This Ain't No Ricoh GR...

[@TomCalton]

So who's with me? Who thinks we should make switches rocker again!? 🤘🏻

[@workdesu]

heck yeaa 🤟🏼🤟🏼

[@pwolkowicki]

and tilted EVF! I have it in my Samsung NX 30 and I love it.

[@jon09]

That is actually what i requested from Pentax request form 2 months ago.

[@theblanklogo]

The rocker on the GRX is the one feature I really despise about that camera.

[@imagilink7797]

I am a big fan of the Ricoh GXR. The M-mount module is my favorite. The module works great even with ultra wide lenses like the Voightlander 17mm. The big advantage of having multiple L-mount modules is that changing lenses is very easy, without having to worry about dust on the sensor. Focusing is very easy with the well implemented peak focus function. The DNG color files are great to look at, while the B&W flies are fantastic even by today's standards. Nice to see renewed interest in this camera. I bought the camera new at the time to be able to use it with M mount lenses without having to change lenses, but instead the complete module. Maybe you can get your hands on a M-mount module someday and share the photos you take with it on a future KZbin video.

[@mcnsir]

i've been using gxr for 12years till I change to gr3 one month ago. one of the best design

[@dukes00]

Maybe the M Mount module is so sought after because it's the only Ricoh digital camera with an interchangeable lens?

[@TomCalton]

I think you're probably right!

[@JordiTritllaCambra]

Not only... there are LOTS of M-mount lenses with special flavours around, and very cheap. Also, this module has a microarray of lenses to modify vigneting, etc... This is the Poor's man Leica...

[@tomatomaeg]

@@TomCalton heard somewhere that it supports more m-mount glass than a real leica. no need to rangefinder couple anything

[@raksh9]

@@tomatomaeg This is semi true. Because the GXR has no rangefinder coupling, and is focused via the LCD screen or external EVF, it can focus any lens whether rangefinder coupled or not. But I cannot think of any M mount glass which is not rangefinder coupled - the rangefinder lenses without rangefinder coupling are older LTM lenses.

[@Igors.stories]

@@raksh9you’re right on that, but there are some lenses out there that are rangefinder coupled but are not correctly calibrated right out of the box (a lot of the new affordable options for the M mount). While on a digital M body with a live view option can be used to calibrate those lenses, it still requires some work to make it really work on the M body. For a camera with live view/EVF, this does not apply as much because of focus peaking. Those are the lenses that would be much more easily accessible given the LCD screen focusing of the GXR.

[@michaelbruchas6663]

Thanks!

[@TomCalton]

Thank you! That's really appreciated!

[@SimeonKolev]

The modular design is a great idea but it will reduce the profit of the camera company - which is why we will never see it again.

[@zf1_boi46]

@@SimeonKolev I'm not even a 2 minutes into the video and that was my first thought 😅

[@NiSE_Rafter]

I mean... I'm more likely to upgrade more often if the cost is in smaller steps rather than waiting a few generations before buying another full camera

[@jamesjohnXII]

I doubt enough third parties are gonna make what's basically the equivalent of a whole camera to actually eat into the profit

[@michaellmare5574]

Why would it eat into profits though? Modular upgrades would bring in more revenue to the company as people are much more likely to upgrade more often

[@Sisadmin3118]

​@@NiSE_Raftermakes sense, BUT the problem is the sensor/lens/cpu is the most expensive parts of the camera. All the rest is just nothing, compared to them. So, with this said, how often would you upgrade if this costs you 70% of fully new camera? 😅

[@JordiTritllaCambra]

Nice review. I own the whole system with two bodies. You forgot to mention the gorgeous B/W pictures you can take with the two prime lenses, as good as in modern GR's... this is a fantastic idea I hope Ricoh will review anytime soon.

[@video-carl]

Great review. I remember the launch of the GXR. Only photographers reviewed it and they couldn't get their heads around the concept, let alone the product - their brains were fused around a camera body and a separate lens. Ricoh's marketing didn't help themselves by naming the parts "Camera Unit" and "Lens Mount Unit". The system wasn't weather-resilient either which is a weird choice given that the basic design is conceptually robust against sand, sea and dust. And perhaps Ricoh was too brave to try this approach when sensors were costly. The time seems ripe for a second attempt and for that rocker switch to make a come back :)

[@kinnectar820]

I guess the advantage of keeping the lens and sensor together is that you can build the lens closer to the sensor, and pair small sensors with small lenses and larger sensors with larger senses so it is comoact when it makes sense or large when that makes sense. But really this is trying to be a mini version of how modular Medium Format systems work, and for that the M Mount module is realy critical. I really like the concept, but feel that they probably missed the mark by not having a larger body to go with the system and putting the processor in the lens module. If the processor was a separate module or in the handle, then you could have kept the same lens kits and upgraded your electronic shutter performance of old modules and gotten better AF when you buy new lens modules.

[@alfredovitenteiii3612]

I got into collecting old digital cameras, especially old camera systems, over the pandemic. KEH had a sale on lenses and accessories a while back, and I was lucky enough to grab a GXR with A12 module for a really good price. It feels great in the hand and is just fun to shoot with. Hoping to eventually pick up one of the APS C prime modules.

[@GabbyMoore13]

I have one I also have the GX100 with the VF1 viewfinder. The GX100 and GX200 are IMHO two unsung classics of the pocket cameras. They have a GR styled body but with a zoom lens and most of the good features as the GXR just need more menu diving to get to. Great video on one of my all time favorite cameras!

[@michaelbruchas6663]

Bought a used GX200 and vf. A fun pocket camera but color can get wonky near sunset. Unsung pocket hero!

[@GabbyMoore13]

@@michaelbruchas6663 I have to confess I have almost only ever used mine in Black and white so I have never had color issues. But as a B&W pocket cam with snap focus I have enjoyed it for years.

[@trels203]

The GXR was sadly ahead of its time and not appreciated enough. I wish Ricoh kept it alive, imagine all the great modules we could have had. I will say you are dearly missing out by not having the M-mount module, the rendering of that sensor paired with legacy rangefinder lenses is such an experience. There's a reason that module still fetches a lot! The sensor features micro lenses that correct various artifacts that are present when adapting old film lenses to digital, especially with wide angle lenses (chromatic abberation, fringing and smearing). The GXR can use some Leica lenses that the Leica m8 can't and others that the m8 can, but the GXR utalizes those lenses better because of the presence of micro lenses on the sensor. Like the GRD1, I use mine exclusively in b&w (colors are still great). And since they both share the same button layout, switching between the two is seamless and becomes such a smooth workflow. They also share the same remote shutter release (Ricoh CA-1) which keeps the kit simple. For the price you can't go wrong, it is the cheapest digital M-mount you can buy. If you are a Ricoh GR shooter with a collection of M lenses, the M-mount GXR is the perfect companion.

[@robertchestnut3331]

dude I have been loving your stuff! I love the quirky digital cameras. I am finding that alot of the 15 to almost 20 year old cameras are plenty good for modern photographers. I have a canon eos 1ds mk II and it is 20 years old and its one of my favorite digitals to go out and just shoot around. I feel like old digital cameras are at a point now where they are kind of like film cameras were 10 -15 years ago. Like you can actually find a good deal on a digi cam and at a low cost go out and have fun with it. I hope you are still loving your m8! the m8 is one of my favorites too.

[@TomCalton]

Thank you! So nice to hear that you're enjoying the content 😊 Yeah, I'm still in love with my M8. If I just want to take photos for fun it's my go-to camera!

[@bigbarkingdog2010]

Interesting video. Trippy camera. Makes me miss the golden age of compact camera design (circa 10 years ago).

[@willianf.imbachi5534]

It's slowly coming back, check Fuji's event on the 14th 🫡

[@SpudUna]

I had the apsc zoom and the Leica mount. Enjoyed both. I found the results from the zoom absolutely brilliant.

[@JeffreyJohnsonC]

This idea should come back. Brilliant!

[@dpfreedman]

Love your videos, Tom, but really wish you'd post image samples without the Lightroom presets applied.

[@agentlevanto2964]

Hey - great review, I have this camera, and it’s a total blast… the build quality is fantastic, ergonomics too, you get an optical viewfinder, and access to a bunch or classic Ricoh sensors that kick out interesting images. Kept it while selling on my GR3…

[@IasKeysan]

Out of all of my cameras this is the one I have had the most satisfaction of shooting with. 🥺✨ If anyone does end up getting one, make sure to get a screen protector as the screen will flake and lose its protective coating otherwise. Sony screens at the time and of this type had that defect. 😣

[@joelypolly]

I still have mine with all the modules, I really wish they would release a new version since it has the best UX of any camera I have used. I honestly prefer it over things like the Lumix S9 or Leica M11

[@Gman1044]

What's UX? Cheers.

[@007CarpeDiem]

@@Gman1044 User eXperience... I have to agree with @joelypolly, the camera is an absolute pleasure to use and can be personalized perfectly.

[@trels203]

​@@Gman1044 the user interface

[@Beauty.and.FashionPhotographer]

Ricoh should do a re-launch of this module concept..... they would lead the camera market today

[@marcuseyre6696]

I own 2 bodies and 3 GXR modules all bought brand new when they first came out..still using them all with the 28mm being my favourite. Also Ricohs menu system, by far the best there is imo..absolutely love these things..Would like to see a review of the original GRD(if you can find one)…mines still going strong..

[@trels203]

GRD1 is a gem 💎 People have the 'newer is better mentality" so many wont give it a chance. From my experience, the B&W rendering hasnt been replicated in any camera since.

[@SLLYT]

As the original owner of a GXR which I bought in 2010 with EVF and three lenses (28, 50, and 28-300), I still enjoy using the camera and lenses. The GXR is my favorite camera among the many digital cameras that I have owned. The prime lenses are superb. The zoom lens is merely OK.

[@HanETG]

DID NOT expect 9:00 man! what a blast from the past

[@lancewex]

I LOVE the GXR. I have all of the "lensors" (LOL). I do think the M-mount one is the least interesting to me, but it is probably good if you already have a lot of M-mount lenses. The two things I think it was missing with the system are (1) real 1:1 macro (the ~50mm equivalent is not true macro), and (2) at least one fast lens (like F/2.0 or faster). After the sun drops I just never feel ok with the GXR in use. [Of course the M-mount lensor makes this at least possible.]

[@garreswe]

I like the idea of a modular camera. One day you maybe want the small set with less features and another day you want the big boy camera that can do the tough stuff.

[@ourhouseuk]

The phone is the obvious processor. I can see a major manufacturer taking this idea forward, if anyone ever will (probably not)

[@jameschang8174]

I still use the GXR usually coupled with with VM 15 which is basically a P&S APSC camera

[@stebansiles]

Great video as always tom 🙌

[@TomCalton]

Thank you! Appreciate you taking the time to say so! 😊

[@jessbaumung6541]

I had a GXR back when it came out. I mainly loved using the 18mm aps-c module so I ended up switching to a GR then a GRII after that.

[@-grey]

I've wanted one of these since Kai tried it out on launch. The Leica module was basically an M8 if I remember correctly. I love that you're trying out these old gems. Would you mind doing a few more natural shots here and there? The presets are a bit strong for my taste, and I'm genuinely curious about the "get it right in camera" look you can get with these, and the colours they offer. 🙏

[@jochenkraus7016]

The M8 had a bigger sensor, but not yet full frame. There was also the Epson RD1, I think it has an APS sensor. while the rest looks like a Voigtländer Bessa.

[@pixels_and_plants]

I was looking for a secondary cam recently and had IR in mind for a later on conversion, and this is looking like a perfect option...i love the x100t i went with, but this is looking like another good option here!

[@nerho89]

So cool seeing this system highlighted, I remember considering this before snagging a Sony way back when. Great video!

[@mhaustria]

lovely camera, I had a look back then on it, but it was out of my price range. Love the full spectrum option. I shoot with a Sony DSC 808 full spectrum, but only with 8 megapixel. Love these blast from the past things

[@meatbyproducts]

I had forgotten about this version. Been thinking about a GR, now I think this will be my next choice.

[@sayaIbnuFajar]

The Frankenstein camera got one, and enjoyed it so much that, had to let it go to make way for my GR.... still I've missed owning a GXR again one day

[@tonyjeffrey2159]

All of the modules, except the Leica M module flash sync at all shutter speeds. Which is why I still use the camera in 2024. Also I find the A16 Module delivers very organic digital files that are really easy to develop.

[@nauji]

why the cinema aspect ratio? filming with anamorphic? looks good though

[@SD_UK]

His trousers are in the wash ..;)

[@TomCalton]

They have been for some time. Can't get the stains out...

[@kaziqmaziq6703]

Best camera I've had! +Leica Lenses!

[@qingyunwang3802]

You gonna check out the Leica M module. It's the sole reason for GXR's cult status even to this day.

[@ElmarJournal]

Im sellin mine

[@EcclecticNerd]

It really is a shame the system never really caught on. It’s such an interesting idea. I have all the modules and the M-mount is probably my favorite just for the color it produces. The zoom on the macro, specifically in macro mode, was probably the worst I’ve ever seen and I started digital photography on the Pentax K-30

[@ControlTouchMaster]

Hasselblad made a lot of money with modular cameras.

[@davejenx]

this is my fav camera I own next to my M8

[@granthopper4132]

I had this camera twice. It has superb build quality, I didnt get on with it (zoom lens 24-70) sold. Hankered for one again, bought it again same lens system, I just could not get clean images, noisy and not as sharp as they could have been. I should have tried the 50mm maybe, but there will not be a 3rd time.

[@TomCalton]

I totally feel you on the zooms. The large zoom is really good, but too big for me. Personally, I think the 28mm and 50mm equiv primes are the perfect balance between size and image quality.

[@shim2387]

very unfortunate camera. it was waaaay too ahead of its time. I had the full set including A12 Leica M Module. I had 3 bodies and still have 2 bodies left as the flash catch is very fragile and always break. Regardless, the camera itself was extremely advanced and, tbh, the controls still feels better than latest GR3 (except the software speed of course). the Body itself used be less than 99$ before covid. If one could get a decent price on Leica M module with the body, it would be a lovely alternative to M8, since it shoots fabulous monochrome. (well except that its APC-C crop. but still extremely nice set). the MF assist with focus peaking is on par, if not better than current gen's peaking system, so it has no problem to use, especially with EVF (which is probably the hardest to get).

[@rust405]

according to Mattias Burling's review, the M mount sensor gives Leica M8/M9 like colors

[@egb4828]

I still have mine and love it to this day!

[@johnbudd5526]

In really bright or dull conditions I find it is a little difficult to focus manual lenses on the M Mount module, even with the focus aids and EVF, generally have to focus wide open, then stop down. The Leica CL is really the only “better” compact camera for M lenses, great focus peaking, much faster processing, very low noise, really great EVF. But, I do feel the Ricoh gives better edge ( ie away from centre) performance with the wider M Mount lenses than other cameras including the Leica CL and a Fujifilm XE3 and Sony NEX 6 which I’ve also tried with 15mm to 35mm M Mount lenses. Two standout lenses for me in combo with the Ricoh M Mount have been Zeiss Biogon 28mm F2.8, and Voigtlander Color Skopar 25mm F4. Regarding the Ricoh 12Mp primes, what’s not to like about essentially a Ricoh GR with 50mm lens and (detachable) EVF?

[@flagger2020]

I have the s10 module and it basically make the gxr a larger gx100 with a bigger screen and better evf. The jpeg engine is not good and over iso400 makes images very early panasonic like watercolours, but you can luckily shoot raw. I have an original gx100, but the gxr handles better.

[@Matthewa0227]

as a Ricoh GR3 owner... I never knew this camera existed...pretty cool tbh

[@nuclearmonster]

Sick as hell modular camera,thanks for sharing it!

[@SkylerLetsDoThis]

I’m still shooting with the 28mm and the m mount, was sad when I found out that they decided to discontinue it so I immediately bought extra bodies just to make sure I can shoot with it for as long as I can.

[@TeddyCavachon]

That’s similar what I wished Apple made back in 2012 when I bought a 1080p iPad3 for shooting, editing, uploading videos for KZbin on a single platform; and APS-C size sensor and lens mount instead of the tiny sensor built in camera. I produced most of my content between 2012 and this year when I finally upgraded my circa 2008 Canon D50 to R6mkII on iPad3 and iPhone5 until 2018 then 12.9” iPad Pro3 and iPhoneXr which I still use.

[@disraelidemon]

At the beginning, it seems like you're saying that the GXR predates the GR series, but the GR series go way back further - they started out as a series of film cameras in the 1990's

[@TomCalton]

Sorry, I meant that this GXR predates the current run of digital GR cameras. I worded that very poorly.

[@mattdebyl8806]

@@TomCaltonI’d check that again as well. The GR Digital had a kind of reboot with the 16MP GR APS-C, followed by the II and III, plus IIIx etc. BUT there were I believe 4 GR models before this with 1/1.7” CCDs and these predate the GXR.

[@trels203]

​@@mattdebyl8806 The GXR was released in 2009, in between the GRD4 and GR1. So in all technicality, it prepdates the current GR series of cameras. He wasnt wrong.

[@RadoDani]

The idea of this camera was to match different lenses with the size of the sensor. Wide angle or normal lenses were easy to put on APSC sensor and keep small. 300mm lens required a tiny compact sensor.

[@nonnononnononno]

Have 2 GXR bodies and love them have A12 M mounts and a IR converted module S10

[@ihtesham_emon]

Wow! This is such a well made camera considering 2009 ❤

[@macjim]

I vaguely remember this camera when launched… it was a clever idea and design. It’s a pity it wasn’t successful, but would it work today? Would it be successful now if offered? 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@shirakawanaoya]

You're so lucky! I love this camera!

[@ggwildlife]

wow what a sytem im loving it.

[@clydedigital]

I have the Caplio... beautiful little thing. Sadly it has dust on the sensor and I can't get it off.

[@michaelbruchas6663]

I waited and waited and bought a new one, then near all the other modules. Could not get the prime lens modules. Even bought the Leica M Mount adapter. Lens modules have GOOD glass. Stabilization is some times an issue.

[@thedarkslide]

Fantastic deal on the bundle.

[@MarinaGarrison]

Ricoh should release that viewfinder for the GRIII.

[@Mohika881]

I’ve had a few GRs and loved them all. I still have a GR3. However, the screens are essentially guess work in bright light and Ricoh has a hate hate relationship with viewfinders. Let’s hope they buy a popup viewfinder off Sony and slap it into in next iteration.

[@afifemiya5825]

Wow. This is FUN unit, in my humble opinion, really. 😮

[@TomCalton]

It's pretty wild!

[@afifemiya5825]

@@TomCalton I used to have Sony QX10, and 'equip' it on Sony Xperia Z5 Compact, through its dedicated case that can hold the QX10. That itself is a lot of fun on its own, but this camera.. is 🤯 mind boggling awesome! Thank you for reviewing it for us! 🙏

[@SlotCarNewsOfficial]

Ok I love this camera, I’ve never heard of it but I want one!

[@gebauzchris]

Technically the Ricoh GR were a thing before this camera was out, since there was also a well regarded film Ricoh GR line (also famed for street photography).

[@BrightExposure]

We need this now

[@FerdinandZebua]

Ricoh needs to do a 2024 refresh of the whole system. ...Or 2025? 2035 maybe, at least..? 😅🙃 Offer modules for APS-C and Micro 4/3rds and Full-Frame CMOSes..? Maybe even _gasp!_ CCD..?

[@Fastball3267]

amazing rational and efficient design

[@The11061984]

I bought all 3. It was a great camera system.

[@EmoEmu]

What a fun concept.

[@mrdrgonzo]

A modular mount for different lenses would have been better, and possibly behind it a modular sensor with cpu

[@PitanuBoonyaratvej]

That's pretty amazing, never seen that before.

[@SachaSommer]

I love this camera

[@SUKHAMALKANA]

Love to watch your videos

[@dennisD..]

9:03 is gold

[@das_hans]

I can hear the quiet thumping of former Ricoh Design and PR employees hitting their heads agains the wall while watching this video.

[@lp3037]

I have tried this camera but returned to the shop. If I remembered correctly there is no image stabilization for this camera system.

[@CZOV]

This should obviously be re-released. It was ahead of its time, or rather ahead of consumers brains.

[@JM-zd7jj]

Bought this two years back looking at newer Ricohs, people slept on this. Please let them sleep.

[@atrydash]

It's a shame, if this modular system had included interchangeable lenses, it would have revolutionized the market.

[@phuong.tography]

Hey Tom, i wanna ask you 'bout the small lcd screen that count your channel sub. I need one, but cannot find it. Help me!!

[@jerryeisner1]

Is it possible to purchase them new?,used? And who would be selling them?

[@JessDemant]

I remember that camera and at the time was very tempted to buy it 🙂

[@compjelly]

I like the benefit of no dust getting into it.

[@benitobanana3943]

Dust doesn't exist

[@GiorgosP1]

why this super long format on video?

[@2DopeKicks]

Wait he ended up selling it for under $1000. I tried to offer him $1200 when he had it listed at $1600 a fee months ago. Lol

[@harryvlogs7833]

Omg that 1/1.7 inch sensor is smaller than my 1/1.3 inch smartphone sensor

[@dercharmeur5903]

😂😂😂😂

[@vermontmike9800]

What smartphone has that size sensor?

[@birdyw]

@@harryvlogs7833 not all the modules the same, the A12 and A16 module both had a APS-C sensor.

[@zvlfahmi]

@@vermontmike9800 Sharp Aquos R6

[@LindonSlaght]

@@vermontmike9800 iPhone 16 pro max, Xperia 1 VI, Samsung S24 Ultra. Need I go on?

[@stefanbadass5357]

Totally Mad, ahh those were the days!

[@creatortray]

Oh my gosh, I want this camera lol

[@DanceForMe13]

The only problem with it is that it should have been a Pentax.

[@BaldRavenHaired]

If there is one take away from this video . We need more rockers and dials on our cameras !!!! Esp zoom rockers . Like hear me out , Sony got Power zooms lens and Clear zoom mode for YEARS ,yet cant put a freaking zoom rocket on the camera ?? Like wtf bro ! The gxr would have been cool if they had got constant zooms or f2 primes. Like imagine they suck a 16/18-50 f2.8 with their apsc sensor with leaf shutter . Or a 18f2 , 28f2 , 35 f2 and a 50f2. The super zoom and ccd sensor m-mount imo is spot on tho !

[@gerryhardman9060]

Why didn’t Leica make this with a 28 1.7 and a 43mm lens option? The answer is already in the comments. They don’t make enough money on it. Thanks for sharing this review, I always wondered what happened to this system which became like the Nikon 1 /J system and the dinosaurs. Too bad because it really was a good idea because I will never buy 11:31 11:31 a fixed lens camera even if it is compact. I like ILC cameras and always will prefer them. Regards Gerry

[@jensbomholt4529]

Genius concept: never to expose the sensor to the dusty environment! (Unless you want to and buy that open module ...)

[@swishpan]

Maybe rockers are good but why on earth do you want to weld lens and ccd together, the only good outcome would be if the camera module could be used standalone as an action or drone camera…

[@yicao4039]

That’s really weird every lens has its own sensor. It feels like I buy many cameras but only one body.

[@General_Mills_]

The lens being fixed doesn't mean dust cannot get to the sensor, it just means you can't clean it

[@SLLYT]

That is correct.

[@allankcrain]

I think the main reason it didn't sell well is that each of the lens/sensor modules cost about the same as an equivalent full camera, without even factoring in the cost of the body. That, plus it's just a bad idea in general with no actual benefits? 1. You can still take good pictures on the very latest sensors with lenses from the 1800s. Using lenses from the 70s or 80s is so common it's not even worth mentioning that it's something you can do. Compare with digital sensors and image pipeline hardware, where the tech advances so quickly that they're nigh disposable. Want to upgrade to a higher-resolution or better quality sensor? Sorry, gotta buy a new copy of some perfectly usable glass to do so. 2. The small sensor modules make the package smaller...but not smaller than just buying a camera with a smaller sensor. Actual fixed-lens point & shoots are *really* pocketable compared to that thing. 3. If it had actually continued, eventually the connection between sensor/lens and camera body would be a limiting factor--e.g., is that interconnect they designed enough to handle a 4K raw video stream? What if they were to come up with a feature of the sensor that requires special support on the body? Or if a new sensor just needs more power (as in, actual electricity) than the body can deliver? With a normal system, you get all of those upgrades with a body upgrade and your lenses all continue to work fine. With this, probably not, probably they'd have to redo the whole system. There's a reason why everyone else does either body+sensor and interchangeable lenses, or fully swappable body, sensor, and lenses. Coupling the lens and the sensor isn't a bold and radical alternative, it's just doing it badly on purpose.

[@rhalfik]

I want a tilty EVF in my camera.

[@TomCalton]

You should check out the Lumix GX9 👀