Born for the Shadows: The Ricoh GR IV Monochrome is Designed for Black and White Perfection

The idea behind the camera

Street photogs, documentary shooters and fine-art enthusiasts often speak of the unique character of monochrome imagery: texture, tone, contrast and shadow combine to illuminate the world in a way only possible by removing color. With the GR IV Monochrome, Ricoh is leaning fully into that aesthetic. Instead of simply offering a "monochrome mode" on their latest GR IV camera, they've designed a wholly separate model around a dedicated monochrome image sensor (i.e., no Bayer colour filter array) and black-and white-specialised image processing.

By building atop the existing GR IV platform, Ricoh retains many of the series' hallmarks: ultra-compact footprint, prime 28 mm-equivalent lens, 53GB of internal storage, pocket-friendly handling, but now optimized for expressive monochrome output.

In short: this is a precision tool for those who live in black-and-white, not just as an afterthought. The compact form means it remains discreet and agile, ideal for street or travel which make it stand out in the monochrome-dedicated category (where oftentimes the bodies are bulky or niche).

Key specifications

Here are the headline specs for the GR IV Monochrome (development model, specs subject to change) according to Ricoh.

• Lens: 18.3 mm f/2.8 (28 mm full-frame equivalent) with 7 elements in 5 groups (3 aspherical elements).
• Sensor: Monochrome-specific CMOS, size 23.3 * 15.5 mm.
• Effective pixels: approx. 25.74 megapixels.
• ISO sensitivity (standard output): ISO 160 to ISO 409,600.
• Image stabilization: Sensor-shift "SR" (5-axis).
• AA Filter Simulator: Moir reduction via SR unit (Off / Low / High).
• File formats: RAW (DNG) 14-bit, JPEG; multiple aspect ratios (3:2, 4:3, 1:1, 16:9) listed.
• Video: Full HD (1920 * 1080) at 60p/30p/24p, stereo mic.
• Storage: Internal memory approx. 53 GB + microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC (UHS-I)
• Connectivity / Interfaces: USB-C (including power delivery compatible AC adapter), WiFi (2.4 GHz / regionally 5.x GHz).
• Dimensions: Approx. 109.4 (W) * 61.1 (H) * 32.7 (D) mm; Lens protrusion 31.3 mm. Weight to be finalised.
• Launch timeframe: Spring 2026 (planned).

All in all, a very capable spec sheet for a compact camera built around a monochrome sensor.

How it differs from the regular GR IV

Since the GR IV Monochrome is based on the standard Ricoh GR IV (released September 2025), it's worth comparing how the two differ.

Shared attributes

Same base lens (18.3 mm/28 mm equiv.) and compact GR body design.

Same body size and form-factor (109 * 61 * ~33 mm) in the standard GR IV.

Similar feature upgrades over previous GR generations: improved AF, in-body 5-axis IS, large internal storage (53 GB) in the standard model.

Key differences

Sensor: The Monochrome version uses a dedicated monochrome sensor (no Bayer color filter array) - a substantial difference that affects image capture fundamentally.

Sensitivity / ISO range: The Monochrome model boasts an extended high-end ISO of ISO 409,600 (standard output ISO 160 to 409,600) in its development spec. In contrast the standard GR IV tops out around ISO 204,800.

Image Control settings: The Monochrome model emphasizes image controls tailored for black-and-white photographyhigh/low key adjustment, contrast highlight/shadow, toning, grain effect, etc.

Aesthetic finish: The Monochrome version has cosmetic changes (logo color, body texture) to signal its unique nature.

Use case and output: While the standard GR IV is a very capable full-color compact with broad appeal, the Monochrome is explicitly targeted at photographers who shoot black-and-white either by choice or as a dedicated style.

In essence: if the standard GR IV is a powerful color-capable compact workhorse, the GR IV Monochrome is a specialist instrument for those who want monochrome as a first principle rather than an afterthought.

Who it's for and when it shines

The GR IV Monochrome isn't aimed at everyone but for the right creator, it could be a distinctive tool. Here's a breakdown of who might benefit and how:

Street photographers: With the GR series' compact size, fast readiness, 28 mm equivalent fixed lens and discreet design, this is a strong proposition for street work especially for those who prefer black and white.

Travel and documentary shooters: The monochrome aesthetic often handles mixed or challenging lighting well, and the high ISO capability means low-light shots are feasible. Having a dedicated monochrome body means you can lean in to the style without post-converting colour shots.

Fine-art photographers: If your work emphasizes tone, texture, grain, shadowsmonochrome delivers differently than simply converting colour. A dedicated sensor and controls for B&W give a creative edge.

Photographers seeking a "second" camera: If you already shoot colour elsewhere, you might pick up the Monochrome as a specific tool for focused black-and-white projects or personal work.

You might opt for this camera if you're looking for a camera that forces you to "see in black and white" and work with its constraints as creative fuel. This would also be a good fit if you value portability, discretion, and high image-quality in a compact form but want more than just "auto B&W conversion".

Price and availability

The Ricoh GR IV Monochrome is an intriguing, niche yet thoughtfully executed camera: it takes the strengths of the GR line (compact size, prime lens, high image quality) and pivots squarely into monochrome territory. For creators who see black and white not as a fallback but as their palette, this model could deliver something special.

The Ricoh GR IV Monocrhome is set to be launched sometime in the spring of 2026. Pricing hasn't yet been announced, but you can sign up with our friends at B&H to be notified when these details become available.