Ricoh GR IV Monochrome: Compact camera with black-and-white sensor
Ricoh expands GR-IV series with a model featuring a monochrome sensor and integrated red filter. The compact camera exclusively captures black-and-white photos.
The Ricoh GR IV Monochrome is entirely black.
(Image: Ricoh)
With the GR IV Monochrome, Ricoh introduces the third model in the GR-IV series. The compact camera is aimed at photographers who focus on black and white photography. Unlike the GR IV and GR IV HDF, the APS-C sensor omits a color filter. This allows each pixel to directly capture the brightness information of the subject without interpolation of color information across multiple pixels. Ricoh promises sharp images with fine tonal gradations.
Monochrome sensor with high sensitivity
The back-illuminated CMOS sensor delivers a resolution of 25.7 megapixels. The ISO range extends from 160 to 409,600. This makes the maximum sensitivity twice as high as the base model GR IV, which reaches ISO 204,800. According to Ricoh, the high sensitivity is suitable for shots with a pronounced grain effect.
The lens offers a focal length of 18.3 millimeters (28 millimeters in 35mm equivalent) with an aperture of f/2.8. It consists of seven elements in five groups, including three aspherical lenses.
Red filter can be activated at the touch of a button
Ricoh has integrated a physical red filter into the lens unit. This can be switched on and off via the Fn button. The filter is intended to darken blue sky tones and enhance contrast with white clouds. Red areas of the subject, on the other hand, appear brighter.
(Image: Ricoh)
The red filter replaces the ND filter of the basic GR IV model or the HDF filter of the GR IV HDF. Additionally, the Monochrome variant features an electronic shutter with speeds up to 1/16,000 second. This allows for shooting with an open aperture even in bright light. Ricoh plans to integrate this function into the GR IV later via a firmware update.
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Image control for various black and white looks
The camera offers several preset modes for image control. The Solid mode produces hard contrasts and sharp edges. Grainy creates images with strong grain, reminiscent of analog silver halide prints. Photographers can adjust parameters such as contrast, sharpness, toning, and grain effect. Three custom memory slots are available for personal settings.
Housing in uniform black
Ricoh has finished the housing entirely in matte black to emphasize the camera's focus on black and white photography. This applies to the magnesium body, the shutter button, and the ring cap. The GR logo on the front displays a satin finish. The power button is now said to light up white instead of green.
Technical specifications of the GR IV
The other specifications match the base model. A 5-axis image stabilizer is said to compensate for camera shake by up to six stops. The hybrid autofocus combines contrast and phase detection. According to the manufacturer, the startup time is 0.6 seconds.
The 3-inch touchscreen display has 1,037,000 pixels. The internal storage of 53 gigabytes is said to accommodate approximately 937 RAW shots. The camera still records videos only in Full HD at up to 60 frames per second.
The 1,800 mAh battery is said to be sufficient for around 250 shots, according to Ricoh. The compact body, measuring 10.4 × 6.1 × 3.3 centimeters, fits into any jacket pocket and weighs only about 265 grams.
Three models for different preferences
With the Monochrome version, the GR-IV series now includes three cameras. The base version of the GR IV for color photography features an ND filter that darkens by two stops, simplifying either long exposures or shooting in very bright light conditions. Ricoh has integrated a Highlight Diffusion Filter into the GR IV HDF, which is intended to produce soft images with diffused highlights. The GR series will also celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2026; the first GR1 appeared in 1996 as an analog film camera.
The Ricoh GR IV Monochrome is scheduled to be available from February 2026 for 1,800 euros.
(cbr)
