Ricoh’s New GR IVx Is In Development

credits: Ricoh

Ricoh has announced that it is developing the GR IVx, a new version of the GR IV that keeps the same 25.7MP APS-C sensor but swaps the 28mm-equivalent lens for a 40mm-equivalent f/2.8 prime. And Ricoh is not simply reusing the lens from the current GR IIIx. The GR IVx is getting a completely new optical design, built specifically for this generation of the camera.

The new lens has an actual focal length of 26.1mm, which works out to roughly 40mm in full-frame terms, with an aperture range of f/2.8 to f/16. Inside are eight elements arranged in six groups, including three aspherical elements. That 40mm field of view sits somewhere between the classic 35mm and 50mm focal lengths and is noticeably tighter than the 28mm-equivalent lens on the regular GR IV. Ricoh has also confirmed that the GR IVx will have the same built-in two-stop ND filter, giving you a bit more flexibility when shooting at wider apertures in bright light.

Beyond that, Ricoh is not saying much yet. There is no full specification sheet, price, release date, or even a firm date for the official launch. What we do know is that the existing GR IIIx, GR IIIx HDF, and GR IIIx Urban Edition are approaching the end of production, with the final batch expected to finish shipping in October. That gives us a pretty strong indication that the GR IVx is not too far away. Ricoh is also currently celebrating 30 years of the GR series, so it would make sense to have the new 40mm model on the market sooner rather than later.