@@UlyssesAokiPhoto Same here: Please more GRIIIx photographs! I had to rewatch that 1:02 transition in full screen to confirm, that is was not my computer doing these movements under a misterious out of space control LOL
I was waiting for this camera for so long and pre-ordered it the moment it became available. I've been shooting 40mm on a CLE for many years so the field of view feels really familiar. I already owned a Ricoh GR II, so my wide-angle GR itch is already scratched. Attaining precise focus fast is definitely more difficult on the GR IIIx than it is on the GR II. In tricky situations, I use the touch screen to put the focus manually and the camera knows what I am trying to focus on. That helps a little. But it's not an action camera unless you can use snap focus or auto-focus in good conditions. I use a Voigtlaender optical viewfinder for 40mm in the hot shoe. I already had that one, so no need to buy the GR accessory viewfinder. Every time I go out with the GR IIIx I end up with a great image.
I love that green gi coat you’re wearing. I’ve wanted to like the GR series, but it’s just never worked for my shooting. This focal length could be nice though!
As a GR II and GR III owners I was initially excited about the IIIx, but I felt I'd have issues with framing with the tighter focal length as a one-handed shooter. Appreciate your video, it confirms what I thought might be the case, at least for me. I have zero doubts about the IQ, I know it's amazing.
I just received my GR IIIX the other day. I haven’t had an opportunity to shoot with it outside of the house yet, but a couple of initials thoughts: First, the camera feels dense. It is about as heavy as my Fuji XE-2 with the 27 mm f2.8 pancake lens, despite being significantly smaller. While I think I prefer the Fujifilm dials, the controls are pretty easy to adjust to and most functions are accessible with very minimal menus diving. I’m still learning what can be done with the custom settings through the U-1 to U-3 spots on the mode dial, but as I envision the GR IIIX as part of a mini location portrait setup as well as for street photography, those interfaces options could prove quite valuable. I’ve also found it quite quick and easy to use the touchscreen to set the focus point , especially since the back screen is, in essence, your viewfinder. While I still wish that I had a viewfinder, the absence isn’t as acute given the GR IIIX’s size and the presence of image stabilization. So there you have it.
A lot of the “negatives” that you mentioned are similar to what I have experienced with the 28mm version. I find it harder to get the horizon horizontal, battery life, slow to no autofocus in low light situations. I think the biggest thing for me is the lack of a viewfinder. I struggle to compose as well as I do with a viewfinder, but that’s a personal problem, not a camera problem.
It’s really aimed at street photographers. I have the GRIII and use it one handed. I rarely even look the the screen when I take photos. Agreed, the battery life is rubbish.
At first i was like "why on earth would you expect 28mm to be straight?" Then i remember the price, well for that price i expect 16mm to straight too, ngl 🤣
I really enjoyed this video. I was planning to purchase the GRIII and then the GRIIIX came out which I am leaning more towards. My favorite focal length is 35mm and I also have an x100 which I enjoy using soI thought the GRIIIx would give me something a little different from the X100. Anyway, this was informative and I loved seeing your shots! (Also, your jacket is dope :)) ).
I love the 40mm (equivalent) focal length. I seen it called the "Goldilocks" lens... not too long, not too short... just right. I agree. I have the Voightlander 40mm on my Nikon DSLR, and the 27mm on my Fujis. The Ricoh is a non-starter for me because I need a viewfinder. I'm at the age where I don't want to walk around putting reading glasses on to compose and shoot. Also, living in Florida, the sun glares out my phone to where it is impossible to shoot sometimes, but a camera up to my eye is no problem. I think a true viewfinder would solve your tilted camera also. My Fujifilm cameras have an artificial horizon indicator which assures a level shot. I applaud Ricoh for being innovative, but not for me.
I felt that that GR3 really had one of the best image quality of many APSC cameras. Sharp and good colors. DNG is a nice touch. And that size is so cool. The x is not available anywhere at this point. Too bad.
I love the GRIIIx concept as it actually completements a good camera phone as a discrete mobile shooting set! You have end up with both a 28 mm and 40mm camera. A few accessories(mini lights, ed tubes, tripod) and you're set.
I am excited to see what you do with this. I really want a Ricoh, but I shoot low and from the hip so much on the street that I need a flip up screen. It's my only deal breaker with these cameras and why I still have the X-70 even though it's so old now.
I still use my 8.1 megapixel Ricoh gr digital camera from 2006 with a 5.9 mm 2.4 lens 28mm equivalent. I love the black and white images for candid street photography. I carry it with me always. I have a spare battery.
I shot a contax t2 for over 10 years. I never once complained my horizons nor it feeling too tight. The 35-40mm is more intimate and a different way of shooting. The GR3x is basically a contax t2 in digital form, and that was the selling point for me. Thoroughly enjoying is so far but it cannot be compared to the 28mm lens because it’s just a different experience
For such a small device, it’s quality still holds up. Comparative to how phone cameras have been excelling at “pocketable” devices of photography in a sense. Definitely would consider it a logical next step for someone getting more into the scene, but isn’t deciding to upgrade to a DSLR or mirrorless.
Nice review! My take: it's pocketable, but that's all I seem to like about the GR/GRx. I get the feeling I'm in the minority for not being able to love these. 🥴
Sorry for the slight diversion, but the kimono-themed jacket you have looks good on you. Have someone operate the GR IIIx to take a few fashion shots of you before you hand it back to Ricoh!
I have experienced dust sensor issues from the beginning with the GRiiix. Great little camera otherwise, if you don't mind correcting the (very visible) spots in LR, C1 or whatever software you use. I've been considering sending the camera to customer service, but don't see the point: dust will come again sooner or later.
For everyone asking in the comments, this is ZARA's Kimono Bomber Jacket - unavailable btw ;) Fuji X-T4 user here - 35mm is king in my opinion, but the difference between 28 and 35 is mostly preference. At least that's how I feel. Peace!
The last few moments of this video really made my mind up for me. I had recently bought the GR IIIx after many years shooting the 28mm versions - I told myself that I wanted the 40mm version for a different look and nicer out of focus areas but after it was delivered and I used it a little I realised I really missed the experience of shooting the wider 28mm. I have children so for me it's often more about snaps and less about precise framing. Needless to say I was looking for a reason to return the X and get the standard iii (I just sold my GRii to a friend) and this video summed it up for me. the X is a great camera but I think the GR series has had a fixed 28mm lens for so many years for a reason... it just works.
I own both a 28mm and a 40mm (equivalent) pancake lens, yet I don't find that they compliment each other very well. As you said, they are a bit too similar to really justify using at the same time. Rather, I'll take a 50mm or even a 85mm (equivalent) along with my 28mm. That said, if I'm only going out with one lens, the 40mm will be the one. It's simply the most versatile focal length I own.
To anyone wondering about the jacket (were at least a dozen hits for "jacket" in the comments, searched as I was curious too.) Well, don't get your hopes up if you're on a budget. It's a Visvim Sanjuro, so you're looking at $1,500+ for that bad boy.
Hello! Just thought you'd like to know that I've been consuming photography content on RU-vid since... Well... Since RU-vid started, and this is the first time your content was recommended to me. The colours on both your video and photography are very nice. Cheers!
Hey Ulysses, if you were a big fan of light unobtrusive street set-ups, and the Ricoh GR's, would you consider carrying both the GR3 and the 3x to cover 28mm and 40mm - or '50mm' in crop mode (16Mpx still fine)...? Maybe the GR3 in pocket and 3x around neck (or just one in each pocket). I'm thinking of doing this, but maybe it's crazy 🤪??
7:24 Background: "Here's a friendzone we prepared earlier." I'm super looking forward to a GR with 40mm, and would have chosen it first. Now I'll have both
What focal length and settings do you have for the shot explaining downsides? I like how you stick ur head right in the bright spot and the separation of background is so clear. The focus is spot on. Nothing is underexposed or overexposed. This frame is perfect.
About your comments on the field of view.. when I lived in Japan and shot a lot of street photography, the 28mm field of view was king. In larger less populated American cities, I'd prefer the 40.
Thank you for the review. Which GRIII focal length would you recommend for vacation/travel shooting? I like the idea of the Ricoh due to its small size, so I can enjoy vacation experiences and still take great photos without carrying around my full-size SLR - which gets in the way too much and I feel like I have to either be in "photography" mode or "Vacation" mode but not both. With the Ricoh, I feel like I can be in both modes all -the time.
Great video, love the GRs and I hope Ricoh/Pentax can claw some ground back in general. Is it bad that I keep looking at a K-1? Fuji EVF screen fatigue is killing me lately and the Limited series primes look nice as hell (along with their we're-committed-to-SLRs marketing pivot in a sea of mirrorless)
I got the GRIII bexore the X was released, there were rumours of a new camera on the horizon but I decided to go for it rather than wait and from what I've seen I'm glad I did. The 40 sounds nice but the 28 has been fantastic. My wish list for GRIV would be 28 or 35mm equiv, tilt screen, and maybe a snap focus ring where the "fally of lens ring" is. Oh, and just get rid of the video feature altogether, it is the most pointless feature of the series.
Thinking I might sell my X100F for that GR IIIx, been doing a lot of behind the scenes photos for some content creators in Austin, TX and the x looks perfect for not having to crop with its 40mm, or be obtrusive since the X100F is still big and not pocketable. Great shots my man 👍
I feel the 40mm is either not wide enough or long enough. I have the micro 43rds Panasonic 20mm f1.7 (40mm equivalent). I would rather have a 50mm or 17mm. I have yet to buy these focal length but time will tell if that is what it is. It always seems either I am too close to the subject or need to get closer for bokeh.
I feel like it's easier to take a few steps if you need to "zoom" then trying to go back to fit something that is close (the date example). I have GRIII and i think i will stick to it.
Love your review and approach to the why and how of 40mm …..My cheap as chips solution to get a small 40mm equivalent street camera - pair the unpopular - hence cheap - Fuji XA7 with the first gen 27mm pancake lens ….. fits in the palm of my hand, bright rear screen, focus no issue, images top notch, just not winning any “cool as” awards….
It would be interesting to see more photos in the Positive Film mode. Landscape, portrait, still life, night, and video in this mode =) And it is very interesting, what is in this mode from the real film? Comparison?
I’m glad you referenced the “across the table” scenario. That is precisely a use case for this kind of camera. Personally, I think 35 is pretty good at that distance, but yea, longer doesn’t quite work.
Hi Aoki-san, I'm using GR3 now and using 35mm and 50mm crop a lot. Do you see any major difference/ experience using GR3X beside the resolution? Anyway I do prefer to have a viewfinder even for 28mm GR3...
Shooting with a single press of the shutter release button (Full Press Snap) only works when you set shutter customization to AF+AE Lock. Is this a bug? Does your iiix have this problem?
