Review of Cases for Ricoh GR III/IIIx
Over years of owning Ricoh GR cameras I collected a few cases, so here is a small review. Hope this helps folks choose the right one.
A quick note about my accessories: because Ricoh GR is so compact I prefer none. Only a wrist strap, small, like the one that comes with the camera. Though I’m currently testing a thumb grip so I will include it in this review. If you use something like a lens hood, or a hand grip - these cases won’t work, except maybe the last option.
Regarding camera sizes: the lens on GR IIIx is 2mm longer than on GR III and older original Ricoh cases may not fit well. Newer cases fit both versions.
Ricoh GC-11
This is the new one that fits both GR III and IIIx, there is an older GC-9 that fits GR III only. The case costs £49 and comes in a bundle with street/urban editions.
The case is made of polished leather that feels quite sturdy. I had this case for over 4 years and it still looks good. The camera slides in easily and the case closes with a magnetic button that feels quite secure. On the back there is a metal ring and a belt loop.
You can fit the camera with the thumb grip inside. Because of the form it is just slightly bulky. It also fits other Ricoh cameras, like film GR1.
Overall this is a great case, and if you got it in a bundle - there’s no reason looking further.
Ricoh GC-12
GC-12 fits both GR III and IIIx, older GC-10 fits GR IIIx only.
The case is made of soft leather and feels great. IMO this is the best looking one. Quality is very good, the case feels like a premium product, and comes at a price of £79.
The fit is very tight, it won't fit accessories like thumb grip. Because of that it often takes two hands to take the camera out. The case has a magnetic lock that is very satisfying to use.
If you care more about style, minimalism, and don’t mind premium price - this is the one to get.
Side by side Ricoh GC-12 is slightly shorter than the GC-11 and noticeably thinner.
No name from AliExpress
aka PU Leather Camera Soft Case Cover Bag for ... (long list of cameras)
PU Leather Camera Soft Case Cover Bag for ...
I got mine for £6.33 including shipping cost.
The case is made of shiny soft leather with soft internal material. Mine is black and I think it looks ok.
Funny enough, when I received it, it smelt terrible. Probably was stored in a fish market or something. After washing it with dishwasher liquid the smell was gone. The leather lost some of its original shininess and that looks better to me.
The case fits Ricoh GR with the thumb grip. There is a small pocket for a spare battery or a SD card. It is definitely bulkier than the two original cases, but also feels slightly more protective. The case is not designed exclusively for Ricoh GR and has spare room, not too excessive.
The case opens on the side and uses two magnetic buttons. Taking the camera out is very simple. I sometimes keep the case open in my shoulder bag, so I only need to unzip the bag to get the camera out.
Considering the price, if you're not looking for the slimmest carry, this is an amazing case.
Domke Protective Wrap
I have size 11" and it cost me £16.
Not a case, but can be folded in a way that resembles an envelope. It provides decent protection. Maybe not enough to save the contents from falling, but plenty if you want to put the camera with other items in a backpack or larger bag. It uses velcro on four corners. I'm not a big fan of velcro on bags in general, but this works well, I imagine magnets won't hold this shape well.
Out of four this is the bulkiest and most versatile setup. It wraps bigger cameras, like Leica M. Good if you have a second camera and need that kind of versatility; or if you want to create a kind of insert for a shoulder bag. I wouldn't replace a specialised case for Ricoh with it.
Domke Protective Wrap vs others
Summary
My favourite case is the no-name from AliExpress. Not too bulky and very convenient to use. I love the Ricoh GC-12 for its minimalism and style, but the price is too high to recommend it.
