Ricoh’s $2,200 Monochrome Camera Launches in February
▼ Summary
– The Ricoh GR IV Monochrome, a dedicated black-and-white camera, is now available for preorder at a price of $2,199.95.
– It is based on the standard GR IV but carries a $700 premium and features a fixed 28mm-equivalent lens and a large APS-C sensor without a color filter.
– The camera’s lack of a color filter is designed to provide increased sharpness and a very high ISO range from 160 to 409,600.
– Key features include a built-in red filter that deepens contrast and acts as a two-stop ND filter, along with distinct aesthetic details like a blacked-out logo.
– While expensive for a Ricoh, it is positioned as a more affordable option compared to high-priced Leica Monochrom models, targeting dedicated black-and-white photography enthusiasts.
The Ricoh GR IV Monochrome now has a confirmed release date and price, arriving in mid-February for $2,199.95. This specialized camera, which captures only in black and white, represents a significant $700 premium over the standard color GR IV model. Pre-orders are already live through major retailers, moving up its initial projected spring launch window.
Built on the same platform as the popular GR IV, this model features a fixed 28mm-equivalent lens and a large APS-C sensor. The key differentiator is the removal of the color filter array. This design choice, shared with much more expensive Leica Monochrom cameras, allows the sensor to gather more light data per pixel. The result is a camera that promises enhanced sharpness and an extraordinary ISO range from 160 to 409,600.
Externally, the Monochrome version adopts a distinct aesthetic. It features a blacked-out GR logo, a matte finish, and a white LED power light instead of the standard green. While core specifications like the 26-megapixel resolution and the hybrid storage system (53GB internal plus a microSD slot) remain, Ricoh has added a unique built-in red filter. This filter serves a dual purpose: it increases contrast in scenes, mimicking a classic darkroom technique, and also functions as a two-stop neutral density filter for controlling exposure in bright light.
For enthusiasts dedicated to monochrome photography, this camera presents a compelling, more accessible option. While investing over two thousand dollars in a camera that cannot record color is a niche decision, the GR IV Monochrome’s price point is notably lower than its luxury counterparts. Compared to Leica’s Monochrom models, which can cost between $7,790 and over $10,000 without a lens, the Ricoh offers a relatively attainable entry into dedicated digital black-and-white imaging. Early reports from photographers who have tested the camera suggest its performance is living up to the high expectations set by its unique design.
(Source: The Verge)
