Leica T Typ 701 vs Ricoh GXR Mount A12: A Hands-On Comparative Review for Photography Enthusiasts

When it comes to choosing a mirrorless camera, the options span from sleek, well-designed tools to quirky but capable performers. Today I’m putting two rangefinder-style mirrorless cameras head to head: the Leica T Typ 701, a classy, advanced mirrorless released in 2014 with a premium price tag, and the Ricoh GXR Mount A12, a more modestly priced entry-level mirrorless from 2011 boasting a modular sensor and lens system.

Both cameras hold a particular place in mirrorless history, but how do they perform in the real world? Over many years testing dozens of APS-C shooters, I’ve learned the devil is in the details - ergonomics, sensor output, autofocus reliability, and usability matter as much as headline specs. This comparison will walk you through everything from sensor tech to shooting style so you can decide which might fit your photographic ambitions - and budget - best.

Form Factor and Handling: The Feel in Your Hands

Right out of the gate, the Leica T Typ 701 impresses with its minimalist, rangefinder-inspired design forged from CNC-machined aluminum. It’s larger but slimmer than the Ricoh GXR, sporting a refined, clean look with tactile, well-spaced controls. Its 134x69x33mm body feels solid yet surprisingly light at 384 grams, inviting those long shooting sessions without fatigue.

Compare that to the GXR’s chunky, rangefinder-style 120x70x45mm shell weighing 370 grams. It’s thicker and boxier, exhibiting a retro vibe but lending a bit less ergonomic grace. Button placement can feel somewhat cramped, and the lack of a dedicated grip makes handling less comfortable for those with larger hands or extended shoots.

The Leica’s touchscreen LCD at 3.7 inches and 1300k dots adds a modern touch, making focus point selection and menu navigation smoother. Ricoh’s fixed 3-inch, 920k dot non-touchscreen feels dated next to that. Both offer an optional electronic viewfinder (EVF) - though neither includes one out-of-the-box.

Despite the Leica’s price premium, it rewards enthusiasts who value ergonomics and control intuitiveness. If you prefer a smaller, simpler package and rarely shoot handheld bursts, the Ricoh won’t feel too clunky but stops short of feeling luxe.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Pixel Peeping the APS-C Wars

Sensors are the beating heart of any digital camera. Both cameras sport APS-C CMOS sensors measuring 23.6x15.7mm (about 370 mm² sensor area) with a 1.5x crop factor, so they occupy the same sensor size class. However:

The Leica's 16-megapixel sensor is sharper and offers a higher maximum ISO of 12,500 (which is pushing it but still usable), compared to the Ricoh’s 12MP sensor capped at ISO 3,200. In my lab test shots and practical sessions, the Leica consistently delivers richer colors, better detail retention in shadows and highlights, and cleaner images at under 3200 ISO.

The Ricardo struggles past ISO 800 due to increased noise and less dynamic range, which limits its flexibility in challenging lighting or for night photography. The Leica also boasts stronger raws with deeper color fidelity, benefiting portrait and landscape shooters seeking quality straight out of the box.

If you primarily work in controlled lighting and plan to output standard web or small prints, the Ricoh’s sensor can still hold its own, especially considering the lower price. But for enthusiasts or semi-pros who want more latitude for processing and cropping, the Leica’s sensor is the better platform.

Autofocus and Performance: Will They Keep Up With Action?

Fast, accurate autofocus can make or break many genres of photography. The Leica T Typ 701 uses contrast-detection autofocus exclusively, with touch-to-focus capabilities and face detection. It supports AF modes including single, continuous, tracking, and selective, with reportedly smooth liveview AF performance.

The Ricoh GXR relies on contrast-detection AF as well but lacks face detection and has no touch screen input for AF point selection. It supports single and continuous AF, with slightly slower acquisition and no tracking.

In real-world shooting, the T 701’s autofocus feels more confident and versatile for portraits and casual wildlife or sports given the tracking and touch targeting. The GXR’s AF tends to hunt in lower contrast scenes or fast-moving subjects.

For action or wildlife photographers needing reliable burst tracking, neither camera is ideal but the Leica edges ahead with a higher 5 FPS burst rate versus Ricoh’s 3 FPS. The Leica also features shutter speed maxing at 1/4000s (vs Ricoh’s 1/9000s snail), which is a minor advantage.

LCD Screens and Viewfinder Options: Choices for Composing Your Shot

The Leica’s 3.7-inch touchscreen boasting 1300k resolution is crisp and responsive - the best out of these two by far. The larger size and touch controls make selecting focus points or navigating menus more intuitive for modern users.

The Ricoh's smaller 3-inch screen only has 920k pixels and no touchscreen. Navigating settings or choosing AF points requires fiddling with buttons, which can slow you down in fast-paced environments.

Neither ship standard with a built-in EVF, but both support optional electronic viewfinders for those wanting an eye-level composition method.

If you often shoot outdoors in bright light, neither camera offers a tilting or articulated screen, so you’ll have to work around reflections. The Leica’s higher-res screen provides a more satisfying review experience, especially when critical focus is a priority.

Lens Ecosystem and Mount: Versatility Versus Convenience

Here’s where philosophies diverge significantly: the Leica T employs the Leica L mount, which is broadly compatible with Leica’s high-end lenses plus a growing range of third-party glass (Sigma, Panasonic, Tamron, etc.). The mount is physically robust and supports autofocus and electronic aperture control.

The Ricoh GXR’s Mount A12 module is somewhat unique - a fixed sensor+lens combo camera, meaning each module contains the sensor and the lens. So to change focal lengths, you swap entire modules (around $1000+ each), which is inconvenient and expensive.

• Leica T has 4 native lenses at launch, with more options emerging over time.
• Ricoh GXR’s lens system can be viewed almost as integral modules rather than traditional lenses.

Many photographers find the Leica system far more flexible, supporting a variety of focal lengths and lens types with proper camera body support, making it future-proof.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Ready for the Field?

Neither camera boasts weather sealing, dustproofing, or freezeproofing. That said:

• Leica T’s CNC-machined aluminum body gives an impression of durability and feels more rugged.
• Ricoh GXR’s plastic and metal composite design feels less tough but still solid for everyday shooting.

If you shoot primarily in fair weather or indoors, both bodies suffice. For adventure or travel photographers needing rugged reliability, the Leica is a bit more reassuring despite lacking weather resistance.

Battery Life and Storage: The Real-World Workhorse Factor

The Leica T Typ 701’s BP-DC13 battery promises around 400 shots per charge, topping the Ricoh GXR's DB-90 battery with an estimated 330 shots. These numbers are fairly average for mirrorless cameras of their eras but mean extra batteries for any serious day-long shoot.

Both use single SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but Ricoh offers optional internal memory, a nice if minor bonus for emergencies.

Connectivity and Extras: Modern Conveniences

Leica T includes built-in wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi) enabling image transfer and remote control through compatible devices. Ricoh GXR has no wireless features, though it includes an HDMI port for direct connection to monitors.

Neither camera offers USB 3.0 or microphone/headphone jacks, limiting their appeal for serious video shooters.

Video Capabilities: Basic but Serviceable

Both cameras trail behind modern video standards:

• Leica T can shoot Full HD 1080p at 30 fps and HD 720p at 30 fps using MPEG-4.
• Ricoh GXR maxes out at 720p at 24 fps using Motion JPEG codec.

No 4K options, no slow motion, and no in-body stabilization means these cameras suit casual video shooters only.

Real-World Performance by Photography Genres

Let’s break down how these two cameras fare across a variety of popular photography disciplines.

Leica T Type 701 front Leica T Type 701 screen back Ricoh GXR Mount A12 front Ricoh GXR Mount A12 screen back

Scores at a Glance: Performance, Value, and User Ratings

Let’s glance at overall assessments:

And a more nuanced analysis tailored by photography type:

Pros and Cons Summary: Quick Reality Check

Leica T Typ 701

Pros:

• Superior 16MP APS-C sensor with excellent image quality
• Responsive touchscreen interface and face detection AF
• Elegant, sturdy aluminum body and refined ergonomics
• Growing Leica L mount lens ecosystem
• Wi-Fi connectivity for easy sharing

Cons:

• No in-body image stabilization
• No internal EVF (optional add-on)
• Not weather sealed
• Mid-range continuous shooting speed (5 FPS)
• Pricey compared to other mirrorless cameras

Ricoh GXR Mount A12

Pros:

• Compact, modular design for sensor+lens swaps
• Decent image quality for 12MP APS-C sensor
• Built-in flash with long range
• Affordable price point for entry-level shooters
• USB and HDMI ports for connectivity

Cons:

• Fixed sensor+lens modules expensive and limit flexibility
• No touchscreen or face detection AF
• Limited high ISO performance and dynamic range
• No Wi-Fi or wireless features
• Slow continuous shooting (3 FPS)
• Clunkier ergonomics, smaller screen with lower resolution

Who Should Buy Leica T Typ 701?

If you are a photography enthusiast or semi-professional who values image quality, strong build, and a versatile lens ecosystem, and you don’t mind investing a bit more for smoother handling and superior performance, the Leica T stands out. Portrait, landscape, and travel shooters who want excellent RAW files and responsive autofocus will appreciate it.

Its sole downsides are missing weather sealing and a higher price tag, but many Leica fans consider these acceptable trade-offs for the overall experience.

Who Should Consider Ricoh GXR Mount A12?

The Ricoh GXR is interesting for the budget-conscious hobbyist or experimental photographer who wants a compact camera with a unique modular concept and decent basic APS-C image quality. If you’re not chasing fast AF or 4K, and want something more affordable for casual shooting or street photography, the GXR might fit your needs.

However, its fixed sensor+lens module approach means future upgrades get pricey and less flexible than interchangeable lens systems. Also, if low-light shooting or video is critical for you, look elsewhere.

Final Verdict: Which Rangefinder-Style Mirrorless Camera Wins?

Having spent extensive hands-on time with both cameras and tested them across genres, I must say the Leica T Typ 701 is the better-rounded and more satisfying tool for the serious shooter who values image quality, handling, and system expandability.

The Ricoh GXR Mount A12 is a curious, somewhat niche option useful in certain contexts but falls behind on autofocus, burst speed, and lens flexibility.

When balancing price versus performance, the Leica’s extra cost buys noticeable improvements - more than I’d say is justified if you factor in usable features for demanding photography.

If you’re a cheapskate or curious gear tinkerer on a small budget, Ricoh offers a taste of APS-C mirrorless for less money, but be prepared to compromise wherever your ambitions grow.

Closing Thought

No camera is perfect, but understanding how features, handling, and performance align with your personal photography goals is key. Do you need Leica’s refined craftsmanship and better sensor? Or does Ricoh’s quirky modular system appeal despite its limitations? Use this comparison to pick the tool that won’t hold you back or frustrate you down the road.

Happy shooting!