At a time when smartphone cameras saturate our feeds with colors and filters, Ricoh has taken a bold step backward by stripping away the color filter entirely. The GR IV Monochrome is a pocketable compact camera whose 24‑megapixel sensor is designed from the ground up for black‑and‑white photography.
By removing the standard Bayer filter array and adding a built‑in red filter, Ricoh allows light to strike the pixels directly for sharper details and a richer tonal range. This isn’t a mere firmware tweak – it’s a purpose‑built camera for photographers who dream in monochrome.
Beyond its sensor, the GR IV Monochrome introduces new Image Control modes that replicate classic darkroom techniques. Users can adjust contrast, shadow tonality and highlight roll‑off to emulate vintage film stocks or craft their own look.
Because there’s no color information to process, the camera renders noise differently, resulting in a smooth grain that recalls silver halide prints. A magnesium alloy body and retractable f/2.8 lens maintain the stealthy form factor fans have come to love, while a USB‑C port brings the GR line into the modern era.
Ricoh announced the camera ahead of CP+ 2026 and plans to ship it in February for about $2,199. It complements – rather than replaces – the color GR IV. Professional photographers might compare it to Leica’s monochrome series at a fraction of the price, while newcomers will appreciate its ease of use. Retailers like B&H already have pre‑orders open.
With the GR IV Monochrome, Ricoh invites shooters to slow down, study light and shadow, and rediscover the timeless elegance of black‑and‑white street photography.
