Ricoh GXR Interchangeable Unit Body with Ricoh LENS A12 50mm f/2.5 MACRO Camera Unit, 12 Megapixel

2012-04-02T21:00:00

Good solution for people on the go, that need M mount camera and want to keep a low visibility... Great for street shooters... I like the M mount module sold as separate unit. The camera offers flexible interface and is easy to use. Also I like the manual focus tools when using Leica lenses with the M module. On the wish list for future improvements, I think the camera and the add-on units could offer the self cleaning image sensor.. But, I love the colors I get from the unit and appreciate its quiet operation. Great for street shooters....Enjoy

Eli

2012-02-19T19:00:00

Other than some VERY minor points, this is a Leica-M lens owners bonus digital camera!!! For [$]- 1/8th of the price of an M9 body, you buy this SUPERB Ricoh GXR body with their A12 (12MP) Leica-M lens module and with few exceptions, ALL of your M-series Leica lenses work!!! Biggest pit-fall is this is a 1.5 factor digital APS-C sensor - but it's supplied by Sony!!! - so the images are STUNNING!!!! Beautiful 720p video, too!!!

The S.

2011-12-24T19:00:00

great camera for all around use very good low light been using a camera for 50 yrs and this one is a keeper handy to keep nearby good zoom menu seems easy to use

JAMES K.

2011-04-13T21:00:00

I've had this system for about 2 years now and am still learning many of the features that Ricoh has included in this unique package. The GXR body is light and well built. The door that hold the battery and SD card stopped working. the hinge is not controlled now by the spring action. Minor issue but still annoying. Other than that, I am very impressed with it's durability to weight ratio. I own two unit. I do this so my wife can use one and I can as a second camera to my DSLR. As for quality. This is as good as it gets for what it is. I highly recommend someone considering this fine camera to start with the 50mm macro. Yes, it's expensive, but if image quality is your main objective, you will be hard pressed to find a better combination for the money. The size gives one an opportunity to take this places you may find your DSLR cumbersome. This is why I bought the system to begin with. I was going to get the Leica X-1 and just before I did, I read the reviews about the Ricoh. Direct comparisons of the two made my decision rather easy and I saved about a grand. Don't let the uniqueness of this system disuade you from strongly considering it. Ricoh is committed to this system and has recently introduced a fine 28mm prime to their line-up. There has been 4 firmware updates to address issues that users wanted to see. If that's not an indication they're committed, nothing is. You can't go wrong here. But be patient. This is a very sophisticated little beauty. Ricoh didn't spare anything and included functions that novice photographers might find daunting. But with time and effort, the user will be richly rewarded. Finally, the last update helped address concerns regarding action shots. THis gives the system abilities beyond expectations. Well, at least mine. I'd give this five stars but since Ricoh continues to improve the system, there is obviously room for improvement. Too many reviewers are quick to give things five stars. There are very few things that demand that rating since it's the objective of each manufacturer to continue to improve their products. The day a manufacturer says this is the best of the best and no more improvements can be made, that's the day I give it five stars. However, that does not mean when compared to others in this group, it is the best. Ricoh is among the best in this class and is well on their way to being the best as they continue to invest in this wonderful system.

MDale

2011-01-11T19:00:00

I've invested heavily in the Ricoh GXR system because I've been completely satisfied with the image qualities, diverse lens systems and the vast array of menu options for the photographer. This camera body is solid and has a great feel to it. It's small enough to store in your pocket and I have nothing but praise for Ricoh to go out where others have not to introduce a unique camera system that they continue to improve and invest in. Many will see this as a gamble but I don't see it that way. I am interested in quality images and needed a companion to my DSLR and this is it. I chose this over the Leica X1, Olympus Pen and a few other models for the overall image quality. Ricoh has updates to fix and improve such things as noise and improved lag time. I have no regrets.

MDale

2010-12-01T19:00:00

This is a correction to the review I made recently in which I griped about the Snap Focus feature. Yesterday I accidently discovered that the Function 2 part of the directional pad on the back of the camera body is pre-programmed for Snap Focus. And, I remembered pressing it a few times by mistake (once with gloves on) and, thus, inadvertently activating Snap Focus. I plan to assign another function to this part of the pad. So, if there's something to be learned here it's: get to know the controls well and be careful in using them. I'm keeping the star rating the same for the product.

KENNETH S.

2010-09-13T21:00:00

The GXR is a beautiful camera with a wonderful feel. It is very well balanced and proportioned. No, it doesn't slide in your shirt pocket, after using it for a week, you'll be glad it doesn't. I carry mine on my shoulder and barely know it's there, it is always ready for use. This camera isn't perfect, it's just very good.... The auto focus gets a certain amount of criticism. It hasn't been a problem for me, the camera offers some features such as snap focus or manual zone focus that (with the coming wide angle lens in particular) allow plenty of good things to happen. The focussing seemed a bit of a conscious effort for the first day, that's all. Image quality is very fine. Good enough that I have had people asking me if I got a new camera for my last trip. That was a function of its inherent image quality as a camera with a large sensor. It was also reflective of the camera being quite enjoyable to use. So, the camera is beautifully made. The layout of controls and user interface are excellent. This is not however intended to be a camera (the A-12) for the casual user, in my opinion. Expect to need to read the manual and play around with it for a couple of days. You will find a couple of ways to set it up so it works for you That is not what I normally enjoy doing, with the GXR, it was a pleasant experience. After you learn it; the camera is designed to let it get out of your way, enjoy what your doing and make photographs. If you like the Konica Hexar, Mamaiya7, Contax G2, Fuji 6x7 etc, you will be quick to like this camera.

Robert