In 2009 Ricoh had not yet bought Pentax. At that time Ricoh was famous for its quality compact cameras, The GRD series (the ancestors of the GR series) and the Ricoh Caplio series with its zoom lens.
They were keen to develop an ILC, or interchangeable-lens, system. But they did not come up with a body and various lenses. Instead, they came up with an ingenious solution of combining individual lenses with the sensor. The GXR is certainly one of the most unusual examples of an ILC system and is well worth exploring even after all these years.
Over the years, Ricoh developed six modules. Two incorporated small sensors, the S10 (24-72 equivalent) and the P10 (28-300 equivalent). Two further modules were introduced, the A12 with a 12.3MP sensor and 18.5mm f2.8 (28mm equivalent) or a 33 mm f/2.5 macro lens (50mm equivalent). Later they added an APS-C module incorporating the M mount. It was often referred to as the poor man’s Leica. It was possible to mount most M Mount lenses and the quality was on par with Leica’s first digital M, the M8, Later they added a 16MP APS-C 24-85mm zoom which looked far too bulky on the camera.
The concept was revolutionary but short-lived. The system went out of production in 2015. At that time it was a bargain buy because most camera dealers wanted to be rid of their residual stock. A camera unit and two modules could be had for a mere £200 (the original price would have been around £1,000).
I bought my first GXR in 2011, with the 28mm module, as a backup for my Leica M8. Then followed the second one in 2015, when the prices went down, with the S10 and the A12 50mm macro lens.
The S10 module.
I have always preferred fixed-lens cameras, so I have hardly used the S10 module. But my wife does get a lot of use out of it and she really appreciates it. She used it when we went to Bhutan. The results were good and we had a few keepers with that unit. The small CCD sensor is pretty similar to the one that can be found in the GRD4 or GRD3. You have to be extremely careful since highlights are easily blown. However, the rendering of the sensor is really pleasing.
Of course, compared with modern-day full-frame “pixel-built sensors” it lacks detail. Yet, if you accept the limitations, this is a nice combo that feels sturdy. The only complaint is the poor back screen which is rather fragile, but this is 2009 technology, after all. You can always add a tilting electronic viewfinder, but that tends to drain the battery more quickly.
The A12 28mm module
This was the first Ricoh camera and lens unit I bought ten years ago. It was intended as a backup to my Leica M8. It is bigger, and about 100g heavier than the Ricoh GR. It feels sturdy and more solid than the GR, however. The sensor is the same as that in the Nikon D90. The rendering, when no sharpening is applied, is really smooth and detailed at the same time. Colour rendition can sometimes be a bit off with a slight magenta and greenish cast straight out of the camera, but it’s nothing that can’t be fixed in post. There’s very little distortion. This versatile lens can be used to good effect for street or landscape photography.
I also used the lens to complete my tree stump series in black and white. The monochrome of the Ricoh 28mm is to my eyes simply stunning. I added sharpness and contrast in-camera in these three images. They are truly detailed for a “vintage” module.
I wanted to shoot some rust and decay images so that you could compare the images with one of my former articles (Rust and Decay), although the field of view is different (28mm for the GXR versus 36mm for the Leica). The Ricoh lens is as sharp as that of the Leica but the rendering is different. There’s less “substance” in the Ricoh lens.
I almost stopped using that module when I bought the GR. In the long run, however, I now prefer the GXR camera unit and module because it feels much better in my hands. There’s no accidental pressing of the exposure compensation button, something that can be a bit unnerving when using the GRI and GRII (problem solved with the GRIII). In harsh daylight, the Ricoh GV2 optical viewfinder is a nice add-on. The OVF can be used on any of the GR or GRD 28mm series.
My only complaint is that there’s one dust spot in the module. It can be easily fixed in post but Ricoh was raving at the time about the fact that having a self-contained module prevented dust from getting onto the sensor.
The A12 50mm module
This module is a perfect complement to my Leica X2 and the Ricoh 28mm unit. Just like the 28mm, it houses a 12.3 MP CMOS sensor. This was the first module Ricoh developed and sold in 2009. It is no Leica lens but it still is a wonderful little optic. AF is usually fast but can be terribly slow in poor light conditions, but the manual focus implementation is accurate. I’ve added a 47 mm Pentax optical viewfinder to use in harsh light.
I like using the lens when going to the beach to take pictures of surfers or kite-surfers, or simply to record beach life. It allows me to keep a certain distance from the subjects. There’s more substance in the images compared with those from the 28mm sibling. The handling of the camera unit and module (508 grams with the OVF) is pure bliss. It is probably my favourite combo of all time when it comes to handling. Although there’s still the slight colour cast you can discern in the 28mm, it is really less pronounced and images hardly need any post-processing. I particularly like the softness of the colours on a grey day or at sunset.
This lens is also a fine street lens. It is not as wide as 28 or 35mm, but it has grown on me as a street lens. The module is totally silent. It is extraordinary discreet and, when the light is good, it is fast and snappy.
The GXR camera unit with its 28 and 50 modules is a really likeable combination that covers many photographic situations, including macro. Due to its age, it certainly has its limitations (slow AF, 1600 ISO tops and it is, after all, just a 12.3MP sensor). But the camera is a joy to use, both in terms of handling and image quality. It is light, unobtrusive and inconspicuous. I regretted not having the 50mm module in Nepal to shoot a few portraits with a shallow depth of view. However, I’ve seen quite a few M-mount modules on eBay and I admit I’m quite tempted to complement my system to enable use with ultra-wide-angle lenses.
If you’d like to know more about the specifications of this unusual system you will find much information on the old Ricoh site here.
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Jean,
Well I had to finally get some new batteries as my old ones would not take a charge any more. At the same time I found a 24-85 A16 module at a good price from Japan. I am now starting to use it as my carry around when I don’t think I am going to take any pic.’s it’s very light and I like having the 24mm end of the zoom.
As per above The GR has grown to be one of my faforites ,And the GXR as well, during the last years i collected the complete set of lenses and the viewfinder , Fun to use and feels really sturdy , With the Leica mount and PK adapter i can use all my pentax SMC lenses , Exelent results.
The GR’s have always been my favourite camera’s, both film and digital. I did not really know about the GXR, untill I had the opportunity of buying one with GXR-mount and VF-2 on a flee market. I bought it for only 100 euros. I put my Voigtländer and Leitz lenses on it and I was really amazed!
I ended up with completing the camera with a 28mm and module 50mm bought on Ebay. I even bought the S10 module for fun. Now I have a complete system for about 600 euros, and I am very happy with it.
I finally sold my Leica M8, because it was left alone on the shelf.
Though I use it rarely, I am nonetheless fond of my GXR and its EVF, 28mm lens and 50mm lens. Batteries don’t last long, the autofocus is nowhere as fast and accurate as my newest cameras, and the flash no longer works. On the other hand, the 28mm and 50mm lenses yield lovely images. My GXR kit, which I bought new more than a decade ago, makes photography a pleasure.
Thanks Chris for the kind comment. The GXR with the A12 28mm is my go to camera most of the time. The raw files are a pleasure to process. It is a small camera but it feels much more solid than my GRD & GR2. The back of the unit just fits my right hand perfectly and I can use it without watching what I’m doing. It is an intuitive camera. Enjoy your GXR
Jean
Oh no! This article will send me down a rabbit hole again. I love the GXR! I have also purchased it twice. The first time made it my first m mount camera. Owning this made me want to own a Leica. I sold it to help finance the M240. However, even after owning a Leica, I still found I missed it. So I purchased it again. Frankly, since it was older and used, I went a little crazy. I now have two cameras and 3 mounts. 2 m-mount modules and the 50mm macro. For me, it was simplicity and smallness. My children were young, and we played in the park. I zoned focused, whipped out the camera, and took photos before they knew I had. It was a permanent fixture on my right wrist. Some of the best images were from our walks in the park after school, just us with the GXR.
“Or, for future photos, just respray the garden slightly blue.” 🙂
Thanks David B. for your advice regarding the “green” cast of the Ricoh files — I will now go back and diligently exorcise the green from Brazil – and from most of the garden shots from 2012-2014.
You’re welcome, Tony!
But note that I described “..‘White Balance Compensation’ in the Shooting menu, where you can adjust the look of photos you’re yet to shoot..” ..that won’t affect the look of photos which you’ve already shot ..e.g: “most of the garden shots from 2012-2014..”!
To remove a little green cast from pics which you’ve already shot, you’d need to use a photo editing program, such as Photo Ninja, or DxO Optics, ON1, Photoshop, or suchlike. They’ve probably got a ‘Tint’ slider, or similar, which lets you alter a photo’s colours more towards green or more towards red/pink or somesuch. Whichever program you use, there’ll be an adjustment which lets you cut down some of the green tint which you dislike.
[Or, for future photos, just respray the garden slightly blue. I don’t know if the Brazilians would let you to respray the Amazon before re-shooting, though. Note that Antonioni, the film director, when making ‘Blow Up’, didn’t think the grass of Maryon Park in south London was quite green enough, and so had it painted greener before shooting!]
Thanks Bill. I did try the Sony A7 years ago but never bonded with the camera. I have not tried the Fp yet but it looks like a good little machine from what I’ve seen.
Jean
I loved my gxr w/m-module, I got it instead of the m-8 and used it with all my m lenses. I still have it just don’t use it as much as I should. I got great b&w with mine. I bounce around with a Rx-1, and a Sony A7s, and for the past six months a Sigma fp to use all my old lenses now.
Love the photos, Jean, as well as reading about your Ricohs. Looking at the Bhutan shots made me miss my trips to the northeast. Did you guys hike up to Tiger’s Nest as well? Missed your Scotland shots here, but I know where to see them elsewhere.
Thanks Farhiz for the kind comment. We walked up to the Tiger’s Nest. It is quite a pleasant walk with a nice tearoom/restaurant halfway up. Back in Paro we had a bath in the hot-stones bath. The Paro valley is quite amazing. There will be an article on Scotland later in the year now that I’ve more time with retirement.
Jean
A great read and photo’s , Jean.
Occasionally, I’m tempted by the idea of the GXR with an M mount module. So far, it has remained a mere temptation.
regards and good health
Thanks Jason. I’m still tempted by the M module and it might well be my next purchase if I can find a mint one.
Jean
Absolutely fascinating to read your account of a system I very nearly bought into but didn’t (and you now make me wish I had !) I’m glad you say you prefer the rendering of the X2, because that camera I do have – and I have enjoyed the images you have previously shown us from yours. I have a question about the M module: this seems to go against the concept of sealed lens and sensor, or did Ricoh find some way of sealing off the sensor? As always, you have a true eye for composition, and the beach sequence is marvellous.
Thanks John for the kind comment. I ‘ve never had the M Module. I wish I had one. From what I saw there is a metal curtain to protect the sensor on the M module. Anyway one is bound to get some dust when changing lenses. The mirrorless are the easiest to clean. I have a couple of dust spots on my X2. I usuallly fix the problem in post. I think only weathersealed cameras like the X-U or Q2 are totally dustproof. I had some dust spots on my now gone M8 and the sensor needed regular cleaning despite the metal curtain in front of the sensor and my extreme care when changing lenses.
Jean
Hi, John;
The APS-size-sensor ‘Leica M’ module (confusingly called the ‘A12’ by Ricoh) does indeed have a mechanical shutter, which protects the sensor if there is no lens attached.
When you slide the ‘M’ module onto the ‘skeleton’ body, and switch on the camera, the mechanical shutter opens so that you can see the image on the camera’s rear screen – or on the add-on electronic finder if you use that.
The shutter then closes-&-opens-&-closes-&-opens to take a photo, just like using Live View on a Leica ..unless you choose ‘Scene’ mode, and its ‘Electronic Shutter’ option ..in which case the mechanical shutter stays open all the time, and lets you take absolutely silent shots with the electronic shutter (..and so much more discreet than the mechanical-shutter Live View on Leicas which do have that option).
When you turn off the camera, the mechanical shutter closes to protect the sensor, in case you’re removing, or swapping, the lens.
Thanks for the intellectual and visual treat. Wonderful collection of images but to quote Wayne Gerlach “My personal favourite – the jetty/pier/wharf with the sun peeping through.”.
I have never seen one of these cameras so was never tempted by it. It certainly was a capable camera. Thanks for the unique article.
Thank you Brian for your kind comment. It was a niche camera bak in the days. I haven’t seen many people using it over the years. It is still a very capable camera that I enjoy using regularly. I appreciate the colour signature of the lens sensor combo. find attached a link where you can find images with the M Mount module
https://www.flickr.com/groups/leica-gxr/pool/with/51782981439/
Jean
An interesting set of images, Jean. My personal favourite – the jetty/pier/wharf with the sun peeping through. Nice light and perspective.
Regarding black&white, have you ever done a comparison of output from any of your Ricoh gear processed RAW with the simple high contrast jpeg output of your Leica X2? I’ve often thought that the high contrast mono setting on the X1 / X2 / X series is one thing that Leica got right……back in the day, that is.
Thanks Wayne for the kind comment. I’ve shot B&W on both cameras and in that case I prefer the Ricoh B&W. Later this year I’m planning to write an article about the Ricoh in-camera high contrast option. There’s something about the Ricoh blacks that I really appreciate. The Ricoh image is not as substantial as the Leica ut there’s a “je ne sais quoi” that got me hooked in the Ricoh.
Jean
Lovely photos Jean — the GXR was (it was sold with its modules for the M) a great little camera. It accompanied me all through Brazil and many European cities in 201o to 2012; but even though I bought the “Leica” module I never quite used it enough – the S10 and the P10 were just what I needed for urban photography! While I liked the rendering – but agree that the X2 is better — I found it to have a rather strong green caste where foliage was concerned.. But now you’ve made me nostalgic – and looking at e-bay with GAS again!
But did you try the terrific ‘White Balance Compensation’ in the Shooting menu, where you can adjust the look of photos you’re yet to shoot, by simply moving a pointer across, up and down a square comprised of Red, Green, Magenta and Amber fine tuning? ..You could just dial down the green a tad, and that’d probably fix it!
Easy, peasy, and certainly Japanese-y – with its 27 different ‘Shooting’ menu options (not to mention the 19 different ‘Key Custom Options’ (whatever you want to set for the various buttons) ..and the 41 different options in the ‘Setup’ menu)..!
[And that doesn’t even cover all the options available in ‘Scene’ mode, or in ‘My Setting’ numbers 1, 2 or 3!]
It has a very comprehensive kit of tools!
Thanks Tony for your kind comment. It is indeed a wonderful camera. I usually fix the green cast in when need be. This cast is sometimes noticeable in Jpeg but the Raw files don’t have that greenish cast.
Jean
Hi Dave,
Thanks for the kind comment. I remember when the camera arrived at my local camera dealer. I thought I’d never buy somethinglike it at the time but eventually did as soon as the 28mm module came out although it was an expensive piece of kit back then. The menu is not as straightforward as the X menu but it is childplay to set up the preferences and once done, you never look back. I haven’t changed a thing since 2009.
Best
Jean
Good Evening Jean,
So here is a first for me, in all of the research I have done before buying a camera, the GXR never crossed my path. Although looking at it, I am not sure even I would have taken a punt. You certainly seem to get the best out of the system, and as you well know, I enjoy seeing your most recent images – usually while I enviously engage in work, while trying to peruse your latest coastal work, and wishing I was by the sea.
Thank you for the wonderful article, and I look forward to the next one.
Best
Dave
A fascinating insight into a system which never came my way. I have an early GR digital and loved its handling and performance. Your beautiful photography captures the colour and lifestyle of places you visited, very well indeed. The colours are vibrant, seemingly brighter than real life, until you realize the clarity of the air and natural vibrancy of attire. Thank you.
Thanks David for the kind comment. It is an excellent system that I really appreciate using. The raw files out of the camera are pretty good and need very little PP.
Jean
Thanks William for your kind comment. The camera and lenses are much smaller than large format ones. I can almost carry the 28mm with the body in a large pocket and it is so light you can carry it around your neck or in your bag for hours without noticing it. It’s a pretty addictive small camera.
Jean
Great photos, Jean. The set up reminds me of large format cameras with lenses of different focal lengths in Compur type shutters on lens boards. Traditionally, large format photographers would have carried around a set of these in their bags and many still do this today. Ideal for slow thoughtful photography. You’d be making an image on one sheet of film at a time, of course.
William
Thanks John for the kind comment. Ricohs are great cameras but my X2 is far superior in terms of imaging. For me but that is personal the handling of the Ricoh is better. Pity there’s no Leica-Ricoh alliance hahaha!!!
Jean
I have been lucky, Jean has shared his photos with me and a couple others, I think he has as much fun w his cameras now as he is retired , as before when he was teaching and pre Covid travel. I just can’t make up my mind which I like better the Leica X2 or his Ricohs! Always happy view your photos and read your articles.
Thank you Jean for this fascinating perspective on this novel interchangeable lens-camera approach from Ricoh. I was in a non-photographic phase of life at the time and so had no idea that such a system had literally come and gone. My first SLR was a Ricoh, back in 1978, long gone unfortunately, with a Pentax K-mount as I recall, and so I have always had a soft spot for this company. Your photos are beautiful, and I especially liked the silhouette of the young surfers at the beach against a backdrop of multiple kite-surfers. Thanks again for an illuminating article! Keith
Thanks Keith for the kind comment. I like Pentax imaging. In analog times Pentax was the brand that was closest to Leica in terms of imaging. The ME and MX were sturdy little cameras. If it were not that heavy I’d be quite tempted by their full frame K1. I’ve tried one a few years ago- beautiful images but it is so heavy that you don’t fancy carrying it for more than an hour.
Jean
.
The ‘modular’ GXR was, indeed, a terrific little camera. (I say ‘was’, but I still use mine – I eventually got two of them – now and then, especially as the separate add-on wide-angle adaptors give great 19mm equivalent shots on a tiny camera.)
The menus are long and include everything you might ever need – or, of course, just set and forget! ..As soon as I lay my hands on one (..in the cupboard downstairs..) I’ll come back and sing its detailed praises even more, but for now I’ll just agree with Jean that it’s really everything that the M8 could have been (when using its Leica-M-fit module).
The small ‘skeleton’ body (..you can’t quite see from the top photo..) has a screen and a number of buttons on the back, and a handgrip where the battery slots in. Then just slide onto that ‘skeleton’ whichever ‘sensor+lens’ module you want: 28-300mm? ..Just slide it on and it locks in place. Leica M lens mount? ..Just slip it on and it locks into place. Etcetera. Its only downfall, at its introduction, was the high price of the ‘skeleton’ and of the modules ..which each contained their own dedicated sensor ..and hence their high prices.
But the amazing flexibility of the camera and modules is really astounding ..thanks Jean for this blast from the past!
Thanks David for your kind comment. I still use the camera regularly. I ghave two bodies as well, one with the 50mm and the other with the 28mm. The M Module with a voigtlander 15mm heliar would be the perfect add-on to the collection. The raw files are fast and easy to process in LR.