Ricoh Launches Monochrome GR IV Camera Priced at £1,700

Ricoh has officially announced the upcoming release of its GR IV Monochrome camera, which is slated to hit the market in February priced at £1,700. This model stands out by capturing images exclusively in black and white, catering to a niche segment of photographers who favour monochrome prints.

The GR IV Monochrome camera features a large 24-megapixel sensor, which is designed to deliver high-quality images, even in lower lighting conditions. Ricoh states that this camera's sensor has been optimised to enhance the contrast and sharpness of monochromatic images, making it ideal for artistic photography or street scenes.

In addition to its impressive imaging capabilities, the camera incorporates a fast lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.8, allowing users to blur backgrounds effectively, thus drawing attention to the subject. Photographers will also appreciate the compact size of the device, which is easily portable for daily use.

Ricoh’s GR series has long been respected among street photographers and professional artists, and the GR IV Monochrome is expected to uphold that legacy. According to Ricoh’s marketing director, this camera is designed for those who view black and white photography as an art form rather than just a technique.

"We wanted to create a tool that would inspire artists to explore the depth and emotions that monochrome photography can evoke," she explained.

Although the GR IV Monochrome comes at a premium price compared to its colour counterpart, Ricoh believes that the advanced features justify the additional cost. Customers can expect to pay approximately £1,700, which is a £600 increase from the standard GR IV model.

Pre-orders for the camera are already being accepted through various online retailers, with B&H Photo Video being one of the main distributors. The monochrome version is expected to see significant demand from both enthusiasts and professionals alike, given the growing popularity of black and white photography in various artistic circles.

As the launch date approaches, excitement builds around the potential of the Ricoh GR IV Monochrome, with many in the photographic community eager to test its capabilities. The camera is aimed at a highly specialised market, but Ricoh is confident that it will resonate well with its target audience.