Awaiting My Ricoh GR IV: From Fuji to Everyday Carry

Captured with my XT5 35mm 1.4 in Across Film Simulation

Overview

When I became a father, my relationship with photography shifted. I used to carry my Fujifilm XE3 with the 23mm f/2 everywhere. It was a fantastic little camera — compact by interchangeable-lens standards, with Fuji’s famous film simulations that could nail a mood straight out of camera. I also have a XT5 which is my main camera that I use for portraits with my 35mm 1.4.

But as much as I loved it, I slowly realized it was still too big for my new reality. When you’re juggling a baby bag, a stroller, and trying to stay present with your family, even a “small” mirrorless camera feels like extra weight. My photography habits began to change.

That’s when I started looking at the Ricoh GR series — a camera line that seems to exist purely for everyday carry. I ended up selling my XE3 to be replaced by GRIII. However, this is not as easy as it seems as the used market prices has sky rocketed in price and some sellers seems dubious. This led me to wait almost a year for the GRIV announcement which led me to place a pre-order rightaway.

Why the GR IV Will Be My EDC

The upcoming GR IV is now on pre-order for me, and I can already see where it will fit into my life:
• Portability above all – Unlike the X-E3 or even my X-T5, the GR slips into a pocket. It’s not “compact camera small” — it’s true “always with you small.”
• Fixed 28mm lens – Some might see the lack of choice as limiting, but I find it freeing. It pushes me to work with a single perspective, and for daily life or street moments, 28mm just works.
• EDC ethos – It’s the kind of camera you grab without thinking. Keys, wallet, phone… GR.

For me, the GR IV won’t replace my X-T5 — that will still handle family portraits, longer shoots, or when I want a hybrid camera (photo and video). Instead, the GR IV will fill the gap left by the X-E3: an everyday camera that’s ready when life happens.

Fuji Film Sims vs. Ricoh Film Sims

One of the things I’ll miss from the Fujifilm system are its film simulations. Fuji’s JPEG engine is legendary — “Classic Chrome” or “Acros” often felt like instant storytelling.

Upon research, Ricoh approaches film simulations differently. It doesn’t have Fuji’s baked-in legacy, but the GR community has been experimenting with custom color recipes for years. What excites me is the creativity this unlocks: you’re not just choosing from Fuji’s menu, you’re building your own.

In a way, the Ricoh forces you to take ownership of the look you want. That feels fitting for an EDC camera — it’s personal, flexible, and experimental.

My Concerns

Of course, there are some concerns on my mind as I wait for the GR IV:
• Battery life has always been a Ricoh GR weakness. Will I need to carry spares constantly?
• Autofocus — the GR series isn’t built for fast action, so I’ll have to manage expectations compared to my Fujis.
• Durability — it’s small and light, but how will it hold up to daily carry over years?

Still, the trade-off feels worth it. Portability and readiness are what I need right now more than anything.

Closing Thoughts

As a new dad, I’ve realized that the best camera is not the one with the most features, or even the best image quality on paper. It’s the one you can carry every single day without thinking.

The Ricoh GR IV feels like the camera that will let me keep capturing life’s fleeting moments — without slowing me down, without drawing attention, and without fighting for space in the diaper bag.

I can’t wait to share my first impressions once it finally arrives. Until then, my XT5 will keep me company — but I have a feeling the GR IV will soon be the camera that never leaves my side.