Ricoh

Ricoh is a Japanese imaging giant that has historically oscillated between mass market consumer electronics and high end niche innovations. For the Leica M-mount community, Ricoh is revered for two specific contributions: the GR LTM lenses (limited production optics ported from their legendary compact cameras) and the GXR Mount A12, a unique digital camera module that was arguably the best platform for adapting M-mount lenses before the release of the Leica M10.

Ricoh's presence in the rangefinder world is defined by the "GR" philosophy: high contrast, extreme sharpness, and a compact utilitarian aesthetic often associated with the gritty street photography of Daido Moriyama.

History

Ricoh's relevance to the rangefinder market is a modern phenomenon born from the "Premium Compact" boom of the 1990s.

Foundations (1936 to 1990s)

The company was founded on February 6, 1936, as Riken Sensitized Paper (Riken Kankōshi) in Tokyo, Japan. While they produced affordable mass market cameras (like the Ricohflex) for decades, they did not become a premium optical player until the late 20th century [[1]].

The GR Revolution (1996 to 2001)

In 1996, Ricoh released the GR1, a slim point and shoot with a 28mm f/2.8 lens that outperformed many SLR primes. The camera became a cult classic among street photographers in Japan. Recognizing the demand for this specific optical formula, Ricoh made the bold decision to manufacture the lens as an interchangeable LTM (Leica Thread Mount) optic in 1997. This was followed by a 21mm version in 1999. These limited production runs (only a few thousand units) cemented Ricoh's status as a premium lens manufacturer.

The GXR Experiment (2011)

In the digital era, Ricoh launched the GXR system, a camera where the lens and sensor were a single sealed module. In August 2011, they released the GXR Mount A12 module, which featured an APS-C sensor with no lens, just a Leica M-mount bayonet.

• Why it mattered: Unlike Sony or Fujifilm, Ricoh designed the A12 sensor's microlenses specifically for the steep light angles of rangefinder glass. This meant it was the only non Leica camera capable of shooting wide angle M lenses (like the Voigtländer 12mm or 15mm) without the dreaded "purple smearing" or color shifts in the corners [[2]].

Product Lines (LTM Limited Series)

Ricoh's M-compatible lenses are rare, limited editions. They are known for their high build quality (often silver or black anodized aluminum) and distinct rendering.

The GR 28mm f/2.8 LTM

Released in 1997, this is a direct port of the lens from the GR1 compact camera.

• Production: Limited to roughly 3,000 units worldwide (2,000 silver, 1,000 black).
• Character: It is famous for its high micro contrast and "crunchy" sharpness. Unlike vintage Leica lenses which prioritize a smooth glow, the Ricoh GR 28mm is modern, gritty, and vignette heavy wide open. It is a favorite for high contrast black and white photography.
• Build: Despite being lightweight, it features high quality aluminum construction and comes with a dedicated metal hood and matching 28mm viewfinder [[1]].

The GR 21mm f/3.5 LTM

Released in 1999, ported from the Ricoh GR21 camera.

• Rarity: Even scarcer than the 28mm, this lens is highly sought after by collectors.
• Performance: It is a true wide angle (not a fisheye) with remarkably low distortion. Its f/3.5 aperture keeps it incredibly compact, making it one of the smallest 21mm lenses available for the screw mount system.
• Ergonomics: It features a distinct, tactical focusing tab and a specialized 21mm external viewfinder that is often lost in the used market [[3]].

Technical Specifications

Feature	Specification Details
Native Mount	LTM (Leica Thread Mount)
Focus Coupling	Coupled. (Standard rangefinder coupling).
Build Materials	Anodized Aluminum (Silver or Black).
Filter Thread	40.5mm (Standard for both 28mm and 21mm).
Coatings	Multi-Coated (Optimized for high contrast and flare resistance).
Accessories	Both lenses originally shipped with matching external viewfinders and metal screw in hoods.

Why Photographers Choose Ricoh

• The "Daido" Look: Photographers chasing the high contrast, gritty aesthetic of Japanese street photography (Provoke era) often choose the GR 28mm LTM to get that specific signature on their Leica bodies.
• Sensor Optimization (GXR): While not a lens, users still buy the legacy Ricoh GXR + Mount A12 because it remains one of the best budget specialized tools for shooting wide angle M lenses digitally without corner color issues.
• Collectibility: With production numbers in the low thousands, Ricoh LTM lenses hold their value exceptionally well, often trading for significantly more than their original retail prices [[1]].

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Sources

• [1] Japan Camera Hunter (GR 28mm LTM Profile): https://www.japancamerahunter.com/2019/02/camera-geekery-ricoh-gr-lens-28mm-f2-8-l39/
• [2] Steve Huff (GXR Mount A12 Review): https://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2011/09/28/the-ricoh-gxr-a12-m-mount-module-review-by-ashwin-rao/
• [3] 35mmc (Ricoh GR Series Overview): https://www.35mmc.com/18/11/2016/ricoh-gr1s-review/
• [4] Lomography (GR21 History): https://www.lomography.com/magazine/255976-lomopedia-ricoh-gr21