Fujifilm GFX100 RF Review: Is This the Ultimate Fixed-Lens Medium Format Camera?
Fujifilm GFX100 RF Review: Is This the Ultimate Fixed-Lens Medium Format Camera?
Imagine a camera that captures every intricate detail with a staggering 102-megapixel resolution, yet is light enough to carry effortlessly. That's the promise of the Fujifilm GFX100 RF. When I first heard about this camera—Fujifilm's first-ever fixed-lens digital medium format—I knew I had to get my hands on it.
This isn't just another camera; it’s a bold statement. It combines the massive power of a medium format sensor with a compact, almost rangefinder-style body and a permanently attached wide-angle lens. It's built for photographers who demand unparalleled image quality but refuse to be weighed down by bulky gear.
I’ve been testing the GFX100 RF in real-world scenarios to show you exactly what it's capable of. Before we get into the details, a quick disclaimer: Fujifilm was kind enough to send me this camera for review. However, I do not get to keep it, and all opinions are, as always, my own.
Design & Ergonomics: A Masterclass in Portability
The Fujifilm GFX100 RF is a true marvel of engineering. At just 735 grams (with battery and SD card), it’s the lightest GFX camera ever made, making it a genuinely portable medium format system. The premium build quality is immediately apparent, with top and bottom plates machined from a solid block of aluminum. This gives it a robust, high-end feel that’s reminiscent of the beloved Fujifilm X100 series.
Holding the camera, the grip feels surprisingly comfortable for its size. All the dials and buttons are placed intuitively, and the offset OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) provides a crystal-clear view. Its rangefinder-style design is a huge plus, as it allows you to see outside the frame—a massive advantage for street or candid photography.
The touchscreen LCD is bright and responsive, perfect for composing shots from tricky angles. For connectivity, you have all the essentials: USB-C, micro HDMI, mic and headphone jacks, and dual UHS-II SD card slots. The camera is also weather-resistant when you use the included filter ring and filter, which is a huge bonus for adventurous photographers.
Key Performance & Features
At its core, the GFX100 RF delivers breathtaking performance. It houses the same 102MP Medium Format CMOS II sensor found in the GFX100 II and 100S II. This sensor is 1.7 times larger than a full-frame sensor, providing incredible detail, immense dynamic range, and that signature medium format "look" with superior subject separation. The lightning-fast X-Processor 5 ensures speedy performance and those renowned Fujifilm colors.
The Fixed FUJINON 35mm f/4 Lens
The most significant feature is the fixed FUJINON 35mm f/4 lens, which is a 28mm equivalent in full-frame terms. This makes it a perfect wide-angle prime for a huge variety of subjects. It's a newly developed optic with 10 elements and a Nano GI coating to fight lens flare, and it can focus as close as 20cm, offering surprising versatility.
Autofocus and Image Stabilization
The Intelligent Hybrid AF system is fast and accurate, featuring an updated algorithm and AI-powered subject detection. It can recognize animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bikes, airplanes, and trains, in addition to excellent face and eye detection. However, a crucial point to remember is the lack of In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS). Unlike other GFX models, you'll need to be mindful of your shutter speeds, especially in low-light situations.
Stills & Video Capabilities
The still image quality is simply stunning. The dynamic range is immense, allowing you to recover a tremendous amount of detail from shadows and highlights. High ISO performance is impressive for a medium format, with clean files even at sensitivities like ISO 6400 or 12800. With 20 Film Simulation modes, including the new REALA ACE, you can produce beautiful JPEGs straight out of the camera.
For video shooters, the camera is equally capable, offering 4K/30p 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording with F-Log2 support for up to 13 stops of dynamic range.
Ingenious Additional Features
Aspect Ratio Dial: A new physical dial lets you quickly switch between nine different formats, including 17:6 and 3:4, which is fantastic for creative composition.
Built-in 4-stop ND Filter: This is a game-changer! It allows you to shoot wide open in bright sunlight or achieve long exposure effects without needing an external filter.
Digital Teleconverter: This lever lets you instantly jump between 35mm, 45mm, 63mm, and 80mm equivalent focal lengths (with a corresponding MP reduction). It's a clever way to add versatility to the fixed lens.
Real-World Test & Sample Shots
Now, let’s see this camera in action. Here are some of my favorite shots and clips from my time testing it. The following images are JPEGs straight out of the camera, with the Fujifilm Film Simulations applied and no additional post-processing.
(Copy-and-paste your sample photos here as image blocks. Remember to add an Alt Text to each image for SEO!)
A key advantage of the digital teleconverter and aspect ratio dial is the ability to undo the crop later in post-production, as the camera still records the full-resolution image. While this is a great backup, I personally prefer to shoot with intention and keep the in-camera crop—but it’s nice to know the option is there.
The Pros & Cons of the GFX100 RF
To help you decide if this camera is right for you, let's break down the key advantages and drawbacks.
Pros:
Unbeatable Image Quality: The 102MP medium format sensor in such a portable body is truly revolutionary.
Lightest GFX Camera: Makes medium format accessible for travel and everyday use.
Sharp, Fixed Lens: The 35mm f/4 is an excellent all-purpose wide-angle lens with a surprisingly close minimum focus distance.
Ingenious Features: The built-in 4-stop ND filter and Digital Teleconverter add a level of versatility that is truly unique.
Excellent Autofocus: Fast and accurate AI-powered subject detection.
Strong Video Capabilities: High-quality 4K/30p video with professional-grade logging.
Premium Design: The rangefinder-style body and physical dials offer a fantastic user experience.
Cons:
No In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS): The most significant drawback. You'll need to be mindful of shutter speeds for handheld shooting.
Fixed f/4 Aperture: Not the fastest lens for low-light or achieving super shallow depth of field.
Premium Price: At around $4,899 / £4,699, it is a serious investment.
Who Is This Camera For?
The Fujifilm GFX100 RF occupies a unique niche in the market. It's for the discerning photographer who prioritizes ultimate image quality and that distinct medium format look in a remarkably portable and streamlined form factor.
Landscape Photographers: Capture incredible detail without the burden of a heavy setup.
Architecture & Street Photographers: The fixed lens and discreet design are huge advantages.
Fujifilm X100 Series Users: If you're looking for a massive leap in resolution and image quality, this is the logical (though much pricier) next step.
If you absolutely need IBIS or the flexibility of interchangeable lenses, consider the Fujifilm GFX100S II or GFX100 II. For those who need 8K video and IBIS in a compact body, the full-frame Leica Q3 might be a better fit, but it won't give you the medium format sensor size. The GFX100 RF offers a very specific, high-end experience that is hard to match.
Final Verdict & Recommendation
The Fujifilm GFX100 RF is a bold, groundbreaking camera. It's not for everyone, and its fixed lens and lack of IBIS are important compromises to consider. However, what it offers in return is simply incredible: unrivaled medium format image quality in a body that finally makes this level of resolution genuinely portable.
It's a masterpiece for the photographer who wants to capture images with extraordinary depth, detail, and character, without being weighed down by a huge system. If you understand its strengths and limitations, the GFX100 RF will be an exceptional tool that redefines what a medium format camera can be.