Ricoh Forum

by **odklizec** » Sun Jun 06, 2010 10:56 am

Thanks Sandy! And thanks also to you Jeremy! Where are my manners?

BTW Sandy, I noticed you experienced some login problems? I got three ricohforum activation emails returned from the pacifier.com. The reason of undelivered emails was "unknown user"? So I activated your account manually. Are you sure the email associated with your account at ricohforum is valid?

by **Marana** » Mon Jun 07, 2010 5:33 am

Oh, I've recently changed email addresses, and was trying to change it here at the forum to the new email address. For some reason, it wasn't letting me. Thanks for activating me manually!

by **odklizec** » Tue Jun 08, 2010 11:17 am

Good news and bad news folks! I just received first of the bought lenses - TCON-14 (smaller one).

The good news is that it can be used with A12 extending its focal length to 72.5mm. The bad news is that it's useless with GRDIII. It's simply not big enough (front lens is not curved enough) to cover the entire frame without hard vignetting. Let's hope TCON-14B will work better? But I guess this will be at a cost of size and weight (maybe too much for GRDIII)?

As for the TCON-14 and A12, all you need is 40.5-43mm step-up ring or even better, 40.5-46mm ring. At the moment, I have to use two rings, 40.5-43 and 43-46mm, which is not really ideal. This combination adds touch of corner vignetting and softness to the output images. I'm pretty sure replacing two rings with just one 40.5-46mm ring will help a lot and eliminate the vignetting and maybe even corner softness?

The center of the image is very sharp. There is visible softness and chromatic aberration on the extreme corners, which I think is unimportant for the purpose of this lens combo. Definitely not softness. Chromatic aberration can always be fixed in editor. I still think that the major reason of both problems (CRA and corner softness) is the usage of two step rings.

The TCON-14 is made of plastic and looks and feels somewhat cheap (mainly if compared with luxury Ricoh converters). It comes with 43-46 ring (rear thread of TCON-14 is 46mm). It has also a very clever "quick release" system for mounting/unmounting the lens to/from the adapter tube or other lens with appropriate (46mm) thread. It makes it really easy to attach/detach without too much screwing.

I will take some photos of it later today and also photos taken with it to show you its performance (despite the two rings handicap).

by **odklizec** » Wed Jun 09, 2010 12:35 am

Here is how the TCON14 looks attached on A12:

: gxr_a12_tcon14.jpg (193.75 KiB) Viewed 6337 times

And as promised, here are some quick shots taken with A12+TCON-14.

: R1098159_sm.jpg (401.66 KiB) Viewed 6345 times; EXIF-Data; Image taken on: Tue Jun 08, 2010 1:42 pm; Focus length: 33 mm; Shutter speed: 1/310 Sec; F-number: F/8; ISO speed rating: 200; Whitebalance: Manual; Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode; Camera-model: GXR A12; Exposure program: Aperture priority; Exposure bias: -7/10 EV; Metering mode: Pattern

The full size version of the above shot can be seen here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/odklizec/4 ... 3/sizes/o/

As you can see, there is some corner vignetting and softness visible even in 4:3 mode. But in my opinion, it's caused by two stacked step-up rings instead of just one. In any case, it's not a problem most of the time.

Some more examples, most of them with my usual model

All out of camera JPEG.

: R1098169_sm.jpg (330.45 KiB) Viewed 6338 times; EXIF-Data; Image taken on: Tue Jun 08, 2010 1:45 pm; Focus length: 33 mm; Shutter speed: 1/45 Sec; F-number: F/4.5; ISO speed rating: 400; Whitebalance: Manual; Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode; Camera-model: GXR A12; Exposure program: Aperture priority; Exposure bias: 0 EV; Metering mode: Pattern

: R1098214_sm.jpg (345.09 KiB) Viewed 6334 times; EXIF-Data; Image taken on: Tue Jun 08, 2010 2:03 pm; Focus length: 33 mm; Shutter speed: 1/125 Sec; F-number: F/4.5; ISO speed rating: 200; Whitebalance: Manual; Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode; Camera-model: GXR A12; Exposure program: Aperture priority; Exposure bias: 7/10 EV; Metering mode: Pattern

: R1098162_sm.jpg (433.16 KiB) Viewed 6318 times; EXIF-Data; Image taken on: Tue Jun 08, 2010 1:43 pm; Focus length: 33 mm; Shutter speed: 1/143 Sec; F-number: F/8; ISO speed rating: 200; Whitebalance: Manual; Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode; Camera-model: GXR A12; Exposure program: Aperture priority; Exposure bias: -2/5 EV; Metering mode: Pattern

: R1098259_sm.jpg (509.88 KiB) Viewed 6320 times; EXIF-Data; Image taken on: Tue Jun 08, 2010 3:02 pm; Focus length: 33 mm; Shutter speed: 1/176 Sec; F-number: F/4; ISO speed rating: 400; Whitebalance: Manual; Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode; Camera-model: GXR A12; Exposure program: Aperture priority; Exposure bias: 0 EV; Metering mode: Center-weighted average

: R1098244_sm.jpg (571.66 KiB) Viewed 6329 times; EXIF-Data; Image taken on: Tue Jun 08, 2010 2:42 pm; Focus length: 33 mm; Shutter speed: 1/97 Sec; F-number: F/4; ISO speed rating: 800; Whitebalance: Manual; Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode; Camera-model: GXR A12; Exposure program: Aperture priority; Exposure bias: 3/10 EV; Metering mode: Center-weighted average

: R1098220_sm.jpg (598.25 KiB) Viewed 6319 times; EXIF-Data; Image taken on: Tue Jun 08, 2010 2:20 pm; Focus length: 33 mm; Shutter speed: 1/570 Sec; F-number: F/2.5; ISO speed rating: 800; Whitebalance: Manual; Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode; Camera-model: GXR A12; Exposure program: Aperture priority; Exposure bias: 7/10 EV; Metering mode: Center-weighted average

: R1098233_sm.jpg (600.19 KiB) Viewed 6292 times; EXIF-Data; Image taken on: Tue Jun 08, 2010 2:28 pm; Focus length: 33 mm; Shutter speed: 1/84 Sec; F-number: F/3.2; ISO speed rating: 800; Whitebalance: Manual; Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode; Camera-model: GXR A12; Exposure program: Aperture priority; Exposure bias: 3/10 EV; Metering mode: Center-weighted average

: R1098250_sm.jpg (621.58 KiB) Viewed 6262 times; EXIF-Data; Image taken on: Tue Jun 08, 2010 2:57 pm; Focus length: 33 mm; Shutter speed: 1/32 Sec; F-number: F/4; ISO speed rating: 800; Whitebalance: Manual; Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode; Camera-model: GXR A12; Exposure program: Aperture priority; Exposure bias: 3/10 EV; Metering mode: Center-weighted average

: R1098247_sm.jpg (635.25 KiB) Viewed 6284 times; EXIF-Data; Image taken on: Tue Jun 08, 2010 2:43 pm; Focus length: 33 mm; Shutter speed: 1/104 Sec; F-number: F/4; ISO speed rating: 800; Whitebalance: Manual; Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode; Camera-model: GXR A12; Exposure program: Aperture priority; Exposure bias: 3/10 EV; Metering mode: Center-weighted average

: R1098243_sm.jpg (641.22 KiB) Viewed 6267 times; EXIF-Data; Image taken on: Tue Jun 08, 2010 2:41 pm; Focus length: 33 mm; Shutter speed: 1/55 Sec; F-number: F/4; ISO speed rating: 800; Whitebalance: Manual; Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode; Camera-model: GXR A12; Exposure program: Aperture priority; Exposure bias: 3/10 EV; Metering mode: Center-weighted average

The A12 AF works OK with TCON14 (unlike with GT1 or TC1). Thanks to small depth of field is necessary to be careful about correct focus. But once focused correctly, it can give you some pretty usable results. Of course, you need a model who is willing to stay still for a moment or two

I think it's most useful extension lens for portraits. I guess the upcoming TCON-14B will be even better, but it will be big and heavy addition to A12.

by **Muddy** » Wed Jun 09, 2010 3:36 am

Lovely shots of Lucia, she's really growing up and getting more professional now

. Thanks for all the info.

by **odklizec** » Thu Jun 17, 2010 3:18 pm

I finally got the Olympus TCON14B (1.45x) I won two weeks ago on ebay. I hoped it would be even more useful than TCON14 and that it would be usable also with GRDIII as a replacement tele lens for GT-1. I knew it's big lens, but only now I see how gigantic it is! Even if it would usable with GRDIII, nobody sane would probably use it because it's much bigger and heavier then GRDIII. It's actually heavier than GXR+A12! It's so big and heavy that it's weird to use also with GXR. In fact, I think it could be dangerous to use with A12. I mean dangerous for A12 focus mechanism. TCON14B is just too heavy to be mounted on the A12 lens and moved by A12 focus motor. A12 can still autofocus and manual focus is not a problem either. But I guess the A12 focus mechanism could wear off very quickly.

I mounted it on A12 using two stacked step-up rings (40.5-52mm and 52-62mm). TCON14B produces some vignetting visible in 3:2 mode, but it's gone in 4:3. Extreme corners are slightly soft even in 4:3 mode. But much better than corners produced by TCON14. As in case of TCON14, I'm using two stacked rings, which I think is the cause of vignetting and maybe also soft corners. Unfortunately, as far as I know, there is no 40.5-62mm step-up ring available.

Here you can see how gigantic is the TCON14B mounted on A12. Weight of GXR+A12 is around 440g, weight of TCON14B alone is 460g

: _1091371_sm.jpg (328.57 KiB) Viewed 6205 times; EXIF-Data; Image taken on: Thu Jun 17, 2010 12:25 pm; Focus length: 6 mm; Shutter speed: 1/15 Sec; F-number: F/3.2; ISO speed rating: 200; Whitebalance: Manual; Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode; Camera-model: GR DIGITAL 3; Exposure program: Aperture priority; Exposure bias: -1/1 EV; Metering mode: Pattern

: _1091373_sm.jpg (359.33 KiB) Viewed 6639 times; EXIF-Data; Image taken on: Thu Jun 17, 2010 12:30 pm; Focus length: 6 mm; Shutter speed: 1/12 Sec; F-number: F/4; ISO speed rating: 100; Whitebalance: Manual; Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode; Camera-model: GR DIGITAL 3; Exposure program: Aperture priority; Exposure bias: -3/10 EV; Metering mode: Pattern

Here are some shots taken with TCON14B...

: R1098696_sm.jpg (467.46 KiB) Viewed 6190 times; EXIF-Data; Image taken on: Thu Jun 17, 2010 12:44 pm; Focus length: 33 mm; Shutter speed: 1/410 Sec; F-number: F/8; ISO speed rating: 200; Whitebalance: Manual; Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode; Camera-model: GXR A12; Exposure program: Aperture priority; Exposure bias: -7/10 EV; Metering mode: Pattern

: R1098641_sm.jpg (589.78 KiB) Viewed 6205 times; EXIF-Data; Image taken on: Wed Jun 16, 2010 2:17 pm; Focus length: 33 mm; Shutter speed: 1/64 Sec; F-number: F/2.8; ISO speed rating: 800; Whitebalance: Manual; Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode; Camera-model: GXR A12; Exposure program: Aperture priority; Exposure bias: 3/10 EV; Metering mode: Center-weighted average

: R1098614_sm.jpg (309.16 KiB) Viewed 6182 times; EXIF-Data; Image taken on: Wed Jun 16, 2010 1:16 pm; Focus length: 33 mm; Shutter speed: 1/34 Sec; F-number: F/5; ISO speed rating: 800; Whitebalance: Manual; Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode; Camera-model: GXR A12; Exposure program: Aperture priority; Exposure bias: -1/1 EV; Metering mode: Center-weighted average

: R1098530_sm.jpg (627.89 KiB) Viewed 6176 times; EXIF-Data; Image taken on: Wed Jun 16, 2010 9:10 am; Focus length: 33 mm; Shutter speed: 1/97 Sec; F-number: F/2.5; ISO speed rating: 200; Whitebalance: Manual; Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode; Camera-model: GXR A12; Exposure program: Aperture priority; Exposure bias: 3/10 EV; Metering mode: Center-weighted average

: R1098626_sm.jpg (614.44 KiB) Viewed 6170 times; EXIF-Data; Image taken on: Wed Jun 16, 2010 1:34 pm; Focus length: 33 mm; Shutter speed: 1/34 Sec; F-number: F/6.3; ISO speed rating: 400; Whitebalance: Manual; Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode; Camera-model: GXR A12; Exposure program: Aperture priority; Exposure bias: 7/10 EV; Metering mode: Center-weighted average

: R1098656_sm.jpg (675.54 KiB) Viewed 6174 times; EXIF-Data; Image taken on: Wed Jun 16, 2010 2:58 pm; Focus length: 33 mm; Shutter speed: 1/64 Sec; F-number: F/2.5; ISO speed rating: 800; Whitebalance: Manual; Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode; Camera-model: GXR A12; Exposure program: Aperture priority; Exposure bias: 0 EV; Metering mode: Center-weighted average

: R1098654_sm.jpg (472.19 KiB) Viewed 6160 times; EXIF-Data; Image taken on: Wed Jun 16, 2010 2:44 pm; Focus length: 33 mm; Shutter speed: 1/290 Sec; F-number: F/2.5; ISO speed rating: 1600; Whitebalance: Manual; Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode; Camera-model: GXR A12; Exposure program: Aperture priority; Exposure bias: 3/10 EV; Metering mode: Center-weighted average

: R1098586_sm.jpg (522.76 KiB) Viewed 6166 times; EXIF-Data; Image taken on: Wed Jun 16, 2010 1:06 pm; Focus length: 33 mm; Shutter speed: 1/97 Sec; F-number: F/2.5; ISO speed rating: 800; Whitebalance: Manual; Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode; Camera-model: GXR A12; Exposure program: Aperture priority; Exposure bias: -1/1 EV; Metering mode: Center-weighted average

by **odklizec** » Wed Jun 30, 2010 12:09 am

Yesterday, I received the 40.5 to 46 step-up ring so I could dump the "two-rings" solution (used with TCON14) with just one ring. As I expected, it dramatically improved the vignetting and corner sharpness. There is still some vignetting visible in 3:2 mode, but it's nearly gone in 4:3 and the corners are visibly sharper too.

: TCON14 + 40.5 to 43 and 43 to 46 rings.; R1098721_sm.jpg (354.74 KiB) Viewed 6107 times; EXIF-Data; Image taken on: Mon Jun 28, 2010 6:27 pm; Focus length: 33 mm; Shutter speed: 1/250 Sec; F-number: F/8; ISO speed rating: 200; Whitebalance: Manual; Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode; Camera-model: GXR A12; Exposure program: Aperture priority; Exposure bias: -3/5 EV; Metering mode: Center-weighted average

Full size photo:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/odklizec/4 ... otostream/

: TCON14 + 40.5 to 46 ring.; R1098715_sm.jpg (369.74 KiB) Viewed 6112 times; EXIF-Data; Image taken on: Mon Jun 28, 2010 6:24 pm; Focus length: 33 mm; Shutter speed: 1/270 Sec; F-number: F/8; ISO speed rating: 200; Whitebalance: Manual; Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode; Camera-model: GXR A12; Exposure program: Aperture priority; Exposure bias: -3/5 EV; Metering mode: Center-weighted average

Full size photo:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/odklizec/4 ... otostream/

Now this makes the TCON14 usable with A12. It's smaller and lighter tele extension solution than TCON14B. 14B appears to deliver somewhat better image quality. But the size and weight of TCON14 is simply much more usable.

by **CHICHORNIO** » Fri Nov 05, 2010 8:21 pm

Pavel,
If I undestood well your post, If I buy the GXR+A12 50mm system, I will be able to use my GT-1 from my GRD2? (to have an almost 92mm tele lens). That will be a good option for portrait!
And what about my GW-1 (0.75x factor)? Can I use it attached to the A12 50 mm module so I can go down to I think 35mm? I´m very lazy in this kind of things... please help!

by **odklizec** » Fri Nov 05, 2010 11:58 pm

Yes, you can use GT-1 with A12 50mm. But you need to get the 40.5 to 37mm step down ring to be able to do that. BTW, mounting GT-1 in front of A12 50mm will give you 71.5mm not 92mm! And I'm afraid, there are some downsides (depends on what you want to achieve).

The main problem is the image softness of this Frankenstein lens combo. It's so soft that it makes the AF completely unusable! And because it's so soft, it's definitely not usable in all situations. On the other hand, it's great for creative photography. It gives the images a lensbaby-like look. Just check some samples here (scroll down to GT1 samples):
viewtopic.php?f=60&t=4164
or here:
viewtopic.php?p=19294#p19294
and here:
viewtopic.php?f=60&t=4663

As for using GW-1, I don't have this lens, so I can't tell you for sure its worth of something or not. But considering its smaller rear lens element (if compared with GW-2) and knowing that GW-2 mounted on A12 50mm produces very soft corners, I would not expect anything good from GW-1.

Ricoh Forum

GXR A12 + extension lenses (DW6, GW2, GT1, TC1, TCON14/14B)

Re: GXR A12 + extension lenses (DW6, GW2, GT1, TC1)

Re: GXR A12 + extension lenses (DW6, GW2, GT1, TC1)

Re: GXR A12 + extension lenses (DW6, GW2, GT1, TC1)

Re: GXR A12 + extension lenses (DW6, GW2, GT1, TC1, TCON14)

Re: GXR A12 + extension lenses (DW6, GW2, GT1, TC1, TCON14)

Re: GXR A12 + extension lenses (DW6, GW2, GT1, TC1, TCON14/14B)

Re: GXR A12 + extension lenses (DW6, GW2, GT1, TC1, TCON14/14B)

Re: GXR A12 + extension lenses (DW6, GW2, GT1, TC1, TCON14/14B)

Re: GXR A12 + extension lenses (DW6, GW2, GT1, TC1, TCON14/14B)

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