Ricoh GR IV Monochrome: Dedicated Sensor, Red Filter, Big Price

Ricoh has just announced the long-awaited GR IV, and it’s also introducing a special “Monochrome” version.

If you’re into street photography, you likely already crave a GR camera. These models have a dedicated following for good reason. They’re compact, quick, and produce stunning images. But this new Monochrome variant is a surprise. Ricoh is marketing it as the perfect camera for black-and-white enthusiasts, and honestly, the specifications seem promising.

A Sensor That Only Sees in Shades of Gray

The main highlight here is the sensor. Ricoh replaced the usual 25.7MP APS-C sensor with a unique version that doesn’t use a color filter array (CFA). For those who are into tech, this means the camera doesn’t try to determine colors using a Bayer filter and software to create black and white images. Instead, each pixel focuses solely on capturing light and brightness.

According to Ricoh, this leads to more detailed tones and a natural grain that resembles a traditional darkroom print rather than a digital image. I believe this feature could either impress you or leave you unimpressed. Since there’s no color mixing, the sharpness should be exceptionally high. You’ll be working with a raw, 14-bit DNG file that contains pure light information. It’s a daring choice that shows Ricoh is committed to attracting those passionate about high-contrast street photography.

Swap the ND for a Red Filter? Bold Move.

I came across an interesting detail. Normally, the GR series includes a built-in ND filter for shooting wide open in bright sunlight. However, the GR IV Monochrome has removed the ND filter and instead features a built-in Red Contrast Filter.

You can easily turn this on or off using a button on the back. If you’ve used B&W film, you know that a red filter can make blue skies appear almost black and enhance white clouds dramatically. It also helps to even out skin tones. It feels like Ricoh is aiming to provide that Film Look straight away, without the need for an external filter on such a small lens. It’s a smart addition, but I wonder if the absence of the ND filter might be a drawback when shooting at f/2.8 in bright sunlight.

The GR IV Speed Boost You’ve Been Waiting For

Whether you choose the Monochrome or the standard color version of the GR IV, you’ll be using the new GR ENGINE 7. Ricoh claims this latest processor improves low light performance by a full stop. Plus, the autofocus is reportedly much quicker.

The GR III is a great camera, but the autofocus can struggle in low light. Ricoh has made the 28mm f/2.8 lens lighter, which helps the autofocus motor work faster. They also mention that face and eye detection are more accurate now. You’ll notice the focus frame locking onto subjects on the upgraded 3.0″ touchscreen, which features an air gapless design to reduce reflections. If you’ve ever tried to take photos outside with a shiny screen, you understand how important this is.

For those who like to capture the perfect moment, the Full Press Snap function is still available. Just press the shutter button, and the camera bypasses autofocus to shoot at a pre-set distance. It’s the quickest way to take a shot, no doubt about it.

Stealth Wealth: The New Aesthetic

You have to admire their dedication here. Ricoh didn’t just upgrade the sensor. They revamped the entire design. The Ricoh GR IV Monochrome comes in a matte black finish that seems almost laser-proof. Even the shutter button and the ring cap are matte. Plus, the logo is a sleek semi-gloss black. And the usual green or blue power light has been replaced with a bright white one.

It has a stylish, stealthy look. If you want to stay unnoticed on a street corner, this camera is perfect. It’s slim, made of tough magnesium alloy, and feels more like a serious tool than just a gadget.

New Tricks: 1/16,000 Shutter and 5-Axis Stability

One of the exciting new features is the electronic shutter, which lets you take photos at an impressive speed of 1/16,000 of a second. This will help you manage without an ND filter on the Monochrome model, allowing you to keep your aperture at f/2.8 even in bright sunlight because the shutter is so fast.

Additionally, they have upgraded the Shake Reduction (SR) from 3-axis to 5-axis, claiming it now offers 6 stops of stabilization. For such a small camera, that’s remarkable. It means you can likely take half-second exposures at night and still capture sharp images of buildings.

If you’re not quite ready to upgrade, there’s good news. Ricoh plans a firmware update for the original GR IV (and the HDF), adding some of the electronic shutter features to the older model. It’s great to see them supporting early users.

Storage and Power: The Boring (but Important) Stuff

They’ve finally improved the battery life. The new DB-120 battery lasts for about 250 shots, up from 200. It won’t last all day, but it’s a nice improvement.

Furthermore, the internal memory is now a huge 53GB. You could forget your SD card and still shoot enough for an entire weekend. However, keep in mind that they’ve switched to microSD cards. This saves space, but you may need to buy new small cards if you’re used to the regular-sized ones.

Pricing and Availability

The Ricoh GR IV Monochrome will sell for $2,196.

To clarify, that’s about $700 more than the regular color version, which is a 46% increase just for removing color. You’re essentially paying a lot extra for a special sensor and a matte black finish.

The pre-orders start today, and Ricoh plans to ship them around mid-February. If you’re in Tokyo, Shanghai, Beijing, or Brisbane, you can check it out in person at a “GR Space” starting January 15.

Personally, I think this camera is going to be a “love it or hate it” release.

Definitely, the 46% price hike is too much. It’s a significant amount for a compact camera with a fixed lens. However, there’s really nothing else out there that offers what the GR does. If you enjoy capturing moments and only shoot in black and white, this could be the last camera you ever need. Ricoh seems to believe that their fans will invest in this quest for excellence. I’m eager to see actual photos taken with it, but I’ll remain cautious about whether that “richer tonal gradation” is really worth the extra $700.

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