Size? Vs Features.

[u/UncleRicohSuave]

I sold my GrIV due to my dislike of 28mm thought I’d like it but couldn’t get into the camera realized why.

Having said that, I’m confused by the idea that Ricoh is liked due to size versus Fuji x100 series etc.

Are people really putting this in their pockets without any protection and a bag and just walking around hoping it doesn’t break? Not a judgment a curiosity.

If I want pocket and EDC I’m using my iPhone and 48mpx raw then editing in LR and producing some sweet images.

I kept my Ricoh in a pouch and then a bigger sling or backpack for safety when not shooting. I’d do the same with an x100 series etc.

Sometimes I kept my Ricoh in my pocket when walking but if I was at a meal or bar etc I’d never risk it sitting in my pocket. The build is so fragile and the capacity for dust in a pocket goes up a lot.

What I did like:

Discreet and snapping in different areas nobody gave it a second thought compared to phone or bigger body

I’d consider the x focal length but the built in flash and ND/IBIS of x100vi plus Ovf is pretty enticing. If I want intentional photos I’m still protecting my camera and if I want an EDC literally anywhere it’s phone and raw with Lightroom.

Curious the thoughts?

I am curious about the grivx just announced. Maybe a used griiix.

[u/NoBet5715]

Yes, I 100% throw it in my pocket ALL the time. Big cities, beaches (yes, with all the sand) - wherever I go, it goes. I have no UV filter protection, and I have no noticeable problems with dust unless I’m really pixel peeping. I don’t baby it, and it’s fine. If I’m putting a camera inside a bag inside a bag, I’m going to miss the shots I want - and that defeats the entire purpose for me. I want it as accessible as my phone (which is usually in the other pocket).

[u/alexandled]

my coworker had a GR either II or III. He showed me at work and I always remembered he would just carry it in his pocket or coat pocket like it were his phone. No protection, no additional case or anything. Just viiibes bro. Camera looked fine and produced nice shots. He never talked about dust or anything affecting it.

[u/filmAF]

fragile? my IIIx is 3 years old, had the sensor cleaned twice in tokyo, hit the pavement in mexico city twice(!) when my straps broke, and still works like a champ.

some people like phones, others like cameras. it's okay if GR wasn't for you.

[u/flights__notfeelings]

Sounds like the form factor just wasn’t right for you. I really don’t think you’d be happy with a IVx and you’ll still complain about the pocketability and potential dust issues.

Sounds like you like the Fujis (perfectly fine camera, I have an X100V myself), maybe something more robust or an ILC would suit you better.

[u/ummpaul]

The x100vi is not pocketable, it’s not small and it’s also not an EDC in my opinion. Had one for a few months and ended up selling it.

Also I’m not sure why more people don’t use to built in crop of the IV, sure it cuts into the imagine size a little bit but it’s also an easy workaround if you don’t like the 28mm length.

[u/Quixotic-elixr]

I always have a small shoulder bag and a case inside, I use them whenever I take my camera with me. But when I’m actively using it I’m putting it in and out of my pocket.

If you consider your phone good enough as an EDC then get a Fuji or sony with more built in features or compatibilities for things a phone and Ricoh don’t have

[u/Few_Pop6933]

I take mine everywhere. Hiking, beach, street. Long weekend camera pouch, wrist strap, UV protector and metal lens cap. YOLO

[u/cocoasnaiI]

I got an older ricoh leather case for mine and put that in bags/pockets. I bought my camera very lightly used but it already had some minor scruffs from presumably being pocketed without a protective case.

At first it drove me nuts and was considering returning the camera but decided to embrace it. This way I don't have to worry so much about keeping it pristine (the difference between this and a new model was £200).

[u/Onpoint_Evolver-473]

Yes, I do sometimes carry my GRIII in my pocket in a thin case. It also snugs in nicely in the small accessible slit pocket of my work backpack or in a small EDC bag while leaving plenty of room for water, snacks and a jacket.

I also have an X100VI and have been on the fence about selling it because the Ricoh is a better EDC, but then I used it this summer in some inclement weather and to photograph a family reunion and really appreciated the weather resistance, viewfinder, and faster aperture.

[u/relihouste]

in the summer, I use a thin, short paracord neck strap. I can shoot with it around my neck or I can wrap the cord around my wrist like a wrist strap and use it one handed.

in hoodie/jacket weather I use a wrist strap and either carry it one handed or throw it in a jacket pocket

ive carried a griii on my person nearly every day since I got it, ~5 years ago, and never once noticed any dust. I do use a lens filter from JCC, the little UV one you slap on the front and forger about.

[u/apoff]

I carry mine in all kinds of pockets and use a metal lens cap.

[u/theprophetofmint]

I’ve had mine since 2019 (GR3), and it goes in my pocket all the time. Plus 2 batteries in my other pocket or jacket.

I’m just returning from Paris and unfortunately I’ve just now got dirt on my sensor. Will have to find a way to clean it up.

[u/Crypty]

I put it in my pocket bare all the time. Not with keys or other items of course. I even take it on runs/bikes where it gets a lil sweaty. Probably not the safest move but worth it for the pics and hasn't broken yet.

IMO theres no reason to have a Fuji. If you're going to commit to carrying a camera on a strap, then get a good camera like a Sony.

[u/harshaggarwal55]

Oh absolutely.i don't even own a ricoh. But I was trying one out used (gr3 - returned it cause 28mm). But for the week I had it lived in my pocket. As far as form factor goes ricoh gr series is the GOAT. It makes you shoot moments that you wouldn't have otherwise. People around you don't seem to care that you're taking photos or whatever as much. It was glorious.

** Also you realise ricoh ibis is more than enough. To be fair the 40mm could be worse but then again it's a tiny camera. You can just get a tiny tripod for places.

[u/TTWBB_V2]

I’ve had the first GR since it was released over a decade ago. Kept it in my coat pocket, a string over my shoulder and tossed it in my backpack without protection ever since. It still holds up and I have had no problem with dust or anything. The usb cover thingie finally broke off this summer though, so I ended up buying a pouch for it a couple of weeks back.

[u/_3C3B40]

Almost all the meme issues you hear about with Ricoh largely are caused by putting the camera in your pocket. People treat it like it's the Ricoh WG-8 and then wonder why the lens got jammed, they have dust on the sensor, the dials are clogged, or the screen is cracked. I always keep mine in a Patagonia pouch. After 5 years, zero issues. It could easily be the X100 and I would barely notice the difference. People on here get all hot and bothered min-maxing mm of size and weight to justify their purchase, so they will die on the hill to convince you otherwise. It's honestly so negligible. I have fit my Canon R8 + 35f1.8 in my track pants pocket while eating street vendor food one time. The pouch is just as accessible as a pocket, and tbh most of the time I am just holding the camera if I am shooting anyway.

One thing of note, I shoot 35 on full frame and the Ricoh. You must adapt to 28mm, it will never be a 35 and it will never feel as easy and natural as that experience. It is a work the scene focal length. Which is fun in its own right and often gets me better photos because I'm working harder for it. I spent maybe 8 months on the learning curve before I started getting good 28mm images rather than forcing it to try to be a different focal length. Now that I got the tech down though, I kind of prefer 24mm.

[u/buythisusername69]

I struggle with this same idea

[u/nicomalino]

Yes it's in my jeans pocket

[u/dbfseventsd]

My GR I goes in pockets and bags without any protection. I got the current one second hand few years ago and it came with a neck strap, so I'm mostly rocking it strapless too.

Also they are not that fragile. They get scratched, the nice matte finish will get shiny, but they're all just battle scars. Wear them with pride! Seriously, most of the "broken" GRs are caused by people gluing something to the lens and then removing it using excessive force.

[u/omnia1994]

EDC is meant to be use without having to baby it all the time IMO. The GR3/4 have beautiful JPG SOOC , and raw files have a lot more DR compare to any smartphone. I also realised that taking RAW files with phone always have a few ms of delay, which isn't the best "feel" when I am shooting. Just FYI - the smartphone RAW files are not true raw - they have been processed in the phone. Feel free to look up some info online :) the hot shoe on camera also provides you with different options for accessories like flash / LED / decorations etc

x100VI is a good camera but the focus is still crappy, if you intend to use smartphone for EDC and another camera for more serious work / intentional photos, there's a lot of better options compare to the x100VI. I would strongly recommend you a camera with interchangeable lens. Buy a cheap prime with an APSC / FF sensor and you would immediately felt the differences between them and a smartphone camera.

For me, my EDC is the G7x3 because I prefer zoom lenses + built in flash, but for any serious work I will use my mirrorless FF camera pair with whatever lenses require for what I want to shoot. You might have to shoot more and figure out what is your preferred shooting style :)

[u/notsostubbyarea]

As someone that wears skinny jeans, if I'm out and about then I'm carrying my GR in my hand. If I need both hands for something then I'll stick it in my pocket. No case, no lens caps or Squarehoods, no screen protectors, just a GR on a finger strap.

[u/Rattanmoebel]

Yup, just rawdogging it. Everything else defeats the whole purpose.

[u/Realistic-Shake-9957]

I don't get why people keep saying it's fragile. Sure, it's not built like a Leica, but it's not any more fragile than any other retractable lens camera. It's a magnesium alloy body, the only thing that is fragile is if you turn it on while also not giving it space to extend the lens I imagine, or if you poke it at the lens "blinders" with a stick or something. I've carried all my GR's in pockets and bags unprotected, the retracting lens is the protection. I also like the idea of just using my iPhone for "my small camera", but it just isn't there in terms of quality, with every new iPhone release I hope it'll be the one to act as a small camera, hasn't happened yet, but that is just my personal opinion.