The M-mount unit for the GXR has now been released, and it's lowpass-less. It has a large APS-C sensor, so you don't have to worry too much about the cropping factor. I guess many people are interested because it has a lowpass-less-ness sensor. Ricoh was kind enough to lend me the prototype, so I would like to present a long-term report using different lenses. The first memorable one is the altered Hologon 16mm and it was originally a lens for the CONTAX G series. According to the "checker" that comes with the GXR, the bottom lens guard parts go beyond it slightly. Well, I thought they don't make the checker that tight, so I mounted it and it was just fine. But, please do it at your own risk because in this case any losses and damages are not insured! (I'm terribly sorry for RICOH who lent me their prototype)

Mounting the Hologon 16mm on the EPSON R-D1xG, LEICA M8, LEICA M9(M9-P) can also be problematic. Even though they are mounted safely, the light meter doesn't work properly and the corners get grand color shifts. And, it just can't produce the output like the film cameras, so it doesn't seem to work well with digital cameras. But, once it's mounted on the GXR MOUNT A12, the result is unexpectedly great. The focal length becomes 24mm, so it's good for everyday shooting. This lens is very hard by nature and unique with its spreading highlight. Also, it's solid and distortion is minimal. These traits are reproduced on this body. And it looks good on the camera, too. This should be a default lens for the body.

( Photo & Text : K )