The Fujifilm GFX100RF is here, and it’s changing the game for medium-format photography. A compact, premium, large format camera that feels like an X100VI times a thousand, the GFX100RF packs 102 megapixels into a pocket-sized form factor that’s tailored perfectly for the travel or street photographer. But who would buy this thing at a nearly $5K price tag? Is it Fujifilm’s answer to the Leica Q? Does it make the large format more accessible, or is it still a niche product?
I took the GFX100RF out into the streets with gear expert Matthew Robin to test its real-world performance. Here’s everything you need to know.
Meet the Fujifilm GFX100RF — a pocket-sized large format camera that goes anywhere. Rocking a massive 102MP sensor (70% bigger than full frame), it shoots gorgeous detail, rich dynamic range, and nois...
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Fujifilm just pulled off something we’ve never really seen before — a 102MP medium-format sensor in a portable body. Let that sink in for a second. This isn’t just a higher-resolution camera. It’s not even just a competitor to the Leica Q; it’s a large-format sensor in a compact, street-friendly body. This means 70% more resolution over the average full-frame body, which is alone worthy of its revolutionary debut.
You get a fixed 35mm f/4 lens (which translates to a 28mm f/2.8 full-frame equivalent), meaning it’s wide enough for everyday shooting but with enough resolution to crop in like crazy. And with Fujifilm’s signature film simulations baked in, this camera isn’t just about shooting RAW but allowing photographers to get a final image straight out of the camera that feels timeless. On top of that, the multi-step digital zoom turns this single-lens camera into something way more unique, letting you frame shots in a way that would typically require multiple primes.
But — and this is a big but — there’s no IBIS. For a camera pushing street and travel photography, that’s a noticeable omission, especially if you’re coming from an X100 series or even a Leica Q, both of which offer some level of stabilization during run-and-gun shooting. And then there’s the price. While nothing’s confirmed, we’re looking at a $5,000 to $7,000 ballpark. That’s serious money, placing it directly against the Leica Q3 ($5,995) — a full-frame compact that offers IBIS and a faster f/1.7 lens.
So what’s the tradeoff? With the GFX100RF, you’re stepping into the world of large format, meaning insane detail, unreal dynamic range, and a truly unique shooting experience. The photos of any GFX camera are foolproof for beauty imagery. But is that enough to justify the price? Leica fans swear by the Q series for its low-light performance and polished design, but Fujifilm’s banking on something different here: a camera that doesn’t just match full-frame, it surpasses it. The only question is: Will photographers see that as a revolution, or will the Leica Q-lineup still be the king of compact luxury?
If you’ve ever shot with an X100V or the new X100VI, picking up the GFX100RF will feel like coming home, just with a major resolution upgrade. The manual dials, intuitive controls, and classic Fujifilm ergonomics are all here, crafted for the emotional creator who prefers a tactile shooting experience over menu diving. It’s got that mechanical, analog-inspired vibe that so many Fujifilm fans (myself included) swear by.
If you're someone who loves pricey, analog cameras like the Leica M3 or even the Contax T3, you’ll immediately connect with the way this camera operates. The controls are thoughtfully placed, and they encourage a deliberate, immersive approach to capturing the vision. It’s a camera that begs you to slow down, compose intentionally, and enjoy the act of taking a photo; something that’s rare in a world dominated by touchscreen-heavy, auto-everything cameras.
Now, let’s talk about film simulations because Fujifilm knows exactly what its audience wants. The GFX100RF is perfect for JPEG shooters who still want high-quality resolution, and honestly, it might be the best Fujifilm camera yet for people who want ready-to-share images straight out of the camera.
Fujifilm’s iconic film simulations — like Classic Chrome, Provia, Velvia, Acros, Eterna, Astia, and more — are already baked into the system, offering the option for pro-grade color science without the need for heavy editing in Lightroom. So if you dig the soft cinematic tones of Eterna, the punchy contrast of Classic Chrome, or the rich blacks of Acros, this camera is an easy “yes”. And for photographers who love the "film look" but don’t want the added cost of film rolls, this camera is the closest thing to shooting an analog Leica M6 or Hasselblad 500CM in digital form.
But the ease of shooting doesn’t stop there. The GFX100RF offers various digital zoom and crop factor options, so you’re not locked into one focal length, given the camera's fixed lens. The camera allows you to crop in without losing quality, meaning you effectively get multiple lenses in one body while keeping that perfect Fujifilm color science intact.
Medium and large-format cameras have always been big, heavy, and slow — until now. The GFX100RF challenges everything we thought we knew about lugging heavy sensors, which is why this camera is such a lockjaw. It’s a pocket-sized large-format camera that fits in a small camera sling. This is literally perfect for street photographers, travel shooters, and creators who want the highest image quality possible without carrying a tank of a camera. Should I finally say goodbye to my Canon?
But this is where it really separates itself from the X100VI. While the X100VI is incredible for everyday carry, the GFX100RF gives you incomparable detail, insane cropping flexibility, and that large-format depth — but still in a body that you can still throw in a bag and take anywhere. So, the photos are technically just way better.
One of the things I love about this camera is how good the buttons feel. If you’re like me and love shooting in manual modes, Fujifilm has always been king for dial-based controls. The buttons here feel rigid and well-constructed, making it easy to set exposure, switch film simulations, or adjust zoom without looking away from the scene.
However, the design is a little tricky. The top of the camera feels exactly like an X100 series, which is great in terms of familiarity, but it doesn’t scream "GFX" to me. It looks and feels like an X100VI on steroids, and at this price point, I could see some people struggling with that. You do get a little more grip on the bottom due to the medium format sensor, but it’s still compact enough to carry around without feeling like a brick.
Fujifilm clearly wanted people to carry this with them, so they didn’t make it too big or delicate-looking. If it had an even larger grip or a bulkier body, I think people would hesitate to throw it in their bag and actually use it like an everyday camera.
Another solid feature here is the articulating screen — or as I like to call it, the "flippy screen". It’s not a fully rotatable screen, so you’re not getting a selfie or vlogging mode, but it does tilt up past 90°, which is more than enough for this camera. I don’t think it needs the full articulation of the GFX100 II, because this is designed more for stills shooters who want quick adjustments rather than full-blown video work.
One of my favorite things about the GFX100RF is the aspect ratio control. It completely changes how you see and compose shots. Locking in an aspect ratio helps me maintain a consistent visual structure, which is huge when you’re working on a project or a specific aesthetic.
For example, I was shooting in the city, and sometimes 35mm felt a little too wide. Instead of wishing I had a different lens, I could just use the digital zoom dial and instantly reframe my shot. It’s such a quick and intuitive way to adjust composition, and it makes me way more engaged in the shooting process.
This feature alone makes the GFX100RF feel like multiple cameras in one. It’s going to spark so many debates among photographers. "Do I really need another lens?" "Am I just getting lazy with digital zoom?" Honestly, I don’t care. It’s incredibly useful, and I’ll be sleeping just fine while the internet argues about it.
One thing I noticed while shooting was some serious warping when using the electronic shutter. While shooting in the streets for field testings, I switched between mechanical and electronic shutters, and every time I used an electronic shutter handheld, I noticed my shots were warped, especially if I wasn’t using a tripod.
This happens because the camera doesn’t have a global shutter, so the sensor reads out in sections rather than capturing the full image instantaneously. This results in weird distortions when moving the camera too fast. To avoid this, you’ll want to stick to the mechanical shutter whenever possible, unless you’re using a tripod.
The GFX100RF does come with a square lens hood, which is great for cutting down on glare when shooting outdoors. However, attaching it feels a bit flimsy at first, and it’s not immediately clear whether it’s securely in place. Once it clicks in, it’s fine, but if it gets loose, you might mistake it for the focus ring shifting instead.
One thing I highly recommend: get a camera strap. Fujifilm has a beautiful selection of premium straps that come with various bodies, but if you want something more high-end, brands like Clever Supply offer gorgeous leather options for those who are more aesthetic-forward.
For anyone who’s technically inclined, my opinion on this might not be the most popular — but I really wish this camera had IBIS. That’s where the X100VI has a clear advantage. Extra stabilization makes a huge difference in low light, letting you shoot handheld at lower shutter speeds without cranking the ISO. It just makes the camera more usable for street photography, especially after dark.
Since I also shoot a lot of video, I have to be honest — I don’t see this as a video camera. Without IBIS, handheld footage will always be shaky, and while the 102MP sensor lets you crop in digitally, it doesn’t replace real stabilization. You also don’t get the compression you’d expect from a true telephoto lens, so while this camera gives you flexibility on the go, it still has its trade-offs.
Something about the back of the camera feels like it’s missing something. Given how compact the body is, I don’t know where Fujifilm would have put a thumb grip, but not having a comfortable resting spot for your hand makes it a bit tricky to pull up and shoot with ease. It’s a minor detail but for a camera designed to be handheld and street-friendly, a bit of extra ergonomic thought would have been appreciated.
One of the biggest wins with the GFX100RF is battery life — it’s significantly better than the X100 series. If you’ve ever shot with an X100V or X100VI, you know the battery is good, but not quite an all-day shooter. With this camera, Fujifilm finally bumped up to a larger battery, which means you can actually leave the house with just one and feel confident you’ll make it through the day. I always carry extra batteries with the X100VI because I never trusted it to last. With this one, that anxiety is gone.
Matt chimed in on this, too, comparing it to his experience with the Leica M11. Leica nailed battery efficiency with that camera, and this GFX100RF feels closer to that experience; you’re not constantly thinking about when you’ll need to swap out a fresh battery. It’s a small detail, but for anyone who shoots for long stretches or travels often, it makes a big difference.
At the end of the day, the GFX100RF is a nostalgic camera, but in the best way possible. It’s a camera you set, control, and immerse yourself in. Whether you want to be relaxed and spontaneous or fully dialed in with manual controls, this camera allows you to shoot exactly how you want.
If you’re into medium-format photography but always felt like the cameras were too big, too expensive, or too slow, this is the first camera that truly makes it accessible. But to get the most out of it, you can’t just leave it on auto; you need to lean into the process, embrace the quirks, and take control.
It’s not for everyone, but for those who get it, this is a game-changer.
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