Old new GR IV monochrome user

[arde]

Not a user yet, but my monochrome is on its way

I am Armand from the Netherlands and I am a long time Ricoh user. From all GR models to the GXR and back. I have tried MANY other camera’s too, from Leica Q, Sony RX, Fujifilm X100, several Sigma’s and many more big mistakes.

But whatever camera I had, always with prime lenses and mostly only one. A 28mm works always for me although I love a 40mm too which started long ago with the marvel called Rollei 35.

I am a landscapes shooter, taking the time to compose and find the light. As was common in the days of analog.

But I noticed that my GRIIIx did not get much attention so I sold it.

Since the announcement of the GRIV monochrome I felt attracted to it. I like the lack of an escape route when you somewhat over expose. You have to pay attention, always. On the other side there is the ability to use insanely high ISO values and 1/16000 shutter speeds. This is new territory for me. It’s like going off road for the first time.

In the past I solely shot RAW but nowadays I prefer to keep the workflow as simple as possible.

Let’s wait and see!

 

[dirk]

Hi Armand,



I am eager to see yout first images made with the GRIV monochrome ! Currently I can not justify the monochrome. I am a happy user of the GR3 and 3x, but as soon as the GRIVx will be available, I have to think about it again. I like to simplify my photo life, so I can not switch to the newer generation as long as there are different batteries involved. This is whyt I love with my GR3 combo: Same batteries, same charger... thuis makes travelling a lot more convenient, especially if you carry even more caeras with you.

But monochrome is still another beast. I am very attracted to the idea, but I am not sure whether I would miss colour then... very difficult decision...

 

[arde]

Hi Dirk,

Thank you for your warm welcome. The Monochrome was a bit delayed so I had plenty of time to order all accessories I thought I would need. Extension tube, extra battery and the dual battery charger, filter(s), a leather ‘jacket’ and a beautiful pouch from Japan.

I was totally ready for the GR IV Monochrome to arrive.

Then the camera came. When I turned it on I noticed that the display was in a sort of frozen state. It showed the correct exposure compensation when I changed the settings, but the mode information kept showing ‘P’ , no matter what position the top dial was in. The top dial itself was almost stuck and I had to use both hands trying to rotate it. So one finger one pushing the button all the way in, and with the other hand I had to try multiple times before it would rotate. I told myself this was because the camera was still new and that the locking mechanism had to be ‘run in’.

The display behaviour went back to normal after a reset.

But when I turned on the power again (with 3 shots taken from the couch), I got a lens error with the lens stuck half way. After several delicate tries I gave up and went back to the dealer. Same fault there, so I waved goodbye to the camera.

The dealer had sold a handful of the Monochrome and this was not the first return due to issues.
I never had any issues with any of my dozen GR’s, but this event made me decide not to go for another one.

I could upload the first photo taken with the Monochrome, but it will not win any prize


So this is where the story ends…

 

[arde]

Looking for alternative for my DOA Monochrome ended -perhaps not surprisingly- in ordering another GR IV Monochrome.

Exited again!

 

[arde]

The new copy of the Monochrome has arrived. This one is 4 days later manufactured (late April 2026) than then the previous one. The mode dial works well, and most importantly: no lens error.