Development Story vol.01: The Rangefinder Style and Fujifilm, and the GFX
“If we could create a large format camera with a rangefinder style, it would open up a whole new world.”
The development path of large-format cameras, which began with the GFX 50S in 2017, can be described as “evolutionary”. Pixel counts have increased, the range of lenses has expanded, and our proprietary features, such as film simulation and effects, have been enhanced.
As the number of users and the contexts in which the cameras are utilized have grown, a new demand emerged for the ability to carry the high image quality of the GFX series anywhere, anytime. Thus, we embarked on the search for the next phase of development.
FUJIFILM looks to the X100 series as its premier role model: it features a portable size, a design that invites users to keep it close and engage with it, and a setup that makes operating the camera a joy. The X100 series had a significant impact on the digital camera industry during the peak of the SLR era, and its foundational concepts have been extended into the X-Pro and X-E series, which have received high acclaim.
The essence of the camera, needless to say, lies in its rangefinder style. It is said that the way a photographer peers through the viewfinder, positioned at the edge of the camera, exudes elegance. The compact lens integrated into the body, the seamless experience of quietly blending into the environment, the dynamic nature of photography that encourages looking beyond the frame, and the stylish design that complements any outfit or scene without the need for a dedicated camera bag—all of these elements contribute to the distinctive appeal of the rangefinder style.
Since the film era, FUJIFILM has produced numerous rangefinder-style cameras, beginning with the Fujica Six IA (released in 1948), the company’s first camera, and including renowned models such as the GA645 (released in 1995), GX617 (released in 1993), TX-1 (released in 1998), and GF670 (released in 2009). Each of these cameras has carved out a unique need that others could not fulfill, and they continue to be popular.
Over the course of its long history, FUJIFILM has been a supplier of film across a variety of formats, which formed the backbone of its business. The company has a proven track record in lens manufacturing across all formats, including 35mm, medium format, and large format, and has also developed cameras characterized by their originality. By harnessing the expertise gained from these endeavors in a new camera, we aim to infuse a fresh dimension into our legacy as a versatile manufacturer.
Our goal was to create a camera that you would want to carry with you at all times — a system that brings you joy with every use and enhances our heritage, all through the GFX system.
This commitment ultimately led us to define the concept and core style of the GFX100RF.
