GR IV Monochrome brings a dedicated black-and-white sensor

Ricoh GR IV Monochrome

Ricoh announces the Ricoh GR IV Monochrome, a dedicated black-and-white version of the compact GR IV camera. The launch also marks 30 years of the GR series, which began with the Ricoh GR1 film camera in 1996.

This announcement follows the recently presented Ricoh GR IV HDF edition, which adds a built-in Highlight Diffusion Filter for a softer rendering of highlights at the press of a button.

The GR IV Monochrome is built around an APS-C back-illuminated monochrome CMOS sensor with 25.74 effective megapixels and no anti-aliasing filter. Because it is a true monochrome sensor, it records luminance data directly at each pixel. Together with the 18.3 mm f/2.8 GR lens, this is designed to deliver crisp detail and smooth tonal gradation. The camera uses the GR Engine 7 processor and offers ISO up to 409600.

A built-in red filter is placed in the lens unit and can be switched on or off using the Fn button. The filter passes red light and reduces blue light, which can darken skies and increase contrast with clouds, while also making red subjects appear brighter.

Two new Image Control options are included for monochrome shooting. Solid uses a stronger tonal curve for higher contrast and a sharper look. Grainy adds a film-like grain effect while keeping highlight and shadow detail, with the aim of avoiding clipped whites and blocked shadows.

Alongside the mechanical shutter, the GR IV Monochrome adds an electronic shutter with speeds up to 1/16000 s. This makes it easier to shoot at wide apertures in bright light without an ND filter. The electronic shutter operates from 1/3200 s at f/2.8 and from 1/5000 s at f/5.6–16. The same electronic shutter feature is planned to be added to the standard GR IV via a firmware update after the Monochrome launch.

The camera design matches the monochrome concept, with a matte black magnesium-alloy body, a matte black shutter release button and ring cap, and a semi-gloss black GR logo on the front. The power button light is changed to white.

The GR IV Monochrome keeps the main GR IV platform features, including 5-axis image stabilisation rated at 6 stops, 53 GB of internal memory (around 995 RAW images), and the 1800 mAh DB-120 battery rated for about 250 shots. Wireless connection and sharing are handled through the GR World app. Apart from the lack of an ND filter, other specifications match the standard Ricoh GR IV.

Pricing and shipping

The new camera will start to ship in February 2026
Recommended selling price is:

Ricoh GR IV Monochrome EUR 1999; -

For further information, please contact karsten.rath@focusnordic.com

Key specifications

• 25.74 MP APS-C back-illuminated monochrome CMOS sensor without anti-aliasing filter
• Built-in hardware red filter with Fn button toggle for classic contrast effects
• Electronic shutter up to 1/16000 s
• Dedicated Image Control modes: "Solid" for high contrast, "Grainy" for film-like grain with preserved tonal range
• 5-axis image stabilisation with 6 stops compensation, 53 GB internal memory, ISO up to 409600