Ricoh Says "The Next GR Will Come..."

Andrewteee said:

John Gellings said:

MrHollywood said:

Enjoy your GR and GR II.

There will not be a GR III for a long time, if ever.

I don't see any way to interpret the comments as anything remotely positive in the direction of an updated model.

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I still can´t fathom that people read into this as Ricoh saying there isn´t going to be a new GR type camera in the future. They did not say... ¨There will never be a new GR¨

Click to expand...

Because we are way beyond the normal refresh timeline and the Ricoh representative said it may not even be called the GR III. Sure, it may be the next next GR line - GRD then GR then ???. But what would that even mean?

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Andrewteee said:

I'll believe it when I see it. Till then, I'll just take pictures and not fret over it. There are so many other cameras out there to choose from, that if the GR form factor ends its run, so be it. Nothing is permanent.

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MrHollywood said:

That's fine. You can use all of the old cameras you want. I'm a working professional, not a hobbyist. If Ricoh was committed to the evolution and maintenance of the GR line, they'd have released an update or news of an update so not to bleed market share. It's business 101, but you just can't accept it for some reason.

Click to expand...

Tungsten Nordstein said:

I think all the discussion about the end of the GR based on this interview is a bit far-fetched and overly negative.

I was surprised he did not spend more time talking about it though.

Click to expand...

Tungsten Nordstein said:

But then it just struck me that Ricoh were due to give a talk about the GR at CP+ and no-one has mentioned it, at all. What was said by Ricoh at that talk?

Click to expand...

John Gellings said:

Tungsten Nordstein said:

I think all the discussion about the end of the GR based on this interview is a bit far-fetched and overly negative.

I was surprised he did not spend more time talking about it though.

Click to expand...

I think people are just hurt by the fact that Ricoh hasn't updated this camera on a similar schedule to years past. My good friend's favorite camera is the GR and he is the most negative. It's never coming!!! He always says this... it's like his dream woman broke up with him.

John Gellings said:

But then it just struck me that Ricoh were due to give a talk about the GR at CP+ and no-one has mentioned it, at all. What was said by Ricoh at that talk?

Click to expand...

Interesting... was anyone there?

Click to expand...

Tungsten Nordstein said:

I think all the discussion about the end of the GR based on this interview is a bit far-fetched and overly negative.

I was surprised he did not spend more time talking about it though. But then it just struck me that Ricoh were due to give a talk about the GR at CP+ and no-one has mentioned it, at all. What was said by Ricoh at that talk?

Click to expand...

John Gellings said:

MrHollywood said:

That's fine. You can use all of the old cameras you want. I'm a working professional, not a hobbyist. If Ricoh was committed to the evolution and maintenance of the GR line, they'd have released an update or news of an update so not to bleed market share. It's business 101, but you just can't accept it for some reason.

Click to expand...

I highly doubt Ricoh relies on professionals to sustain the GR. And market share? What could they possibly have market share wise? I would imagine the GR is more like a pet project for them than a serious cash cow.

That said, we are talking about 2.5 years since the last update. This is fairly typical for certain companies like Leica and even some higher end Nikon DSLRs.

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MrHollywood said:

Tungsten Nordstein said:

I think all the discussion about the end of the GR based on this interview is a bit far-fetched and overly negative.

I was surprised he did not spend more time talking about it though. But then it just struck me that Ricoh were due to give a talk about the GR at CP+ and no-one has mentioned it, at all. What was said by Ricoh at that talk?

--
'I don't take photographs, I delete them.'
Tungsten Nordstein, 1999

Click to expand...

There's always a chance that the guy misspoke or lied or doesn't know. Maybe a GR III with a Nikon D500 level sensor will come out in a few weeks. It'll have the same optics, but improved battery life and a built in TC that will switch between 28mm and 45mm. Plus it will still accept the wide converter lens that I already own. And it will be weather/dust resistant.

Yeah...I'd buy one of those. A GRIII that can shoot clean to ISO 3200 and still be okay at 6400...I'd order it tomorrow.

I just don't think it's coming and every day that goes by makes it less and less likely. The good news is that there are a ton of amazing cameras out there and more on the way.

Rob

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MrHollywood said:

John Gellings said:

Tungsten Nordstein said:

I think all the discussion about the end of the GR based on this interview is a bit far-fetched and overly negative.

I was surprised he did not spend more time talking about it though.

Click to expand...

I think people are just hurt by the fact that Ricoh hasn't updated this camera on a similar schedule to years past. My good friend's favorite camera is the GR and he is the most negative. It's never coming!!! He always says this... it's like his dream woman broke up with him.

MrHollywood said:

But then it just struck me that Ricoh were due to give a talk about the GR at CP+ and no-one has mentioned it, at all. What was said by Ricoh at that talk?

Click to expand...

Interesting... was anyone there?

Click to expand...

The reason why there's no new GR is the market. Companies don't throw money away. Everyone backed away from the segment because phones are getting better & better.

Click to expand...

MrHollywood said:

It's a rapidly shrinking market and Ricoh isn't looking to spend huge sums of cash to pursue a "pet project."

Click to expand...

MrHollywood said:

And while Nikon might have even longer gaps between models, there are many "accidental" slips of info to keep their base waiting and excited. If a Nikon exec. said "a replacement for the D5 is coming someday and it might not even be a D type camera" all hell would break lose.

Click to expand...

MrHollywood said:

And that's what the Ricoh guy said, even saying that it may be called something different. The only reason to drop the GR name would be because it's likely a design that has very different goals.

Click to expand...

MrHollywood said:

Look, I know a lot of you really want some sort of good news, but this wasn't the most encouraging story for fans of the GR. Trying to skew the language or suggest that maybe he had language troubles is pretty funny...and a little sad.

Click to expand...

MrHollywood said:

As to the GR fan who's asking "why I'm here", it's probably because I own a GR II. I'm shooting with it today. Is pretending that a new GR is coming out "someday" required for membership here?

Click to expand...

MrHollywood said:

Tungsten Nordstein said:

I think all the discussion about the end of the GR based on this interview is a bit far-fetched and overly negative.

I was surprised he did not spend more time talking about it though. But then it just struck me that Ricoh were due to give a talk about the GR at CP+ and no-one has mentioned it, at all. What was said by Ricoh at that talk?

--
'I don't take photographs, I delete them.'
Tungsten Nordstein, 1999

Click to expand...

There's always a chance that the guy misspoke or lied or doesn't know. Maybe a GR III with a Nikon D500 level sensor will come out in a few weeks. It'll have the same optics, but improved battery life and a built in TC that will switch between 28mm and 45mm. Plus it will still accept the wide converter lens that I already own. And it will be weather/dust resistant.

Yeah...I'd buy one of those. A GRIII that can shoot clean to ISO 3200 and still be okay at 6400...I'd order it tomorrow.

Click to expand...

MrHollywood said:

I just don't think it's coming and every day that goes by makes it less and less likely. The good news is that there are a ton of amazing cameras out there and more on the way.

Rob

Click to expand...

MrHollywood said:

thelps said:

MrHollywood said:

thelps said:

John Gellings said:

MrHollywood said:

Enjoy your GR and GR II.

There will not be a GR III for a long time, if ever.

I don't see any way to interpret the comments as anything remotely positive in the direction of an updated model.

Click to expand...

I still can´t fathom that people read into this as Ricoh saying there isn´t going to be a new GR type camera in the future. They did not say... ¨There will never be a new GR¨

Click to expand...

Thankfully someone with some sense. Thank you John.

Mr Takashi said its coming. Its pathetic Fail logic from others wanting to read some other nonsense into the statement, it can't be read any other way. Obviously some are offended that they are wrong about it never coming.

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He says it's coming "someday." That's far off. You want a clue? The current GR II is about done. If the GR III (or whatever it's to be called) was anywhere NEAR the horizon, he'd drop a hint. Why? Because Ricoh would want you to WAIT and not get invested in a Fuji or Panasonic system.

The optics of his comments are pretty clear. They're doing a "study" for the development. That means there's NO CAMERA. They don't know what it is, which is why they're studying the market to see what they could possibly sell.

Trust me, the GRIII is FAR FAR away. Ricoh has nothing for you or he'd be laying down hints to preserve market share. If it was anywhere close to being real, he'd say something like "I think we'll have something really exciting coming to market for GR fans." That's how these guys hold onto share in between market for niche products.

I know you folks are desperate for a new GR, but don't hold your breath.

This will hold me for now...

Rob

Click to expand...

You are being disingenuous, you have taken the word study out on its own and hence out of context.

The line is --

"the study for the development of the next GR is already ongoing"

this means, MEANS its already being developed, anything else is an attempt at manipulation of the statement and that fails logic. Added to its no doubt a loose translation. The meaning remains. Occam's razor stands.

Click to expand...

LOL! Uh, no. Pay attention in English class next time. ;-)

"The STUDY FOR the development" clearly states that development has not begun as they are STUDYING for it. First comes the STUDY, then they proceed with development.

As someone with family working in the camera industry, allow me to explain it to you. Prior to designing a camera, studies are conducted for product viability, execution and marketing. That's what "study for development" means in the industry. It's a common term and it has a meaning.

I know you WANT it to mean they're screwing prototypes together, but that's obviously not the case. Nor does it mean they even chose a sensor or VF technology. It's a VERY early stage, which is why he's being so vague and says "someday."

I'm sorry, but none of this sounds promising in the least. Nikon has MANY studies for development and only a fraction actually come to market. There's very little encouraging news for GR owners.

MrHollywood said:

No, I don't trust you. Reason is, your failed logic. Added to, your definition of far away (I assume in time) likely is not mine. There are users even here still using a Ricoh R4, old cameras still take photos.

Click to expand...

That's fine. You can use all of the old cameras you want. I'm a working professional, not a hobbyist. If Ricoh was committed to the evolution and maintenance of the GR line, they'd have released an update or news of an update so not to bleed market share. It's business 101, but you just can't accept it for some reason.

MrHollywood said:

Me, I don't care when it comes, I'm not desperate for anything, you need to stop trying to manipulate peoples thinking.

Click to expand...

LOL, you sound pretty desperate! And now I'm manipulating peoples thinking??? Seriously? I don't think anyone here got excited when they read those comments. Obviously there's nothing new coming anytime soon. That's why the fellow said "someday" rather than "soon." See how that works?

My apologies to anyone who had their fragile thoughts warped by my ability to comprehend a sentence. ;-)

Rob

Click to expand...

MrHollywood said:

John Gellings said:

Tungsten Nordstein said:

I think all the discussion about the end of the GR based on this interview is a bit far-fetched and overly negative.

I was surprised he did not spend more time talking about it though.

Click to expand...

I think people are just hurt by the fact that Ricoh hasn't updated this camera on a similar schedule to years past. My good friend's favorite camera is the GR and he is the most negative. It's never coming!!! He always says this... it's like his dream woman broke up with him.

MrHollywood said:

But then it just struck me that Ricoh were due to give a talk about the GR at CP+ and no-one has mentioned it, at all. What was said by Ricoh at that talk?

Click to expand...

Interesting... was anyone there?

Click to expand...

The reason why there's no new GR is the market. Companies don't throw money away. Everyone backed away from the segment because phones are getting better & better.

It's a rapidly shrinking market and Ricoh isn't looking to spend huge sums of cash to pursue a "pet project."

And while Nikon might have even longer gaps between models, there are many "accidental" slips of info to keep their base waiting and excited. If a Nikon exec. said "a replacement for the D5 is coming someday and it might not even be a D type camera" all hell would break lose.

And that's what the Ricoh guy said, even saying that it may be called something different. The only reason to drop the GR name would be because it's likely a design that has very different goals.

Look, I know a lot of you really want some sort of good news, but this wasn't the most encouraging story for fans of the GR. Trying to skew the language or suggest that maybe he had language troubles is pretty funny...and a little sad.

As to the GR fan who's asking "why I'm here", it's probably because I own a GR II. I'm shooting with it today. Is pretending that a new GR is coming out "someday" required for membership here?

Rob

Click to expand...

Olifaunt said:

MrHollywood said:

thelps said:

MrHollywood said:

thelps said:

John Gellings said:

MrHollywood said:

Enjoy your GR and GR II.

There will not be a GR III for a long time, if ever.

I don't see any way to interpret the comments as anything remotely positive in the direction of an updated model.

Click to expand...

I still can´t fathom that people read into this as Ricoh saying there isn´t going to be a new GR type camera in the future. They did not say... ¨There will never be a new GR¨

Click to expand...

Thankfully someone with some sense. Thank you John.

Mr Takashi said its coming. Its pathetic Fail logic from others wanting to read some other nonsense into the statement, it can't be read any other way. Obviously some are offended that they are wrong about it never coming.

Click to expand...

He says it's coming "someday." That's far off. You want a clue? The current GR II is about done. If the GR III (or whatever it's to be called) was anywhere NEAR the horizon, he'd drop a hint. Why? Because Ricoh would want you to WAIT and not get invested in a Fuji or Panasonic system.

The optics of his comments are pretty clear. They're doing a "study" for the development. That means there's NO CAMERA. They don't know what it is, which is why they're studying the market to see what they could possibly sell.

Trust me, the GRIII is FAR FAR away. Ricoh has nothing for you or he'd be laying down hints to preserve market share. If it was anywhere close to being real, he'd say something like "I think we'll have something really exciting coming to market for GR fans." That's how these guys hold onto share in between market for niche products.

I know you folks are desperate for a new GR, but don't hold your breath.

This will hold me for now...

Rob

Click to expand...

You are being disingenuous, you have taken the word study out on its own and hence out of context.

The line is --

"the study for the development of the next GR is already ongoing"

this means, MEANS its already being developed, anything else is an attempt at manipulation of the statement and that fails logic. Added to its no doubt a loose translation. The meaning remains. Occam's razor stands.

Click to expand...

LOL! Uh, no. Pay attention in English class next time. ;-)

"The STUDY FOR the development" clearly states that development has not begun as they are STUDYING for it. First comes the STUDY, then they proceed with development.

As someone with family working in the camera industry, allow me to explain it to you. Prior to designing a camera, studies are conducted for product viability, execution and marketing. That's what "study for development" means in the industry. It's a common term and it has a meaning.

I know you WANT it to mean they're screwing prototypes together, but that's obviously not the case. Nor does it mean they even chose a sensor or VF technology. It's a VERY early stage, which is why he's being so vague and says "someday."

I'm sorry, but none of this sounds promising in the least. Nikon has MANY studies for development and only a fraction actually come to market. There's very little encouraging news for GR owners.

Olifaunt said:

No, I don't trust you. Reason is, your failed logic. Added to, your definition of far away (I assume in time) likely is not mine. There are users even here still using a Ricoh R4, old cameras still take photos.

Click to expand...

That's fine. You can use all of the old cameras you want. I'm a working professional, not a hobbyist. If Ricoh was committed to the evolution and maintenance of the GR line, they'd have released an update or news of an update so not to bleed market share. It's business 101, but you just can't accept it for some reason.

Olifaunt said:

Me, I don't care when it comes, I'm not desperate for anything, you need to stop trying to manipulate peoples thinking.

Click to expand...

LOL, you sound pretty desperate! And now I'm manipulating peoples thinking??? Seriously? I don't think anyone here got excited when they read those comments. Obviously there's nothing new coming anytime soon. That's why the fellow said "someday" rather than "soon." See how that works?

My apologies to anyone who had their fragile thoughts warped by my ability to comprehend a sentence. ;-)

Rob

Click to expand...

Having worked for US corporations, I agree with your pessimistic interpretation of the language used. In a US tech company, when a manager used this language when talking about a product, us tech guys would be depressed and update and send out our resumés. But it would be interesting to know what is being said in the equivalent interviews (if there are) in Japanese.

I think some of the optimism expressed here hinges on an assumption that the guy doesn't quite know how to express himself clearly in English, or on the vague assumption that business works differently in Japan. But I think it is unlikely that he doesn't mean exactly what he is saying, namely, that development hasn't even started.

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Olifaunt said:

I don't think these consumers are necessarily wedded to film, just that digital compacts aren't quite caught up to, say, the Contax T3 was two decades ago.

Click to expand...

Olifaunt said:

But arguably you can still do more with a Contax T3 than a current Ricoh sensor, so an update is necessary.

Click to expand...

Olifaunt said:

MrHollywood said:

John Gellings said:

Tungsten Nordstein said:

I think all the discussion about the end of the GR based on this interview is a bit far-fetched and overly negative.

I was surprised he did not spend more time talking about it though.

Click to expand...

I think people are just hurt by the fact that Ricoh hasn't updated this camera on a similar schedule to years past. My good friend's favorite camera is the GR and he is the most negative. It's never coming!!! He always says this... it's like his dream woman broke up with him.

Olifaunt said:

But then it just struck me that Ricoh were due to give a talk about the GR at CP+ and no-one has mentioned it, at all. What was said by Ricoh at that talk?

Click to expand...

Interesting... was anyone there?

Click to expand...

The reason why there's no new GR is the market. Companies don't throw money away. Everyone backed away from the segment because phones are getting better & better.

It's a rapidly shrinking market and Ricoh isn't looking to spend huge sums of cash to pursue a "pet project."

And while Nikon might have even longer gaps between models, there are many "accidental" slips of info to keep their base waiting and excited. If a Nikon exec. said "a replacement for the D5 is coming someday and it might not even be a D type camera" all hell would break lose.

And that's what the Ricoh guy said, even saying that it may be called something different. The only reason to drop the GR name would be because it's likely a design that has very different goals.

Look, I know a lot of you really want some sort of good news, but this wasn't the most encouraging story for fans of the GR. Trying to skew the language or suggest that maybe he had language troubles is pretty funny...and a little sad.

As to the GR fan who's asking "why I'm here", it's probably because I own a GR II. I'm shooting with it today. Is pretending that a new GR is coming out "someday" required for membership here?

Rob

Click to expand...

Phones yes, but there seems to be a very fast-growing film compact market among millenials, the hipster effect - as anyone who has recently tried to buy a used quality analog compact camera on ebay can confirm they are inflating to astronomical prices. I don't think these consumers are necessarily wedded to film, just that digital compacts aren't quite caught up to, say, the Contax T3 was two decades ago. I think Fuji is actively competing for that user base with their x100 series, attention to pleasing jpeg styles, etc. (and succeeding based on a couple of millenial artists I know).

Ricoh, from what I can see, can grow in this segment but hasn't been marketing themselves to that segment here. For all I know they are doing it in Asia, though. But arguably you can still do more with a Contax T3 than a current Ricoh sensor, so an update is necessary.

Click to expand...

John Gellings said:

MrHollywood said:

John Gellings said:

Tungsten Nordstein said:

I think all the discussion about the end of the GR based on this interview is a bit far-fetched and overly negative.

I was surprised he did not spend more time talking about it though.

Click to expand...

I think people are just hurt by the fact that Ricoh hasn't updated this camera on a similar schedule to years past. My good friend's favorite camera is the GR and he is the most negative. It's never coming!!! He always says this... it's like his dream woman broke up with him.

John Gellings said:

But then it just struck me that Ricoh were due to give a talk about the GR at CP+ and no-one has mentioned it, at all. What was said by Ricoh at that talk?

Click to expand...

Interesting... was anyone there?

Click to expand...

The reason why there's no new GR is the market. Companies don't throw money away. Everyone backed away from the segment because phones are getting better & better.

Click to expand...

Who is everyone? Just Nikon (which has its own issues)... Ricoh is still in the segment...and will be again (despite you thinking that they will not be). Also Fuji just recently stated it is working on the X70 replacement. Out of 3, 2 will be in the market. Phones do not replace APSC compacts... they don´t even replace 1" sensor compacts. That segment has many cameras.

Click to expand...

John Gellings said:

John Gellings said:

It's a rapidly shrinking market and Ricoh isn't looking to spend huge sums of cash to pursue a "pet project."

Click to expand...

It´s synonymous with their brand... and a cult camera... but do you really think Ricoh thinks it will be a HUGE seller? They´ve never treated it as such.

Click to expand...

John Gellings said:

John Gellings said:

And while Nikon might have even longer gaps between models, there are many "accidental" slips of info to keep their base waiting and excited. If a Nikon exec. said "a replacement for the D5 is coming someday and it might not even be a D type camera" all hell would break lose.

Click to expand...

Why? It would be an accurate statement... the D6 is coming someday. A name change means nothing... a lens mount change means more.

Click to expand...

John Gellings said:

John Gellings said:

And that's what the Ricoh guy said, even saying that it may be called something different. The only reason to drop the GR name would be because it's likely a design that has very different goals.

Click to expand...

Could be...

John Gellings said:

Look, I know a lot of you really want some sort of good news, but this wasn't the most encouraging story for fans of the GR. Trying to skew the language or suggest that maybe he had language troubles is pretty funny...and a little sad.

Click to expand...

You skew your way, we skew it our way...

Click to expand...

John Gellings said:

John Gellings said:

As to the GR fan who's asking "why I'm here", it's probably because I own a GR II. I'm shooting with it today. Is pretending that a new GR is coming out "someday" required for membership here?

Click to expand...

No, but most of us want to see something new and when the company says something is coming... we don´t think the opposite.

Click to expand...

MrHollywood said:

Olifaunt said:

MrHollywood said:

John Gellings said:

Tungsten Nordstein said:

I think all the discussion about the end of the GR based on this interview is a bit far-fetched and overly negative.

I was surprised he did not spend more time talking about it though.

Click to expand...

I think people are just hurt by the fact that Ricoh hasn't updated this camera on a similar schedule to years past. My good friend's favorite camera is the GR and he is the most negative. It's never coming!!! He always says this... it's like his dream woman broke up with him.

MrHollywood said:

But then it just struck me that Ricoh were due to give a talk about the GR at CP+ and no-one has mentioned it, at all. What was said by Ricoh at that talk?

Click to expand...

Interesting... was anyone there?

Click to expand...

The reason why there's no new GR is the market. Companies don't throw money away. Everyone backed away from the segment because phones are getting better & better.

It's a rapidly shrinking market and Ricoh isn't looking to spend huge sums of cash to pursue a "pet project."

And while Nikon might have even longer gaps between models, there are many "accidental" slips of info to keep their base waiting and excited. If a Nikon exec. said "a replacement for the D5 is coming someday and it might not even be a D type camera" all hell would break lose.

And that's what the Ricoh guy said, even saying that it may be called something different. The only reason to drop the GR name would be because it's likely a design that has very different goals.

Look, I know a lot of you really want some sort of good news, but this wasn't the most encouraging story for fans of the GR. Trying to skew the language or suggest that maybe he had language troubles is pretty funny...and a little sad.

As to the GR fan who's asking "why I'm here", it's probably because I own a GR II. I'm shooting with it today. Is pretending that a new GR is coming out "someday" required for membership here?

Rob

Click to expand...

Phones yes, but there seems to be a very fast-growing film compact market among millenials, the hipster effect - as anyone who has recently tried to buy a used quality analog compact camera on ebay can confirm they are inflating to astronomical prices. I don't think these consumers are necessarily wedded to film, just that digital compacts aren't quite caught up to, say, the Contax T3 was two decades ago. I think Fuji is actively competing for that user base with their x100 series, attention to pleasing jpeg styles, etc. (and succeeding based on a couple of millenial artists I know).

Ricoh, from what I can see, can grow in this segment but hasn't been marketing themselves to that segment here. For all I know they are doing it in Asia, though. But arguably you can still do more with a Contax T3 than a current Ricoh sensor, so an update is necessary.

Click to expand...

Hipsters don't want a GR III. They want a retro looking model like the X100s with dials and a leather case. The GR is a hugely minimalist camera by appearance, not attractive for the average hipsters!

Rob

Click to expand...

MrHollywood said:

John Gellings said:

MrHollywood said:

John Gellings said:

Tungsten Nordstein said:

I think all the discussion about the end of the GR based on this interview is a bit far-fetched and overly negative.

I was surprised he did not spend more time talking about it though.

Click to expand...

I think people are just hurt by the fact that Ricoh hasn't updated this camera on a similar schedule to years past. My good friend's favorite camera is the GR and he is the most negative. It's never coming!!! He always says this... it's like his dream woman broke up with him.

MrHollywood said:

But then it just struck me that Ricoh were due to give a talk about the GR at CP+ and no-one has mentioned it, at all. What was said by Ricoh at that talk?

Click to expand...

Interesting... was anyone there?

Click to expand...

The reason why there's no new GR is the market. Companies don't throw money away. Everyone backed away from the segment because phones are getting better & better.

Click to expand...

Who is everyone? Just Nikon (which has its own issues)... Ricoh is still in the segment...and will be again (despite you thinking that they will not be). Also Fuji just recently stated it is working on the X70 replacement. Out of 3, 2 will be in the market. Phones do not replace APSC compacts... they don´t even replace 1" sensor compacts. That segment has many cameras.

Click to expand...

And again, the market is shrinking. Phones can't match the quality, but are getting better.

Click to expand...

MrHollywood said:

MrHollywood said:

MrHollywood said:

It's a rapidly shrinking market and Ricoh isn't looking to spend huge sums of cash to pursue a "pet project."

Click to expand...

It´s synonymous with their brand... and a cult camera... but do you really think Ricoh thinks it will be a HUGE seller? They´ve never treated it as such.

Click to expand...

They still need to make money.

Click to expand...

MrHollywood said:

MrHollywood said:

MrHollywood said:

And while Nikon might have even longer gaps between models, there are many "accidental" slips of info to keep their base waiting and excited. If a Nikon exec. said "a replacement for the D5 is coming someday and it might not even be a D type camera" all hell would break lose.

Click to expand...

Why? It would be an accurate statement... the D6 is coming someday. A name change means nothing... a lens mount change means more.

Click to expand...

Because a name change would worry people. It might indicate a move away from a DSLR type body. Pro's are mostly not interested in little camera form factors like the Sony A7rIII. So a name change means something to those invested in a system or form factor. If Ricoh releases a non GR...perhaps a Ricoh HH-1, which would be more like a X100, GR fans would not be happy. So when they say it may not be called a GR, we're likely looking at a very different product.

Click to expand...

MrHollywood said:

MrHollywood said:

MrHollywood said:

And that's what the Ricoh guy said, even saying that it may be called something different. The only reason to drop the GR name would be because it's likely a design that has very different goals.

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Could be...

MrHollywood said:

Look, I know a lot of you really want some sort of good news, but this wasn't the most encouraging story for fans of the GR. Trying to skew the language or suggest that maybe he had language troubles is pretty funny...and a little sad.

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You skew your way, we skew it our way...

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Sure. But in this case the glass is 95% empty and I see no reason to suggest it's half-full.

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MrHollywood said:

MrHollywood said:

MrHollywood said:

As to the GR fan who's asking "why I'm here", it's probably because I own a GR II. I'm shooting with it today. Is pretending that a new GR is coming out "someday" required for membership here?

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No, but most of us want to see something new and when the company says something is coming... we don´t think the opposite.

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LOL...I "want" to see something new. And maybe "someday" we'll see it.

Rob

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John Gellings said:

Olifaunt said:

I don't think these consumers are necessarily wedded to film, just that digital compacts aren't quite caught up to, say, the Contax T3 was two decades ago.

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In what way? Inaccurate optical VF and slow and at times inaccurate autofocus? I used the T2 and T3 for many years and while they were ok for the time, they are certainly not up to par with current digital compacts in any way other than they can use film. I think it really is wedded to film.

John Gellings said:

But arguably you can still do more with a Contax T3 than a current Ricoh sensor, so an update is necessary.

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Like what (beside use film)?

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Olifaunt said:

MrHollywood said:

Olifaunt said:

MrHollywood said:

John Gellings said:

Tungsten Nordstein said:

I think all the discussion about the end of the GR based on this interview is a bit far-fetched and overly negative.

I was surprised he did not spend more time talking about it though.

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I think people are just hurt by the fact that Ricoh hasn't updated this camera on a similar schedule to years past. My good friend's favorite camera is the GR and he is the most negative. It's never coming!!! He always says this... it's like his dream woman broke up with him.

Olifaunt said:

But then it just struck me that Ricoh were due to give a talk about the GR at CP+ and no-one has mentioned it, at all. What was said by Ricoh at that talk?

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Interesting... was anyone there?

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The reason why there's no new GR is the market. Companies don't throw money away. Everyone backed away from the segment because phones are getting better & better.

It's a rapidly shrinking market and Ricoh isn't looking to spend huge sums of cash to pursue a "pet project."

And while Nikon might have even longer gaps between models, there are many "accidental" slips of info to keep their base waiting and excited. If a Nikon exec. said "a replacement for the D5 is coming someday and it might not even be a D type camera" all hell would break lose.

And that's what the Ricoh guy said, even saying that it may be called something different. The only reason to drop the GR name would be because it's likely a design that has very different goals.

Look, I know a lot of you really want some sort of good news, but this wasn't the most encouraging story for fans of the GR. Trying to skew the language or suggest that maybe he had language troubles is pretty funny...and a little sad.

As to the GR fan who's asking "why I'm here", it's probably because I own a GR II. I'm shooting with it today. Is pretending that a new GR is coming out "someday" required for membership here?

Rob

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Phones yes, but there seems to be a very fast-growing film compact market among millenials, the hipster effect - as anyone who has recently tried to buy a used quality analog compact camera on ebay can confirm they are inflating to astronomical prices. I don't think these consumers are necessarily wedded to film, just that digital compacts aren't quite caught up to, say, the Contax T3 was two decades ago. I think Fuji is actively competing for that user base with their x100 series, attention to pleasing jpeg styles, etc. (and succeeding based on a couple of millenial artists I know).

Ricoh, from what I can see, can grow in this segment but hasn't been marketing themselves to that segment here. For all I know they are doing it in Asia, though. But arguably you can still do more with a Contax T3 than a current Ricoh sensor, so an update is necessary.

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Hipsters don't want a GR III. They want a retro looking model like the X100s with dials and a leather case. The GR is a hugely minimalist camera by appearance, not attractive for the average hipsters!

Rob

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I think Ebay begs to disagree, going by prices of the GR1 analog cameras, which looked similar to today's digital GR.

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