Shutter button half press and release toggles all functions:
Fn1 Button
Toggles Peaking, in my case Mode 2, "Predator Mode" which I will activate if needed.
FN2 Button
Magnification toggle.
Press and hold self timer button to change magnification, 2x, 4x or 8x.
To enlarge portion of area press ADJ button then use the cursor to move freely across the screen. Then press and hold MENU OK.
Cursor magnification can be set in the camera internal Menu.
+ - button on MENU cluster button
Assigned to exposure compensation, does not affect operation in menu or playback.
Zoom Button
I have this assigned to exposure compensation as well, as it is my preference since owning the GRDII. Very smooth having exposure comp there.
ADJ Button = quick add on menu settings
I have chosen from 1 to 5:
Image aspect, ISO, Flash exp comp,WB, Cursor.
You might leave one out (just cancel it in the menu) or rearrange the order of them or have something else in there, this is just my worked out preference.
Since I mostly dig in there to change Image aspect, ISO and Cursor I figured I'd have the cursor in one end and the other most used settings in the other end as you can toggle with ADJ and/or MENU/OK and it is faster going in from either end than toggling through the whole ADJ menu. I left the least used setting in the middle, I have yet to use it so I am thinking of replacing it with another one or just cancel it out.
Other settings are:
CAMERA LOGO:
Noise reduction OFF*
Noise reduction ISO; over ISO 801.
ISO setting: AUTO-Hi
Magnification Ratio: 4X, as default.
Focus Assist "OFF" as you toggle it yourself.
No distortion or peripher illumination corrections, I haven't needed them, it works fine all the way down to the ZM18. Perhaps with the 15mm? We'll see.
MENU/CLUSTER BUTTON LOGO
1/2
My Settings for Fn settings > On *
ADJ LEVER Setting 1 > Aspect Ratio
ADJ LEVER Setting 2 > ISO
ADJ LEVER Setting 3 > Flash Comp (seldom used)
ADJ LEVER Setting 4 > White Balance
SHUTTER Button Confirmation > Off.
2/2
Set Fn1 Button > Focus Assist *
Set Fn2 Button > Enlrg All *
+/- Buttons > Exposure Comp
Playback Mode Dial options > Setting 1
ADJ Direct ISO Control > On
Zoom Button > Exposure Comp *
"TOOL LOGO"
1/4
Exp comp > 1/3 EV
ISO Auto High Settings > 1600 / 1/60s
AF Aux Light > "on" (only in use with AF modules anyway)
Sleep mode > 1 min
Auto Power Off > 5 min
2/4
LCD Auto Dim > "OFF"
LCD confirmation time > 1 sec (personal preference of course)
One Press Zoom Ratio > 5.7X (the other one's I don't like) *
Auto Rotate > On
Level Setting > Display
FN Button Display > On
3/4
Color Space setting > (your choice)
Store Menu Cursor Position > ON (important, always takes you back to the latest setting) *
4/4
Start settings read out > Camera Unit (since I use the M module mostly) *
Target Zoom Play: On
Zoom Display Release > Off
Shutter Initial Sel. > Close *
Focus assist selection > Mode 2 *
NOTE:
* I will add an asterisk to the ones I find "crucial".
There are multiple other settings to toy with, this is just my basic one of the ones I find more or less important. The ones I haven't altered are not mentioned but will of course be present in the menu options as you scroll through.
Since I shoot RAW up to 90% of the time I haven't included Jpeg settings.
I am a bit groggy writing this and will try to squeeze down breakfast now. I'll try and read through and see if I missed anything vital. Will send this per email if requested, just PM me again.
Henrik
As mentioned before the above settings allow you to:
Toggle Peaking with Fn1 on/off (when on; Shutter button toggles on/off with half press)
Toggle Magnification with Fn2 on/off (when on; shutter button yardi yarda)
Hit ADJ button at any time to rapidly move Cursor about for detailed enlargements.
Press self timer to shift magnification at any time, in cursor or Fn2 mode.
You can move in and out and cancel independently Peaking, Magnification.
In short: Shutter button always toggles by half press. (Geez, I have written this like five times already, will drop it now!)
When digging in the Menu the "sticky/memory setting" always gets you back to the latest altered setting. This is nothing new, but since you don't need to go into the deeper Menu that often it is still very handy.
I came across a thing I dislike with the VF-2 external finder: If I use it in half swing my nose hits the bottom protrusion of the finder base, which should have been rounded off. It is anything but comfortable. I find the finder (haha) not so comfortable in lowered position but at best for me in half swing (except for the nose picking) and a few clicks from the full extension I get an anchor with my chin to the camera, something like when I was doing archery, it is very stable. I am glad I don't have the NEX5n finder here for reference.
Henrik, thanks for those settings; fantastic. Most of my gear should arrive this coming week, USPS and Australia Post-willing, and my first experiments will be with the CV 15/4.5 (the ZM 25 will be dispatched Monday, US time). And if the M-module arrives earlier, then it will be 'fun with fast 50s time'!
Since I have manage to restore bodily functions above the bare minimum I have started unpacking my new goodies, the Summarit 75, the Elmarit M90 and the Voigt 15.
Wfrank and I have plans for winter outings but at the moment weather is drab.
First shot out of the GXR M with Elmarit M90 attached, was meant to be wide open but I had shifted the aperture down 2/3rds of a stop, so more like f4. RPP straight through at my basic settings and very moderate sharpening in post pro. "Model" same as most times before.
I love the heft of the Elmarit M90. However the barrel is smooth but heavy to turn, much heavier than the Summarit M75 which is perfect. In reality this won't mean much as the 90 is supposed to handle long shots, and the ZM50 indoor shots / close range. For close focus the Elmarit M90 is a bit unwieldy. My ZM50 copy is a bit too easy to turn, had I not needed something in between I would replace both lenses with the Summarit M75.
The Elmarit M90 has that "classic" Leica look that I find "quite neutral" and some find boring. Sharp, not too contrasty and bokeh is never harsh, but not too creamy.
For landscaping it serves better than it does for portraits, which it does reasonably well too. I hope to prove that over the months to come.
The Summarit I think will be more contrasty and have a more ZM like look, as far as I have been able to tell the ZM50 and the Summarit 75 has very similar drawing styles. On full frame I would keep both but on APS-C one will be redundant.
I have of course, the option of using the A12/50 (33mm) instead of the ZM50 and could skip the intermediate stop and use the Summarit 75. I will lose a little on the far end if I skip the 90mm. But chasing my own tail I would probably have to keep the ZM50 anyway, to keep with the cross platform thinking. And if so, the 90 makes more sense. Plus, I find the A12 M mount gives out better output than the other A12 modules.
Enough to drive you mad with these "problems" that aren't really problems, still you get hung up on it. I don't lose sleep over it, it just annoys me when trying to solve the puzzle. I think I will try to work out something that means that when I go somewhere I can bring "everything" and not have to leave something at home, which could end up being the one lens I needed the most. Better to have, say three, lenses that you always have than five, six, ten that you rotate and never get to grow in to permanently.
The sole "keeper" so far is the ZM18.
The sane trinity option for the M mount is the ZM18, ZM50, and M90 for spread.
The M75 is arguably more fun than ZM50 and M90 but leaves the gap a little too large. I would not add a 35mm to the mix on APS-C. Well, thinking in circles, it seems.
EDIT: when failing to finish sentences and leaving out words it is time to fuel the brain.
Kit Laughlin wrote:
...A12 28 and 50 modules (still do a bunch of macro work, too, and the built-in max. magnification is all I need)
Kit, I'm sure that you'll like the GXR-M. I was an instant convert from my first test shot with the DR Summicron (see first picture on post #18 on page 2 of this thread), which showed me that this camera really lets the characteristics of each lens come through. Indeed, soon after I bought the GXR-M I sold both my A12/28 and A12/50 camera units, simply because I much prefer the files produced by the GXR-M; but if I was interested in macros I would have kept the A12/50, which I feel is better than the A12/28.
In general, the GXR-M has very good colors that I much prefer to what I see on the web from the NEX-5N and the NEX-7. In conversation, one of the best camera reviewers who publishes on the web agreed with my experience that the GXR-M has better color accuracy than either the Leica M8 or the M9, although he felt that the latter has more depth in the mid tones but I have not seen that.
Henrik mentions using RPP (Raw Photo Processer) which I feel is the best raw processor, producing better resolution and very film like results if you use one of the film presets (KR64). If you have a Mac, I highly recommend that you try it (see my thread on Rangefinder Forum).
kosmoskatten wrote:
I love the heft of the Elmarit M90...]
Henrik, I don't like this heavy clunker and consider the results clinical although the bulk of Leicaphiles seem besotted by it. Had we spoken about this when we had dinner in Bangkok — luckily our conversation was more interesting — I would have told you that back in 1989 I had bought the Tele-Elmarit-90 (the "thin version) which, after several years of use, developed etchings on the rear element. It turned out that this was a common occurrence with this lens, caused by the type of adhesive Leica had used and, therefore, Leica offered me a large discount on the Elmarit-90, which I never liked for the reasons stated above and sold it.
Eventually, I found a mint Tele-Elmarit-90 at Camera Collection in Bangkok and bought it. My understanding was that if this lens ahas not developed the "creeping crud" etchings by now, it will not do so in the future — and that indeed is my experience with this lens. At f/2/8 and f/4.0, I much prefer this lens for portraits to the Elmarit-90; and it is hardly larger or heavier than the Summicron-50.
Definitely will do that Jonas.
You still have some items waiting in the basement, if you still need them. Slip me an email as a reminder.
Kit: I agree with Mitch on the A12 modules 28 and 50.
If you find a used copy of the A12/50 I can really recommend it. The A12/28 is harder to recommend, unless found cheap. I use mine for less important work and it does well, not in the same league as the A12/50 and definitely not in the same ballpark as the GXR M output.
Mitch: I do agree the Elmarit M90 is a bit clunky, I am one of the few that happen to like it.
I also agree the result (for portraits) is clinical, but for distant shots and cityscapes it does the trick nicely. I didn't buy it for portraits, as I think there are numerous better suited lenses for that.
Took the Voigt 15 out for a short spin today and I am pleased with it. The distortion is a little funky, so I am trying to wrap my head around it, I can see it used to effect.
I am also very surprised at the moiré resistance of the camera, the shot across the street that revealed the M9's moiré tendencies did not trouble the GXR M mount at all, the blinds across the street all turned out moiré free with only a hint of moiré on a metal mesh up on a roof. Very impressive.
RPP has most recently been updated too, just downloaded the update. It now supports my Fuji X10 - which is a blessing since I was very reluctant to install Silkypix for the Fuji RAW files.
Has anyone here used the ZM85? It's relatively slow at f/4 max but for portraits closer in that might not be too bad. A little longer than the 75 works for me.
I'm still evaluating the CV75 I have. It has such different colour rendering than the Zeiss lenses I have that I'm always put a little off balance when I first look at the images, particular for outdoor scenic shots with mixed cloud and blue sky. Being different could be a good thing... but I rather like the saturation Zeiss brings me by default. Too much of one thing boring? Maybe I like predictability.
Henrik, thanks for posting that list. Most of it I was already familiar with, but it finally clued me in on how to correctly move around the magnified focus point.
One thing I wish Ricoh could add through a firmware update:
Add the option to make the zoom rocker activate magnification assist by rocking it up. Rocking up again would disable it. Rocking down would switch between normal view and focus assist mode. I don't use exposure compensation all that much, either it's close enough or I'm in manual mode, so would be fine with it only being available through the +/- rockers.
IMO the Fn1/Fn2 rockers are a bit uncomfortable to reach while shooting whereas the zoom rocker is right beside your thumb.
I was just thinking about that very thing Ron for the same reason although I have one other: when I use a wrist strap with the camera the leather seems to come over the zoom button so frequently I find I'm shooting with ex-comp all the way up or down unless I'm conscious about how I hold camera/strap combo. Problem disappeared when I put the Ricoh leather strap back on. I think... forgot to turn the control back on until now.
Michael: Edward Karaa on the forum has the 85/4, he seems pleased with it. Maybe we can coax him into posting a sample. He uses it on range finder film cameras, Zeiss Ikon and Leica M6.
Ron, you are welcome. When you have accessed it once to move it around it is swifter to access next time/shot as moving around with the MENU/OK then directly targets the cursor.
On the zoom rocker thingy: I prefer the thumb access too. I have good thumb dexterity and have no trouble with the Fn1/2 rockers but I have to cradle the lens with my left hand to do it comfortably.
As a feedback to Ricoh I would suggest moving the MENU/OK cluster up a bit for the next gen GXR(II).
michaelwatkins wrote:
I'm actually glad to learn the A16M isn't due anytime soon. With any luck Ricoh will bypass the A16 M module step and bring out a full frame version.
Searching through the thread I couldn't find a statement that the A16 M module isn't due anytime soon. So I'm curious as to where you heard/read this? I ask because I'm seriously considering joining the GXR club. I have a couple of NEX-5N bodies that I use with a variety of 25mm and 50mm lenses (I can do pretty much everything I want with a "long wide" and a short tele). Although I'm not unhappy with the results I'm getting from the 25mm lenses, I know that the ZM 25/2.8 in particular will perform better on the GXR M module. Neither the NEX-7 nor the new Fuji camera are attractive to me, so I was holding out for the A16 M.
I'd optimistically expected that the A16 M module would appear in the next few months. Now my hopes have been shattered.
genji, I managed to get one of these lenses (the ZM 25/2.8) and I am based in Canberra, not too far away. It will be here in a week or so. I will post an image or two once I get the hang of it.
I decided to get the A12 in any case, for the reasons mentioned elsewhere (I can work now, and I will keep the A12 and use on a second body, probably, when the A16 emerges).
genji, our very own kosmos kitty posted that he'd heard from his sources that Ricoh would be bringing out the Mount in an A16 version; speculation at the time was that Sony is discontinuing production of the 12.3 megapixel sensor, and Ricoh of course is using the newer 16MP sensor in its soon to be released zoom Camera Unit. Not too long ago, probably in this thread, kk provided something of an update that it seemed after all the A16 Mount wasn't imminent, and indeed supplies have started to show up at retailers of the A12 unit.
The bottom line: if you need a camera, buy the A12. If you can afford to wait, wait, but we don't know how long the wait may be. If you are happy with the results you are getting with the NEX-5Ns you have, rest easy!
genji wrote:
Searching through the thread I couldn't find a statement that the A16 M module isn't due anytime soon. So I'm curious as to where you heard/read this? I ask because I'm seriously considering joining the GXR club. I have a couple of NEX-5N bodies that I use with a variety of 25mm and 50mm lenses (I can do pretty much everything I want with a "long wide" and a short tele). Although I'm not unhappy with the results I'm getting from the 25mm lenses, I know that the ZM 25/2.8 in particular will perform better on the GXR M module. Neither the NEX-7 nor the new Fuji camera are attractive to me, so I was holding out for the A16 M.
I'd optimistically expected that the A16 M module would appear in the next few months. Now my hopes have been shattered. ...Show more →
KK's mention about the probable delay of the A16 M module is here.
Yes, on the A12 M mount being replaced over time there seems to be no definitive news at this point. As it seems, it will have to be replaced eventually. Nobody knows how big a batch Ricoh ordered from Sony and it is not clear whether they have been able to produce them all before the flooding at the Thailand facilities or if they will continue to produce the 12MP sensors. Sony has moved production from the flooded Thailand facility to Kumamoto in southwestern Japan and will resume the sensor production early this year.
Ricoh resources are probably tied up to producing the A16 zoom module for starters.
The Ricoh take over of Pentax must have messed up the time table a little bit as well with some new ideas popping up on viable module options. I can imagine a bit of turmoil trying to assess and assimilate the two companies when it comes to R&D. A lot of friendly snooping around I presume. Even though Ricoh has said Pentax will keep as a brand there is probably a lot of R&D synthesis to be seen over the next few years from Pentax/Ricoh.
I am not holding my breath for the A16 M module. I look forward to it, but should they decide to ditch it in favor of a full frame M module around 16<18MP I would be happier. They surely must have been happy with the response of the M module as a whole.
A12 M mount modules are not in an abundance anywhere though I saw a couple on the shelves in Bangkok.
We should all keep busting their chops for the improvements that they "need to implement":
Better EVF, slimmer profile, higher resolution, less lag.
GXR II with tilt LCD and slightly shifted MENU/Fn button cluster for more ergonomic operation. Faster file handling and frame rates, bigger buffer in RAW.
Improve battery life, perhaps a battery with more oomph while they are at it.
That and a full frame module, hold the sugar. And yes, let me Beta test it.
kosmoskatten wrote:
Yes, on the A12 M mount being replaced over time there seems to be no definitive news at this point. As it seems, it will have to be replaced eventually. Nobody knows how big a batch Ricoh ordered from Sony and it is not clear whether they have been able to produce them all before the flooding at the Thailand facilities or if they will continue to produce the 12MP sensors. Sony has moved production from the flooded Thailand facility to Kumamoto in southwestern Japan and will resume the sensor production early this year.
The stock of the A-12 M-mount is pretty scarce I think at least in the states. I am watching it quite closely. In the states, the A-12 M is out of stock without estimated delivery at BHphoto and Popflash but there are some at Adorama though. However I think I will still grab one in about three weeks unless an announcement come out before that point, no point of waiting
