^(Clockwise) The GXR body, GF-1 the flashgun, DW-6 the wide-converter, GR Lens A12 50mm f/2.5 Marco and S10 24-72mm f2.5-4.4 VC
Since Ricoh's launch of the GXR and the detachable modules, photographers have been as wonderstruck as puzzled by it. As the sensor is bundled with the lens in a single module, or dubbed as "Lensor", is the hollow camera body worthy of the admission price? What if the users wish to get a new lens without paying a dear price for the coupled sensor? What if the lens is damaged but the sensor is working like new? What if the sensor technology is dated but the lens works like new? There are lots of questions to ask.
History has proven that evolution and revolution take time to complete. And in the marketing sense, timing is very important. Does Ricoh do it at an opportune time? Should users buy the idea and therefore the camera components instead of the other faddy photographic novelties?
^Ricoh's roadmap to let the GXR system to cover the SLR turf. This may sound unconvincing now. We have to wait and see until there are more modules available.The Advantages for Ricoh
The last question first. For GXR is a newthink, considering purchasing it or not in comparison to the likes of GF-1 is useless. Figuratively speaking, it is like deciding on buying a Porsche coupe or a BMW MPV by comparing them for their strengths and weaknesses. They work differently for not the same purposes. The only common thing is maybe that they are both expensive.
^Well, I have guessed it here. So what is the good about the module design? For Ricoh, it can bring down the costs for research and development. Simply put, it is like the concept of pre-cast modules for construction works. Theoretically, modifications can be made to the framework at a lower cost within a short time. Maybe the GXR looks limited in choice to shine with flying colours now. But when the choice of modules multiplies, the GXR will be a photographic transformer to creatively suit your particular need. Fact is, at the launch of the camera, Ricoh already revealed its intention to beef up the system in various ways.
^Some preview modules are here.The GXR is not a coincidence. It is Ricoh's brainchild upon reasoning the reality of the camera market which is clearly put in the illustration following immediately. Ricoh believes the GXR system can capture that specific segment of the market better while expanding the system to meet the needs of the general photographers. The recent frenzy of the MFT and NX10 attests that the market is at a turning point to the next level. Previously, Ricoh almost monopolised the niche market for 1/1.7" compacts with a 24mm lens. Now that this edge has gone, Ricoh is grasping this opening chance to create another niche market which it thinks can better cater for the more general camera market too.
Advantage for Users
According to Ricoh, as most of us have heard about it, the biggest advantage of the Lensor design is two-fold. First, and obviously so, the module is effectively dust proof.
Second, it is about the image quality. Allow me quote Ricoh's illustration and argument here:
In interchangeable lens camera systems up to now, the distance from the mount and the back of the lens to the sensor image plane was subject to requirements for flange back distance and back focal length.... Eliminating the lens mount, however, means that the back focal length can be freely defined for the GXR, enabling the new system to use the most optically efficient lens designs and giving it excellent potential for future expansion....
There is another technological benefit enabled by this Lensor. By way of the combination, Ricoh can tailor-make the Low Pass Filter on account of the optical characteristics of the specific lens. This can effectively prevent the Low Pass Filter from exerting too strong an effect on the lens whereby the optical quality can be fully optimised.
The issue of cost aside (it is expensive for sure), the Lensor is practically a clever design. As far as I am concerned, changing lenses is a bliss. It can be done without me minding the mounting point for the mounted lens or the back cover for the dismounted. I just clicked in one Lensor and dropped the dismounted in the bag or even my coat pocket. It's, so to speak, a piece of cake!
It is highly probable that Ricoh is going to market another Lensor this year. Rumour has it that the next one will be an equivalent to the CX2. I am quite sure that it will be a telephoto Lensor. How about the water-resistant Lensor? Then the next? I know they will not be cheap. But innovation has never been cheap. The users will be enjoying a revolutionary system (with the caveat that revolution and martyrs can be correlated).
As for the question about the future possibility of a sensor of old technology in a module with the lens functioning like new, Ricoh's idea about the GXR has clearly taken this into account. Ricoh is doing a fine balance between the above advantages and the need to upgrade IMO. To me, the reasoning is clear which I see it fit to put in the conclusive remarks later.
This field report series is to be continued.
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