Ricoh has announced the development of a Leica-compatible lens mount for its interchangeable compact camera system, the GXR.

 

February 2, 2011: Ricoh has announced the development of a Leica-compatible lens mount for its interchangeable compact camera system, the GXR.
Details of the new lens mount are scanty, but Ricoh has provided the following information for the new GXR Lens Mount Unit:
– With this lens mount unit, photographers can mount lenses such as Leica M lenses and use them for shooting with the GXR.
– The lens mount unit is being designed to make the best use of the optical characteristics of the lenses mounted. It will have as its image sensor a 23.6 mm ø— 15.7 mm (APS-C size; total pixels: approx. 12.90 million) CMOS sensor, and it will also feature a newly developed focal plane shutter.
– Australian release is planned for spring 2011. Pricing to be confirmed closer to release date.

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Ricoh_GXR_system

The Ricoh GXR system, showing two interchangeable lens/sensor modules. (Source: Ricoh.)

There are plans to display a design mock-up of the GXR lens mount unit at the CP+ Camera & Photo Imaging Show in Yokohama, Japan, next week.