Anyone who’s spent time with Ricoh’s GR series knows these cameras are excellent but also a bit niche. Since the film-era GR1 dropped in 1996, the line has stayed committed to one idea: a pocketable 28mm prime lens with no compromises on image quality. Nearly three decades later, that philosophy hasn’t changed, but the tools have gotten considerably better. The GR IV HDF is Ricoh’s latest take on the formula, and it swaps out the standard model’s neutral density filter for something far more interesting — a built-in highlight diffusion filter that gives your shots a dreamy, nostalgic quality straight out of the camera.
A Brief History
The GR line has always occupied a specific sector in photography. While other brands focused on improving zoom range and megapixel count, Ricoh kept it simple by just giving you one excellent lens and one sensor in a single package. The film models earned cult status among street photographers. And when Ricoh went digital in 2005, they maintained that minimalist ethos. Launched this past summer, the GR IV pushes things forward with a 25.7-megapixel sensor, improved stabilization, and a revamped lens design.
A Touch of Nostalgia
The HDF variant ditches the standard GR IV’s built-in ND filter and replaces it with Ricoh’s highlight diffusion filter — the same tech they introduced with the GR III HDF back in 2024. Using inkjet technology developed in-house, the filter creates a softer, more diffused look that’s especially noticeable in bright areas and light sources. Think of it as a built-in mist filter, but one you can toggle on and off with the click of a dedicated button.
The trade-off is you lose the ND filter, which means shooting wide open in bright sunlight requires a different approach. Ricoh addressed this by adding an electronic shutter capable of speeds up to 1/16,000s — a massive jump from the mechanical shutter’s 1/4000s limit. That faster shutter keeps you shooting at f/2.8 even when the sun’s out. And if you already own the standard GR IV, a firmware update will bring that same electronic shutter functionality to your camera.
Beyond the filter swap, the HDF model looks nearly identical to its sibling. Ricoh gave it a grayish silver shutter button instead of black — a subtle nod to the camera’s ability to shift visual expression instantly. The Fn button comes preset to toggle the HDF effect by default, though you can reassign it to other functions if you prefer.
The Same Camera at Its Core
The core specs mirror the standard GR IV, including the new 28mm f/2.8 lens with improved optics, five-axis image stabilization with six stops of shake reduction, 53GB of internal storage plus a microSD slot, and a 3-inch touchscreen LCD. Meanwhile, video capability tops out at Full HD 1080/60p.
Spec Sheet
Sensor: 25.7MP APS-C BSI CMOS
Lens: 28mm f/2.8 equivalent (18.3mm actual)
Stabilization: 5-axis, 6-stop shake reduction
Shutter Speed: Up to 1/16,000s (electronic)
Display: 3.0-inch touchscreen LCD, 1.04 million dots
Video: Full HD 1080/60p, 30p, 24p
Storage: 53GB internal, microSD card slot
Weight: 9.24oz
Special Features: Built-in Highlight Diffusion Filter, Snap Distance Priority, Focus Limiter
Pricing & Availability
With pre-orders live through B&H Photo, the Ricoh GR IV HDF ships in late January 2026 for $1,600 — a $100 premium over the standard model. Pre-orders are live now through B&H Photo and other retailers.
Recap
Ricoh GR IV HDF Digital Camera
Ricoh’s GR IV HDF swaps the standard model’s ND filter for a built-in highlight diffusion filter that gives your shots a dreamy, film-like quality straight out of the camera. It’s the same pocket-sized street photography legend you know, just with a new creative tool and a faster electronic shutter to compensate for losing that ND filter.
