The Ricoh GR series has always been the sharpest, smallest, most expensive (and my favorite) point-and-shoot camera line, but with the GR IV Monochrome, the company put a dedicated monochrome sensor into its tiny body. And that changes everything~ you start to see contrast and light far more, and you can’t rely on “pretty colors”.
It’s limiting!
Which is the opposite of what most tech aims to do these days. And I love it! But I won’t be spending $2,200 on it… 'cause like who the hell has that much $$$ to drop on something that is just for fun? (if you do, hell yeah no shade, please enjoy the hell outta this camera a little extra 4me ❤️)Monochrome
The camera pics do look great, but definitely too pricey for me. I did love Becca’s discussion on using limitations to spur creativity.
Bought my Ricoh GR 1 years ago used for $300. This camera is perfect. Their hype is warranted imo. Especially on this version, something about the older less perfect look really works with its insanely sharp lens shot wide open. The newer models to me don’t even look as good as this 13 year old GR.
Another reason I love the GR series is it doesn’t look like a serious camera. So when you point it at people, they smile instead of being shy in front of a full frame pro looking camera, if that makes sense.
But man. I could easily sell it in its relic’d state with high shutter count today for $1000.
Like most hobbies, covid made photography too expensive.
Yesterday I sold my XE3, broken (doesn’t interface with autofocus lenses anymore). Buyer wanted to buy it to use it for use with vintage manual lenses. An excellent choice of camera body for this. But I sold it for the same price I bought it 6 years ago. Insanity.
Thanks for sharing your experience with a Ricoh (and your picture too)! I’ve been playing with the idea of getting a dedicated point and shoot camera, but the prices sometimes are intimidating for someone that doesn’t know anything about Lightroom/Darktable.
Most of the shots I take with the GR look great right out of camera, no editing required, so I wouldn’t let that deter you