Ricoh GRD IV... speechless!

shadowfox

Darkroom printing lives
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All, haven't seen you guys since late June :)

How are you guys doing?

I just pop in to say HI! and share my latest photo-stuff. Which I rarely have time, due to work (self-employed, now) which explains my rare appearance here and other photo-related forums.

Anyways, I'm a new owner of a Ricoh GRD IV now. Waited a long time, and one just materialize locally for $225 on the c-list, no pictures. I cautiously contacted the seller, turned out legit and the next morning, I got the whole package, viewfinder, box, leather case, the whole shebang.

And guess what, I can't put it down. It's so small yet solid. It's a tad shorter than its film ancestor, my GR1s, same height, and maybe a little thicker. This is no consumer P&S.

But what amazes more me is the unapologetic, deliberate nod to serious photographer's wants and needs, starting from the unique GR series ergonomics:

- three "MY" settings that is selectable from a dial, where I can save any preference I like,

- to the tweak-able B&W modes <--- my favorite!

- to set-distance "SNAP" mode

- to the 'macro' mode that is actually fun to use.

Now on to some pics...

This is me (stupidly) telling the camera to stick to f/1.9 in broad daylight. Hey, this is Day 2 with the camera, give me a break :D:

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A more favorable condition:

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And the macro mode (7-blade diaphragm bokeh, good or not? you tell me):

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This is the High-contrast B&W mode:

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No wonder so many of you here like this camera.
For my purpose, this camera will spend 90% of the time in B&W mode, but one thing for sure:

I *gladly* ditched my smartphone as my bring-anywhere, just-in-case camera.
This one fits the bill, and it's a *real* camera :)
 
Yes the GRD series is still to me one of the best digital cameras ever made..
I've yet to get my hands on a GRDIV for that good of a deal, but when I do!

Shots look great, glad to see you're enjoying it!
 
The GRD series are undoubtedly a favourite with many. I recently bought a Sony RX100 which is a great camera too but I can't bring myself to part with the GRD IV. It feels better in the hand than the Sony. The only setting I don't get on with is the High Contrast B&W. Its probably me more than the camera but I haven't really liked any shot I've taken with this mode even after playing with the settings. A remarkable camera though.

Paul
 
Yes the GRD series is still to me one of the best digital cameras ever made..
I've yet to get my hands on a GRDIV for that good of a deal, but when I do!

Shots look great, glad to see you're enjoying it!

$225?!? Good for you.... ENJOY it!

You know, it won't be long before more of this kind of deal appear.

I suspect a lot of people (such in the case of my seller) chose another camera over it because they can't live with a fixed 28mm equiv. focal length. I am used to the GR1s, so it suits me just fine.
 
Some weeks before I had chance to buy refurbished original GRD (Mk1, that is) for more than this, well, that included also wide adapter. $225 for IV is price I couldn't withstand :)
 
The GRD series are undoubtedly a favourite with many. I recently bought a Sony RX100 which is a great camera too but I can't bring myself to part with the GRD IV. It feels better in the hand than the Sony. The only setting I don't get on with is the High Contrast B&W. Its probably me more than the camera but I haven't really liked any shot I've taken with this mode even after playing with the settings. A remarkable camera though.

Paul

The High-Contrast is more limited in use, unlike the "normal" B&W in which you can also bump up the contrast settings.

I have each mode saved in each own "MY" settings, so I can experiment with those quickly without having to fumble with the menus all the time.

I kinda like this one in Hi-Contrast mode:

8187282588_2ba26d8274_c.jpg
 
Not a bad shot Will. Maybe I shoot the wrong subject or shoot in the wrong light but to my eyes they seem too contrasty and the shots just look a blotchy mess. I'll have to keep trying.
Paul
 
Another thing that struck me is the native 4:3 ratio.
I can't but imagine a future GRD using the same 4/3rd sensor as the one in the OM-D.
 
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