This is how I found your channel. I bought a used, almost new one, last May. I absolutely love it. I have other cameras, but I take it with me everywhere, and it was the camera that made me brave enough to start street photography, something I had been wanting to do for sometime. Great video, awesome channel! Thank you!
Thank you . I'll try one , looks perfect for me . I also love shooting film in old Yashica rangefinders . Great lenses ,even the 2.8 models and cheap .
I thought about the Ricoh GRII for a long time. I like shooting street and I've gone from using cumbersome Nikon's to mirrorless DSLRs. But the appeal of a point and shoot, albeit with that big sensor, was just too hard to resist. And that portability. I could not resist. I am so glad I picked one up, it was refurbished so not as expensive as I thought it was going to be. And it has not only changed my street photography forever but all of my photography forever. The GRII has encouraged me to explore landscape photography something I have avoided up until this camera. But on the street, it is invisible and makes me the same. I have shots I could not have got with any other camera. It goes with me everywhere. It is so quick to use, quicker than my phone and that's no slouch either. Frankly, I think I need another one, a GRII that is, to put in storage for when this one wears out.
As a dedicated street photographer buying a GRII has opened up so many more opportunities than I could ever imagine. Good video too. I need to get the hung of snap focus though!!!!
It’s a very freeing camera. Even more so that the x100, as much as I love it too. I’m not a fan of full press snap but regular snap is nice of shooting at f8 or thereabouts. It’s weird at first to not be focusing the camera.
I got the GR when it first came out here in Japan. I used it a lot, it was my go-to camera for many years, it just did everything I wanted for a compact camera. A couple things you may not have covered… I’m not a flash photographer, but used the flash for fill-in. And, almost from the beginning found that I wanted just more area covered than the 28mm equivalent, so got the wide-angle lens. It just opened up possibilities and it became - as I called it - my mini Hasselblad SWC with a square format dialed in. One last thing… I loved the GR with B&W. Even at higher ISO the noise just looked like film grain. I stopped using my GR a few years ago because of the dust problem, but with the RUclips videos on cleaning I’m going to give it a try.
Nice! I should experiment with the flash a bit more. I have some dust in mine too. So far it’s not causing any issues except in macro with small apertures. Bought sensor swabs but I’m gonna hold off Incase I break it in the process 😅
My old original GR just kicked the bucket but I got lucky and found a replacement on ebay for £200. I love this camera. I discovered snap focus just a few months ago, I never really thought it would be something I'd want to use but it's great: I can see something and react instantly; it's very quick. And, as you said in your vid, it's very quiet.
I had a GR11 which for some reason I sold. I loved it and like you say it’s was so liberating and fun to use. The image quality was superb and it’s the best street camera I’ve owned. Just don’t know what possessed me to sell it. Looks like I might be on eBay later......📷👍
I love my Ricoh GRII even though I’m lucky enough to also have the X100V. I prefer to shoot family pics with the Fuji due to the 35mm equivalent lens and better tracking autofocus for my active kids, but I love the Ricoh for times when I don’t want to carry a bag with me.
Hi Liam. Great video. I would actually say that the closest Fuji comparison would be the Fuji xf10 (though the x70 is pretty comparable also) which is definitely easy to operate with one hand and also has snap focus. Either way, great video and I love the colors straight of camera from the Ricoh, especially the positive simulation. Great pictures also. Happy shooting and happy new year.
@@TheLiamGordon oh it’s such an unpopular camera that I think most people haven’t even heard of it :). Thanks for the response and I look forward to seeing more of your videos this coming year. And happy new year again 🙏🏻
@The Liam Gordon My second camera is, the XF10, and it’s a handy wee thing. I went out for my walk in the park and I had the choice of taking the X100V, or the XF10... took the XF10 as it was light and simple. Flash? Nah, rather have ibis as I shoot natural light.
Ya im glad you made this. I've owned the original gr and might go pick up another today or tomorrow lol. I've also owned the x100v and was in love with it, but on that note have also sold it, and still amd looking to own another gr. Primarily because its a very affordable every day Carry pocketable camera. It's also much more ergonomic than the griii and has a flash which is actually always handy to have. Yes the dust problem is definitely a thing as I have already learned. But it's a small price to pay for everything else you get from this little pocket rocket. Admittedly tho I would still live to own the griii. But just can't afford it 😕 but I think the og gr is almost as good in so many ways, and in other ways even better imo
I bought a second hand gr cause i can smoke and shoot at the same time. That's heaven! I can shoot while biking, it's a very good landscape camera for hiking, climbing, paragliding...The macro mode is good for close portrait with bookeh. I bought also the pentax k5iis, a reflex with same sensor. This sensor has something that i like...the gr is also good for small rock/punk concerts in bars: fun and easy to use, it will not fall on the floor like a phone if you're caught in a move. If you don't know what kind of photos you want to make, take a gr and just shoot. It's addictive.
I think a Ricoh GR is the best camera for when you don't want to have to carry a camera, but then you wish you had a camera on you! Sure, we have our phones in that case, but for me, it's just a great alternative where I can get a bit different results and feel like I'm being more creative.
I have a GR1 & 3, and I've just bought one of the original GRD cameras (a meagre 8 megapixels). I love the GR format. They make me want to take candid photos, something I have always been hesitant about doing with other cameras.
@@TheLiamGordon I've only just got one - been looking for ages for one that was available in the UK. Got a pristine example for £147 and an original leatherette case (which I hadn't seen before). If you think the GR3 is small, you want to see the GRD! It's tiny. it shares a lot of the features with its larger sensor brethren, but the tiny sensor gets grainy very quickly when you push it to ISO 800. But the grain is very filmic and I can see why people love these tiny cameras.
Great video - Have you managed to keep dust away from the lens? I still have mine in immaculate condition but I carry around bubble wrapped in my camera case. Agreed on quality of pictures - truly breathtaking!
Thank you! I have no doubt there is plenty of dust on my sensor. I bought it used and I’ve never protected it in my pockets. There was one macro shot I did 2 years ago against a white wall where I saw dust in the top right of the frame. Other than that I’ve never seen a spot of dust in any of the images. One day I’m sure I’m going to have to perform surgery on it but for now, it’s doing fine. 🤞
Hey Liam, I've been shooting exclusively with the GR1 and love it so much I got rid of my 100V. I've noticed my copy has really snappy AF, too. Not bad for $350.
@@TheLiamGordon I don’t edit raw anymore. A few tweaks to the Jpegs and all gravy. They are so sharp with character too. Pretty amazing. I’ll be looking forward to the GR4.
@@TheLiamGordon I don’t edit raw anymore. A few tweaks to the Jpegs and all gravy. They are so sharp with character too. Pretty amazing. I’ll be looking forward to the GR4.
This was the first time I watched obe of your video's and it was a very well thought out and informative video!! I have considered for a long time to purchase a GR because they've always intrigued me. One hesitation in purchasing one is I've heard people have experienced having dirt and dust sucked into the lens and the only way to clean it is to send it in to Ricoh. With that said would you still stick with the GR or would you go to a GR ii or a GR iii? Again a great video!! Best of luck in your photography journey. Duane
Thanks Duane! Much appreciated. As far as I know all the GR models suffer from dust intrusion over time. None are weather sealed. My copy has 3 dust spots that I can see if I shoot at the sky but it’s not an issue to me in normal use. If it gets to the point where I need to clean it I’ll probably watch some videos and do it myself. Seems a little complex but do-able, with patience.
@@TheLiamGordon Hi Liam Thanks for the quick reply!! Not many youtube channels ever reply back so by replying that was a class act on your part. I heard since the GR lens is sealed that's the reason why most people have to send it in to Ricoh to be cleaned and it's not cheap. Thanks again Duane
@@duanemcclun I try to respond as much as I can. If people take the time to watch and comment I should take the time to respond. It is “sealed” and is not an easy job to take apart so lots of people send it to them. But Ricoh doesn’t have a repair facility in North America so they recommend it’s sent to Precision Camera. Since my model of GR is old and less expensive, I’d be willing to try it myself :/ If I had a GRiii, yeah I might plan to send it in to get cleaned. I think if you are conscious about what pockets you put it in it won’t gather dust very fast. Hopefully :) my copy is almost 8 years old and seems to be doing ok.
Hi Liam, great review. just picked one up. When you’re shooting positive film, what do you effects settings at. Saturation, contrast, sharpness? Cheers
Well I have shelved my Fuji XH1 24mp and bought a Ricoh digital 8.1mp and love it. really back to basics but is a joy to use in B&W. completely different to my usual lenses as you have to get up close to the subject but people don't care as it is such a small camera, if I had done the same thing with my FUJI I know people would not like this.
I was not a wide angle, rear lcd screen shooter but once I tried the GR II - same as your GR but with the wifi connection - I was hooked. It"s the proof that gear matters., use it with the high contrast b/w profile and almost all of your shots will look great, no matter of your ability as a photographer. You only forgot to tell that this little gem is a drug....
I must say I was highly skeptical that I would enjoy the GR but it’s great! I like the way you frame the gear matters argument. I always think the gear matters saying means more megapixels, fancier glass, better autofocus etc. I’d always have said gear doesn’t really matter because you can still make great photos with a little camera like this. But I guess gear does matter because the GR encourages me to shoot more & always have a camera with me :)
@@TheLiamGordon I understand your point but the Ricoh GR II matters to me because of the lcd and the high contrast b&w. I believed that framing with the evf was more accurate but ended up realizing that it's easier to check everything looking throught an lcd that's an arm away from my eyes.... The high contrast profile it's cruciali to get wonderful images...
it's pretty hard to find new or used ricoh cameras over here so even the original ricoh gr used is pretty expensive :/ seems like a great little camera
Have you tried using the WCL-x100 wide converter on your x100v to get the 28mm experience? Not as stealthy for sure but curious what you thought if you've tried it.
I have and it's plenty fine and great. But so not portable or stealthy. And that part alwasy annoyed me when I used to own the ricoh gr and knew I could get the same results but in my pocket.
@@akyerit I have a Fuji X100 S&T. I love the conversion lenses for ‘wide’ & ‘telephoto’. They work well. The lenses are heavy(lots of glass) and make the body front heavy. They also make the body less pocketable. All things being equal I prefer the Fuji. Have not been able to adjust to the 28mm FOV. Too wide for me. Just purchased the GRiiiX b/c of the 40mm focal length. Feels much more comfortable. I live in the 35-50mm focal length. I prefer an EVF for framing my shots. The iiiX still feels uncomfortable to use. May purchase a cheap Chinese optical view finder. There is no argument that the images are sharp. There is no argument the body is light and pocketable. I talked up the speaker and microphone areas and purchased the adapter so I can put some glass over the lens to prevent dust on the sensor. It still fits in my pocket easily plus gives my hand more purchase when holding the body. Think about it. $350 for the body and the lens. For some people the cost of an expensive night out for a couple. Not very expensive for what you get. Don’t like your GR? Sell it for about what you paid for it. Not like the 100V insanity. I’m not willing to pay a premium for a used body or wait months to receive a new body. I can wait for the 100VI. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
It might feel 'plastic' but it's magnesium alloy like most premium cameras. The gr and grii will last longer because the griii design is flawed (scroll wheels are starting to break even after the recall that affected only a small batch)
I put a correction up on screen as I was saying plasticy. The scroll wheel on the iii models is not only a weak point but also far less ergonomically sound. Another thing I dislike is the weight distribution in the iii throws off its balance in the hand. Needless to say the older models will reign supreme in my book for now.
Watching this in 2022, I can attest that while I really enjoy my Pentax K-70, new tech does NOT equal "better" pictures. I look at photos from my Pentax K-7 (7-8 years older, 14 mp vs 24 mp) and somehow, I prefer the photos I took from the Pentax K-7. It was poor for low-light, but for some reason, I prefer the output from those pictures in normal conditions, and the noise produced at high-iso (1600 ISO) had better grain than on the newer K-70 24 mp sensor, that feels a little too "smudgy" in my opinion. Yes, the K-70 produces slightly "sharper" images... but I think pixel peeping and sharpness don't equate to image quality in how I like my pictures (it's a feeling). In the end, I tend to want to get an old K-7 again because I really enjoyed it's output. I also recently got an old Olympus E-410 on ebay for euqal value of empty peanut shells... and even at 10mp, on my 1440p monitor, pictures are plenty sharp, clean and clear enough for some of the styles I like shooting (not the best for birds and fast moving).
When I heard the 3 cost $900, went and bought another GR1 in Exc Cond for $350. It's not a low light camera, but that's not its main function. Use it for what it's for and it's lens and overall IQ is still killer. Then again, if you don't think prints- stick to a phone...
Shooting with a phone is way less fun though. I enjoy how speedy and tactile the gr feels in comparison :) it’s going to be one of those sought after classics.
The lens on this thing is so satisfyingly sharp! I had the x100v and although they improved the lens on it, it just didn’t match the sharpness of the GR. I have the GR III and it’s my weapon of choice for everyday carry.
I want to buy a GR III but I'm so afraid of the dust. And I live in a dusty city. Then the x100v is weather sealed but much bigger (and more expensive). Don't know what to do
There is a filter adapter for the gr that would help with dust projection. It won’t make it weather sealed but it will help and still be smaller than an x100.
@@TheLiamGordon that's right, but then that makes it very less pocketable. And there seems to be also issue with humidity, and I live in hot and humid climate. I'm a bit afraid of investing and being unable to repair after 1 year
That’s one of the reasons I got an old one. Somehow it still looks ok but I see some spots in macro mode. I’m more willing to take the older model apart myself.
I have this camera. I like this camera because of its size. What I don't like is its lack of Wifi to transfer my photos into my Samsung Tab. Secondly, is the lack of image stsbilisation. Thirdly, it is not weather sealed.or dust proof. What I don't like about the GR3 is the lack of a built-in flash. A real bummer. What I like best for street and travel photography is my Olympus TG4. Strangely, it is my go to camera eventhough it was meant to be used underwater. The TG4 other than the tiny sensor but sharp lens has all the features the Ricoh GR lacks.
The TG4, now TG6, is an incredible small camera to have. It just punch above its weight. If you are doing street/travel photography one just don't know what one would encounter throughout the day. It can cope with any weather condition and if you drop it in some mud, all you have to do is to run it under a tap for a few minutes.
Whatever camera one maybe able to buy, the TG4 (or TG6 ) will outperform them in terms of usage. It can go few other cameras can go. Even with its tiny sensor, one can easily print an A3 size photo. It can also shoot RAW if you need to process the shadows or highlights later. I have quite a number of cameras including the most recent Canon M6 Mk2, a Micro4/3 Lumiz GX9 and a full frame Canon DSLR but this camera get the most use due to its versatility.
I also have the first Ricoh GR and I bought an SD Wifi adapter to fix the lack of wifi transfer. You an use such an adapter on any older camera without wifi. Only downside is that the wifi is always active when the camera is turned on, so battery life will be a bit less.
Yes I’ve seen and heard of many GR’s breaking. Mine looks well used and is fortunately still going. It does have a fairly big piece of sensor dust that I’m not looking forward to addressing. Could be the beginning of the end if it’s being opened up 😕
This is how I found your channel. I bought a used, almost new one, last May. I absolutely love it. I have other cameras, but I take it with me everywhere, and it was the camera that made me brave enough to start street photography, something I had been wanting to do for sometime. Great video, awesome channel! Thank you!
Nice one, Kary! I’m so glad it worked out well for you and thanks for watching my videos!
I've fancied picking one up so great to see this. Happy New when it comes, from Glasgow.
Cheers 🍻
Happy new year John! Cheers 🍻
I enjoyed that thoroughly. Thanks! Good luck to you.
Much appreciated, Larry!
Great review, thanks. Ordered mine yesterday. Hope the GR 4 don’t come quickly. Very excited to pickup mine next week
Hope you enjoy it!
Crazy. I just bought one this afternoon. I’m hoping so!
Nice one! I’m sure you’ll love it.
This video is exactly what I was looking for! Thank you!!
Thanks for watching!
Great video - I have the second iteration and fully agree with your opinions. Takes getting used to, but certainly liberating.
Thanks mate 🙏 a friend of mine has the grii and loves it. Sold his x100v for it.
I'm super excited I just got the 2013 GR coming in the mail soon
Nice one!
With everyone talking about 40+ megapixel cameras, its good to see the older 16mp sensors getting some love! My old XE2 is still rocking with 16mp 🤙🏼
Thank you . I'll try one , looks perfect for me . I also love shooting film in old Yashica rangefinders . Great lenses ,even the 2.8 models and cheap .
Awesome! Hope you enjoy it ✌️
I thought about the Ricoh GRII for a long time. I like shooting street and I've gone from using cumbersome Nikon's to mirrorless DSLRs. But the appeal of a point and shoot, albeit with that big sensor, was just too hard to resist. And that portability. I could not resist. I am so glad I picked one up, it was refurbished so not as expensive as I thought it was going to be. And it has not only changed my street photography forever but all of my photography forever. The GRII has encouraged me to explore landscape photography something I have avoided up until this camera. But on the street, it is invisible and makes me the same. I have shots I could not have got with any other camera. It goes with me everywhere. It is so quick to use, quicker than my phone and that's no slouch either. Frankly, I think I need another one, a GRII that is, to put in storage for when this one wears out.
Buying a spare is a good move. They’re getting rare.
As a dedicated street photographer buying a GRII has opened up so many more opportunities than I could ever imagine. Good video too. I need to get the hung of snap focus though!!!!
It’s a very freeing camera. Even more so that the x100, as much as I love it too. I’m not a fan of full press snap but regular snap is nice of shooting at f8 or thereabouts. It’s weird at first to not be focusing the camera.
I got the GR when it first came out here in Japan. I used it a lot, it was my go-to camera for many years, it just did everything I wanted for a compact camera. A couple things you may not have covered… I’m not a flash photographer, but used the flash for fill-in. And, almost from the beginning found that I wanted just more area covered than the 28mm equivalent, so got the wide-angle lens. It just opened up possibilities and it became - as I called it - my mini Hasselblad SWC with a square format dialed in. One last thing… I loved the GR with B&W. Even at higher ISO the noise just looked like film grain. I stopped using my GR a few years ago because of the dust problem, but with the RUclips videos on cleaning I’m going to give it a try.
Nice! I should experiment with the flash a bit more. I have some dust in mine too. So far it’s not causing any issues except in macro with small apertures. Bought sensor swabs but I’m gonna hold off Incase I break it in the process 😅
An excellent, well balanced review - thanks
Thanks very much!
My old original GR just kicked the bucket but I got lucky and found a replacement on ebay for £200. I love this camera. I discovered snap focus just a few months ago, I never really thought it would be something I'd want to use but it's great: I can see something and react instantly; it's very quick. And, as you said in your vid, it's very quiet.
I’ve considered buying a spare just in case mine goes.
Superb review … thank you sir 😀
Many thanks!
Got the gr and loving it. Got the flash and wide angle and macro lens for it and it’s still a very capable camera.
Glad you’re enjoying it! It’s kind of amazing how good it is.
I love my GR II, the snap feature is so amazing, I find it so much easier to shoot street
It is heaps of fun to shoot with! 👍
I had a GR11 which for some reason I sold. I loved it and like you say it’s was so liberating and fun to use. The image quality was superb and it’s the best street camera I’ve owned. Just don’t know what possessed me to sell it. Looks like I might be on eBay later......📷👍
A guy I shoot with just got a GRii and loves it. He sold his x100v for it
Great video Liam! 👌 But the Dust issue is a big problem for me.. 😔
Thanks mate. I think a lot of people worry about the dust. 😕
I love my Ricoh GRII even though I’m lucky enough to also have the X100V.
I prefer to shoot family pics with the Fuji due to the 35mm equivalent lens and better tracking autofocus for my active kids, but I love the Ricoh for times when I don’t want to carry a bag with me.
Yes, I can see the autofocus being a big help when photographing your kids. 👍
Hi Liam. Great video. I would actually say that the closest Fuji comparison would be the Fuji xf10 (though the x70 is pretty comparable also) which is definitely easy to operate with one hand and also has snap focus. Either way, great video and I love the colors straight of camera from the Ricoh, especially the positive simulation. Great pictures also. Happy shooting and happy new year.
I totally overlooked and forgot about the XF10 because I’ve never really looked at one! Haha. My bad. Happy new year!
@@TheLiamGordon oh it’s such an unpopular camera that I think most people haven’t even heard of it :). Thanks for the response and I look forward to seeing more of your videos this coming year. And happy new year again 🙏🏻
@The Liam Gordon My second camera is, the XF10, and it’s a handy wee thing.
I went out for my walk in the park and I had the choice of taking the X100V, or the XF10... took the XF10 as it was light and simple.
Flash? Nah, rather have ibis as I shoot natural light.
Great pictures!
Thanks very much!
Ya im glad you made this. I've owned the original gr and might go pick up another today or tomorrow lol. I've also owned the x100v and was in love with it, but on that note have also sold it, and still amd looking to own another gr. Primarily because its a very affordable every day Carry pocketable camera. It's also much more ergonomic than the griii and has a flash which is actually always handy to have. Yes the dust problem is definitely a thing as I have already learned. But it's a small price to pay for everything else you get from this little pocket rocket. Admittedly tho I would still live to own the griii. But just can't afford it 😕 but I think the og gr is almost as good in so many ways, and in other ways even better imo
Its definitely a keeper. I think the dust issue could be sorted at home with the right tools and some patience :)
Nice photos!
Thanks very much 🙏🙏
I bought a second hand gr cause i can smoke and shoot at the same time. That's heaven! I can shoot while biking, it's a very good landscape camera for hiking, climbing, paragliding...The macro mode is good for close portrait with bookeh. I bought also the pentax k5iis, a reflex with same sensor. This sensor has something that i like...the gr is also good for small rock/punk concerts in bars: fun and easy to use, it will not fall on the floor like a phone if you're caught in a move. If you don't know what kind of photos you want to make, take a gr and just shoot. It's addictive.
It really is great, but so under recognized for how fun it is to use.
I think a Ricoh GR is the best camera for when you don't want to have to carry a camera, but then you wish you had a camera on you! Sure, we have our phones in that case, but for me, it's just a great alternative where I can get a bit different results and feel like I'm being more creative.
I have a GR1 & 3, and I've just bought one of the original GRD cameras (a meagre 8 megapixels). I love the GR format. They make me want to take candid photos, something I have always been hesitant about doing with other cameras.
They are something quite special. :) GRD seems interesting too.
@@TheLiamGordon I've only just got one - been looking for ages for one that was available in the UK. Got a pristine example for £147 and an original leatherette case (which I hadn't seen before). If you think the GR3 is small, you want to see the GRD! It's tiny. it shares a lot of the features with its larger sensor brethren, but the tiny sensor gets grainy very quickly when you push it to ISO 800. But the grain is very filmic and I can see why people love these tiny cameras.
GR1 or GR3 ? Which one do you like better?
love the Scot-hot shoe cap.
Cheers, mate ✌️
Great video - Have you managed to keep dust away from the lens? I still have mine in immaculate condition but I carry around bubble wrapped in my camera case. Agreed on quality of pictures - truly breathtaking!
Thank you! I have no doubt there is plenty of dust on my sensor. I bought it used and I’ve never protected it in my pockets. There was one macro shot I did 2 years ago against a white wall where I saw dust in the top right of the frame. Other than that I’ve never seen a spot of dust in any of the images. One day I’m sure I’m going to have to perform surgery on it but for now, it’s doing fine. 🤞
I still use my 8.1 megapixel Ricoh gr digital camera from 2006. Love it.
Hope to get my hands on one of those eventually!
Hey Liam, I've been shooting exclusively with the GR1 and love it so much I got rid of my 100V. I've noticed my copy has really snappy AF, too. Not bad for $350.
It’s crazy value. I’m constantly blown away by how nice the jpgs it shoots are.
@@TheLiamGordon I don’t edit raw anymore. A few tweaks to the Jpegs and all gravy. They are so sharp with character too. Pretty amazing. I’ll be looking forward to the GR4.
@@TheLiamGordon I don’t edit raw anymore. A few tweaks to the Jpegs and all gravy. They are so sharp with character too. Pretty amazing. I’ll be looking forward to the GR4.
I sold the x100v, I got the gr3, I sold the gr3 and I got the gr2. Perfect with snap and flash. I love it.
Good video
Haha! Glad you were able to narrow it down to what you needed ✌️
Why you get rid gr3. It was good too
Gr3 860€
Gr2 300€ (used)
😁
Just ordered mine 😎📷
Nice one Jose!
This was the first time I watched obe of your video's and it was a very well thought out and informative video!!
I have considered for a long time to purchase a GR because they've always intrigued me.
One hesitation in purchasing one is I've heard people have experienced having dirt and dust sucked into the lens and the only way to clean it is to send it in to Ricoh.
With that said would you still stick with the GR or would you go to a GR ii or a GR iii?
Again a great video!!
Best of luck in your photography journey.
Duane
Thanks Duane! Much appreciated.
As far as I know all the GR models suffer from dust intrusion over time. None are weather sealed. My copy has 3 dust spots that I can see if I shoot at the sky but it’s not an issue to me in normal use.
If it gets to the point where I need to clean it I’ll probably watch some videos and do it myself. Seems a little complex but do-able, with patience.
@@TheLiamGordon
Hi Liam
Thanks for the quick reply!! Not many youtube channels ever reply back so by replying that was a class act on your part.
I heard since the GR lens is sealed that's the reason why most people have to send it in to Ricoh to be cleaned and it's not cheap.
Thanks again
Duane
@@duanemcclun I try to respond as much as I can. If people take the time to watch and comment I should take the time to respond.
It is “sealed” and is not an easy job to take apart so lots of people send it to them. But Ricoh doesn’t have a repair facility in North America so they recommend it’s sent to Precision Camera. Since my model of GR is old and less expensive, I’d be willing to try it myself :/
If I had a GRiii, yeah I might plan to send it in to get cleaned.
I think if you are conscious about what pockets you put it in it won’t gather dust very fast. Hopefully :) my copy is almost 8 years old and seems to be doing ok.
@@TheLiamGordon ❤️
Hi Liam, great review. just picked one up. When you’re shooting positive film, what do you effects settings at. Saturation, contrast, sharpness? Cheers
Most of the time it’s all set as standard. If the light is very flat I’ll bump the contrast up to 6 and under “wb correction” I’ll change it to A6:G1
@@TheLiamGordon cheers Liam. Great video on the X100 sims as well. 👍
The CCD of the original GRd is great for high contrast B&W.
I've heard the original has a great look too!
Well I have shelved my Fuji XH1 24mp and bought a Ricoh digital 8.1mp and love it. really back to basics but is a joy to use in B&W. completely different to my usual lenses as you have to get up close to the subject but people don't care as it is such a small camera, if I had done the same thing with my FUJI I know people would not like this.
Nice. Glad you’re enjoying it! I was looking at those older models recently so I’d have a backup but ended up buying another 16mp GR :)
Great review! Does the display have live view?
Yes, there’s no viewfinder so live view is the only option.
I was not a wide angle, rear lcd screen shooter but once I tried the GR II - same as your GR but with the wifi connection - I was hooked. It"s the proof that gear matters., use it with the high contrast b/w profile and almost all of your shots will look great, no matter of your ability as a photographer. You only forgot to tell that this little gem is a drug....
I must say I was highly skeptical that I would enjoy the GR but it’s great!
I like the way you frame the gear matters argument. I always think the gear matters saying means more megapixels, fancier glass, better autofocus etc. I’d always have said gear doesn’t really matter because you can still make great photos with a little camera like this. But I guess gear does matter because the GR encourages me to shoot more & always have a camera with me :)
@@TheLiamGordon I understand your point but the Ricoh GR II matters to me because of the lcd and the high contrast b&w. I believed that framing with the evf was more accurate but ended up realizing that it's easier to check everything looking throught an lcd that's an arm away from my eyes.... The high contrast profile it's cruciali to get wonderful images...
All your shots look great why would that be
@@unbroken1010 because of the GR. If you try that you'll never go back...
@@takaya4203 well that would be complacent. You got to know what your good photographs are
As soon as you mentioned the images being SOOC, i stopped the video at @1:20
and subscribed. lol
Haha! Thanks for the comment and the sub! Sorry there’s not a lot of new content at the moment. But hopefully more to come over the next few months ✌️
@@TheLiamGordonthat sounds good. Good luck !
it's pretty hard to find new or used ricoh cameras over here so even the original ricoh gr used is pretty expensive :/ seems like a great little camera
Oh man. That’s a shame :(
Have you tried using the WCL-x100 wide converter on your x100v to get the 28mm experience? Not as stealthy for sure but curious what you thought if you've tried it.
Not yet. I’d give it a go for sure if I got my hands on one. My friend actually had one before he sold the x100 but I didn’t think to try it.
I have and it's plenty fine and great. But so not portable or stealthy. And that part alwasy annoyed me when I used to own the ricoh gr and knew I could get the same results but in my pocket.
@@akyerit I have a Fuji X100 S&T. I love the conversion lenses for ‘wide’ & ‘telephoto’. They work well. The lenses are heavy(lots of glass) and make the body front heavy. They also make the body less pocketable. All things being equal I prefer the Fuji. Have not been able to adjust to the 28mm FOV. Too wide for me.
Just purchased the GRiiiX b/c of the 40mm focal length. Feels much more comfortable. I live in the 35-50mm focal length. I prefer an EVF for framing my shots. The iiiX still feels uncomfortable to use. May purchase a cheap Chinese optical view finder. There is no argument that the images are sharp. There is no argument the body is light and pocketable. I talked up the speaker and microphone areas and purchased the adapter so I can put some glass over the lens to prevent dust on the sensor. It still fits in my pocket easily plus gives my hand more purchase when holding the body.
Think about it. $350 for the body and the lens. For some people the cost of an expensive night out for a couple. Not very expensive for what you get. Don’t like your GR? Sell it for about what you paid for it. Not like the 100V insanity. I’m not willing to pay a premium for a used body or wait months to receive a new body. I can wait for the 100VI.
Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
What is the difference between P and M modes in GR III?
M is all manual. P mode the camera picks the shutter & aperture and you set the ISO.
I hope you, and yours, have a good Hogmanay, ner’ day, and a happy, healthy and successful New Year in 2021 🏴🏴🏴🍺🍺💃🕺
Happy new year! All the best for 2021, Jim!
@@TheLiamGordon lang mae yer lum reek...
@@macjim 😂😂😂 my wife would love it if it didn’t
It might feel 'plastic' but it's magnesium alloy like most premium cameras. The gr and grii will last longer because the griii design is flawed (scroll wheels are starting to break even after the recall that affected only a small batch)
I put a correction up on screen as I was saying plasticy. The scroll wheel on the iii models is not only a weak point but also far less ergonomically sound. Another thing I dislike is the weight distribution in the iii throws off its balance in the hand. Needless to say the older models will reign supreme in my book for now.
Watching this in 2022, I can attest that while I really enjoy my Pentax K-70, new tech does NOT equal "better" pictures. I look at photos from my Pentax K-7 (7-8 years older, 14 mp vs 24 mp) and somehow, I prefer the photos I took from the Pentax K-7. It was poor for low-light, but for some reason, I prefer the output from those pictures in normal conditions, and the noise produced at high-iso (1600 ISO) had better grain than on the newer K-70 24 mp sensor, that feels a little too "smudgy" in my opinion.
Yes, the K-70 produces slightly "sharper" images... but I think pixel peeping and sharpness don't equate to image quality in how I like my pictures (it's a feeling). In the end, I tend to want to get an old K-7 again because I really enjoyed it's output.
I also recently got an old Olympus E-410 on ebay for euqal value of empty peanut shells... and even at 10mp, on my 1440p monitor, pictures are plenty sharp, clean and clear enough for some of the styles I like shooting (not the best for birds and fast moving).
When I heard the 3 cost $900, went and bought another GR1 in Exc Cond for $350. It's not a low light camera, but that's not its main function. Use it for what it's for and it's lens and overall IQ is still killer. Then again, if you don't think prints- stick to a phone...
Shooting with a phone is way less fun though. I enjoy how speedy and tactile the gr feels in comparison :) it’s going to be one of those sought after classics.
The lens on this thing is so satisfyingly sharp! I had the x100v and although they improved the lens on it, it just didn’t match the sharpness of the GR.
I have the GR III and it’s my weapon of choice for everyday carry.
I think the GRiii might be even sharper than the older ones.
It's much sharper than the X100V? Wow! Now I'm really tempted to get one. 😅
How do you transfer photos from ricoh gr i to your phone?
I have an SD card adapter for my phone.
Hi! Could you please tell me what ricoh settings did you use to shoot in this video, or is it a photo after processing?
I’m using positive film with auto white balance adjusted to A,5 G,1.
@@TheLiamGordon God bless you!
Do you use positive film on vivid mode? Or standar
And tha settings sharpness contrast etc?? Thank u
@@rosacblls I’m using positive film and the contrast etc is the default settings.
Simple answer yes
Does this GR have touch screen focus?
No touch screen unfortunately. I think only the GRiii has that.
I want to buy a GR III but I'm so afraid of the dust. And I live in a dusty city. Then the x100v is weather sealed but much bigger (and more expensive). Don't know what to do
There is a filter adapter for the gr that would help with dust projection. It won’t make it weather sealed but it will help and still be smaller than an x100.
@@TheLiamGordon that's right, but then that makes it very less pocketable. And there seems to be also issue with humidity, and I live in hot and humid climate. I'm a bit afraid of investing and being unable to repair after 1 year
I think that answers your question. It sounds like you’ll always be worried about the GR.
@@TheLiamGordon might be yes haha. Would really like they come out with a weather sealed version. Anyway thanks for the answers!
@doncristobal33. Same here!!! The Dust... 😭 Such a great camera
Good enough apart from the dust that will inevitably be all over the sensor. (Bitter GRiii owner speaking)
That’s one of the reasons I got an old one. Somehow it still looks ok but I see some spots in macro mode. I’m more willing to take the older model apart myself.
I solved this issue by attaching the lens adaptor and a lens cap. This sacrifices some of its portability though
Buy one of those “X100 style” lens caps for it.
I have this camera. I like this camera because of its size. What I don't like is its lack of Wifi to transfer my photos into my Samsung Tab. Secondly, is the lack of image stsbilisation. Thirdly, it is not weather sealed.or dust proof. What I don't like about the GR3 is the lack of a built-in flash. A real bummer.
What I like best for street and travel photography is my Olympus TG4. Strangely, it is my go to camera eventhough it was meant to be used underwater. The TG4 other than the tiny sensor but sharp lens has all the features the Ricoh GR lacks.
The dust thing concerned me too. It definitely has some in there but only shows up in macro mode so far. TG4 looks like a decent little camera!
The TG4, now TG6, is an incredible small camera to have. It just punch above its weight. If you are doing street/travel photography one just don't know what one would encounter throughout the day. It can cope with any weather condition and if you drop it in some mud, all you have to do is to run it under a tap for a few minutes.
@@chrishuang8763 I read a review by someone who took it on a kayak trip. Even on a beach day with the family it would be far more likely to survive.
Whatever camera one maybe able to buy, the TG4 (or TG6 ) will outperform them in terms of usage. It can go few other cameras can go. Even with its tiny sensor, one can easily print an A3 size photo. It can also shoot RAW if you need to process the shadows or highlights later.
I have quite a number of cameras including the most recent Canon M6 Mk2, a Micro4/3 Lumiz GX9 and a full frame Canon DSLR but this camera get the most use due to its versatility.
I also have the first Ricoh GR and I bought an SD Wifi adapter to fix the lack of wifi transfer. You an use such an adapter on any older camera without wifi. Only downside is that the wifi is always active when the camera is turned on, so battery life will be a bit less.
The GR is the BEST version of all the GR’s. BUT!!!!! They all brake down after a year. Of hard uses.
Yes I’ve seen and heard of many GR’s breaking. Mine looks well used and is fortunately still going. It does have a fairly big piece of sensor dust that I’m not looking forward to addressing. Could be the beginning of the end if it’s being opened up 😕
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