Ricoh just announced the GR IV Monochrome, a black-and-white-only version of their recent GR IV release. It seems like a really cool camera, except for the price. Because the menu must be customized and the market for it is extremely niche, a premium is expected. The Ricoh GR IV is already a bit overpriced at $1,500 (seems more like a $1,200-$1,300 camera, even when considering inflation and tariffs), so I was pretty shocked to see the $2,200 MSRP for the Monochrome version. Monochrome-only cameras are pretty rare—Leica is the most renown manufacturer of them—so it’s good to see another option, even with the steep cost.
The benefits of a monochrome-only sensor are more detailed-rich images, higher dynamic range, and better high-ISO performance. Because only half of the “pixels” in a Bayer camera are recording luminosity information (the other half are recording color; for Fujifilm X-Trans, it’s 55% luminosity and 45% color information), the true resolution of the sensor is not achieved. Pictures from black-and-white-only cameras seem sharper, as if they were captured with a higher-resolution camera. Because there is less noise, the cameras are capable of more dynamic range in the shadows, and are notably better at high ISOs. If you are not doing color photography, there is a significant benefit to a monochrome-only camera. You can use traditional color filters for B&W film with these cameras, and really get a film-like experience.
I’ve been advocating for a monochrome-only Fujifilm camera for years now. Most likely it would be an X100-series model, but I would love for it to be an interchangeable-lens camera, like maybe the next X-Pro. There would need to be some modifications to the menu. First, Acros is the only Film Simulation needed. I would like to see the Tone Curve get some new options, like -3 to +6 Highlights and Shadows. Because of the extra dynamic range, DR800 should be added. I think a Push-Process feature would be cool, where contrast and grain are increased (Off, Push 1, Push 2—should be easily accessible via a button or switch). Vignetting might be nice (Off, Weak, Strong). Split toning for Monochromatic Color would be nice, too (basically, choose a color for Highlight and a different color for Shadow). I think a Faded Blacks option would be interesting (Off, Weak, Strong). Increase the top ISO to 25600, and make ISO 51200 and 102400 the extended ISO options. Remove Advanced Filters, White Balance, Color, and Color Chrome Effects. Maybe add light leaks and/or some fun film-strip boarders. Boom, you’re done.
If Fujifilm made such a camera, they would quickly sell every single one. My hope would be that they could do this and keep the premium to no more than $500 more than the regularly version. For example, if Fujifilm made a monochrome-only X100VI, which has an MSRP of $1,800 for the normal version, I would hope that the black-and-white version would be no more than $2,300. People would absolutely pay that price for it—heck, they would probably pay $2,500 or more. Such a camera would certainly be niche, but if Fujifilm made one, it would be awesome, and would make people say wow!
It would be a great idea but they can’t make enough X100VI to meet demand as it is.
It’s my understanding that supply is getting closer to reaching demand, and it’s not terribly difficult to buy one now. At some point, there could easily be more supply than demand, and Fujifilm needs to be quite cautious about that.
I can only concure with you Ritchie. I’ve been asking / advocating to Fujifilm Belgium since yeats too torca monochrome body, as it has many advantages a bit like an IRact converted camera with more dynamic range, etc…
For me, like Patrick (Fujirumors), I would love a compact camera like the GR, aka a monochrome X80. That would be awesome and instant buyer for me.
But it would be the same (aka instant buyer) if it would be X100BW, a X-Pro4, a X-E6, X-T6 or X-T60.
Simply Fujifilm give us a monochrome only fzlzra in whatever body format (the more compact the better or the more versatil) with all its ‘power’.
It will not compete the Acros Film simulation, on the contrary! As it will unlock all the potential of a bunch of BW recipes and ones that would be only possible thanks to a monochrome camera!
You’ve proven you can go in risky design! Go then full monochrome!
I think the GFX100RF could be another potential option; essentially, it’s the X80 of medium-format. I could see a monochrome-only version of it.
That’s a great idea Ritchie!
I should have thought about it.
And it would world first for Fujifilm (Oh Yeah 🤩).
Only downside would be the relative bigger body size of RF BW and more do it’s xay higher price tag for a lot of people (and again the discussion on the lack of IBIS – blablabla).
But 100MP with already with the dynamic range has by default the sensor, already insane when processing the Raw, put in BW only, I can’t imagine the results and possibilities!
And then I will push the logic: what about an extended spectrum version of the RF !!
Well we can dream all day long of the different possibilities 😉😋
I only wish that now with X Half and availability of 1″ sensor Fujifilm will continue, see the popularity coming back of compact camera and the ruse of monochrome edition and thius bring back at last a XQ3 or X40 or X80 or XF20, with a standard and monochrome editions 🤞
The possibilities are mind blowing. But, I’d “settle” (be really excited) for nearly anything.
There was some talk of another small sensor camera using the 1″ sensor. Not sure how serious they were about that, or where in the development cycle they might be (if at all).
I have a full-spectrum converted XT-10. I call it “my BW camera”. Though I know it’s not exactly that. Besides IR photography with appropriate filter I recently started trying old fiters like green, orange etc. Well i must say it’s nice! And I was thinking abou next step to have scraped the whole x-trans filter layer off the sensor. Undecided yet for various reasons. Not only the operation would be far more risky then just removing hot-mirror filter. What stops me is also the camera’s firmware which definitely counts with the sensor as it is. Even film simulation “Monochrome” counts with RGB cells so some degree and definitely must if used with simulated R-Ye-Gr filters. Plus as you, ritchie mentioned it would be nice to have BW-specific options. That said… very probably no.
But a a body with options as suggested by Ritchie would be very, very interresting!
A full-spectrum IR model would be nice, too. Fujifilm doesn’t typically sell those to the general public, only to law enforcement, universities, and governments. The X-T4 ES was the one and only exception, and only in America. They didn’t advertise it at all, it flew completely under the radar, yet it’s my understanding that it sold out. I would love for a more widely-available full-spectrum IR camera from Fujifilm in the future.
I appreciate the comment!
Thank you for this article. I never understood the why of a B&W digital camera until now.
You are welcome!