GFX100RF - some issues

[jhunna]

I have had the camera for two weeks, and I am going to keep it. That said I have noticed some "bug-a-boos" that I thought I would helps some people out.

• The physical controls are nice, but can be an issue.
  • Using them slows me down too much so I move all the dial functions to the front and rear dials and use the front button to cycle through.
  • The zoom lever is too easy to move so I locked it down and press the unlock button to change zoom.
  • The on off switch doesn't move enough. What I mean is I can't tell from feel if the camera is on or off, and I have heard of people turning it on by just adding it or removing it from the bag.
  • The joystick sometimes needs a second press in the various directions. I have been trained to push twice to make sure it is moving.
• Focusing
  • All of the focusing modes work, when they want to, but they are not 100% and that slows me down.
  • If I am going slow, and have one or two subjects the Face/Eye detection works well. If I leave the camera on this type of autofocus, it becomes less reliable.
  • I like to focus and recompose, and I don't do that with the joystick (see above). I use AF-C, half press and recompose. Works well for me.
  • Manual focusing is pretty good, especially from f8 and up. I am finding the manual focus scale reliable and consistent.
  • I like speed so I set the focusing to release not focus. I am getting my shots in focus, so this is working for me.
  • Lowlight focusing, surprsingly good, but there are limits. There are times when I can't make out whats on screen because everything is so dark, but the focus is usually spot on. Actually not an issue...
• Sound
  • I just turned it off. I like the number 3 sound, but half the time it doesn't register/play, so I turned it off.

Somethings I want in a firmware update:

• More reliable focusing. It isn't bad, it just isn't what I am used to coming from Sony.
• When the ratio dial is set to C, they should let us select which ratios we want to use. I would limit my self to 17:6, 1:1 and 4:3, now I have to scroll through a few to get to them.
• Ability to zoom in video at the same points as photos.
• Would love for the feature that is being adjusted via the C button to change to a different color while it is selected. Looking for the little wheel slows me up.

Things, in my experience, that really aren't an issue:

• Cost - Seen as a gateway to MF with the same sensor as a Hasselblad, and with a leaf shutter, this camera is a value leader.
• f4 - Shoot outside, add a flash, up the iso, recover in post, or get closer.
• IBIS - Won't stop your moving subject from being blurry, so up the shutter speed. Several have mentioned 1/125 for consistent sharpness hand held I agree. If I need to go lower, I will add a flash, and that seems to maintain the sharpness.
• Even though this camera is slower than what I am used to, it is fast enough. I just need to practice to get the speed and consistency up.
• And the files are gorgeous. Even the grain/noise at high iso is small enough that I consider it a feature. Can't wait until DxO finishes its update so I can test the files with DxO.

 

[FujLiver]

I have had the camera for two weeks, and I am going to keep it. That said I have noticed some "bug-a-boos" that I thought I would helps some people out.

• The physical controls are nice, but can be an issue.
  • Using them slows me down too much so I move all the dial functions to the front and rear dials and use the front button to cycle through.
  • The zoom lever is too easy to move so I locked it down and press the unlock button to change zoom.
  • The on off switch doesn't move enough. What I mean is I can't tell from feel if the camera is on or off, and I have heard of people turning it on by just adding it or removing it from the bag.
  • The joystick sometimes needs a second press in the various directions. I have been trained to push twice to make sure it is moving.

locking down the aspect ratio level is a must - unless you use it!

• Focusing
  • All of the focusing modes work, when they want to, but they are not 100% and that slows me down.
  • If I am going slow, and have one or two subjects the Face/Eye detection works well. If I leave the camera on this type of autofocus, it becomes less reliable.
  • I like to focus and recompose, and I don't do that with the joystick (see above). I use AF-C, half press and recompose. Works well for me.
  • Manual focusing is pretty good, especially from f8 and up. I am finding the manual focus scale reliable and consistent.
  • I like speed so I set the focusing to release not focus. I am getting my shots in focus, so this is working for me.
  • Lowlight focusing, surprsingly good, but there are limits. There are times when I can't make out whats on screen because everything is so dark, but the focus is usually spot on. Actually not an issue...

The GFX100RF is unusually good as a low light camera. I find at f4 at night with -1 exp compensation and high ISO, it takes beautiful photos. And, as you say, the AF is very good

• Sound
  • I just turned it off. I like the number 3 sound, but half the time it doesn't register/play, so I turned it off.

Somethings I want in a firmware update:

• More reliable focusing. It isn't bad, it just isn't what I am used to coming from Sony.

No focus is like Sony. Sony is almost telepathic. I have used modern Canon and Nikon AF, and nothing comes close to Sony, even on the slower higher resolution cameras.

• When the ratio dial is set to C, they should let us select which ratios we want to use. I would limit my self to 17:6, 1:1 and 4:3, now I have to scroll through a few to get to them.
• Ability to zoom in video at the same points as photos.
• Would love for the feature that is being adjusted via the C button to change to a different color while it is selected. Looking for the little wheel slows me up.

Things, in my experience, that really aren't an issue:

• Cost - Seen as a gateway to MF with the same sensor as a Hasselblad, and with a leaf shutter, this camera is a value leader.

The GFX100RF is cheaper then any MF body, and it includes a lens. Which is excellent.

• f4 - Shoot outside, add a flash, up the iso, recover in post, or get closer.
• IBIS - Won't stop your moving subject from being blurry, so up the shutter speed. Several have mentioned 1/125 for consistent sharpness hand held I agree. If I need to go lower, I will add a flash, and that seems to maintain the sharpness.
• Even though this camera is slower than what I am used to, it is fast enough. I just need to practice to get the speed and consistency up.
• And the files are gorgeous. Even the grain/noise at high iso is small enough that I consider it a feature. Can't wait until DxO finishes its update so I can test the files with DxO.

I think the lens is outstanding. I have been comparing it at pixel level to my Voigtlander and Leica lenses, and it take gorgeous sharp photos, including at infinity which is classically a sore spot for many lenses.


--
"No photograph survives first contact with the subject"

 

[Lukacs85]

I can't understand why they didn't made the lens weather sealed with an 1cm front element internal focusing,

I can't understand if they opted for adapter ring, why didn't make it same outer diameter as the lens, so you can attach the lens cap, now it just fall of.

 

[Singingsnapper]

They do at least include a lens protector in case the cap falls off - mine has already fallen off a few times when not using the adaptor ring and hood

 

[SilverEagle1962]

I can't understand why they didn't made the lens weather sealed with an 1cm front element internal focusing,

I can't understand if they opted for adapter ring, why didn't make it same outer diameter as the lens, so you can attach the lens cap, now it just fall of.

May be extension beautiful lenses from Fujifilm are coming?…… ;-)