Ricoh GXR (anyone still shoot it?)

[Tom hicks]

How many still use their GXR ? , or has it been put on the back shelf.
I don't use mine much , but it not from it not producing wonderful files.
With 300 plus cameras I just cant shoot them all.

1st image was with the P10
2nd with the S10
3rd with the A12 M

 

[kuuan]

Hi Tom,

yes, some around here still using it, I am using the M module and the forum dedicated to it is the most active concerning the GXR, not only photos taken with the M module are shown there:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=162

 

[zuikologist]

I use mine in all guises, but mostly M module and S10, mainly as a digital notebook and for travel. This is still a very capable camera, the UI is excellent as is build quality.

 

[drinkingeye]

Using it since its introduction. just bought a third GXR body and a 2nd M module.... They are getting rare to buy new... Very capable camera, just love the concept.

 

[agfa100]

I have a RX-1 since the used price has come down, but I still use the GXR usually with a 50mm lens on the M-module so it makes a nice two lens package. But I must say the RX-1 gets more use.
wbill

 

[carlosecpf]

I've been using it far less than it deserve... mainly due to my inability to focus and take sharp pictures with it regularly.

 

[Godfrey]

I used the Ricoh GXR quite a lot in 2011 (using all three A12 camera units: 50 Macro, 28, and Camera Mount with M-Mount lenses) and up through 2013. It proved quite a capable machine and inspired my return to Leica gear... I bought the M4-2, CL, and then finally the M9 based on how much I was enjoying using M-mount lenses again.

Ricoh GXR A12 Camera Mount fitted with 1960 Hektor 135mm f/4.5​

After I'd acquired the M9, however, and then acquired the new Olympus E-M1 in Fall of 2013, and then the Sony A7 in 2014, I used the GXR less and less. After I upgraded the M9 to the M-P, I realized I no longer needed the GXR and sold the system (just like I subsequently sold the Sony A7 system as well). I've kept the Olympus system; it makes a good complement to the Leica M.

One of my favorite Ricoh GXR photos taken on the Isle of Man during my UK travels in Fall of 2011:

Ricoh GXR A12 Camera Mount fitted with M.Rokkor 90mm f/4​

G

 

[yoniDar]

Yes, still shoot with the GXR A12 and 4 Cosina lenses, Rayqual (Nikon F) adapter and a bunch of Nikkors including macro and longer lenses with TC's, tubes and achromats.

I use the GXR for stationary subjects and deliberate photography. While the image quality is very good+ the camera is slower in operation than my goto Fuji X system.

I was miffed Ricoh never made a follow-up to this camera.

 

[Tom hicks]

if anyone has the electronic view finder for sale let me know.

Tom

 

[Tom Diaz]

Tom, there's a viewfinder on sale on ebay at the moment. Kind of expensive. However, to me this makes all the difference when using the GXR equipment (or any camera). I still use my GXR stuff, usually with the M mount and sometimes with the 24-85mm lens. I got it originally as a backup body for use with M lenses. It fills that role well, especially with the electronic viewfinder combined with the focus peaking.

Tom

 

[Tom hicks]

Thanks Tom , yes I have been watching ebay. the one that is listed has has a spot of the viewfinder and I'm just not willing to take a chance on it . I missed or waited to long on one last week that is now gone . I did pick up another body wit p10 lens and a12M.

 

[Tony Whitney]

I did a magazine shoot of a 2015 Mustang GT only the other day with one of my GXRs, using 28 and 50 AF lenses. The results were great, as they always are with that rig. With the flip-up EVF it's easy to get low angle shots without grovelling around in the dust. I also have a second outfit with the M module and use that with Leica, CV, Minolta and FSU lenses. I've had great results with both variants - they're rugged, they perform very well indeed and Ricoh's innovative lens and sensor changing system is outstanding. It's great gear and I have no plans to sell it just to buy equipment that's only nominally better...TW

 

[ascherjim]

The GXR with the M-mount was my principal camera for many years. However, I have recently acquired an Epson RD-1 for use with the same M-mount lenses, and that is my currently preferred camera -- I love the look of its photos (I shoot only black-and-white) which are "different." The GXR is now my back-up camera. I'd toyed with the idea of "moving up" to a Leica M8, but came to the realization that the GXR already presently achieves for me -- in desired image quality -- all that an M8 would do. So, why bother. (Now, if I were willing to spring for the cost of a Monochrom, that would be another matter.)

 

[giellaleafapmu]

I use mine, I have two bodies, the 28mm module and the M module (which I use with a Minolta lens).

GLF

 

[tb_a]

Still happy with my set of GXR and planning to use it as long as I can.
I have got 2 bodies, Mount, 28mm, 50mm, P10, VF2 and GF1.
I didn't find any better camera so far for the use with RF lenses. GXR-M is best from my point of view and for my needs. I mainly use the whole range of Voigtlaender M39/LTM lenses (12 to 75mm) and some Leica and/or other RF lenses on it.
Although I have additionally some other cameras like e.g. the Sony A850 and the Pentax K20D both with a very extensive set of lenses besides a NEX and a Lumix MFT camera, the GXR is my all time favorite for manual focus photography. Recently I even discovered how nice the 28mm GR lens is for typical vacation shooting. Although I had a variety of lenses for the Mount available I preferred to use the GR lens and got quite nice and usable results.
Maybe I will look for another spare copy to be on the safe side for future use.

 

[rbelyell]

The GXR with the M-mount was my principal camera for many years. However, I have recently acquired an Epson RD-1 for use with the same M-mount lenses, and that is my currently preferred camera -- I love the look of its photos (I shoot only black-and-white) which are "different." The GXR is now my back-up camera. I'd toyed with the idea of "moving up" to a Leica M8, but came to the realization that the GXR already presently achieves for me -- in desired image quality -- all that an M8 would do. So, why bother. (Now, if I were willing to spring for the cost of a Monochrom, that would be another matter.)

exactly the same experience, almost word for word except that i love the rd1 color rendition as well because of its ccd sensor. i will add i loved the ricoh, loved the feel of it and the rendering. i hate manual focusing by first pressing a button, then magnifying then focus peeking, just too much for my simple brain. having a real and simple rf focus and the 1:1 optical vf are the main reasons i switched to the rd1. but i stayed because of the filmlike results. ):

 

[chrisso]

Just bought a GRX and M Module.
I've found the manual focussing impossible using the LCD screen in daylight. Luckily I bought a VF2 viewfinder too.
Is it possible to change the colour of the peaking? With objects reflecting light in sunlight, the white peaking is sometimes hard to differentiate.

 

[kuuan]

Just bought a GRX and M Module.
I've found the manual focussing impossible using the LCD screen in daylight. Luckily I bought a VF2 viewfinder too.
Is it possible to change the colour of the peaking? With objects reflecting light in sunlight, the white peaking is sometimes hard to differentiate.

no, no change of color, nor sensitivity, of the focus peaking on the GXR.

Nevertheless I find the focus peaking on the GXR M much more reliable than the one of my Sony NEX5n which can be adjusted choosing 3 colors and 3 sensitivities.
On the NEX I must choose low sensitivity when using a rel. fast lens, medium and high sensitivities would show much more in focus than actually is. In case of a rel. fast lens that has rel. low contrast the focus peaking, set at low sensitivity, in enlarged view, may disappear altogether though.
The EVF on the NEX has higher resolution than the one on the GXR, that is with enlarged view, as compared on the Ricoh, I can see much better if in focus without relying on focus peaking. In comparison the lower resolution EVF of the Ricoh means that I can't see as clear if in focus or not without the focus peaking, but on the plus side I can rely on the focus peaking!
- The non-customizeable focus peaking on the Ricoh more precise, in total I can't easily say which system I find better for manual focus, if so than rather the Ricoh's

 

[moreorless]

I actually just picked one up for street/casual use with the 28mm and 50mm modules. Its a bit ironic that the very thing that seemed to turn a lot of people off in the earlier days(having to rebuy the same sensor) actually makes it cheaper today since I'd imagine the lenses themselves would cost more, the whole lot only cost £250. Its not even that the sensors are that outdated, maybe there not ideal for large landscape prints but noise performance really hasn't improved a great deal since then on APSC.

I wouldn't have paid the premium back in the day but it is a nice bonus just how easy they are to switch as well, much moreso than conventional lenses to the degree constantly changing them a few times isn't an unwelcome hassle.

Its a point often made but it is definitely the best handling smaller mirrorless body I'v used, even moreso relative to the older models that would be in the same kind of price range.

 

[Griffin]

I have a GXR with M-Mount module that is my main camera. Love it to bits, especially the ability to tweak the ooc jpg's. Yes, I shoot jpg.

I have an adapter to shoot Pentax K-mounts, Canon FD's and will get a Nikon adapter so I can try the 24/2.8 that's collecting dust.

The one thing I'm not too happy about sometimes are the skin tones. Seem to be a little pink/magenta-ish.