Ricoh announces development of GR IV Monochrome

The first dedicated black and white camera in the acclaimed GR series, the GR IV Monochrome will be showcased at GR SPACE TOKYO starting on Thursday, October 23.

Ricoh was in the news recently due to its partnership with a smartphone company, realme, but now the company is back with the announcement of a new classic high-end compact camera, the Ricoh GR IV Monochrome, the first dedicated black and white camera in the acclaimed GR series. Based on the latest model, the RICOH GR IV, which was released in September 2025, this version will feature a purpose-built monochrome image sensor that delivers, according to Ricoh, “exceptional black and white imagery with enhanced sharpness, improved low-light performance, and richer tonal gradations compared to converted colour images.”

The dedicated monochrome image sensor eliminates the colour filter array found in traditional sensors, allowing each pixel to capture pure luminance data. This results in better light sensitivity, finer detail resolution, and superior tonal depth unique to monochrome imaging, Ricoh claims. The sensor and the Image Control options specialized for black and white photography allow the GR IV Monochrome to deliver, the company notes, “the ultimate in black and white expression.”

It has been nearly 30 years since the RICOH GR1 film camera, the first in the GR series, was released in 1996, and exactly 20 years on October 21 since the GR DIGITAL was launched in 2005. Over the history of this series, Ricoh’s commitment to the essential camera values of high image quality, quick response and portability has always remained the same. Hinging on these basic concepts, the GR series has continued to evolve to meet the needs of the times.

The new camera retains the GR series’ core philosophy of exceptional image quality in a compact, pocketable form factor while optimized for monochrome photography. The exterior design sample of the RICOH GR IV Monochrome, which is in development, will be showcased at GR SPACE TOKYO starting on Thursday, October 23.

The Ricoh GR IV Monochrome is scheduled for release in Spring 2026, with pricing to be announced.