Medium Format Point & Shoot

While the original GFX 50S shocked the photography world in 2017, the new GFX100RF will likely break the internet—at least among photography communities.

It’s also likely to be a polarizing entry into the Fujifilm stable. While the GFX100RF borrows heavily from the ever-popular Fujifilm X100 series, it also comes at a considerable cost.

However, I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s examine the fixed-lens Fujifilm GFX100RF and discover how it delivers the joy of photography.

Fujifilm GFX100RF Specs

• Sensor – GFX 102MP CMOS II
• Processor – X Processor 5
• Fixed 35mm f/4 (28mm full-frame equivalent) lens
• Built-in 4-stop ND filter
• Maximum Resolution – 11648 x 8736
• ISO – 80~12800 (40~102400 Extended Output)
• Viewfinder – 0.5″ 5.76 Million Dot OLED EVF
• LCD – 3.15″ 2.1 Million-Dot Two-Axis Tilt LCD Touch Screen Color Monitor
• Focus – 425 point Intelligent Hybrid AF (TTL contrast AF / TTL phase detection AF)
• Max Shutter – 1/4000 MS 1/16000 ES
• Movie Recording – 4K 30p 4:2:2 10-bit video
• Storage – UHS II Dual Slot
• Flash – Hot Shoe TTL flash compatible
• USB – USB Type-C (USB3.2 Gen2x1)
• Weight – 1.62lb (735g)

Build & Appearance

I’ve tested and reviewed almost every Fujifilm X and GFX camera body. One thing that makes them stand out from the crowd is the build quality.

Fujifilm embraces its 90-year heritage to develop products with precision engineering, highly durable materials, and optical mastery.

The new GFX100RF is another shining example of Fujifilm’s end-to-end manufacturing process.

Available in all black or a silver/black combo, it’s solid, robust, unyielding, and quite hefty. The GFX100RF weighs 735g – making it the lightest GFX in the fleet!

The top plates of the 100RF and X100VI are nearly identical. However, Fujifilm has machined the top plate from a single aluminum block for the first time.

The plate houses the shutter button, an On/Off toggle, a single Exposure Compensation dial, and a combo ISO/Shutter Speed dial.

I wasn’t a fan of the combo ISO/Shutter Speed dial on the X100VI, and I’m still not on here. Lifting the dial’s outer ring to engage the ISO control is too fiddly and impossible with gloves.

Of course, you can assign ISO to other custom dials. Aside from the hotshoe, the remainder of the top plate is barren except for the engraved branding.

The front of the GFX100RF is relatively bare, given that Fujifilm didn’t add a hybrid EVF/OVF – more on that later.

The new fixed 35mm lens is smack in the middle—it’s small for a GFX lens but leaves a lot of real estate around it. A simple toggle switch (like the one on the X100 series) operates customizable functions.

The dust and weather-sealed GFX features a decent front grip, a broad command dial, and a digital teleconverter toggle. I love how Fujifilm has replaced the slimline command dials with broader versions, making them easier to locate and control.

The camera’s left side houses a 3.5mm mic jack, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a USB-C port (for charging, etc.), and a micro-HDMI port.

The right side boasts a similar panel that houses dual UHS-II SD card slots—another welcome addition to the GFX100RF.

The rear of the 100RF is yet another example of minimal design with a simple button and control dial layout.

The EVF is bright and high resolution and features a wide, protruding eye cup – although it left marks all over my glasses.

To the right of the LCD are four key function buttons and the multi-direction joystick for menu and focus point selection. To the right of the EVF is the standard Fujifilm focus mode switch (usually located on the front of every Fujifilm camera).

There’s a second broad, customizable command dial and a new vertical command dial to select the aspect ratio. This neat feature allows instant creativity by switching from standard ratios like 4:3 to 17:6 and 63:24.

One complaint is the lack of a thumb bump to rest your thumb against and gain more stability while holding the camera. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s an interesting omission, given there’s plenty of space for one.

Fixed 35mm f/4 Lens & Teleconverter

The Fujifilm GFX100RF features a fixed 35mm f/4 lens that delivers a 28mm full-frame equivalent focal distance and a natural field of view.

The front of the lens extends beyond the focus ring, so Fujifilm has included a lens adapter ring in the kit.

Unlike the X100VI, which required you to purchase the lens adapter and filter separately, the GFX100RF includes both in the box. Nice work, Fujifilm.

The solid lens has a full-metal assembly, including the manual aperture and focus ring. The lens adapter ring has the same quality and finish, making it feel more like part of the lens than an accessory.

The 35mm f/4 lens assembly includes 10 elements in 8 groups, including two aspherical elements, and affords a 20cm minimal focus distance for close-up work.

Another neat addition to the GFX100RF box is the square metal lens hood. Fujifilm used to make square metal lens hoods for some of their earlier XF lenses, such as the original XF16mm f/1.4. It’s a pity they’ve stopped this practice for other lenses.

The kit looks balanced and formidable with the lens adapter, a 49mm CPL filter, and a hood. Without them, the lens seems a little lost on the front of the big, blocky camera body.

Another unique element of the Fujifilm GFX100RF is the fixed 35mm f/4 lens. Many will either complain or be put off by owning such a powerful, expensive camera with no alternative lens options.

However, Fujifilm has paid special attention to addressing this perceived limitation by featuring a digital teleconversion function.

Like my aging but trusty Fujifilm X70 (almost 10 years old), the GFX100RF digitally crops the sensor to deliver a zoom-like function with fixed focal distances.

On the front of the camera, directly under the shutter button, a lever can be quickly moved left and right to select a new focal length, including the original 35mm (28mm full-frame), 45mm (36mm full-frame), 63mm (50mm full-frame), and 80mm (63mm full-frame).

As a result, it’s possible to compose and capture a wide range of genres or subjects that typically require more reach than a 35mm prime.

I was also impressed that the 102MP image sensor captures the entire frame, so you can un-crop the image and return to the full-sized image data in post-production.

Ergonomics & Handling

There’s no denying the Fujifilm GFX100RF is a mighty solid yet well-balanced camera.

It’s a comfortable camera to hold, especially with a strong wrist strap attached. A wrist strap is likely to be popular among street photographers, so it feels appropriate.

The front grip has just the correct depth to ensure a secure grip on the camera. My only complaint is the lack of a rear thumb bump, which would add additional ergonomic comfort and security.

Every element of the GFX100RF feels divine, from the textured wrap to the precision machining of the focus ring, aperture ring, command dials, and the broader front and rear control dials.

Feedback from every input is refined and evident, allowing you to shoot without having to peek at your camera to ensure you have the proper settings. And given its size, there’s no cramped button placement.

While I’m not a big fan of the fiddly ISO/SS dial, ISO can be allocated to another command dial or a touchscreen swipe.

That’s the beauty of a highly customizable control layout – you can make the camera your own by dictating how it responds to your needs.

Given the shared DNA amongst the sensors and processors, the menu system is standard Fujifilm X and GFX format.

I prefer to avoid diving into menus when possible, and the GFX100RF allowed me to shoot a wide range of genres with only external command dials and controls. It delivers a pure photographic experience that (hat tip to Marie Kondo) sparks joy every time.

While the GFX100RF draws heavily from rangefinder cameras, including the Fujifilm X100 series, it doesn’t feature Fuji’s hybrid OVF/EVF.

The Fujifilm X100 series of digital mirrorless cameras is renowned for its hybrid optical and electronic viewfinder that toggles between an old-school optical viewfinder, a fully electronic viewfinder, or an optical hybrid with an electronic overlay. It’s crazy good and a definite selling point of the X100 series.

The rear LCD is a bright 3.15″ LCD monitor with a 2.1M-dot image resolution that offers excellent viewing even in bright conditions.

It’s the end of summer here in Australia, and the days are very bright, yet I had no trouble using the screen to shoot from the hip while composing shots.

Despite the GFX100RF’s size, boxiness, and weight, I found it very comfortable to carry with a wrist strap and did not experience any signs of fatigue. While it’s a big camera, the smaller size of the fixed lens makes it lighter than you’d think.

Focus Performance

Considering my review unit was a pre-production GFX100RF, it’s difficult to comment with certainty on any of the performance specifics.

However, given the GFX100RF shares the same image sensor and processor as the GFX100S II, it’s fair to say that while it may not be on par with the X series focus, it will be fast and efficient for most genres.

It’s also worth pointing out that the fixed 35mm f/4 Fujinon lens is relatively small compared to most GFX lenses. As a result, smaller and lighter glass elements take less force to move to achieve focus.

With all that in mind, focus performance is speedy, accurate, and responsive for the styles and genres I tested the camera with. The GFX100RF isn’t going to be a sports, wildlife, birding, or motorsports camera—it’s just not intended for those genres.

The GFX offers fast and reliable focus performance for everyday family photography, street photography, environmental portraits, photojournalism, and travel.

Regarding specs, the 100RF features 425-point Intelligent Hybrid AF (TTL contrast AF/TTL phase detection AF) focus points, tracking, and AI subject detection AF to recognize subjects, including animals, birds, vehicles, bikes, and airplanes.

Low Light Performance

The Fujifilm GFX100RF uses its gaping 102MP image sensor to greedily gobble up the available light in any setting.

Low light performance is impressive even with the f/4 max aperture, as you can shoot confidently and trust the dynamic range and massive resolution later in post-production to push back shadows and clean up noise.

The GFX100RF features the same 102MP CMOS II sensor as the GFX100S II, ensuring reliable image quality and strong low-light performance.

I shot at high ISO in my darkened living room and had no trouble achieving focus or composing shots, even with a high ISO and slow shutter.

Image Quality

When describing image quality, it’s hard not to get excited by the sheer level of image data produced by a GFX camera.

The Fujifilm GFX100RF captures massive files with excellent dynamic range, color depth, and clarity.

Fujifilm’s latest GFX entry packs a GFX 102MP CMOS II image sensor and X Processor 5 sensor that have already proven their capabilities and performance.

It raises an interesting point: Using the same image sensor and processor as other GFX models builds consumer trust, as the proof is already in the pudding.

As a result, in post-production, you can edit the crap out of these files and still retain superior image detail and clarity.

I was once again amazed by the ability to pull details from shadow and push back highlights to achieve exposure balance.

The dynamic range, color depth, and reproduction are overwhelmingly impressive. The fixed 35mm f/4 Fujinon lens captures sharp image quality throughout the aperture range, with excellent foreground and background clarity when shooting wider apertures.

Wide open at f/4, center subject sharpness is crisp, and focus fall-off is clean. The background blur is pleasing, and the occasional bokeh is present.

Regarding aperture, I would have preferred to have seen a faster lens with around f/2.8 or even f/3.5. However, given the GFX100RF is more of an all-purpose lens, the f/4 works a charm.

Let’s not forget the humble Fujifilm jpeg, with its baked-in Film Simulations replicating classic Fujifilm analog film stock from long ago.

The GFX100RF boasts 20 film simulations, including my favorite, Classic Chrome.

Fujifilm GFX100RF Sample Images

Here are some sample images I took using the Fujifilm GFX100RF with its fixed 35mm f/4 Fujinon lens.

Overall Performance

I found the overall performance of the GFX100RF to be excellent – especially as an existing Fujifilm shooter.

I’ve always found Fujfilm’s menu systems among the best in the business. They have limited clutter and only a handful of questionable feature placements buried too deep to find.

Given the high degree of customizable buttons and dials, plus the unhindered access to Shutter Speed, ISO, and Aperture, you’ll rarely have to dive into menus anyway.

The GFX100RF is a fast and responsive camera with the power to create captivating images at your fingertips.

It turns on fast, delivers fast and responsive focus performance, and quickly jumps between the digital focal distances.

Video Performance

While the GFX100RF offers video features, it’s not intended to be a video-centric camera like some higher-end Fujifilm X and GFX bodies.

The GFX100RF supports 4K/30P recording with a wide dynamic range and low-noise recording.

Furthermore, it supports F-Log2 with over 13 stops, delivering rich gradation and dynamic range that make post-production easy.

It produces enough video output to suit most hobbyists who want to capture family moments, holidays, or small projects.

How I Tested the Fujifilm GFX100RF

I can’t begin to explain how excited I was when Fujifilm Australia approached Shotkit to see if they wanted to be one of the first to get their hands on the latest GFX.

As a Fujifilm shooter who has tested and reviewed countless Fujifilm cameras and lenses, I took precisely 0.03 seconds to say yes!

When I wrote this review, the rumor sites were abuzz with information about this new camera and its offerings.

I set out on solo street excursions in and around my hometown of Melbourne (Australia). Given that the GFX100RF is a fixed-lens camera, I found it incredibly liberating walking out the door with the camera on a leather (Lucky Straps) wrist strap and little else.

I didn’t have a spare battery to drop into my pocket, but I didn’t need it. I went on three days of street walks, and the battery wasn’t even half-depleted.

I wanted to get as many shots and styles as possible to showcase the new GFX’s capabilities.

I’ve always enjoyed the limitation of shooting with a fixed or single lens choice. My go-to street camera is a 10-year-old Fujifilm X70 with a fixed 18.5mm f/2.8 (27mm full-frame equivalent) lens and a 16MP image sensor.

You can probably imagine my shock at just how big the Fujifilm GFX100RF is in comparison. Regardless, I found it a joy to shoot with and was more than comfortable carrying it handheld on my walks.

Alternatives to Fujifilm GFX100RF

Given the Fujifilm GFX100RF’s unique offering, there’s little else to compare it to. After all, Fujifilm has just announced the first larger-format fixed-lens digital mirrorless camera.

If I were to recommend an alternative, I would promote the Fujifilm X100VI with its 40MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR image sensor, X Processor 5, and sensor-shift image stabilization.

Alternatively, if you prefer not to be locked in by a fixed lens, opt for a Fujifilm GFX100S II and a GF 50mm f/3.5 LR WR prime lens with a 40mm full-frame equivalent focal range.

However, your bank balance won’t be happy, as the GFX100S II costs around US$5,000, and the GF 50mm f/3.5 is around US$1,000.

Who Is The GFX100RF For?

It’s been fascinating to watch the online debates rage over the use, benefits, and supposed specifications of a new camera that was only a rumor until today.

I’ve found it hilarious and maddening to watch experienced photographers lose their minds over what this camera was rumored to be.

With any new camera, remember that it’s not for everyone. Whether it’s a new flagship Sony A1 II or a Fujifilm X100VI, people flock to the internet to moan about how it falls short of their expectations.

As a product reviewer, I have found two truths: there’s no pleasing everyone, and not every new camera is necessarily for you.

Not every camera that Fujifilm, Canon, Sony, or Nikon releases has you in mind as the intended user. Believe it or not, it’s not all about you!

It’s easy to see that many won’t understand who the GFX100RF is for. It’s an expensive, larger-format camera with enough megapixels to print billboards, yet perceived limitations with a fixed lens.

However, much like the Fujifilm X100VI, it offers vast creative freedom and flexibility, especially since you don’t need to worry about additional lenses. You work with what the camera provides (a lot), including its digital teleconverter and the ability to crop frames in post without significant resolution loss.

I was lucky to get further clarification about the GFX100RF from Shaun Mah, the General Manager of Fujifilm Australia’s Electronic Imaging & Optical Devices Division.

Given the fixed-lens nature of this larger-format camera, who is the intended target demographic for which you will market it?

The Fujifilm GFX100RF is for professional photographers and dedicated enthusiasts. It is the perfect camera to accompany you at every step allowing you to focus on the moments and the imagery.

With a stylish and portable body the GFX100RF becomes the ultimate hobby camera.

Who will gain the most from owning the GFX100RF? Are there any specific genres, budgets, experience levels, etc?

The beauty of the GFX100RF is its versatility. With a fixed lens, lightweight body and the 102-megapixel high-speed sensor, it’s a camera you can take anywhere.

This is what makes it perfect for capturing your passion projects, whether that is across fashion, food, portraiture or landscapes. The possibilities are endless.

The GFX100RF is geared to those that have experience in the photography space, specifically professionals and dedicated enthusiasts.

If you were to extract the essence of the new GFX 100RF into three descriptive words, what would they be?

Resolution, Portability, and Stylish.

How long has Fujifilm been working with the idea of a fixed-lens GFX camera? What was the overall development time and design brief?

We are always thinking about our consumer first, therefore when developing new products, our focus is on understanding and fulfilling their needs and expectations.

What was the thought process behind selecting a 35mm f/4 fixed lens?

We wanted to make the GFX100RF as stylish and lightweight as possible while also maintaining high resolution. The fixed lens is slim and lightweight, complementing the camera’s overall portability and making it easier to carry around for photographers on-the-go.

This makes the GFX100RF more versatile and suitable for a wide range of scenes, including landscapes, travel, snap and portrait photography.

The new GFX 100RF draws from the design, aesthetics, and usability of the hugely popular Fujifilm X100VI. However, unlike the X100 series, the GFX 100RF does not feature the hybrid EVF/OVF. What was the thinking behind this decision?

Instead of having a hybrid EVF/OVF, we wanted to provide great customisation for a more personalised experience. The control lever can be customised to access specific features according to a photographer’s needs.

The new vertical Aspect Ratio dial is a standout feature of the GFX 100RF. How important is this new feature to the camera’s overall usability and creative potential?

The Aspect Ratio dial adds a layer of convenience and flexibility, allowing the camera to adapt to a wide range of shooting styles.

The dial also empowers photographers to explore nine different visual perspectives with ease. It’s a key feature that enriches both practical use and artistic expression.

The Fujifilm GFX100RF is an ideal all-rounder camera for anyone looking to step up from the X series system, especially the X100VI.

Given the popularity of the X100 series for street photography, I can see the GFX100RF also becoming a premium and popular street setup.

The GFX100RF and the X100VI have many things in common, and as a result, they will appeal to a similar audience. The X100V and X100VI were sell-out successes for Fujifilm, and the company is only just getting on top of demand for the X100VI.

Travelers, influencers, street photographers, hobbyists, and families love the X100VI for its portability, build quality, performance, image quality, and Fujifilm colors. For this reason, the GFX100RF will appeal to much the same audience – especially anyone who loves the no-fuss single-lens experience.

Another group interested in the GFX100RF is pro photographers already using the GFX system for cameras and lenses.

Having a second camera body on any job is necessary if your primary camera overheats or has an issue. It’s also a tremendous everyday-carry camera for GFX shooters who do not want to take out their more significant GFX100 II or 100S II and heavier Fujifilm GF glass.

I know countless enthusiasts and pro photographers who also own a Fujifilm X100VI (in addition to their Canon, Nikon, or Fujifilm pro kit) for travel and everyday shooting.

Value for Money

I always preface this section of my reviews by saying that value is in the eyes of the beholder. What I consider great or poor value will differ from what others think.

I can see the value in a fixed-lens camera system and have shot with many of them. It’s my preferred way to work in many situations.

For some, a fixed-lens larger-format camera will appeal as it’s a lightweight, no-fuss kit. 

For others, that’s a frightening concept, given the inability to swap out lenses to suit the genre. Some photographers prefer to carry a bag of glass, so they have options. 

The Fujifilm GFX100RF is expected to retail for around US$5,500. Many people drop more cash on a Leica Q with less resolution, slower AF, and a lot of ego.

For the money, you’re getting one of Fujifilm’s flagship 102MP image sensors, X Processor 5, and a sharp and fast fixed prime lens. The camera also features dual UHS-II SD card slots, a digital zoom feature, and 20 Fujifilm film simulations to work with.

Add Fujifilm’s fantastic build quality, ergonomics, customization, Fujifilm colors, video performance, and the joy such a camera will bring. For many, some of those elements are priceless!

However, be warned: You may need to significantly boost your computer’s performance to handle such large files.

Fujifilm GFX100RF Review | Conclusion

I need to clarify that I’m a Fujifilm fanboy, and I’ve shot with Fujifilm cameras and lenses for over a decade now.

Fujifilm Australia loaned me the pre-production GFX100RF to test and review for two weeks. However, all thoughts in this review are my own and not influenced by the brand.

As a street and travel photographer, I had an absolute blast getting out and about with the Fujifilm GFX100RF and putting it through its paces.

It’s an impressive camera, and the fixed-lens system was more than capable of meeting my demands, regardless of the genre or style I was shooting.

A fixed-lens, larger-format, GFX mirrorless camera is no different from the hugely popular X100VI. The GFX100RF packs over twice the image resolution and can achieve even more with image data and dynamic.

Fujifilm’s fixed-lens GFX is ideal for those who believe less is more. Working with perceived limitations, such as a fixed lens, actually unlocks greater adaptability and creativity as a visual artist.

Limitation is the seed that allows creativity to grow – at least, that’s been my experience.

Now it’s officially here; time will tell how the photography community connects to such a powerful point-and-shoot.

The Fujifilm GFX100RF is an impressive first entry as a larger-format, fixed-lens, point-and-shoot powerhouse. The big question is whether it will make sense to enough people to inspire Fujifilm to continue innovating in this field.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Fujifilm GFX100RF

Powerful medium-format mirrorless camera with stunning 102MP resolution and rangefinder-style design.