GRD V - discussion, what may it bring?

[Blow-in]

I've been thinking about this from the perspective of trends and marketting. Seems to me that the GRD to GRD 2 and GRD 3 to GRD4 changes were more incremental than earth shattering but the change from GRD2 to GRD3 was really quite significant.....could this mean that the GRD4 - GRD5 change will also have some 'wow' factor?

I imagine that Ricoh have a team that's tried to identify the 'GRD' core values. The GRD series is a bit of a cult/niche product and I guess for a GRD5 to be a success it will have to appeal to the cult to be bought mainly by 'them' (or is that 'us'?).

For me the core value of the GRD series is the physical size/image quality package. There are smaller cameras and much bigger cameras too but the GRD has this reputation for being compact and good. So I expect the GRD5 to be of a similar size to the other GRDs and this will limit options.

The other stand-out features of the GRDs are, I suggest, an exceptional fixed focal length fast lens and the whole user interface from the weight, grip, menus, buttons, LCD and the ability to change nearly every parameter - this is not a point & shoot camera.

So here are some thoughts about the GRDV

1 - a new lens....if only from a marketting point of view to avoid reviews saying that they have retained the old lens for the 3rd time. Could be 28 mm but faster but perhaps 35 or 40mm and still F1.9??

2 - perhaps an optional EVF or hybrid OVF/EVF maybe with some smart technology for remote, off the camera use

3 - a very radical removable sensor....could this be done? The user could then choose their sensor including a B&W one without all those filters. I know it must be technically impossible.......

4 - lugs for Don's favourite strap (but only on his camera - and yes he can have a blue one too)

Richard

 

[streetshooter]

Richard, your are too kind sir.
If you go thru the forums, (shhhhh not just here)...
make a list of wants/needs...it appears to me that the GXR is a better choice for Ricoh for most things on the list.

Filter out the wants and keep the needs, we now have a reasonable, real strap lug blue GRD5.

 

[Wouter]

I think Ricoh's reasoning is their domestic and Southeast Asian market presences. The rest is maybe at most 5% of their sales. And there customers love small and cute cameras, "kawaii". Less is more, instead of our Western preferences. This however greatly influences our expectations and desires.

Funny but I'm so used to think it's vice versa. For me the difference on asian and european approach in camera design is the difference of modern DSLR from any major manufacturer on market and leica m. We have to understand that for the best part of 20th century the camera design has moved to east and the end product of this process is what canonicon is offering today. Or Sony. Sony NEX mirrorles series is maybe the best example about the camera that has so many features stuffed into one tiny body that this camera makes almost everything. For me this is an essence of asian approach to camera design. From my point of view Sony NEX cameras are such an overkill but as I understand they are driven by the real need that asian market has for these extra functions. More is always more. If you want to sell it that is. Ricoh is a rebel in that process and thats very good but they are very exceptional. I guess no major camera manufacturer from asia is ready to take risks of bringing something like GXR line or GRD line into the market.

I did not expresse myself quite right with "less is more". I did mean that they prefer small, cute, though very feature rich cameras. There is less emphasize on image quality, unlike in the West. And even Ricoh participates in this rat race to add more features to it's cameras. Just look at the development of their firmware between the GRD1 and the current GRD4 with all the new scene modes and the adjustable parameters. The classic GR1 just brought aperture priority and p-mode to the camera. Now you have shutter priority and manual mode.

Regarding risks. Yes, Ricoh is very much prepared to take these. I though at some point their GX200 was more successful in Japan than the Panasonic LX2, but gave up that position to introduce the GXR line. Maybe Ricoh should take the risk to add removable strap lugs for customers like Don. Preferably removable since I think the current lugs are good enough for me

 

[Wouter]

How about another thought. Some manufactures are using light or no AA filter. Perhaps the GRD will perform well without one? How about that for a change rather than some $$ costing feature for the GRD 5. Many Sans AA filter cameras (eg:Nikon D800) are working just fine without them, it could improve the IQ?

That might be a really interesting option Tim. And add a feature to the firmware to apply truly NO noise reduction on jpegs too.

 

[streetshooter]

Wouter. I know your in a time zone of sorts.
I will add some frustration to you and win you to my quest.
I will send you a custom braided pure leather Luigi strap.
You will adore it because it supports the camera any way you use it.
Shoulder, neck, wrist. It will not intrude on your vision just like the GRD or GXR.

It will do 1 thing immediately! It will make you wish for strap lugs that can use the strap.

 

[Wouter]

LOL! :lol: That is a good one Don. I still use the GR1 wrist strap. It is my friend, my talisman. In fact, it is still so good that Ricoh should refit the GRD with that one (a feature request).

 

[Snapclick]

Hello! I've been photographing for 5 (five) decades and I must say that Mr. Wouter Brandsma's photographs are truly wonderful. They are what I can relate to in-depth and, after leaving the film-world, I have been looking for an instrument to "re-capture" my love of B&W photography. It would appear that the Ricoh GR IV has all that I need in order to do what I previously called photojournalism--now, it would seem--street photography. As an advanced ameteur photographer, I still enjoy the creative process and want to re-claim the interaction between man & machine that I learned in the analog area. Seeing the terrific, and sometimes gritty shots from Mr. Wouter is motivating, to say the least. So, thanks once again. Be well. Jeff

 

[Blow-in]

Hello! I've been photographing for 5 (five) decades and I must say that Mr. Wouter Brandsma's photographs are truly wonderful. They are what I can relate to in-depth and, after leaving the film-world, I have been looking for an instrument to "re-capture" my love of B&W photography. It would appear that the Ricoh GR IV has all that I need in order to do what I previously called photojournalism--now, it would seem--street photography. As an advanced ameteur photographer, I still enjoy the creative process and want to re-claim the interaction between man & machine that I learned in the analog area. Seeing the terrific, and sometimes gritty shots from Mr. Wouter is motivating, to say the least. So, thanks once again. Be well. Jeff

Welcome to the forum. I too was (and still am) inspired by Wouter Brandsma's photographs which realise the potential of the small format digital camera. While Wouter does not promote one brand over another, his blog drew my attention to Ricoh and I'm now a very happy GRD user....I think the GRD4 is an excellent small camera and mine is in my pocket (or my hand) everyday.

Richard

 

[Snapclick]

As far as uninspired goes. I have no definition for that word in my work. After 50 years, it's never been a word I understood.

You will find your way out of the woods......

I have always been fueled and burned down by doubt. And lack of inspiration or creativity have always been greatest fear. It will come my way though, I guess.

Hello sir: doubt & fear stops one "dead in their tracks". To overcome these barriers, one just needs to love ones' self. Truly, that's it. Period. Your inspiration and creativity are always within and ready for "exposure". There's not trick or magic to doing this: just be positive about yourself and remain in the moment. It's already underway.... Jeff

 

[streetshooter]

Hello! I've been photographing for 5 (five) decades and I must say that Mr. Wouter Brandsma's photographs are truly wonderful. They are what I can relate to in-depth and, after leaving the film-world, I have been looking for an instrument to "re-capture" my love of B&W photography. It would appear that the Ricoh GR IV has all that I need in order to do what I previously called photojournalism--now, it would seem--street photography. As an advanced ameteur photographer, I still enjoy the creative process and want to re-claim the interaction between man & machine that I learned in the analog area. Seeing the terrific, and sometimes gritty shots from Mr. Wouter is motivating, to say the least. So, thanks once again. Be well. Jeff

Jeff,
shhhhhhhhhhh.... I won't tell if you don't tell.....Word on the street is...... if you've been a photographer for 50 years.... your a lifer, no longer qualified to be an "Advanced Amature".

 

[meditate]

well said jeff. being in the moment and shooting more besides than doing a main thing out of this, with lotsa plans, wishes, technical toughts and stuff is i think important...

 

[Wouter]

Hello! I've been photographing for 5 (five) decades and I must say that Mr. Wouter Brandsma's photographs are truly wonderful. They are what I can relate to in-depth and, after leaving the film-world, I have been looking for an instrument to "re-capture" my love of B&W photography. It would appear that the Ricoh GR IV has all that I need in order to do what I previously called photojournalism--now, it would seem--street photography. As an advanced ameteur photographer, I still enjoy the creative process and want to re-claim the interaction between man & machine that I learned in the analog area. Seeing the terrific, and sometimes gritty shots from Mr. Wouter is motivating, to say the least. So, thanks once again. Be well. Jeff

Welcome to the forum. I too was (and still am) inspired by Wouter Brandsma's photographs which realise the potential of the small format digital camera. While Wouter does not promote one brand over another, his blog drew my attention to Ricoh and I'm now a very happy GRD user....I think the GRD4 is an excellent small camera and mine is in my pocket (or my hand) everyday.

Richard

Thank you very much Jeff and Richard. I describe the GRD as an instant sketch camera. And as a former drawer I really like that character, but then I also prefer sort of sketchy B&W photographs.

 

[Wouter]

As far as uninspired goes. I have no definition for that word in my work. After 50 years, it's never been a word I understood.

You will find your way out of the woods......

I have always been fueled and burned down by doubt. And lack of inspiration or creativity have always been greatest fear. It will come my way though, I guess.

Hello sir: doubt & fear stops one "dead in their tracks". To overcome these barriers, one just needs to love ones' self. Truly, that's it. Period. Your inspiration and creativity are always within and ready for "exposure". There's not trick or magic to doing this: just be positive about yourself and remain in the moment. It's already underway.... Jeff

Even though it sounds so simple and so true, Jeff, it is my personal battle. Always doubting whether it comes easy, yet realizing too that doubt very often fuels my inspiration too.

 

[Snapclick]

Even though it sounds so simple and so true, Jeff, it is my personal battle. Always doubting whether it comes easy, yet realizing too that doubt very often fuels my inspiration too.[/quote]

The challenge is the journey: and when I give myself time and reflection, inspiration will spontaneously appear. I've found that if I just leave that "thing" (challenge) in place and wait it out the answers appear--usually when I'm not thinking about that issue. Our brains are great at chugging-away at a "problem" and eventually sorting it all out; just in a time frame that, to me, differs from my conscious tic-toc.

Thanks for conversing. I continue to be amazed at the photographs that I see on this Ricoh forum and how they differ from the others I've viewed on, lets say, the Fuji site. (I'm interested in the X-E1 as a photographer's tool.) BUT, the colors, the tones, the grittiness, the "flavoring" just keep me coming back to the GRD.

Be Well.

 

[t3hh]

Re: GRD A (aperture)

The user interface of GRD has been one of the best in industry so you will probably hate me for this. I'ts the first part of the design concept for a aperture priority GRD V. It's influenced by the design of GR film cameras and also the by fact that many of GRD users are shooting mostly either on full manual or aperture priority mode. For me the scenes dial is unnecessary so I replaced it with the aperture dial like used in analog GR models. I could have add the "A" mode (ala Leica X) but I didn't because I hate it. So its a personal statement.

To set the time for exposure you have to use the dial on back of the camera. You can choose it longer or shorter or just push it for auto value. If camera is switched on it will set an auto value from the first reading so you are ready to shoot right away. ISO values are accessed trough the front dial and will be remembered.

Edit: for Auto ISO session you can switch the functionality of front and back dials. And erase the memory of ISO dial after every switch-off.
Edit: added a dedicated button for video recordings.
Edit: added magnetic lens converter (fisheye?)

 

[streetshooter]

Marek,
Explain why this is better for me. I use M mode only with Auto ISO.
Soooooo your turn...
Thanks....don

 

[t3hh]

Marek,
Explain why this is better for me. I use M mode only with Auto ISO.

I guess your'e right, many people need Auto ISO also. Ok lets make so that you can choose it in menu: either ISO dial remembers its state (and you have to change it manually every time) or it does not remember its state and is set to Auto ISO after camera is switched on. Or Auto High if this has been set in menu. And you have to use the switch to manually overrun the Auto setting.

If you need Auto ISO more then Auto Exposure you can switch the functions of dials on front and back of the camera. In that case you call the Auto ISO (or Auto High) if you push the back dial.

 

[t3hh]

Re: GRD A (aperture) magnetic lens converters

Another modification would be attachable magnetic lens converters that would attach directly on the front of the lens holder. I don't like the existing adapter because it's bulky and destroys the camera sleek form factor. I have been fascinated by the 3rd party lens adapters that smart people have developed for iphone. You have many options if you try to be creative here and I think using magnet pins is usable and delicate for the rather fragile lens holding system at the same time. You could easily make 21mm and 40 mm adapter. Maybe also fisheye. I'm not sure about 80mm or 100mm as they will probably too heavy for this.

Why bother? I think the converter system is one great idea that has never quite worked. But it has a good potential to wider the functionality and by this the usability of this camera. I could refer to popularity of iphone lens converters. The bulkiness is the biggest problem here and small magnetically attachable lens adapters could be the solution here.

 

[streetshooter]

Marek,
Explain why this is better for me. I use M mode only with Auto ISO.

I guess your'e right, many people need Auto ISO also. Ok lets make so that you can choose it in menu: either ISO dial remembers its state (and you have to change it manually every time) or it does not remember its state and is set to Auto ISO after camera is switched on. Or Auto High if this has been set in menu. And you have to use the switch to manually overrun the Auto setting.

If you need Auto ISO more then Auto Exposure you can switch the functions of dials on front and back of the camera. In that case you call the Auto ISO (or Auto High) if you push the back dial.

So, if the Sigma DP series now has the Merrill edition, does this mean the GRD now will have the Marek edition? I ask because your willing to adjust the production design for individuals.
I love that feature. I use M mode and Auto ISO only, always.

So, my next request is to put real strap lugs on the camera...... awaiting your reply.....

 

[t3hh]

So, if the Sigma DP series now has the Merrill edition, does this mean the GRD now will have the Marek edition? I ask because your willing to adjust the production design for individuals.
I love that feature. I use M mode and Auto ISO only, always.

So, my next request is to put real strap lugs on the camera...... awaiting your reply.....

Thank you for the kind words sir! I would like to call this design concept GRD A.
A for aperture priority.
For the lugs... I'm afraid that you need way more skilled person to do that. As I understand they have to be made precisely "right way"