Is the Fujifilm GFX100RF Worth the Premium Price?

The Fujifilm GFX100RF has captured significant attention, offering a fresh twist on medium format photography. It blends high-end imaging with a form factor that might surprise you, standing out in a crowded camera market.

Coming to you from Tom Calton, this practical video examines the new Fujifilm GFX100RF medium format camera, highlighting the balance Fujifilm has struck between nostalgic design and cutting-edge technology. Calton emphasizes the exceptional build quality, noting the camera’s solid metal construction and intuitive, tactile controls. The retro-inspired ISO and shutter speed dials might appeal to your preference for manual controls, though Calton does mention a few ergonomic quirks that might require a bit of adaptation. Particularly, the front command dial's placement seems less intuitive, potentially complicating adjustments during fast-paced shooting scenarios. Still, these minor annoyances don't significantly detract from the camera’s overall usability.

A key highlight from Calton’s review is the integrated 102-megapixel medium format sensor, which provides extraordinary detail and dynamic range, producing striking images that simply aren't achievable with smaller sensors. Yet, despite this power, the camera maintains impressive portability at just 735 grams. Interestingly, Fujifilm decided against including sensor-shift image stabilization (IBIS), relying instead on digital stabilization during video, with a significant crop. Calton points out this makes the GFX100RF primarily a photographer's tool rather than a hybrid device, aligning more closely with traditional medium format uses such as portraits, street photography, and documentary work.

Key Specs

• 102 megapixel CMOS Medium Format Sensor (43.8 x 32.9 mm)

• 35mm fixed lens (28mm full-frame equivalent), f/4 maximum aperture

• ISO range: 80 to 12,800 (photo), extended to 40-102,400

• Video: DCI 4K/UHD 4K up to 29.97 fps, 10-bit 4:2:2

• Dual SD card slots (UHS-II compatible)

• 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen LCD, 5.76-million-dot OLED EVF

• Weight: 735 grams, battery rated for approximately 820 shots

Calton appreciates Fujifilm’s decision to incorporate practical enhancements like a built-in four-stop ND filter and a leaf shutter enabling flash sync at all speeds—features that add significant versatility to shooting situations. The 35mm f/4 lens, while exceptionally sharp and compact, prompts Calton to question its practicality in low-light settings, as its f/4 aperture could limit creative control in low light or shallow depth-of-field scenarios.

The camera also features digital teleconversion, providing simulated focal lengths (45mm, 63mm, and 80mm equivalents). Calton notes this can be useful, especially given the immense resolution, allowing you considerable cropping latitude while still retaining usable images. However, he suggests most photographers would likely prefer cropping flexibility during post-processing.

Given its $4,900 price, Calton thoughtfully weighs this camera against competitors like the Hasselblad X2D and Leica Q3, highlighting the niche market Fujifilm targets with this model. The GFX100RF seems designed for those who prioritize image quality and distinct shooting experiences over outright versatility or speed. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Calton.