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!