Popularity of GR DIGITAL IV

I’ve had 4 people reach out to me on my Instagram in the past two months who’ve bought the GR Digital IV (released in 2011), and another friend just last week asking me about how the IQ is (he knew I still shoot with mine a few times every year). Not sure if it’s become popular thanks to TikTok?

It still commands a good price with Japanese dealers on eBay (average price $400 or more) versus it’s list price when new ($599).

I was at our BMW dealer yesterday having my wife’s car serviced, and brought the camera with me to keep from getting bored. Took a few shots of folks in the waiting area and a few Lambo’s in the lot next door. While the files are only 5-6mp, they’re still more than adequate for making nice 8x10 prints and certainly sufficient for posting on social media.

I have quite a few posts with other sample images if you’re interested, although I suspect there’s more enthusiasm here discussing when Ricoh will release the new GR IV

not much GRD4's around here

all GR's older than the GR3 seem to sell between 400-600 euro

GRD1-4, GR and GRII.

I bought all CX types in those days and remember they all had their specific field in which they excelled.

CX1 and 2 had very sharp images

The CX3 excelled in high BxW, best i ever seen on any Ricoh,

CX6 was great at cross process, bleach bypass.

Same goes probably for the GR range, once you buy one, nerver ever sell it.

“once you buy one, never sell it.” Couldn’t agree more. Wish I’d kept that CX3. The BW was great as you said.

Whenever I use the GRD IV, I remember how nice the close-up mode is. Wonderful detail. And the Hi-Contrast BW is what many of my street photographer friends in Tokyo wish Ricoh would bring back.

Ned-B said:

“once you buy one, never sell it.” Couldn’t agree more. Wish I’d kept that CX3. The BW was great as you said.

Whenever I use the GRD IV, I remember how nice the close-up mode is. Wonderful detail. And the Hi-Contrast BW is what many of my street photographer friends in Tokyo wish Ricoh would bring back.

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Either of you have an example of the B&W?

sprouty115 said:

Ned-B said:

“once you buy one, never sell it.” Couldn’t agree more. Wish I’d kept that CX3. The BW was great as you said.

Whenever I use the GRD IV, I remember how nice the close-up mode is. Wonderful detail. And the Hi-Contrast BW is what many of my street photographer friends in Tokyo wish Ricoh would bring back.

Click to expand...

Either of you have an example of the B&W?

Click to expand...

I have plenty on IG, but can post a few here. Not sure which you were interested in, so I’ve included both Hi-Contrast BW and the standard GRD IV BW.











(Note: this last photo of my wife paying our bills is straight from the camera with no editing.)

Cheers, Ned

Thanks for sharing those. The 1st image really has some nice tones so I can see why you would enjoy it. It has the same vibe at the 1st series GR (just prior to the GRII).

It's also interesting how different the HC image is from the HC setting in the new GRIII. The new simulation is really hard. I actually really like the look, but it's not for everyone.

sprouty115 said:

Thanks for sharing those. The 1st image really has some nice tones so I can see why you would enjoy it. It has the same vibe at the 1st series GR (just prior to the GRII).

It's also interesting how different the HC image is from the HC setting in the new GRIII. The new simulation is really hard. I actually really like the look, but it's not for everyone.

Click to expand...

There is a noted difference in HC between the IV and current GR’s as you said. I actually prefer the earlier version and would hope they consider using it again in future models.

But I have to give Ricoh credit for the great job they’ve always done optimizing the lens for each sensor. I’ve had several folks express surprise how much detail there is in the GRD IV images…as seen in this casual shot I took of my buddy, Max.



And here’s another GRD IV photo from a morning walk a few days ago on the bayfront in Sarasota which shows how nice the colors and detail are from this 14 yr old camera

Ned-B said:

sprouty115 said:

Thanks for sharing those. The 1st image really has some nice tones so I can see why you would enjoy it. It has the same vibe at the 1st series GR (just prior to the GRII).

It's also interesting how different the HC image is from the HC setting in the new GRIII. The new simulation is really hard. I actually really like the look, but it's not for everyone.

Click to expand...

There is a noted difference in HC between the IV and current GR’s as you said. I actually prefer the earlier version and would hope they consider using it again in future models.

But I have to give Ricoh credit for the great job they’ve always done optimizing the lens for each sensor. I’ve had several folks express surprise how much detail there is in the GRD IV images…as seen in this casual shot I took of my buddy, Max.



And here’s another GRD IV photo from a morning walk a few days ago on the bayfront in Sarasota which shows how nice the colors and detail are from this 14 yr old camera

https://flic.kr/p/2qLmvEv

Click to expand...

Agree on all points, and the colors in the last image are very nice.

I just bought the GR Digital IV for 330 off ebay and I am having a hard time getting it to focus. Any tips?

chrisslynch said:

I just bought the GR Digital IV for 330 off ebay and I am having a hard time getting it to focus. Any tips?

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Congrats on getting one. Since you just bought it, I’d want to rule out there are no lens/shutter issues. When you power up, the lens comes out of the body and you’ll hear a little beep when it’s fully extended. That means the Hybrid AF is on and you’re ready to shoot. If yours operates like this, then all is good.


Next, I’d check the Shooting menu to make sure Focus is set to Multi AF. That’s the default setting. If it had been previously set to Subj Tracking, MF or Snap, focusing won’t operate the way you’re likely expecting.



Hope this helps. It’s a great little camera.

Ned