I would like to invite you to follow our new IG https://www.instagram.com/fujifanboys/ Thanks! Now back the the real stuff.
Like the saying of old; don’t play with fire and you might get burn. It started out as a fling. But I think I am falling in love with the GFX100. The looks of the GFX100 is not to everyone’s liking. I for one can understand this. When I first saw it at X-Summit Dubai in February this year; I didn’t like it too. How should I put it, doesn’t feel very Fujifilm to me.
One need to see the GFX100 in the flesh in order to fully grasp, feel and soak in this amazing high end camera. Fast love is easily cold. So after some time; to be exact, 100 hours later I have a change of heart.
You need to find an opportunity to not just see it. You need to hold it; hug it you must. You need to spend even more time trying it. It’s actually a very beautifully design camera. The color; the high build quality and the way it handles. The interface; It’s second to none. When you do visit your local dealers do spend some time shooting it and you will realize everything falls in place. It’s not perfect but pretty close.
Please for crying out loud; don’t compare this with any X-Series camera. GFX100 will never be as agile as it smaller siblings. Auto focus is faster than the two other 50 mega pixel siblings. I have no complain on how it focuses rather the question is; so who will ever need this camera?
GFX100 is certainly for professional without a doubt. Commercial and studio work for sure. This camera have certainly enlarge the medium format tent. I feel even for location Portraits, Wedding, Landscape, High Fashion, Fine Art and lifestyle the GFX100 will work beautifully.
What about non professionals? If money is no object; I would highly recommend. You will find nailing a shot of your kiddo as easy as ABC. With Face detection and 5 frame burst rate; which is unheard of in the Medium Format world.
You will be rewarded with the ease of use and certainly the mind blowing 16 bit IQ to record those precious family moments.
Those who know me personally; I am sucker for great design. GFX100 looks ultra modern. In fact I now find the GF lens design looks aged when paired with the GFX100. Since we are talking about design; I order a new luggage to match the GFX100. What do you think of this Lanzzo luggage. I think the gears sit pretty comfortably inside. This is
a Lanzzo luggage. The model name is Norman in space grey. Its size is 21’. Now I could transport my GFX system stylishly to a shoot.
I think there is only one major downside for GFX100. And you know what? Its not the price for sure. At this price point of less than USD $10K; its actually holds great value. Its a plus. The only downside is, if you can’t produce any great photos from it; you have nothing to blame except yourself.
As we all know; there are no such thing as the best camera. But if you find hard enough there always be a camera that fits your style of shooting. GFX100 is certainly not an everyday camera. It’s certainly an essential camera to
capture those very special moment or projects. Be it a commercial shoot or that special holiday that you have been planning for a long time. The GFX100 help you capture those precious experience beautifully.
I remembered the last time my GFX50S took a back seat was because the file size wasn’t enough for my client requirement. So I rented a 100MP camera with 3 lenses for 2 days. The cost of rental was was about USD $2K. For ROI; GFX100 is certainly a good investment.
As human we are one of the most adaptive creature on earth. After one hundred hours with the GFX100; strangely I kind of gotten used to the weight. The last 100 hours with the GFX also stretches over the weekend. That includes a wedding, BBQ, playground time with the kiddo, a walk by the sea front and some street (yes you heard it!) Below are some of photos taken with this pre-production unit.
My final thoughts; GFX100 is a serious piece of gear for both video and still. A very usable all rounder. Great phase detection Auto Focus. IBIS is amazing to have and it’s certainly essential.
I feel the biggest hurdle is the price tag. I have used Mamiya, Hasselbald and Phase One in my journey as a commercial photographer. From that perspective; GFX100’s pricing is unheard off. True to Fujifilm tag line; Value from Innovation. It’s really…. how should put it, inexpensive. Which means better ROI. If you are photographer looking at investing at a medium format camera I could only say there is no better time.
As I sadly return the GFX100 after 100 hours to Fujifilm Singapore; I am also looking forward to testing the actually production set. Do stay tune my fellow Fuji Fanboys.
