Fujifilm just announced its latest medium format camera, the GFX100RF. This one differs from the company’s other GFX models in two key ways: it’s the lightest body in the GFX series so far, and it’s the first to feature a fixed-lens design. Up front you’re getting a 35mm lens (equivalent to a 28mm in full frame), a focal length Fujifilm chose for its versatility.
With the GFX100RF’s styling and compact design, Fujifilm is trying to bring some of that X100VI look and feel to a camera capable of producing an incredible level of detail thanks to its 102-megapixel sensor. Yes, Fujifilm also has the Leica Q3 squarely in its sights. The GFX100RF is certainly a looker, with a top plate that’s precision-crafted from a single block of aluminum. It’ll be available in April for $4,899.95. At 1.62 pounds (735 grams), it’s an easy carry by medium format standards and in the same ballpark as some full-frame cameras like the Sony A1 II.
Fujifilm says the permanently-affixed f/4 lens offers a minimum focusing distance of 20 centimeters, which should allow for some creative close-ups, and “the focal length can be digitally extended to 45 mm, 63 mm, and 80 mm.” I believe we call that a crop in layman’s terms, but when you’re working with a massive sensor, it’s better than nothing. Speaking of which, there’s no in-body image stabilization on the GFX100RF, which is disappointing from an extremely expensive camera that owners will be hand-holding much of the time. Ditching IBIS likely helped Fujifilm make the GFX100RF the size that it is, but smart design also played a role.
“By adopting a leaf shutter system instead of a focal plane shutter system, the back focus has been shortened,” the company wrote in its press release. “By utilizing the space created by this and optimizing the arrangement of the lens and camera components, a significant reduction in size has been achieved.” That leaf shutter also syncs flash at any shutter speed.
This is a camera brand that’s never afraid to introduce a new dial, and in the case of the GFX100RF, there’s an aspect ratio dial that lets you immediately switch between nine different aspect ratios including 3:2, 16:9, 1:1, and 17:6. The camera also features a built-in four-stop ND filter — another first for the GFX series.
On back of the camera is a 3.15-inch, 2.1-million dot touchscreen LCD, and if (like me) you prefer to peer through the electronic viewfinder more often than not, Fujifilm includes a high-resolution 5.76-million dot EVF. As an X-H2 owner, I can attest to how sharp that is.
Fujifilm’s own GFX 100S II is heavier and perhaps less elegant, but that camera gives you IBIS and a selection of interchangeable lenses. Still, deep-pocketed photographers out there might be tempted by Fujifilm’s answer to the Leica Q3. Stay tuned for a review in the near future.
