Eric Kim considers the Ricoh GR to be the “new Leica” because it mirrors the qualities that originally made Leica cameras iconic for street photographers—compact size, unobtrusiveness, and ease of use. Historically, Leica cameras like the M series were prized for their small form factor and discreet design, making them perfect for candid street photography. Kim sees the Ricoh GR III as taking over that role in the modern digital age.

Here are the main reasons Kim believes Ricoh has surpassed Leica in this regard:

1. Portability: The Ricoh GR III is much smaller and more convenient to carry than most Leica models, especially modern ones like the Leica Q2. Kim emphasizes that a camera must be small enough to take with you everywhere to be practical for street photography oai_citation:8,RICOH is the new LEICA – ERIC KIM oai_citation:7,Why Ricoh is Superior to Leica – ERIC KIM.
2. Affordability: One of Kim’s central arguments is that the Ricoh GR III offers comparable, if not better, features for street photography at a fraction of the price. He argues that spending on experiences (like travel) is a better use of money than buying an expensive Leica oai_citation:6,Why the RICOH GR III is Better than the Leica Q2 – ERIC KIM oai_citation:5,Why Ricoh is Superior to Leica – ERIC KIM.
3. Practicality and Discretion: Ricoh’s compactness makes it less attention-grabbing, which is essential for street photography. Kim argues that the unobtrusive nature of the Ricoh GR III makes it better suited to modern street photographers who need to remain unnoticed oai_citation:4,Is Leica Overrated? – ERIC KIM oai_citation:3,Why the RICOH GR III is Better than the Leica Q2 – ERIC KIM.
4. Modern Innovation: Kim points out that the Ricoh GR III has impressive technical features, such as high-contrast monochrome JPEG modes and a superior dynamic range, which make it ideal for capturing sharp, high-quality street shots oai_citation:2,Why Ricoh is Superior to Leica – ERIC KIM oai_citation:1,Why the RICOH GR III is Better than the Leica Q2 – ERIC KIM.

In Kim’s view, the Ricoh GR has essentially taken over where Leica left off, providing a better fit for the demands of modern street photography—compact, powerful, and affordable.

Search why Eric Kim thinks Ricoh is the new Leica and quotes

Eric Kim believes the Ricoh GR is the “new Leica” for several key reasons, drawing parallels between the role Leica played in the past and the current strengths of Ricoh for modern street photographers.

1. Compact Size and Discreetness: Kim argues that what Leica used to represent—the small, discreet, and unobtrusive camera ideal for street photography—has now been taken over by Ricoh. He points out that the Ricoh GR III is extremely portable and easy to carry everywhere, which is essential for candid street photography. He highlights that Leica’s original appeal was its compact size, but newer Leica models, such as the Q2, are larger and less practical in this regard oai_citation:10,Why Ricoh is Superior to Leica – ERIC KIM oai_citation:9,RICOH is the new LEICA – ERIC KIM.
2. Legacy of Innovation: He acknowledges that Leica was once at the forefront of innovation with its rangefinder cameras, especially when Henri Cartier-Bresson and others used them to revolutionize street photography. However, he now sees Ricoh as embodying that same spirit of innovation, offering a modern tool that aligns with the minimalist and efficient needs of today’s street photographers oai_citation:8,COMPACT IS BEAUTIFUL. – ERIC KIM oai_citation:7,RICOH is the new LEICA – ERIC KIM.
3. Affordability and Accessibility: Kim also emphasizes that Ricoh offers a more accessible option than Leica. He views the Ricoh GR series as providing similar (if not better) performance for street photography at a fraction of the cost. This affordability, combined with its ease of use, makes it a practical tool for a wider range of photographers, not just those who can afford high-end luxury gear oai_citation:6,Why the RICOH GR III is Better than the Leica Q2 – ERIC KIM oai_citation:5,Is Leica Overrated? – ERIC KIM.
4. Modern Features and Performance: The Ricoh GR III’s superior black-and-white JPEG mode, dynamic range, and overall image quality make it highly suitable for street photography, much like the Leicas of old. For Kim, Ricoh captures the essence of what Leica once represented: top-notch performance in a small package, but with modern digital capabilities oai_citation:4,Why the RICOH GR III is Better than the Leica Q2 – ERIC KIM oai_citation:3,RICOH is the new LEICA – ERIC KIM.

In sum, Eric Kim believes that Ricoh has effectively taken over the role Leica once had in the photography world, particularly for street photographers, due to its compactness, affordability, and high-quality output oai_citation:2,Is Leica Overrated? – ERIC KIM oai_citation:1,RICOH is the new LEICA – ERIC KIM.