The Ricoh GR IV Accessories I Bought and Actually Use
When I bought the Ricoh GR IV, I also purchased several accessories to protect the camera and make it easier to carry around every day.
The GR IV is a compact camera designed to be taken everywhere. That portability is one of its greatest strengths, but it also means that the camera is more likely to be carried in a pocket, pouch, or bag. I wanted to protect it properly from the beginning.
Here are the accessories I bought and actually use with my Ricoh GR IV.
Screen Protector
The first accessory I bought was a tempered glass screen protector.
The product was originally listed as compatible with the GR III series rather than the GR IV. However, as shown in the photos below, it fits the GR IV screen perfectly.
I was able to apply the screen protector before using the camera for the first time, which gave me some peace of mind.
Lens Filter
I also bought a JJC UV filter to protect the lens.
This type of filter is attached with an adhesive ring. Some photographers prefer not to use a filter, but I always install one. I want to avoid scratching the lens, and I also want to reduce the chance of dust getting inside the camera.
I had used the same type of JJC filter with my GR III. The GR IV version also fits neatly and does not make the camera feel bulky.
Metal Lens Cap
The protruding part of the GR IV lens is slightly smaller than that of the GR III. As a result, the JJC metal lens cap I previously used with my GR III did not fit the GR IV.
Fortunately, JJC released a metal lens cap designed specifically for the GR IV.
Even though I use a lens filter, I still do not like leaving the front of the lens exposed. I always attach the cap when carrying the camera in my pocket, pouch, or bag.
The GR IV-specific cap fits perfectly.
Hand Strap
When I used the GR III, I did not pay much attention to the strap and simply used the short strap included with the camera. When I bought the GR IV, I decided to upgrade it.
I chose the genuine Ricoh GS-2 hand strap.
I have always taken photos with a short strap wrapped around my wrist, so I wanted something close in length to the original strap.
The GR IV is a compact and highly portable camera. I did not want to add a large strap that would make the camera feel less agile.
The GS-2 is made of genuine leather and features an embossed GR logo. It is a small detail, but it gives the camera a more refined feel. Since I expect to use the GR IV for years, I chose a genuine Ricoh accessory that should age well over time.
microSD Card
The GR III series used standard-size SD cards. The GR IV uses the more compact microSD format instead.
Because I could not reuse the SD card from my GR III, I bought a new microSD card. I usually choose SanDisk memory cards because I trust the brand.
There are cheaper microSD cards available, but saving a little money is not worth the risk of losing photographs. I recommend buying a genuine card from a reputable seller.
The GR IV has approximately 53GB of built-in memory, which may be enough for casual everyday photography. However, I use a 128GB microSD card so that I have more storage for travel, events, and longer shooting sessions.
Why I Chose a 128GB UHS-I U3/V30 Card
The Ricoh GR IV supports microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards. It is compatible with the UHS-I standard.
My choice was based on three factors:
Capacity: 128GB
This offers a practical balance between storage space and price, even when shooting RAW and JPEG files together.
Standard: UHS-I
The GR IV supports UHS-I. A more expensive UHS-II card will not be used at its full potential by the camera.
Speed Class: U3/V30
A U3/V30 card guarantees a minimum sequential write speed of 30MB/s. For my use, it provides a sensible balance between performance and cost.
For these reasons, I chose a SanDisk Extreme 128GB UHS-I U3/V30 microSD card.
Spare Battery or Portable Charger?
A spare battery is another accessory worth considering.
The Ricoh GR IV uses the DB-120 rechargeable battery. Ricoh also sells the BJ-12 battery charger.
A spare genuine battery is useful, especially for long shooting sessions. I would personally avoid inexpensive third-party batteries. A battery is a safety-related component, and saving a small amount of money is not worth risking damage to the camera.
However, buying both an additional genuine battery and the genuine charger can become expensive.
Since my GR III days, I have used a portable power bank instead of carrying a spare camera battery. A portable charger can top up the camera between shooting sessions, and it can also charge a smartphone or other devices.
I use an Anker power bank with a built-in USB-C cable, a folding AC plug, and a 10,000mAh capacity.
This setup has worked well for my style of photography. I usually have enough power for a day of shooting without carrying a dedicated camera battery charger.
Camera Pouch
I also bought a new camera pouch for the GR IV.
The pouch protects the camera while keeping it easy to access. This is especially useful because I often carry the GR IV in a bag or attach the pouch to another strap.
I wrote a separate article about why this pouch works so well with the GR IV.
Read the pouch article on note
I use the HAKUBA OUTDOOR PRODUCTS Camera Pouch 05.
For situations where I want to carry the camera around my neck or shoulder, I also use a lightweight K&F Concept neck strap.
The GR IV is small and lightweight, so I prefer a strap that does not feel excessive or interfere with quick street photography.
Final Thoughts
These are the accessories I bought and currently use with my Ricoh GR IV.
The GR IV is designed to be carried everywhere, which is exactly why I want to protect it carefully. A screen protector, lens filter, metal lens cap, hand strap, and reliable microSD card make the camera much easier to use without worrying too much about scratches or damage.
New accessories will continue to appear as the GR IV becomes more widely available. For now, this setup gives me everything I need for everyday street photography.
See Photos Taken with the RICOH GR IV
Explore my street photography and architecture series taken with the
RICOH GR IV.
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