How close a GR focuses
The GR has a dedicated macro mode, and how close it gets depends more on which lens your body has than on which generation it is. The 28mm bodies focus meaningfully nearer than the 40mm ones — a direct consequence of the shorter lens, not a feature Ricoh removed.
| Body | Lens | Normal | Macro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ricoh GR II | 28mm | 0.3m-inf | 0.1m-inf |
| Ricoh GR III | 28mm | 0.1m-inf | 0.06-0.12m |
| Ricoh GR IIIx | 40mm | 0.2m-inf | 0.12-0.24m |
| Ricoh GR IV | 28mm | 0.1m-inf | 0.06-0.15m |
| Ricoh GR IVx | 40mm | 0.2m-inf | 0.12-0.24m |
The closest-focusing bodies in the range are the Ricoh GR III and Ricoh GR IV, all reaching 0.06m. If close-up work is a priority, that difference is worth more than any sensor improvement between generations.
The catch with macro mode
- Macro mode has a hard far limit on the newer bodies. On the GR III, GR IIIx, GR IV and GR IVx, macro is a range, not just a closer minimum — switch to it and the camera will not focus past its upper bound. You have to switch back for normal shooting. The GR II is the exception: its macro range runs to infinity.
- Almost nothing is in focus at once. This close, the sharp zone can be a few millimetres deep. Set a narrower aperture than feels necessary — f/8 or smaller — and expect to take several attempts.
- You will block your own light. At 6–12cm the camera shades the subject. This is the one situation where the small GF-2 flash earns its place.
- Stabilisation will not save you. It steadies the camera, but this close, swaying a centimetre forward moves what is in focus completely. Lean on something, or use a faster shutter speed.
Related
- Snap focus — and why it is the wrong tool this close
- Compare bodies — close-focus is a row in every comparison