Ricoh has just launched in Hong Kong GRDIII last Saturday. The street price can be lower than the GRDII at its launch.
The camera is going to hit the selves in shops before the end of August. The official price is HK$5,000 (in Hong Kong price, same below; use the currency converter at left). The street price is usually 5% to 8% less plus free gifts.
For those who are interested in the camera, the official pricing of the accessories:
Optical viewfinder GV-2 (28mm#) $2,400
Leather soft case (for GV-2) GC-4* $1,100
Optical viewfinder GV-1 (21/28mm#) $2,400
Wide angle conversion lens GW-2* (21mm#) $1,500
Hood and adapter GH-2 $800
Soft case GC-3* $400
Neck strap GS-1 $200
Neck strap ST-2 $200
Cable switch GA-1 $300
Rechargeable battery DB-65 $330
Battery charger BJ-6 $300
GR camera bag GB-1 $3,380
External TTL flash GF-1 (2009 Fall)
*New
Read the brief description of the accessories here.
For those who are interested in this unique serious compact sporting a fast f1.9 prime lens, be sure to check out the series of posts offering links to
some useful reviews and sample shots at ricohforum.com. If you're wondering how does it compare to those on your wish list, the comparative shots Nevin garnered are here.
Try it on at stores if a chance affords you, and you will know why the GRD and GX series have been so praised for their ergonomics.
Comments
Cem
Any big name camera stores are selling dealers' items, namely the Broadway, Fortress and CMK. If you buy it in Broadway and Fortress, DON'T patronise the ones in Harbour City. The shops there are too doing too good a business to listen well to lesser spenders.
There is no elbowroom for bargaining the price in these stores but you can definitely ask for less free gifts (like less the free SD card) for a lower price. Mark that if a camera case is included, it should be one from Ricoh, not a third-party fake.
If an extra battery is given for free, it is usually a third-party item.
Alternatively, head to Wing Shing or Man Shing in Mongkok. They are sister shops with history and good reputation. You can bargain your price there if you spend big there. Act like a person in the know if you ever bargain. (Check out the photo of Wing Shing here:
http://ricoh-gx.blogspot.com/2008/12/talk-till-they-drop-price.html)
Should you don't mind the warranty, go to the camera shop (name forgotten) on the 1st floor in the Mongkok Computer Centre. They sell parallel import items cheap but without warranties. That said, you may ask if you can return a defective camera in 7 days should find it so after purchase.
In Hong Kong, most purchased items can be exchanges once for a good one in 7 or 10 days if they are found defective.
Enjoy your stay.
Nevin
Cem