daryl_jorud1

<p>Interesting thread. I pondered the same concern while searching for a digital body on which to use my Leica M lenses. For film, I had long ago settled on the M2 body, mainly due to the viewfinder frames configuration being friendlier to me for usage of 35mm focal length lenses. While the M3 viewfinder is certainly great for 50mm lenses, I have another camera which I find has, IMO, an even nicer 50mm RF/VF. While the lens is not interchangeable, the 50mm lens of the Konica IIIA is quite special, and it's RF/VF is a true wonder. If I'm in it for the viewfinder/rangefinder experience while shooting a 50mm lens, it's what I go for every time. Full 1:1 fov with parallax correction as well. Very, very nice, a true classic if there ever was one.<br> While I have been patiently waiting for the "ideal" (whatever that may be) Leica M digital body to mature, I did want to use M lenses on a digital body in the meantime. But, which body? After considerable rumination as to whether the full frame Sony A7 series or APS-C NEX/A6000 series would suffice, along comes this Ricoh GXR M mount. At first, I dismissed it, telling myself "Don't bother with a Ricoh. Very few photographers ever consider them." Well, that was wrong headed thinking. While it isn't full frame, relying instead on a APS-C sensor, and it isn't AF, and the body has no built-in Leica type rangefinder, and it's "just" 12 mpx, for Leica M lenses including wides, this M mount lensor which is used with the GXR body is really rather exceptional and is capable of delivering the goods! Sadly, Ricoh-Pentax abandoned the concept of separate "lensors" a couple years back, so it's no longer available except for the used market. But, for using Leica M lenses on a digital body at very modest cost while still delivering splendid images, it seems to remain a relatively unknown gem. On mine, I have the optional shoe mounted, tilting EVF for it, too, which makes focusing that much easier for those of us who find it a challenge once our vision begins to deteriorate with the onset of middle age. Especially with the magnifying and "peak" focusing it incorporates. <br> One more interesting capability of the GXR M mount I'll mention before closing: I can now use many other brands of lenses with various mounts by simply adding an inexpensive adapter(s). My M42 SMC Takumars have once again found new life, not to mention the glorious old Contarex lenses that have been sitting idle for so long. Oh, can't forget about the RE Topcors with Exacta mount, and even the Kodak Retina reflex lenses with Deckel mount. The Konica AR lenses now get used again, and the mighty 1970s era Vivitar Series I lenses, too. The list goes on an on...but this GXR M mount does a very fine job with all of them. I'm never disappointed with it. Okay, my rant is done. Take it for two cents please, and best wishes to you as you decide what will work best for you.<br> Daryl</p>

<p>www.markhama.com<br /> Nobody else is as eminently qualified as Mark Hama.</p> <p>Regards,<br /> Daryl</p>