Is this really a GRD IV?

[rob1]

Hello all

I see a GRD IV advertised however looking at the lens barrel, I don't think its a IV. Attached is a photo of the ad. When I look at IV on Ricoh site, I see the letters 'VC' on the lens barrel, however those letters are missing in the photo accompanying the ad.

I've asked the seller for a photo of the bottom plate and still waiting for a reply

Simple question - if 'VC' isn't on the lens barrel, does that 100% mean its not a IV?

 

[thelps]

Hi Rob, and welcome to the forum.
You are correct to be wary here. That is NOT a GRD IV in the picture. The GRD IV has the active AF window which is elongated.
Have a look here at the GRD IV product on Ricoh's site - http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/products/gr-digital4/style.html

I think the pic you have here is of a GRD III as it has the AF assist window of a GRD III and the lens is 6.0mm f1.9 that is on the GRD III
For a better view of the GRD III click here - http://www.ricoh.com/r_dc/gr/gr_digital3/ and have a look at the exterior view link (slow to load)

Just as an extra note The GRD I and GRD II have a 5.9mm f2.4 lens.

 

[rob1]

Many thanks Tim.

I came very close to pulling the trigger on this deal. Armed with your information, I also noticed a IV advertised on eBay which, based on the photos anyway, wasn't a IV.

Thanks again