Fujifilm GFX 100RF Field Test

by Joe Duggan

Fujifilm’s new GFX 100RF is a compact medium format camera that’s packed with impressive features, yet surprisingly portable. Rather than just listing specs, I want to focus on what truly makes this camera stand out in a crowded market. From its stunning 102MP sensor to clever design touches like the aspect ratio dial and an exceptional lens, this camera offers a unique blend of versatility and performance that appeals to serious photographers who want maximum image quality without lugging heavy gear.

102MP Medium Format Sensor

Equipped with a 43.8 x 32.9mm BSI CMOS II sensor, the GFX100RF delivers exceptional detail, dynamic range, and low-light performance. It’s definitely one of the best image sensors on the market, and having it packed into such a small, convenient body makes it even better.

Fixed 35mm f/4 Lens

Offering a 28mm full-frame equivalent field of view, this lens is ideal for street, landscape, and documentary photography. It’s small and compact, blending nicely with the overall size of the body. This is the first lens wider than 50mm I’ve used in a few years, and I was surprised by how much I liked it. The GFX’s 4:3 format helps balance out the perceived wideness of the 28mm equivalent.

Aspect Ratio Dial

A dedicated dial lets you quickly switch between nine aspect ratios, including 3:2, 4:3, 1:1, and the cinematic 65:24, opening up more creative framing options. It’s an interesting feature that I’ll cover in more depth later, but combined with the Digital Teleconverter, this dial really makes the camera versatile enough to handle a wide range of styles and situations.

Compact and Lightweight

Weighing just 735g, it’s the lightest GFX system camera, making medium-format photography much more portable. By comparison, the X100VI weighs 521g.

Battery Life

With approximately 820 shots per charge, aided by the efficient leaf shutter design, this camera is great for travel because you don’t need to carry many spare batteries. The convenient USB-C charging also means power is never an issue.

Included Strap

One overlooked detail is that this camera comes with the best quality and best-looking strap of any new camera you can buy. It’s both comfortable to use and stylish. Paracord straps are very comfortable, and hopefully Fujifilm will include this strap with more of their cameras in the future.

Viewfinder

The viewfinder packed into this camera is fantastic. It features a 5.76 million dot OLED EVF with a magnification of 0.84x. This makes for a very comfortable viewing experience, even in bright sunny conditions. As someone who wears glasses, I found it easy to see the entire screen without needing to reposition my eye, which is something I often have to do with other cameras.

Real-World Performance: Shadow Recovery and Image Quality

One of the standout features of the GFX 100RF is how easily it recovers shadows. Working with this sensor means no noticeable drop in quality or added grain when pulling details from dark areas, it really doesn’t get much better than this. In fact, I often found myself dialing back the dynamic range in post because the sensor offers so much latitude, and sometimes leaving certain details in shadow actually creates a better image.

Thanks to the massive 100MP resolution, cropping in heavily is no problem at all. The lens remains impressively sharp even when you zoom in tight, allowing for incredible flexibility in framing your shots after the fact.

Exploring the Aspect Ratio Dial: A Nod to Fujifilm’s Panoramic Legacy

At first, I wasn’t sure how much I’d use the aspect ratio dial. Years ago, I had a Fujifilm TX-1, a 35mm panoramic rangefinder that was both expensive and challenging to repair. The GFX100RF carries on that legacy beautifully with its 65:24 cinematic widescreen mode. It’s a fantastic feature for anyone looking to experiment with creative framing and storytelling.

Crop Zoom Feature: Versatility Mimicking Interchangeable Lenses

The GFX 100RF also offers a handy crop zoom feature accessible via the front dial. This lets you switch from the native 35mm (102MP) to simulated 45mm (62MP), 63mm (31MP), and 80mm (20MP) focal lengths, mimicking the versatility of Fujifilm’s interchangeable GFX lenses. Starting from such a high megapixel count, having these extra zoom options is a real advantage when you need a bit more reach without changing glass.

Native 35mm (28mm equivalent)

Reliable Colour Profiles and the Convenient Tiltable Screen

One of the reasons I always enjoy shooting with Fujifilm cameras is their preset colour profiles. They provide such a strong starting point in post-production, saving time and preserving the look straight out of camera.

The GFX100RF also features the same cleverly hidden tiltable screen found on the X100VI. It blends seamlessly into the body, so much so that I often forgot it was there. On several occasions, when shooting at tricky angles, I could have easily tilted the screen out to get a better view — a handy feature that’s just subtle enough not to get in the way.

Who Should Consider the Fujifilm GFX 100RF?

So, who is this camera really for? It’s perfect for photographers who want to pack light but still have a powerful all-in-one tool. The sensor’s versatility, the excellent autofocus, and the robust battery life, which I tested over a week of intermittent shooting, only dropping two bars, all make it a serious contender.

This camera is geared toward photographers who might find the crop sensor in the Fujifilm X100VI limiting in more challenging lighting. If you want maximum image quality without the bulk of traditional medium format setups, the GFX100RF is definitely worth considering.

Example Images and Where to Buy the Fujifilm GFX100RF

Below are a few more sample shots from my field test with the GFX100RF in London. If you’d like to chat more about my experience with this incredible camera, feel free to visit me at TFC London, give us a call on 020 7837 5649, or drop us an email at sales@theflashcentre.com.

If you're ready to order your own GFX 100RF, it is available in either Silver or Black, and every purchase from TFC includes an exclusive free second battery, the Newell NP-W235 USB-C Rechargeable Battery. Plus, you’ll get unlimited after-sales support from our expert team. Helping you get the most out of your gear is what we do best.

Fujifilm GFX 100RF Camera Black - Buy Now

Fujifilm GFX 100RF Camera Silver - Buy Now