The GC-1 GRD II Case from Ricoh

For some reason, I am seldom enamored with the cases made by manufacturers for their own cameras. Oh sure, they fit and all, but they are usually not up to the quality or, in the case of the GRD II the style, of the camera in question.

That's pretty much the case with the GC-1. It fits the GRD II (though it's a tad snug). It looks OK. But, it doesn't really match the GRD II or the way most people are likely to use it. The leather feels rather slick and cheap and the lining is a little scratchy side. It has a D-Ring on the back and a very skinny belt loop. Some may find the fact that the GC-1 is not padded to be an issue but I don't. I think that padding in a case that's designed exclusively to be used on a belt is of little value. If you plan on using the smaller of the two Ricoh viewfinders for the GRD II (the GV-2) attached to the camera you can buy the nearly identical GC-2.

All in all, the GC-1 is rather disappointing for a case that costs around $40. Still, if you must have a Ricoh case for your GRD II the GC-1 will have to do.

Me? I'm sill looking for something better.