Your choice: Leica M240, Monochrom or Ricoh GXR-M?

[johannielscom]

For some time now I have been thinking: the Ricoh GXR with Mount unit is a viable alternative to either a Leica Monochrom or a Leica M240.

​

You wonder where I get that from? Simple!

• First of all it's pretty easy to set the GXR up for Black & White shots and since it too lacks the AA filter (like the Monochrom) it's not that hard to make the images resemble the Monochrom.
  
• Secondly, the EVF and Mount unit on the GXR allow for a busload of pretty fantastic lenses to be used on the GXR, anything for which there is an adapter to Leica M available in fact.

No, it doesn't have an RF. But, I'm betting on lots of people getting a Leica M and mainly using it with the EVF on since it allows for lots of interesting lenses anyway. And the VF-2 on the Ricoh is very good!
No, the GXR stinks at video. But, I wouldn't get an M240 for video capabilities anyway...😉
Yes, the GXR has a 1.5x crop sensor at 12MP but many people only print A4 / legal paper sizes max anyway, or not at all and view everything on screen.
Yes, the GXR may be slow with writing files. Gets you time to stop and think what you're actually doing, ha!


I say, the GXR-M is a Piccolo M240! And it saves a ton of cash, put to use on planes, trains and busses to get you somewhere! 😀

I so firmly believe this, that I have written an article on how to set the GXR-M up for Leica-like use: http://www.johanniels.com/index.php/camera-gear-articles/43-the-ricoh-gxr-m-mount-the-piccolo-m240
Enjoy the read on that link! Feedback appreciated!

 

[2WK]

I mean, whatever floats you boat. It sounds like you are trying to convince your self. If u want the gxr, get it and try it out. Ricohs are great and a lot of people love them with M glass. Personally I would wait for the next version rumored to release soonish.

Also, for me, it doesn't compare to a Leica M at all. I shoot my xpro with M lenses, and it works. But it is nothing like shooting with a rangefinder.

 

[johannielscom]

Thank you but the article is written from experience, I have two GXR's and photos posted with the article are my own, shot by me.

 

[rbelyell]

i think the answer is pretty simple. for those to whom the experience of rf photography is equal to or more important than the resulting images, the answer is a digital M. that is a perfectly valid pov, and one held by many. for those to whom the particular leica rf shooting experience is really not important enough to warrant the allocation of financial resources, but who nonetheless enjoy the results achieved by rf lenses, the gxr is your baby. this is an equally valid pov.

 

[swoop]

I would like a Leica M 240 please.

 

[segedi]

Lucky enough to have owned all three. Kept the Monochrom and sold the others.

 

[2WK]

I would like to see an A4 size print from the GXR, and one from the Monochrom right next to it...

 

[Lss]

for those to whom the experience of rf photography is equal to or more important than the resulting images, the answer is a digital M. that is a perfectly valid pov, and one held by many.

Experience is, or can be (I guess it depends on the person), part of creating the resulting images. A camera without the coupled rangefinder can emulate the experience for zone focusing, but it cannot do it in general use. And an optical viewfinder is pretty much a requirement even for that. The Fuji X-Pro 1 comes the closest.

 

[johannielscom]

I would like to see an A4 size print from the GXR, and one from the Monochrom right next to it...

Me too!

Maybe we should get that arranged someday...! Would surely be an interesting comparison, I say.

 

[jl-lb.ms]

Me too!

Maybe we should get that arranged someday...! Would surely be an interesting comparison, I say.

I never can remember what the paper sizes mean (A4?), but I once got a very good 16 x 24 out of an R-D1, with its 6mp sensor.

 

[GaryLH]

Johan.. Btw I am in your camp here.. But.. I am afraid those in the resolution is everything camp.. The monochrom is going to win.

That being said, I am quite happy w/ the results I can get w/ my gxr. I have the 35 cron v4 as my default setup on it. Even though I have the 35 asph, I like the overall look of the v4 much better. To me, I find that the more modern asph can resolve better, have better contrast, but I just like the look of the older glass. IMHO.

These days I shot more w/ the foveon based cameras because I love the monochrom images I get w/ it. The Fuji for the high iso color, but I still like the look from the gxr w/ the 35 cron. Gotta go out and shoot w/ it more. Like u I have two gxr bodies.

Gary

 

[Godfrey]

For some time now I have been thinking: the Ricoh GXR with Mount unit is a viable alternative to either a Leica Monochrom or a Leica M240.

​

You wonder where I get that from? Simple!

• First of all it's pretty easy to set the GXR up for Black & White shots and since it too lacks the AA filter (like the Monochrom) it's not that hard to make the images resemble the Monochrom.
  
• Secondly, the EVF and Mount unit on the GXR allow for a busload of pretty fantastic lenses to be used on the GXR, anything for which there is an adapter to Leica M available in fact.

No, it doesn't have an RF. But, I'm betting on lots of people getting a Leica M and mainly using it with the EVF on since it allows for lots of interesting lenses anyway. And the VF-2 on the Ricoh is very good!
No, the GXR stinks at video. But, I wouldn't get an M240 for video capabilities anyway...😉
Yes, the GXR has a 1.5x crop sensor at 12MP but many people only print A4 / legal paper sizes max anyway, or not at all and view everything on screen.
Yes, the GXR may be slow with writing files. Gets you time to stop and think what you're actually doing, ha!


I say, the GXR-M is a Piccolo M240! And it saves a ton of cash, put to use on planes, trains and busses to get you somewhere! 😀

I so firmly believe this, that I have written an article on how to set the GXR-M up for Leica-like use: http://www.johanniels.com/index.php/camera-gear-articles/43-the-ricoh-gxr-m-mount-the-piccolo-m240
Enjoy the read on that link! Feedback appreciated!

I have been using the GXR since Spring 2011, the A12 Camera Mount since the first one got to Popflash.com in late September that same year, and the M9 since January 2012.

The GXR produces very high quality images, both B&W and color. Yes, I've made a couple of 13x19 and 20x30 prints from it that have proven to be quite satisfying. The M9 does too, and the photos look different due to the higher resolution sensor and the different format. The MM does too, and again the photos look different due to the larger, all monochrome sensor. The MM's lack of ability to do color makes it much more of a niche camera for most people, but a stupendous one. I'm sure the M will also look different ... even more resolution on a totally different sensor.

People buying the M are of several different minds. Some want it for the live view, as you suggest, and the precision that lends to focusing as well as the lens versatility. Some want it for the improved responsiveness and will use the rangefinder 99% of the time. Some want it for the combined video and optical viewfinder capabilities (I know one person who ordered one immediately specifically because of that).

The long and the short of it is that the GXR is a much less expensive, 12Mpixel camera that does a fantastic job with M-mount lenses for both B&W and color output. The real relationship between the GXR and *any* of the M cameras is more a distinction akin to the CL vs the M5 ... while they have the same format, meter, etc, the CL was lighter, smaller, not as accurate on focusing, and it was quite a lot less expensive.

If the GXR works for you, and for anyone else, there's nothing to do but celebrate: it's a great camera. I certainly like mine! But it isn't a Leica Mx, either in fact or by analogue. The biggest distinction between them to me is that t's not as responsive*in use as even the M9/MM, never mind the M.

G

 

[johannielscom]

Godfrey et al,

Thanks for your views on the comparison. Very interesting!
Truth be told, it would have been nice is the comparison was between cameras of similar quality but I suspected that would not be the case. And you guys comprehensively explained why they aren't of similar quality, thanks.

Back in the day, could the Leica CL be seen as a 'Piccolo M5'? I think so. Fast forward to modern times, the Ricoh GXR-M as a 'Piccolo M240', or a 'Digital CL', if you will? Actually I think a designation like that is viable to stick!

I'm wishing people can use this thread and the article on my website to figure out if a GXR-M fits their bill. Because I think they could be in for a surprise once they set the GXR up as a B&W camera!

Oh, and some pictures from a shoot out between the Ricoh and the Leicas? If anyone can provide me with some to courteously use on my website article, that would be great. Contact@johanniels.com :angel:

 

[jl-lb.ms]

Johann, I have a GXR M mount, and I even had it up on here for sale. Your splendid article was the catalyst that caused me to put it back into service, while re-purchasing a Zeiss Biogon to go with it. I've really enjoyed it recently. Thank you.

 

[Arrvon]

Hi Johan, great article. As a GXR shooter, I can only agree with how great of a little camera it is. Just one thing you may want to correct is the GXR Leica mount video specs. It actually does 720p HD video, which is quite a but better than the 640x480 you wrote. I know it gets confusing because some of the other GXR modules only did 640x480.

 

[zauhar]

Johan, mostly based on your reviews, I rented the GXR + M mount a couple months ago to try it out. I liked it in manual mode, and I was especially impressed that it took my old lenses, including the f/4 SA, which sticks way into the body, and will apparently damage modern Leica digitals. I took some good shots with it, and it was much easier to use than other digitals I played with. The EVF was 'OK'.

I had a little trouble adjusting to the crop factor, although I guess I would get used to it. All in all it was a good experience. While I did not fall in love with the camera, I think I could work with it. You have certainly achieved outstanding results with it!

My next experiment is the Sony M4/3 full frame, assuming that is more than a rumor.

Randy

 

[Gary Sandhu]

I have an m8 and gxr-m, too. I found that focusing a f 3.5 lens on the GXR was not very effective as compared to the Leica and rangefinder. Otherwise an excellent camera and a reasonable alternative

 

[ssserge]

Hello, absolutely agree the GXR is wonderfull. I use it for stage photography, living arts and making photos in recording and filmstudios. I can find no viable alternative to one of it's absolute qualities: the 100% silent electronic shutter...
No other camera up to now has the ability to be completely silent, I mean no camera that will take M-glass.
One other thing that is remarkable with the GXR is the quality of the focus-peaking, hope Leica will improve theirs in a soon-to-be software upgrade...

 

[Johann Espiritu]

I'm an M240 owner who is actually thinking of getting a GXR-M as a side-by-side camera or to use on those days when you just feel like shooting something else.

I've had a X100s (just recently sold it as I felt I wasn't using it as much as I should) and still have an OM-D EM-5. The latter I never really bonded with, although it is a great little camera. The GXR-M has always intrigued me, and as they can be scooped up BNIB quite cheap now, I may just bite the bullet.

Anyone here use both?

 

[Godfrey]

I'm an M240 owner who is actually thinking of getting a GXR-M as a side-by-side camera or to use on those days when you just feel like shooting something else.

I've had a X100s (just recently sold it as I felt I wasn't using it as much as I should) and still have an OM-D EM-5. The latter I never really bonded with, although it is a great little camera. The GXR-M has always intrigued me, and as they can be scooped up BNIB quite cheap now, I may just bite the bullet.

Anyone here use both?

I've not used the M240 (M9 only here), but (as written up thread) have used the GXR-M quite a lot. It's a very good camera. But I'm just putting together my kit to put it on the market for sale now. I haven't used it in a very long time and don't think I will be—most all of my digital shooting is now done with the Olympus E-M1 using native lenses and the Sony A7 with Leica R lenses. The GXR, the X2, the M9 ... they're all up for sale.

If you are interested in the GXR kit, send me a PM and I'll gather together a list of all the bits and such that I have for sale germaine to it.

G