Pixiq

Ricoh has been doing something unique in the camera world as of late—their GXR interchangeable unit camera system pairs up a single, sensorless camera body with a series of dedicated lens + sensor modules. The advantage is that the sensor and lens can be optimized for each other—you can get an 12MP APS-C sensor matched with either a 28mm or 50mm equivalent lens, or a smaller sensor matched with a wider zoom (either 24-72mm or 28-300mm). Added benefits include no problem with dust (because the sensor is never exposed) and a constant camera interface across what would usually be at least two different cameras (one large-sensor mirrorless, one compact zoom).

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But this morning, Ricoh has officially announced its long-rumored "expansion unit," which is in fact an Leica M-mount module attached to another 12MP APS-C sensor. It's a different approach than their previous GXR units—in that it is an open lens mount—and details are scant right now; but no doubt, in opening their GXR system up to the legacy M-mount lens market, Ricoh is clearly trying to access a much larger market. There is no shortage of photographers with cupboards full of legacy glass that can't afford to drop $7,000 on a Leica M9, and so far these photographers have been enjoying the other mirrorless offerings from Panasonic, Olympus, Samsung, and Sony. With Ricoh added to this marketplace, things just got a bit more interesting...

No pictures yet exist of the "expansion unit" (why they don't just call it an M-mount unit is a mystery to me), but a design mock-up with be displayed next week at the CP+ Camera & Photo Imaging Show. Release is planned for autumn of 2011.