Ricoh has launched a new slide-in unit for its GXR interchangeable compact camera system that will allow users to mount Leica M-series lenses.
The Ricoh GXR is unique in that it utilises a slide-in mount system to attach units which integrate lens, image sensor and image processing engine. The new unit will incorporate a 12.9-megapixel, CMOS, APS-C sized sensor measuring 23.6 × 15.7mm. It also features a newly developed focal plane shutter.
More than 80 M-mount lens models have been produced since the first M-mount cameras went into production in the 1950s, with manufacturers for the mount including Leica, Konica, Minolta, Voigtlander, Bessa, Rollei, Carl Zeiss and Elcan.
There are currently four existing camera units available for the GXR: the A12 with a 50mm macro lens and a 12.1-megapixel, APS-C, CMOS sensor; the A12 with a 28mm lens and a 12.1-megapixel, APS-C, CMOS sensor; the S10 with a 24-72mm lens and a 10-megapixel, 7.6 x 5.7mm, CCD sensor; and the P10 with a 28-300mm lens and a 10-megapixel, 6.2 x 4.6mm, CMOS sensor.
The new unit is planned for a spring 2011 release with local pricing to be announced closer to release date.
A new slide-in cartridge for the Ricoh GXR allows users to mount Leica M-series lenses.
