I got a GR III for 2 years. it was 'lost' at the airport last summer. now i've buy the HDF. Got it since 2 weeks now. The HDF is GREAT ! i'm a logn time photographier ( +30y ) and i've used black mist on all my DSLR for specific shooting.. ( dreamy weedings shoot, and so ) . The OPTICAL effect of a high diffufson filter is WAY more gorgeous than any photoshop filter... ( and trust me, i'm a heavy photoshop user... ) . so, if you want the HDF, the new GRIIIHDF is reaaaaaaaaly a beast. The ND missing is not a issue for me. As always, there is no good or bad choice, it's juste depend on YOUR style of photography... don't trust the other people advice on this choice. It's completely personal. ( Sorry for my bad english. ^^ )
I just picked up an HDF version recently, I don't use the HDF mode for color shots too much but it really makes some pleasing BW shots straight out of the camera
As always I find your contest refreshingly honest - too many reviewers these days just hype the latest gear to keep the goodies and company partnerships going and it's getting tiresome. Anyway, I have the original GRIII, and when the HDF version came out, I decided to pick up a Polar Pro Shortstache mist filter instead which seems to achieve a similar effect. Nice option to have, but I realized I will use it less often than I thought. Keep the great content coming!
Honestly I applaud Ricoh for this. Ok ok... I know they do a lot of silly cosmetic variety versions etc (street, diary etc), but name me ONE company that has thought to do this?! And then look at Tiffen special effect filter sales! Actually I will name one... STC Optics, they produce a clip (behind lens/in front of sensor) HDF (and honestly I am seriously contemplating just getting a couple for my XH2S's). But indeed, the strength of the effect is key, but how good is it that you can turn it on or off and on at a touch of a button! Much better than screwing/unscrewing filters (or even dealing with a magnetic filter system. It would be nice if there was a drive mode that took one shot with (HDF) and one without. I think this is a nice addition to the range and something at least creatively interesting as we wait for the GR4.
There are times I liked it but I wish it wasn’t so heavy and other times I wish it was more pronounced. It’s cool but I feel I can replicate it quite easily in Lightroom. I applaud the move, but as I said having a choice, the ND has more use cases for me
I bought both the GRIII and GRIIIx. Now I've added the GRIII HDF as well. Yes, three GR bodies, I know. They're so small, it's no hassle carrying all three on a trip. In lower light, at night etc. I use the HDF.
I really don't understand the reason behind Ricoh releasing new versions of old GR iii with very minimal features! Obviously someone with an original GR iii will never buy any variations until the release of GR IV! It's really annoying for Ricoh to disrespect their customers with products that has no advantage owning variations of old cameras! At least they could make a pure monochrome version by removing the colour mosaic filter like Pentax & Leica which can be a popular choice! Come on Ricoh, Don't play with us!
How is that disrespecting 😂 it's disrespectful if I buy something this year and have to buy something new next year! It lasts 5 years! How is that disrespect?
Thank you for the video. I have the GRIII and I'm contemplating getting the GRIIIx HDF for that softer look to faces and in general with the different focal length. The focal length difference is frankly an excuse to even think of getting another GR. I guess I'll try out external filters as well as post-edits to see how that looks but as another comment pointed out, the HDF filter really captures that film like balance that I guess Ricoh was going for that filters or post-edits can't.
Thanks for watching. Yes you will get that film effect with the softer look which is nice, but doesn't always work for every photo. Again personal preference, really can't go wrong either way
I think you have to live here in Japan, especially in big cities to understand how this makes absolute sense. This is a local snap shooters device which just happens to be doing insanely well internationally.
I think it’s cool that they made this camera, but personally I’d rather the ND version. What keeps me from buying a GR is the lack of viewfinder, so I’m with you there.
Dude, I really like your videos. No negativity of any kind, just pleasant soulful videos, and as many pictures as possible. At the same time, you are probably the only English speaker that I liked. I can't stand Russian and English pronunciation and accent, it just annoys me wildly. But your voice, pronunciation and accent are probably very pleasant to the ear.
As an older photographer dealing with some level cataracts, I feel that I already have more diffusion than I want. I'd like. Nevertheless, in portraits I see its utility.
Great review! Covered all the key points and answered my questions. Will be interesting to see if Ricoh develop a built in hdf where you can adjust the diffusion % in future that would be something special
Caputing dreamy water falls, rivers and streams require an ND. You can always 'soften' in post, but you can't slow down the shutter in post. As with everything, depends on your individual usecase and needs.
hi Bobby I'm Luciano I'm writing from Italy I'm a beginner I know almost nothing about photography, to start as my first camera I thought between the Ricoh GR III Diary Edition and the Ricoh GR III HDF but after watching your video I think I'll go for the Diary edition (without the HDF filter) do you think it's worth adding the viewfinder? Thank you very much for your honest review :)
Hi Luciano thanks for reaching out. The diary edition is a very nice camera and I think you will enjoy it. I’ve never tried the viewfinder but some really like it.
@@Sukhraj ciao La Diary Edition ha un corpo in grigio metallico caldo con impugnatura marrone scuro e tappo dell’obiettivo in argento naturale, rendendola esteticamente unica! poi qualche altra piccola cosa come la funzione diario che mostra il num. di foto scattate quando viene spenta e una nuova modalità chiamata “negative film”, che simula l’aspetto delle foto stampate da pellicola negativa, con tonalità sbiadite ma colori ben definiti.
If anything we might get a gr tough, with a weather sealed case but same internals. It’s a great system already, they should take their time and only release when there is a reason to.
Did a couple videos on this with an easy edit trick in PS. People are surprisingly offended that the original is already better. This is a refresh with a lateral move or downgrade to justify charging more for 5 year old hardware.
I have the griiix standard with the nd. I have 3k indoor test shots and it always sits in a case. I never take it out. I've tried every flash and the only one that comes close is my lumecube light panel. Except, Its a bit bright for people shots. So i kinda don't use this camera. It was so close to a perfect camera. I'm gonna have to stick with my X100 & XE1 because i can bounce the flash. Dam you Ricoh !! u were right there !
It would be interesting to compare the HDF effect with the effects enabled by Dehancer. I'm looking for this information before buying one or the other.
I'd go with the ND Filter and add the filter option so I can pick my own HDF filter so I can choose intensiveness. The HDF they added is pretty severe to me. It reminds me more of a cheap effect added in post than something vintage.
Agree with you. This is the reason why no manufacturer integrate a HDF filter in a camera body. No matter how good is the filter. It’s just a bad idea. You can just buy a filter and you will not miss anything. Ricoh tried to be innovative but they just screwed it up.
It’s a choice to have in the market and to their credit they didn’t discontinue the original version. Asked the distributor here how are the sales he said, currently a long wait list
@@btonelli I have 18mm and 27mm lenses for my Fujifilm X-T5. I love both, but I use the 27mm more. Is the crop mode of the GR III a good replacement for a GR IIIx with a true 27mm lens?
Flash and viewfinder? Get an X100vi 🤷♂️. I think a system like the Sigma fpl would be good, if you want small you shoot without the viewfinder, times when you want/need a viewfinder you use it
If this pocket camera is made for point and shoot. Then, I am pretty sure people wouldn't spend hours on editing and uploading pictures. The idea is to set the filters, transfer, and upload. That's where fujfilm x100vi scores. Sadly, both are not available easily to get I on the market.
Strange, I thought the main benifit of HDF was to make spot highlights 'glow', like night street photography. You didn't show this at all & missed out on it's main benefit? I don't think you'd buy the HDF version to soften people skin personally?
It’s a diffusion lens that while makes highlights glow, it also softens skin and the entire image, giving a look similar to a vintage lens so to speak.
OMG, enough with the nitpicking about adding filters on top of the lens already. If you're gonna bulk it up, then get a different camera already. The point of the GR is the compactness and pocketability. Deal with the HDF or not. It's simple. You sound so indecisive.
I bought the GR III HDF (my first GR) and I love it. But you nailed it: GRIV with Flash and EVF. At least with Flash. Love your honesty, dont lose it!
Thanks! Yes we need a flash back for the GR4
@@btonelli You gave them the marketing catchy word for the next version (“Flashback”) 😉
@@TungstenOvergaard lol!
I got a GR III for 2 years. it was 'lost' at the airport last summer. now i've buy the HDF. Got it since 2 weeks now. The HDF is GREAT ! i'm a logn time photographier ( +30y ) and i've used black mist on all my DSLR for specific shooting.. ( dreamy weedings shoot, and so ) . The OPTICAL effect of a high diffufson filter is WAY more gorgeous than any photoshop filter... ( and trust me, i'm a heavy photoshop user... ) . so, if you want the HDF, the new GRIIIHDF is reaaaaaaaaly a beast. The ND missing is not a issue for me. As always, there is no good or bad choice, it's juste depend on YOUR style of photography... don't trust the other people advice on this choice. It's completely personal. ( Sorry for my bad english. ^^ )
Agree very personal. Glad you are enjoying it!
Can you give me a straightforward. Should i pick ricoh gr iii hdf or gr iii hdf . I will pick it today
@@quangpham464 no... As i say it's a personal artistic choice...
@@junosensis from ur view pls.
I just picked up an HDF version recently, I don't use the HDF mode for color shots too much but it really makes some pleasing BW shots straight out of the camera
Yes it has its moments. Sometimes the images look great, others not so
As always I find your contest refreshingly honest - too many reviewers these days just hype the latest gear to keep the goodies and company partnerships going and it's getting tiresome. Anyway, I have the original GRIII, and when the HDF version came out, I decided to pick up a Polar Pro Shortstache mist filter instead which seems to achieve a similar effect. Nice option to have, but I realized I will use it less often than I thought. Keep the great content coming!
Thanks! That’s the goal is to always be honest. I think the Polar Pro Shortstache is the way to go
Did this exact same thing!! Cheers.
Honestly I applaud Ricoh for this. Ok ok... I know they do a lot of silly cosmetic variety versions etc (street, diary etc), but name me ONE company that has thought to do this?! And then look at Tiffen special effect filter sales! Actually I will name one... STC Optics, they produce a clip (behind lens/in front of sensor) HDF (and honestly I am seriously contemplating just getting a couple for my XH2S's).
But indeed, the strength of the effect is key, but how good is it that you can turn it on or off and on at a touch of a button! Much better than screwing/unscrewing filters (or even dealing with a magnetic filter system. It would be nice if there was a drive mode that took one shot with (HDF) and one without.
I think this is a nice addition to the range and something at least creatively interesting as we wait for the GR4.
There are times I liked it but I wish it wasn’t so heavy and other times I wish it was more pronounced. It’s cool but I feel I can replicate it quite easily in Lightroom. I applaud the move, but as I said having a choice, the ND has more use cases for me
I bought both the GRIII and GRIIIx. Now I've added the GRIII HDF as well. Yes, three GR bodies, I know. They're so small, it's no hassle carrying all three on a trip. In lower light, at night etc. I use the HDF.
you are the ideal customer of Ricoh, that is exactly what they want with all the versions 😂
@@HuyLe-vv7goand I am already budgeting for that monochrome GR that is rumored to come next year. 😂🤷♂️
I really don't understand the reason behind Ricoh releasing new versions of old GR iii with very minimal features! Obviously someone with an original GR iii will never buy any variations until the release of GR IV! It's really annoying for Ricoh to disrespect their customers with products that has no advantage owning variations of old cameras! At least they could make a pure monochrome version by removing the colour mosaic filter like Pentax & Leica which can be a popular choice! Come on Ricoh, Don't play with us!
Agree. Not sure why they are prolonging the IV. Be good idea on the monochrome, that would be awesome
@btonelli
A 'HDF' with true monochrome sensor.....YES please - 2025
How is that disrespecting 😂 it's disrespectful if I buy something this year and have to buy something new next year! It lasts 5 years! How is that disrespect?
Thank you for the video.
I have the GRIII and I'm contemplating getting the GRIIIx HDF for that softer look to faces and in general with the different focal length. The focal length difference is frankly an excuse to even think of getting another GR.
I guess I'll try out external filters as well as post-edits to see how that looks but as another comment pointed out, the HDF filter really captures that film like balance that I guess Ricoh was going for that filters or post-edits can't.
Thanks for watching. Yes you will get that film effect with the softer look which is nice, but doesn't always work for every photo. Again personal preference, really can't go wrong either way
I think you have to live here in Japan, especially in big cities to understand how this makes absolute sense. This is a local snap shooters device which just happens to be doing insanely well internationally.
Understand. Here in Singapore the same but it’s not so much the camera as the HDF filter version
Just wanted to drop a compliment. I don't want either of these but love your content! ✌
Thanks much appreciated
I think it’s cool that they made this camera, but personally I’d rather the ND version. What keeps me from buying a GR is the lack of viewfinder, so I’m with you there.
Yeah I would love to see a viewfinder on it as well
Dude, I really like your videos. No negativity of any kind, just pleasant soulful videos, and as many pictures as possible. At the same time, you are probably the only English speaker that I liked. I can't stand Russian and English pronunciation and accent, it just annoys me wildly. But your voice, pronunciation and accent are probably very pleasant to the ear.
Thank you really appreciate the kind words
@@btonelli Thank you for excellent content
Great video. Where would you suggest to get a Ricoh GR III in Singapore??
Thanks. Tough one as their stock is extremely limited
As an older photographer dealing with some level cataracts, I feel that I already have more diffusion than I want. I'd like. Nevertheless, in portraits I see its utility.
The problem isn’t that it has a diffusion filter, the problem is that it’s not a good one. It overdoes it instead of being subtle.
That’s how I feel too.
Great review! Covered all the key points and answered my questions. Will be interesting to see if Ricoh develop a built in hdf where you can adjust the diffusion % in future that would be something special
Thanks!!
Caputing dreamy water falls, rivers and streams require an ND. You can always 'soften' in post, but you can't slow down the shutter in post. As with everything, depends on your individual usecase and needs.
Agree
hi, tell me but by the standard version do you mean with nd filter?
Yes standard with ND but either is good
hi Bobby I'm Luciano I'm writing from Italy I'm a beginner I know almost nothing about photography, to start as my first camera I thought between the Ricoh GR III Diary Edition and the Ricoh GR III HDF but after watching your video I think I'll go for the Diary edition (without the HDF filter) do you think it's worth adding the viewfinder? Thank you very much for your honest review :)
Hi Luciano thanks for reaching out. The diary edition is a very nice camera and I think you will enjoy it. I’ve never tried the viewfinder but some really like it.
Ciao, ma il diary edition cosa cambia da quella standard?
@@Sukhraj ciao La Diary Edition ha un corpo in grigio metallico caldo con impugnatura marrone scuro e tappo dell’obiettivo in argento naturale, rendendola esteticamente unica! poi qualche altra piccola cosa come la funzione diario che mostra il num. di foto scattate quando viene spenta e una nuova modalità chiamata “negative film”, che simula l’aspetto delle foto stampate da pellicola negativa, con tonalità sbiadite ma colori ben definiti.
@@lucianoroja3398 molto interessante questa versione, vado a cercare meglio! Spero che non costi tanto di più
I think the HDF version tells us that the GR IV is some way off. It is a way Ricoh can stay in the "news" without releasing a new camera.
Perhaps but I feel like we may see something before years end
If anything we might get a gr tough, with a weather sealed case but same internals. It’s a great system already, they should take their time and only release when there is a reason to.
Excellent vid and explanation. Great voice, by the way. Love the GR series.
Thank you and thanks! 🙏
Yes great voice. Wish I had one like it !
@@alanpayne7656 thanks. Very kind
The reaction to the special model would have been so different if only they had made a monochrom sensor GRIII
Agree
Did a couple videos on this with an easy edit trick in PS. People are surprisingly offended that the original is already better.
This is a refresh with a lateral move or downgrade to justify charging more for 5 year old hardware.
Yeah it’s easy to replicate and feels like a delay to the GR 4
I'd rather have a polarizer filter.
I have the griiix standard with the nd. I have 3k indoor test shots and it always sits in a case. I never take it out. I've tried every flash and the only one that comes close is my lumecube light panel. Except, Its a bit bright for people shots. So i kinda don't use this camera. It was so close to a perfect camera. I'm gonna have to stick with my X100 & XE1 because i can bounce the flash. Dam you Ricoh !! u were right there !
I hope they come out with one with a flash for the GRIV
It would be interesting to compare the HDF effect with the effects enabled by Dehancer. I'm looking for this information before buying one or the other.
Software can reproduce the look for the most part. I don’t have Dehancer but was able to replicate in photoshop and Lightroom
is it worth to buy gr3 at this moment?
Hmm that’s a good question. If you don’t need it then wait. If you need it then buy haha
I was so hyped for a possible ricoh GR 4 but we got a HDF haha. Not gonna lie i do think the effect looks really good
We all are waiting for the GR 4 haha
@@btonelli True haha. I love my GR iii but i mean its been out for a while i need the next upgrade i dont actually need but want ;)
@@photomorti haha likewise
I'd go with the ND Filter and add the filter option so I can pick my own HDF filter so I can choose intensiveness.
The HDF they added is pretty severe to me. It reminds me more of a cheap effect added in post than something vintage.
I came here to say this exact thing. 100% agree.
Yep same
I always use the fn as AF button, can I still designate the fn button to AF?
All the same as before
Agree with you. This is the reason why no manufacturer integrate a HDF filter in a camera body. No matter how good is the filter. It’s just a bad idea. You can just buy a filter and you will not miss anything. Ricoh tried to be innovative but they just screwed it up.
It’s a choice to have in the market and to their credit they didn’t discontinue the original version. Asked the distributor here how are the sales he said, currently a long wait list
We need a WR sealed GR. We need that
I would love a gr with a flash and even just a analog glass viewfinder, built in (not a hot shoe) like the film version. I miss my grii.
True. I would take at least a flash
Do you have the griii now?
@@alanpayne7656 GRIIIX
I've been thinking about buying a Ricoh GR for a while now. But I can't decide whether to buy a GR III or a GR IIIx.
@@whisykoma focal length preference really. If you like to photograph more people the X might be better
@@btonelli I have 18mm and 27mm lenses for my Fujifilm X-T5. I love both, but I use the 27mm more.
Is the crop mode of the GR III a good replacement for a GR IIIx with a true 27mm lens?
Same crop so 27mm is prob close to GRIIIX
is that Yoshihiro Akiyama aka Choo Sung-hoon at 4:44?
Yes it is :)
Flash and viewfinder? Get an X100vi 🤷♂️. I think a system like the Sigma fpl would be good, if you want small you shoot without the viewfinder, times when you want/need a viewfinder you use it
If this pocket camera is made for point and shoot. Then, I am pretty sure people wouldn't spend hours on editing and uploading pictures. The idea is to set the filters, transfer, and upload. That's where fujfilm x100vi scores. Sadly, both are not available easily to get I on the market.
Depends on the user, some will spend time and others wont.
If I got the HDF I would just leave it turn off and use it only at night for moodier feel that’s it.
Sounds good too
Your audio is very good, very pro but almost too pro? It's like you're in a studio or talking on the radio. It's like too much bokeh equivalent.
Thanks. Good audio is important. I don’t think mine is too pro but there are some that don’t put much effort into sounding their best.
i just wish it had both
True
Strange, I thought the main benifit of HDF was to make spot highlights 'glow', like night street photography. You didn't show this at all & missed out on it's main benefit? I don't think you'd buy the HDF version to soften people skin personally?
It’s a diffusion lens that while makes highlights glow, it also softens skin and the entire image, giving a look similar to a vintage lens so to speak.
Stay safe?
Chefs kiss 😅👍🏼
😊😊
This is designed to follow the fujifilm trend of straight out of cam jpegs
Yes But Ricoh has had this for a while now
OMG, enough with the nitpicking about adding filters on top of the lens already. If you're gonna bulk it up, then get a different camera already. The point of the GR is the compactness and pocketability. Deal with the HDF or not. It's simple. You sound so indecisive.
@@Kids11111 I’m presenting two sides of the argument to help viewers who are also deciding. I already made my decision quickly.