfinder, whether electronic or optic (e.g. the Ricoh GXR).
What, then, about the lens? The best all-round choice is, for me, a 35 or 40mm lens. Ricoh, who so far fulfilled six of the seven points with its GXR system, decided to offer the two most restraining prime lenses available with its 28 and 50mm f2.5 lenses attached to their own sensors (for better or worse). Why not a 35 or 40mm lens?
Ricoh knows that photographers will probably buy both 28 and 50mm modules in order to “gain” the versatility a 35 or 40mm lens would have provided them with. They might even buy the rumoured M-mount module. On an APS CMOS sensor, they will be able to get a 36, 37.5 or 42mm manual focus lens out of a 24, 25 or 28mm lens, but at what price? Leica understood the benefits of such a focal length on a fixed-lens camera, yet its X1 presents unacceptable imperfections for its price. Sigma did as well with its DP2s and its 41mm f2.8 lens. Unfortunately, because of its peculiar sensor, it is either love or hate, not to mention its rather hesitant autofocus. Finally, despite its smaller sensor and bigger overall size, the Olympus E-P2 with the Panasonic 40mm f1.7 begs for attention.
For the moment, I’ll stick with my Ricoh GR D III while looking at the GXR system, wondering how many of us would have wanted a 35 or 40mm f2.5 A12 module. Petition anyone? ♦
You will also find this opinion piece on my website, The Monthly Page. Feel free to check it out and, again, C&C are most welcome =0)
I recently wrote a little opinion piece (see below) which was also posted on the Ricoh Forum -- C&C are most welcome.
Being a reportage, street and travel photographer, when I look at what is available in terms of digital cameras for such uses, there always seems to be something missing. Yet, I am merely asking for a camera which: 1. produces images of good quality, 2. has precise metering and autofocus, 3. has good ergonomics, 4. is reactive, 5. is compact and well-built, 6. has (or has the option of having) a good viewfinder and 7. has an all-round lens.
These are seven points camera-makers seem incapable of combining into one single compact camera or system. And yet… in terms of image quality, today’s APS CMOS sensors can produce very good images from ISO 50 to 3200 (e.g. the Leica X1 and Ricoh GXR A12 modules). Precise metering and autofocus, good ergonomics, reactivity and compact as well as rugged design are all feasible (e.g. the Ricoh GR D III and GXR). As to the viewfinder, cameras can easily be built in order to let the photographer choose its viewfinder, whether electronic or optic (e.g. the Ricoh GXR).
What, then, about the lens? The best all-round choice is, for me, a 35 or 40mm lens. Ricoh, who so far fulfilled six of the seven points with its GXR system, decided to offer the two most restraining prime lenses available with its 28 and 50mm f2.5 lenses attached to their own sensors (for better or worse). Why not a 35 or 40mm lens?
Ricoh knows that photographers will probably buy both 28 and 50mm modules in order to “gain” the versatility a 35 or 40mm lens would have provided them with. They might even buy the rumoured M-mount module. On an APS CMOS sensor, they will be able to get a 36, 37.5 or 42mm manual focus lens out of a 24, 25 or 28mm lens, but at what price? Leica understood the benefits of such a focal length on a fixed-lens camera, yet its X1 presents unacceptable imperfections for its price. Sigma did as well with its DP2s and its 41mm f2.8 lens. Unfortunately, because of its peculiar sensor, it is either love or hate, not to mention its rather hesitant autofocus. Finally, despite its smaller sensor and bigger overall size, the Olympus E-P2 with the Panasonic 40mm f1.7 begs for attention.
For the moment, I’ll stick with my Ricoh GR D III while looking at the GXR system, wondering how many of us would have wanted a 35 or 40mm f2.5 A12 module. Petition anyone? ♦
You will also find this opinion piece on my website, The Monthly Page. Feel free to check it out and, again, C&C are most welcome =0)
shyoon
Well-known
I think the GXR system has great potential. As you say, it seems to tick all the right boxes, with the one glaring omission being the lack of choices in lenses. It leaves Ricoh in an interesting situation: continue to invest money into the development of the GXR system, with the thought of new module introductions bringing in new customers or to wait until there's enough 28/50mm customers before pulling the trigger on new modules?
dovi
Well-known
35 or 40mm ?
35 or 40mm ?
I dont really like the 35mm focal length too much. I find it is either not wide enough or too wide for what I want to do. I find myself taking street pics and some times I want a wide shot of a storefront without having to step into oncoming traffic or a train track in order to get the crop I want. (NYC street sand subways)
I often find that I want to select a section of a scene and the 50mm lens works well. I don't feel restrained by the 28mm or the 50mm modules. The current lens modules have given me what I want.
35 or 40mm ?
I dont really like the 35mm focal length too much. I find it is either not wide enough or too wide for what I want to do. I find myself taking street pics and some times I want a wide shot of a storefront without having to step into oncoming traffic or a train track in order to get the crop I want. (NYC street sand subways)
I often find that I want to select a section of a scene and the 50mm lens works well. I don't feel restrained by the 28mm or the 50mm modules. The current lens modules have given me what I want.
Frank Petronio
Well-known
Give me a GXR w a fixed 35-40mm f/2 and the great Ricoh interface, cut all the BS out and the only problem would be keeping up with demand.
BillBingham2
Registered User
It goes back to the age old question of where to start, lens-wise.
The film based sisters started with a 30 and while it was met with good reviews, the line really didn't get a jump until 28mm bodies came out. The glass was world class one of the smallest bodies and fun.
The GRD line continued with the 28 and so 28 is not a bad place to start. Moving on to 50 macro is a great step. While I would really like a Nikon AI mount, I'd be OK if they come out with a fast short telephoto, say 75/2.5 would be mighty fine.
I find the Ricoh 28/1.9 makes me feel like the CV 25/4 did when I first got it, it ROCKS. It's low in distortion and fun to use. After they go short tele perhaps they can bring out a 35/1.4 or so and a 21 or 18. I'd love to see a longer tele like a 180/2.8 but that would be dreaming.
B2 (;->
The film based sisters started with a 30 and while it was met with good reviews, the line really didn't get a jump until 28mm bodies came out. The glass was world class one of the smallest bodies and fun.
The GRD line continued with the 28 and so 28 is not a bad place to start. Moving on to 50 macro is a great step. While I would really like a Nikon AI mount, I'd be OK if they come out with a fast short telephoto, say 75/2.5 would be mighty fine.
I find the Ricoh 28/1.9 makes me feel like the CV 25/4 did when I first got it, it ROCKS. It's low in distortion and fun to use. After they go short tele perhaps they can bring out a 35/1.4 or so and a 21 or 18. I'd love to see a longer tele like a 180/2.8 but that would be dreaming.
B2 (;->
__--
Well-known
The bulk of Ricoh sales are in Japan, where the 28mm focal length is popular, as are 50mm macro lenses, which explains why Ricoh started with these lenses. Also, there is the 28mm of the GR1 film camera, which has cult status in Japan. As long as Ricoh continues to sell mainly in Japan, it will be Japanese demand and preference that will drive Ricoh's lens program.
My own preferred focal lengths are 21mm, 28mm and 40mm, but the only 40mm lens I've ever had is the 40mm tele-converter for the GRD2.
—Mitch/Manila
Bangkok Hysteria Book Project
My own preferred focal lengths are 21mm, 28mm and 40mm, but the only 40mm lens I've ever had is the 40mm tele-converter for the GRD2.
—Mitch/Manila
Bangkok Hysteria Book Project
sleepyhead
Well-known
Thanks for writing that piece. I agree that so far no pocket-able digital camera has fullfuilled all the requirements for a good street/reportage camera. That's why I still use my Contax T with film. I have 2, one loaded with 400ASA b&w film, the other with Fuji Superia 1600 (Natura 1600) shot at 1000ASA. Each is the size of a pack of cigarettes, and the output from the 38mm sonnar is the equal of the best 35mm format lenses I have ever used (and I have used some great ones).
So I am also watching the market closely, waiting to pull the trigger on a digital camera. The Fujifilm X100 will be interesting to watch. Why digital? Why not just carry on with film?
For me, it's because street photography is a game of chance. You have to shoot alot (a whole lot) to get that 1 GREAT photo - so in this realm digital really makes sense. For my other types of photography (portraits of my kids, found objects, etc.) I tend to use 120 film cameras, and that's fine because I don't burn alot of film, and prefer the look of film, and the pleasure of using fine mechanical cameras with great lenses.
But for Street, Sports, Events, etc. I would like to (finally) move to digital.
So I am also watching the market closely, waiting to pull the trigger on a digital camera. The Fujifilm X100 will be interesting to watch. Why digital? Why not just carry on with film?
For me, it's because street photography is a game of chance. You have to shoot alot (a whole lot) to get that 1 GREAT photo - so in this realm digital really makes sense. For my other types of photography (portraits of my kids, found objects, etc.) I tend to use 120 film cameras, and that's fine because I don't burn alot of film, and prefer the look of film, and the pleasure of using fine mechanical cameras with great lenses.
But for Street, Sports, Events, etc. I would like to (finally) move to digital.
TMP
Member
Sleepyhead,
I moved to digital for financial reasons. While shooting film, I was doing a B.A. in photography and, therefore, had all the facilities and photographic equipment one could dream of available to me.
Dovi,
I seriously considered the GXR with the 50mm module, yet my personal finances, experience and shooting style tells me not to. If I were to take it, it would be for the advantages of the GXR system and the hope of getting a 35 or 40mm on a APS CMOS module.
Now, after thinking about which camera to get and added my financial limitations to the equation, the only viable option I therefore have so far is the Sigma DP2s. (N.B. I include in the price all the accessories I always buy which includes an optical viewfinder, lens filter and camera leather case.)
Last but not least, here is an interesting representation to consider while discussing focal lengths:
I moved to digital for financial reasons. While shooting film, I was doing a B.A. in photography and, therefore, had all the facilities and photographic equipment one could dream of available to me.
* * *
Dovi,
I seriously considered the GXR with the 50mm module, yet my personal finances, experience and shooting style tells me not to. If I were to take it, it would be for the advantages of the GXR system and the hope of getting a 35 or 40mm on a APS CMOS module.
* * *
Now, after thinking about which camera to get and added my financial limitations to the equation, the only viable option I therefore have so far is the Sigma DP2s. (N.B. I include in the price all the accessories I always buy which includes an optical viewfinder, lens filter and camera leather case.)
* * *
Last but not least, here is an interesting representation to consider while discussing focal lengths:
35mm equiv is my favorite, but the 28mm lens has done Ricoh very well no? I would expect them to have that lens as it has always been a fan fave when it comes to Ricoh compacts. That said, they are rumored to have a u4/3 module in the works... if that is true, then there will be a few 35mm equiv options. APS-C sensor would be better, but... oh well. I'm seriously thinking of adding a Ricoh GXR with the 28mm module to my camera collection.
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TMP
Member
The GR D III 28mm f1.9 is indeed an amazing little, but serious, photographer's tool. The small sensor gives you an amazing depth of field, even at f1.9 which is extremely useful.
Now I am personally looking for a more versatile focal length and a bigger sensor while staying with something compact.
A potential m4/3 format module will most likely be based on a smaller sensor than an APS CMOS.
It seems that a M-mount module is more likely. Yet, with the limitations it will entail (MF only, wired focal lengths and pricey lenses for those, like me, who do not already possess any of such lenses), I am not sure how well it will sell.
Now I am personally looking for a more versatile focal length and a bigger sensor while staying with something compact.
A potential m4/3 format module will most likely be based on a smaller sensor than an APS CMOS.
It seems that a M-mount module is more likely. Yet, with the limitations it will entail (MF only, wired focal lengths and pricey lenses for those, like me, who do not already possess any of such lenses), I am not sure how well it will sell.
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