The dodgy control wheel issue is a fault Ricoh acknowledged and offered a recall to fix. They even published a block of serial numbers effected. I bought one second hand at a killer price, sent it to the Ricoh repair agent in Australia, and had it back within 2 weeks. Now works good as gold.
It's not the same issue. The one you mention affects to only a certain serial numbers. This is a different issue that's being affecting a lot of GRs. The dial always push to the higher values no matter what direction you rotate the dial. Ricoh has not make any statement regarding this issue. The sad thing is that it appears practically with very few shots. Mine started with this issue with not even 5,500 shots and ricoh never replied any mail, website contact, Facebook nor Twitter.
I’ve had the same experience and it’s exasperating, to say the least. Have spent about $400 for TWO broken control wheel replacements. Both times the failure occurred after only a few hundred or so shots. Why on earth will Ricoh not at least do the decent thing and cover the cost of this repair, when the device design/construction is obviously defective?? (No, my camera was not within the serial number ranges for which they offered free repairs/replacements.) Neither Ricoh nor their official service center would acknowledge that the product is defective or assure me that the repair would be done with a redesigned, corrected wheel component. As a result, I’m just waiting around for the camera - which I otherwise love - to break again. If/when that happens, I will toss it into the trash rather than pay another $200 for a useless repair. Frankly, someone should organize a class action against Ricoh, since that’s probably the only thing that will get them off their duff. Sad.
But why did you pay it it’s under warranty? Please don’t tell me Ricoh didn’t want to acknowledge the faulty wheel, because they’ve got nothing to do with that. There is a local service that has a contract with Ricoh. Just take it there, show the technician the issue and tell him to replace it. I’ve never contacted the company itself when something went wrong with my cameras.
I shoot that one camera, one handed in aperture priority mode with hotshot mounted thumb rest. ISO is set to 100-1600 and I use the top toggle for exposure compensation
smh man, after the second copy messed up too that hurt my confidence on the ricoh. a shame that such a cool concept has a variety of widespread issues. regardless, great video!
Personally - I think that the Gr3 is the perfect graphics machine. Mine's been in heavy use daily for 18 months. No problems whatsoever. Could not be more pleased.*Better add that I do not work for - or represent - Ricoh in any way.
I had the same problem with two units, I found benefit by turning the wheel often even when the camera is off (while I watch TV, or while I keep it in my pocket). However, I have an X100V in service, same problem with the rear wheel, the values jumped with no sense. I don't know if that kind of circuit comes out of the same factory, but I also had to replace a control dial on my car...
I was just about to buy a GRiiiX and am glad i saw this video so that i can at least be pre-warned and have another think, the lack of weather/dust sealing was already a concern. There are a lot of channels on RU-vid that claim to be full-time GR users and you'd think at least one of these people would have experienced the same issue. Enjoyed your passion. 😆
The scroll wheel issue is very common and a tiny and quick spray of electrical contact cleaner fixes it within 20 second. Mine was broken for around a year before i tried contact cleaner, 20 seconds later it's back to new. I've had mine years and it's working great. Electrical contact cleaner is non-conductive so no worries breaking the camera. Still take the battery out, just because it's good practice. Shake the can then a quick blip of spray to the outside gap of the wheel, same again for the inside and then use your thumb to spin the wheel for 10 seconds. Put the battery back in and carry on for a few more years before you might have to do it again. It's not a big deal really when you know the fix.
@@DeeRosaI used the rotate for a few minutes until it starts working again method for a while. That sort of worked briefly and I thought at the time it was fixed but it would quickly come back. The contact cleaner sorted it fully for me luckily. Shame it's not the same for everyone. :(
Had this problem with my GRiii ....a squirt of plastic friendly contact cleaner sorted it out. This method was suggested to me ny a GRiii owning friend who tells me it's not a solution but can be repeated to allow the problem to be managed.
I hated that i had to sell my griii because of this same issue. Sent it to fix twice and still got this issue agan. I did love this camera except for this.
The way Ricoh seals their cameras is AWFUL 😣 I owned a gr i with sensor dust issues and when the gr ii came out I thought it was fixed and yet my camera spent more time getting sent and in the repair shop due to sensor dust issues than actually taking photographs so I finally gave up and have switched to Fuji xf10 (with their awful focus - just use SPOT FOCUS and problem solved) and will soon be on to the x70 for more manual controls. Love your rant, well said, fan boys can and do ruin a quickly shrinking industry - expect more and get more!
Makes me appreciate the Fujifilm exposure compensation dial. Look down, it's on zero or adjusted to the scene, but it is 100% visible and can be zeroed out with confidence without having to guess where on the wheel the control stopped on. Guess there is a point of size versus function where the threshold of practical tinyness hits the limit... pocket size means compromise. Hope you get resolution.
You are absolutely right and bringing up the worst issue on the GRIII. I had the same issue and concern as you. Hope the GR IV could fix this the biggest, literally the biggest drawback for keeping it away from becoming possibly the best pocket size powerhouse. If it doesn’t break why fix it? I can’t agree more with you. Fix the long plaguing dust issue and this got damn wheel, and take my money. That’s why I go for the Q2. Many would think a Leica is overpriced, but man, if a camera will get the way of changing ISO and manual focus and causes you miss shots, I’ll choose a camera, which is solidly build and reliable, even it’s not pocket size anymore but why carrying a troublesome camera? The shitty experience will causes you shoot less with the camera. That’s why every time if I go out I’ll either take my Q2 or the X100V. If the GRIII could be more reliable and durable, I’ll go for the GRIII.
why do you use it at M mode ? It is useless, use P, Tv or Av that's the way to go. No problem with the rear wheel, I never use it M mode is only for special cases, not every time.
Because I wanted to use highlight weighted metering. Man you guys are insufferable… “Why don’t you do this or that or this…” no duh bro that’s what tf I have to use now but the point is I can’t use it the way I wanted to. Y’all are ass at listening lmao.
I've had now three GR3s and two GR3xs and never had a problem you speak of but I've heard others complain about it... guess I hold it differently. There are two massive issues with the GR line imo. First is the durability. I've returned five new GRs because they start acting up on me. I will never buy another new one because I'm tired of it regardless of how much I love the camera.The second is snap focus having a slight delay from when you press the shutter and the image captured. Now I just use my cheap GR Digital 4 which is amazing and still produces great photos with a tiny sensor.
You can set the camera to manual focus and use the touch screen to focus - tap the screen and it will focus and remain locked at the spot until you tap it again. Also you can set the FN button to switch between Manual Focus and Shutter Button Focus - then you focus with the Shutter button, Press FN button and it stays locked at that spot. Just a few ideas...
On my GRIII, exposure compensation is controlled by the lever at the top (what Ricoh calls the adj/compensation lever), not the scroll wheel. Flicking the lever to the left decreases exposure, flicking it to the right increases it. This is how it works unless you're shooting in full manual. If you're in manual, the lever controls shutter speed. The scroll wheel does not do anything in auto iso. In fact, I can't get the scroll wheel to control exposure compensation in any shooting mode or iso mode. If you press the iso button, the scroll wheel changes iso. That's it. Are you sure you're not hitting the adjustment lever by mistake? It's easy to do that with your thumb when you turn the camera on.
Your a genius, I have zero issues with my GRiii, one of my friends in Japan actually supports his family with a GRiii shooting architecture and family events. Mastering all the settings on any camera really helps resolve imperfections.
If you shoot in M and with the ISO button choose Auto-ISO, the wheel becomes an Exposure Compensation wheel, as explained in the video. This is how I shoot too with my GR3X. Of course you can directly set the ISO with the button, but you loose the Auto-ISO functionality, which speeds up the, still MANUAL, process.
I preordered it at lunch and cancel purchase right after open box in the shop. Camera feels much cheaper then GRII that was already fragile. Buttery beyond any joke.
@@DeeRosa thats a bit aggressive bro. The dude was just telling us his story, no harm in that, it seems not everyone has problems with the camera. I'm sure everyone is feeling your pain and disappointment, but no need to be so aggressive to those that express their view and experience.
This is a concern for me too. Is it possible to reassign Exp. Comp and ISO to a wheel or something, for when you want it, and just glue the wheel down?
Yeah, I feel you as I also missed shots when in M mode, because of the wheel sensitivity. But still I don’t think this is worth more than 10 seconds of talk. Just use A mode and the issue is completely gone. Nothing to see in this video, maybe some click-bait to cheat the algorithms.
I don’t use auto because then I can’t use highlight weighted metering and I wanted full control because o was using it for jobs. Nothing to see here but a comment from someone who boot licks companies.
@@DeeRosa I am sorry, I meant Aperture priority, not Auto, but you are right, it is marked Av on the body. So you either use Av for DoF, or Tv for movement. Does not really matter how you modify the exposure triangle. I agree, the Ricoh GR IIIx is such a great camera, it even delivers for professional work. This is impressive for such a tiny package. They should make the dial less sensitive, or a small joystick. This “issue” is still not worth more than one sentence.
@@OfficialSushiSystemAmbassador how about the biggest issue of the original and GR ii the stuck lens and shutter not talking about how easy the dust coming in to the sensor wich never solved by the company.? And what they did is just simply produce next iteration and next iteration and iteration LMFAO
I’ve had 3 ricoh’s and have the griiix now too. I’ve never had this issue; I have heard others with wheel issues, but yeah… I would just remap what you need to avoid using the wheel. The ricoh is completely customizable. Also, I would never buy the ricoh used. I think ppl get this issue then sell it haha. But yes poor build quality I supposed, but the camera is still a banger and I wouldn’t say this is a deal breaker.
Hey there. If I avoid using the scroll wheel I can’t use highlight weighted metering or auto iso. Thanks but still doesn’t help and if a camera isn’t usable second hand in like new condition then the issue isn’t me it’s the damn camera.
I think this is a common problem with the griii, probably why the two you have had went to mpb. I have found the fuji xf10 does a pretty good job, not so good on the focus setting, but I can rely on it to expose correctly and give usable pictures.
i feel i never heard this problem before and wonder if the other channels that use GR just dont use this mode so they dont experience it or are they hiding the problem? certainly good to see this being talked about and to test on a gr at the store.
@@martinohesse following fuji and seeing other complaints show up in the same places, I can believe it as well for the GR. that talking about the short comings might be found as much on video content - and especially harder when other reviewers are moving on to the next camera faster than others. thus researching in other places might just be better,
Most definitely agree about camera manufactures (Fuji!) removing the “D” pad from the rear of their cameras that originally had a “D” pad. The “joy” stick does NOT replace the functionality of the “D” pad & handicapped the user experience.
In my GR3X behaviour is still a little weird, but not so crazy as you describe. If I go to the bottom on negative EV compensation, ISO goes to 100. Then I start increasing EV Comp and ISO goes up till 320. Next step after 320 is back to 100. And as of that moment, it increases normally with no other jump as I increase the EV comp. So luckily for me, not impacting me too much (as I never go so deep into negative EV comp) and I can still enjoy a GREAT camera. I bet my money that Ricoh will bring back the EV Como buttons in GR4. They listened to users when asking for a more tele lens and released the GR3X, I am pretty sure they will listen again and react.
Bro sorry for the bad experience. I have been using GRii and now the iii in the past years, dropped in my bag and pockets without much care and still like the tank. You may get a lemon and they should replace with a good one. Enjoyed the experience with mine and hope the next camera will serve you much better.
Love this camera man! Honestly do but this is just a huge bummer and I could always shoot in aperture priority but I got it for the custom modes and so I don’t have to always adjust settings but now I’m stuck between should I send it back or suck it up.
@@DeeRosa it’s not normal, mine is the renewal model from Ricoh and didn’t even have this issue. I will argue with them hard! The only problem I have with the iii is the flash removal and I got used to the new layout after the first 2 months. The image quality is so much better but I do miss the flash and colors tho
In my opinion, the ergonomics of the RICOH GR remains the best: - one button exposure compensation. Who does or who has done better? - customization of functions: I use multiple exposure a lot. with the GR, I could do it by pressing a key, now three manipulations to activate it, and three manipulations to deactivate it... - where is the flash ?? That being said, huge image quality! I use my Ricoh for artistic photography so my observations are only valid for my own use.
User: “wtf where are my buttons? How do I use this thing?” Camera industry: “Um, it’s got better weather sealing?” Reality: they lowered quality and raised prices. Everyone loses.
i had a ricoh gr3 for 2 weeks then the lens stopped working and i had to send it back.. i was so bummed because i shot with it everyday 9/10 of my photos came out good. i'd like to think that's pretty rare especially when shooting camera with interchangable lenses. the camera has unfortunate issues, especially to be priced around $800 - $1,000 it really isn't a fair trade off.
With my Nikon I allways envied Sony and Canon users for this scroll wheel. But than my granddad gave me his fancy, expensive canon and this shit is broken because of this same wheel. My trusty old Nikon is still working like a beast. Thats good design and buildquality. Its a shame that the GR iii got the same flaw. Never go form over function. function is king!
I own the Ricoh GRiii, Leica Q2 Monochrom, and Sony a6400. I LOVE the Ricoh, EXCEPT for this scroll wheel problem! It's maddening. I am never disappointed with the images it takes, except when I barely touch the wheel and the ISO jumps. I miss shots sometimes because I'm spending 20+ seconds spinning the wheel hoping to hit 0.0 again. Nothing beats this camera for image quality and portability and it is simply amazing for from-the-hip covert street photography. But the wheel sucks!!!! Does anyone know if Ricoh fixed it with the newer GRiiix? I would buy that camera and trade in or sell my current one with the buyer-beware statement the scroll wheel is bunk.
I had the same problem, a squirt of plastic friendly contact cleaner sorted out the immediate problem and it's still good a month later. GRiii owning friend suggested it and said that while it isn't an absolute solution the treatment can be repeated if the problem recurs.
Was just about to order a GR111, all other reviews rave about this camera. Will forget about putting a camera in my pocket, will keep carrying my Nikons around in my bag. Its a shame, they are heavy.
I just purchased a GR IIIx, but it does not behave this way. Would a firmware upgrade change it? Did previous users reassign the scroll wheel function? I know you don't like the scroll wheel, but you could try getting used to it. BTW, it still functions as a D-pad.
It isn’t a firmware issue but hardware. You can reassign the scroll wheel but then it renders any other mode metering beside spot unusable. “You could try getting used to it” - no I don’t have to considering I paid a premium and I’ve been using it - don’t see why that’s something you think helps. Yes it functions as a d pad I don’t need a d pad I need a scroll wheel that gives me the functions that were promised.
I also shoot in manual on my ricoh griii, and in most cases I just set the ISO to whatever my surrounding is. You've mentioned that you could set the ISO as well, but you keep touching the wheel. Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you need to press the left button on the wheel first in order to be able to adjust the ISO? It never once happened to me that I changed the ISO by accident with my thumb, so am a bit confused there.
So I use highlight weighted metering - which is a feature on the GRiii - to protect my highlights and give me the most dynamic range. When you have that on the back wheel acts as exposure comp - the issue isn’t that I’m using the wheel to adjust iso - this issue is I can’t turn off the wheel and it randomly jumps and changes my EV rating. As I said in the video - it ISNT about just shooting manual it’s that they have a whole feature tied to ONE major button that can’t be turned off or reassigned. Yes I know I can shoot in other modes but I bought it for that mode. I am NOT purposefully adjusting the scroll wheel - it’s jumping on its own.
Thank you so much for this refresh refreshing honest review. You won my subscription! I own a Griiix and haven’t made a review yet. Because I feel I haven’t spent enough time with it. Which I m doing right now in Bklyn. Honestly I feel like a blind man shooting with this camera at this point and I haven’t seen real great shot coming out of it. Is it better than a phone of course cause you can control speed etc… But truly my phone is still my fastest camera to pull and frame what I want. And the poor Griii doesn’t compare to my 7R when it comes to the final result. So… Ima keep working the GR until I finally find a good thing to say about it. Hope it ll be soon!
Huh? I have had my GR III for nearly 3 years and never once had the issue you are talking about. Love the scroll wheel. I cannot replicate your issue at all. I have to wonder how you have set up your camera.
Why would you want to replicate a broken wheel? What the hell kind of comment is that? Lol. It’s how I setup the camera? Me and the others in these comments and Ricoh acknowledging said issue? Lmao.
I bought a second-hand, low shutter count GR3 a while back and it has the exact same problem. The scroll wheel is really bad. Shame, because the camera is awesome otherwise.
Interesting. I had that problem today (jinx ?) while walking my dog....the iso decided to go to some ungodly high number and it took me a few minutes to work through the problem enough to realize it wasn't my fault. Disappointing, especially since this camera was almost a thousand dollars. Ouch.
Exactly they could make a firmware to update and somehow a long press in some button an then use the arrow to chose the exposure / iso value but Ricoh is doing nothing.
I feel we have a very similar outlook on gear. Currently I have the xf10, auto iso, snap focus to 2m, one handed street shots that fire instantly. My only real gripe with it is the inability to change the snap settings, it's f8 at 2m or f5.6 at 5m, and that's it. When it gets dark I usually switch to manual focus and f2.8 to get a bit more light but otherwise it's been a great pocket companion for me.
The ONLY time I enjoy a scroll wheel, is on a Canon (which I don't own) and scrolling through images really quick like I'm playing a game - but for the sole reason that it feels like playing a game, NOT for reviewing images.
I really really really love and want to buy a GR 1 for years but never pull the trigger because what ive read all over the internet is the user reports about build quality of GR across the generation is kind of shit
About 10 years ago I had my first digital camera, a Canon Powershot G11, and it was haunted by the same problem. Since then I got allergic to these flimsy scroll wheel on camera.
I saw a few of people mentioning the dust on sensor, scroll wheel issues after I'd clicked the order button, going on for a year of riding rough in my jeans pocket or loose in my bag so far with no issues thankfully. Coming from canon the scroll wheel is something I'd grown accustomed to so never really questioned it being there and I use it when navigating the (extensive) menus.
😂 Yo Dee you know they can’t come back with the exact same design, they literally charge shit just to change it and then bring back like it’s a feature. Lmao classic Apple move.
Great camera with a ugly flaw. On my second one now because of the same issue. I don't think they've officially even acknowledged this and offered a free fix or recall especially for out of warranty
Thanks a lot for this video, man! I’ve been looking into second hand gr II and III, but between the wheel and overheating issues I’ve heard of, I’m starting to wonder whether I should settle for the gr II instead! 🤔
I haven't encountered any overheating in the year+ I've had the griii. If you're not shooting in manual where you need all 3 dials, the scroll wheel isn't a huge problem. I've found ways to work around it, it's become less of a con for me.
Sorry to hear of your gr problems. It sucks. I have sent my gr3 for a clean once already. Bought it when it was first releeased. And on 16 december I bought a gr3x. Brought it back to the store on 18 december because it came with dust on sensor. I buy mine new. I buy them from a local camera store because I know I can't clean the sensor myself. I buy them with a 4 year extension on warranty which includes up to 6 sensor cleans. This adds about 90 euros to the price. I pay it willingly. It also includes repair to the camera. So a funky rear dial would be fixed. I love the gr aps-c cameras. I couldn't see myself without one unless something truly the same size, weight, with similar or better image quality was produced by someone else. Oh, and also with the same great layout. One day ricoh will release a weather proof, dust proof version. Until then I pay the piper. My gr3x is back at ricoh for a clean on their dime. New cameras should come as pristine as the day we are born ;-)
I've not run into this issue with the scroll wheel - not on my GRIIIx or my GRIII. And I've had either one with my as my EDC for the past year and more. That said, I ALWAYS put in a dedicated pouch when not using. Hope I won't run into this.
Oh Dee sorry to hear your bad luck in hunting your everyday carry. U sold me on 28mm focal and fuj 18mm f2. My favourite camera shop sales man also told me of GRs perfection. 6 bodies later and I sort of looked at it. But every point and shoot I've ever owned with retractable lens has failed on me. I do still rock my Pentax Q when size matters but image quality no way near the GR. Hope you find what works for you. Loving the rant and video as always
So, How do you really feel? Funny rant . I’m contemplating buying the 3 because it’s a great everyday camera, or so I thought. Your rant was both informative and funny. Now I’m not sure what to think.. did you see the comment below that said this was an issue on some units which were identified by their model numbers .. and they were recalled to be fixed and so it’s not a design or quality issue, just a bad batch of wheels. What do you think of that explanation ? Seriously, I really want to buy a 3 but not if it’s a piece of crap.
Appreciate the rant! You had a Leica Q and gave up on it? Every time I handle one, I drool. But not having owned one, don't know the shortcomings. But I have a Ricoh GR II and now the GR IIIx, so you have me paying closer attention to the wheel.
Leica sensors are just regular Bayer sensors that are calibrated for whatever color they want - so it does bad in lower light and when recovering shadows. You get “scan” lines and strips. I prefer x trans grain is all. The Ricoh was AMAZING but the scroll wheel bugged.
@@DeeRosa Appreciate the insight on the Leica. I have to say the results out of the Ricoh have been amazing, especially given the size. I've thought of picking up a used Fuji XE3 and give that system a try.
What you've mentioned was not the camera's fault, maybe you can try to learn Iso mode so as not to rely in Iso auto mode. The dial you've mentioned was because of your hand not the camera itself. Anyway I'm looking forward to buy this camera tommorow.
If you can find the 1st gen digital GR for cheap, it’s highly worth it. Better ergonomics than the newer ones too, by virtue of being a little bit larger. And the image quality is still very good, although you get “only” 16 mpix. I’m never selling mine. Partly because it looks so beaten up that no one would buy it… But works like a charm!
Glad that somebody is making this complain. I cannot recommend ricoh and won't buy a GR never again. I. paid 1400 usd (because taxes for importation to Mexico) and the camera is having this issue with not even 5,500 shots. And many other users are starting to have this issue but Ricoh is not making responsible for it.
No sh** Sherlock but if you listened you’d know my issue was not being able to use highlight exposure. Dumb*** people who don’t know anything always have a comment that makes them look stupid.
I'm sorry to hear about this issue. I had the GRII and loved it. I guess I'll steer clear of this new model. This is kind of like "my parachute" didn't open moment for the end user :( I hope it gets fixed, as this is a great style camera!
Oh I figured - yeah I don’t disrespect the Commander and Chief regardless of which party and my personal beliefs about him because regardless all of them have been more of a man than you’ll ever be. The fact that he’s on your mind so much shows me that you aren’t in fact educated on anything with politics but instead of a media sheep of either the right or left. I am now at this very moment not giving a sh** about anything you say and asking you to go fhkk yourself.
@@DeeRosa you sound trigger and seem to be crying about disrespecting a person one doesn’t know, while actually disrespecting a man you will never know. Me 😓
This is so disappointing to hear. I was seriously considering getting a GR iiix, but this is an absolute deal breaker for me. After seeing your video I did more research, and it seems this issue affects almost every GR iii and iiix. Many posters say tgey learn to live with it. But for $1000, which isn't chump change, it's an absolute insult to expect anyone to put up with it.
I TOTALLY AGREE! I just bought and returned a GR IIIx after two weeks. I thought it was my big hands that was causing the same issues. When it worked it was great fun to shoot and the images were really good. Until I just saw your video I was about to try again with a GR III but no way now. Great concept & poor execution!
I used to own one the XE2 + 27f2.8 and 56f1.2 the camera build quality like a tank and renders beautiful images kind of filmic or organic IMO but i jump ship to penF wich is the most beautiful camera ever made by human kind
@@ekkanofiqandriyana7325 Yes, I'm familiar with Olympus micro 4/3 for quite some time. Some of my best shots was from old models Olympus digital. Never tried the PenF. Need to borrow it from somebody. But I like how lumix M4/3 produces lieca like night shots. Just my opinion.
@@eddiegee2940 if you want a xe2s then get it brother, xe2s is basically a 100% xe2 with HSS mode added, beautiful camera and compact enough for a apsc size sensor body, the classic chrome simulation is very beautiful. For the m43 yes iam glad that this system suit my need perfectly, compact size so i can throw it in my bag anywhere i go, idon't shoot sports so this tiny sensor does the job well for me. Apologies for very broken english.
I have a new GRIII with a slight wobble on the ring. no issues so far and had contacted them to advise of this - tech said its the design to allow a small amount of movement and cannot be fully corrected but if the issue arises they will sort it. I believe the X version is now solid but I love the camera so far and don't even really think about it. I'll never buy another Fujifilm camera again - bullshit warming tone on their un-calibrated lcd/Evf's since 2019. unless you buy a GFX your B&W images look a mild sepia on the lcd.. complete shit show that no one asked for.
I really don’t give a fhck about anything you’ve commented since it doesn’t help me or my situation - if you’re worried about LCD and EVF over raw files or jpegs then you’re probably just ass.
