10 Days With The Ricoh GRIIIx
why i rented the ricoh griiix
I’ve been extremely happy with my Fuji x100v, but I’ve noticed that it’s starting to feel a bit too big for a lot of my trips. I love this little camera, but I also want to film with my Sony FX3. If I was a photographer, I prob wouldn’t even be writing this. But I’m a filmmaker, I want to make videos of daily life, trips and more. Overtime the x100v started to hinder me from making these films, because when I’m cruising around- It’s either the x100v, or FX3.
I try to carry both, but it gets obnoxious and even if I stick one in a backpack, the workflow is clunky. Sure, on larger shoots or trips, I don’t mind setting the bag down to grab it. But I end up taking less photos, or I completely leave the x100v at home.
This led me to researching other options, and I stumbled upon the Ricoh GR cameras. There’s the GRIII and the GRIIIx. The main differences come down to the focal length- The GRIII features a 19mm (28mm FF equivalent) lens, and the GRIIIx has a 26.1mm (40mm FF equivalent) lens.
I was torn between the two for so long- but I eventually decided on the GRIIIx because I felt I would prefer the longer focal length. I’m a big fan of 35mm as a walk around camera, so 40 isn’t that far off.
first impressions
The first impressions of this camera were great- this thing is extremely tiny. It fit everywhere I put it- fanny pack, swim trunks pocket, pants pocket, jacket pocket. The portability of this camera is truly unmatched.
The build quality also felt great, I heard that this camera feels “plastic-y” but I didn’t find that to be the case.
After the first few days of shooting, I noticed that the files felt muddy or dull. I haven’t really had this experience on the x100v- the fuji sensor and files are just so good. I had a feeling I was maybe doing something wrong by underexposing, but it did worry me at first
It took a bit to get used to the fixed LCD screen. I didn’t mind it not having the EVF / OVF like the x100v- I never use those anyways. But I kinda wish it had a flip LCD screen at the minimum, because I shoot at lower levels sometimes. But, I’m sure the camera would be bigger with it, so I don’t mind the omission of it.
things i like
I really really really enjoy the size of this camera. It’s exactly what I want in a daily point and shoot. I could see myself bringing this camera everywhere- I rarely bring my x100v everywhere. I love the simplicity of it as well, it just gives you what you need and nothing more. Sometimes the x100v feels like a process, though that’s not a bad thing. I think my new needs for a true point and shoot bring me the other direction.
This camera turns on extremely fast- so the pairing of the small size and the speed that it turns on is a great combination for daily life. I can leave the camera in my pocket, and when I see something rad- pull it out, turn it on and snap. I was able to document more “last minute” moments that I would with the x100v.
I love the highlight metering on this camera too- I shoot in aperture priority all the time on my x100v and now the GRIIIx, and I can change the exposure comp with the nifty thumb lever on the back.
things i dislike
The dislikes are few, but can be a big deal. First off, the battery life is definitely worse than the x100v. Most days I was okay with one battery, but I could see it being a problem on certain trips. By midday of light shooting I was around half of my battery. If I was shooting all day, I could see myself going through atleast 2-3 batteries. Not a big deal because the batteries are tiny
The biggest issue for me, is the lens housing. When you turn on / off- the lens extends and retracts. This process brings dust into the enclosure, as it’s not fully sealed off. I had a moment where sand got in, and the cover wouldn’t close and it got stuck. I was able to get the sand out, but this could be a huge issue down the road as I bring my cameras in every environment and I’m usually not easy on them.
There’s no clear way to weather seal this camera, whereas with my x100v you put on a filter and it’s sealed. I can throw my x100v in any bag, and I usually throw it in my beach tote bag and it gets all sandy, but since it’s sealed it’s been safe.
This camera would be incredible for backpacking / hiking, but I’m nervous about the dirt and dust, especially when it’s windy.
overall thoughts
Overall, I really enjoyed my time with this camera. By the end of the trip I felt comfortable and confident with the exposure and editing of the files. I could definitely see myself adding one to my kit, especially when I want a tiny camera. Whenever i’m out on location filming, I would 100% throw this in my pocket or fanny pack to snap some last minute stuff.
The GRIIIx definitely competes with the x100v, atleast for me. They both do the same things for me, even though one feels more premium with the workflow and expereince, and the other feels like a point and shoot. I’m not a professional photographer, I do this for fun- So I can forsure get by with the GRIIIx.
my plan
So, I’m nervous but I think I may sell the x100v. For it being a small camera in it’s own right- it’s still a bit too big for my needs right now. I would rather have this smaller point and shoot style camera to bring everywhere. I ended up taking more photos throughout my trip than I would’ve with the x100v. Maybe down the road I’ll get another, or even better- get a used Leica M for a real rangefinder experience. So yeah, maybe I could just add the Ricoh alongside the x100v. We’ll see.
