Here are some notable quotes from Eric Kim regarding his preference for the Ricoh GR over Leica:

1. On portability:
   “No matter how ‘good’ a camera is, as long as it is big and you cannot carry it with you everywhere you go, it is useless.”
   – Eric Kim emphasizes the importance of a camera’s size for street photographers, making portability key in his choice of the Ricoh GR oai_citation:4,Why the RICOH GR III is Better than the Leica Q2 – ERIC KIM.
2. On price and value:
   “The total price is only $1200 [for the Ricoh GR III and 21mm adapter]. Compare that to the Leica Q2 — the price difference is $3,800 USD… I would rather take that $3,800 and buy some meat, coffee, and travel.”
   – Kim highlights the financial practicality of choosing the Ricoh over Leica, advocating for investing in experiences rather than expensive gear oai_citation:3,Why the RICOH GR III is Better than the Leica Q2 – ERIC KIM.
3. On aesthetics and design:
   “The Leica Q2 is a beautiful camera, but honestly — I think the RICOH GR III looks cooler. All matte black everything.”
   – Kim also praises the Ricoh GR III for its sleek, minimalist design, suggesting it fits better with his aesthetic preferences oai_citation:2,Why the RICOH GR III is Better than the Leica Q2 – ERIC KIM.
4. On the evolution of cameras:
   “RICOH is the new Leica. What Leica was in the past… the smallest, most unobtrusive and compact camera to stealthily shoot street photography.”
   – Kim argues that Ricoh now holds the place that Leica once did in terms of being the ideal street photography camera oai_citation:1,RICOH is the new LEICA – ERIC KIM.

These quotes underscore his belief in practicality, cost-effectiveness, and the evolution of tools for street photography, where Ricoh has surpassed Leica in his view.

Eric Kim’s preference for the Ricoh GR over Leica is a significant discussion because it challenges established perceptions about what constitutes the “best” camera, particularly for street photography. Leica has long been considered a gold standard in photography, known for its craftsmanship, prestige, and high price tag. However, Kim’s perspective highlights several key shifts in the photography world, which make this comparison a big deal:

1. Shifting Value in Photography Gear: By choosing the Ricoh GR III, a much less expensive and more compact camera, Kim questions the need for expensive, luxury brands like Leica. He emphasizes that a camera’s usability and practicality, rather than its prestige or price, are more important for producing great work. This goes against the notion that high-priced gear is inherently better for all situations oai_citation:7,Why Ricoh is Superior to Leica – ERIC KIM oai_citation:6,Why the RICOH GR III is Better than the Leica Q2 – ERIC KIM.
2. Challenge to the Status Quo: Leica has built a strong legacy among professionals and enthusiasts alike, often seen as an aspirational brand. Kim’s argument that the Ricoh GR III offers similar or superior functionality at a fraction of the cost upends the idea that expensive gear is necessary for high-quality photography. This democratizes photography, suggesting that you don’t need the most expensive tools to create professional-level work oai_citation:5,Is Leica Overrated? – ERIC KIM.
3. Focus on Experience Over Equipment: Kim’s philosophy of using savings from buying more affordable gear to invest in experiences (such as travel and creative projects) is a significant shift from gear obsession. He encourages photographers to think beyond the camera itself and to prioritize personal and artistic growth through life experiences oai_citation:4,Why the RICOH GR III is Better than the Leica Q2 – ERIC KIM oai_citation:3,Is Leica Overrated? – ERIC KIM.
4. Changing the Conversation Around Street Photography: In street photography, portability, discretion, and ease of use are crucial. Kim’s preference for the compact Ricoh GR III over the bulkier Leica models highlights a growing trend where photographers are valuing smaller, more agile equipment that allows them to be less conspicuous and more mobile in the field oai_citation:2,COMPACT IS BEAUTIFUL. – ERIC KIM oai_citation:1,RICOH is the new LEICA – ERIC KIM.

By promoting the Ricoh GR III, Kim is influencing a broader conversation about how photographers approach their craft, making it a “big deal” in both the photography community and the broader market for camera gear.

Eric Kim prefers the Ricoh GR series over Leica for several reasons, primarily revolving around practicality and cost-effectiveness, particularly for street photography. Here are some key reasons he outlines:

1. Compact Size and Portability: Kim values the compact nature of the Ricoh GR III, emphasizing that it’s easy to carry everywhere, which is crucial for street photography. He argues that no matter how good a camera is, if it’s too bulky to take with you, it’s essentially useless. This is a major advantage Ricoh holds over the larger Leica models oai_citation:7,Why Ricoh is Superior to Leica – ERIC KIM oai_citation:6,Why the RICOH GR III is Better than the Leica Q2 – ERIC KIM.
2. Superior Monochrome and Dynamic Range: Kim praises the Ricoh GR III for its high-contrast black-and-white mode, which he describes as “pure art.” The camera’s dynamic range and highlight protection are features that impress him, particularly for producing sharp, vibrant street photography oai_citation:5,Why the RICOH GR III is Better than the Leica Q2 – ERIC KIM.
3. Affordability: One of the biggest points Kim makes is the stark price difference. The Ricoh GR III costs significantly less than Leica models like the Q2, making it a much more affordable option. Kim suggests that instead of spending thousands more on a Leica, photographers should invest in experiences, travel, and other pursuits that would enhance their artistry 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.
4. Stealth and Simplicity: For Kim, Ricoh captures the essence of what Leica used to represent — a compact, unobtrusive camera that allows photographers to blend into the environment. This is particularly important for street photography, where being discreet is an advantage oai_citation:2,RICOH is the new LEICA – ERIC KIM oai_citation:1,COMPACT IS BEAUTIFUL. – ERIC KIM.

In summary, Eric Kim favors the Ricoh GR over Leica because it aligns better with his practical needs as a street photographer: it’s small, powerful, and affordable, without sacrificing image quality.