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For those who appreciate the special quality of a B&W photo, RICOH has introduced a monochrome-only fixed-lens digital camera, the GR IV Monochrome. By eliminating the color filter and the interpolation process required to generate color images, the GR IV Monochrome is able to deliver refined rendering and rich tonal gradation on a new 25.74M APS-C monochrome-dedicated CMOS image sensor.
New monochrome-dedicated Image Control options include “Solid” (for a crisp, edges and clean look)lack and “Grainy” (strong grain effect that avoids complete highlight blowout and shadow detail loss). The ND filter of the GR IV has been substituted for a an ON/OFF 2-stop red filter usually used to avoid washed-out skies. To accomodate the loss of the ND filter, the GR IV Monochrome has added an electronic shutter with a shutter speed of 1/16,000 sec. Base ISO is now 160.
Aside from some subtle cosmetic changes, all the other main features are otherwise very similar to those on the GR IV: 28mm (equiv.) F2.8-16 fixed lens, 6 stops 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization, 3.0-in. 1.03M-dot Touch fixed LCD, 53GB internal memory, 1 UHS-I microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC memory card slot,
If you have always wanted a compact monochrome-dedicated digital camera and could not fork out US $7,790.00 for the Leica Q3 Monochrom, you now have another choice: the RICOH GR IV Monochrome will be available mid-February for US $2,199.95.
PRESS RELEASE
RICOH Launches the RICOH GR IV Monochrome
Premium compact digital camera dedicated to monochrome photography enables unmatched expression through new dedicated image sensor
PARSIPPANY, NJ, January 14, 2026 — Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the launch of the RICOH GR IV Monochrome, a camera specialized for monochrome photography. The camera, based on the RICOH GR IV premium compact digital camera, is newly equipped with a dedicated image sensor to achieve the ultimate in monochrome expression.
The RICOH GR IV Monochrome evolves the essential values of the GR series while newly incorporating a monochrome-dedicated image sensor. The new camera fully draws out the capabilities of the high-performance GR lens by eliminating the color filter used to acquire color information, as well as the interpolation process required to generate color images, thereby delivering refined rendering and rich tonal gradation. The camera’s built-in red filter enables more distinctive monochrome photography, and its newly developed Image Control options – dedicated to monochrome imaging – provide deep and diverse monochrome expressions.
The GR series marks its 30th anniversary this year, tracing back to the film camera RICOH GR1, launched in 1996. Over this long history, the GR series has consistently remained committed to the essential values of a camera – high image quality, quick response and portability – earning support from professionals and advanced amateurs, while continuing to evolve with the times. Following the recent announcement of the RICOH GR IV HDF, which will be available later this month, the addition of the RICOH GR IV Monochrome to the lineup reflects Ricoh’s hope that even more customers will enjoy the depth of photography through a broader range of expressions.
The RICOH GR IV Monochrome is scheduled to be showcased at GR SPACE in Tokyo, Shanghai, Beijing and Brisbane beginning on Thursday, January 15, 2026; in each of these locations, visitors can try out the new model firsthand.
| Pricing and Availability |
The RICOH GR IV Monochrome will be available mid-February at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com as well as at Ricoh Imaging-authorized retail outlets nationwide for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $2,199.95.
| Main features of the new RICOH GR IV Monochrome |
- Monochrome-dedicated design
With the pursuit of the ultimate monochrome expression, the camera is newly equipped with an anti-aliasing (AA) filterless monochrome-dedicated CMOS image sensor of APS-C-equivalent size, capable of producing high-definition images with approximately 25.74 effective megapixels. Unlike monochrome images produced using a general color image sensor—where each pixel receives light through one of red (R), green (G), or blue (B) color filters, the information is interpolated to generate a color image, and the result is then converted to monochrome—each pixel of the monochrome-dedicated sensor captures the subject’s brightness information. Because it directly takes in the light information entering through the lens without interpolation processing, it enables sharp monochrome rendering with rich tonal gradation and also makes it possible to create works that emphasize grain effects by taking advantage of high-sensitivity performance.
- Built-in red filter in the lens unit
A red filter that can be turned ON/OFF with a single operation is built into the lens unit. By allowing only red wavelengths of light to pass through, it enables dramatic rendering—for example, by darkening the tones of a blue sky to enhance contrast with white clouds, or by rendering red subjects brighter to make them stand out more clearly.
- Support for diverse monochrome expressions
The camera features monochrome-dedicated Image Control options to enable a wide range of monochrome expressions. “Solid” uses a hard tonal curve to express a crisp, clean look and renders edges with refined clarity. “Grainy,” characterized by a strong grain effect, delivers a finish reminiscent of silver-halide prints and printed materials by avoiding complete highlight blowout and preventing shadows from being crushed to solid black, while producing grain that is clearly visible even on smart devices.
- Carefully crafted exterior design
To evoke the primitive, essential world of black-and-white photography by unifying the overall color and texture, the magnesium-alloy body, as well as the shutter release button and ring cap, are finished in matte black. The subdued sheen, deep texture, and softly tactile feel together make the GR’s special nature immediately apparent. In addition, the front GR logo is finished in semi-gloss black, with a luster distinct from that of the body finish. Moreover, the power button illumination has also been changed to white. The monochrome aesthetic is expressed throughout the design.
Other features
Electronic shutter enabling high-speed shooting up to 1/16000 second
In addition to the conventional mechanical shutter, the camera is equipped with an electronic shutter that enables shooting at higher shutter speeds. The shutter speed can be increased up to 1/16000 second, which is effective for creative work that takes advantage of the monochrome sensor’s high-sensitivity characteristics in bright conditions, and for situations where it is desirable to shoot with the aperture open even in very bright environments.
Note: This function is scheduled to be added to the GR IV as well via function-expansion firmware (to be released after the launch of the RICOH GR IV Monochrome).
- Except for the presence or absence of the ND filter, other camera specifications are the same as those of the RICOH GR IV.
The new GR IV Monochrome will launch with regional language support in English, Spanish, and French. This offering ensures a strong, localized experience for our core markets.
Pre-order/Buy the RICOH GR IV Monochrome from our Trusted Sponsor B&H Photo-Video, the Professional’s Source, satisfying millions of customers for over 35 years (prices are in USD):
