Ricoh GR212001

History

The GR1 -- Ricoh's first premium compact -- appeared in 1996 with a 28mm f/2.8 GR Lens and established a formula that attracted serious photographers who wanted something smaller than a rangefinder. Ricoh refined the line through the GR1s (1998) and GR1v (1999), adding minor feature and ergonomic improvements each time. The GR21 arrived in 2001 as a parallel variant rather than a successor: it was sold alongside the GR1v rather than replacing it, targeting the subset of photographers who specifically wanted an ultra-wide compact.

The 21mm focal length had no direct competition in the fixed-lens compact segment -- the Nikon 28Ti offered 28mm, the Contax T2 and T3 also sat at 28mm or 35mm. Ricoh's willingness to produce such a specialist focal length reflected the depth of the GR brand's following in Japan. The model was discontinued in 2002 alongside the rest of the GR film line as Ricoh shifted development resources toward digital.

Why It Matters

The GR21 is the most expensive fixed-lens film compact by used-market price as of 2026. Clean bodies routinely trade for $3,500-7,000 and sometimes higher at auction -- figures that exceed the Contax T3, Nikon 28Ti, and Leica Minilux. The price reflects three factors: genuinely low production volumes, the 21mm focal length's continued appeal for architecture and street photography, and the GR brand's strong following among Japanese collectors.

The GR Lens 21mm optical formula was also released in a separate Leica M-mount (L39 thread-mount with adapter) version for rangefinder photographers, though that variant is itself extremely rare. For users who want a 21mm ultra-wide on film, the GR21 is one of very few compact-camera options; alternatives typically involve medium-format bodies or adapted lenses on rangefinder platforms.

Sample Photographers / Notable Use

• Featured extensively in Japanese photography press (Camera Magazine, Asahi Camera) on release as an ultra-specialist compact.
• Collected by GR-series enthusiasts documenting the full GR1 family.
• Used by architecture photographers seeking a pocketable ultra-wide for location work.

References

• Camera-Wiki: Ricoh GR21
• Wikipedia: Ricoh GR (film cameras)