- The new Ricoh GR IV Monochrome is the first B&W-only model in the series
- At $2,199 / £1,599, it costs at least 25% more than the regular Ricoh GR IV
- Besides being optimized for B&W photography, it's otherwise essentially identical
Ricoh has inadvertently done me a favor. I was eagerly anticipating the Ricoh GR IV Monochrome, the first premium digital compact designed specifically for black-and-white photography, and was ready to make a purchase. However, the shocking price increase has made me reconsider my decision.
To clarify, I haven't yet used the GR IV Monochrome, but my enthusiasm for it is undeniable. I have a passion for black-and-white photography and a strong appreciation for the Ricoh GR series.
My recent Leica Q3 Monochrom review explores the advantages and drawbacks of a black-and-white-only camera, and my experiences with that premium compact, along with the regular Ricoh GR IV, have only heightened my interest in the GR IV Monochrome.
I consider the GR IV a significant upgrade from my GR III, which I have used regularly for years. Although there was a price increase from the GR III, the GR IV's new 26MP sensor, five-axis stabilization, improved lens, better battery life, and increased internal memory justify the cost.
When I first heard about the monochrome version, I thought it would be perfect for me, especially since I often shoot in black-and-white with my own Ricoh GR IIIx.
I anticipated a modest price increase for this niche black-and-white model, similar to the Leica Q3 Monochrom, which is also priced higher than its regular counterpart. However, I expected a sub-10% increase, not the staggering 25% hike in the UK!
At $2,200 / £1,600, I could instead purchase a Fujifilm X100VI or, more enticingly, a Nikon Z6 III, which is a serious mirrorless camera.
My love for black-and-white photography, particularly with a Ricoh GR camera, makes me appreciate the GR IV – it's arguably the best compact camera available. I had high hopes for the GR IV Monochrome as my next camera.
However, I don't believe the incremental improvements for a model focused on black-and-white photography justify the extra cost. My attention has shifted back to the regular GR IV, which now seems like the more sensible choice.
Charting the price of the Ricoh GR series
I bought the Ricoh GR IIIx in 2022 for £1,000 in the UK, while the original GR III (launched in 2019) was priced at $1,100 / £900, which I considered fair.
Due to its popularity, GR III cameras experienced a slight price increase over the years. The Ricoh GR IV was released at the end of 2025 for $1,500 / £1,200. Initially, I thought this price hike was excessive, but the upgrades in that model made it somewhat justifiable, especially considering the additional tariff-related price increases in the US.
Now, with the Ricoh GR IV Monochrome priced at $2,200 / £1,600, it's twice the cost of the GR III and $700 more than the GR IV. This represents a 25% increase in the UK. It's a significant jump.
One must truly love black-and-white photography to choose the GR IV Monochrome over the GR IV. I expect many will still opt for it, given the lack of optimized alternatives. The Leica Q3 Monochrom is priced much higher, but it offers more features.
For now, I'm leaning towards the GR IV instead. What are your thoughts on the new monochrome version? Is it worth the extra cost? Share your opinions in the comments.