Ricoh How do you like your Ricoh GXR?

If all you would buy and use is the S10 then I don't recommend it. There are better options today, particularly for traveling light. I tried the S10 a long time ago and was not impressed. This is the one GXR unit that I wish Ricoh would refresh, or simply replace with the upcoming larger sensor zoom unit.

I'd second Archiver's XZ-1 recommendation. There's also the Fuji X10.
 
S10 24.72mm

Having seen lots of sample images, I have to say that while the S10 module looks good as lower ISO's, the G12 and XZ-1 are much better as the ISO's go higher. I was considering this module myself until I saw that the GRD III does much better at higher ISO's than the S10 module, even though they use the same sensor. The XZ-1 also has the advantage of a faster lens, meaning that you can use lower ISO's to achieve the same shutter speeds in darker conditions.

Of course, it depends on what you find acceptable. I'm a stickler for IQ so my choices are heavily influenced by it. I shoot a lot in ambient light and hardly ever use flash if I can help it, so a fast lens and good high ISO quality is important to me.

Thanks for the reply.. Achiver. So the lower iso shots say 100 to 400 iso would be comparable to the above mentioned cameras, but higher not as good.

I like the concept of being able to change the module to a fixed FL, but the 24-72 mm is great for travel, to bad the image quality is not up to snuff. Perhaps Ricoh /should have increased the sensor size in this Module/and /or put a faster lens on, Alas the fixed FL, generally will be better that the Zooms, more correction's to deal with.

Any one else have this S10 lens and any additional thoughts on it.?
 
I just got to my computer and will try and give my feelings on this camera. If you do not plan on adding any of the fixed lens modules, M mount module or the forthcoming APS-C zoom, I would probably not buy this setup. However, if your intentions are to grow into the GXR system and how long before you add to it might change my advice.

That being said, I really like how the Ricoh "system" is made to include the menu system, button customization, and build. If you haven't held and shot a GXR then you might not be able to understand what I mean.

I'm very happy with my fixed lens 28mm focal length. Sure I'd like to have a little more reach, but then I just move my feet a little closer. My dilema is do I purchase the 50mm module, wait for the forth coming APS-C zoom, or buy the M Module and add a couple longer focal length lenses to complete "my" system preferences.

BTW, I had a chance to "play" with a GXR with the M module and I think it was the Voigtlander 35mm lens. I keep hearing people worry about how easy or hard it might be to focus with that setup, and I can tell you, it was a piece of cake! Within about 5 seconds I had it figured out.
 
I just got to my computer and will try and give my feelings on this camera. If you do not plan on adding any of the fixed lens modules, M mount module or the forthcoming APS-C zoom, I would probably not buy this setup. However, if your intentions are to grow into the GXR system and how long before you add to it might change my advice.

That being said, I really like how the Ricoh "system" is made to include the menu system, button customization, and build. If you haven't held and shot a GXR then you might not be able to understand what I mean.

I'm very happy with my fixed lens 28mm focal length. Sure I'd like to have a little more reach, but then I just move my feet a little closer. My dilema is do I purchase the 50mm module, wait for the forth coming APS-C zoom, or buy the M Module and add a couple longer focal length lenses to complete "my" system preferences.

BTW, I had a chance to "play" with a GXR with the M module and I think it was the Voigtlander 35mm lens. I keep hearing people worry about how easy or hard it might be to focus with that setup, and I can tell you, it was a piece of cake! Within about 5 seconds I had it figured out.

Thanks Duane, Did not realize that Ricoh was coming out with an Aps-c Zoom, but this will most likely be the largest of the Modules, which would make it less desirable to travel with. But You are right, would like to get a fixed FL lens later. But for now will have to contemplate this system further,... But it looks like you have talked me out of the S10 24-72mm for now. So the 28mm will be the first lens to get if i decide to go the GXR trail, then wait to see what the large sensor zoom will reveal when out.

All the Best , Dennis.
 
Thanks Duane, Did not realize that Ricoh was coming out with an Aps-c Zoom, but this will most likely be the largest of the Modules, which would make it less desirable to travel with. But You are right, would like to get a fixed FL lens later. But for now will have to contemplate this system further,... But it looks like you have talked me out of the S10 24-72mm for now. So the 28mm will be the first lens to get if i decide to go the GXR trail, then wait to see what the large sensor zoom will reveal when out.

All the Best , Dennis.

Dennis, I wish you could have the chance to handle the camera. It would really help in making your decision either way. I'm not saying you shouldn't buy what you want but then I don't know how you plan on using the camera. Its not fast if, if your coming from a DSLR. Even the bottom end DSLR will seem a lot quicker that the GXR. But then its not marketed that way either.

For me, the camera does not get in my way when I'm working it. Don't know if that would be any different with the S10. The zoom function could drive me crazy if it makes more noise that I'd like to hear or was not as fast as I'd like when moving in and out. I don't know. I'm just really happy with my kit and how I'm using it.
 
The cool thing about the GXR is that it doesn't just change lenses, it redefines the camera itself.
I use the 28 & 50 most times. Then I get the feeling of missing my GRD3 so I use the S10 and do that high contrast gritty stuff.
The S10 is a cool unit but has much less headroom than the A12 units. On the other hand, it changes the camera into the coolest grit machine out there.
I have no interest in the M module even tho my M lenses are screaming to come out of the box.
 
Duane, yes I tried the module for a few days. I really like the way the camera operates with the 2 A12 lenses. The size is is more in what I want from a camera also plus the AF...
Well that closes the deal for me. Maybe in a year or so the M module will entice me but for now, I am more then happy.
 
I completely understand Don, its just that the camera had a completely different feel in my hands. Having never really had a camera with a "real" lens attached (one not made with plastic) I was a bit in awe.

What's really cool is you can have it "your" way, lens options, button customization options, viewfinder options (EVF, OVF, or none). And most importantly, the camera stays out of your way!
 
I love the handling of the GXR. Also tons of options that you can customize (a little on the complicated side, though.) Its black and white rendering is the best in all digital cameras I've used. I sold it because I constantly see a shade of green in color photos in all the lenses I tried - 28mm and 50mm and S10.
 
I went to a Pentax event in New York City this evening. The primary purpose of the event was to showcase the new K-30 DSLR. But they also had all of Pentax's other cameras and most of its lenses as well as the Ricoh GXR on display and available to play with.

I had never handled the GXR before and I was impressed. A very solid little piece. I tried it with the A12 and A16 modules. I would be of a mind to pick one up but really can't justify it with my micro four-thirds kit. But let there be no doubt about the GXR being a great system.

On the other hand... how good is the P10 module - the one with the small 1/2.3 sensor and 28-300mm zoom? I have a Canon SX230 now. How might image quality compare? Perhaps that's a way in. :D
 
I'm not sure if no one posts about the superzoom module because it is a weak performer or if the camera naturally attracts performance fans. I'm sure it's close to equal to compact zoom of the era....the problem is the era. The IQ of the small sensor cams is really taking off this year. I wouldn;t hesitate to buy the GXR for the normal focal lengths if you like the system, but I'd expect the zoomy module to be average. Maybe an owner here can fill us in better.
 
I agree with Luke on the zoom/small sensor modules... I believe they perform like a small sensor, serious compact. Probably only interesting if you were invested in the system and could just have it in the bag.

The A12 prime modules are just great, though.. I sold mine to finance the OM-D and I miss it quite a bit. The interface is great, IMO, and feels really great in the hand. I mostly used the 28mm, just because it was a preferred focal length, but I also think it focused a bit more quickly than the 50mm (still neither are close to current m4/3 speed), and it was definitely a small package with the wide angle module.

There was a great deal on a used GXR with A12 modules here in the for sale forum. :2thumbs:
 
I have used the P10 once or twice and it worked fine, but I much prefer the A12s/A16. For me, the GXR is a medium sensor system. I'm about to head out on vacation with the A12 50mm, the A16 and the GRD4. Will report back :D

I also have the E-M5 and I seem to keep reverting back to the GXR.
 
Andrew, have you heard anything about A16 updates for the 28 and 50?

The a16 zoom has no AA filter, right?

No. Yes.

One hopes the A12s are updated eventually. But there is a lot of guessing right now about the future of the GXR system. Ricoh has been very quiet for a long time.
 
I couldn't see myself using the P10 module on a GXR; it's too big. I'd rather just get whatever the latest CX model is (they seem to be refreshed every 6 months or so! I had a CX1 a few years ago which was the first of the small CMOS sensor Ricohs, albeit with a 28-200mm lens back then. Even with a fairly limited sets of controls it had a very nice UI.

I'd like to try a GXR with the 50mm A12 and 24-85mm A16 modules, but it would require some re-shuffling of my current line-up to justify it. I'm also a bit curious about what the future holds for Ricoh.
 
Hmmm....

Not noticed this thread before...

It's the GXR that brought me here in the first place. I bought it specifically because of the M module which is a great little unit, enabling me to use ALL my Leica lenses, one way or another, on a single body.

I bought that body with the P10 as a kit. Didn't think I would use it much, but it does have a place. First and foremost it is the smallest and easiest way to carry a "long lens". Secondly it turns the GXR into something (large) pocketable. Thirdly it turns it into a "waitercam" - you know, the camera you hand over to the waiter to snap you and your beloved at dinner somewhere :D What has surprised me is that it is actually a pretty good performer for its limits. I have mine preset to 50mm and together with snap mode it makes for a neat street camera. I like the thing, to my surprise, and remember, it isn't always about perfect sharpness...
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