The Ricoh GR IV Monochrome has finally been priced and is now available for preorder. This specialized black-and-white camera, which builds on the conventional GR IV model featuring a fixed 28mm-equivalent lens, is set at $2,199.95. This price tag represents a $700 increase over the standard GR IV. Although initially announced in October with a launch planned for spring, the camera is now expected to hit the market by mid-February, with retailers such as B&H Photo already accepting orders.

Uniquely positioned in the market, the GR IV Monochrome stands out as a compact camera equipped with a large APS-C sensor devoid of a color filter, capturing images exclusively in black and white. This design enhances image sharpness and expands its ISO range impressively from ISO 160 to an extraordinary 409,600.

While the GR IV Monochrome shares many features with its color-capable counterpart, including a 26-megapixel resolution and support for microSD cards alongside 53GB of internal storage, it distinguishes itself with a built-in red filter. Similar to traditional black-and-white film photography, this filter enhances contrast and serves as a two-stop ND filter. The camera’s aesthetic is further refined with a sleek matte finish, a subdued GR logo, and a white LED power light instead of the typical green.

As a devoted enthusiast of dedicated black-and-white digital cameras, such as Leica’s Monochrom series, I am eagerly anticipating the release of the GR IV Monochrome in 2026. Investing such a significant amount in a camera that captures only monochrome images is a decision for true aficionados of black-and-white photography. Despite the substantial cost for a Ricoh model, it remains far more affordable than Leica’s latest offerings, like the $7,790 Q3 Monochrom or the $10,160 M11 Monochrom, which do not include lenses. Priced at $2,200, the GR IV Monochrome is considerably more accessible, and initial feedback from trusted sources is encouraging.