Fujifilm S2 Pro vs Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 28mm F2.5: A Hands-On Expert Comparison

When seasoned photographers set out to choose a camera, the decision invariably involves balancing legacy technology, sensor capabilities, lens flexibility, ergonomics, and overall performance tailored to one’s photographic ambitions. Today, I’m taking a deep dive into two distinctly different APS-C offerings from FujiFilm and Ricoh, the Fujifilm FinePix S2 Pro - a 2002 professional DSLR stalwart - and the Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 28mm F2.5, a unique 2010 rangefinder-style advanced mirrorless system with a fixed lens. Both have carved niches in their time, but their stark contrasts offer much for us to analyze - especially from the vantage point of nearly two decades of camera evolution.

Drawing from extensive hands-on fieldwork, lab tests, and years of comparative analysis, this review combines raw technical data with practical performance insights. Whether you’re a portraitist craving skin tone fidelity, a landscape lover after dynamic range, or a travel photographer prioritizing portability, we’ll unpack how each performs across all major photographic disciplines and use cases.

Let’s embark on this in-depth examination, beginning with the tactile first impression.

Size, Handling, and User Interface: Old School DSLR vs Sleek Mirrorless

Physically, these two cameras couldn’t be more different - the S2 Pro presents as a substantial DSLR, true to its early-2000s professional build, while the GXR GR Lens A12 embraces a compact, minimalist rangefinder-style mirrorless layout.

With dimensions of 142×131×80 mm and weighing a solid 850g, the Fujifilm S2 Pro feels reassuringly robust in hand. It features a large pentaprism viewfinder, top and rear control dials, and a weighty grip that caters well to extended shooting sessions. Though ergonomics in 2002 terms are solid, modern photographers, especially those accustomed to refined DSLR or mirrorless grips, will notice dated button placements and the absence of illuminated controls or touch functionality.

Conversely, the Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 measures a petite 113×70×56 mm and tips the scale at only 140g - an order of magnitude lighter. Its rangefinder styling emphasizes pocketability and simplicity. However, this comes with trade-offs: while the 3-inch TFT LCD provides a sharp 920k-dot resolution, the ergonomics cater more to street and travel shooters who can operate the camera efficiently with minimal controls. There’s no dedicated AF joystick or customizable buttons, which can frustrate power users used to quick, intuitive access.

Looking down at the top decks offers more clues about their respective design philosophies:

The S2 Pro’s DSLR interface boasts shutter speed, ISO dials, and an aperture ring on the lens - classical DSLR controls favoring photographers who prefer tactile adjustments. The GXR keeps things stripped-down; it relies on menus and a control wheel, with preset modes dominating the experience.

Ergonomic verdict: The S2 Pro suits those who prefer substantial bodies and extensive manual control options, while the Ricoh excels for photographers prioritizing travel weight and a stealthy presence.

Sensor Technology & Image Quality: CCD Versus CMOS APS-C

Image and sensor quality remain paramount in any camera comparison. Here, both cameras house APS-C sized sensors but reflect vastly different developmental eras and technologies.

Sensor Characteristics:

• Fujifilm S2 Pro: Features a 6MP CCD sensor measuring 23×15.5 mm with a 1.6x crop factor. CCDs were dominant in early DSLRs, prized for excellent color rendition and moderate noise performance up to ISO 800 or so. Unfortunately, the S2 Pro maxes out native ISO at 1600, and complex noise begins to intrude significantly above 400 ISO in practical use.

• Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12: Uses a 12MP CMOS sensor, 23.6×15.7 mm in size, with a 1.5x crop factor. Being CMOS, it boasts superior low-light and high-ISO performance, with a native ISO range starting at 200 and peaking at 3200, double that of the Fuji.

Practical Image Quality:

From my controlled daylight portrait tests and outdoor landscape shoots, the Ricoh’s CMOS sensor delivers cleaner images at higher ISOs, better dynamic range (especially in highlight retention), and more nuanced midtones. Its RAW processing pipeline (via the GR Engine III processor) extracts fine details gracefully, particularly notable in the fine textures of foliage and fabrics.

The Fujifilm CCD sensor, while color-accurate and rich in skin tone warmth (a Fuji hallmark of the era), suffers in shadow noise and lower dynamic range. It produces classic images with a certain organic color depth but struggles in contrast-heavy scenes or low light without supplemental lighting.

Moreover, the camera’s relatively small 1.8-inch LCD with 117k pixels on the Fuji makes reviewing sharpness and exposure challenging in the field, unlike the Ricoh’s larger, sharper 3-inch screen - more conducive to critical evaluations on-the-go.

Bottom line: The Ricoh outperforms the Fuji in technical image quality thanks to more modern sensor technology, though the S2 Pro yields images with nostalgic, organic color signature cherished by some professionals.

Autofocus and Shutter Performance: From Phase Detection to Contrast AF

Autofocus systems have evolved dramatically, and here the choice is between an early-phase detection AF system embedded within an SLR against a contrast-detection AF system on a mirrorless body.

The S2 Pro sports a phase detection focus relying on the Nikon F mount AF module - though limited, with no eye detection or tracking and only AF single and continuous modes. Focus speed is modest, and acquiring sharp focus on moving subjects proves challenging, though the camera’s precision with manual focusing is commendable due to its DSLR viewfinder.

In contrast, the Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 uses contrast-detection autofocus with focus peaking on its live view screen. Though not blazing fast, it benefits from accuracy and flexibility for static subjects. It even incorporates face detection, a rarity in fixed-lens cameras of its era, improving portrait captures noticeably.

Burst speed also favors Ricoh: 5 fps continuous shooting outmatches the Fuji’s 2 fps. This difference matters in sports, wildlife, and street photography where capturing fleeting moments is crucial.

Build Quality and Environmental Resilience

The S2 Pro impresses with environmental sealing, a boon for professionals shooting outdoors in challenging weather. Its magnesium alloy chassis offers durability that still stands up well today.

Ricoh’s GXR lacks weather sealing, being more suited for controlled or cautious use. The plastic and lightweight construction prioritizes portability over ruggedness.

This fundamental difference influences recommendations for field use. I wouldn’t take the Ricoh into harsh rain or dusty landscapes without protective covers, while the Fuji invites those conditions with confidence.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Lens flexibility is an easy win for Fujifilm’s S2 Pro, which inherits the long legacy of Nikon F-mount lenses - a staggering catalog with over 300 compatible options covering all focal lengths, specialized macros, and premium primes. This versatility empowers photographers across portraiture, landscapes, wildlife, and more.

The Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12, on the other hand, couples the camera body permanently to a 28mm f/2.5 lens. This fixed-lens design sacrifices versatility for image quality and simplicity. The focal length equates roughly to 42mm on full-frame - great for street and documentary work but restrictive for telephoto or wide-angle needs.

Display and User Interface

The comparison here highlights how display quality impacts your shooting workflow. The Ricoh’s 3” TFT LCD at 920k resolution facilitates precise manual focus and easy menu navigation; additionally, it features live view with face detection to assist focus.

The Fuji’s modest 1.8” fixed LCD, low resolution by today’s standards, hampers evaluation of exposure and focus in the field. Coupled with a lack of live view, it restricts the user to optical viewfinder framing only.

For videographers or those shooting video-assisted content, neither camera excels, but the Ricoh does provide 720p HD video recording at 24 fps, a feature that the Fuji entirely omits.

Real-World Photography Discipline Insights

Portrait Photography

Portrait shooters prize precise skin tone renditions, shallow depth of field, and eye detection.

• Fujifilm S2 Pro: Despite limited 6MP resolution, its CCD sensor renders pleasing skin tones with natural warmth. The bokeh depends entirely on lens selection within the Nikon F mount. AF precision is limited; no face or eye detection means manual focus or careful AF zone use is necessary.

• Ricoh GXR: Its built-in 28mm f/2.5 lens offers respectable background separation for environmental portraits but doesn’t deliver classic portrait compression. Face detection autofocus aids focusing on eyes for crisp results, and 12MP resolution enables cropping or prints without much compromise.

Landscape Photography

Landscape demands dynamic range, resolution, and weather sealing.

The Ricoh’s 12MP CMOS sensor provides superior dynamic range, aided by ISO flexibility and bracketing options, helpful for HDR shooting. Limited weather resistance advises caution under inclement conditions.

The Fuji, although lower in resolution and dynamic range, boasts robust sealing and access to specialized Nikon landscape lenses, including ultra-wide and tilt-shift optics.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

Here, burst rate, autofocus speed, and telephoto support are critical.

The Fuji’s 2 fps burst and modest AF system limit usability for fast action, but its compatibility with long Nikon telephotos offers potential where patience and technique compensate.

Ricoh’s 5 fps burst is better, but fixed 28mm focal length restricts reach dramatically.

Street and Travel Photography

The Ricoh emerges as the ideal companion for street and travel photography - compact, light, quiet, offering a natural field of view and face detection AF. Battery life (~320 shots) is decent for an advanced compact.

The Fuji’s bulk and weight curtail its spontaneity for candid shooting but offer the benefit of more substantial controls and optical viewfinder clarity.

Macro Photography

Neither camera specializes in macro, but Nikon lens options for the Fuji can provide true macro capabilities, an advantage over the fixed focal Ricoh.

Night and Astro Photography

Low-light performance and high ISO stability favor the Ricoh, though neither camera excels by today’s standards. Lack of long exposure modes and built-in noise reduction in the Fuji is a downside.

Video Capabilities

The Ricoh GXR offers basic 720p video at 24 fps in MPEG-4 format - modest by today’s standard but functional. The Fuji S2 Pro emits no video functionality, as expected in an early digital SLR designed purely for stills.

Neither supports external microphones or headphones, limiting audio quality control.

Battery Life & Storage Practicalities

The Ricoh’s dedicated battery pack promises up to 320 shots per charge, respectable for its class. The S2 Pro details battery life vaguely, but experience shows early DSLRs typically fall around 300-400 shots depending on conditions.

Storage differs: S2 Pro supports SmartMedia plus Compact Flash, somewhat antiquated and less accessible today. The Ricoh uses SD/SDHC cards - still mainstream and convenient.

Connectivity and Extras

Both cameras lack wireless or Bluetooth connectivity, unremarkable given their eras.

Ricoh edges ahead with USB 2.0 and HDMI output for image transfer and tethered viewing.

The Fuji’s USB 1.0 port is archaic by modern standards.

Price and Value Discussion

At launch, the Fujifilm S2 Pro demanded a steep $2000 price tag, justified by its pro features and Nikon DSLR pedigree. The Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12, introduced at roughly $566, targets enthusiasts and advanced amateurs seeking compact quality.

Given the Ricoh’s modern sensor, superior image quality, and travel-friendly size, it offers superior value for casual or street photographers. The Fuji remains applicable mainly for collectors or those needing Nikon F mount flexibility on a vintage CCD platform.

Field Gallery: Images Captured Under Varying Conditions

Fujifilm S2 Pro screen back Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 28mm F2.5 screen back

In side-by-side comparisons, the Ricoh showcases cleaner noise profiles and sharper details at ISO 800, while the Fuji excels in controlled lighting with nuanced color fidelity. The Fuji’s output has a filmic character, attractive for portraiture and fine art; Ricoh’s images lean towards clinical sharpness and digital clarity.

Performance Scores Recap

Analysis reveals:

• Sensor/Image Quality: Ricoh ★★★★☆, Fuji ★★☆☆☆
• AF/Speed: Ricoh ★★★☆☆, Fuji ★★☆☆☆
• Handling/Ergonomics: Fuji ★★★☆☆, Ricoh ★★★☆☆
• Build/Weather Sealing: Fuji ★★★★☆, Ricoh ★★☆☆☆
• Lens Flexibility: Fuji ★★★★★, Ricoh ★☆☆☆☆
• Video: Ricoh ★★☆☆☆, Fuji ☆☆☆☆☆
• Value for Money: Ricoh ★★★★☆, Fuji ★★☆☆☆

Photography Genre Scores and Suitability

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

The Fujifilm FinePix S2 Pro is a fascinating relic of early DSLR professional imaging. It shines for photographers tethered to Nikon’s extensive lens ecosystem requiring rugged bodies and who appreciate CCD color science. For studio, portrait, and landscape photographers with the patience for manual operation, it still delivers expressive image quality.

On the other hand, the Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 28mm F2.5 carves out a niche as a neat, fixed-lens travel and street shooter with sharper image quality, modern sensor strengths, and video capability. If you value portability, spontaneous shooting, and cleaner high-ISO performance, the Ricoh is a stellar pick.

Which One Should You Buy?

• Choose the Fujifilm S2 Pro if:

  • You are a Nikon system shooter needing DSLR ergonomics and lens interchangeability.
  • You want rugged weather-sealed build for demanding outdoor shoots.
  • Your style favors the classic CCD color palette and you use specialized lenses.
  • Budget permits acquisition of used camera plus investment in lenses.

• Choose the Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 28mm F2.5 if:

  • You want a lightweight, pocketable camera for street or travel photography.
  • You prioritize excellent image quality from a fixed APS-C sensor with up-to-date processing.
  • Video capture and faster autofocus are important secondary features.
  • Your photography style favors simplicity, quick deployment, and minimal gear.

Closing Reflections

Both these cameras represent notable milestones in APS-C camera development, albeit from very different points on the timeline. What they share is a dedication to image quality in their contexts, making them intriguing tools for photographers who appreciate vintage tech or minimalist design.

As always, the best camera is the one that fits your creative vision and working style. Armed with this detailed comparison, you’re better equipped to decide where each camera’s strengths align with your photographic aspirations.

Happy shooting!

End of Review