Fujifilm GFX100RF Preview
The new Fujifilm GFX100RF, black
The First Fixed Lens GFX Camera
Fujifilm Merge of the X100VI and GFX100S II
Almost all specs and a few photos were leaked before today's Fujifilm GFX100RF announcement. This is a bit of shame really, as it detracts from the surprises that Fujifilm may have for us at these X-Summit events.
I was impressed by the X-Summit coverage from Prague, a beautiful city I have visited twice. The presentation is always very scripted, but it seemed everyone appeared to at least attempt to loosen up a bit. The presentation gave us a good mix of camera specs and usability scenarios.
As a former Fujifilm GFX 50R and X100S user, I found it interesting to see the two camera styles merge.
The new Fujifilm GFX100S II
GFX100RF Compared to the X-Pro3 or GFX 50R
The X-Pro series is another camera line that comes to mind when looking at the GFX100RF. I have been an avid X-Pro user of all the iterations, and it appears that the GFX100RF is almost the same size (a bit taller, though).
The GFX100RF is interesting to me from a size and weight perspective. I have traveled to 50 countries with the X-Pro2 and have always appreciated its portability and lightweight for travel purposes.
Interestingly, the GFX100RF, at 735 g, is 132 g lighter than an X-Pro3 and XF 18mm f/1.4 R WR lens combination. It is also only 66% of the weight compared to a GFX 50R and GF 50mm f/3.5 R WR, another combination I have used extensively. This is indeed impressive for a medium-format camera.
Top view of a silver Fujifilm GFX100RF
What Gives?
The Lack of IBIS
Instead of appreciating the smallest GFX camera, we have seen to date, and what we have in front of us, some of us start looking for what is missing. The GFX100RF does not have in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which is a valid point to a certain degree.
I can see the benefits of IBIS, but I have to mention the X-Pro2 again, which I have taken worldwide. Perhaps by a miracle, I came home with thousands of great shots (I realize I'm complimenting myself here).
The leaf shutter in the GFX100RF alleviates camera shake compared to a traditional focal plane shutter, and Fujifilm's 102-megapixel sensor's ISO performance is quite good. This should take some of the worry out of shooting at higher ISO values.
For parts of our travels, I would usually bring a Manfrotto mini tripod or light BeeFree tripod to stabilize the camera for evening shots or long exposure photography.
Fujifilm GFX100RF with the included lens hood
35mm f/4 Fujinon Lens
Another worry for some photographers is the maximum F-stop of f/4. This is generally perceived as a slow lens that cannot create background blur and a lens that will translate into having to shoot at higher ISO values, especially if you do not have IBIS.
Again, these are all valid points, and they also worry me slightly, as you are stuck with just one lens for everything you do.
However, I have used the GF 50mm f/3.5 R WR extensively and f/4 is pretty close to f/3.5. Sometimes, I wished this lens was faster, but most of the time, I didn’t worry much and came to appreciate its light weight and portability.
On a larger-than-full-frame sensor, you get a shallower depth of field than what you may be used to on your full-frame or APS-C camera, meaning f/4 should be able to create at least some background blur.
The new Fujifilm GFX100RF, without the hood. A compact package for sure.
Camera Layout
The layout of the GFX100RF is instantly recognizable if you have used Fujifilm X100, X-Pro, or X-E cameras. I like the ISO, shutter speed, and exposure compensation dials. I also applaud the Fujifilm design team for creating a strikingly good-looking camera that takes many design clues from the X100VI.
Fujifilm makes a big deal about the new aspect ratio dial, but I am somewhat torn about this topic. I think I would mainly capture images in the native 4:3 aspect ratio and crop them in post-production, but I can see the lure of trying this for various classic aspect ratios.
On the front of the camera, you have a zoom lever, which allows for cropping to 45mm, 63mm, or 80mm focal lengths.
I tried using a similar function when I reviewed the Leica Q3, and it’s fun for a while, but again, why not just crop in post? Fujifilm has created various ways of viewing the crop, which look quite cool if you like this function. Before dismissing the idea, I would need to try this further on the GFX100RF.
I am a fan of the articulating rear LCD being the same as on the X100VI.
The articulation rear LCD of the Fujifilm GFX100RF
Final Thoughts On the Announcement Date
Fujifilm has created a fascinating new camera. At $4,899.00, compared to the Leica Q3, $6,295.00, they have strategically priced it at about 80% of the value of a Q3.
Five thousand bucks is still not an inexpensive camera, and the alternatives if you choose an interchangeable lens camera are too many to mention here but should be considered.
To this point, Fujifilm has not ventured into full-frame cameras, which is a shame. I can vividly imagine this camera in a full-frame version, and let’s say it would be $3,498.00. That would be 55% of the Leica Q3 cost and give Leica serious competition in this segment.
With the smaller full-frame sensor, Fujifilm could probably do it with an f/2 lens and sneak IBIS into the body, as there would be more room. And while they are at it, make it the same size as the X-Pro cameras.
Does the GFX100RF tempt me? Yes and no. This would undoubtedly be an incredible camera to take on the road for travel.
The larger sensor and a native 35mm f/4 lens give you a versatile full-frame equivalent focal length of 28mm, and the 102-megapixel sensor allows you to crop like crazy. And you get all this in a very portable and lightweight package.
On the other hand, $4,899.00 is still a steep price, and I cannot help but see it as a niche camera.
I do not mean to contest the value proposition of the GFX100RF. If the medium-format look and a high-resolution sensor are vital to you, the GFX100RF does offer good value.
However, if you are looking for a lightweight travel companion, an X100VI offers better value. It is smaller, and at $1,599.00, it costs only a third of a GFX100RF. You would still have 40 megapixels to work with, albeit in a smaller sensor that does not provide the look of the larger-than-full-frame GFX100RF.
I hope to be able to review the GFX100RF before long.
Isn’t it great to have so many choices? :)
Sideview of the GFX100RF
Fujifilm GFX100RF Key Specs
Larger-than-full-frame, 44 x 33 mm 102-megapixel sensor
Smallest and lightest GFX camera with a fixed lens
35mm (28mm equivalent f/4 with leaf shutter
5.76M dot OLED EVF
3.2" 2.1m-Dot 3-way tilting touchscreen
Weather sealed when using the included filter ring and filter
Aspect ratio dial and digital teleconverter
4K video up to 30fps
Built-in 4-stop ND filter
20 film simulations
Price and Availability
Thank you for reading my preview. If you are planning a purchase and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate link below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.
Price: $4899.00
Check availability at B&H Photo
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