One of the major kind of cameras in the world – Fujifilm’s GFX100RF, shook things up and captured attention almost immediately. Such a camera would have been technology from another planet a short while ago: a medium format camera with a fixed lens and a trendy, small-body design styled like a rangefinder. After some quality time shooting it and taking it for a spin in the real world, the GFX100RF basically tells us that boldly engineering the product and sensitively designing it are not mutually exclusive concepts.
Medium format cameras were originally heavy, studio-centric, and specialized for the pro landscape and still life photographers, wherein the lack of mobility was not a problem. The GFX100RF is very much a different story. It weighs just 735 grams and is almost a Leica Q3 in terms of weight, but the sensor is approximately 70% larger than that of a full-frame camera. Therefore, the medium format quality is at a level that is portable enough for street photography, traveling, and everyday use.
The design of the GFX100RF is attractive as well as practical. Its aluminum body is carved from a single piece, thereby giving it exact, sharp edges and a very high-quality, dense-feeling. The dials you see here are from the shutter speed to the newly introduced aspect ratio selector-all are tactile and ergonomically placed. Even the smaller elements like the battery door and hot shoe cover are aluminum, which adds to the feeling of quality. The almost-square shape of the camera is a reflection of its 4:3 sensor, thus making it look both functional and distinct. All the stuff accompanying the camera, for example, the simple strap, 49mm filter, and lens hood, don’t break the design and aid the camera both in the terms of function and style. With the adapter ring and filter being weather-sealed, the GFX100RF is ready for outdoor shoots straight away.
Camera handling is intuitive, particularly for Fujifilm X100 series photographers. The camera is nicely balanced, with a comfortable hold and well-located controls. The rear 3.1-inch tilting LCD is sharp, and the electronic viewfinder is big and bright, which makes it a pleasure to compose images. There are some tiny annoyances, such as the extending power switch that’s so easy to knock, but they don’t detract from the experience.
At the center of the GFX100RF is a 44x33mm, 102-megapixel CMOS II sensor and Fujifilm’s X-Processor 5. The quality of the images is breathtaking, with wide dynamic range, minimal noise, and rich, accurate color. The sensor’s 16-bit color depth produces smooth tonal shifts and outstanding shadow detail even at higher ISOs. The fixed 35mm f/4 lens, which is equivalent to 28mm in full-frame measurements, is remarkably sharp throughout the frame. It has an inherent leaf shutter for flash synchronization at any shutter speed and a four-stop neutral density filter, allowing photographers’ flexibility in sunny situations. Although the f/4 maximum aperture and lack of in-body stabilization are compromises for portability, image quality is superb in bright light, with the need for higher ISOs or use of a tripod making up for it in low light.
The GFX100RF promotes artistic liberty in-camera. With 102 megapixels, you can crop down to 45mm, 63mm, or even 80mm equivalents without sacrificing detail. The aspect ratio dial makes it easy to try different compositions, square, cinematic, or panoramic. Fujifilm’s 20 film simulations, including old favorites Velvia and Acros, enable photographers to get the look they desire straight out of the camera, often eliminating the need for post-processing.
In real-world shooting, the GFX100RF is excellent. It’s especially capable in landscape, architecture, and street photography. The leaf shutter is virtually quiet, ideal for candid exposures. Autofocus is quick and consistent, with sophisticated face and eye detection. Battery life is good, and dual SD card slots add storage insurance. Some aspects, such as the absence of stabilization and an f/4 lens, necessitate careful technique in low-light conditions, but overall, the camera excels.
The GFX100RF is for photographers who demand the highest image quality in a small, portable package. It’s perfect for travel, street, or as a second body that’s lighter than the bigger GFX models for pros who already have those larger cameras. Priced under the Leica Q3 while delivering a larger sensor and more megapixels, the GFX100RF may be one of Fujifilm’s best-selling medium format cameras. It demonstrates that challenging conventional boundaries in design and engineering can render what was previously impossible not only possible but enjoyable to use.
