Ricoh Imaging has officially launched the highly anticipated Ricoh GR IV Monochrome, a compact digital camera dedicated to black-and-white photography, with an expected release in mid-February 2026. This announcement follows its development reveal in October 2025. The camera is priced at a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $2,199.95 in the US. Multiple sources confirm that this price point represents a significant premium, costing approximately $700 more than the base Ricoh GR IV model. This 46% price increase is attributed to the specialized monochrome-dedicated sensor and its unique capabilities. The Ricoh GR IV Monochrome is built upon the existing GR IV platform, but crucially integrates a 25.74-megapixel APS-C BSI CMOS sensor that lacks a color filter array. This design choice allows the sensor to capture light directly, promising superior clarity, richer tonal gradations, and enhanced detail in monochrome images compared to color images converted to black and white. It features a 28mm equivalent f/2.8 lens, an ISO range of 160 to 409,600, 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS), and a built-in red filter for creating dramatic skies in landscapes. Additionally, it introduces new monochrome-specific Image Control options like "Solid" and "Grainy" for diverse expressive possibilities. Credible photography news outlets such as PetaPixel, DPReview, Digital Camera World, Amateur Photographer, and K&F Concept have widely reported on this launch, corroborating the details of its pricing, specifications, and availability. The camera is positioned as a significant contender in the niche market for dedicated monochrome digital cameras, challenging the long-standing offerings from brands like Leica. Showcasing events for the GR IV Monochrome are scheduled to begin on January 15, 2026, at Ricoh's GR Space facilities in Tokyo, Shanghai, Beijing, and Brisbane, allowing potential buyers to experience the camera firsthand. While the premium price might be a "dealbreaker" for some, as noted by TechRadar, its unique features are expected to appeal strongly to black-and-white photography purists globally. The camera is available for pre-order now.