The GR DIGITAL, Always by My Side

Makoto Tanijiri, who has a regular column in OPENERS and is active in various fields including architecture, interior design, installations, and product design while commuting between Hiroshima and Tokyo. What unites his designs is a fresh perspective. He consistently introduces creations that offer novelty, whether in their concepts, relationships, or overall approach.

The GR DIGITAL is always with Mr. Tanijiri. He purchased it at the time of its release and now owns three GR DIGITAL cameras.

“The main reason I chose the GR DIGITAL was its cool design. A compact, all-black body was rare back then, and I think it was a pioneer.”

He was drawn to its design and, after trying it, was also satisfied with its usability. His relationship with the GR DIGITAL, which began with his first purchase, has continued to this day.



“With its 28mm prime lens and no zoom, I always have to adjust the distance to the subject myself. That feels similar to the process of creating architecture. When assessing the scale of a building, I first move myself. I consider if I should step back, move to the right, and examine it from various angles, right? I suppose that’s ingrained in my senses.”

Therefore, when taking photos, he subtly moves the camera, searches for the best vantage point, and considers the composition before pressing the shutter.

“I don’t take photos unnecessarily. It’s not just about photography, but I always consider how to lay out elements within a single frame. My subjects are often buildings, which is why I end up with so many photos without people. Even when traveling with others, there are hardly any people in my shots (laughs). Also, with the GR DIGITAL, you can attach optional conversion lenses for wider angles, so I usually shoot with the wide-angle lens attached when I visit sites. It’s also perfect for photographing architectural models. When shooting models, you get close and shoot from within, but the GR DIGITAL can focus quite closely. Many architects use it too.”

The photos he took with the GR DIGITAL III this time were from his trip to Mexico for a university lecture. They are, as expected, mostly architectural shots.

“It was a whirlwind tour, so I only had about an hour of free time in the evening. I took these during that time. The sky was very impressive, and even when photographing buildings, there was ample negative space. There was nothing obstructing the view, and it felt very open.”

Buildings set against a vast, open sky. At first glance, they are unidentifiable, evoking a sense of wonder – “What is this?” – and in doing so, he constructs a unique photographic world.

Incidentally, he always brings his camera when he goes out. “When I have my camera with me, my awareness of things changes even when I’m just walking around town. So, I always carry it.”

• RICOH | Creators' "Angles" Captured with RICOH Digital