The One I’ve Been Waiting For: Fujifilm GFX100RF

Ever since Fujifilm announced the GFX100RF back in April of last year, I’ve been saving up to purchase one. The desire for such a camera dates back 25+ years ago to my analog days, when I really wanted to shoot medium-format film. Cameras like the Contax 645, Pentax 645, and Fujica GS645 were all high on my list, but always just out of reach. In fact, in my early 20’s I sold my beloved Canon AE-1 with the intentions of using the profits (along with some other cash I had) to finally jump into medium-format photography; however, some unexpected car repairs sucked all that money up instead, and it never happened.

Now that I’m older, I’m not all that interested in medium-format film photography. I’m very happy with the image quality and aesthetics from my Fujifilm cameras (an understatement, if there ever was one), and the smaller size of the gear is much more ideal for me. Still, the larger sensor and higher resolution from GFX cameras does open some doors. For example, I’ve discovered that I really enjoy the XPan aspect ratio—while the 40mp X-series can be good for that (I wish that Fujifilm offered the crop in-camera), the 100mp GFX sensor is better, and the aspect ratio is available on GFX models. I purchased a GFX100S II back in 2024 with the purpose of making panoramas, but I found it’s harder to travel with that camera due to its bulk. Amanda likes it for portrait photography, so it has found a place in our house, but it’s not really serving my original purpose for it.

*Sand & Sky* – White Sands NP, NM – Fujifilm GFX100S II – Fujicolor PRO 160C Warm

Enter the GFX100RF. It’s the smallest and lightest digital medium-format camera and lens combo, about the size and weight of an X-Pro3 with a “Fujicron” lens, roughly speaking. It’s definitely not pocketable, but it’s very small for medium-format. Of all the GFX cameras, this is the one that’s most easily portable. It’s also the most affordable, when considering that the lens is built-in. Of course, some will say that’s not really medium-format, but more of a super-full-frame; however, in my opinion, that’s splitting hairs. Call it what you want, the image quality speaks for itself.

The camera seems to be misunderstood by some, and I think it’s because so many compared it to the X100VI in the initial hype. The GFX100RF is not a medium-format X100VI; instead, it’s a medium-format X70. That’s not entirely 1:1, but it is much more accurate than saying it’s like the X100-series. While it doesn’t make sense for the GFX naming system, if Fujifilm had called it the GFX70RF, it likely would have cleared up the confusion. This is one of only two GFX cameras with the traditional tactile controls (the long discontinued GFX 50R is the other), and I much prefer this setup over the PASM design of the GFX100S II. In my opinion, Fujifilm should make a GFX100R, a successor to the 50R.

*Approaching Haboob at Sunset* – Buckeye, AZ – Fujifilm GFX100RF – Vivid Velvia

Earlier this year someone loaned me their GFX100RF for a couple of months. I cannot overstate how kind and generous that was! Seriously, who does that?! I’m incredibly thankful and appreciative. I very much enjoyed the extended test drive, and it only solidified my desire to own one someday. I continued to save, and finally was able to purchase one 15 months after it was announced. I went with the silver version because of course I did—I love the silver cameras! I captured my first image with it yesterday. As I was programming the C1-C7, I got a weather alert on my phone stating that a dust storm was approaching my location—and right at sunset! I grabbed the camera, headed to an overlook, and snapped my first photograph, which is above. I’m sure it won’t win any awards, but definitely not bad for the very first picture.

I’m working on a project that the GFX100RF is perfect for. I’ve done a little work on it already, but the bulk of it starts next week. I can’t wait to share it with you when the time is right (probably in the fall), so stay tuned! In the meantime, below are some pictures I captured using the borrowed GFX100RF. If Fujifilm made a version of the GFX100RF with a different focal-length, I would love that personally. I know that some would like an even wider lens; for me, something closer to a nifty-fifty would be perfect. Until that happens (which might be never), I’ll enjoy this camera for what it is, and not worry about what it’s not.