Ricoh announce GR III HDF and GR IIIx HDF

Ricoh announce new variants of the popular GR III and GR IIIx compact cameras which replaces their built-in ND filters with Highlight Diffusion Filters.

Posted: 31/03/2024 - 16:46

Image credit: Ricoh US

Based on the standard versions of the GR III and GR IIIx, Ricoh announce the Ricoh GR III HDF and Ricoh GR IIIx HDF which now feature a HDF (Highlight Diffusion Filter) which replaces the previously built-in ND filter on each model, allowing users to quickly switch to producing mellow, glowing softened images.

The new models incorporate the newly developed HDF (Highlight Diffusion Filter) to emphasize highlights and produce mellow, softened images. Developed by taking advantage of RICOH's advanced inkjet technology cultivated over the years, this special-effect filter is designed to diffuse highlight areas and create a blurred effect along the image's edges, making it possible to capture somewhat nostalgic images resembling those captured in film photography or movies. Since the HDF can be instantly switched on and off with a single action, it lets the user effortlessly alternate between two completely different visual expressions -- clear, sharply focused images symbolic of the RICOH GR series, and mellow, softened images captured by the HDF -- depending on the subject or creative intention. This creative versatility expands the visual boundaries of snapshot photography.

Ricoh Japan

Additional Features

The color of the shutter-release button has been changed to grayish silver to symbolize the easy shift of visual expression. The default setting of the Fn (Function) button has also been changed to the ON/OFF switching of the HDF.
The user can preprogram up to three white-balance settings as the base white balance. It is also possible to couple the base white balance with the White-balance Fine Adjustment function.
The new models feature Zone Select AF, which automatically sets the focus at the most appropriate point within the image area, after the user shifts the 3X3 focus area to the desired zone.