Fujifilm's GFX100RF embodies half a century of relentless pursuit to craft the ideal fixed-lens medium-format camera.
Fujifilm's Medium Format Rangefinder Cameras: A Journey of Innovation
Fujifilm's history with medium format rangefinder cameras is a fascinating tale of innovation and adaptation. The company's journey began with the introduction of the 6x9 format GW690 series in the 1990s, marking the final evolution of their 6x9 rangefinder line.
The GW690 series cameras were designed as simple, manual exposure rangefinders, emphasizing pure photographic craftsmanship. They delivered very large negatives suitable for high-resolution work, and are still treasured by film enthusiasts today. The fixed 90mm lens, highly regarded for its exceptional sharpness and optical quality, is often highlighted as a standout attribute, contributing to stunning precision and sharpness in the resulting photographs.
Despite no longer being in production, these models remain highly sought after on the second-hand market due to their legendary image quality and straightforward operation.
Before the GW690 series, Fujifilm persisted with the fixed-lens medium format camera configuration for close to 25 years. One of their earliest attempts was the Fujica G690, unveiled in 1968. Comparatively compact for a 6x9cm camera, it had a hinged camera back, a lever-type film advance lever, and a coupled rangefinder.
Fujifilm continued to innovate in this space, introducing the GF670W model at the 2010 Photokina. This rigid-bodied rollfilm camera featured a 55mm f/4.5 lens. The GF670 was switchable between the 6x6cm and 6x7cm formats.
In the 1980s, Fujifilm pursued the concept of a comparatively compact camera delivering a big picture, even when lens interchangeability was considered more desirable. They introduced a second line of 6x4.5cm format fixed-lens rangefinder cameras, which were more compact and lighter weight, offering an imaging area 2.7 times larger than 35mm.
The GA645, introduced in 1995, was a significant milestone. It was a fully-automatic point-and-shoot camera, but also offered aperture-priority auto or manual modes. The GA645 had autofocusing, programmed exposure control, a motorized film transport, and a built-in, pop-up flash.
The GA645 was upgraded in 1997 as the GA645i, with the main change being the addition of a second shutter release button on the front panel. Fujifilm also introduced the GA645W fitted with a 45mm f/4.0 lens in addition to the original model.
By the Sixties, the 35mm single lens reflex camera with interchangeable lenses was gaining popularity. However, Fujifilm continued to focus on the niche market of medium format cameras, specifically targeting portrait photographers roaming Japan's tourist spots.
Fast forward to the modern era, and Fujifilm is once again making waves in the medium format market with the GFX100RF. This camera, with its 102MP sensor, is closer to the original idea than any of the rollfilm cameras could possibly be by themselves. Fujifilm is emphasizing the flexibility inherent in the big sensor, enabling in-camera cropping and a host of aspect ratios.
However, the GFX100RF has surprisingly proven to be the least popular of the modern era mirrorless digital cameras. Despite this, the prices of preloved GFX 50Rs are holding up very well.
In conclusion, Fujifilm's medium format rangefinder cameras have played a significant role in the company's photographic history. From the GW690 series to the latest GFX100RF, Fujifilm has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in medium format photography, blending large-format image quality with rangefinder simplicity.
- The fixed 90mm lens on Fujifilm's GW690 series cameras is widely recognized for its exceptional sharpness and optical quality, contributing to remarkable precision and sharpness in photographs.
- The GW690 series cameras, though no longer in production, remain highly sought after on the second-hand market due to their legendary image quality and straightforward operation.
- One of Fujifilm's earliest attempts at a medium format camera was the Fujica G690, unveiled in 1968, which stood out for its compact design compared to other 6x9cm cameras.
- Fujifilm's GF670W model, introduced at the 2010 Photokina, was a rigid-bodied rollfilm camera featuring a 55mm f/4.5 lens and the ability to switch between the 6x6cm and 6x7cm formats.
- In the 1980s, Fujifilm pursued the concept of a compact camera delivering high-resolution images, even when lens interchangeability was considered more desirable, launching a second line of 6x4.5cm format fixed-lens rangefinder cameras.
- The GA645, introduced in 1995, was a notable milestone for Fujifilm, offering a fully-automatic point-and-shoot experience with aperture-priority auto or manual modes, autofocusing, and a built-in, pop-up flash.
- In the modern era, Fujifilm is once again making waves in the medium format market with the GFX100RF, a camera that boasts a 102MP sensor and offers in-camera cropping and a variety of aspect ratios.
- Despite the GFX100RF being the least popular of the modern era mirrorless digital cameras, the prices of preloved GFX 50Rs are holding up well, indicating a continued interest in Fujifilm's medium format offerings.
- From the evolution of the 6x9 format GW690 series to the development of the mirrorless GFX100RF, Fujifilm's medium format rangefinder cameras have continually pushed the boundaries of medium format photography, blending large-format image quality with rangefinder simplicity.
