Alright, photographers both seasoned pros and wide-eyed novices gather round. Fujifilm just dropped a brand-new medium format camera, the
GFX100RF, and it’s making waves faster than a cat knocking over a cup of coffee. If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a camera that makes your smartphone shooter feel like an Etch A Sketch, this might just be it. And while you’re at it, why not stock up on some game changing accessories? Trust me, you’ll want these in your camera bag.
What’s the Big Deal?
The Fujifilm GFX100RF is essentially what happens when you shrink down a high end medium format camera, slap on a fixed lens, and sprinkle in some vintage charm. It's got the soul of an X-Pro, the guts of a GFX100 II, and the body of something that won’t dislocate your shoulder when you carry it around all day.
Size Matters, But Smaller is Better
This thing is light. Lighter than the GFX 50R. Lighter than an X-T5 with a 16-50mm lens. Basically, Fujifilm looked at other medium format cameras and said, "What if we made one that doesn't double as a home defense weapon?" The result? A sleek, rangefinder-style body that feels great in the hands and won’t require a gym membership to use.
And speaking of lightweight but powerful cameras, if you're after something pocket-friendly yet mighty, the Fujifilm X-T30 II is a fantastic alternative. Perfect for those who love Fujifilm’s magic but don’t need a sensor the size of a dinner plate. Grab yours here: Fujifilm X-T30 II Body Black
The Lens: The Good, the Bad, and the f/4
The 35mm f/4 fixed lens (28mm equivalent in full-frame terms) is both a genius move and a head-scratcher. On one hand, it’s perfectly tuned to the sensor, delivering razor-sharp images with dreamy bokeh. On the other, it’s f/4 which is fine during the day but might leave you muttering unkind words in low light. No, it won’t turn night into day like an f/1.2, but hey, that’s what tripods and fast primes on other cameras are for.
Speaking of extra lenses, why stop at just one? If you're already in the Fuji ecosystem, the Fujifilm XF55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM gives you that extra zoom range when you need it. It’s stabilized, it’s sharp, and it won’t break your back carrying it around. Check it out here: Fujifilm XF55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM
The Aspect Ratio Dial – Because Square Photos Are Boring
One of the coolest new tricks is the dedicated aspect ratio dial. You can switch between 4:3, 3:2, 1:2, 16:9, and some truly cinematic options like 65:24 and 17:6. That last one? Pure panoramic magic like if your camera suddenly turned into a Hasselblad XPan overnight. If you’ve ever wanted to shoot a still image that looks like it belongs in a Wes Anderson film, this is your chance.
No IBIS Hope You’ve Got Steady Hands
Now, for the elephant in the room: No in-body image stabilization (IBIS). If your hands shake like a caffeinated squirrel, this could be a problem. Fujifilm clearly assumes that either (a) you have surgeon-level steadiness or (b) you’re willing to carry a tripod. If neither of those apply, well…good luck holding 102 megapixels steady at 1/40s.
But don’t worry! There’s a solution good old fashioned instant prints. Even if your hands betray you and your shot comes out a bit…artistic, just print it and call it an aesthetic choice. The INSTAX Mini Instant Film is perfect for capturing those happy accidents in real-time. Get yours here: INSTAX Mini Instant Film
Autofocus That Actually Works
Gone are the days when "medium format autofocus" was just a fancy way of saying "hope for the best." The GFX100RF borrows its phase-detect autofocus system from the GFX100 II, meaning it actually tracks subjects and locks onto focus quickly. Street photographers, rejoice! Your medium format dreams are no longer limited to stationary objects.
The Verdict: Should You Buy One?
If you’re looking for a compact, high-resolution, medium format camera that gives you film-like controls, stunning color science, and images so sharp they could cut glass—then yes. But if you need low-light performance, interchangeable lenses, or built-in stabilization, you might need to think twice (or just bring a tripod and some patience).
Bottom line? If you can afford it, this camera is pure photographic joy. And if you can’t afford it, well…time to start selling some unused gear (or organs, but let’s keep things legal). Either way, the Fujifilm GFX100RF is going to be on a lot of wish lists this year.
And while you’re at it, don’t forget to check out these must-have accessories:
Fujifilm XF55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM – because sometimes, zooming with your feet just isn’t enough.
INSTAX Mini Instant Film – because memories should be printed, not just buried in your camera roll.
Fujifilm X-T30 II Body Black – for when you want Fujifilm magic in a more compact package.