Ricoh Imaging has released firmware version 1.11 for the Ricoh GR IV, introducing the electronic shutter function to the standard model for the first time. Previously, this capability was limited to the Ricoh GR IV HDF and the Ricoh GR IV Monochrome.

The primary change is the addition of an electronic shutter that extends the maximum shutter speed to 1/16,000 second. On the GR IV, the mechanical leaf shutter is limited to 1/4,000 second, with lower maximum speeds at wider apertures: 1/2,500 second between f/2.8 and f/4, and 1/3,200 second between f/4.5 and f/5. With firmware 1.11, the camera automatically switches from the mechanical to the electronic shutter when these thresholds are exceeded, thus allowing photographers to work at wide apertures, including f/2.8, in bright lighting conditions without the need for an external neutral density filter.

The firmware defines the transition points between shutter types according to aperture. Between f/2.8 and f/4, the mechanical shutter is used up to 1/2,500 second, with the electronic shutter engaging from 1/3,200 to 1/16,000 second. Between f/4.5 and f/5, the mechanical shutter operates up to 1/3,200 second and the electronic shutter from 1/4,000 second onward. From f/5.6 to f/16, the mechanical shutter is active up to 1/4,000 second, with the electronic shutter covering speeds from 1/5,000 to 1/16,000 second. As with other electronic shutter implementations, the update introduces the possibility of rolling shutter distortion when capturing fast-moving subjects.

In addition to the new shutter functionality, version 1.11 includes general stability and performance improvements for both the GR IV and GR IV HDF. The update also incorporates all changes from previous firmware versions. Once installed, it cannot be reverted to an earlier release.