The Ricoh GR Experience

By: James Wilder

Ricoh GR III. James Wilder.

The Ricoh GR III

The Ricoh GR is the king of street photography. But is it good for my style of car photography? Note that my style of car photography is similar to street photography, so it makes sense to evaluate the Ricoh GR for its potential in this area.

I've been wanting a pocketable every day carry modern camera for car photography. Currently, what I want does not exist. But the Ricoh was intriguing, so in 2022 I bought a Ricoh GR3. Here's why:

1. I want a truly pocketable camera. Not jacket pocket, but pants pocket.

2. I wanted a larger sensor than an iPhone, preferably an APS–C.

3. I wanted to experience firsthand what the mystique was behind the Ricoh GR cameras.

4. I wanted to see if my style of car photography was possible using the Ricoh GR3.

Challenges Finding Advanced Compact Cameras

I've been following modern camera trends for several years. The entire camera market is unnecessarily complicated, mainly because camera manufacturers don't know how to market. They rely on bloggers I suppose.

I have spent literally hundreds of hours looking at different brands, models, and features. And if I don't document them, I quickly forget the details. It's no wonder that there billions camera review sites. It's insanely complicated to understand even one brand, let alone all possible brands. That's why people just ask the internet - "What camera should I buy?"

So, here are my thoughts on the Ricoh GR3 after several years of use.

Ricoh GR III Likes

Pocketable

It really can fit in your front pants pocket.

Memory

It has approximately 2GB of internal memory! It doesn't need a memory card. Why doesn't every camera do this? Insane.

Fast on

Ideally, the camera would never be off. It would be in a low power state. However, Ricoh has designed this camera to power up within a half second.

Crop Modes

For my style of car photography I need a zoom. However, the Ricoh has a fixed focal length of 28mm. But they do provide a 50mm and 35mm crop view. What's cool is you can set the function button to change the crop mode quickly. Effectively mimicking a zoom. This is my favorite customization for this camera.

Tip: You can configure the function button to change crop to 35mm, 50mm, and OFF (28mm).

Ergonomics

The ergonomics of this camera are great. It is one of the lightest cameras around. It's big enough to hold easily. It's small enough conceal in your hand.

Pre Select Focus

You can pre select your focal distance and use a full press to bypass autofocus. This is a cool feature I haven't played with enough. This is the killer street photography feature.

Colors

The colors for JPEG right out of the camera are very pleasing.

Macro Mode

Take extreme closeups macro mode. Great for capturing crisp gear shift knobs with creamy background.

Ricoh GR3 Dislikes

• Autofocus not as good as my Sony a6400. It sometimes takes a lot of tries to get the right focus point in medium to low light.
• Swipe, pinch zoom gestures are unrefined.
• Short battery life. Just carry an extra. They are tiny.
• Can't delete photos by day. THIS IS BAD. It's either one at a time or all. WHY WHY WHY!
• No fold down display for low shots.
• I hate touch displays and touch focus. Some people love it.
• No viewfinder. But that's a Ricoh thing. Point and shoot. Sunappu.

Ricoh Design Philosophy

The Ricoh GR is very much a stills street photography camera.

The design philosophy of the Ricoh GR camera is "we don't chase the latest trends." It works as designed. No need to change.

If you stick with your philosophy, and you communicate that philosophy clearly, and that philosophy benefits the photographer as well, how can you lose? Be who you are. Be bold.

Finally

The Ricoh GR3 is a grab and go every day carry camera that is fun to use, which means you get more fun shots.

However, it's not made for my style of car photography. But I will always have a Ricoh. In fact, I just ordered the next generation, a Ricoh GR IV.

The quest continues.

Ricoh GR3 Info

Image Stabilization: Yes
Sensor: APS-C
Lens: 18.3mm (28mm equiv)
Aperture: F2.8~F16
Weight: 257g (0.57 lb) w/ bat
Released: March 2019
List price: $899
*No articulating display.

us.ricoh-imaging.com/product/gr-iii/

www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/products/gr-3/

Lists memory and number of photos
www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/products/gr-3/spec/

Ricoh GR Car Photography

Cadillac CT4-V. Ricoh GR3. Photo by James Wilder, Parked Photography.

More photos to come...

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