Ricoh releases $2999 GR IV Monochrome

Ricoh has announced the GR IV Monochrome, a spin-off of its popular compact digital camera designed specifically for monochrome photography.

Essentially a variation of the GR IV platform, the GR IV Monochrome features a newly developed monochrome-dedicated APS-C–size CMOS image sensor with approximately 25.74 effective megapixels.

By removing the colour filter array and associated interpolation process, Ricoh says the sensor records luminance information at each pixel, producing monochrome images with increased sharpness and expanded tonal gradation.

The camera includes a built-in red filter that can be switched on or off via a single control. The filter allows photographers to alter tonal relationships in black-and-white images, such as darkening blue skies or increasing contrast between subjects and their surroundings.

Ricoh has also introduced monochrome-specific Image Control modes, including “Solid,” which applies a harder tonal curve for a cleaner look, and “Grainy,” which emphasises film-like grain while retaining highlight and shadow detail.

Marking the 30th anniversary of the GR series, which began with the GR1 film camera in 1996, the GR IV Monochrome continues the line’s focus on image quality, responsiveness and portability. Ricoh said the new model expands creative options within the GR lineup, following the recent announcement of the GR IV HDF.

The new camera features a matte black magnesium-alloy body, with matching controls and subtle design changes intended to reflect its monochrome focus.

It is equipped with both mechanical and electronic shutters, with the electronic shutter supporting speeds of up to 1/16000 second. Ricoh noted that this electronic shutter function will also be added to the standard GR IV via a future firmware update.

The GR IV Monochrome is available locally from $2,999, and will be released in February. You can find out more on Ricoh's website.