Should Ricoh make a GXR module that takes K-mount lenses?


tsammyc

Senior Member
Apr 7, 2010
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Perhaps Pentax-Ricoh already have an EVIL camera. If they transfer the fast contrast detection autofocus technology from the K5 to Ricoh, they should be able to produce an APS-C GXR module that takes K-mount lenses with fast autofocus.
 

Perhaps Pentax-Ricoh already have an EVIL camera. If they transfer the fast contrast detection autofocus technology from the K5 to Ricoh, they should be able to produce an APS-C GXR module that takes K-mount lenses with fast autofocus.

firstly, the whole point of the GXR system is modularity. and i do like the original concept.

however, they have already contradicted themselves over this with the M-mount module, but i do see the point of the M-mount module - registration distance is short, it will still be relatively compact, there's no AF to cannibalize their existing offerings, there's no licensing / patent issues and there is demand among enthusiasts for an affordable native platform to use M-mount lenses (i.e. without the use of adapters). it also makes up for the fact that they've been bloody slow in their roll-out of new modules.

secondly, the AF on the GXR is not all that slow. the problem is more pronounced with the A10,which hunts like a slow macro lens (but that's really what it is - a macro lens). its not that bad on the A12.

and since they had already contradicted themselves once with the M-mount module, they may not stop there. i wouldn't be surprised if a K-mount module is on the roadmap - though i personally would not want to use it because it just transforms a very small and handy GXR into a big and chunky chimera setup.

i'll rather use k-mount on a DSLR. better balance and handling.
 

The GXR autofocus is OK in bright light, but when the light starts to dim, it becomes unacceptable to me. Certainly far below Olympus/Panasonic EVIL autofocus.

Found a picture
6007495166_c62b0c3270_o.jpg
 

The GXR autofocus is OK in bright light, but when the light starts to dim, it becomes unacceptable to me. Certainly far below Olympus/Panasonic EVIL autofocus.

Found a picture

yes, AF is always one function that lags slightly among the "non-mainstream" brands. seems hard for them to catch up, but i'm sure something can be done about it if they put their resources behind it.

i find the GXR ok for my use. my beef with the GXR is more with its user interface and how they've adapted their EVF. i would've preferred if they would allow users to use both the EVF and the LCD together, so that the LCD can show the "direct" mode that summarises the key user settings and the EVF can be used to compose, without so much info cluttering it up.

currently, its an "either-or" thing. but its really a user preference and i've found the GXR to be a very capable and compact companion to bring around when i don't want to bring the K5.

its much lighter to bring the A10 and A12 modules than to bring a K5 with 2 pentax lenses of roughly equivalent FL (e.g. DA35, DA15) - mainly because the body's so small and light.

thats why i'm not so keen to use a k-mount module even if they made one - compared with the M mount one, which would likely be flushed with the body, a k-mount module would probably stick out quite a bit and would not make sense as a "compact" setup if u pair it with anything other than pancake primes.

sure, they'll be enthusiasts eager to have one so they can maximise the use of their pentax lenses... but i would say that this would be at the expense of good ergonomics... i can never imagine putting any of the FA* or DA* lenses on it. :what: totally counter intuitive for a "compact" setup.
 

To me, Pentax makes the best pancake lenses in the world. The DA40 Ltd, DA21 Ltd, DA70 Ltd and possibly the FA43 Ltd. Most of them look a bit silly on a DSLR because they are too flat, but they would be perfect IMHO on a GXR module.
 

I'm an owner of Ricoh GRD and Ricoh GX100 and I also own Canon EOS system. But I'm planning to get a Ricoh GXR soon instead of getting an upgrade 7D. I would love to see a GXR module that fits Pentax K mount lenses. I would love to see Ricoh remain its uniqueness and boldness in exploring different field.
 

Don't think it's auto-focus ... but these are samples of what the photographer did with our beloved FA 31 f1.8!!

And these photos with the FA 43.

And the first few photos with the FA 77.
 

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The M-mount has the shortest registration distance for the 35mm format.
I'm pretty sure someone (China) will produce an adapter from M-K mount
MF of course, but those who want a smaller camera than a Kr and pack in the smallish DA15, 21, 35, 70ltd; FA43 w/o re-investing in RF lenses will be able to do so.

Getting a M-module is a path down to temptation and serious burning of the pockets cause the RF lenses are so nice and small.

But w/o AF, the limitations are there.
Limited one handed shooting (eg. Flash on one hand )
Limited fast focus accuracy (these contrast peaking MF aids only bring focus to the ballpark of focus and its also dependent on the decisiveness of shooter to decide when is it 'peaked' enough)

Anyway, everyone likes some new toys to play :)
 

The M-mount has the shortest registration distance for the 35mm format.
I'm pretty sure someone (China) will produce an adapter from M-K mount

M42 to M mount is there already ;p
http://www.rugift.com/photocameras/m42-leicaM-mount-adapter.htm

FA43 + K to M mount adapter = big

better to get this one, no need adapter :devil:

3140831369_44d887df19_z.jpg

3140839197_11d55a0a57_z.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/leica_lucent/3140831369/in/set-72157611732346164

the oof rendering I think will be different also
http://www.flickriver.com/groups/l-special/pool/interesting/
 

But w/o AF, the limitations are there.
Limited one handed shooting (eg. Flash on one hand )
Limited fast focus accuracy (these contrast peaking MF aids only bring focus to the ballpark of focus and its also dependent on the decisiveness of shooter to decide when is it 'peaked' enough)

Anyway, everyone likes some new toys to play :)

why must flash with one hand? can mount on the hotshoe right?

my sense of the GXR focus assist function (which had been released as a firmware upgrade for the other GXR modules) is that it has its uses and it is particularly suited for MF lenses with short throw. agree with u that its not a surgical tool - its more of a ballpark gauge. i can see how it will work well with M mount lenses for street and portraits.

the "decisiveness" issue you pointed out will be more apparent for lenses with long throw, i think the user might be more distracted with the high-contrast highlight on the screen and end up twiddling the focusing ring excessively :bsmilie:

i use it for macro and it works quite well. its no substitute for a high quality VF or even the LV of the K5 which is much more flexible in terms of magnification but if you had to work with an LCD screen to MF, it better than nothing.
 

M42 to M mount is there already ;p
http://www.rugift.com/photocameras/m42-leicaM-mount-adapter.htm

FA43 + K to M mount adapter = big

If don't want to spend more money on RF lenses, then that is the way to go. :(
Certainly not the ideal solution, but it does seem the GXR OOC colors are nice.



why must flash with one hand? can mount on the hotshoe right?

I am very rude and like to shoot people Bruce Gilden style :D
I just prefer off camera flash over flat on flash most of the time.
 

I am very rude and like to shoot people Bruce Gilden style :D
I just prefer off camera flash over flat on flash most of the time.

LOL... ok... :bsmilie: but that limitation is the same whether u're using mirrorless or DSLR, as long as u're using MF lenses right?
 

LOL... ok... :bsmilie: but that limitation is the same whether u're using mirrorless or DSLR, as long as u're using MF lenses right?

Yes, that is why I'd like native AF lenses if I want to shoot this way.