THE FUJIFILM GFX100RF: A BOLD VISION, A CREATIVE CHALLENGE
The rumors are building momentum. A fixed-lens, 100-megapixel medium-format camera that defies convention—a bold move, even for Fujifilm. While some hesitate, I see an opportunity to redefine how we experience the creative process and strip photography down to its essence.
I've used the Fujifilm GFX system since its debut in 2017—first with the GFX 50S, then the GFX 50R, and for the past four years, the GFX100S as my primary camera. These tools have shaped my work, but they've also kept me tethered to heavier setups at times, prompting me to rethink how I approach simplicity without sacrificing creative freedom.
Over the years, my gear decisions have aimed to balance simplicity with readiness, reflecting lessons learned on every trip. Even with simplified setups, I'm reminded that reducing choices often clarifies my creative focus. I'm still refining that balance, but the GFX100RF feels like the perfect way to embrace it fully. It represents an opportunity to step further into that mindset, and I'm excited to explore what it can offer.
Maui, Hawaii
A Journey Toward Less (With Occasional Detours)
Take my recent European trip—three weeks exploring Venice and Berlin. My kit included the GFX100S paired with the 20-35mm and 45-100mm lenses. I also almost packed the 100-200mm but decided against it due to strict carry-on limits for European flights. And honestly, I'm glad I didn't pack it—it would have added unnecessary weight without improving my shots. Carrying around a full setup isn't glamorous—it's just the reality of being prepared as a photographer.
Or, so it may seem.
But after a while, it wears on you.
Trips like this remind me why I've experimented with lighter setups over the years—simplifying my gear doesn't result in missed opportunities; it more often results in clearer creative vision and a sense of freedom.
Hokkaido, Japan
The David Fokos Influence: One Focal Length, Limitless Vision
David Fokos, a fine art photographer I frequently exhibited alongside in a gallery in La Jolla during my early career, shared a perspective that has stayed in the back of my mind ever since. His entire body of work—decades of breathtaking images—was created using a single 8x10 Korona view camera and one prime focal length.
At the time, I was the complete opposite. I'd show up with a 65-pound bag containing three systems: a Linhof Technorama 617 with two lenses, a Pentax 67II with two lenses, and a digital SLR with multiple lenses. I felt ready for anything. But David's approach was different. By limiting his choices, he avoided decision fatigue and honed a clear, consistent vision.
It took me years to try his approach. Eventually, I spent an entire year working with just one system and two lenses. And it worked. Simplifying didn't lead to missed opportunities—it led to more intentional and expressive work.
Venice, Italy
Why a Fixed Lens Isn't a Flaw—It's an Invitation
The rumored specs of the Fujifilm GFX100RF sound like a love letter to photographers who crave a tactile, intentional shooting experience: a 100-megapixel medium-format sensor, a GF 35mm f/4 lens (28mm equivalent), a dedicated aspect ratio dial, a crop zoom lever, and no IBIS—all in a body reportedly the size of the X-Pro3.
I know what many of you are thinking: No IBIS? A fixed lens? Isn't that limiting? But for me, it's exciting. I'd gladly order cameras without IBIS if I could—it's been the culprit of too many blurred long exposures when I forgot to turn it off. In long-exposure photography, a tripod handles stabilization, and IBIS can interfere by trying to make micro-adjustments during multi-minute exposures. It's not just unnecessary for my work—it's something I actively avoid.
Unlike lowlight handheld shooting situations, where IBIS shines, long-exposure landscapes thrive on total stillness. This is why I prefer a system that lets me control stability without interference. The GFX100RF seems purpose-built for those who rely on intentionality rather than automation.
As for the single focal length? That's not a downside—it's a challenge.
I'm not a street photographer. I'm a landscape photographer who seeks vast horizons and moments of stillness. But the idea of traveling with one lens doesn't feel limiting—it feels liberating.
And terrifying.
Both at the same time.
The thought of committing to a single focal length for an entire trip is exhilarating precisely because of the uncertainty it brings.
I can picture myself in Tokyo with the GFX100RF, my NiSi JetMag Pro filters, and a Gitzo backpacker tripod—no heavy bags, no second-guessing, just me, the scene, and the task of telling its story with simplicity.
Maui, Hawaii
Freedom in the Frame: Why Less Can Lead to More
More gear doesn't always lead to stronger images. It can introduce unnecessary distractions that pull you away from being fully present with the scene. For me, it's not about missing fleeting moments but about staying focused and avoiding the noise of too many choices. When you limit those options, your creative instincts sharpen.
Let's be clear: this isn't about sacrificing quality. This 100-megapixel medium-format sensor is one of the most powerful image-making tools available. But the magic is in its simplicity. It asks you to make extraordinary images with fewer choices.
Embracing the Creative Challenge
Orson Welles once said, "The enemy of art is the absence of limitations." This quote resonates deeply with me, especially when considering the rumored GFX100RF. Constraints like a fixed lens aren't barriers—they're invitations to innovate, see differently, and make intentional choices.
The GFX100RF isn't just for street photographers—it's for anyone who believes creativity thrives when working within meaningful constraints.
For a company built on innovation and intention, the Fujifilm GFX100RF feels like the next step in redefining medium-format cameras. If it lives up to its promise, it could reshape how we approach photography altogether. Let's prove that bold choices aren't impractical—they're iconic.
Iceland
To anyone skeptical about a fixed-lens medium-format camera, I get it. I once hauled 65 pounds of gear to avoid missing a shot. But I've also traveled light and rediscovered the joy of seeing without distractions.
There's something thrilling about working with constraints—they strip away the noise, making each frame more deliberate. If the GFX100RF inspires a shift toward this kind of intentional creativity, it could become a landmark in how we think about medium-format photography.
To the Fujifilm team: If the Fujifilm GFX100RF is what I hope it is, I'll be first in line to buy it. But if you need someone to showcase its full potential—someone who believes creativity thrives within constraints—I'm ready.
For the latest updates and rumors on the Fujifilm GFX100RF, be sure to visit FujiRumors.com—their insights and reports are unmatched.
