Ricoh GR IV Monochrome: The $2,200 Black-and-White Dream

The camera in this color photo cannot take this photo. This is the fundamental promise of the Ricoh GR IV Monochrome, a dedicated black-and-white camera that has just opened for preorder. Based on the standard GR IV, this new model strips away the ability to capture color entirely, focusing solely on the art of monochrome photography.

With a launch window now set for mid-February and a price point established at $2,199.95, the camera represents a significant investment for photography purists. It enters a niche market, offering a compact form factor paired with a large APS-C sensor designed without a color filter, a combination that promises unique optical characteristics.

Ricoh has officially priced the GR IV Monochrome at $2,199.95. This places the camera at a $700 premium over the standard GR IV model, reflecting its specialized sensor technology and dedicated design. The cost positions it as a premium tool for serious enthusiasts and professionals who prioritize black-and-white output.

While the camera was initially announced in October with a projected spring launch, the timeline has been accelerated. The GR IV Monochrome is now scheduled for release in mid-February 2026. Major retailers, including B&H Photo, have already begun accepting preorders, indicating strong industry confidence in the product's market appeal.

• Price: $2,199.95
• Launch Window: Mid-February 2026
• Preorders: Live at major retailers

The core innovation of the GR IV Monochrome lies in its sensor architecture. Unlike standard digital cameras that use a color filter array (CFA) to capture red, green, and blue light separately, this camera lacks a color filter. By removing this layer, the sensor can capture light directly, which is expected to result in slightly increased sharpness and improved light sensitivity.

The camera retains the beloved form factor of the GR IV series, featuring a fixed 28mm-equivalent lens. This focal length is a classic choice for street and documentary photography. The combination of a large APS-C sensor and a fast prime lens in a compact body makes it a powerful tool for discreet, high-quality shooting.

The dedicated black-and-white camera, based on the standard GR IV with a fixed 28mm-equivalent lens, will cost $2,199.95.

Dedicated monochrome digital cameras are an exceptionally rare breed in the photography world. Most manufacturers produce color sensors and rely on software to convert images to black and white. The GR IV Monochrome challenges this norm by being built from the ground up for a single purpose: capturing tone and texture without the distraction of color.

This approach appeals to a specific segment of photographers who believe that a sensor without a CFA can produce cleaner files with greater dynamic range. The absence of color interpolation means that every pixel is dedicated to luminance data, potentially offering a rendering that is difficult to replicate with standard cameras.

• APS-C sensor size for high image quality
• Fixed 28mm-equivalent focal length
• No color filter array on the sensor
• Compact, pocketable design

For photographers who specialize in black-and-white imagery, the GR IV Monochrome offers a streamlined workflow. By removing the color capture process entirely, the camera encourages a more deliberate approach to composition and light. The fixed lens and manual control scheme are designed to foster a connection between the photographer and the subject.

The expected increase in sharpness is a key selling point. Without the need for demosaicing—a process that can introduce artifacts and soften images—the resulting files should be exceptionally crisp. This makes the camera an attractive option for those who print large or crop heavily in post-production.

This should afford the camera slightly increased sharpness.

The launch of the Ricoh GR IV Monochrome marks a notable moment for the camera industry, which has largely consolidated around color sensors. By offering a specialized tool at a premium price, Ricoh is betting that there is a dedicated audience willing to invest in a camera that does one thing exceptionally well.

As mid-February approaches, the photography community will be watching closely to see if the promised optical benefits live up to the hype. For now, the camera stands as a bold statement: in a world saturated with color, there is still a place for the timeless art of black and white.