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Ricoh GXR with A12 M Mount Unit
The Ricoh GXR camera body (about $599) accepts a variety of lens/sensor mounts which provide a variety of focal lengths (sensor + lens). The VF-2 electronic viewfinder (EVF) adds another $219, but I consider it essential ergonomically.
The Ricoh GXR allow mounting any Leica M-mount lens (Leica, Zeiss ZM, Voigtlander, etc) via the “A12 Mount for Leica M Lenses”— more on that below.
GXR features
Features of the GXR I found noteworthy:
- The Ricoh GXR has a high-resolution 3.0" rear LCD. Text is crisp and highly legible, especially menus. Like most LCDs, it is hard to see in sunlight.
- The GXR menus are quick to access, very legible. There are some annoyances, such as the GXR refusing to remember the last menu visited.
- With a solid built-in grip, the GXR can be held without any fear of dropping it.
- The Ricoh GXR is all black, an industrial look which has no particular elegance, but is highly functional.
- The optional VF-2 EVF attachment protrudes upward, but adds a big boost to usability because zoomed-in focusing is very difficult in bright conditions on the rear LCD and/or those with presbyopia (45+ years old).
- An off-center tripod thread placement makes it impossible to get either the battery or the storage card out with a small camera mounting plate attached. Carry an allen wrench.
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Diglloyd Guide to LEICA contains in-depth coverage of Leica M system cameras and lenses, with additional coverage of Leica M Monochrom, Leica Q.
Special emphasis is placed on Leica M lenses and certain Zeiss ZM lenses.
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- Aperture series from wide open through stopped down, showing the full range of lens performance and bokeh.
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