Scenes Seen: RICOH GRIIIx.
Subtitle: Perfect For When Photography Is Not The Main Thing.
This post got me thinking about my Dad. Such a fashionable so and so.
And he always had an outfit and vehicle to match the given occasion. Yardwork or Father and Son going out to do work for one of the elders. Appropriate work gear and pickup truck. Dinner outing or some other such fanciness more formal attire and his land yacht of choice at the time.
Different events on the same day would bring clothing and vehicle changes along with it. Called him Cher once, you know… because outfit changes. He was a port about it.
Why do I mention this?
I am glad that I imagined that you asked.
A while ago I stopped trying to identify one camera for all purposes. Like my Father’s vehicles and clothing I have moved towards the right camera for a task.
Two gentleman at my local camera shop chose two different cameras.
Was asked which I prefer. My answer?
Yes.
The X100 is many things to may people.
- A fashion statement.
- A video tool.
- A compact alternative to a larger interchangeable lens soljtion.
- SOme combination of the above and more stuff I cannot think of at the moment.
All valid. For me? Bullet three above covers it well. It is what I bring when I want full access to all of the amenities of a modern mirrorless camera with th eleast bulk possible…
- Large sensor for a compact camera.
- EVF.
- Articulating screen.
- Top notch AF.
…a few X100 tricks bult in…
- Built in flash.
- Built in ND filter.
…and keeping a low profile is not strictly necessary.
While many insist on comparing the two I do not personally see the two as directcompetitors. I have sad this before. To use my Father to force a strained metaphor. Using one where the other is best suited would be like wearing work overalls to a formal dinner or using a sedan to pick up mulch.
Could you do it?
Yes.
Would or should you do it?
Likely not.
If you had to of course you could wear or drive anything you like anywhere you like. But why would you?
Some would say expense.
But when you stand back and look at what they are capable of, neither is prohibitely expensive, assuming you can get your hands on one.
Case in point. A (Leica adherents look away.) a current model Leica Q will cost you over $6,500. Worth every penny to those who are looking for that specifically. And no one would blame them or bat an eye. But for me? I’d rather both the X100VI and RICOH GRIIIx.
And both new can be had for less than half one a Q3, and over a thousand less than a used Leica Q2. An OG Leica Q, that I had and really liked,…
…still costs more than either.
And if you wwant to save even more $$$ and latest and greatest is not needed I have gotten along with older X100 cameras…
…and GR cameras…
…just fine.
So is getting both a better option? No.
A better option for my purposes? Yes.
Having used a variant of each I see the FUJIFILM and RICOH pairing as book ending the Leica Q use case. The X100VI tackles the interchangeable lens alternative side and the GRIIIX tackles the compact side.
As far as the images they create, as I have stated in this space that, with the capabilities of near any camera on the market right now, that has more to do with the person behind the camera than the camera.
Ok. Subtitle preamble sorted.
It was a day dominated by chores. Multiple landfill runs for my home and a siginificant to do list from my Mom after that at her house. After that a run to pick up dinner and a stop by the grocery store. Image capturing was way down on the priority list. The outfit for this day.
Nothing Earth shattering. Scenes seen.
Thoughts.
A great little camera.
Happy capturing.
-ELW
Eric L. Woods 