Ricoh has now launched the eagerly awaited Ricoh GR IV Monochrome camera. It is exciting in every respect apart from price, which, at $2,200 in the USA, is far higher than most expected. We covered the camera in detail in November last year, following Ricoh’s advance announcement of the expected configuration. The launch details confirm this previously available information.
The initial launch camera is based on the colour 28mm Ricoh GR IV, while 40mm and HDF versions will likely follow later in the year. The new model will sell for $2,200 in the USA and £1,700 in the UK, thus commanding a $700/£500 premium over the standard GR IV. This probably reflects the relatively niche positioning of the Monochrome and a calculation that enthusiasts will be willing to pay so much extra.
No colour interference
The defining feature of the GR IV Monochrome is its 25.74-megapixel APS-C monochrome-dedicated CMOS sensor that eliminates the colour filter array found on conventional sensors. Unlike standard cameras that convert colour images to black-and-white through interpolation, each pixel captures brightness information directly without colour filter interference. The camera features a newly developed GR Engine 7 image processor.
This fundamental difference is designed to provide sharper rendering with enhanced detail, and richer tonal gradation. It improves light-gathering capability compared to monochrome conversions from colour sensors. The AA filterless design further maximises resolution, allowing the high-performance GR lens — an 18.3mm f/2.8 (28mm full-frame equivalent) optic with seven elements in five groups — to realise its full optical potential in monochrome reproduction.
High sensitivity
Removing the colour filter array significantly boosts light sensitivity, extending the ISO range from 160 to a remarkable 409,600. This expanded sensitivity range enables photographers to employ grain as an element to create effects reminiscent of push-processed black-and-white film at high ISO settings.
The camera features hybrid autofocus combining image-plane phase detection and contrast detection, said to maintain fast, precise focusing even in low light and with the red filter (see below) engaged.
A five-axis sensor-shift image stabilisation system provides up to six stops of correction, essential for handheld shooting in challenging lighting conditions where monochrome photography often excels.
The GR is specifically designed for one-handed operation — it is certainly small and light enough for this — and the enhanced stabilisation is welcome.
Switchable red filter
Ricoh has integrated a switchable red filter within the lens unit, eliminating the need for external filters and enabling instant contrast manipulation. It does, however, replace the ND filter of the colour GR IV. When activated via the function button, the red filter darkens blue skies to enhance cloud separation and brightens red subjects for greater prominence— classic monochrome techniques now available at the touch of a button.
The camera introduces monochrome-specific Image Control modes including “Solid”, which applies hard tonal curves for crisp rendering with refined edge clarity, and “Grainy”, featuring pronounced grain reminiscent of silver-halide prints while preserving highlight and shadow detail. These presets provide sophisticated monochrome expression directly in-camera without post-processing.
High-speed electronic shutter
The electronic shutter extends maximum shutter speed to 1/16,000s, dramatically expanding exposure control in bright conditions. This capability allows shooting at maximum f/2.8 aperture in daylight without neutral density filters and enables deliberate high-ISO shooting to emphasise grain effects.
The camera records 14-bit RAW files in DNG format alongside JPEG, with in-camera RAW development allowing complete image refinement using the monochrome-specific Image Control options. Full HD video recording at up to 60p captures black-and-white motion, though recording is limited to 25 minutes per clip.
Discreet appearance
The all-black appearance of the Ricoh GR IV Monochrome reflects the camera’s capabilities, featuring matte-black magnesium-alloy body construction with subdued texture and a semi-gloss black front logo. Even the power button illumination has been changed to white to maintain the monochrome design language.
The camera retains the renowned portability of the GR Series at 262g with battery and card, measuring just 109.4 × 61.1 × 32.7mm. An exceptional 53GB of internal memory stores approximately 2,900 large JPEG files or 937 RAW images without a memory card. There is a microSD card slot for further storage.
The 3-inch touchscreen LCD features 1,037K dots with air-gapless tempered glass and outdoor view settings for visibility in bright conditions. Battery life is rated at approximately 250 shots per charge. In common with other models in the range, the rear screen is fixed.
Chris’s view
30th Anniversary
The launch of the Ricoh GR IV Monochrome marks the 30th anniversary of the GR series, which began with the film-based GR1 in 1996. It has always been a specialised product, appealing to serious professional and amateur photographers as a daily carry.
In the past ten years, however, the digital GR has become a cult camera which, despite its discreet appearance and pocket ability, is an extremely capable camera for experienced and new photographers alike.
Note that we have no images taken with the new camera. This article uses colour conversions from an earlier version of the Ricoh GR, so are not representative of the abilities of the GR IV Monochrome.
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