Fujifilm GFX Zone: Reviews, Experience… and Dreams in a World Fuller than Full Frame!

Today I wanted to share a roundup dedicated to the Fujifilm GFX system.

The roundup will cover the latest and greatest, from the cameras like the flagship Fujifilm GFX100II and the brand new Fujifilm GFX100S II, to G mount lenses such as the (back-ordered) Fujinon GF20-35mmF4 and the new Fujinon GF30mmF5.6 Tilt Shift.

And we will include also “dreams” or “wishes” about a Fujifilm GFX180 and GFX250.

As you know I am a Fujifilm GFX shooter myself, and last year I made one of my best hikes in the Dolomites with it. You can read my experience below.

  • fujirumors.com – A Tale of a Hiking Fuller than Full Frame, a Sony Shooter Lusting after Fujifilm Colors

GFX Zone

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Fujifilm GFX50S II Kits Start to be Discontinued – The End of 50MP GFX?

The first stores in Japan are now marking the Fujifilm GFX50SII as discontinued, as reported by the Japanese website asobinet.

In the US we can see the kit version is out of stock at BHphoto (with the “request assistance” note) as well as unavailable at Adorama.

Given that it is now discontinued in Japan, I don’t have high hopes for at least the kit version to be back in stock anywhere else.

The Fujifilm GFX50SII was announced back in September 2021.

Fujifilm did lots of things right with the GFX50SII, but one thing wrong.

They did give us a nice and relatively compact body, with IBIS and 4th generation processor. The price was quite good back than in 2021. But the one thing they got wrong is the sensor. They used the identical 50MP sensor in use in the original Fujifilm GFX50S and also in the even older Pentax 645Z of 2014.

Make no mistake: the sensor itself delivers wonderful files. But the readout is slow. And you can put in the best processor in the world, but in terms of autofocus speed and rolling shutter performance there is only that much you can do when your true bottleneck is in the sensor (non-BSI and contrast detection AF only).

Now, I get it. For many GFX50SII shooters “autofocus speed” might not be the top priority. I think at all those who shoot landscape photography for example. But for many, like me, who also document family life with GFX, a decent autofocus is definitely welcome. That’s why I went for the GFX100S (with BSI and phase detection).

I get it that Fujifilm can only use Sony sensors, and that there is no 44×33 BSI 50MP sensor out there. So Fujifilm has to use what Sony offers. But at the end I think that the life-cycle of that ancient 50MP sensor should have ended with the GFX50R in 2018. Re-proposing it again in 2021 in the GFX50SII was just one iteration too much for that sensor.

Where do we go from here?

Well, I don’t know if this is the end of 50MP GFX. I still hope (not rumor) that somehow a 44x33mm 50MP BSI and Phase Detection sensor will appear one day. Or maybe something in between 50 and 100 megapixel. But that is more in the hands of Sony semiconductors rather than in Fujifilm.

Fujifilm Developed a Linux SDK for Remote Control of the GFX100 Series when Mounted on a Drone

Supporting infrastructure inspection with a 102-megapixel camera and drone.

Developed a Linux SDK for remote control of the mirrorless digital camera “GFX100 Series” when mounted on a drone

FUJIFILM Corporation (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Yoshikazu Goto) has developed a Linux *2 software development kit (SDK) *3 for remote control of the mirrorless digital camera “GFX100 Series” with a 102-megapixel large format sensor *1 when mounted on a drone . Going forward, the company will begin providing this SDK to drone manufacturers who wish to mount the “GFX100 Series” on their drones *4 . As the first step, the company will collaborate with Autonomy Holdings Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Kenzo Nonami), which develops drones with high flight accuracy equipped with an original autopilot (automatic control function), to begin research and development on high-precision infrastructure inspection by combining Autonomy’s new drone “Surveyor IV” with the “GFX100 Series” using this SDK.

As the deterioration of domestic infrastructure progresses, the importance of inspections for maintenance is increasing. Since there are safety issues when inspecting high places and places that are difficult for people to access, remote infrastructure inspection using a combination of drones and high-resolution digital cameras is attracting attention. However, infrastructure inspection requires high accuracy to clearly distinguish 0.1 mm cracks, and drone inspection requires capturing as wide an area as possible in one shot to shorten flight time. The
GFX100 series, equipped with a 102-megapixel large format sensor, can capture ultra-high resolution images when combined with a dedicated interchangeable lens. Since it can clearly capture cracks and other defects with a wide angle of view, it reduces the number of shots by about 40% compared to a camera equipped with a 61-megapixel 35mm image sensor, thereby shortening inspection time. In addition, the cameras generally installed on drones tend to be expensive because lightweight dedicated models are used. On the other hand, the latest model in the “GFX100 series,” the “FUJIFILM GFX100S II,” weighs a total of approximately 1,273g when combined with the “FUJINON Lens GF35-70mmF4.5-5.6 WR,” making it extremely light for a camera equipped with a large format sensor with over 100 million pixels, and therefore can be mounted on a drone as a consumer camera system. It offers overwhelming cost performance compared to drone-specific cameras equipped with the same sensor.

By using the Linux-compatible SDK that we have developed, drone manufacturers can develop camera control software that meets their own specifications, making it possible to remotely control Fujifilm’s ultra-high-resolution digital cameras from their own systems.

*1 An image sensor with a diagonal length of 55 mm (43.8 mm horizontal x 32.9 mm vertical), approximately 1.7 times the area of ​​a 35 mm format sensor.
*2 An OS widely used in industrial fields such as infrastructure inspection.
*3 Official name: “FUJIFILM X Series and GFX System Digital Camera Control Software Development Kit.” This is a library that enables software developers to develop application software that remotely controls Fujifilm’s digital cameras. It enables remote control of Fujifilm’s “X/GFX Series” digital cameras, including the “GFX100 Series.”
*4 The product will be provided to manufacturers in Japan before other companies. The timing and terms of provision will be discussed individually.

Fujifilm Firmware Updates for Every GFX Camera, X-T4, X-T50 and a few GF Lenses (FINALLY)

As you know, I am a happy owner of the Fujinon GF50mmF3.5.

Well, happy until a certain point.

Because as I wrote in a complaint post here, the firmware for the GF50mmF3.5 had been suspended and remained so for many months (now years).

I did moan about it here on FujiRumors, but nothing happened.

Nothing until today! :)

Because FINALLY Fujifilm has released a new firmware for the previously suspended GF50mmF3.5 as well as the GF35-70mm.

And not only that.

Also the GF500mmF5.6 as well as every single Fujifilm GFX camera got firmware updates.

In the X series world, we get firmware updates for the Fujifilm X-T4 and the Fujifilm X-T50.

ATTENTION: Please update first the GFX camera firmware (no lens attached) and only after that you should update the GF50mm or GF35-70mm firmware.

＜Important Notice>

In the unlikely event that firmware update process for any of the above interchangeable lenses is interrupted and the message below appears, please claim “Repair Service Center” in your country to upgrade the firmware. You can read the full firmware instruction here.

Note-1：The followings are messages when the firmware update is interrupted (Messages vary depending on the model).

  • Customers with GFX100 II/GFX100S II/GFX 50R/GFX 50S
    “FIRMWARE UPDATE ERROR!!　PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL FUJIFILM OFFICE”
  • Customers with GFX100S/GFX100/GFX 50S II
    “FIRMWARE UPGRADE ERROR!!　CONTACT A SERVICE CENTER

Note-2：Repair Service Center

Firmware Details

*** Cameras ***

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Fujifilm GFX100 II: “A 200,000 Dollar Hollywood Camera in a Mirrorless Body”

Ermia Ramez loves his Fujifilm GFX100II and has shared a very beautiful video in which he says the following

  • Only the Arri Alexa 65 has….

Actually forget about it. Just watch the video, shot on Fujifilm GFX100 II and enjoy it. This guy really put huge effort into it.

Fujifilm to Introduce C2PA Content Authenticity to X and GFX Cameras

I did not report about it in a dedicated article, because this was part of what was included in the Fujifilm GFX100S II press release. But given the emails I am getting I thought I dedicate it an own article.

So yes, Fujifilm is going to bring C2PA / CAI content authenticity to X and GFX cameras via firmware update to several cameras in future. C2PA / CAI is an initiative formed to address the widespread issue of digital content manipulation by establishing standards for certifying the source and authenticity of media.

Membership of C2PA*1 and CAI*2 and development of a system*3 to provide context and history for digital media

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Fujifilm X RAW Studio, Pixel Shift Combiner and Tether Plugin Pro for GFX Software Updates

Fujifilm has updated some of its software to support the new Fujifilm GFX100SII and the Fujifilm X-T50.

Software Updates

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Fixed Lens Fujifilm GFX in 2025: A Brilliant Move or a Missed Chance for a GFX100R? – VOTE

So, we just reported that Fujifilm will launch a fixed lens Fujifilm GFX camera in 2025.

And while many might hugely rejoice at this news, others remained a bit sceptical, as you can see for example in the comments here.

Why?

Because we recently reported that Fujifilm is currently spending ZERO money and time into the development of the Fujifilm GFX100R. Which means that even if they’d start today to develop the GFX100R, we would probably not get it before 2027, since Fujifilm explained in the past they need about 2/3 years to develop a camera.

So what some now wonder is: wouldn’t it have been better to develop the GFX100R with interchangeable lenses rather than a fixed lens GFX camera?

Personally I still have to make up my mind about this one.

I mean, if I look at the X series, I simply could not imagine it without the X100 line. And why not, a fixed lens GFX version could also become an iconic and much loved line in the GFX system.

And always looking at the X series line, the X-E line sells much worse than the X100 line. If that would apply also to the GFX series, a fixed lens GFX camera would outsell the GFX100R.

So for now, from a mere business point of view, I believe Fujifilm does well to come out with a fixed lens GFX camera as soon as possible.

But at the same time, as an X-E lover (rangefinder with interchangeable lenses), I’d also love to see the GFX100R.

So my final vote?

I vote fixed lens GFX, just because I think from a business point of view it is the better choice for Fujifilm. But I hope this does not come at the expense of the GFX100R being delayed for too long or even worst, the GFX-R line being canceled.

What Should Have Priority in Your Option: a fixed lens GFX or a GFX100R

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Fujifilm GFX100II New Dynamic Range King of Mirrorless Cameras

Photons to Photos has published its dynamic range results for the Fujifilm GFX100II.

As to expect, the GFX100II now takes the lead as the mirrorless camera that will give you the highest dynamic range with a slight boost over the Fujifilm GFX100S due to an optimized sensor design, as we explained here.

So, if you want to have a bit more margins in terms of dynamic range, the Fujifilm GFX100II is the way to go. And all this by delivering substantially more megapixel over its high resolution full frame competitors.

There are only 3 digital cameras that are better than the GFX100II listed on Photons to Photos:

  • Phase One IQ4
  • Phase One IQ3
  • Hasselblad H6D-100c

But the above are not mirrorless cameras. And they are huge, heavy and cost more than my car.

You can access the comparison we made above at this link (and also make your own one).

Read also:

Camera Model

Maximum PDR

Low Light ISO

Low Light EV

Fujifilm GFX100II

12.55

11665

11.87

Fujifilm GFX100S

12.33

10926

11.77

Hasselblad X2D

12.32

7077

11.14

Canon R5

11.85

5435

10.76

Sony A7rV

11.70

5244

10.71

Nikon Z8

11.32

4224

10.40

Japanese Fujifilm Managers: X-Pro and X-E line Not Stopped, X-Trans is Here to Stay, PSAM vs RETRO, GFX Sports Photography and More

image courtesy: Phototrend
image courtesy: Phototrend

At the last CP+, the French Website Phototrend had the opportunity to talk to Japanese Fujifilm manager Jun Watanabe about the X series and to Japanese Fujifilm manager Makoto Oishi about the GFX series.

Down below you can find a quick summary. For the full French version check out the articles at Phototrend here (X series) and here (GFX series). Plus a little rant at the end.

X series

  • Fujifilm can not confirm if X-Pro4 will arrive soon or not
  • X-Pro line is not stopped
  • X-T and X100 series do not satisfy all customers who want a “pure photography” experience
  • Fujifilm is studying different possibilities
  • feedback and expectations are high for the next X-Pro
  • X-E line is not stopped
  • sports photography is a difficult market
  • other brands are long established there and for Fujifilm it’s new terrain
  • Fujifilm can not confirm anything about eventual future lenses for sport photographers
  • Fujifilm has received great feedback about the latest autofocus system, but they will continue to improve
  • renewing older lenses is something that Fujifilm has in mind
  • XF16-50mmF2.8-4.8 [admin note: will replace the XF18-55mmF2.4.8]
  • Fujifilm is not considering any option other than X-Trans for their APS-C cameras
  • its unique matrix offers the advantage of combining high definition and suppression of moiré and chromatic aberrations
  • for X100VI, Fujifilm has developed the smallest and thinnest IBIS unit to date
  • the X100VI IBIS wiring has been moved to the side – see here
  • IBIS system uses data from the image in addition to the gyroscope (motion blur is analyzed from the live-view image)
  • the grip of the X100VI is a tenth of a millimeter deeper than X100V for a better grip

GFX series

  • GFX100II market return (sales) is very good, not only among professional photographers, but also filmmakers and directors
  • GFX100II sales exceed Fujifilm’s expectations
  • GFX100S is still very popular because Fujifilm has lowered its price
  • GFX100S still very popular in some markets like China
  • professionals go for GFX100II, enthusiasts for GFX100S
  • Fujifilm never looked at its market share in medium format segment
  • other manufacturers have no announced so many new products, so Fujifilm thinks they are Nr.1
  • some expect a faster 50MP GFX. But Fujifilm thinks high definition is more popular
  • there are lots of FF cameras offering 50/60 megapixel, so offering 50MP now has become almost banal
  • Fujifilm focuses on improving the 100MP sensor performance
  • for professionals ergonomics are very important
  • first GFX cameras had dedicated dials but now they switched to a easier to operate PSAM dial layout
  • Fujinon GF 500 mm f/5.6: it’s time for Fujifilm GFX to approach wildlife and sports photography
  • normally APS-C lenses are compact than FF and MF (hence also smaller AF motors)
  • but regarding telephoto lenses, size primarily depends on diameter and aperture. Regardless of whether it’s for APS-C, FF or MF, the fundamental construction of telephoto lenses, particularly on the front lens side, is the same
  • Fujifilm tries to make the GF500mm as small and light as possible to obtain faster autofocus
  • tilt-shift lenses are the most difficult to design
  • Fujifilm started to develop its GF tilt shift lenses back in 2019
  • why not retro? High end high speed cameras need to be operated quickly, hence PSAM. Also good for hybrid shooters for video

Let me just say that I strongly, vehemently, vigorously and fervidly disagree with Fujifilm in regards to what they said why they stick with PSAM on their GFX lineup.

First: the GFX system is not know to be blazing fast and immensely popular among high end sports photographers. I actually feel the GFX system would be the ideal system to use a retro layout.

Second: maybe Fujifilm should watch my video so they learn how to operate their own cameras.

They will find out that one can operate their retro styled cameras exactly as any PSAM camera out there. It’s a marvellous and ingenious design that gives us photographer the best of both words: retro if I want to have fun shooting or want to actually operate the camera already before turning it on, and PSAM if one needs to make lots of adjustment all the time on the fly.

Retro Fujifilm cameras offer both options. PSAM cameras force you into one way to operate the camera.

And in my opinion not offering retro styled GFX cameras anymore is one of the all time biggest mistakes Fujifilm is doing.

C’mon Fujifilm, look at what is selling best in your X system. You’ll see that retro X cameras outsell PSAM cameras by very far. And Nikon had a colossal success with the Nikon Zf lately. It’s clear that in times where every camera is just so good, what people really look for is to have a different photographic experience thanks to dedicated vintage dials.

The joy of shooting sells better than any specs boost you can show off on paper.

An example?

The X100VI sells like hot cakes. The revolutionary global shutter ultra modern high speed blazing fast Sony A9III is selling way below Sony’s expectations (you could always find it in stock everywhere all the time because demand is not high… ask your local retailer).

Make sure to read/watch below: