Ricoh launched the GR III again in 2019, with GR IIIx in 2023, the final APS-C compact digicam from the corporate, earlier than they went silent. With the growth of compact units now, and Ricoh hinting at a brand new GR digicam in the course of the CP+ Present, our hopes of getting a brand new addition to the collection are far larger. However now, it looks as if our want is lastly being answered, particularly since Ricoh filed a brand new patent for wide-angle lenses for APS-C cameras, which could possibly be for the highly-awaited GR IV. What are the focal lengths like? Here’s a fast look.In a report by Asobinet, Ricoh has reportedly filed patent P2025069515 on Might 1, which showcases designs of focal lengths 16mm f2.8, 17mm f2.8, and 18mm f2.8. The lenses are geared toward offering compactness, however higher autofocus techniques, which might trace at lens developments for the optical efficiency of the GR IV.Ricoh 18mm f2.8 patentThe patent additionally means that the primary two lens teams are designed to “transfer” whereas focusing, whereas the third group is designed to remain in place. We aren’t positive what this precisely means, and the way they may transfer, however our greatest guess could be that it has to do one thing with the autofocus motors, which can or could not transfer the lens components whereas focusing. The report additionally provides that the lenses might be compact and can function aspherical surfaces to regulate aberrations. The lens’s design will affect the digicam, because the GR collection is understood for its compactness.Ricoh 15mm f2.8 patentThe angle of view in the intervening time ranges from 37.9° to 42.4°, whereas the picture top is claimed to be 14.13mm. The again focus space will even be about 0.7mm. The timing of the patent solely additional highlights Ricoh’s dedication to a brand new GR collection digicam. The wide-angle focal vary, with a brilliant aperture, is nice for a digicam of this nature. Nevertheless, if they’ll additional scale back the aperture to f1.2, then one can actually get extra mild in darker areas, whereas getting far smoother bokeh. As an illustration, in our evaluation of GR III, we famous, “It wants a sooner lens or an APS-C sensor that’s tremendous clear past ISO 6400. By that, I imply that the output must be a lot cleaner than it’s even whenever you embrace the noise.” And so, something decrease than f2.8 is important. Ricoh 17mm f2.8 patentFurthermore, with a barely wide-angle lens, it offers photographers extra room so as to add to the scene, for the reason that Ricoh GR collection is legendary amongst road photographers. You’ll be able to at all times work across the further house, and you’ll transfer bodily if it’s worthwhile to crop some scenes. Nevertheless, the GR IIIx featured a brand new lens, which was a 26mm, a 40mm equal on a full body, that gave actually sharp pictures. However we had a minor subject. As we mentioned in our evaluation: “Having a management ring across the lens is a private choice — an aperture ring simply is sensible on the lens, and it looks as if there would have been room for it.” So, if the brand new lens encompasses a management ring, some could actually benefit from the expertise. Whereas there isn’t any actual indication that GR IV will occur anytime quickly, the lens might simply be patents for analysis and growth functions, and nothing else. It might even be the case that the patent by no means comes true, and we might even see a complete totally different lens on the mannequin when it launches. Both means, it’s good to see the path Ricoh is taking for the way forward for its highway map.
Earlier Put up
Leica Unveils M11-P Safari Particular Version: A Uncommon Collector’s Digicam