Ricoh Is the GR Digital II (GRD2) the Black Sheep of the GRD family?

rabc

New Member
Hi All

I currently shoot with a Fuji X100 & Ricoh GR1s and am looking for a small digi p&s i can use as my "daily walkaround in the pocket" cam.

I really want a GRD as I enjoy fixed focal lengths and 28mm is perfect for me. I only want to spend ~$200-250 tho, so my choices are down to the GRD or GRDII. The thing is though, in my research I only seem to see articles, reviews, praise etc for 3 models:
- GRD, and it's film like grain (noise)
- GRDIII, and it's great IQ and redesign from the GRD/GRD2
- GRD IV, being the best of that series

I hardly see anything written about the GRDII apart from it maybe applies too much NR & that it writes RAW files faster then the original.

I basically only want to shoot JPEGs, mainly B&W, and no PP (want useable files straight out the camera) - will the GRD2 suffice? I am considering buying one as they're available now in my price point and more available than the GRD, but I'm a tad hesitant only because I haven't seen anything written about it... good or bad.

So... Is it a good camera? Why does it seem like the black sheep?
 
I would just buy the WCL-X100 (wide angle convertor) which will give you basically an APSC sensor 28mm fixed lens camera (like the GR4), for about $330.

The only downside is that it's not pocketable, but since you're already used to the X100, it might not be an issue for you.

Review here-
The Fuji X100 and the Fuji WCL-X100 Wide Angle converter lens. The X100 can now sport a 28mm f/2! | Steve Huff Photo

hi bold,

i actually want a pocket camera, am looking at buying a GRD2 and am curious why there's a lack of chatter for it around the web and if it is indeed a good camera.

not really interested in an adapter for my X100. thanks anyway mate, appreciate the reply
 
If you decide to look beyond Ricoh check out the Fuji XF1. I love the SOOC B&W from my X10, and I think the XF1 should provide the same in a more pocketable package. Fits your budget as well.
 
if GAS doesnt rush you up, I would look closely as every now and then you can get a GRD 3 or 4's for the price you mention. ebay prices on the any GR series is unreasonable and its beyond their original prices sometimes. just keep looking through the buy and sell here or through at the pentax or ricoh forums.

I really dont know 'whats up' with the GRD2, but like you, I have only read and tried the 3 and 4. Now IMHO the new GR is the ultimate GR. hardly any other camera comes close to that one for prize, size and performance (if you are willing to go that extra step).
 
I really want a GRD as I enjoy fixed focal lengths and 28mm is perfect for me. I only want to spend ~$200-250 tho, so my choices are down to the GRD or GRDII. The thing is though, in my research I only seem to see articles, reviews, praise etc for 3 models:
- GRD, and it's film like grain (noise)
- GRDIII, and it's great IQ and redesign from the GRD/GRD2
- GRD IV, being the best of that series

I hardly see anything written about the GRDII apart from it maybe applies too much NR & that it writes RAW files faster then the original.

I haven't heard anything bad about the GRD2. I'm sure it's an improvement over the original GRD. I have seen someone write that the GRD2 and GRD4 were incremental improvements over their predecessors, while GRD, GRD3, and GR were more comprehensive redesigns, so I guess the GRD2 might have just gotten eclipsed.

Someone else (or maybe you) asked this same question recently in rangerfinderforum, where a lot of Ricoh fans hang out.
 
GRD 2 and GRD 1 both difficult to recommend

I haven't heard anything bad about the GRD2. I'm sure it's an improvement over the original GRD. I have seen someone write that the GRD2 and GRD4 were incremental improvements over their predecessors, while GRD, GRD3, and GR were more comprehensive redesigns, so I guess the GRD2 might have just gotten eclipsed.

Someone else (or maybe you) asked this same question recently in rangerfinderforum, where a lot of Ricoh fans hang out.


The GRD 2 upped the resolution over the GRD 1. Therefore, aggressive noise reduction was obviously deemed necessary by Ricoh: They had received very negative comments about the noise in the GRD 1 (which, ironically, many people who actually take photographs, *liked* in the end). So they opted for the safer router and yes, there is too much NR (for my taste). Don't take my word for it, though: There is a very illuminating comparison between GRD 1, 2 and 3 here:

Ricoh GRD III Review – Part 3

And yes, the reviewer describes the NR of the GRD II as "heavy-handed", etc. I agree that you should wait till GRD III prices come down. Note also that the original GRD (1) had a design flaw: The "Adj wheel" on these cameras will eventually fail, which cripples the camera. So, my advice:

- GRD I is too risky
- GRD II has too much NR in JPGs
- GRD III and IV are the way to go.

Just my 2 cents...
 
I haven't heard anything bad about the GRD2. I'm sure it's an improvement over the original GRD. I have seen someone write that the GRD2 and GRD4 were incremental improvements over their predecessors, while GRD, GRD3, and GR were more comprehensive redesigns, so I guess the GRD2 might have just gotten eclipsed.

Yeah, I think that's the key thing - 1 and 3 were brand new, 2 and 4 were minor model year upgrades at best. I'd take issue with whoever suggested that the 4 was the best of the bunch. I had a 3, tried a 4 for a couple of weeks and found it had messed up a couple of really nice control options from the 3 and added nothing useful but a couple of jpeg filters. They claimed it was better at higher ISO, but it wasn't - they just renamed the ISO values. They even really screwed up what I consider their best feature - snap focus - by adding an "auto" snap focus and decimating the controls for those who wanted to set the snap distance themselves. Which was really counter to the whole idea of snap focus. They took so much heat for it they eventually provided a partial fix in firmware, but it was never as quick or intuitive as on the 3. They pretty much admitted that mistake by going back to the control structure from the 3 on the GR. I'd be looking for a deal on a 3 for the best of the breed, at least pre-GR. I sold one nearly two years ago for about $300 so I'm sure you can do that well or better if you can find one today. If you can afford a couple hundred dollars more, the GR or the Nikon Coolpix A leave all of the previous GRD models in the dust...

-Ray
 
just want to say thanks everyone for all the advice & tips, really do appreciate it

i just took the plunge and got a brand new GRD4 for $460 (yup, double what i initially wanted to spend on a GRD2 but happy with my decision)

now the waiting game w/ fedex begins.....
 
Back
Top