GR IIIx HDF on the way - Advice?

[kenw]

This will probably end up being yet another dumb aspirational purchase for me, but Camera Canada actually had stock of the GR IIIx HDF yesterday! With the exchange rate it was even slightly cheaper including shipping for me to get it from them now rather than wait and wait for US stock to show up some place.

I've done a fair bit of homework, but would appreciate any comments or thoughts on potential accessories and use. I'm currently thinking:

• Probably not going to do standard filter adapter, defeats the purpose of being small and pocketable. Though I might get one just to have a way to attach a polarizer when on more dedicated photo outings and know I'll have a spare pocket or bag to put it in. Or I might do one of the stick on adapters instead.
• Not going to do optical viewfinder. I'm not street shooting and I'm pretty fussy with exposure, so even in bright light I think I'd prefer using the LCD.
• Not going to do tele-adapter as again that's just too large.
• Not going to do lens cap, I'll probably keep forgetting to take it off and wear out the motor.
• Spare battery seems like a must.
• Will do screen protector, seems not to be any disadvantage to this.
• Will certainly do some sort of small padded case for when it is tossed into a bag or pack with other things.
• Undecided on a ultra-thin sleeve for when in my pocket in hopes of combating eventual sensor dust.

As for that last bullet, I'm leaning towards just tossing it in a pocket "naked" (though with the screen protector) and accepting I might get dust. Having watched a disassembly video I'd be quite comfortable taking it apart to clean dust from the sensor if it eventually happens.

Someone said "We love to buy books because we think we are buying the time to read them," and I'm pretty sure I'm buying this camera because I think I'm buying the inspiration to take more photos. But I'll see I guess...

Anyway, if anyone thinks I'm making particularly bad decisions above or has any general advice to add I'd love to hear it.

Oh, and if anyway is interested in any particular samples or test of the HDF feature that hasn't been adequately answered in existing reviews I'd be happy to try to provide something useful to the forum!

 

[C_h_e_s_t_e_r]

What I've settled on is:

• Screen Protector: no drawback, and want screens scratches to only be removable screen protector scratches.
• Adhesive Lens Protector/Filter: basically to function as a lenscap.
• Ricoh GC-12 Leather Case: seems like the most tailored case adding minimal bulk and ease of removal/insertion. The pants pocket I put my GR in if I'm pocketing it, will usually have keys in it, too, so I don't want to pocket it without it being wrapped in something, even though I have a cover to the screen and the lens.
• And I also got a couple extra batteries and external multi-battery charger.

I got mine (used) with the NiSi adapter and the bulk it creates matters a lot, to me. I'll only use it for really specific situations when I really want to use some filter and that's worth not being able to pocket it or it taking up more space in a bag. Which is almost never.

I bought a JJC metal lens cap (in bundle with the adhesive filter) but I don't feel like it's much better for pocketing than if the GR is in the GC-12 case, and it's only with the GC-12 case that I feel fine pocketing the GR along with keys.

Also got a thumb grip from the seller. Makes ergonomics better, but GR with a thumb grip won't fit in the GC-12 so don't use it. If you end up pocketing it without a case or otherwise don't end up using a very precisely-fitting case/bag, then consider getting one of these.

 

[DougOB]

This will probably end up being yet another dumb aspirational purchase for me, but Camera Canada actually had stock of the GR IIIx HDF yesterday! With the exchange rate it was even slightly cheaper including shipping for me to get it from them now rather than wait and wait for US stock to show up some place.

I've done a fair bit of homework, but would appreciate any comments or thoughts on potential accessories and use. I'm currently thinking:

• Probably not going to do standard filter adapter, defeats the purpose of being small and pocketable. Though I might get one just to have a way to attach a polarizer when on more dedicated photo outings and know I'll have a spare pocket or bag to put it in. Or I might do one of the stick on adapters instead.

Get a 3rd party adapter like Nisi, a lot cheaper.

• Not going to do optical viewfinder. I'm not street shooting and I'm pretty fussy with exposure, so even in bright light I think I'd prefer using the LCD.

I bought one, I do not use it

• Not going to do tele-adapter as again that's just too large.

I bought one, I rarely use it. Side note is that I have settled into using My GR IIIx as a complement to my DSLR.

• Not going to do lens cap, I'll probably keep forgetting to take it off and wear out the motor.

I bought one and I use it. Initially I would forget to take it off but I trained myself.

• Spare battery seems like a must.

Must, must, must.

• Will do screen protector, seems not to be any disadvantage to this.

I bought one and never got around to installing/applying it. But agree, no apparent disadvantage.

• Will certainly do some sort of small padded case for when it is tossed into a bag or pack with other things.

I bought one but do not use it. I usually carry a small shoulder bag and I can put my GR IIIx in a compartment seperate from keys or other object. This is quite variable and it all depends on how you normally carry things.

• Undecided on a ultra-thin sleeve for when in my pocket in hopes of combating eventual sensor dust.

As for that last bullet, I'm leaning towards just tossing it in a pocket "naked" (though with the screen protector) and accepting I might get dust. Having watched a disassembly video I'd be quite comfortable taking it apart to clean dust from the sensor if it eventually happens.

Someone said "We love to buy books because we think we are buying the time to read them," and I'm pretty sure I'm buying this camera because I think I'm buying the inspiration to take more photos. But I'll see I guess...

Anyway, if anyone thinks I'm making particularly bad decisions above or has any general advice to add I'd love to hear it.

Oh, and if anyway is interested in any particular samples or test of the HDF feature that hasn't been adequately answered in existing reviews I'd be happy to try to provide something useful to the forum!

 

[sprocket-docket]

I think all of your decisions are the right ones, although I'd say go for the JJC metal lens cap. It doesn't fit so firmly that it will resist the lens motor to the point of causing damage. Also it's big, so you won't forget that it's on the camera, but not so big that it doesn't make the camera easier to slip into a pocket than if it's in a pouch or sleeve. Plus, it's quite inexpensive.

I have the Nisi filter kit which slides onto the front lens barrel, rather than having the full adapter. It's kind of cool as it has small rectangular filters which slide into a holder and are stackable, and tiltable. I've made use of the grad ND filter to good effect with skies. However, it's a little finicky in that, if the camera powers down and retracts the lens, your filter setup will get pushed off and fall. So I made sure to change the auto shutdown settings when I am going to use it. It's certainly a nonessential; I have used the kit effectively, but use it seldom.

My GRIIIx lasted over 2.5 years without sensor dust. When it finally got a couple of big spots, I cracked it open using a guide you can find in this subforum and cleaned it with a compressed air can, and I could do it again if needed. It's scary but actually only semi-difficult.

In the past, I had two different GRIII cameras which both eventually suffered sensor dust. Both were within warranty, or extended warranty. Actually I think this is one camera where an extended warranty is a great purchase, providing it isn't astronomical, because you can send it in to be serviced and have the warranty reimburse you.

I'm curious why you think it will only be an aspirational purchase. I'd recommend you take a look at the GR Blog by Ricoh, and a lot of other resources on GR photography - it's not about wowing people so much as it is about having a camera which captures the nuances of a scene with great fidelity. As you start looking for nuances in light, shadow and colors, to name a few things, you can bring out the strengths of the camera without needing to get too fancy. It's a camera built for the Japanese version of "snap" photography, which, I would say, offers a lot of space to grow and refine while still being very accessible.

 

[kenw]

Also got a thumb grip from the seller. Makes ergonomics better, but GR with a thumb grip won't fit in the GC-12 so don't use it. If you end up pocketing it without a case or otherwise don't end up using a very precisely-fitting case/bag, then consider getting one of these.

Thanks for the advice! I see mixed opinions on the thumb grip, but I'm keeping it in mind if I feel the camera is fiddly to handle. I'm fairly used to small cameras so I'm guessing I'll be fine without the thumb grip, but I had overlooked the possibility so thanks for pointing it out.

 

[kenw]

• Probably not going to do standard filter adapter, defeats the purpose of being small and pocketable. Though I might get one just to have a way to attach a polarizer when on more dedicated photo outings and know I'll have a spare pocket or bag to put it in. Or I might do one of the stick on adapters instead.

Get a 3rd party adapter like Nisi, a lot cheaper.

Yeah, will probably be the Nisi or JJC if I get around to it. Good advice!

I've got a LensMate adapter on a full spectrum converted ZS100 which is nice and super low profile, but that camera always needs a filter on it (either IR or hot mirror) so it makes more sense there. I'm not sure I'd like the adhesive attachment ring, as low profile as it is, on the GR IIIx full time.

• Not going to do optical viewfinder. I'm not street shooting and I'm pretty fussy with exposure, so even in bright light I think I'd prefer using the LCD.

I bought one, I do not use it

Confirms my suspicion, thanks!

• Not going to do tele-adapter as again that's just too large.

I bought one, I rarely use it. Side note is that I have settled into using My GR IIIx as a complement to my DSLR.

That's the use case for me as well.

• Not going to do lens cap, I'll probably keep forgetting to take it off and wear out the motor.

I bought one and I use it. Initially I would forget to take it off but I trained myself.

Based on multiple comments I'm putting this back on my radar. I'll see what I think of the camera for a few weeks and how I'm carrying before deciding for sure.

• Will certainly do some sort of small padded case for when it is tossed into a bag or pack with other things.

I bought one but do not use it. I usually carry a small shoulder bag and I can put my GR IIIx in a compartment seperate from keys or other object. This is quite variable and it all depends on how you normally carry things.

Good point, some of my bags do have a place to tuck it. I do have a number of more rucksack like things where it would probably need some protection. I found a very inexpensive neoprene pouch that was recommended in an older thread here and will try that.

Thanks a bunch for taking the time to reply!

 

[kenw]

I think all of your decisions are the right ones, although I'd say go for the JJC metal lens cap. It doesn't fit so firmly that it will resist the lens motor to the point of causing damage. Also it's big, so you won't forget that it's on the camera, but not so big that it doesn't make the camera easier to slip into a pocket than if it's in a pouch or sleeve. Plus, it's quite inexpensive.

Thanks! I'm back to considering this.

My GRIIIx lasted over 2.5 years without sensor dust. When it finally got a couple of big spots, I cracked it open using a guide you can find in this subforum and cleaned it with a compressed air can, and I could do it again if needed. It's scary but actually only semi-difficult.

Good to hear some first hand experience on a successful disassembly, thanks!

I'm curious why you think it will only be an aspirational purchase. I'd recommend you take a look at the GR Blog by Ricoh, and a lot of other resources on GR photography - it's not about wowing people so much as it is about having a camera which captures the nuances of a scene with great fidelity. As you start looking for nuances in light, shadow and colors, to name a few things, you can bring out the strengths of the camera without needing to get too fancy. It's a camera built for the Japanese version of "snap" photography, which, I would say, offers a lot of space to grow and refine while still being very accessible.

It is just that I've been down this road multiple times before. My typical photographic style is very deliberate, scouted landscapes in places I travel to specifically for photography. I've trained myself over the years to not even take a camera out until I've already spent a number of minutes exploring the composition and come up with the exact shooting position and framing. Only at that point does the camera come out with the appropriate lens (and potentially tripod).

The idea of having a high quality "always with you" camera for exactly the kind of shooting you describe frequently appeals to me. The reality is that I'm very rarely inspired by that kind of shooting in practice. I'll do it for a bit under the guise of compositional exercises or what not, but it always falls by the wayside in not too long and doesn't produce much that appeals to me in that short period.

So anyway, this will be the Nth time I've picked up an "always with you camera" hoping it will inspire me to do more photography when I'm not on my more dedicated photography trips. Maybe it will stick this time? If not, given what the used market is like for these things, it will be probably a relatively inexpensive long term rental of a fun and interesting camera.

Thanks for your thoughts! It is probably a good idea for me to spend some time reading and learning more about "snap" photography. Kind of silly to think I'd just pick it up - after all, I've done a lot of reading and learning to be any good at landscape photography.

 

[DougOB]

• Probably not going to do standard filter adapter, defeats the purpose of being small and pocketable. Though I might get one just to have a way to attach a polarizer when on more dedicated photo outings and know I'll have a spare pocket or bag to put it in. Or I might do one of the stick on adapters instead.

Get a 3rd party adapter like Nisi, a lot cheaper.

Yeah, will probably be the Nisi or JJC if I get around to it. Good advice!

I've got a LensMate adapter on a full spectrum converted ZS100 which is nice and super low profile, but that camera always needs a filter on it (either IR or hot mirror) so it makes more sense there. I'm not sure I'd like the adhesive attachment ring, as low profile as it is, on the GR IIIx full time.

My advice is not to do the adhesive attachement ring. It does not help with dust and then is a pain to remove. Nice idea but... no.

• Not going to do optical viewfinder. I'm not street shooting and I'm pretty fussy with exposure, so even in bright light I think I'd prefer using the LCD.

I bought one, I do not use it

Confirms my suspicion, thanks!

• Not going to do tele-adapter as again that's just too large.

I bought one, I rarely use it. Side note is that I have settled into using My GR IIIx as a complement to my DSLR.

That's the use case for me as well.

• Not going to do lens cap, I'll probably keep forgetting to take it off and wear out the motor.

I bought one and I use it. Initially I would forget to take it off but I trained myself.

Based on multiple comments I'm putting this back on my radar. I'll see what I think of the camera for a few weeks and how I'm carrying before deciding for sure.

I would say use that approach for any and all accesories / add-ons for your GR IIIx!

• Will certainly do some sort of small padded case for when it is tossed into a bag or pack with other things.

I bought one but do not use it. I usually carry a small shoulder bag and I can put my GR IIIx in a compartment seperate from keys or other object. This is quite variable and it all depends on how you normally carry things.

Good point, some of my bags do have a place to tuck it. I do have a number of more rucksack like things where it would probably need some protection. I found a very inexpensive neoprene pouch that was recommended in an older thread here and will try that.

Ya, it is a "it depends" scenario. Limiting dust is always going to be a good idea, but whether it is a cap, a sleave, a case, a brontosaurus, etc ends up being very dependant on individual use.

Thanks a bunch for taking the time to reply!

Glad to help. Do you want fries with that?

Doug

 

[DougOB]

Also got a thumb grip from the seller. Makes ergonomics better, but GR with a thumb grip won't fit in the GC-12 so don't use it. If you end up pocketing it without a case or otherwise don't end up using a very precisely-fitting case/bag, then consider getting one of these.

Thanks for the advice! I see mixed opinions on the thumb grip, but I'm keeping it in mind if I feel the camera is fiddly to handle. I'm fairly used to small cameras so I'm guessing I'll be fine without the thumb grip, but I had overlooked the possibility so thanks for pointing it out.

I have a Pentax Q-S1 and bought a thumb grip. I use it. When I bought my GR IIIx I bought a thumb grip, tried it, and do not use it. Specific ergonomics. YMMV

Doug

 

[C_h_e_s_t_e_r]

I have a Pentax Q-S1 and bought a thumb grip. I use it. When I bought my GR IIIx I bought a thumb grip, tried it, and do not use it. Specific ergonomics. YMMV

That makes sense! The GR is so light and small that there's hardly any weight to support and I am fine with the slight thumb bump by the Play button. I think it feels better with the thumb grip but definitely not a bigger benefit to me than the GC-12 case gives me.

Just a slight difference. Whereas, the thumb grip on my Fuji X100 feels like a much more positive addition.