Update: here is our hands-on review of the GFX 100RF
Fujifilm makes a big impact at the X-Summit in Prague by unveiling the GFX 100RF, a fixed-lens medium format camera that combines the DNA of the GFX 100 II and the X100 VI. With its vintage design, compact format, and the duo 102 MP medium format sensor – 35 mm f/4 lens, this camera promises a unique experience. Is this the ultimate camera for photographers? Discover its full features.
Sommaire
- Fujifilm GFX 100RF: The Missing Piece of the GFX Ecosystem
- 102 MP Sensor and X-Processor 5
- 35mm f/4 Non-Stabilized Lens with Leaf Shutter
- Fujifilm GFX 100RF: A Compact Body
- Tilting Screen and Electronic Viewfinder with Peripheral Vision Feature
- 6 fps Burst and Small Buffer
- 4K 30p Video
- SSD Recording and Comfortable Battery Life
- Price and Availability of the Fujifilm GFX 100RF
- Our First Impression of the Fujifilm GFX 100RF
Fujifilm GFX 100RF: The Missing Piece of the GFX Ecosystem
Fujifilm is accelerating the development of its medium format ecosystem. A year and a half after the GFX 100 II – and nine months after the GFX 100S II – the Japanese manufacturer finally unveils its first fixed-lens medium format, putting an end to weeks of rumors.
Equipped with a high-definition medium format sensor and a compact, retro design, the Fujifilm GFX 100RF (for rangefinder) can be seen as a mix between the Fujifilm X100 VI and the GFX100S II. It aims to combine “an extraordinarily high image quality” with a carefully optimized size.
Here is the complete list of features for the Fujifilm GFX 100RF:
- Sensor: 102 MP BSI-CMOS II HS medium format
- Low-pass filter: Yes
- Processor: X-Processor 5
- Electronic viewfinder: 0.5 inches, 5.76 million dots, 0.84x magnification, 24mm eye relief, refresh rate up to 120 fps
- LCD screen: 3.2 inches, touchscreen, tiltable, 2.1 million dots
- Autofocus: Hybrid and predictive
- AF points: 425
- AF coverage: 100%
- Automatic detection and tracking: Humans, felines/canines, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, planes, trains
- AF range: Up to -3.0 EV (phase detection)
- Sensitivity: ISO 80 to 12800 (expandable from 40 to 102,400 ISO in photo, and up to 25,600 ISO in video)
- Burst rate (leaf shutter): 6 fps with AE/AF tracking
- Burst rate (electronic shutter): 3 fps with AE/AF tracking
- Shutter speed: 60s – 1/4000s (leaf) – 60s – 1/16000s (electronic)
- Stabilization: No
- Lens: Fujinon 35 mm f/4
- ND filter: Yes, up to 4 stops
- Video: 4K 30p uncropped, Full HD 120p
- Video color profiles: 20 film simulations, F-Log 2
- Storage: 2x SD UHS-II, USB-C SSD support up to 2TB
- Wireless connectivity: Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2, USB-C, HDMI D, microphone, 3.5 mm headphone jack
- Battery: NP-W235
- USB charging: Yes
- Weather-sealing: Water and dust resistant (with PRF-49 protective filter)
- Dimensions: 133.5 x 90.4 x 76.5 mm
- Weight: 735 g (with battery and memory card)
- Launch price: $4899
102 MP Sensor and X-Processor 5
The GFX 100RF features a sensor well known to medium format enthusiasts. It is the BSI-CMOS II HS (44 x 33 mm), already available on the GFX 100 II and GFX 100S II. With its 102 MP, this (non-stacked) sensor offers double the readout speed compared to previous generations.
However, to maintain its compact format, the GFX 100RF does without 5-axis stabilization. The sensor is coupled with the X-Processor 5, the reference processor for Fujifilm’s latest cameras since the X-H2/X-H2S.
Images are captured in 14-bit or 16-bit RAW, JPEG, or 10-bit HEIF. Native sensitivity ranges from ISO 80 to 12,800. It can be extended from ISO 40 to 102,400 (for photos) and up to ISO 25,600 for video. Performance should be similar to the GFX 100(S) II in low light and dynamic range. It also incorporates Fujifilm’s DNA with 20 film simulation modes for creative rendering straight out of the camera.
The GFX 100RF features hybrid autofocus with 425 selectable AF points, covering 100% of the frame. It offers eye and face detection for humans, as well as recognition of animals (felines, canines, birds) and vehicles (cars, motorcycles, bicycles, trains, airplanes). In video, Fujifilm emphasizes subject tracking with a simple tap on the touchscreen.
35mm f/4 Non-Stabilized Lens with Leaf Shutter
The Fujifilm GFX 100RF features a new 35mm f/4 lens—whose dimensions are particularly compact thanks to the use of a leaf shutter. It offers a 28mm equivalent focal length in full-frame, particularly suited for street, landscape, and architectural photography.
To enhance the versatility of the body, the GFX 100RF offers three “virtual” focal lengths, providing 45mm, 63mm, or 80mm digital zooms by cropping into the image (equivalent to 36mm, 50mm, or 63mm in 35mm format). A feature already seen on the Leica Q3 and Q3 43… and the X100 series.
In detail, the Fujinon GF 35mm f/4 ASPH lens consists of 10 elements arranged in 8 groups. It features 2 aspherical lenses to enhance resolution and uniformity. The rearmost lens is placed very close to the sensor. Fujifilm highlights its (new) Nano GI coating, optimized to minimize flare effects.
The f/4 aperture is controlled by a 9-blade diaphragm. The minimum focusing distance is just 20 cm. However, the lens is not stabilized, which means you’ll need to be mindful of your shutter speed when shooting in low light.
Fujifilm GFX 100RF: A Compact Body
One thing is certain: Fujifilm’s new expert medium format compact is… compact! Despite its large-format sensor (44 x 33 mm), the body measures just 13.4 cm wide, 9 cm high, and 7.6 cm deep. It’s larger than an X100VI but much smaller than a GFX 100S II. Its weight of 735 g (with battery and memory card) is also very well controlled.
Its vintage design is reminiscent of the GFX 50R, Fuji’s last medium format rangefinder hybrid, as well as the X100 and X-T series cameras. It is available in two finishes: black or silver.
Fujifilm highlights its build quality with a precision-machined aluminum top cover, as well as control dials, a lens ring, and a camera base designed with the same attention to detail.
Finally, the body is equipped with weather sealing to resist dust and moisture… provided that, like the X100VI, you attach the dedicated adapter ring (included) and the PRF-49 protective filter (not included) to protect the lens.
On the back, there is a new dial for selecting the aspect ratio. By default, images are captured in 4:3 ratio, but you can easily switch to 3:2, 16:9, 17:9, 65:24 (the famous X-Pan), etc. This is similar to an option seen on the Leica D-Lux.
On the front, there is a crop level selector. Finally, you’ll find an exposure compensation dial as well as Fujifilm’s signature dual control dial, allowing you to adjust both shutter speed and ISO sensitivity. X100VI users should quickly feel at home.
Tilting Screen and Electronic Viewfinder with Peripheral Vision Feature
The GFX 100RF features a new 3.15-inch LCD with a resolution of 2.1 million dots. It is mounted on a double-hinge, allowing it to tilt up or down. This is convenient for waist-level, ground-level, or arm’s-length shooting.
The viewfinder, taken directly from the GFX 100S II, offers a resolution of 5.76 MP and a 0.84x magnification.
Fujifilm introduces a new feature that could prove useful: a peripheral vision function designed to display the outside of the frame in semi-transparency or with a guide line. This feature should be easily accessible via a small lever on the front of the camera.
6 fps Burst and Small Buffer
The Fujifilm GFX 100RF is not really designed for sports and action photography… and it shows. The burst rate tops out at 6 fps with the leaf shutter and only 3 fps with the electronic shutter (with AE/AF tracking).
On paper, the buffer also does not seem particularly large. At maximum speed, expect 296 images in JPEG, 40 images in compressed RAW, 20 images in lossless compressed RAW, and only 17 images in uncompressed RAW. In RAW + JPEG, the numbers drop even further, with just 12 images in uncompressed RAW. This technical choice is likely dictated by the type of storage used (see below).
4K 30p Video
For video, the GFX 100RF carries over the specs of the GFX 100S II. So, no 8K or 4K 60p, but rather 4K DCI 30 fps in 4:2:2 10-bit (with a 720 Mbps bitrate). Recording in Apple ProRes format is available—but only when using an external SSD. The camera also features F-Log2, offering a dynamic range of 13 stops.
Fujifilm highlights its video AF tracking—first introduced with the GFX 100 II—and the ability to select the subject to track with a simple tap on the screen.
Finally, the camera supports Camera to Cloud functionality via Frame.io, allowing photos and videos to be transferred directly to the platform.
SSD Recording and Comfortable Battery Life
The various ports are grouped on the left side. There is a USB-C port (for charging and connecting an SSD), a micro HDMI port, and two 3.5mm jacks (for a microphone and headphones).
For storage, the GFX 100RF features a dual SD card slot, compatible with UHS-II. Fujifilm specifies that a Class 90-certified SD card is required for recording in 4K DCI 30p. Unfortunately, there is no CFexpress card slot.
The camera uses the NP-W235 battery, found in most Fujifilm bodies. The brand claims a comfortable battery life of 820 images or 100 minutes of 4K 30p video.
Finally, the camera is compatible with Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2.
Price and Availability of the Fujifilm GFX 100RF
The Fujifilm GFX 100RF is available for pre-order at a price of $4,899. Deliveries will begin on April 7, 2025. Two finishes are available: black and black with a silver top.
Its price is cheaper to that of the GFX 100S II—while featuring a built-in fixed focal length.
Our First Impression of the Fujifilm GFX 100RF
Ultra-high resolution, lightweight, and compact, the Fujifilm GFX 100RF offers a very appealing combination (on paper) for fans of street photography or travel. While it follows the philosophy of the X100VI, its 102 MP medium format sensor allows it to compete directly with the Leica Q3—while being priced $850 lower. Additionally, we can expect superior image quality and much more efficient autofocus. Its small size (especially given its large 44 x 33 mm sensor) is quite remarkable.
At first glance, the choice of such a high-resolution sensor for an “everyday” camera may seem surprising. However, it is justified by its “virtual” focal lengths equivalent to 36mm, 63mm, or 80mm in full-frame terms, allowing cropping within the 102 MP resolution. We also appreciate the AI-enhanced detection/tracking modes, which should in theory offer excellent responsiveness.
In short, we are excited to test this camera, which should (very) quickly find its audience. Let’s just hope that Fujifilm’s production capacity can keep up with demand…
