GR III five months after release: Issues, robustness for jogging?

KrAnd · Aug 23, 2019

Now that the GR III has been out for about five months, I wonder if Ricoh has ironed out any of initial issues and how the product has matured?

I know that a firmware update improved autofocusing somewhat. But initially there were reports of wobbly buttons, overheating, loose tolerances, rattling, rings falling off, dust, connectivity issues, etc. Have there been improvements as production has come up to speed, and are current cameras generally of an acceptable quality?

Furthermore, I am concerned about the robustness for taking the camera out for a brisk walk or even jogging. I know the IBIS system may intentionally be designed to be loose internally and exhibit some rattling. But has this been found to be any problem and a cause for handling the camera in any more delicate way than others?

breth · Aug 23, 2019

My experience with Ricoh, unfortunately, is that it is better to be safe than sorry. My "rugged" PX conked out after 4 years, and my present GR (the first of the three models) has dust and stains on the sensor, plus the lens is getting stuck and not retracting. This, too, after only 4 years, and having properly taken care.

I know that others have had zero problems.

Problems notwithstanding, I have thoroughly enjoyed both cameras. But if/when I get a new camera, I will probably be looking at similar cameras from other companies, if only because of these irritating engineering failures.

PX R.I.P.

GR, still alive but not kicking

telemach · Aug 23, 2019

KrAnd said:
were reports of wobbly buttons, overheating, loose tolerances, rattling, rings falling off, dust, connectivity issues, etc.

overheating is one of the most annoying issues because it turns off the camera or prevents you from turning on and it's not like you have to stress the camera, just leave it on

Ribbit74 · Aug 24, 2019

My only issue is that Ricoh still hasn’t figured out how to get Bluetooth working with iPhone. One of the main selling points for me was automatic geotagging of photos and so far that feature is nonfunctional.

Gary Martin · Aug 24, 2019

If you decide to get one, take the adapter ring off and put it in a drawer somewhere, because it will fall off at some point. I have both the GR2 and GR3, and both rings were lost. Otherwise, they have both been solid companions for hiking and biking. No sensor dust yet, even on my 4-year old GR2. As with everything, Your Mileage May Vary.

Serpentbaretta · Feb 26, 2020

Mine working fine with Bt and geotagging. Thanks.

Andrewteee · Feb 27, 2020

Perhaps I’ve been lucky, but I bought an early GR3 and I’ve had zero issues. I’ve done all of the things you listed - walk, hike, trail run (I thought I was the only person in the world crazy enough to run with a camera!) - and never an issue.

It is small and I don’t necessarily think of it as “robust” but I use it without stressing about it. If it gets used up I’ll buy another one.

maltmoose · Feb 27, 2020

Andrewteee said:
Perhaps I’ve been lucky, but I bought an early GR3 and I’ve had zero issues. I’ve done all of the things you listed - walk, hike, trail run (I thought I was the only person in the world crazy enough to run with a camera!) - and never an issue.

It is small and I don’t necessarily think of it as “robust” but I use it without stressing about it. If it gets used up I’ll buy another one.

ditto

morepix · Feb 27, 2020

You will be no more robust for jogging by using a GR III. You could jog equally well using a Nikon D6, a Fuji Instax, or maybe even an iPhone.

LarryJJJ · Feb 28, 2020

Bought mine in March. I have gone hiking, raced my bike, gone on countless gravel rides and never had any issues with the camera. It really is amazing.

sprouty115 · Feb 28, 2020

morepix said:
You will be no more robust for jogging by using a GR III. You could jog equally well using a Nikon D6, a Fuji Instax, or maybe even an iPhone.

Sabud · Mar 1, 2020

I don´t have the GRIII but a GR1 since 2013. It is a delicate camera and I use a Ricoh half case. No problems so far. Get a case for your GRIII and don´t worry

mcshan · Mar 7, 2020

What is Bt ?

breth · Mar 7, 2020

mcshan said:
What is Bt ?

Bluetooth

mcshan · Mar 7, 2020

Thank you much.

rtg33 · Mar 8, 2020

I carry mine in a satchel that I take with me everywhere, every day. It's been half a year and no problems to date. I don't routinely jog with it, but I am pretty rough when it's in my bag.

Still loving it, still learning it, and no issues other than firmware related ones, that will eventually get fixed, I hope.

Jogging with it is just asking for more wear and tear, but I don't care much about that since I got a good insurance plan for 4 years. In 4yrs I'll get a new camera. Peace of mind was worth the extra note.

JohnnyTanker · Jun 27, 2020

I bought mine in May of this year and the overheating issue was such a non-starter that I returned it to the store and am seriously debating whether to get another one. And I really, really want to love this camera. How many of you have overheating issues? Was mine a one off?

sprouty115 · Jun 27, 2020

JohnnyTanker said:
I bought mine in May of this year and the overheating issue was such a non-starter that I returned it to the store and am seriously debating whether to get another one. And I really, really want to love this camera. How many of you have overheating issues? Was mine a one off?

No issues with heat on my camera. I've never notice even get warm.

mcshan · Jun 29, 2020

Hi Sprouty! Haven't seen you out here in awhile.

If my GR III had heat issues I would have noticed. Not noted.

Artizan · Oct 22, 2020

Seem like this camera needs extra protection if you live in high humidity like me (Malta). After 7 months of using my GRIII is dead. Service told me that it is because of moisture inside. And this is not a warranty case. So now I have expensive pice of brick ((

GR III five months after release: Issues, robustness for jogging?

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