Fujifilm’s GFX100RF arrived with a splash, making waves in the photography world. A medium format camera with a fixed lens, a sleek compact body, and a rangefinder-inspired design—just a few years ago, this combination might have seemed impossible. After extensive hands-on testing in real-world conditions, the GFX100RF proves that bold engineering and thoughtful design can coexist beautifully.
Medium format cameras were once heavy, studio-bound tools, designed for landscapes and professional shoots where portability was an afterthought. The GFX100RF turns that notion on its head. Weighing only 735 grams, it’s about as light as a Leica Q3, yet it boasts a sensor roughly 70% larger than a full-frame camera. This makes medium format image quality practical for street photography, travel, and everyday shooting.
The design of the GFX100RF balances premium feel with practicality. Its aluminum body, milled from a single block, delivers precise edges and a solid, high-quality touch. Every dial—from shutter speed to the new aspect ratio selector—is tactile and thoughtfully placed. Even smaller details, like the battery door and hot shoe cover, are aluminum, enhancing the overall sense of craftsmanship. Its 4:3 sensor gives the near-square camera a distinctive yet functional look. Accessories like the simple strap, 49mm filter, and lens hood align perfectly with the camera’s design ethos. With weather sealing included on the adapter ring and filter, the GFX100RF is ready for outdoor shoots right out of the box.
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.
