Based on the GR IV, the Ricoh GR IV Monochrome follows the basic concept of the GR series. It is the essential values of a camera, including high image quality, fast response time and portability, that have now been further developed and equipped with a special image sensor for monochrome images. By eliminating the color filter to capture color information and the interpolation process required to create color images, the camera can fully utilize the power of the high-performance GR Lenses to deliver refined reproduction and rich tonal gradations. In addition, the built-in red filter allows for more pronounced monochrome photography, while newly developed image control options, specifically for black and white photography, enable new and varied image compositions.
Monochrome-specific design
In pursuit of the ultimate monochrome expression, the camera is now equipped with an APS-C sized CMOS image sensor specifically designed for monochrome photography, producing high-resolution images with approximately 25.74 million effective pixels. Unlike monochrome images created with a general color image sensor - where each pixel receives light through one of the color filters red (R), green (G) or blue (B), the information is interpolated to create a color image, and the result is then converted to monochrome - each pixel of the monochrome sensor captures the brightness information of the subject. Because it directly captures the light information coming through the Lenses without interpolation processing, it enables sharp monochrome reproduction with rich tonal gradations, and also makes it possible to create works that emphasize grain effects by taking advantage of the high sensitivity.
High speed, high precision focusing: phase detection in the image plane
Although it is a monochrome camera, it also supports phase detection in the image plane. This allows fast and precise focusing on the subject and enables responsive, agile photography. In addition, the monochrome sensor offers excellent performance in low light conditions, making it easier to focus even in dark scenes. AF shooting is possible even when the red filter is activated, so you can enjoy fast, responsive photography to the full.
Support for a wide range of monochrome expressions
The camera has special image control options for monochrome shooting, enabling a wide range of monochrome expression possibilities. "Solid" uses a hard tone curve to achieve a crisp, clean look and reproduce edges with refined clarity. "Grainy" is characterized by a strong grain effect, delivering a finish reminiscent of silver halide prints and printed products by preventing complete fading of highlights and flattening of shadows to deep blacks, while creating a graininess that is clearly visible even on smart devices.
Carefully crafted exterior design
To unleash the original, essential world of black and white photography through a uniform color scheme and texture, the magnesium alloy body, shutter release and ring cap are finished in matte black. The subtle sheen, deep texture and soft feel make the GR's special nature immediately apparent. In addition, the GR logo on the front is in satin black, the gloss of which differs from that of the Body. The illumination of the on/off switch has also been changed to white. The monochrome aesthetic is reflected throughout the design.
Electronic shutter enables high-speed shooting up to 1/16000 s
In addition to the conventional mechanical shutter, the camera is equipped with an electronic shutter that enables shooting at faster shutter speeds. The shutter speed can be increased up to 1/16000 s, which is suitable for creative work where the high sensitivity of the monochrome sensor is used in bright light conditions, as well as for situations where you want to shoot with an open aperture even in very bright environments.
Lenses that really shine in black and white photography the F2.8 GR Lens
The camera has an 18.3 mm (28 mm at a focal length of 35 mm) F2.8 GR Lens. It is based on the proven design philosophy and integrates the latest advances in optical technology. It consists of 5 groups and 7 elements, with a large, aspherical, high-precision molded glass lens added as the final element. To take full advantage of the performance of this Lenses, the imaging system has been specially optimized for monochrome GR.
Designed specifically for monochrome imaging, the image sensor is not equipped with a color filter and performs no interpolation processing, allowing the outstanding optical performance of the GR Lenses to be fully exploited. The result is exceptional resolution right to the edges of the image, rich gradations and low distortion. The true potential of the GR Lenses comes into its own in monochrome shots.
True-to-life light reproduction: monochrome-specific CMOS image sensor
A special image sensor has been developed to achieve maximum monochrome expressiveness. Instead of using a color filter to capture color information, each pixel captures the brightness information of the subject and converts it directly into a monochrome image. This allows the sensor to receive more light information than a conventional color image sensor, resulting in sharper images with improved detail and sensitivity.
Contrast control: integrated red filter
In black and white photography, the use of color filters is a proven technique for changing the impression of an image. Among them, red filters can create images with a strong visual impact - for example, by darkening the tones of a blue sky to enhance the contrast with the clouds, or by brightening red subjects to make them stand out more clearly. Instead of an ND filter, the GR IV Monochrome has a red filter in the lens unit, which also allows the use of color to enhance the expressive power of black and white photography. The filter on/off function is assigned to the Fn button so that it can be switched intuitively and without interrupting the shooting rhythm. In addition, when the red filter is switched on, a warm color is used for the AF fill light. Other filters (e.g. orange, yellow, green) can be used with the optionally available GA-3 lens adapter, which has a 49 mm screw-in thread.
Expand your expression possibilities: Wide-angle converter / Dedicated flash
The camera supports the wide-angle converter lens GW-4. When attached, it enables ultra-wide-angle shots equivalent to 21 mm (in 35 mm format). The camera also supports the GF-2 external flash, which, when attached, not only enables shots in low light conditions, but also various flash effects such as daylight synchronization with automatic brightness control. Thanks to its ultra-compact design, the camera remains mobile even when attached.
The GA-3 lens adapter is required to use the GW-4 wide-angle converter.
GR IV monochrome image sensor
With this new sensor, specially developed for monochrome photography, the brightness information captured by each pixel is applied directly to the images without interpolation processing. This enables nuanced detail, high resolution and exceptional tone reproduction for outstanding monochrome imaging.
Special monochrome image processing: GR ENGINE 7
A new image processing engine has been developed to maximize the performance of the image sensor specially designed for monochrome images. This does not perform interpolation processing, which is essential for color image sensors, so that the brightness information captured by each pixel can be fully exploited. This ensures high-resolution and nuanced detail and rich tonal depth, achieving the imaging performance expected from a GR designed exclusively for monochrome photography.
5-axis, 6-stop image stabilization
The camera is equipped with a 5-axis image stabilization mechanism that corrects camera shake by controlling the image sensor. With a high correction performance, which corresponds to an exposure safety of 6 f-stops, it extends the limits of snapshot photography. This image stabilization is also very effective in the image processing system specially developed for monochrome photography, which uses the brightness information captured by all pixels. By compensating for the effects of camera shake, it produces high-resolution, high-definition monochrome images.
