Introduction
Once in a while, something unique passes through my hands, and today, it is the Ricoh GR Lens 28mm ƒ2.8 for LTM mount. In fact, the GR Lens is so rarely mentioned that I cannot find much mention of it on the internet.
The GR Lens (LTM) is a one-time once-off project by Ricoh in a limited 2000 pcs in silver and 1000 pcs in black.
Primarily due to Daido Moriyama's work bringing the Ricoh GR to a cult status decades ago, Ricoh made a decision in 1997 to see how what would happen if they made a similar 28mm ƒ2.8 lens for Leica Thread mount (LTM/L39 are the same), and here we have the GR Lens.
Ricoh GR Lens on Leica M10-R
tl:dr
Though the GR lens 28mm ƒ2.8 LTM is not quite like a super collectible like the Leica Noctilux 50mmƒ1.2 in chrome. It is still a unique part of Ricoh's history in experimentation and is a unique piece of optics.
There are many things to like about this lens, from its exquisite presentation box, the exclusive 28mm viewfinder to how well constructed this petite lens is, which I dare say I has an even better build than Leica's 28mm Elmarit.
I dare say the GR Lens is Ricoh's best attempt at a presentation box ever.
The GR lens kit comprises a 28mm optical viewfinder, a metal screw-in hood, and full metallic front and back caps. I do not like today's cheaply made plastic hoods, and I am proud of how Ricoh went all out with the GR lens.
Add to this a unique lens drawing that is almost filmic in look and colors; I must say that the GR lens 28mm ƒ2.8 LTM is a must-try for any vintage lens lover if you can find one.
Technicalities
- For Leica LTM/L39 mount, the GR lens is also rangefinder coupled.
- Full frame 28mm ƒ2.8
- Optical design of 7 elements in 4 groups, with 10 aperture blades
- Minimum focusing distance of 0.7m (Leica rangefinders minimum focusing distance is 0.7m anyway)
- Filter size of 40.5mm
- L 21.2 mm X ⌀49.6mm at 180 grams
- Included 28mm Optical viewfinder is a reverse Garireo finder with framelines and comes in at 88.5 grams with a 0.42x magnification
- The included optical viewfinder is not sold separately but exclusive to the GR Lens.
Handling and Performance
First, even though it is a light 180 grams, the first impression when handling the GR Lens is that it is an excellent complete metal build that will last decades. It has a perfectly sized aperture control ring that clicks perfectly.
Include the perfectly shaped lens tab that turns with the perfect amount of dampening; there is really nothing to pick about the design and build of the GR Lens.
Like the Ricoh GR camera, this lens is a perfect size for discreet use and is designed for street photography. That is assuming you do not use the included hood, which I, for one, cannot comprehend why Ricoh made it so massive versus the lens.
The GR Lens is so petite next to a Leica M lens cap.
There is really nothing to dislike about the GR Lens except that you will likely never use the included hood due to its size.
In fact, I believe most people likely will not find out if you strip away the Ricoh brand and claim that this is a Leica lens.
Ricoh GR Lens on Leica M10-R
Image performance-wise, the GR Lens's output is not one to be easily described in words. It is a lens with its own character; for one, it can be sharp but hardly contrasty.
One thing to note, though, is that at infinity, the GR Lens will not impress with the image's overall softness even at ƒ5.6.
The 'dreamy and sharp-enough' character of the output from the GR Lens is unique in its own way.
Ricoh GR Lens on Leica M10-R
The GR Lens is not tack sharp like some modern optics, yet it does not make you feel it lacks sharpness. Overall, it is more towards the 'just-sharp' enough lens with a dreamy look, especially when shooting into light; the exact look some photographers are drawn to, especially for portraiture.
Ricoh GR Lens on Leica M10-R
Ricoh GR Lens on Leica M10-R
Ricoh GR Lens on Leica M10-R
There is a good (or bad) amount of vignetting to expect, and to some, this may be a deal killer, especially for landscapes. I am hardly a landscape photographer; hence, this does not bother me much.
Ricoh GR Lens on Leica M10-R
Ricoh GR Lens on Leica M10-R
The GR Lens does flare quite easily when shot towards light, and this forms part of the lens character.
Of course I am sure using the hood will mitigate the issues of flare considerably, I do quite like how the flare of the GR Lens looks like and how much it reminds me of the Ricoh GR1 film camera flare.
Ricoh GR Lens on Leica M10-R
Ricoh GR Lens on Leica M10-R
Ricoh GR Lens on Leica M10-R
Conclusions
Ricoh GR Lens on Leica M10-R
The thing is, even until now, despite me never really understanding why Ricoh made the GR Lens and then deciding to discontinue it, the fact is that the GR Lens is one very interesting lens not only in its output but also in how this piece of optics probably will stand for a period where Ricoh was willing to experiment and test the envelope.
this is probably the closest one can get to a digital full-frame GR.
A friend of mine saw the pictures and pestered to buy this set from me, and with a 1000-piece production of the black version of the GR Lens, this lens in a complete set and mint condition will only become more and more of a unicorn as time passes.
Thank you for reading.
Disclaimers:
- I photographed all product photos and samples here. I believe any reviewer with pride should produce their own product photos.
2. All image samples were shot with the Leica M10-R and Ricoh GR Lens 28mm ƒ2.8 LTM; both are my personal sets and running the most current firmware versions.
3. This review is not sponsored; I write as a passion and hobby, and I appreciate that photography brands are kind enough to respect and work with me.
4. The best way to support me is to share the review, or you can always help support the site by contributing to my fees to WordPress using the PayPal button at the bottom of the page.
