Ricoh’s New Camera Tech: Soft Focus at the Touch of a Button

Ricoh has introduced an exciting new feature in their RICOH GR III HDF and RICOH GR IIIx HDF cameras: the Highlight Diffusion Filter (HDF). This lightweight, thin filter uses innovative inkjet (IJ) printing technology to enhance photos by softening light and adding a nostalgic touch.

Soft filter OFF

Soft filter OFF

Soft filter ON

Soft filter ON

The Innovation

For over 20 years, Ricoh’s GR series cameras have been known for their high image quality, quick shooting, and portability. The new HDF continues this tradition by offering a soft filter effect that diffuses light and blurs highlights, creating a dreamy, film-like quality. This effect can be easily turned on or off with a button, adding versatility to your photography without sacrificing performance.

The HDF can be turned ON/OFF with the Fn button

The HDF can be turned ON/OFF with the Fn button

How It Works

Ricoh’s engineers developed a method to place the optical structures on the filter’s surface using IJ printing technology. This approach keeps the filter thin and light, ensuring it doesn’t impact image quality or camera size. By positioning the filter near the lens aperture, they achieved uniform softening across the entire image.

HDF (Highlight Diffusion Filter) print scene and ON/OFF effect from built-in HDF

Why It Matters

This new filter allows photographers to experiment with different looks and moods, making it a valuable tool for capturing everyday scenes in a unique way. It’s a subtle yet powerful feature that enhances the creative potential of Ricoh’s already impressive GR series cameras.

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To read the full press release click here