Sunday, November 17, 2019

Fujifilm GFX 100 – 100 megapixels

John Moulton Barn, Jackson Hole WY
GFX100 GF100-200
109mm f/10 1/200 ISO 50

I bought into the original Fujifilm GFX50s primarily due to the size. Finally, a lightweight medium format camera system that I could carry all day without breaking my back. Then Fujifilm introduced their new and much improved GFX100. People had a choice between a lightweight 50 megapixel or not so lightweight 100 megapixels.
Cunningham Cabin, Jackson Hole WY
GFX100 GF100-200
100mm f/8 1/320 ISO 50

I was truthfully excited about the new release hoping that Fujifilm would keep with the same design as the GFX50. I was so excited I put a preorder before the full specifications were released. My enthusiasm weaken when I saw the full specifications to the point I cancelled my order.
Signal Mountain Pier, Grand Teton National Park
GFX100 GF23mm
f/11 1/50 ISO 50

Fast forward to October 2019. I arrived in Jackson Hole WY and almost instantly began thinking about the GFX100 and how doubling the resolution would fit into what I would be doing for the next 5-weeks. I wrote my dealer saying how I was interested again and that I might be picking a 100 up next year. To my surprise, my dealer happened to have a brand new GFX100 that had been on order and cancelled; would I like to have it?   It took less than 30-seconds to decide to buy it having it shipped to Jackson WY.
Kelly, WY
GFX100 GF250 &1.4 TC
350mm f/5.6 1/100 ISO 50
 
Shane's Cabin Jackson Hole WY
GFX100 GF23mm
f/11 1/100 ISO 50

I’ll admit I stopped looking at the specifications after seeing the size and weight. Had I continued to read I would have been impressed to the point I might not have cancelled my original order.

John D Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway
GFX100 GF250mm &1.4 TC
350mm f/5.6 1/320 ISO 100
 
Yes, the physical size of the body is large. Think in the neighborhood of a Canon 1Ds. Added to the size is the weight at close to 3 pounds. Once you get over these two things everything gets better. This camera just feels good in your hands.
 
Oxbow Bend, Grand Tetons National Park
GFX100 GF45mm
f/8 1/125 ISO 160

There’s a lot to like about the GFX100. The grip fits my hands nicely. The dual batteries are great when shooting in sub-zero temperatures.  The system is weather sealed and offered protection while I was shooting with snow falling.
Moose Huddle, Kelly WY
GFX100 GF250 & 1.4 TC
350mm f/5.6 1/125 ISO 1000
 
Grand Tetons National Park
GFX100 GF250 &1.4 TC
350mm f/5.6 1/125 ISO 200
 
Grand Tetons National Park
GFX100 GF250 &1.4 TC
350mm f/6.4 1/125 ISO 160

I didn’t get much of a chance to shoot much landscape due to the conditions; however I was able to shoot wildlife. Capturing wildlife with a medium format system has always been a little iffy. The auto focus was always an issue; likewise being able to capture multiple shots quickly.

Emerald Pool, Yellowstone National Park
GFX100 GF23mm
f/11 1/125 ISO 50
 
 Yellowstone Pond (by Old Faithful turnout)
GFX100 GF 23mm
f/11 1/125 ISO 50
 
This Old House ID
GFX100 GF100-200
158mm f/11 1/125 ISO 50

Let me address auto focus. I shot elk, moose, buffalo, big horn sheep, swans, eagles and owls and never once had an issue with auto focus.
A picture is worth a thousand words.
GFX100 GF250 &1.4 TC
350mm f/8 1/500 ISO 320
 
There are a total of 9-image files to this series with the next one the very first.
 
GFX100 GF250 &1.4 TC
350mm f/8 1/500 ISO 320

Continuous shooting. I was able to track the movements of the wildlife while keeping the animal in focus.
Grand Tetons National Park
GFX100 GF 250 &1.4 TC
350mm f/5.6 1/80 ISO 125
 
Kelly WY 
GFX100 GF 250 &1.4 TC
350mm f/11 1/125 ISO 100
 
National Elk Refuge, Jackson WY
GFX100 GF250 &1.4 TC
350mm f/6.4 1/125 ISO 180
 
GFX100 GF250 &1.4 TC
 
GFX100 GF250 &1.4 TC
 
T.A. Houlton Barn Jackson Hole WY
GFX100 GF23mm
f/8 1/160 ISO 200
 
In the end I fell in love with the GFX100.
GFX100 GF250 & 1.4TC
f/8 1/160 ISO 200
 
I’ll share a secret with you since you’ve lasted this long. All the images included here were captured hand-held!

I have one request of Fujifilm - Please release a 2xTC for the GF100-200 and GF250 lenses. You offer a 1.4 and x2 for your FX lens lineup.

More to come so stay tuned.
 
Don