Oh no... | Ricoh GRiiiX

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I've bought a Ricoh GR IIIx, and in this video I explain why.
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[@PeterCharlesworth]

As a GR owner (and pro shooter) - don’t pocket this camera. If you have any lint at all in your pockets (we all do). This camera will literally suction the fluff into the lens mechanism when you turn it on. It creates low pressure inside the body as the lens extends and opens the lens shields - and becomes a mini Dyson vacuum cleaner. Plenty of stories online about it. Great little camera tho

[@Lubinetsm]

The fact that James finds the screen good for bright sunny days, while literally every other person on the internet and their dog complained about the brightness of the screen, really says a lot about what brits call "bright and sunny" 😁

[@donalone]

Good point! Can’t trust him! 😅

[@brentsummers7377]

It is a lovely camera for sure but the small battery means a dull screen with reasonable battery life or a bright(ish) screen with bad battery life. These days the phone makers are putting massive batteries in phones like the Samsung A54 & screen brightness is really good.

[@krakapoww]

😂😂

[@sourkokes]

"...heres my new camera"

[@photolover6944]

I feel just like you do. The image quality produced by this Ricoh GRIII X is simply amazing !Before having acquired one, I just could not imagine that such a small thing could take such photos !!

[@BlueMountainStudiosPhotography]

Glad to have your channel to watch after work, helping me transition into my photography brain, Cheers.

[@zacredacted2137]

Bout time!! Wooo! I’m glad you tried this camera. Perfect pocket cam.

[@scallywhiskey]

I have the original 28mm and I have to agree the most impressive thing about this little camera is how sharp the images are! Snap Focus is also a feature that sets it apart.

[@DaveAdams222]

I shoot on a K3 III and KP but I make sure my GR3 is always with me wherever I go. I absolutely ADORE that camera! Ricoh knocked it out of the park with that one.

[@neilhuggan]

Welcome aboard the Ricoh Train. Glad you’re enjoying using it. As you say, it’s a great piece of kit. Only just moved from my ageing Panasonic GX7 to the GR3. Great move for me. 👌🏻

[@deejohnson827]

James, you never disappoint in the humor department!😂! Or, in your content in any video for that matter... Thanks for a fun video!

[@stevenharper6888]

My pocket system is my old lumix GM1 micro 4/3 . Two tiny lenses , 12-32mm and a 35-100mm. A complete pocket system. Old, only 16mp but still takes great shots 👍

[@Holl.Mvrk.]

Welcome to the GR family ! I love my griiix. It’s always in my pocket and the perfect edc for family trips and amazing for street. Pretty dang versatile camera with a sharper than sharp lens 🤝🏼🤘🏼

[@marksouthwell4490]

Oh Richo cameras are amazing. I have a Richo GR2 and the jpegs are absolutely amazing, so much so I never bother editing RAW. They produce magical photos

[@antwon8902]

You're the reason why i have a gear addiction.... and im not mad about it... but my girlfriend and wallet are.

[@joe3eagles]

Good luck dealing with GAS, James! I'm constantly telling myself that I don't need more gear, keeping to my promise for maybe several months. Then I see a tripod that I somehow can't live without. Yeah, tripods... I know you can't relate. 😄

[@hepgeoff]

Love the compositions of your photos! I've been tempted by the Ricoh for some time.

[@ashstubbings2603]

" I've swallowed bigger pain killers!" 🤣🤣🤣🤣 James, I nearly fell off my chair!

[@Needacreate]

The Ricoh GR III cameras are pretty much unique in what they offer in such a small package. The image quality is insane for such a pocketable device. If I could afford a second camera beyond my regular Pentax APS-C DSLR system, I would have already got one.

[@MichaelGarbarinoPhotography]

Pentax users Unite!

[@Nareimooncatt]

Pentax here too! I personally don't have use for point and cameras like this, but I have recommended it to others looking for something better than your typical P&S without going to a DSLR.

[@AndyDennis]

I’ve got a GRIII recently and love it . My Fuji X-T2 stays at home on days out . The image quality is fantastic, there is a good community around it and great photographers like Sean Tucker using it ..

[@tomweis1194]

Hmmm the Nikon Coolpix A is a large sensor (APS-C) pocketable camera with a very good 28mm f2.8 equivalent lens. Yes, it's "old" and "only" 16MP and has some weird UI quirks, but it makes lovely photos.

[@metastaticmince2386]

Pentaxian here...I have my 5th GR now with the GRIII being with me whenever I leave the house. For travel i extend my set with the K1 when i want to carry heavier luggage or a Fuji X-T1 with the fantastic 18-135mm when I need it lighter (my problem is that I also carry additional cameras with me depending on what I picked of the shelf because it needs some usage to not get dusty so either my ME, LX, or/and one of the M's get some fresh air ;-) With what am i taking the most photos? GRIII... I am still shy to have a closer look at the IIIx .... another camera - oh nooo....

[@luckyman1953]

You make me smile, I enjoy your content so much. You say you are not a "gear guy" is like saying I'm not addicted to photography and feel somewhat melancholy when I don't go out and get away from the world. You my friend will buy more cameras as it is a side effect of the illness, and I will continue to feed my appetite to get away from the clamouring world of man and find serenity in nature

[@danielhenzphotography]

Channel your inner Sean Tucker. I would love a video or discussion with you two.

[@soundscape26]

Agreed... Sean is amazing.

[@crwhhx]

The build quality is actually quite good. The body is magnesium alloy, just the surface texture might have given you the wrong impression of it being plastic. One improvement would have made me love it more is weather sealing.

[@Pilpup]

Oh I thought a main complaint is that the weather sealing wasn't good, I would love to be proven wrong though :)

[@crwhhx]

@@Pilpup my understanding is that it does not have weather sealing. And dust has been traditionally a problem with GR cameras.

[@glynnwadeson5605]

I agree with your comment on build quality. Ive had the GR III for a few years and I’d say its build quality has shown up well. Ive also never had a problem with dust.

[@peterlongenecker210]

Dust problems typically occur as a result of non-use storage where lint and dust lives: pants pockets, jacket pockets, etc. Solution: use a lens cap when not in use. For instance: JJC Aluminum Lens Cap Cover Protector for Ricoh GR IIIx GRIIIx GR III GRIII GR II GRII with Soft EVA Interior. In the neighborhood of $15 on Amazon.

[@maximokhuysen334]

@@Pilpup Well.. I went kayaking and fell in the water with my GRiiiX in my pocket. It took 2 weeks to dry in rice, but the camera still works like a dream. Not really weather sealed, but it survived being under water

[@MarchMeadow]

Brilliant! I love my GR III (28mm equiv.). I also bought the first GRD back in 2005 -- still using it. Wonderful kit. I use the GR III for landscapes.

[@AoyagiAichou]

The fact that you still have the G9 makes me happier than it really should. Bloody tribalism... Great photos, as usual. Shame about the info table in the old bloke photo though! Edit: no I was wrong, it would probably feel empty without it. I should know better than seeing undesirable elements in your work.

[@nodramalama9531]

"Oh no..." This is the best clickbait ever change my mind

[@andreas.farsch]

The Ricoh GR cameras have a very sturdy magnesium alloy body. Since the material is very light, it might not feel like a brick. For me, sturdy and light is the perfect combination.

[@besperus4475]

I thought the most recent GR III and X were plastic bodies. Nice to know they are not.

[@marksouthwell4490]

My GR is light, but I know it's a sturdy camera. Before I purchased it I read the specs 😊

[@JonasMondrup]

I thought the issue with this camera was the sealing? It's known to collect dust or, in this case, pocket lint into the censor when turning it on and off. I read a lot about these issues, which is pretty common on many reviews videos/forums etc.

[@andreas.farsch]

@@JonasMondrup I've read that as well. But in 9 years with my GR, GR III and GR IIIx I never had an issue. On the other hand, I never understood how people would just shove a tool like this in a pants pocket. Why not use a pouch or maybe a simple sleeve, like those thin mini outdoor packing bags? Remember those 'socks' for your mobile phone from pre-smartphone times? That works as well to keep pocket lint away.

[@mndoci]

I was skeptical too but I got one and now I carry it all the time. It’s become my go to street camera. The 40mm was what really did the trick, so thanks Ricoh for the “X”. Not sure you’ve discovered Snap Focus yet. It’s awesome.

[@Batch2103]

Love your humour James. Thank you for the informal review of the Ricoh. Sweet!!

[@kjmd]

I was in the exact same boat - spent too much on switching to the Sony ecosystem and then 3 weeks ago, picked up a Ricoh GRiii and I have absolutely not regrets. Having a pocketable camera makes me excited to go out for walks and see what I can shoot, which is something I’d never do if I was lugging around my heavy Sony.

[@wolfgangkebsak3587]

love your video and I love also my Ricoh GR3 and now you now have a gear channel ;-) thank you for your videos!!!

[@AmorLucisPhotography]

I've used the Ricoh GR since its inception. It was my go to camera for backcountry hiking trips where weight was at a premium for many years. It's great for street photography, of course.

[@CadManLine6]

Oh wow Chester..... such an lovely city.... my home town....I used to live 10 minutes walk fron the Groves and went to school near there..... some nice photos you've taken

[@denisesavage2382]

Love the way you talk about stuff James.

[@evawettergren7492]

What I learned from this video is that everyone will have personal specific wants and needs that won't always make sense to others, so basically it's mostly a question of trying lots of different things until you find what fits. And to not buy too much camera gear... (which is why I am now trading my 35mm lens for a 24mm lens instead of just buying the 24mm and leaving the 35mm to gather dust in a drawer)

[@ksand6718]

I’m sure it’s just me, but James seems to be making me actually laugh out loud as of late. My favorite kind of laugh is of the unexpected kind. James has that in spades. Never change my guy. Awesome content even if it isn’t always relevant to each viewer.

[@jonbooker2836]

I also picked up the GRiii x about 3 weeks ago for street and general walk around shots. So far so good and glad they made the 40mm version as the 28mm is generally too wide for my liking. Looking forward to seeing some more of your photos with this camera as well as your usual Sony stuff!

[@edphoto]

Another one here loving his GrX 👋 Didn't miss a beat walking around London last week. Battery in each pocket though....

[@MrAligordo]

Love the man on the bench shot. One sandal and one sock and shoe.

[@ChrisGower]

Love my GRIII. I had a GRII. Then had a GRIII. Then convinced myself I could do without it, to sell it for other camera gear. I was wrong. Rebought it soon after.

[@bartjes2509]

A really big thanks for the tip James! Today we visited Chester and we liked the town so much ! Cheers, Bart

[@robz304]

Perfect timing! My Ricoh GRiii is out for delivery and arriving today. Going to be the camera I carry when out on my bike.

[@badopinion]

Excellent! I was thinking to sell my gr as I MUCH prefer the ovf in my 6d2 BUT the image quality of the gr always surprises me despite the fact I don’t like shooting with it. I’ll give it another go. Happy days!

[@biosfearmag]

I got mine when my second Ricoh GR1 35mm camera died. Couldn't be happier with my GR IIIx.

[@mikegindling4236]

I just bought the Ricoh GR1 for the same reasons. I took it to the Oregon coast to test it out.

[@emmetkowler]

GR gang unite!!! I've had my GR Mk II since 2015 and used the ever-loving hell out of it. Nothing else quite like it for having a real camera (not a phone) with you all the time or for casual travel photography

[@schoolofmediocrity2801]

Ah James... I just discovered your channel (as I am hoping to rekindle my love of photography) and I have to say that your subtle witty comments are on point! Great content seasoned with just the right amount of laughs. Good stuff! Subscribed.

[@rodgersmith7784]

James, am looking forward to your full review of the GRIII X. I don't need one but I want one. Your videos are the only photography ones on you tube I watch to the end. Keep it up!

[@Luwispurpul]

You can set up a back button focus as well. I've found that to be really helpful as it lets me use the camera completely one handed. I love my GR and it has given me so many great opportunities to shoot because it's always in my pocket when I go out the door.

[@anils.rkumar6551]

Love my GR3 ,I sold my Leica Q2 after using my GR3 for 2 weeks.Amazing Camera

[@julianheritage6436]

I picked up a GRiii earlier this year, had been holding off for months and months, but it is the best quality camera in small take everywhere size, love it

[@ovrxpsd]

Same here, the price tag is kind of hefty for a small camera like that but i ended up find one from OfferUp for $600. It was pretty much new, only 20 photos according to the shutter count. The guy said he didn’t like it so he just wanted to get rid of it. lol One man’s trash, is another man’s treasure. 😂

[@chasingtigercub]

totally unrelated to the GR but as someone who is also local to chester, i can say for sure its one of my favourite places to shoot...just for anyone who cares or is thinking about going lol

[@ericcantona3503]

I still love my Nikon Coolpix A. Such a shame Nikon didn't continue with the format in the way that Ricoh have.

[@micter59]

The very last joke with your knife made me laugh a lot !!!

[@PolarBlairGaming]

Some of the sharpest lenses out there, it’s a brick, I’ve dropped mine a dozen of times with no issues.

[@jamesallison5726]

Yup, the pocketability is a major factor. Main reason I swapped out the 100v for the x70 is just down to the size. I would have gone for the GR over the x70, but the Fuji has a tilt screen which really helps for low angle stuff.

[@tutzu4]

Great camera, amazing lens, great city

[@ovrxpsd]

i love how much attention the GR cameras have been getting recently. Back then they used to be niche cameras. No one knew about them. A few tips about it. There are two common problems that people always talk about, dust in the sensor, and the back wheel messing up. The dust problem happens mainly from putting it in the pocket which kind of defeats the purpose of the camera. Dust seems to sneak in through the small opening where the lens retracts when turning on and off. It’s a pretty expensive repair since you have to take apart the entire camera to reach the sensor. Of course, you can edit out the spots in post but eventually it’ll get super annoying. I just store mine in a small shoulder pouch I carry everywhere along with my keys and wallet etc. The wheel problem seems to be random so idk how you’d avoid it, other than using the touch screen more than the wheel itself, especially when scrolling through setting etc. Another thing that you forgot to mention (or maybe i missed?) is the ability to use film simulations similar to Fuji cameras. Check out the Ricoh Recipes app/website. It is made by the same guy from the FujiXWeekly website/app. I’ve honestly haven’t used any raw files from the camera because the photos that come straight out of camera are super good and require MINIMUM editing, just basic straightening or cropping. I transfer them wirelessly to my phone and go straight to social media. I’m looking forward to your review video on this camera, and hope you get to keep it.

[@gashead2]

I have the original GR film camera, great piece of kit

[@ukqwerty999]

Need that Ricoh to take a picture of what's in the next box that arrives in the post. ❤

[@goldeneggduck]

There was a very long time (~20 years) in which the colour, dynamic range, white balance of digital camera gradually improved. Upgrade did help. But we are nearing the end of having major aspects wanting. If the gear does not get damaged, we're good for a while. 28mm is the "other side of the coin" to me. So be prepared to buy the GR III as well!

[@hankroest6836]

7:20 Yes! "Worth their salt" is a phrase. And ironically enough, it is very strangely appropriate here, because it is a little known but true fact that most EVFs are actually made almost entirely of salt. ;-)

[@changelivesimages]

finally a KZbinr with nice images ! following

[@kindface]

Not sure how you popped up in my queue. Glad you did. Liked. Subscribed.

[@dummatube]

“Wave it in the air like you just don’t care” 😂 Sorry but really enjoy framing up with a viewfinder and being able to brace the camera for longer shutter speeds. I got bigger pockets and a Fuji X-E4 with a couple of small wide angle primes!

[@rubyredphoto]

not only are you very talented but you're very funny! So glad I found your channel, I've been secretly binge watching your vids! Wish I knew about your channel before I set up my square space website because I would have used your code and not Peter McKinnons haha

[@MacnTeensVisuals]

Have never tried one of these out but it looks like a great little option. You got some lovely shots btw 👌

[@fffeuchtner]

I have shot with the first (APS-C) GR for years now. My wife recently bought the GRIIIx and is also very happy. The only thing you have to be careful with ist dust. I have to send my GR in for service at some point because of sensor-dust issues. Having said that, I just love my GR because of its size and feel. Some of the best photos I have ever taken were taken with the GR.

[@mistergiovanni7183]

The problem of dust on the sensor of this camera is a classic.And no matter how rich I was, I wouldn't buy it because you have to disassemble half a camera to clean it.

[@KevinMoriarty]

Very interesting James cheers

[@markishkaru1956]

when you did your travel camera video i was shouting at the screen "get a GR3!" lol, love mine, if its good enough for Sean Tucker, good enough for me. also, check out RICOH GR Photography channel too.

[@_mgiles]

This is a camera I've wanted to own for a long time. I had just kind of stopped thinking about it recently..... Thanks

[@MicaelWidell]

I have the GRiii and love love love it for all the reasons you state. In the process of selling it to switch to a GRiiix. But as you point out: if a camera doesn't fit in your jeans pocket it doesn't really matter if it is fuji x100v-sized or sony a7iv-sized, you still have to lug it around your shoulder or in a bag.

[@Grisildor]

If you prefer between 40 and 50, you should really give the Samyang/Rokinon 45mm f1.8 on e mount a try. An absolutely fantastic character lens that doesn't sacrifice sharpness, and insanely cheap. A whole lot of fun to shoot.

[@powderedtoastman3093]

Love My GRIII and X - Don’t even use dslr/mirrorless cameras anymore. The quality is that good. Phenomenal travel cameras. Sync with pocket wizards for off camera flash at ridiculous speeds

[@lazichimp]

Love your videos!

[@robspedding9520]

Welcome. Bought a GR2, sold it, regretted it and just had to go back. Then I sold it again. And then I realised I couldn't live without a GR. Again. So bought another. Even sadder I really did buy the t-shirt as well. Uniqlo currently have a Ricoh GR timeline tee on sale. I think that maybe makes me a little sad!

[@oc2phish07]

Oooooh! One of my favourite cities. Nice little video. Like you, I have more than enough cameras. (68 in total at the last count) but I could quite fancy a GRIIIx.

[@ritchiereview]

GRIIIX owner here. I love it. All the things it may miss (viewfinder, weather sealing) would just make it bigger and ruin its USP. Perfect focal length for every day shooting and short portraits. I used to own an X100V and that's a wonderful camera but I didn't take it everywhere, this I do.

[@V3ryM3tal]

This is my thinking exactly. I have the X100V but don't take it everywhere as I thought I would. I still have to sling it over my shoulder or crossbody to carry it, then it's like... why don't I just take my FF then? It's not THAT much bigger.

[@ritchiereview]

@@V3ryM3tal exactly. I don't even have another camera now either. Just the Ricoh and my Pixel 6. Take a lot more photos.

[@edshotsdotcodotuk]

Love my GRiii, a much more pleasing camera than the GRii it replaced (the ii had the tiniest annoying USB socket that I had to buy so many spare cables for to put in various bags). In terms of the build quality I’ve been impressed with Ricoh giving the iii bodies some sealing this time and on the magnesium alloy bodies. They should take a knock and be okay in damp conditions.

[@TimFromWales]

Damn you James..... These were about £700 a 12 month ago and pondered it for ages and then decided I wanted one and it went to £900 - now you are singing its praises I am looking again!

[@BadVulf]

"I don't need to spend any more money on cameras. In other unrelated news...here's my new camera." Brilliant

[@steveboys5369]

Hi James, I thought for a minute there where you showed that knife, you were going to drop in a moment from Crocodile Dundee ... "call that a knife ..." but then it was just used to open boxes, mainly containing cameras .. you crack me up!

[@neilpiper9889]

I use my 8.1 megapixel Ricoh GR digital from 2005. 28mm equivalent lens. I love it for black and white street. So small and discreet. Ricoh make their lenses from magic glass. My 50mm f2 K mount Rikenon is my Summicron killer for very few beans!

[@RealBesty]

You make a good case! Pocketability is *such* a boon!

[@macjim]

Ditto… bought the thumb rest when I got my GRIIIX… as well as the JJC battery charger and two extra batteries.

[@Demonprophcey]

I'm curranty exploring Full Spectrum/IR Photography with my D3400 and im loving it. its new medium and kind of refreshed my love for photography ! i want to do something very few people have explored and something I've always wanted to do !

[@karlrichards]

Oh James you kept your G9. 🥰

[@Hangiinjohnny]

I’ve had a crush on these things for years but every time I get ready to buy one something in the house breaks or some other crazy thing happens that push the purchase back. It’s like the world doesn’t want me to own one

[@YoSpiff]

My camera for those purposes is a Canon G7x mk1. I use it when cycling with a group, taking pics while riding. Fits in a jersey pocket or a small feed bag on my handlebars. So I do take some risks with it, but it was only $350 USD in a pawn shop 4 years ago. Not a huge loss if I drop it and I can buy another one like it cheaply.

[@Barjavel88]

Thanks for making me buy one! My accountant is not happy as well, as I am just an amateur 😅 But I always thought it was about the same size as a x100! Thanks for opening my eyes on how much smaller it was! Really happy so far! I guess the reflex to bring it to my eyes will go away someday.

[@fungiformenow]

Enjoyed this video. I had wondered about the Ricoh. Great, apart from the price.

[@Dahrenhorst]

For that purpose I have an Olympus Tough TG-6 in my trouser's pocket. Small, light, nearly indestructible, great pictures with superb colors in jpg (it can do raw, but I'm not spending time at a computer for the kind of pictures I take with this camera), plus unbelievable macro skills.

[@benyyz]

I transitioned to a TG-5 from a GR because of the sensor dust issues with it. The Olympus Tough cameras are the best pocket cameras for extreme environments.

[@kimchikidbear]

I got a GRD1 from 2006 and I still love it like it’s my baby. (Don’t actually have kids)

[@davidskinner274]

I'm with you James, I bought a Olympus little pocket camera, all the settings of a DSLR, 2.8 FL and shoots RAW too. Not made any more thouugh. Far superior to phone and looks even a little bit smaller than your. It has a really comfortable hand grip for one handed, and sharp too as yours is. I was pleasantly surprised as well. Cheers

[@dontcallmebrave]

Your GR3x overview(?) makes me want to take my z30 for a walk 😂 I never planned on doing much photography with it but not being super serious with your eye stuck in a viewfinder looked fun!

[@farouk6564]

Best intro! Keeping it real.

[@wadegbow]

i've looked at these for the exact same reasons as you. thought it would be nice to have a "pocketable" camera but ultimately solved my problem by just using a cross-body bag.

[@SimonWardleMillar]

Oh, indeed, you just tipped me over the edge 😉 Wex owe you some commision 💰 GR2 for sale 🤣🤣

[@filmchiaki]

Great video and great photos James! Are you using any specific recipe for those photos you took? The colors look amazing!

[@shardanette1]

Nice to see you still have the old G9. I love my GX9 with a 14mm or 20mm pancake lens. It doesn't fit in my pocket, but it's close. And interchangeable lenses, for the win!

[@besperus4475]

Buy bigger pockets.

[@shardanette1]

@@besperus4475 Lol. Not necessary. It fits easily into my ever present messenger bag.

[@kqschwarz]

I purchased a GR iix Urban Edition because of this video. It was not even on my radar. It arrived yesterday, so I have very little experience. That said, I can see I am going to really like this camera. Thank you.

[@Ericbjohnston5150]

Some people are still using 5dmk2 as their every day camera. Some are using old film cameras with excellent results. No need to buy new cameras. Andrew Findly 5dmk2