X Story – GFX100RF x Samuel Bassett
GFX100RF: Car Photography x Samuel Bassett
Equipped with the FUJIFILM GFX100RF, car photographer Samuel Bassett explores the theme of old meeting new
“I was always around cameras growing up,” begins Samuel Bassett, a UK-based photographer specialising in cars and motorsports. “My mum had one, so we have thousands of film photos everywhere at home. I basically ended up combining my dad’s passion for motorsports with my mum’s photography.
“Cars, for me, symbolise freedom. I like to photograph cars made with passion, that have had years of design go into them,” Samuel enthuses. “Beautiful-looking cars are a testament to their creators – the designer that spent sleepless nights thinking about the form of that car, trying to make it as beautiful and sleek as possible.
“As a creator myself, I respect that. I appreciate what goes into a beautiful sports car – so those are the vehicles I like to photograph. Cars that have a story.”
With the FUJIFILM GFX100RF in hand, Samuel headed to the mountainous, winding roads of the Swiss-German border, where he planned to tell one such story.
FUJIFILM GFX100RF
Placing a 102-megapixel GFX System sensor within a lightweight and tactile fixed-lens body, the GFX100RF is a completely unique camera. It combines a classic, timeless design with the cutting edge of imaging technology – a juxtaposition which sparked inspiration in Samuel.
“My plan was to photograph two cars – one old, one new,” Samuel describes. “I picked an older-style Porsche and a new one because the underlying design has stayed fairly similar. They look alike; they just got bigger and faster.
“I wanted to depict that because this camera has many of the traits of an old camera, but embodies new technology. And it’s incredible to use,” he adds.
“For my honest, genuine first impression of the camera, I didn’t realise how light it was going to be! I expected it to be quite heavy, but it wasn’t,” Samuel notes. “It was nice in hand, and so easy to work with. And it’s pocketable – having that type of camera in your pocket is unbelievable,” he notes.
Indeed, at only 735g, the rangefinder-style GFX100RF is the world’s smallest ever GFX System camera. Its combined image quality and versatility open up limitless possibilities for discerning image makers.
102-megapixel sensor
Thanks to the huge GFX System sensor, the GFX100RF offers an improved imaging experience across the board. Wide dynamic range, improved colour fidelity and, of course, vast resolution are just some of the benefits of this image sensor when compared to full-frame cameras.
“A 102-megapixel sensor in a small, compact body – it’s kind of crazy,” Samuel points out. “If you’ve used something like the FUJIFILM X100VI, when you make a picture with it and zoom in, the quality is amazing. But when you do that with the GFX100RF, it’s actually insane.
“I remember using the FUJIFILM GFX100 II at Goodwood last year, and the difference in quality between that and my full-frame camera was unbelievable. Now, having that in a compact system opens up so many doors.”
As a professional photographer, Samuel is quick to look for the right use cases in his work – though he insists it would also make a stunning camera for personal use.
“Obviously, you can crop in a lot if you want. You can create extremely high-quality images for clients and brands,” he enthuses. “But equally, it’s a great option if you’re in the high-end market and want a camera for your family.”
Aspect Ratio dial
Drawing directly from some of Fujifilm’s most unique creations, the GFX100RF features a new Aspect Ratio dial, allowing users to switch between image formats from truly iconic cameras. Examples include 4:3 from the legendary FUJIFILM GX680, 65:24 from the panoramic FUJIFILM TX-1, 1:1 from the FUJICA Six – all available at a twist of this tactile control.
“It gives people more creative freedom when they’re out making images – especially street photography,” suggests Samuel. “It enables you to essentially crop the sensor; to get a JPEG and attain a creative image straight out of camera.
“It can help you see with that creative eye as well because you can work in RAW+JPEG,” he continues. “So, you get the JPEG, which you can have in any aspect ratio, but also get the RAW.”
Gaining the ability to practise using these unusual image formats while retaining an image that uses the full sensor will serve as an invaluable stepping stone to working with them more instinctually, Samuel points out. “It’s a good way for people to learn how to compose differently – to be more creative with their use of aspect ratios.”
Combined with the full complement of 20 Film Simulation modes, the GFX100RF is a camera that allows straight-out-of-camera photographers to work with an incredible amount of creative freedom.
Fixed-lens design
The classic rangefinder design of the GFX100RF incorporates a fixed 35mm lens, granting a 35mm equivalent of a wide-angle 28mm in 35mm format.
“I typically use an interchangeable-lens full-frame camera – that’s my workhorse,” Samuel notes. “But for some projects, I need a more compact, high-quality system.
“You could go into it feeling limited because it’s a fixed lens at a fixed focal length. But you’re really not – you have 102 megapixels to play with,” he points out. You can work with different crops, and play around with punching in and getting different focal lengths.”
The GFX100RF’s built-in digital teleconverter lets users easily crop in on the sensor to access focal length equivalents of 36mm, 50mm and 63mm, vastly expanding the usability of the camera.
“Swapping between the different focal length equivalents is simple,” Samuel continues. “It helps you compose as you wish. The variety of compositions you can get in comparison to some of the smaller-sensor systems is unbelievable. Cropped all the way in, it even gives you the ability to do these macro-style photos.”
Further improving the versatility of the GFX100RF, the lens features a built-in neutral density (ND) filter that can reduce exposure by up to four stops – ideal for using creative long-exposure techniques under bright sunlight.
The camera also comes with an adapter ring and filter which render the entire construction completely weather-resistant, making it a perfect camera for everyday use.
“People will love that,” Samuel highlights. “Especially for those projects where the weather isn’t great. I do lots of street photography in the rain, so it’s invaluable.”
Having worked with the GFX100RF for a number of days, Samuel has had time to think about who might benefit from adding this camera to their collection.
“Any professional photographer would love having this camera in their bag, so they can create high-quality, candid moments throughout each job,” he suggests.
“A lot of the photos I’ve made at motorsports events have been with a smaller set-up. You don’t want a huge set-up when you’re close to sportspeople. A camera like this is great for professionals – I can’t think of an industry where it wouldn’t work.”
