One of the most highly anticipated compact camera releases of recent years was undoubtedly the Ricoh GR IV. With pre-orders reportedly exceeding expectations and shipping scheduled for fall 2025, Ricoh has already confirmed an HDF (Highlight Diffusion Filter) version to follow this winter. But in the background, persistent camera rumors are gaining traction – whispers of a Ricoh GR IV Monochrome, a dedicated black-and-white shooter, refuse to fade.
Back in 2023, veteran photographer and industry insider Kimio Tanaka famously cast doubt on the idea of a GR Monochrome. "As soon as the Pentax K-3 III Monochrome was released, there was a strong demand for a Monochrome model for the Ricoh GR series," he acknowledged, before shutting down hopes.
