Ricoh GR IV Monochrome

Optics That Truly Shine in Monochrome
F2.8 GR Lens
The camera features the 18.3mm (28mm in 35mm equivalent focal length) F2.8 GR lens. While inheriting the established design philosophy and incorporating successive advances in optical technology, the lens employs a 5-group 7-element construction, with a large, aspherical high-precision molded glass lens added as the final lens. To fully realize the performance of this lens, the imaging system has been optimized specifically for the monochrome-dedicated GR. The monochrome-dedicated image sensor is not equipped with a color filter and performs no interpolation processing, enabling the GR lens’s outstanding optical performance to be captured in its entirety. The result is exceptional resolution extending to the edges of the frame, rich gradation, and low distortion. The true potential of the GR lens is fully revealed in monochrome.

Faithful Light Capture
Monochrome-Dedicated CMOS Image Sensor
To pursue the highest level of monochrome expression, a dedicated image sensor was developed. It does not use a color filter to acquire color information; instead, each pixel captures the brightness information of the subject and directly translates it into a monochrome image. This allows the sensor to receive more light information than a conventional color image sensor, resulting in sharper images with enhanced detail and improved sensitivity.

Dedicated Monochrome Image Processing
GR ENGINE 7
To maximize the performance of the monochrome-dedicated image sensor, a new image-processing engine was developed. It performs none of the interpolation processing that is indispensable in color image sensors, allowing it to make full use of the brightness information captured by each pixel. This delivers high-definition and nuanced detail as well as rich tonal depth, achieving the imaging power demanded of a GR designed exclusively for monochrome photography.

Expressive High-ISO Imaging
Maximum ISO 409600
With no color filter, the monochrome-dedicated sensor achieves higher sensitivity, expanding the usable ISO sensitivity range to ISO 160 to 409600. Even at high sensitivities, image detail remains abundant. Even at sensitivities where noise becomes noticeable in color models, this sensor renders a fine, grain-like texture at the pixel level. This allows shooting with a sense similar to the grainy appearance produced when black-and-white film is push-processed. In monochrome photography, high-ISO image quality can be used proactively as an expressive element.

*When using ISO AUTO, the sensitivity range is ISO 160 to 25600.

High Resolution Made Possible by Monochrome
5-axis, 6-stop Image Stabilization
The camera is equipped with a 5-axis image stabilization mechanism that corrects angular shake, rotational shake, and even shift shake by driving the image sensor. With a high correction performance equivalent to 6.0* stops in shutter speed, it expands the limits of snap shooting. In the monochrome-dedicated imaging system, which makes use of brightness information captured by all pixels, this image stabilization is also highly effective. By compensating for the impact of camera shake, it produces high-resolution, high-definition monochrome images.

※Up to 6.0 stops at the center, and up to 4.0 stops on the periphery. CIPA 2024 standard compliant. Yaw/Pitch/Roll correction performance.

An Intuitive Gateway to Monochrome
User Interface
The Fn button is assigned to switching the red filter on and off. The down button of the direct keys is assigned to Image Control which unlocks a wide range of monochrome renderings. Functions you will want to use most in monochrome shooting are placed where they can be accessed most directly and comfortably.

New Looks Developed for Monochrome
Image Control
New Image Control options have been developed to bring out the unique appeal of monochrome photography. “Solid” uses a hard tonal curve to express a crisp, clean look and renders edges with refined clarity. “Grainy” is an Image Control with striking, pronounced grain. While the grain is clearly visible even on smart devices, highlights are not blown out completely and shadows are not crushed to solid black, creating a rendering reminiscent of silver-halide prints.

Contrast Control
Built-in Red Filter
In monochrome photography, the use of color filters is a well-established technique for altering the impression of an image. Among them, red filters can produce images with strong visual impact—for example, by darkening the tones of a blue sky to enhance contrast with clouds, or by rendering red subjects brighter to make them stand out more clearly. Instead of an ND filter, the GR IV Monochrome incorporates a red filter within the lens unit, enabling expanded image expression through the use of color even in monochrome photography. The filter ON/OFF function is assigned to the Fn button, allowing it to be switched intuitively without interrupting the shooting rhythm. In addition, a warm color is used for the AF fill light when the red filter is turned on.

Expanded Freedom in Exposure
Electronic Shutter up to 1/16000 s
Thanks to the built-in electronic shutter, a maximum shutter speed of 1/16000 second is available. This allows you to use the maximum aperture F2.8 even in bright conditions without an ND filter, and it also opens up new expressive possibilities such as shooting at high ISO sensitivities in daylight to emphasize grain.

By setting the electronic shutter to “Use Only at High Speeds,” the camera will automatically switch to the electronic shutter only when shutter speeds exceed the mechanical shutter’s maximum of 1/4000 second.

*The GR IV Monochrome does not incorporate an ND filter.