masa Speaks | Capturing the Monochrome World with a Compact Camera | RICOH GR IIIx | Knowledge #278
Cover photo by masa
Stories of creators who love photography and their cameras. A “beloved camera” reflects each individual’s perspective and values. In this installment, we feature masa, a devoted user of the RICOH GR IIIx.
With a compact digital camera, commonly known as a “compact camera,” masa captures everyday moments with remarkable clarity. He shares the story of his RICOH GR IIIx and his journey into monochrome photography. By quietly capturing the “ambiguity” of everyday life through the choice of monochrome, he reveals the charm of light and shadow in a world stripped of color.
RICOH GR IIIx: Key Features
The RICOH GR IIIx is a high-performance compact digital camera equipped with an APS-C size CMOS sensor with approximately 24.24 million effective pixels. Combining high image quality with excellent portability, it is a versatile camera suitable for everything from everyday snapshots to serious photography projects.
Choosing Monochrome for Ambiguity
When I hold a camera in my daily life, there are times when the subject isn’t clear.
It could be a familiar scene or a complex background.
Sometimes, the photo just doesn’t come together.
In such moments, I always choose monochrome without hesitation.
Photo by masa
The monochrome mode of the RICOH GR IIIx offers a balance that feels neither overly dramatic nor too mundane. It achieves a film-like quality while remaining clean and modern.
The more ambiguous the subject, the more monochrome shines.
Simplify with Monochrome
The city is full of colors—signs, clothes, cars, traffic lights. Sometimes, the abundance of visual information can make a photo feel cluttered.
In such cases, simply turning the dial to the custom monochrome image control setting instantly brings clarity and order to the photo.
Photo by masa
For me, the RICOH GR IIIx is truly a “snap shooter.”
Since I started using the monochrome custom mode, it has become an even more reliable companion.
Noise as a Feature
The RICOH GR IIIx isn’t the best in terms of high ISO performance. Noise becomes noticeable beyond ISO 1600.
However, that very noise adds just the right touch to otherwise ordinary photos.
Photo by masa
Even in low-light conditions, which can be a challenge for compact cameras without interchangeable lenses, monochrome provides an elegant solution.
Photo by masa
Monochrome Space in Everyday Life
The RICOH GR IIIx’s monochrome mode delivers a modern sharpness while retaining a certain warmth in its depiction.
Photo by masa
It feels a bit like film, but it’s not heavy.
There’s a sense of nostalgia, yet it captures the current atmosphere.
Photo by masa
In everyday life, I find space for monochrome. With that thought, I slip the RICOH GR IIIx into my pocket and head out.
INFORMATION
Certified creator on cizucu
A life with cameras. Capturing what I want to shoot and what I want to keep.
cizucu: masa
Instagram: @masa__819.v
