Ricoh GR III: Has anyone purchased/used the new Ricoh GR III? I'm about to buy one even though I don't need it (everyday carry is a Lumix DMC-LX100). I'm a street photographer and am...

markie1425 Loc: Bryn Mawr, PA

Has anyone purchased/used the new Ricoh GR III? I'm about to buy one even though I don't need it (everyday carry is a Lumix DMC-LX100).

I'm a street photographer and am attracted by the GR III's pocketable size and large sensor. Downsides seem to be reduced battery life (versus its predecessor) and fixed focus lens. I haven't carried a non-zoom lens camera since film days and wonder whether it would be a handicap in mostly an urban setting.

Thank you.

par4fore Loc: Bay Shore N.Y.

I would start with this, I am loving mine!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-COOLPIX-A-16-2MP-DX-APS-C-Sensor-With-extra-Excellent-Condition/153432081619?epid=144411013&hash=item23b943c4d3%3Ag%3AXOQAAOSwPb1cnSTB&LH_BIN=1

markie1425 Loc: Bryn Mawr, PA

par4fore wrote:

I would start with this, I am loving mine!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-COOLPIX-A-16-2MP-DX-APS-C-Sensor-With-extra-Excellent-Condition/153432081619?epid=144411013&hash=item23b943c4d3%3Ag%3AXOQAAOSwPb1cnSTB&LH_BIN=1

Thank you, but I'm only interested in the Ricoh GR III. I don't really need it and won't buy anything if I am somehow dissuaded from that camera.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

I like it for digital. It's small, works just fine and the fact that it's a fixed lens isn't a hinderance.

If money were no object I'd probably buy something else like the Fuji X100 series camera though.

markie1425 Loc: Bryn Mawr, PA

rpavich wrote:

I like it for digital. It's small, works just fine and the fact that it's a fixed lens isn't a hinderance.

If money were no object I'd probably buy something else like the Fuji X100 series camera though.

Thank you.

I could afford the Fuji too, but it's that Ricoh's tiny size that's appealing.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

markie1425 wrote:

Thank you.

I could afford the Fuji too, but it's that Ricoh's tiny size that's appealing.

I'd say that they aren't "that" far apart on size. The Ricoh's lens extends when you turn the camera on for one thing. I've had both as pocketable cameras and to me, both are definitely pocketable. (though as you said, the Ricoh is smaller.)

jederick Loc: Northern Utah

I don't have one but, dpreview.com home page this morning has a good post/photo examples of the GRIII.

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

Read the reviews on Amazon and B&H. Many complain of poor and/or slow autofocus in anything but good light. I think this is a gamble. I believe you would be better off with a used Nikon J1 with a CX sensor and their 10 - 30 mm lens, which will give you an equivalent focal length of 27 to 81 mm. It will cost you about $100 total for the lens and camera on ebay from top rated sellers. And if it is not as advertised Paypal will refund your money and postage. You can also buy their 30-100mm lens (81 to 270mm equiv focal length) for about $125 more.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NIKON-1-J1-White-Digital-Camera-D33697-with-Nikkor-VR-10-30mm-Lens/303140908397?hash=item46949b2d6d:g:8EgAAOSwy5RcyMVf:sc:USPSPriority!07731!US!-1

https://www.ebay.com/itm/White-Nikon-1-Nikkor-30-110mm-F-3-8-5-6-CX-Telephoto-Zoom-Lens-Mint/133022697415?epid=111351202&hash=item1ef8c547c7:g:z3sAAOSwOpFcs4oo:sc:USPSFirstClass!07731!US!-1

I have had my J1 for years and it is a great camera that takes great HD video as well.
I just took the attached pic with the J1 in a semi dark room with no light and the blinds closed, at 30mm (equiv focal length 81mm) with a full size sigma lens using manual focus, and FT-1 lens adapter, at a distance of 8 ft., iso-3200, f5, 1/30th sec., handheld, no flash. I shot raw and just tweaked the brightness/contrast in Photoshop.

(Download)

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

Same scene and camera settings and brightness/contrast tweak as above, but shot at 55mm (150mm equiv) with an autofocus AFS lens. Autofocus and 3 shot burst were instantaneous. Handheld, f5, 1/30 sec, iso-3200, shot raw, dim light, no flash.

(Download)

BebuLamar

markie1425 wrote:

Has anyone purchased/used the new Ricoh GR III? I'm about to buy one even though I don't need it (everyday carry is a Lumix DMC-LX100).

I'm a street photographer and am attracted by the GR III's pocketable size and large sensor. Downsides seem to be reduced battery life (versus its predecessor) and fixed focus lens. I haven't carried a non-zoom lens camera since film days and wonder whether it would be a handicap in mostly an urban setting.

Thank you.

It's not fixed focus lens though. I has fixed focal length but not fixed focus. If it's fixed focus then it's a bad camera.

markie1425 Loc: Bryn Mawr, PA

BebuLamar wrote:

It's not fixed focus lens though. I has fixed focal length but not fixed focus. If it's fixed focus then it's a bad camera.

Thank you. Camera-ese is not my native language.

markie1425 Loc: Bryn Mawr, PA

Bobspez wrote:

Read the reviews on Amazon and B&H. Many compl... (show quote)

Thank you, but I want a Ricoh GR III. That or nothing.

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

markie1425 wrote:

Thank you, but I want a Ricoh GR III. That or nothing.

If it was me, then I'd pick nothing. It may work out and it may not. But for the money I wouldn't be willing to gamble given the negative reviews and the cons noted on the positive reviews submitted on Amazon and B&H by owners. I always evaluate the negative reviews first for a go or no go decision whether on Amazon or B&H or ebay. Good luck, and let us know what you decide.

markie1425 Loc: Bryn Mawr, PA

Bobspez wrote:

If it was me, then I'd pick nothing. It may work out and it may not. But for the money I wouldn't be willing to gamble given the negative reviews and the cons noted on the positive reviews submitted on Amazon and B&H by owners. I always evaluate the negative reviews first for a go or no go decision whether on Amazon or B&H or ebay. Good luck, and let us know what you decide.

Amazon suffers from a spate of fake reviews.

OTOH, there are several reliable reviewers on YouTube who have no axe to grind and talk about the pros and cons. The camera I seek has both pros and cons, but its owners seem to love it.

I was hoping to hear from UHH members who own either a GR II or GR III.

Bison Bud

I too am not crazy about the fixed focal length, but at an equivalent 35 mm at least it's moderately wide and could possibly be a best choice scenario for a fixed focal length. I'd sure prefer some zoom range, but that might affect the overall size or performance, as zoom lenses are always a compromise of some sort. Frankly, the reviews I have read are mostly very positive and it is apparently very popular in Japan at this time. If you want one and can swing the deal, I'd go for it. You would probably have to take a hit if you decide it's not really for you, but should be able to recover a goodly portion of the purchase price while it's still new on the market. Maybe you could rent one somewhere to try it out first, but to me that's just more expense whether you decide you want one or not. Frankly, I've got a feeling you might really like this camera, especially when stating that it's the GR III or no sale! Good luck and good shooting to all.