Camera ReviewMorten ByskovApril 25, 2024Fujifilm GFX100 II review, Fujifilm GFX100 II Sample images, Fujifilm GFX100 II sample photos, Fujifilm GFX100 II image quality, Fujifilm GFX100 II specs, GFX100II review, GFX100II sample images, GFX100II sample photosComment

Fujifilm GFX100 II Review

The Fujifilm GFX100 II shown with a GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR. — The Fujifilm GFX100 II shown with a GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR

It is All About the Image Quality, Improved Ergonomics, EVF, and Increased Speed

I always get excited when an email from Fujifilm Canada trickles in that they have a GFX camera for me to review. At the same time, I felt slightly apprehensive as I sold my GFX 50R in the fall of 2023 when I decided to try full-frame cameras for a while.

Would I be able to give the GFX100 II a fair shot now that I wasn’t fully invested in the GFX system? Would the GFX100 II make me want to return to the world of GFX cameras?

I have used the GFX100 II for a couple of weeks and will do my best to give you an idea of what you can expect from this latest flagship camera from Fujifilm.

Thanks again to Fujifilm Canada for providing the camera for a few weeks. I have not received any input, suggestions, or narrative from Fujifilm. The opinions in this review are mine, and mine only.

Morten Byskov, 5050 Travelog, reviewing the Fujifilm GFX100 II. — Street photograph session with the Fujifilm GFX100 II and the Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2
Photo by: @secondteamkyle

GFX100 II - The New Flagship GFX Camara

Introduced in September 2023, the GFX100 II appeared as the first serious contender to full-frame cameras regarding overall speed and ergonomics. It is, however, still trailing on autofocus speed and it is also slightly larger and heavier than most of its full-frame competitors.

Compared to the existing GFX 100 the new Mark II version appears to be a slick new alternative with the latest processor, improved speed, and advanced video features.

The introduction of the GFX100 II resulted in lower prices for the GFX 100S, which currently are on sale for $4,399.00 with the GFX100 II retailing for $7.499.00.

A food truck in downtown Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm GFX100 II and GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR. — Downtown, Vancouver, Fujifilm GFX100 II, GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR @ f/1.7

Build Quality, Design, and Handling

I have tried all Fujifilm GFX cameras except for the GFX 100 which I only handled briefly in a photography store during my travels. The PSAM-dial style body of the GFX100 II represents a new direction for Fujifilm and yet I instantly felt at home navigating menus and handling the camera.

The Bishamon-Tex leather with its traditional Japanese imprint feels great and the grip is large with room for three fingers with an indent for your middle finger giving you a sure handle on the camera.

Three main features make the GFX100 II an absolute joy to use. First off, the 9.44m-Dot EVF with 1x magnification is rather mindblowing.

The newly designed top LCD is very easy to read and I love how it shows your custom function settings. Finally, the three top function buttons and two on the front make it easy to set the camera to your liking.

Weighing in at 2.271 lb / 1.030 kg is not for the faint of heart but I was surprised that it is not all that different from my Leica SL2-S which weighs 2 lb / 931 g. The GFX 100S weighs 2 lb / 900 g and to put these in perspective to a more typical full-frame camera the Sony A7RV weighs 1.6 lb / 723 g.

The GFX100 II is, however, significantly bulkier than my two current cameras, the Leica SL2-S, and Fujifilm X-Pro2 as seen in the photo below.

Camera size comparison between the Fujifilm GFX100 II, Leica SL2-S, and Fujifilm X-Pro2. — Size comparison. Fujifilm GFX100 II, Leica SL2-S, and Fujifilm X-Pro2.

Fujifilm GFX100 II Specs

102-megapixel 43.8 x 32.9mm BSI CMOS Sensor
X-Processor 5 Image Processor
ISO range: 80-12,800, 16-bit. Extended to 40-102,400
5-Axis Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization, 8 stops
Up to 8 fps
4K/60P Video; 10-Bit Out, 8K/30P, FHD/120P
400 MP Pixel Shift Multi-Shot Mode
Slot 1: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
Slot 2: CFexpress Type B
9.44m-Dot EVF, 1X Magnification, 120 fps refresh rate
3.2" vari-angle touchscreen
Weight: 2.271 lb / 1.030 kg
Price: $7,499.00 (at the time this review was posted)

A couple walk across the Art Gallery Plaza in Vancouver at sunset. Sample image from a Fujifilm GFX100 II and GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR. — Art Gallery Plaza, Vancouver, Fujifilm GFX100 II, GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR @ f/2.5

In Action

Compared to the GFX 50R the GFX100 II has a shorter blackout time with a wonderful dampened shutter mechanism/sound and it has the important 8-stop image stabilization. Overall the GFX100 II feels more modern.

The EVF is superb if you like to use manual focus lenses with your GFX100 II. It is so good that you don’t need focus peaking.

From Fujifilm I had two different lenses for this review, the GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR and GF 30mm f/3.5 R WR. Autofocus speed has improved with the GFX100 II but I encountered a few issues with the GF 55mm hunting for focus at times, and for certain motives had some serious issues.

I encountered these same problems when I reviewed the GF 55mm with my GFX 50R. The GF 30mm was flawless and quiet in comparison when it comes to autofocus.

Subject detection AF works very well now and this goes for both lenses I tested. It should be no surprise that it is the best it has ever been. I would say it falls slightly behind some of the best full-frame options but it is now a reliable option on the GFX100 II.

I also used my three Voigtländer manual focus M-Mount lenses as you will see in photo captions.

A Chrysler Windsor Deluxe at Granville Island in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm GFX100 II and Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.2 — Granville Island, Vancouver, Fujifilm GFX100 II, Voigtländer Nokton 50mm f/1.2 Aspherical

For my style of shooting, I often ride a bike or take long walks for street photography. For these applications, I do find the GFX100 II cumbersome to lug around, especially with lenses in the size category of the GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR.

Using the GF 30mm f/3.5 R WR helped as this lens weighs less at 1.12 lb / 510 g compared to 1.7 lb / 780 g for the GF 55mm and is considerably less bulky.

Even better, I quite like the GFX100 II with my much smaller manual focus Voigtländer lenses. Thanks to @secondteamkyle for lending me your Novoflex Leica M to GFX adapter.

The Fujifilm GFX100 II with Voigtländer Nokton Vintage Line 28mm f/1.5 Aspherical lens. — Fujifilm GFX100 II and the Voigtländer Nokton 28mm f/1.5

Fujifilm GFX100 II - Image Quality

I loved the image quality from my GFX 50R and still think it is the most organic-looking GFX sensor. With that said there is a color pop and resolution in the GFX100 II files that I don’t think I have seen before from any sensor.

The ability to crop is just astounding. You can entertain the idea of having fewer lenses and just crop into your files when needed. I will show an example at the end of this paragraph.

We now have a new film simulation, REALA ACE. As for tonality and saturation, REALA ACE sits in the middle of the pack and according to Fujifilm, it is suitable for all subjects and situations.

Unlike former film simulation rollouts such as Nostalgic Neg, Classic Chrome, and Acros, this REALA ACE has not won me over yet. It is certainly okay but just didn’t wow me. More importantly, the straight-up RAW files without having to add a film simulation is what I often prefer.

The sample images in this review can be viewed up to 2500 pixels wide depending on your monitor size. Please click to view larger photos if viewed on your PC or laptop, or pinch-zoom if you are viewing on your phone.

Please see the two images below. The top image is the original and the second image is a crop of the gentleman sitting by the sign.

A man sits by the Commerce Place in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm GFX100 II and GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR. — Orignal File

A man sits by the Commerce Place sign in Vancouver. Sample image from a Fujifilm GFX100 II and GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR. — A crop of the image seen above

Conclusion

I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to give the GFX100 II a fair shot but the more I have used it the more I can appreciate the gorgeous files this camera can make. Suppose you are looking for the max. possible resolution and enjoy the ability to crop you will surely like the GFX100 II.

There are, however, alternatives to consider if resolution is what you are after. The GFX 100S offers the same megapixel count at a considerably lower cost (and specs) or if rumors are true, we could be looking at a GFX 100S II already next month. This, of course, is merely speculation and we will have to wait and see the specs and price of such a camera.

With a similar pixel density, you may also consider the newly released Leica SL3, $6,995.00, Sony A7RV, $3,898.00, or aim for the sky with the Hasselblad X2D, $8,199.00.

I do look with a slight bit of envy at Hasselblad's two f/2.5 lenses, the XCD 55mm and 38mm. I find these two focal lengths, size, weight, and max f-stop very appealing. I am not crazy about the $3,699.00 sticker price/each but wish Fujifilm would have similar lenses in their lineup.

The Fujifilm GFX100 II with its tilting rear LCD — Rear LCD of the Fujifilm GFX100 II

As much as I appreciate the quality of images I can get from the GFX100 II, I have no immediate desire or specific need to return to the realm of GFX cameras.

I am lucky to live in a city where I can rent one for certain gigs, or if I plan a landscape road trip where having plenty of resolution can be essential. I will also stress that the GFX100 II is an excellent tool for a working photographer.

Having the GFX100 II for my review coincided with a corporate gig I had and I used the GFX100 II for group photos and a few environmental shots and the results were excellent. Unfortunately, I cannot share these images.

Do not let my specific situation discourage you from moving further and exploring the GFX100 II for your photography projects. There are plenty of scenarios where it would shine. Landscape, architecture, fashion, and portrait photography are the first few genres that come to mind.

Please see more sample images below.

Icons are clear and text/numbers are easy to read on the new top LCD on the GFX100 II

Price / Availability

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Fujifilm GFX 100 II - B&H Photo

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