Ricoh GXR Leica M mount module

[sevres_babylone]

I don't see it as making the M9 useless, any more than than the existence of NEX or M4/3 adapters, or the existence of M8s or Epsons, does. However, I look forward to it as someone who really loves the interface on the GRD series.

It will be interesting to see how Ricoh deals with the wide-angle issues with these lenses in digital cameras. One thing that puzzles me is that when Ricoh announced the sensor/lens units, they trumpeted the advantage of designing specific sensors for specific lenses. With that philosophy it would seem to make sense to have one sensor for the wides, and others for medium or tele. That said, I look forward to seeing what Ricoh comes up with.

I also don't see it as a direct rival to the Fuji, which ironically does have the advantage of a sensor designed to pair with a specific lens. I also don't know what Ricoh/fast 35mm m-mount lens combination would be as compact as the Fuji.

 

[Andy Kibber]

Let the speculation, hand-wringing and debating begin!

 

[umcelinho]

I also don't know what Ricoh/fast 35mm m-mount lens combination would be as compact as the Fuji.

CV 35/1.4 should be the closest match, although it's indeed bigger.

 

[jsrockit]

CV 35/1.4 should be the closest match, although it's indeed bigger.

But that would be a 52.5mm lens on this module.

 

[Matus]

For me the most important part of Ricoh introducing the M module is - there must be enough voices so they believe it is economically interesting to do so. So I hope it may motivate other companies too in the future ...

Still - the wide angle problem with digital sensors remains unresolved - and that also includes the leader camera - namely the M9 which is only compatible with selected wide angle M mount lenses. So we are not just waiting for "another digital full frame M mount camera". We actually are waiting for somebody to come up with a "full size" solution. M9 is not yet there technically speaking. IMO.

 

[FrozenInTime]

Looks like they had to make the module a bit larger to include the shutter wind on.

http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/img/dcw/docs/425/820/html/010.jpg.html

More up now : http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/news/20110209_425847.html

A bit ugly from the side - I hope they improve the aesthetics before it ships.

 

[umcelinho]

But that would be a 52.5mm lens on this module.

ops, that's true. closes equivalent fov/speed match would be the 21/2.8 biogon i think, though much bigger and a stop slower.

 

[rxmd]

ops, that's true. closes equivalent fov/speed match would be the 21/2.8 biogon i think, though much bigger and a stop slower.

It's the price for having a lens that covers a much larger image circle and a focal plane shutter, rather than the usual combination of a very primitive in-lens shutter plus electronic readout that you find in digital compacts.

 

[rxmd]

Looks like they had to make the module a bit larger to include the shutter wind on [...] A bit ugly from the side - I hope they improve the aesthetics before it ships.

So much for full frame, where the shutter needs to be 1.6x larger.

Imagine how people would complain about aesthetics if this were full frame and cost $3000.

 

[FrozenInTime]

A longer thinner module that wrapped around the end of the body might have looked more pleasing.

The X100 wins the beauty contest and has the OVF; but lacks the lens mount and is not yet in black.

 

[rxmd]

A longer thinner module that wrapped around the end of the body might have looked more pleasing.

The X100 wins the beauty contest and has the OVF; but lacks the lens mount and is not yet in black.

True.

No matter what the aesthetics, I'll give the two a solid comparison anyway; the GXR has a very good screen and a pretty decent 920k svivelling electronic viewfinder.

 

[FrozenInTime]

Is there a rangefinder cam hiding inside that module ?
Well at least a cam to transfer a distance value to the LCD settings projected in the OVF of the GXR-II body ?

Or it just occured to me that it could be a 100% bonafide rangefinder.
The cam to rangefinder mirror movement could be via electronic servo motor !
Perhaps this could even be a clip on Rangefinder / OVF - using the current GXR's EVF port.

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/news/ricohs_leica_lens_module_for_gxr_exclusive_interview_news_305582.html?aff=rsn

RICOH'S LEICA LENS MODULE FOR GXR: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW ...
Thursday 10th February 2011
Damien Demolder

In using a focal plane shutter Ricoh seems to be making life difficult for itself.
Saiki explained, though, that a focal plane shutter was chosen because it will produce far more accurate shutter speeds.
Also, with a shutter covering the sensor the unit complies more readily with the dust-free ideals of the GXR system.

Having the sensor active only when a picture is being taken will also help keep image noise to a minimum,
explained Saiki, as the sensor will be cooler and will be completely discharged before the exposure takes place –
something not always possible with a sensor that is constantly receiving information.
The use of a focal plane shutter though will require a new solution for live view operation.
The shutter is not exposed and so can not relay information to the rear LCD screen.
Mr Saiki told AP that Ricoh does have a solution for this, but he would not be drawn on what it was.
He would say, however, that it would not involve a time consuming process and that the camera would remain very effective as a tool for street photographers.

 

[rxmd]

Is there a rangefinder cam hiding inside that module ?
Well at least a cam to transfer a distance value to the LCD settings projected in the OVF of the GXR-II body ?

Or it just occured to me that it could be a 100% bonafide rangefinder.
The cam to rangefinder mirror movement could be via electronic servo motor !

At this point this seems to be wishful thinking. The camera still has no viewfinder, if you remember.

 

[FrozenInTime]

At this point this seems to be wishful thinking. The camera still has no viewfinder, if you remember.

Just edited the text before I saw your reply.
A clip on optical rangefinder with electronic contacts from the EVF port could do it all using the GXR as it stands.