Here’s why I’m a fan of this black-and-white camera.
I have a deep appreciation for black-and-white photography, and I’m a huge fan of compact cameras that are always ready to go. That’s why I’m completely enamored with the Ricoh GR IV Monochrome, a fixed-lens camera that doesn’t zoom or capture color at all. It’s a setup that might leave most people scratching their heads, asking, “Why?”
After spending over a month testing the GR IV Monochrome, taking it everywhere and snapping photos of everything, I’m excited to share why this pricey little point-and-shoot is likely to become one of my all-time favorite cameras.
Ricoh GR cameras have always been the epitome of simplicity, dating back to their film days. In the digital age, they’ve evolved into pocket-sized point-and-shoots featuring a large APS-C sensor paired with a fixed focal length lens. If you’re familiar with Fujifilm’s X100 series, think of the GR as a stripped-down version—no viewfinder and no fancy aperture ring. While the X100 and other sought-after street cameras like Leicas serve as stylish accessories, the Ricoh GR is all about functionality, designed for serious shooters. It features a standard mode dial with customizable user presets instead of an old-school shutter speed dial.
The GR IV Monochrome takes the previous GR IV model, removes the color filter from the sensor, and swaps out the built-in ND filter for a red filter, allowing for one-click contrast adjustments using optics alone. This sensor modification boosts the ISO range to an impressive 160 to 409,600, enhancing low-light performance (since color noise can be more distracting than pure luminance grain). It retains the GR IV’s upgrades, including improved autofocus for its 28mm-equivalent f/2.8 lens, a 26-megapixel APS-C sensor, and 53GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSD card slot.
Using the GR IV Monochrome feels just like the standard GR IV, with features that excel in spontaneous street photography. It powers on and is ready to shoot in under a second, and you can quickly full-press the shutter to bypass autofocus and capture a shot at a preset focus distance. This feature, known as Snap Focus, allows for easy shooting from the hip with zone focusing—a staple for street photographers. The GR is all about spontaneity. Its autofocus system includes face and eye detection, but it’s more of a helpful assistant. The primary method of use is single-point focusing, easily adjusted via the touchscreen. While some hardcore photographers may miss an electronic viewfinder, I’ve accepted its absence for the sake of portability.
The real magic happens when you’re forced to see the world in black and white through the camera’s LCD. Any digital camera can switch to black-and-white mode, but the lack of choice compels you to focus more on light and tonality. I find myself paying closer attention to compositions, textures, and tones that might go unnoticed in color. Knowing the camera can’t capture color pushes me to adapt my vision and creativity, embracing the limitations. While a more disciplined shooter might not need this, my experience with the GR IV Monochrome, along with other black-and-white cameras and film, has shown me the beauty of working within constraints.
This same philosophy drives many back to analog photography or the use of quirky cameras, but the GR IV Monochrome also allows for shooting at impressively high ISOs in nearly any lighting condition. The f/2.8 maximum aperture isn’t as fast as the f/1.7 and f/2 lenses found in the Leica Q and Fujifilm X100, but it performs well enough that noise is hardly noticeable until ISO 25,600, and even a six-digit ISO is usable (even before any denoising in post-processing).
What truly sets the GR IV apart from its Leica and Fujifilm counterparts is its pocketability. I’ve often taken my Leica Q2 out without a camera bag, ready for spontaneous photo adventures. However, it’s even easier to slip a Ricoh GR into a purse, diaper bag, or even a jacket or pants pocket. This transforms any outing or errand into a chance to unleash your creativity. These are the kinds of moments typically reserved for your phone, but with the GR IV Monochrome, I feel inspired to create something special and meaningful.
Am I capturing art worthy of a gallery? Not necessarily. But viewing my world through such a high-quality black-and-white lens is captivating. In a time when generative AI makes much of our reality feel artificial, the authenticity of black-and-white imagery stands out. It’s refreshing to appreciate the genuine, especially when so much around us feels questionable.
While cameras that can’t shoot color aren’t a new concept—Leica has been producing its Monochrom variants for nearly 14 years—their price tags often soar into the thousands, making them inaccessible for most enthusiasts. At $2,199.95, the GR IV Monochrome is still an investment, but it’s much more attainable without being your sole possession. Plus, it feels less pretentious when your “artsy” camera doesn’t cost more than a used car.
What makes the GR IV Monochrome truly special is its role as an everyday companion. With this little gem in your pocket, boasting impressive image quality and light-gathering capabilities, it feels like a green light to capture authentic moments wherever you go. The standard GR IV is the logical choice for vibrant captures, but the GR IV Monochrome brings a touch of romance, gritty realism, and a bit of magic to the experience.
