Ricoh GR IV Monochrome

Ricoh GR IV Monochrome

The RICOH GR IV Monochrome is equipped with a special image sensor for monochrome images. By eliminating the color filter used to capture color information and the interpolation process required to create color images, the camera can fully utilize the potential of the powerful GR lens to deliver refined reproduction and rich tonal gradations.

In addition, the built-in red filter enables even more pronounced monochrome photography, while newly developed image control options specifically for black and white photography allow for deep and varied imaging.

Dedicated monochrome design

In pursuit of the ultimate monochrome expression, the camera is equipped with an APS-C sized CMOS image sensor specifically designed for monochrome photography with approximately 25.74 million effective pixels and an ISO range of 160 to ISO 409600.

Unlike monochrome images created with a general color image sensor - where each pixel receives light through one of the color filters Red ®, Green (G) or Blue (B) and its information is interpolated to create a color image, and only then is the result converted to monochrome - each pixel of the monochrome sensor captures the brightness information of the subject.

Since it directly captures the light information entering through the lens without interpolation processing, it enables very 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.

Integrated red filter in the lens unit

A physical red filter, which is very popular in black and white photography, is integrated into the lens unit. It can be quickly switched on and off using the "Fn button". As it only allows red wavelengths of light to pass through, it enables dramatic reproduction - for example, by darkening the tones of a blue sky to enhance the contrast with white clouds, or by brightening red subjects to make them stand out more clearly.

The camera has special options for image control for monochrome shots - "Image Control", which enables various monochrome expression options.

For example, there is the "Solid" option, with a hard tone curve to achieve a crisp, clean look and render edges with refined clarity.

The Grainy option 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 grain that is clearly visible even on smart devices.

The various image control options can be quickly changed using a direct function on the four-way key.

Special housing design

To emphasize the original, essential world of black-and-white photography with a uniform color scheme and texture, the magnesium alloy housing, shutter button and ring cap are finished in matte black. The subtle sheen, the deep texture and the soft feel make the special nature of the GR immediately apparent. In addition, the GR logo on the front is in satin black, the gloss of which differs from that of the housing. The illumination of the power switch has also been changed to white.

In contrast to the basic model, the GR IV Monochrome is equipped with an electronic shutter in addition to the conventional mechanical shutter, which makes it possible to shoot at faster shutter speeds. The shutter speed can be increased up to 1/16,000 sec, which is an advantage for creative work that utilizes the high sensitivity of the monochrome sensor in bright light conditions, as well as for situations where you want to shoot with an open aperture even in very bright environments.
(The electronic shutter is available at aperture F2.8 in the range 1/3,200-1/16,000 sec, and at aperture F5.6-16 in the range 1/5,000-1/16,000 sec.)

*Note: This function will also be added to the GR IV via a firmware upgrade (to be released after the market launch of the RICOH GR IV Monochrome).