RICOH GRIIIX

Rediscovering the Joy of Photography: Why I Came Back to the Ricoh GR IIIx

For most photographers, there's that one camera — the one that brings it all back. The feeling of spontaneity. The joy of capturing something real. Not for clients. Not for content. Just for yourself.

For me, recently, that camera has been the Ricoh GR IIIx.

This isn’t a review. I’m not here to pixel peep or break down the technical specs (you know I’m not that guy). Instead, this is a story about why this camera matters to me, how it fits into my daily life, and how it’s helped me reconnect with the kind of photography that got me into this whole thing in the first place. If you're a Leica shooter, a Ricoh GR fan, or a street photographer looking for an everyday carry camera, you might just relate.

The Burden of Gear

Let’s start with some real talk. I shoot professionally. I travel often — for clients, workshops, and sometimes just for me. And with that comes a lot of gear. Cameras. Lenses. Audio. Batteries. Cables. Carry-on stress. Check-in anxiety. You know the drill.

Over time, that relationship with gear starts to feel… heavy. Not just physically. Mentally. Emotionally. Even when the job’s done, it sticks with you. I found myself not bringing a camera when I wasn’t working. Not shooting for fun. And honestly, that broke my heart a little.

Remember when we used to carry our cameras everywhere? Not for Instagram. Not for YouTube. Just because we loved it?

I missed that guy.

Smartphones Just Don’t Cut It (for Me)

Now before you say it — yes, I know smartphones are amazing. Convenience, quality, instant sharing, all that jazz. But for me, photography on a phone just isn’t the same. I don’t enjoy it. I recently downgraded to an iPhone 13 mini, not because I’m anti-tech, but because I’m pro-intentionality. That little downgrade helped me use my phone less, live more, and yes — take fewer photos that mean nothing.

But that left a gap. A real camera gap.

The Search for the Perfect Everyday Carry Camera

Over the past few years, I’ve dabbled. Fuji X100 (original and the new one), Leica D-Lux 8, even a few “zoomy” compact cameras from Canon, Sony, and Lumix. But none of them stuck.

The Fuji X100 series? Beautiful files, cool film simulations — but too bulky for true pocketability and too similar to my Leica M setup, which I use for serious projects. Leica D-Lux 8? Love Leica, but I’m not a zoomy guy. It told me it was zoomy, and I thought I could change. Spoiler: I couldn’t.

I realized what I was really looking for was something small, fixed lens, and just fun to use. Not a replacement for my M, not a tech marvel, just a joyful tool.

Enter: Ricoh GR IIIx

That camera — the one that checked all those boxes — was the Ricoh GR IIIx.

I’ve had a relationship with the Ricoh GR line before. I loved the original GR. Sure, the autofocus was slow and the battery life was rough, but it never stopped me from enjoying it. Same with the GR III. But like a fool, I sold them both — probably chasing the next thing for content.

Then, while walking around Tokyo after a shoot, I felt it. That longing to just shoot. I didn’t have a camera on me. And that’s when I knew I had to go back.

So I did what any rational photographer does: I started stalking used camera stores in Shinjuku before my flight the next morning. The GR IIIx was tough to find — apparently, I’m not the only one in love with this thing. But finally, tucked inside a glass case, I found two GR IIIx Urban Editions. I bought one. I wanted to rescue both.

And when I held it again — that familiar form factor, that 40mm field of view — it just felt right.

Why It Works

The Ricoh GR IIIx isn’t flashy. It’s not going to replace a full-frame Leica SL2-S or your Fujifilm GFX for a commercial shoot. But it fits in your pocket. It’s quiet. It’s fast enough. The lens is sharp. The colors are great. And most importantly: it makes me want to shoot again.

That’s not marketing hype. That’s me walking around Hanoi with it in my hand, remembering how much fun photography can be when it’s just for you.

This little camera is going to be with me for a while — during downtime, street walks, travel days, scouting trips. It’s already helping me capture moments I would've otherwise missed.

A Note to My Fellow Photographers

If you’re a Leica user tired of lugging your kit everywhere…
If you’re a street photographer looking for something subtle and solid…
If you’re a Ricoh GR fan wondering if the GR IIIx is worth it in 2025…
I’m here to say: maybe it is.

Not because it’s perfect. But because it gets out of the way and lets you have fun again.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

I’d love to hear from you — what’s your fun camera? The one that brings you back? The one you maybe sold and regret? Drop it in the comments below or shoot me a DM on Instagram @askmott.

And if you're looking to take your photography further — whether it's through intentional practice, better editing, or just pushing past creative burnout — I’ve got presets, 1:1 coaching, and photography workshops that might be just what you need.

Check it all out at askmott.com

Until next time, stay present, stay intentional… and don’t forget to have some fun.

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