This was at the end of last year.

I went to Shikoku for the first time in my life. A friend of mine from university is renovating an old house in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, into a high-end inn, and I went to take photos to show it to a wide audience around the world.

While the architecture itself was mainly photographed with another camera, I used the GR IIIx mainly to take snapshots to show the attractions of the city of Takamatsu.

For several years after the GR III came out, I have carried the GRs with me wherever I go, and since the introduction of the GR IIIx, I tend to use it more often.

Looking back, I have used the GR IIIx in so many different situations and conditions. Traveling, streets, portraits, cafes, food. Bright places, dark places, natural light, LED, large areas, small rooms.

So I know from my own experience how to use the GR IIIx to take satisfactory photos in different conditions. Even at my friend's favorite udon restaurant, I was able to take reflective snapshots.

　
During the global pandemic, the GRs were always by my side. So it was natural for me to capture much of the joy of the lifting of restrictions with them.

One of the highlights was a trip to Thailand with my son last August, which I wrote about in this column. I wanted him to experience a different culture, to be in contact with people with different values and languages, especially as he is in a school year where many school events, including school trips, have been cancelled. It was a great pleasure to finally make it happen.

　
Of course, these photographs do not contain any information other than visual information.

But because they are symbolic still images taken at the 40 mm equivalent angle of view of the GR IIIx, whenever I look back at them, I am reminded so vividly of things other than visual information that we experienced together.

The air, heat and smell of a foreign country. The excitement, tension and exhaustion of being in a different culture. The authentic taste of his favorite Thai food, the unexpectedly good taste of fresh durian, the rocking sensation on the back of the elephant he had always wanted to ride. So many things can be remembered so vividly.

I don't know how much value these photographs have as art. I don't know what they would look like to other people. But to us they are priceless and irreplaceable. I think that's what family photos and private snapshots are all about.

The passing of time, never to be repeated. The birth, growth and aging of individuals. Capturing them as realistically and beautifully as possible. This is the essence of what the GR, the ultimate snapshooter, can capture.

(All photos taken with GR IIIx)


Robert Adachi
Having always been interested in how we connect and create, Adachi studied foreign languages, programming languages and art as a teenager, studied international law and global issues at the university, began composing music at the age of 22, and self-taught photography at 32. He was in charge of the brochure/official sample photos of the GR DIGITAL III, GXR, and GR. Composed the original music for “GR Concept Movie.” Received many awards worldwide in fine art. His publications include photobook “Clarity and Precipitation” (arD).
www.robertadachi.com