Digicam Nostalgia: Ricoh GR Digital (GRD 1) Review & Samples

[@DrNickDanger]

Check out my comparison of this camera with the GRD 4 here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWfOZ3Z8hdGCqsksi=EXylsviqKpmbTFT-

[@neilpiper9889]

I have had an Original Ricoh GR digital for years and shoot colour and black and white at 800 iso and change the aperture with the wheel on the front. I only shoot Jpegs. The results are amazing.

[@gritgrammarist8652]

"Le mieux est l'ennemi du bien" "Better is good's enemy" Great video Dr. I've had my GRD1 for more than 10 years and mostly shot B&W. Just recently pulled it out of retirement and planning on shooting color for a change.

[@DrNickDanger]

Thank you for sharing that! The French expression, as well as your plans for shooting color on the GRD. You’ll love it!

[@trels203]

Great video and im loving that you went against the grain and shot color on the GRD1. I carry the GRD1 everywhere I absolutely adore it. Its super outdated but there is a charming aura to this camera. From the feeling in the hands to the files it produces. I love it so much I have 3 so i dont have to be scared beating one up as a daily carry. I picked up a GRD4 thinking it would be an improvement over the GRD1 but it simply doesnt carry that same magic as the original. The GRD4 is slightly bigger, heavier, and less ergonomic. The GRD1 has a more accurate macro mode (GRD1 macro is absolutely bonkers). The GRD1 is the only camera of the series without built-in noise reduction software, this lends to seriously sharp images where the GRD4 files can look smudgy when zoomed in (early 2000s noise reduction software often did more damage than good). The GRD1 has a rubber faux leather grip that is super grippy and makes one handed shooting a breeze, the GRD4 has a less grippy synthetic leather that gets slipper with the slightest bit of sweat. All the GRD4's improvements come at a cost that i think go against what the GRD is trying to be, the original did it best in my eyes. Im rambling here, sorry about that haha.

[@DrNickDanger]

Thank you for adding so much insight! I've loved using the GRD 1. I love the form factor and how light and pocketable it is. The difference is subtle, but it makes it so that I am more likely to pick it up over my GR IIIx which produces amazingly detailed images. I will have to report back on the GRD 4 once I receive it! Regarding Noise Reduction, I assume one can turn it off for DNG RAW files?

[@trels203]

@DrNickDanger On the GRD4 you can set the noise reduction amount in the settings. But people online have reported that even when you turn it off completely, there is still some noise reduction happening by the camera's software. The original GRD seems to be the only model 100% free of any noise correcting software. And I don't want it to seem like im talking down on the GRD4, its an amazing camera and one of the top kings of the early CCD digicam realm. It is realistically more capable than the GRD1. When you get the GRD4 please report back here and let me know what you think, I'm curious! Also, have you looked into the Ricoh GXR? Another absolute banger of a camera when you attach the A12 M module.

[@DrNickDanger]

I just made a video about GRD 4 and comparing it to this one. Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWfOZ3Z8hdGCqsksi=EXylsviqKpmbTFT-

[@StreetCow77]

Thank you for the insight! Between the 1 and 4, which one would you say produces more film like photos in color and b&w?

[@ManyDoors777]

I have this camera. Really like the grainy black and white jpegs, but I’ve struggled with the color and found editing the raw files kinda strange. It’s definitely a camera a person has to embrace for what it is, and not compare it to modern/new cameras.

[@DrNickDanger]

You’re exactly right in that it’s a camera to embrace for what it is, not compared to new ones. I find color raw files do very well in good light. Blue skies with a near setting sun with green trees can look pretty magical if you lean heavier on the saturation.

[@luistorado6119]

Hello. Would you have any idea where i could source a replacement lcd screen for the GRD 1? I bought a second hand unit and its got a faulty screen. Any leads would be great.

[@DrNickDanger]

You might get lucky on eBay! Make sure you find a repair person before buying it unless you’re able to DIY. Best of luck! Worst case, keep using it with the bad screen. Point and shoot!

[@Nerdzombiedisco]

I just got one. Question: does your screen exhibit noticeable horizontal lines? Mine does, but thankfully not on the recorded images.

[@DrNickDanger]

Vertical lines in my case, especially with light sources. Some flickering, too, but overall good enough for framing. GR DIGITAL IV has a much better screen, in case you end up loving the images and the small sensor format and want a more modern experience.

[@maximilianpaech1944]

The GX 100/200 were the first digi cams from ricoh 😎

[@DrNickDanger]

Those look great! I’m not big on using zoom lenses but maybe I’ll try one of those out next!

[@maximilianpaech1944]

@@DrNickDanger They are very versatil. You can use them also with TC-1 Tele Converter 135mm or DW-6 Wide Converter 21mm 😎 The stock macro modus >1cm is 🔝

[@orpheus2724]

Hi, my ricoh was working very well for me for my first few months of using it, but ive encountered the dreaded horisontal lines issue and its been carrying over to the images when i load them on a computer? Any idea why this mighy suddenly be happening and how i could fix it

[@DrNickDanger]

Sorry that’s happened! Sounds like a sensor issue… try a hard reset, but otherwise it would take a pro to fix it.

[@Dundead1982]

I just brought a ricoh gr digital for $20 AUD at a fleas here in Australia lol

[@DrNickDanger]

Wow what a lucky find!! Enjoy it

[@grey.7828]

Beware! eBay sellers try to sell the digital at GR III prices. Don't be fooled!

[@DrNickDanger]

Thanks for the heads up!