Ricoh marks 30 years of GR with limited GR IV edition

Ricoh GR IV 30th Anniversary Edition

Ricoh GR IV 30th Anniversary Edition Kit connects the latest GR with the original GR1 film camera

Ricoh celebrates 30 years of the GR series with the Ricoh GR IV 30th Anniversary Edition Kit, a limited version of the current GR IV inspired by the original Ricoh GR1 film camera from 1996. The kit will be produced in 6,000 units worldwide and will be available from 21 October 2026.

The GR series began in October 1996 with the Ricoh GR1, a compact 35 mm film camera that established the core characteristics of the series: high image quality, fast operation and a body small enough to carry every day. Those principles have continued through the development of the GR line and remain central to the current GR IV.

From the GR1 to today's GR

The original Ricoh GR1 stood out by combining a slim point-and-shoot format with features aimed at more experienced photographers. Its fixed 28 mm F2.8 GR lens, autofocus, aperture-priority exposure and magnesium exterior gave it a balance of portability, image quality and control that helped make it a popular second camera among professionals as well as advanced enthusiasts.

At the centre of the camera was the GR Lens 28mm F2.8, using seven elements in four groups and designed to deliver high image quality across the frame. Together with aperture-priority exposure, autofocus, a magnesium exterior and a very slim body, it helped establish the GR1 as a popular second camera among professional photographers while also attracting experienced enthusiasts.

The GR lens quickly became an important part of the camera’s reputation. In 1997, Ricoh produced a limited run of 3,000 GR Lens 28mm F2.8 lenses in Leica screw mount, allowing the optical design developed for the GR1 to be used as an interchangeable lens on compatible cameras. The response underlined how strongly the GR identity had become connected not only with compact size, but also with the performance of its fixed lens.

Ricoh continued to develop the film series with the GR1s, GR10, GR21 and GR1v, refining the same basic concept with updated controls and, in the case of the GR21, an ultra-wide 21 mm lens. In 2005, the GR concept moved into digital photography with the first GR Digital.

Although the technology has changed considerably over the past 30 years, the basic philosophy has remained remarkably consistent. The GR series continues to focus on a compact body, a fixed wide-angle lens, high image quality and quick handling, making the camera easy to carry and ready for spontaneous photography.

GR1 details return for the anniversary

The Ricoh GR IV 30th Anniversary Edition is based entirely on the existing GR IV and shares the same technical specifications. This includes the 18.3 mm F2.8 GR lens with a 28 mm equivalent angle of view, approximately 25.74 megapixel APS-C sensor, GR ENGINE 7 processor, five-axis image stabilization and a start-up time of approximately 0.6 seconds.

What distinguishes the anniversary edition is its design and accessories. The shutter release and rear buttons use a dark silver finish inspired by the original GR1, while the special GN-3 (30th) ring cap features a diamond-cut surface influenced by the area surrounding the GR1 lens. A dedicated 30th Anniversary graphic is also displayed when the camera is switched off.

The kit includes a genuine leather GS-4 (30th) finger strap, an engraved GK-2 (30th) metal hot shoe cover and a special set of 16 pin badges. The badges represent the 14 GR models released to date together with GR and 30th Anniversary logo badges.

The Ricoh GR IV 30th Anniversary Edition Kit brings together the current GR IV with design references to the camera that started the series three decades ago, marking 30 years of the GR concept.

Pricing and shipping
The new limited-edition camera will start to ship in October 2026
Recommended selling price is:

Ricoh GR IV 30th Anniversary Edition – EUR 1839; -

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