I no longer have expectations for nor assumptions about the GXR system. I used to, but Ricoh will do what they do. I believe that I originally overestimated the system, thinking there would be a whole posse of units in various focal lengths. But that has not panned out and what we do have is basically Ricoh's classic focal lengths (short of the 21mm focal length). That may be all that we get. Who's to say.
The A16 Zoom arrived yesterday and I'm
very impressed. I've long waited for it and it's nice to have an APS GXR zoom for times when it is handy to have on hand.
For lack of time to actually take the kind of pictures that I like to take I've been satisfying the urge to photograph by trying new gear. Some impressive stuff out there, and my Pentax DSLR has filled a real need, but I feel like I've become too far removed from the art of photography (I still study photobooks every night though). I'm working my way back to the art.
I think the GXR is a great system. Again and again, through new gear and old, I come to appreciate what I can tease out of the files. The color and texture really appeal to me on a consistent basis. For the most part I really like using the system. The cameras are light and compact and they deliver beautiful pictures. I still struggle with the EVF in bright light, but I manage. I would like to see a short tele A16, but that's about all I would need. I have a small set of M-mount lenses that I use every now and then, but I struggle with accurate focus at times. I'd like to see all APS units updated to the AA-filterless A16 units.
There's always more or better or faster... but the GXR gets the important things right. A lot of photographers from the old days talk fondly of certain brands or cameras. I don't feel that way about anything I've used except for my Ricoh cameras. They're not the best at any one thing, but they satisfy my soul.