For those of you with a Ricoh GR camera, a new version of the GR III and GR IIIx, called HDF (or, Highlight Diffusion Filter), was just announced. There’s not much different between the HDF model and the regular one other than the built-in ND filter has been replaced by a built-in diffusion filter. From the sample pictures produced by Ricoh, the effect of their “Highlight Diffusion Filter” is rather weird, and I think it is because they used ink. A CineBloom or Black Pro Mist would be much preferable, but attaching filters to the front of the camera requires an adapter which makes it not-pocketable; being able to slide the GR into my pants pocket is the main reason why I own one, so I don’t use filters with it personally.
I like the concept of the change. The built-in ND filter is nice to have available on a rare occasion, but, generally speaking, I use diffusion filters more often than ND, and having it built-in is pretty cool. Unfortunately, I don’t think the execution was all that impressive. I haven’t tried it personally, so I don’t have any first-hand experience, but just look at the sample pictures here (especially this one), and make of that what you will.
Anyway, with the extreme success of the Fujifilm X100V and now X100VI coupled with the difficulty in actually getting one, Ricoh has seen a big boost in demand for the GR III/GR IIIx cameras, since they’ve been suggested as a top alternative. I think, if anything, it should encourage Fujifilm to make an X80, the long-overdue successor to the X70, which was Fujifilm’s closest competitor to the GR models. I really like my Ricoh GR III when I need something ultra-compact, but I definitely prefer Fujifilm overall. I believe that an X80 would be highly successful if Fujifilm was offering it right now.
Between the non-HDF and HDF versions of the Ricoh GR III/GR IIIx, my recommendation is the non-HDF, not only because the diffusion filter seems to produce odd effects sometimes, but also because the non-HDF version is a little cheaper. But, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush; you might have an easier time finding the HDF model, as the regular version has been often out-of-stock, so finding one has been hit-or-miss. A camera like the Ricoh GR is excellent to have just because it can go anywhere with you without ever getting in the way. Is it my favorite camera? No, absolutely not; however, it is my favorite when an ultra-compact pocketable model is needed, as there isn’t really anything else comparable right now by any other camera maker.
See also:
Ritchie’s Ricoh Recipes
Ricoh GR III vs. Fujifilm X-E4 + Fujinon 18mm f/2
This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.
Ricoh GR III: Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex
Ricoh GR IIIx: Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex
Ricoh GR III HDF: B&H, Wex
Ricoh GR IIIx HDF: B&H, Wex
They had to go with an 1/8 BlackMist filter. You always start from the least to the strongest effect. They ruined their entire production! You can add another filter over if an 1/8 is too weak for you, but you cannot diminish a strong filter, integrated into the camera. Now, we wait for tutorials, how to change the filter with another one from a third party 😀
I’m almost laughing! They inserted the filter to avoid the need for an external one, removed the ND filter, and now you have none, and now you must add two filters in front of the lens. An ND and a mist filter… I don’t know what is happening with the Japanese these days. Someone will be fired…
I think if they had partnered with Tiffen and used a 1/8 or even 1/4 BPM, that would have made a lot of sense. Instead, they chose a diffusion filter home-made using an inkjet printer. They probably would have been better off with the old hairspray trick, quite honestly. 🤣
I think it’s a cool concept, it’ll probably be fun to use, but seems like it could be better.
1. I think diffusion filters are fine. I see some folks saying that this one seems a tad strong, but eh, that’s all down to preferences.
2. I think it’d be great if the Ricoh GR had a filter thread like the Panasonic LX100/Leica DLux7, or at least it’d be nice if the adapters weren’t so cumbersome and more like the x100 line’s filter adapters. Whatever filter is in the camera, having convenient threads is nice.
3. I’m mixed on losing the ND. With my Canon G7X, I leave the ND on auto (does the GR have an auto-ND mode?), and I know there are times it’s just working in the background. From what I hear since I don’t have an x100, the ND filter there is a popular feature, allowing wide open shots in brighter light. But maybe the GR’s f/2.8 lens is slow enough, the maximum shutter speeds high enough.
4. The massively negative reaction feels… very disappointingly internet. A camera isn’t 100% perfect for you? Fine. But the internet comments sections have felt worse than usual about this. Really sad to see. Do folks not realize yet that Ricoh-Pentax has their own quirky schedule, they get to things in their own sweet time, make cameras based on their own perspective. Sometimes it’s a minor refresh, like the KF, sometimes is a knockout like the K3-iii monochrome. That’s just Pentax, and you just have to not worry about it.
The concept is really cool, but the execution lacking.
I think a lot of the negative reaction has mostly to do with customers wanting something truly new… a GR IV or GR III Monochrome or something like that. I don’t mind at all that Ricoh is in no hurry—I think that should be the norm and not the exception, personally.
I like the idea, but have not enough experience with such filters enough to be able to cast judgment on the quality or strength.
When I did try one however, it was apparent how much more expensive a good one can be compared to a budget one, and also compared to decent ND Filters. Yet Ricoh has managed with little added to the price.
I also found that I noticed the effect most in lower light. So while it can be used to smoothen portraits for a more vaseline effect, low light is where they shine.
There are also various options and strengths to achieve the artistic look desired. Would someone really into diffusing the light in their pictures be satisfied with one option? And would the built in one be the style and strength they wanted?
So, really, I see a built in one for someone that isn’t that into diffusion filters, but would like the opportunity to try it out now and again. But at the expense of losing the ND, a very useful option for most people?
So would someone really choose this over the built in ND if they were really into diffusion?
Then there’s the camera it’s attached to. Is a fixed f2.8 lens really the best option you’d take for night photography.
I think Ricoh might actually be targeting existing GR users. A night option and a daylight option, offering the convenience of the familiar and not having to take filters on and off.
What I’m really intrigued by is whether this could be added in addition to an ND filter at minimum increase to the camera. Could be an interesting direction for Fuji to consider.
I personally like the ND filter inside the Fujifilm X100 cameras. It would be interesting if they did try something different, maybe for a special edition model, and had a diffusion or some other filter…. maybe an IR filter, instead of it being directly on the sensor, it could be activated and deactivated to quickly convert the camera to full spectrum.
I think they could have added a small diameter filter thread with negligible impact on size and pocketability.
The few samples provided by Ricoh don’t inspire much confidence and it looks as if they chose a few where the effect would be most noticeable. People who use such filters probably prefer a more subtle effect.
We need to reserve judgement until there are a lot more samples around, as well as a few hands on reviews.
This one here:
https://static.bhphoto.com/images/multiple_images/images1000x1000/1711625495_IMG_2220822.jpg
…is especially hideous. Honestly, it’s embarrassingly bad, and I’m shocked it is one of their example pictures. I think it might be because they used a home-made diffusion filter using an inkjet printer. Probably would have been better off using the old hairspray hack…. Better yet, they should have teamed up with Tiffen or Moment.
I use the Ricoh GRiix and my Fuji xf10 in a good combination. I don’t see the x70 and a possible x80 being comparable to the GRiiix. The Xf10 with the comparable snap shoot function and the depth of field wipe function are the basis for a competition between Ricoh and Fuji snap shoot cameras. I envision a successor to the XF10 that has C1-C5 film simulation options, mechanically selectable on buttons. In addition, the optics should be as integrated as the Xf10, but with integrated ND filter and cine filter. I would also prefer a standard and wide angle version. Personally, I think the image quality of the XF10 is better than the GRiii. Therefore an XF10x would be my greatest wish.
The X70 and XF10 are comparable, I think, to the GR and GR II. An X80 would be highly comparable to the GR III. Probably the closest thing comparable to the GR IIIx is the Sigma DP2 Merrill.