image credit: DC Watch
Ricoh is about to announce a new Leica mount cartridge for the Ricoh GRX system. A prototype was already shown at the CP+ show last year. The unit will have a 12.9MP 23.6x15.7mm APS-C size CMOS sensor and a newly-developed focal plane shutter. The unit is expected to be released in autumn of 2011.
Via AP
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19 Comments
So the module without lens will be leica? is that it?….will it be manual focus only of course….?….
@PR Admin, I presume you are going on something concrete and not just that they demo’d a prototype at the show last year. I thought it was established that photo you show above is a fan-made mock-up made with a cardboard box and gaffer tape.
@CRB, there’s been much debate here and on ricohforum.com about what mount it would be, but Ricoh previously made M-mount lenses and if it is to be APS-C, then that rules out m4/3. Ricoh has such a cult following that the internet is full of mock ups, photoshopped teasers and misinformation and it’s hard to know what to believe.
check the original post from AP – they got the info from Ricoh’s spokesman and they also confirmed that a prototype was shown before
APS-C? What’s the point of that? Full frame or go home, Ricoh.
Even APS-H would be welcome, ala the Leica M8/M8.2. But APS-C? I really want my 24mm lens to become a 32mm lens. =C
John, I agree that full frame is desireable to exploit the full potential of Leica lenses. They aren’t going head to head with the M9, they’re taking on the likes of the Sony NEX and Samsung NX.
M-Mount makes some technical sense with the larger sensor. If I can fit my wide and rear projecting voigtlanders, it’ll be worth my buying as they won’t fit on m4/3. As the Ricoh build quality, control and menu system trumps the NEX, it’ll have its buyers.
Quote from RFF: “People whine about crop, but then for some reason they don’t buy M9s and then forget all about why they don’t buy them.”
Go figure it out yourself, sir.
Maybe people do not buy M9′s because they cost $7.000US !
There is an untapped market for an interchangeable lens RF with a FF sensor for a price well below that demanded for the M9.
maybe because M9 is overpriced not even portable lolcamera?
Sir, the price of M9 gets sky-high not because of its FF sensor but the brand name itself. If Ricoh make a FF cartridge it would be somehow cheaper.
Cheaper to the level where at least 40% of those who don’t buy M9 would turn to it (the GXR). A least for me $2000~3000(US) is reasonable.
But let’s face it: the GXR society doesn’t have a big enough market to make it FF. FF earns a little unless you sell it at the ******* price of M9, or, at least the over-priced D3X.
What a waste.
Ricoh never get tired of their stupid looking GXR.
It’s official:
http://www.ricoh.co.jp/release/2011/0201_1.html
My own (rough) translation:
“Newly developed expansion unit for the GXR interchangeable module camera system
February 1, 2011
Ricoh Co., Ltd.
On December 18, 2009, Shiro Kondo, President and Executive Officer of Ricoh Company, Ltd. released a system camera with interchangeable units called “GXR” and announced an outline for the development of new models of dedicated expansion units.
“GXR” is a revolutionary camera system with interchangeable lenses. GXR interchangeable modules are a unified image processing engine comprising a lens and image sensor. The advantage of its replacement as a unit has unique characteristics other than the camera unit, a variety of devices can be developed. The system has a lineup of four models of camera modules. Today this new development of an expansion unit model is announced.
Developed for GXR
You can enjoy shooting Leica M lenses attached to the GXR.
This is designed to take advantage of the optical performance of the lens attached. The imaging device, which measures 23.6mm × 15.7mm (APS-C size with a total of around 12.9 million pixels) is a newly developed focal plane CMOS sensor.
It will be released in Autumn 2011.
In addition, the GXR module prototype/ demo unit will be on display at the “CP + (CAMERA & PHOTO IMAGING SHOW)” (from February 9 (Wednesday) – February 12 (Sat.), held at Pacifico Yokohama).
The module is under development and the final release date is not specified. “
I’m just surprised actually that people have actually bought into the Ricoh system. It’s one thing to buy lenses and each have their own dynamic using the same sensor (ISO ‘X’ is ISO ‘X’ regardless of lens choice), but to have each lens have a different sensor?! That means when better sensor tech comes out you have to toss your cartridge with lens attached? (figuratively speaking). If must truly beca cult thing because I don’t get it!
Because we are different…
=)
@Ricoh reviewer
High-Five
@Mike
It may cost more money, but Ricoh’s GXR system has merits. In-factory coupling of lens and sensor has better technical potential and is more robust. M Module loses that but gives a huge pool of available glass. I’ve held out from buying the GXR so far because I wanted to know how the expansion module would turn out. GXR + M Module + fast fifty AF module + E-TTL flash is a good system.
@PR Admin,
Now the GXR M-Mount module is out, will Ricoh re-release the rare and collectible Ricoh GR 28/2.8 and 21/3.5 lenses?
I don’t know at that point, stay tuned
My thoughts on this:
(a) Everybody seems to love the photographer-centric UI of the GXR
(b) The quality of the sensor/processor in the A12 module appears to be very good
(c) Based on the current pricing of “Body Only” and “A12 kit”, this will retail somewhere between 400 and 800 USD. For an M-Mount digital camera.
(d) I want one