Ricoh GR series cameras are popular among street photographers. The small but powerful APS-C cameras have a cult following, and each iteration offers users something more. However, it now seems that the GR III, which was launched in 2019, will no longer be available to many. The move is not surprising, and one could say, long overdue. Here is a look at the story, and what it means for photographers.
First reported by Asobinet, Japanese retailers such as Camera Kitamura, Big Camera, and others showcase discontinued products on their pages. A quick search on Ricoh Japan’s official website also reveals the same.
The move is said to have taken place shortly before the Ricoh GR IV was announced on August 20. While there is no report on the other models, such as GR III HDF, it is said that the camera has also been discontinued. However, unless an official statement is released, we will have to wait. As for the GR IIIx, which offered a 40mm lens, it will continue production, unless a new iteration is released.
The GR III was a good camera, but it had many shortcomings. For instance, it did not have a built-in flash, which photographers had grown to love. The autofocus was slow, the lens had a slow aperture, deep menus, and a lack of weather sealing. As we had said in our review back then, “In my opinion, the Ricoh GR III is too much of a niche camera. For $899, you can get so many other things instead. Skip out on this and either get a fine film point and shoot or an older digital camera with a lens to call it a day.”
While discontinuity of cameras is normal, this is quite quick. One of the reasons could be that Ricoh is comparatively smaller, and they would rather focus their efforts on the newer cameras than on something that’s over five years old. Furthermore, the GR III will be available through retailers or eBay, so anyone who wants to purchase one can look at these channels. However, the GR IV does offer better autofocus, and the new creative Cinema mode is also fun to use. As our Editor in Chief, Chris Gampat, said in his preview article, “Ricoh told me in our meeting that the autofocus has been improved and that it’s overall much better. This really does seem to be the case so far. But if you’re doing street photography, you’re still better off using the snap focusing mode.”
If you are interested in the Ricoh GR IV, then you should have a look at our review, which will be posted soon. As for the GR III, it’s best to keep the past where it belongs.
