First Look: The Fujifilm GFX100RF

Fujifilm has just announced one of the most exciting additions to the GFX family, the Fujifilm GFX100RF. Fujifilm was kind enough to send Camera West a pre production copy of the camera so we could take a first look at this new system. The new GFX100RF takes two of Fujifilm’s most popular systems and combines them into one impressive powerhouse of a camera. This camera takes the size and portability from their X100 line and combines it with the power and performance of the GFX system into a small, ultralight, digital medium format, fixed focal length camera.

As part of our first look at this unique camera, I could take it out and shoot with it for a few days. I have been shooting with the GFX system for the last two years, and it has cemented its place as my go-to system for all of my photography needs. Now, with the new GFX100RF, I have found a new camera in the lineup that I need. The first thing I loved about the camera was the fact that this camera is the return of the rangefinder style EVF last seen on the GFX50R. The 50R was my first camera in the GFX system and I absolutely loved the fact that it had that Rangefinder style EVF, and with the GFX100RF bringing back that EVF along with the addition of a new 102 megapixels sensor I was ecstatic.

If you are an existing GFX user or just interested in the system, you will be happy to hear that Fujifilm has called this camera their smallest and lightest GFX System, and after shooting I can confirm that it holds up to those claims. In terms of its size, the GFX100RF has a similar size and profile to the X-Pro 3 and the X100 series. While the camera is relatively small, it keeps the 102 megapixel sensor from the GFX 100S II and the X-Processor 5. Even with its small size, I was impressed by how sturdy the camera felt. The camera has an aluminum top plate which means it is very sturdy while still being relatively lightweight.

I was thrilled to see that the GFX100RF had the X-Processor 5 because this meant that I had full access to all 20 of Fujifilm’s film emulations. This look, along with the fact that I can adjust all of my emulations and looks in camera, meant that I didn’t even need to post-process my photos. Most of the time, while shooting the camera, I used my version of Fuji ACROS black and white emulation. This has been my go-to black and white emulation, and on the GFX100RF it did not disappoint. If you are a black and white photographer, ACROS will be your go-to look.

One of the newest features of this camera is the dedicated dial for aspect ratios. The dedicated dial makes it quick and easy to switch between several different aspect ratios without needing to go into the menu. With this camera, they added a few new aspect ratios, including one from my all-time favorite Fujifilm legacy camera, the GW617, which gives a 17×6 panoramic aspect ratio.

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With so many aspect ratios to choose from, Fujifilm has paired this camera with a 35mm f4 Super EBC GF lens. The 35mm lens has a rough equivalent of a 28mm lens on a full frame sensor, this means that the lens is wide enough for any sort of street, travel, or panoramic photography you want to do. In my opinion, this was the perfect lens for walking around and shooting. However, there were some situations where I wanted a slightly more narrow lens where the built-in digital teleconverter came into play. The GFX100RF has a dedicated quick change dial that allows you to change between three digital focal lengths, 45mm, 63mm, and 80mm. This meant that no matter what, I was able to get the shot I wanted, and because of the 102 megapixel sensor, I still got high-quality photos at all of the digital focal lengths.

One last new addition to this camera is a built-in 4-stop ND filter that can be activated from the switch on the front of the camera. Having this built-in ND meant that I could use it to compensate anytime I wanted to use a faster shutter speed or a lower aperture value.

Overall this is one of the most impressive cameras I have ever had the opportunity to test. There was not a single moment where I didn’t feel like this camera was the right tool for the job. I was constantly using the aspect ratio dial to try out different compositions. This and the digital teleconverter meant I always got the shot I wanted. The camera’s weight was so nice for the long days of walking and shooting, generally after a few hours of shooting, I will notice the weight and size of my GFX100s. Personally, as I have stated, the GFX system is my go-to to however all of the power that it holds comes at the expense of its weight. Now that Fujifilm has created the GFX100RF, it has solved the weight and size while still giving me all the power I expected from the system. I would like to mention who I think this camera is for. If you are an existing GFX user, this camera is the perfect choice as a secondary camera or even as an EDC GFX with all the power just in a smaller size. This is for you if you come from the X100V or X100VI and want a little more power but still an easy street and travel camera. If you are looking for a premium travel camera that will always work great, be easy to use, and take amazing photos, this is for you. This camera is advantageous to shoot with, no matter what type of scenario, whether it is street photography, portraiture, or landscape, and it took incredible photos.

Finally, to simplify the specs of the camera, here is a quick rundown:

102 megapixels
X-processor 5
Smallest and lightest GFX System
Dual SD card slots
Use’s W235 Battery
Aluminium Top Plate
Aspect Ratio Dial
Digital Tele-Convertor with 45mm 63mm 80mm focal lengths
Built in 4-Stop ND
35mm f4 Super EBC GF Lens
Rangefinder Style EVF

The Fujifilm GFX100RF is available at Camera West stores. We invite you to visit one of our locations to see it for yourself or contact us online if you’re interested in learning more.