Just picked up a Ricoh GR IIIx for street photography and general travel, and I'm really struggling to find the right way to carry it. The whole point of the camera is being pocketable, but I live in a city where it rains constantly, so I need something that offers at least a bit of water resistance for when I'm out for hours on end—and maybe a spot for an extra battery or two.
I’ve been eyeing the Peak Design Field Pouch V2 because it looks super low profile, but I’m worried it’s too floppy and might not protect the lens enough. Then there's the Wotancraft Pilot (the 2L one)—it looks gorgeous, though maybe overkill for such a small body? I also looked at the Think Tank Mirrorless Mover 5, but I'm not sure if it's too 'boxy' for carrying in a larger tote or backpack.
Budget-wise, I’m hoping to stay under $100 if possible. I really like the idea of minimalist gear, but I don't want to compromise on safety—the lens mechanism on these Ricohs is notoriously delicate. So, is the Wotancraft worth the extra cash for the build quality, or am I just paying for the aesthetic? Also, does anyone else find that the Field Pouch is actually enough for daily protection?
Just catching up here! I'm no expert since I just researched this, but are you planning to stow this inside another bag mostly, or wear it solo? Might save you some cash.
Rarely post but I have carried my Ricoh GR IIIx daily through city rain for two years and the answer is simple: use the Tamrac Goblin Lens Pouch 4.4. It is significantly more protective than a standard pouch. Its quilted, padded interior offers genuine impact resistance for the fragile lens barrel, and the ripstop nylon exterior handles heavy downpours without issue. At around $20, it is well under your budget. If you need extra space for batteries, pair it with the Think Tank Battery Holder. The pouch is slim enough to drop into any bag without adding bulk, yet structured enough that you won't worry about accidental pressure. Forget the high-end designer bags for this specific camera; this setup is the most efficient way to keep your gear safe and dry.
Re: "The Ricoh GR IIIx lens barrel is sensitive..." I agree. Last summer I used a Lowepro GearUp Case Medium in a downpour; it kept my camera bone-dry and perfectly rigid.
Skip the Field Pouch for the GR IIIx; it lacks the necessary structural rigidity. For a compact, weather-resistant build under $100, look at the Tenba Skyline 7 Shoulder Bag or the Lowepro Adventura SH 100 II.
- The Tenba offers better internal padding for the lens assembly.
- Use a dedicated dry bag or a simple silicone sleeve if you strictly need pocketability.
Can confirm this works. Did the same thing on mine and its been solid ever since.
Adding my two cents here, but everyone is obsessed with these trendy designer bags when a simple hard-shell case is all you actually need. Are you planning on carrying this in a bag, or strictly as a carry-all?
- Forget the Peak Design Field Pouch V2, it’s basically just a glorified wallet.
- Check out the Lowepro GearUp Case Medium instead—it’s cheap, rigid, and keeps that lens safe from being crushed.
Commenting to find later
Same here!
Honestly, I've been through three of these setups over the years. Tried a flimsy pouch way back and it was garbage—lens got jammed after one bad drop. You really gotta prioritize structure over style with these sensors.
- Padding is non-negotiable
- Weather sealing saves your life
- Minimalism usually means zero protection My current setup uses a rigid insert that adds bulk but keeps the lens safe. Things may have changed, but dont trust soft fabric with that glass.
Regarding what #2 said about skipping the Field Pouch, I have to disagree. I modified a cheap, loose-fitting neoprene case I found on clearance by sewing in some high-density foam scraps from a project. It cost me under $10. The dealer wanted $50 for a branded case, but this DIY setup saved me a ton. It’s held up for three years of commuting. If you do it yourself, you get better protection for pennies on the dollar.
The Ricoh GR IIIx lens barrel is sensitive to pressure, so I would avoid the Peak Design Field Pouch V2 entirely; it lacks the internal structure to prevent accidental compression. If you want genuine protection, the Lowepro GearUp Case Medium is a much safer choice because of its semi-rigid build. I'd recommend getting it if you need something that slides into a larger bag without risking lens damage. For weather resistance, always double-check the zipper seals. If you decide to go with a soft-sided pouch, just make sure you aren't storing it where heavy items can press against the front element. It is better to have a slightly bulkier, rigid case than to deal with a jammed lens mechanism later. If you aren't sure about the fit, measure your specific setup before committing.