The Ricoh GR and GR II is a beautifully engineered digital photo camera with excellent optical quality in a small package. It is the smallest and lightest camera with APS-C sized sensor and fixed prime lens!

I bought my GR second hand in 2013. Next to the ten other cameras the Ricoh became my most used camera until today. In total I made 71005 photographs with the GR. That is 52% of all my 135117 of my photos since 2013. I am really sold to the GR (:

Although it is highly praised and recommended among many popular Street Photographers, including Eric Kim, …, … and others, technical problems can develop over time. With a steady price tag ~ $500 the GR is not a cheap camera. With proper precautions and care those common problems can be avoided and fixed if necessary.

4 Common Ricoh GR Problems & Howto Avoid/Fix Them

Let´s start with the issue that affects the photographic process the most:

1. Closed Shutter after Power On

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     Ricoh GR Closed Shutter after Power On

   • What is the problem?
     • After power on the shutter of the camera is still closed and the display is black.
     • The shutter will “unlock” after you make one “dark frame” exposure. Repeat each time the camera is turned on.
   • Why does it happen?
     • Most likely moisture caused the shutter to become sticky
   • How can it be avoided?
     • Do NOT shoot in the rain and other moisture conditions!
   • How can it be fixed?
     • Send to dedicated camera repair service.  The whole lens module will be replaced (included under product warranty)
   • Where is more information about this issue?
     • The issue is discussed in detail in this Flickr Group.
2. Dust on Sensor

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     Ricoh GR Sensor Dust

   • What is the problem?
     • Like in every digital camera, small dust and other particles can deposit themselves on the sensor.
     • To check for dust, set the aperture to f/16 and make a photo of the blue sky.
   • Why does it happen?
     • The camera is stored unprotected in a place with dust/small particles (for example a jeans pocket)
     • The camera is left on during a photo walk
     • The camera is used during windy conditions
   • How can it be avoided?
     • Always store the Ricoh GR in a small dedicated camera bag!
     • Turn the camera off between shots (the start up, lens extrusion time is only 0,8 seconds!)
     • Try not to shoot directly against strong winds or towards an outdoor driving direction.
   • How can it be fixed?
     • Send it to a dedicated camera repair service (included under product warranty)
     • Clean the sensor DYI (involves meticulous camera disassembly procedure)
   • Where is more information about this issue?
     • Written and illustrated step by step guide how to disassemble and clean the Ricoh GR, GR II sensor
     • Ricoh GR disassembly and sensor cleaning video
3. Sticky shutter button (left and right side)

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     Ricoh GR Shutter Button stuck in the lower right corner

   • What is the problem?
     • After pressing the shutter button it gets stuck in the left or right corner
     • Pressing the button again in its center helps to release it from the blocked position
   • Why does it happen?
     • Fingertip grease and dust tend to accumulate under the button, making it less responsive
     • “The shape invites a rocker-like motion, thus the possible stickiness.”
   • How can it be avoided?
     • Use gloves :) just kidding, I am not sure if this can be avoided at all.
   • How can it be fixed?
     • Undocumented for the GR but a possible cleaning method would be to use a syringe and inject small amounts of electrical contact cleaner under the button, while the camera is upside down.
   • Where is more information about this issue?
     • A discussion about this topic is available on the dpreview.com forum
4. Rubber wrap stretching out of form
   • What is the problem?
   • Why does it happen?
   • How can it be avoided?
   • How can it be fixed?
   • Where is more information about this issue?