The Fujifilm GFX100RF has captured significant attention, offering a fresh twist on medium format photography. It blends high-end imaging with a form factor that might surprise you, standing out in a crowded camera market.
Coming to you from Tom Calton, this practical video examines the new Fujifilm GFX100RF medium format camera, highlighting the balance Fujifilm has struck between nostalgic design and cutting-edge technology. Calton emphasizes the exceptional build quality, noting the camera’s solid metal construction and intuitive, tactile controls. The retro-inspired ISO and shutter speed dials might appeal to your preference for manual controls, though Calton does mention a few ergonomic quirks that might require a bit of adaptation. Particularly, the front command dial's placement seems less intuitive, potentially complicating adjustments during fast-paced shooting scenarios. Still, these minor annoyances don't significantly detract from the camera’s overall usability.
A key highlight from Calton’s review is the integrated 102-megapixel medium format sensor, which provides extraordinary detail and dynamic range, producing striking images that simply aren't achievable with smaller sensors. Yet, despite this power, the camera maintains impressive portability at just 735 grams. Interestingly, Fujifilm decided against including sensor-shift image stabilization (IBIS), relying instead on digital stabilization during video, with a significant crop. Calton points out this makes the GFX100RF primarily a photographer's tool rather than a hybrid device, aligning more closely with traditional medium format uses such as portraits, street photography, and documentary work.
Key Specs
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102 megapixel CMOS Medium Format Sensor (43.8 x 32.9 mm)
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35mm fixed lens (28mm full-frame equivalent), f/4 maximum aperture
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ISO range: 80 to 12,800 (photo), extended to 40-102,400
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Video: DCI 4K/UHD 4K up to 29.97 fps, 10-bit 4:2:2
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Dual SD card slots (UHS-II compatible)
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3.2-inch tilting touchscreen LCD, 5.76-million-dot OLED EVF
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Weight: 735 grams, battery rated for approximately 820 shots
Calton appreciates Fujifilm’s decision to incorporate practical enhancements like a built-in four-stop ND filter and a leaf shutter enabling flash sync at all speeds—features that add significant versatility to shooting situations. The 35mm f/4 lens, while exceptionally sharp and compact, prompts Calton to question its practicality in low-light settings, as its f/4 aperture could limit creative control in low light or shallow depth-of-field scenarios.
The camera also features digital teleconversion, providing simulated focal lengths (45mm, 63mm, and 80mm equivalents). Calton notes this can be useful, especially given the immense resolution, allowing you considerable cropping latitude while still retaining usable images. However, he suggests most photographers would likely prefer cropping flexibility during post-processing.
Given its $4,900 price, Calton thoughtfully weighs this camera against competitors like the Hasselblad X2D and Leica Q3, highlighting the niche market Fujifilm targets with this model. The GFX100RF seems designed for those who prioritize image quality and distinct shooting experiences over outright versatility or speed. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Calton.
Looks like a fabulous travel camera, but I'd much prefer a 2x zoom. As it is, my a7CR with 28-60 suffices.
To be more worth the price, they would need to go back to the drawing board, and figure out how Fujifilm was able to make the lens user replaceable on the GFX100S, as well as how they were able to implement IBIS, and then bring at least those 2 functions to the GFX100RF.
Compared to it's nearest in-house GFX rival, the gfx100sii at launch the RF was about €800 more expensive, as 100sii was being discounted - odd move by Fuji.
So, the RF would be roughly the same price as the gfx100sii with the 50mm 3.5 mounted. This combo would provide a touch more light gathering potential, but also ibis, shallower depth of field thanks also to the focal length - but most importantly the possibility of exploring the possibilities of GFX (for more money if course).
In the RF's favour is its smaller footprint for everyday usage. So long as the sun is out. For if you need to bring a tripod and flash, really what's the point of giving up so much to go compact. Forget the aspect ratio and zoom lever for a moment.
The elephant in the room is of course the x100vi. Smaller, also has a leaf shutter and ND filter. However, also has the flash built in to make the most out of the shutter, ibis, has the digital zoom more usefully assigned to the front control ring (so you get a trad zoom action) and an ovf for not only those that like it, but to complete the looks. Comparatively the RF looks like Fuji ran out of time for the top half of the camera so just left it with a huge slaphead.
Put the TCL on the €250 x100vi and from 50mm equivalent onwards the x100vi has more resolution. Put on the €200 WCL and you still have F2 at 28mm equivalent. The ibis of the X100vi also eliminates the dynamic range advantage of the RF.
The RF boasts a better lens, and has those aspect ratio dials and zoom lever. Already mentioned, the x100vi (and other Fujis) have the zoom function, and all Fujis have the possibility to assign the crop ratio function to the rear control wheel, FN button or Q menu - just missing some of the more unique ratios.
So while the price seems reasonable for a GFX sensor and body, as a camera as a whole it seems hugely overpriced. Essentially €5500 for a very good slow 28mm and the ability to crop down to APSC resolutions.
As an x100vi user I was excited, I was tempted, but reason won the debate. I also have the amazing 18 1.4 for the x-t5 - a bigger package for sure, but much, much better for low light and combined with the ibis I never need a tripod unless for specific landscape shots - for which I am grateful to be able to change lenses.
I think the question to ask yourself really is, regardless of the sensor in your current camera, would you pay €5500 for an excellent 28mm 3.2 pancake to put on it.
I hope it's popular, though and hopefully then there will be a mkii with ibis, a longer focal length and wide/Tele adapter, even if a smidge bigger. Fuji also said ibis wasn't possible in the x100v.