Reviews
SUMMARY
The Ricoh GR IV Monochrome camera utilizes a dedicated black and white sensor, removing the color filter array for superior detail, shadow clarity, and high ISO performance compared to converted color files. Its APS-C compact design with a 28mm equivalent f/2.8 lens offers direct luminance reading, enabling tonality akin to black and white film and even responding to color filtration. While its $2,200 price is a premium, the camera excels in handling, offers substantial built-in storage, and produces straight-out-of-camera JPEGs that rival 14-bit DNG files, with prints on cotton rag paper closely resembling traditional silver halide prints.
TAKEAWAYS
Dedicated monochrome sensor offers sharper detail and cleaner shadows than converted color files.
Prints from the GR IV Monochrome rival traditional film on cotton rag paper.
The camera features a compact APS-C design with a 28mm equivalent f/2.8 lens and a built-in physical red filter.
A $2,200 premium price point makes it a niche product for those fully committed to black and white photography.