Previously, I had been used for a long time, the Ricoh GRD IV. I loved her, only the small sensor does not allow me to print in large format and had the typical limitations of a small sensor (low dynamic range, low light utilization in low-light situations, resolution etc.). At that time I had already dreamed of a Ricoh GR V and I said to myself "I hope Ricoh does not alter and make it but to build in a large sensor" ... and they have actually attempt it. Ricoh is known for its compact camera series particularly for street photography are ideal. The camera is only slightly larger than its predecessor, fits in your pocket if need be, and has all the known beneficial properties that can be googled the net. Mention may be the excellent adaptability of the camera functions to their own needs as far as I know no one else offers camera manufacturers, the excellent quality of the lenses and the excellent suitability for black and white photography. Here I come to my first limitation for the camera.
Previously, even the hint that the camera is ergonomically a masterpiece. I've so far discovered no camera feature that would not allow me to use the camera with one hand, for me a great advantage. I also had for a short time, the Nikon Coolpix A and with her Nikon DSLR specific menu can be inevitably often operated only two hands. Genial I find the way when shooting in aperture priority the aperture gradually with a wheel on the upper front edge to adjust the camera. Perfect as it gets. The index finger is enough to select any panel.
As for the picture quality is so good and the jpegs useful. But who wants to use the full potential of the camera should shoot RAW and know how he worked his pictures, or another profile, for example, create in Lightroom. In the category of black and white photos directly from the camera, I would argue that the RICOH GR almost in a class with the Leica M Monochrome (I do not know themselves) and the Sigma DP Merrill (I had even used a long time) cooperates , The color JPEG images may appear somewhat washed out and sometimes have a strange reddish tint that I can hardly describe. But you shoot Raw and processed images. obtained top-notch quality. So if you value it creates as little time to invest in the processing of his paintings and primarily makes color photos with a Nikon Coolpix A or a Fuji X100 / s generally served probably better, both are superior in JPEG format of Ricoh, however, they are also significantly expensive, one reason why I have decided for the RICOH GR. As a RAW-format the Ricoh GR uses the Adobe DNG format own. A big advantage when you put on future-proof compatibility value and his paintings would convert not own from the RAW-format camera manufacturer specially in the DNG format. I'm excited about the possibility to develop RAW images in the camera. Here one has to switch to playback mode, call up an image in the RAW-format and select the menu item "RAW Development". Here you can extensively adjust the most important parameters for image reproduction, such as white balance, image settings, dynamic range, Farbmoirée. Noise reduction, etc .. The best thing is that you can see the result without a PC or tablet, directly on the screen.
Also noticeable was the auto focus. He works for me quickly enough. In good light and contrast scenes slower than the Fuji and Olympus E-PL5 x100s / OM-D with various Zuiko lenses; faster than the M4 / 3 combination with the Panasonic 20mm / F1.7, or the Nikon Coolpix A and significantly faster than the older Fuji X100. In low light conditions and / or low contrast scenes, it may be that the focus mechanism starts to pump and it is now already happened to me, has that camera misses the focus in the dawn light and focused on something else. It should be noted that another reason why I have decided for the Ricoh GR lies that the company pays attention to very reviewing and regularly provides firmware updates with meaningful corrections. Not common with most other camera manufacturers. So I trust that with future updates, the auto focus performance and the JPEG quality of the camera is improved. Moreover, the camera also offers the Snapfokusfunktion I have not yet been used. After digital photograph only for about a year and after a little Kameraodyssee I am, at least in the wide-angle end, finally landed in my dream camera that I will keep for the next few years.
Accessories: The objective of the RICOH GR is protected by lockable slats in the off state. Anyone wishing to use filter must specify the filter adapter GH-3 lens hood and filter adapter (currently available for prices between 59-79 Euros). This plastic part (but wertig processed) is supplied with a lens hood and fitted with a bayonet. This allows then to screw meaningful filters (Clear Filter, UV filter as protection or a polarization filter), the filter thread has 49mm diameter. The camera has a built-in ND filter, incidentally. Since I have this but not yet used, I can not say to what extent does an extra ND filter sense.
I also have the PENTAX RICOH wide conversion GW-3 (currently available for prices between 189-219 euros) which reduces the focal length of 21 / 22mm. I've only used it a few times, so only provisionally to point out that I find it very good and useful, the picture quality is actually only slightly restricted (image borders blur. But this is at the focal length and that it is only a conversion lens totally acceptable). What you should do in any case is to put the converter to the appropriate filter adapter GH-3, if already sitting on this one filter. This leads to strong, hardly correctable vignetting. Before using the converter, one should bear in mind the menu, select "close-up lens on / off" to activate. This optimizes the sensor to use the conversion lens and provides full-format imaging, less distortion and noise performance is improved. The converter itself has a filter thread of 62mm diameter and comes with a rubberized lens hood. It is relatively large and heavy and does - ergonomic - according noticeable, it reminds me about the size of a Sony Nex 3n with Sigma 19mm lens. I have nevertheless found great pleasure in it and hold it for landscape photography at least at low ISO values for very suitable ....
Oh yes, with all the enthusiasm I almost forgot the only, real downside. Ricoh has fallen on your accessories unfortunately in the same bad habit of other manufacturers and provides by default only a USB charger. The battery can therefore only be charged in the camera. I have looked for currently about 15, - Euro bought the Cellonics charger BJ-6 with matching battery. The few times I've used it now, has it as far as works without problems and the convenient battery also seems no worse than the original Ricoh to its rechargeable battery (DB-65). Overall, I came with two batteries each to some more than 300 recordings, which I have the camera in between DO NOT shut down, not peak, but pretty neat! As far as first time.
Conclusion: After testing about 20 cameras RICOH GR is the first, according to the Olympus E-PL5, which is close to my heart and has the greatest fun factor of all cameras and she has what it takes to become a classic, not only because its timeless design, but also because it is perfectly plain and simple (haptic and ergonomic). Ultimately the well-known saying applies: The best camera is the one that has it. The Ricoh's pants / jacket pocket compatible and additionally provides yet DSLR image quality. Now would RICOH only one version with light-sensitive 50mm (KB) focal length make for the second pocket!
