重劍無鋒

As I said in the last essay about the X Vario, I love the little (relatively) camera, but it has its limitation.  For example, the famous Leica-style creamy bokeh.   If I want to have that legendary bokeh, I must use M lenses with larger aperture.  And before that, I must first buy a Leica body.  So the question is, which one?  

Hold on a sec., I have a Ricoh GXR in my camera cabinet which I bought in 2012/13.  The GXR is a special camera, it's module exchange concept is actually quite good, but just didn't sell.  I remember Ricoh made a m-mount module for the GXR, aim for those M lenses owner, who could use their M lenses on a digital body (instead of buying ultra-expensive Leiac body).  I think this module would be a great choice for me. (no need to spend a fortune)

The module was expensive when it was introduced to the market, now, you can find a NOS in Taobao at arround HK$1400!  I sucessfully track one down in TB, after a few days, it arrived.

The module is extremely well built, even though it is MIC, no sign of cutting corners.  At APS-C size sensor, it has 12 MP pixel and usual Ricoh color, which is really special.  This mount module can take almost all M mount lenses, except some special design lenses with very deep rear lens.  Ricoh gives a adaptor for you to check whether a lense is suitable to mount or not before you actually mounting it on the module, which is very thoughtful.

It is a shame that the GXR series didnt last, I like Ricoh's camera, they are very special.  It would be perfect if Ricoh still making them and come out a new full frame module for M mount leses.  I would n't mind spend 10K to buy one.  Sadly this could only be a dream.

Is it new?  seems OK.  The risk of shopping in TB.

Very well built

Has to update firmware to use the module, all automatically done

A trip at Thailand

You can see the Ricoh is extrmely good at portraiting the mood and I reckon the ISO performance is outstanding.  The WB is auto, which also performed flawlessly.

At Guam

And the color of the GXR A12 module is extremely pleasing!!  And combine with Summicron 50 APO, and Zeiss Biogon 25/2.8, the detail of the pictures are just awesome.