Part 2: Must-Have Accessories for Your Ricoh GR IV: My Real-World Experience
If you’ve recently picked up the Ricoh GR IV, you probably already know how compact and capable this little camera is. After spending a few weeks using it as my everyday carry, I’ve tested a few must-have accessories that make shooting with it even better — and a few lessons learned along the way.
Screen Protector: A Perfect Fit (Same as GR III)
The first accessory I tried was a screen protector, and the good news is that it fits perfectly — it’s the same size as the GR III. Installation was quick, and the fit is edge-to-edge without bubbles or lifting corners. It gives that extra peace of mind when tossing the camera into your bag or pocket.
If you’re upgrading from a GR III, you can even reuse your leftover GR III screen protectors. Definitely one of the simplest but most essential accessories for the Ricoh GR IV.
PU Leather Case from AliExpress: Affordable and Functional (With One Caveat)
Next, I ordered a PU leather case from AliExpress. It was surprisingly cheap — and honestly, quite nice for the price. The material feels premium, and the case slips easily into small bags.
A real-life test happened when my sling bag (with the camera inside) accidentally dropped — the case protected my Ricoh GR IV perfectly. However, the smooth material turned out to be too slippery. I ended up losing the case because it slipped out unnoticed.
Now I’m leaning toward getting a neoprene case instead. It’s not only grippier but usually comes with pockets for extra accessories like spare batteries or SD cards — something the PU leather version lacked.
Aliexpress | Amazon US | Amazon AU
I ordered this and waiting for arrival and will update you how it goes. I think the only downside is its not water resistant like the leather I had previously.
Belt Clip Case Option: Lowepro Tahoe CS20
Another great option is the Lowepro CS20. I used this with my old Canon G5 X Mark II, and i believe it will fit the Ricoh GR IV really well too. It’s durable, provides solid protection, and clips easily onto your belt or bag strap.
The only downside? It’s designed vertically, and I personally prefer a horizontal carry for quicker access. But if that orientation doesn’t bother you, it’s a great protective choice.
Thumb Grip: A Small Upgrade That Makes a Big Difference
One small but game-changing accessory is the thumb grip. The GR IV’s compact design sometimes makes button placement tricky — I found myself accidentally pressing the macro button while shooting.
Adding a thumb grip gives you better control and comfort, especially during one-handed shooting. There are plenty of options available online that slide into the hot shoe mount without adding much bulk.
Aliexpress | Amazon US | Amazon AU
Extra Batteries: A Must for Every Ricoh GR IV Owner
If there’s one accessory you must carry, it’s spare batteries. The GR IV is power-efficient, but long shooting sessions or cold weather can drain the battery faster than expected.
At the moment, I haven’t seen many third-party GR IV batteries available yet, but I’ll share updates once I’ve tested a few reliable options. In the meantime, it’s best to stick with original Ricoh batteries to ensure consistent performance and safety.
Final Thoughts
The Ricoh GR IV continues to be my go-to compact camera for everyday use — and the right accessories make all the difference. From screen protectors to thumb grips, every small upgrade adds comfort and protection that enhances your shooting experience.
If you’re building your own GR IV setup, start with the essentials:
- Screen protector (GR III compatible)
- Protective case (neoprene or PU leather)
- Thumb grip
- Extra batteries
Stay tuned — I’ll post an update once I test new batteries and alternative cases that better suit everyday carry setups.