The Ricoh GR IIIx HDF – a review of this perfectly imperfect camera.

Introduction

Announced in March 2024, the Ricoh GR IIIx HDF camera joins the Ricoh GR III series as the 40mm focal length sibling with a physical button dedicated to a built-in Highlight Diffusion Filter (HDF) filter.

In this review, I am not going in-depth with regards to the specifications of the GR IIIx HDF (there is nothing much new from the GR IIIx tbh), but instead wish to share my more profound thoughts of why this camera, despite its many imperfections, is a camera which the enthusiast and GR series aficionado can accept and love. I will touch on the HDF function, experiences I love and also, what I find in need of improvement in the GR III series with GR IV imminent.

*Images shot with the HDF function activated will be labelled as “HDF filter on”.

If you are keen, some of my other reviews (I think I wrote about 5 or 6 of them) of the Ricoh GR III series are here:

1. a Monochromatic journey with the GR IIIx
2. Reuniting with the Ricoh GR III in 2022

What is new in the GR IIIx HDF is the inclusion of the HDF (Highlight Diffusion Filter) to emphasize highlights for a more mellow, softer, diffused look to the output, which is activated with a dedicated button.

Well, I could end the review here (as seriously, that is all there’s new with the HDF version compared to the standard GR IIIx, but of course, there’s more.

The perfectly imperfect parts (aka good)

In 2025, while market trends have pushed up the megapixel count expectation, Ricoh has still stayed with the 24.2 megapixels APS-C sized sensor paired with the GR Engine 6 from 2019.

But don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a bad decision by Ricoh. While on paper this may seem ‘inadequate’ to some spec-lovers, using the GR IIIx HDF has reminded me that it is never all just about specifications that dictate how great a camera is but rather the sum of all the details and the handling experience that matters more. This is especially true for seasoned photographers who know what they want, and in this aspect, I still find the GR IIIx to be a lovely camera in terms of output quality.

Also, after using megapixel monsters like the Fujifilm GFX100 series and Hasselblad 102MP cameras, trust me on that most people wouldn’t want 250MB raw files from a camera geared towards street photography.

Will the 2025 GR IV sport a megapixel bump? I am not sure but then I do look forward to better high ISO output.

Despite the petite size, the GR IIIx lens and sensor duo still deliver stunningly sharp images and excellent detail. The lens’s fixed focal length ensures minimal distortion and superior optical performance. Factually, I find the GR IIIx’s output sharper than the X100VI’s lens output, especially when comparing shots near minimum focusing distance.

Lest we forget, the GR camera was designed to be the street photographer’s camera, not a camera for sports, wildlife and it proudly wears its raison d’etre on its sleeve (design).

And it is here where Ricoh’s insistence on maintaining the design of the Ricoh GR hits the nail on the head, hardly drawing attention to its 262 grams minimalist-looking body. Similar to Fujifilm’s X100 series, the Ricoh GR series has reached ‘peak design’ and has little need for a design overhaul and to me, that is a strength.

In fact, I like that the Ricoh GR IIIx HDF is so un-intrusive plain looking as a camera that most subjects don’t even seem bothered about it.

The ease of use and SNAP-focus priority of the camera are also lovely parts of the experience that I have come to enjoy. However, I must say that while the Snap-focus function prioritizes a pre-set focus distance away from the camera, it is very much an extreme “you will use it or never use it” type of function.

And, of course, I must touch on the HDF filter, especially when Ricoh charged extra and removed the HDR function from the standard GR IIIx for it.

To be honest I found it initially amusing that Ricoh debuted a new model by simply adding a similar to ‘pro-mist filter’ function but then I have to also admit that the HDF filter does have its own charm.

There is some charm in the vintage-like output from the HDF function, especially at night and with multiple light sources. Note that with the HDF function activated, the sharpness we are used to seeing from the Ricoh GR optics is replaced by a much more diffused, softer look.

Ricoh has touted the ‘softening’ output from the HDF filter as an enhancement for portraits.

Output-wise, there is a lot to love about the Ricoh GR series, for example, the high contrast black and white and Positive film, Negative film simulations that I really adore, though it is good to note that quite a lot of these functions are available across the GR III series and not unique to the HDF version.

Lastly, the seldom mentioned built-in image stabilization, macro mode, and raw processing add to the camera’s versatility, allowing the Ricoh GR IIIx HDF more versatility as a camera which one can take more seriously.

The imperfect parts (or what I hope the GR IV will fix?)

I still remember the laments heard years back when Ricoh removed the built-in flash, moving from the GR II to the GR III series.

Moving from the Ricoh GR II to Ricoh GR III, we have entered the arc where we are paying much more for a successor to the camera with lesser functionality.

I understand Ricoh won’t be happy to read this section, but then being a supporter of their cameras means being balanced and wanting them to do better. Moreover, not being sponsored by them helps a lot in being unbiased (lol).

Another disappointment is that in 2025, the Ricoh GR IIIx HDF (the whole GR III series) lacks any form of weather and dust resistance. The complaints about dust ingress through the lens element have never been fixed. Third-part solutions like stick-on protective filters from JJC or well-made hoods from Squarehood do exist as potential solutions, but it quite perplexes me that Ricoh has not been interested in addressing this at all despite a minimum 7 variants within the Ricoh GR III series as prices inched up across the three years.

The GR IIIx HDF offers approximately 200 shots per charge, paltry by 2025 standards. If Ricoh was willing to, the battery tech already exists for much more improved battery capacity for a camera costing more than USD 1000.

Lastly, autofocus and noise performance in low light are two significant areas for further improvement. To be fair, I do not expect my Ricoh to have the autofocus performance of a Sony nor the low light ISO performance of a full-frame camera. However, while the hybrid autofocus system is an improvement, its reliability in low-light conditions can sometimes be inconsistent.

Beyond the points shared above, I have not touched on the lack of video capabilities in the camera as I stick by the design intent that this is a camera designed for the street photographer, and video capabilities are really ok for me to forgo. Moreover If I want to do video, there are other better and bang for your buck full-frame alternatives.

Conclusions

The Ricoh GR IIIx HDF camera is an interesting addition to Ricoh’s GR III lineup, keeping to the exceptional image quality and portability that photographers have come to love about the series.

The HDF function adds an interesting element for photographers, delivering more creative options in one’s work. Still, despite this, there is much room for improvements in the GR III series, such as in battery life, video capabilities, and durability.

For photographers who seek a high-quality fixed focal length compact, there are very few choices currently (Leica Q series, Fujifilm X100 series and Ricoh GR series). Thus, it is still only right to say the Ricoh GR IIIx HDF is still an excellent option, given its APSC-sized sensor and capable optics.

While many other options provide better specs for the price of a Ricoh GR III series camera (in this case, USD 1149), there are reasons why the GR camera, like the X100 series, draws its own cult following and, I believe, is the only camera in Ricoh Pentax’s catalogue that sells itself.

If you’re drawn to the “imperfect beauty” of the Ricoh GR IIIx HDF and its soft, dreamy play of light and shadow, a personalised keyrings is a perfect way to celebrate it. With GSJJ, you can quickly create custom keyrings that echo the camera’s character, think retro silver shutter button details, Tyndall-effect patterns. An easy, hassle-free way to carry a small tribute to your favourite camera and make every moment you capture feel a little more special.

Despite all the potential areas of improvement mentioned, the Ricoh GR IIIx HDF is still a camera I enjoy photographing with. I look forward to seeing what the Ricoh GR IV in 2025 will bring.

Thank you for reading.

Disclaimers:

1. All product photos and samples here were photographed by me. I believe any reviewer with pride should produce their own product photos. 

2. All images were shot with my personal set of the Ricoh GR IIIx HDF, bought from a local A.D. without any support from the local distributor.

3. This review is not sponsored.

4. I write as a passion and a hobby, and I appreciate that photography brands are kind enough to respect and work with me.

5. The best way to support me is to share the review, or you can always help support me by contributing to my fees to WordPress for the domain using the Paypal button at the bottom of the page.