Best Used Camera 2024? Fuji GFX 100s - Reviewed By PRO 

hehe because of eyesight, these mirrorless cameras are godsends for me. I can use these viewfinders with monitors inside so much better than classical viewfinders. I just see and regonize more with these than the old ones. This might depend on the eye correction someone needs.

I was interested in what you had to say about the Fuji. Shortly before I found your channel I bought a FujiFilm GFX 100S. I really like it. The menu's seem OK to me. I have been a Canon user and am used to the menu's. I find the Sony menu's to be really confusing. I had no problem with the Fuji menu's. I also started tethering because of your videos. I have a Tether Tools cable and had no problem getting the camera to tether to Capture One. I watched a RU-vid video on the menu setting to setup tethering on the Fuji and have had no problems tethering (so far). I have worked in the TV industry for decades and am used to electronic viewfinders (all TV cameras have electronic viewfinders). The GFX 100S viewfinder is good to me. I think it is what you get used to. Change can be difficult. I have no problems using the viewfinder. I also use the screen on the back sometimes. I find the FujiFilm GFX 100S to be great to use. It's just different than Canon. The images are fantastic on the computer. I agree that retouching is a dream. I have used Hasselblad film cameras in the past and always wanted a medium format digital camera. I think this one is the best choice for me. I still use my Canon 5D Mk II. Love your videos.

regarding losing the settings. With the Software FUJIFILM X Acquire you can export the Setting from the Camera and import it to another one from the same series. I personally have a blast with my GFX 100S but I'm not a Pro Photographer as you. I just love to make pictures.

Definitely worth saving your settings on a spare SD and keeping it somewhere safe. I sometimes rent out my second body on Fat Llama and it means I can just pop the card back in the camera when I get it back - restore all saved settings (including menu items etc. )

Well that’s an honest review. I’ve watched your panegyrics on the Canon 5D cameras and was stunned you gave them up and am nearly confident you’ll be back with them in a year’s time. Lovely review, cheers.

Thanks for your videos very enjoyable and interesting perspectives. I've just invested in a Cambo actus and a selection of Mamiya RB/RZ glass. I noticed you have yellow rings attached to your lenses, are these to hold the aperture closed while shooting? If so what are they called, I've tried to Google but can't find them! Cheers

Your videos are always well thought out.

I have the 50S II and tether without any problems with fairly cheap cable. Go 110mm for portraits.

Hi Scott, Love your content. Since you are talking about cameras, I would like to know your opinion about the new Hasselblad 907X and the CFV II 50C digital back to use in combination with the Cambo system. How good are those 50 megapixels? Have you heard or tried this equipment? Thank you.

I used gfx mark ii and my digitech told me all problems u mentioned are gone from new version. Also no problem to tether we used tether tool cables and it was fine.

Hi, thanks a lot for the review. Really like your point of view on this. Would you pls share more in-depth experience with tethering issues? How does the tethering work, what kind of cable and setting did you need to make it work, etc... Thank you!

I appreciate you sharing your tethering issues with the GFX. I agonized for quite awhile between the Fuji and the Hasselblad X2D. ultimately I chose the X2D and it has tethered flawlessly since day 1.

I'd be interested in hearing what you think of the EVF on the Canon R5 compared to the 5dSR / GFX100s? (And do the R5-files still give a "thin negative"-feel as you've mentioned on other Canons?) For me, it was good enough to finally switch from the 5d3 that I had for 6 years while dreading the day I'd have to switch to mirrorless. Also, working a lot on location (with moving people - the complete opposite of studio still life) having that smart focus _on the sensor_ was a game changer, but I definitely wouldn't have made the jump had the EVF not been up to par.

Scott, can you explain to us why you absolutely dislike the EVF?

Thanks Scott, I am renting an actus mv, can you please tell us the name of the mamiya lens and which actus bayonet to use? Thanks

You have touched the topic of vintage lens on modern camera, could you make a video about vintage lens that will easily resolve high megapixel image? Maybe not regarding your whole setup but straight to camera, i think that it can be usefull to others. I'm starting to work in photo and gathering first Jobs, would be glad to have an advice which lens may be good longterm.

I’ve been researching the 100S & 50SII quite a lot as its an expensive upgrade from me but from whom I’ve talked with who do use one they seem to be more geared towards work like mine, documentarian field work that still gets printed. Anyways thanks for the video, always great to see an opinion of things being used in practical application, very interesting to get an insight into your studio workflow.

Great video! The menu thing is probably to being used to the Canon system for so long. I have my own love/hate relationship with my Fuji cams (why I use Sony for my work) but I think that you'll understand the menu in no time. Unrelated question to the camera but not the video: Did you switch your FPS from what you usually shoot?

Out of curiosity, did you consider a Hasselbald instead of the Fuji? If so, what kept you back?

I have one. The tethering isn’t good but with proper cable it works ok. Now in terms of built quality I’m alright with it. As a portrait photographer, the problem with the camera is that once you call in love with its colors, you are not going back. Sure you can get a hasslblad or phase one instead but in terms of cost and picture quality, this is my sweet spot. 😊

The brutal honesty was sooo refreshing. Thank you.

Great video! Also, what jacket is that?

Good Review thanks

I have the 110mm for my 50S II and use it for all my portrait work. I absolutely love it!!

I love your love/hate relationship you have with your camera 😃

Can you zoom in on the screen to the same extent as your old 5drs?

Hi Scott, serious question, would you like to have a go with my Sony A7R Mk5? It's sort of Sony's equivalent to this, albeit 61mp. I'm local (near Derby) I'd be quite interested to hear your opinions on it in comparison. The viewfinder is excellent, although menus standard Sony crap. I once made the mistake of buying a (used) Hasselblad digital, awful workflow.

Scott, curious to know the 1970's and 80's lenses you mention and why? (other than huge cost savings)

I've shot GFX cameras numerous times tethered whilst charging the battery via USB-C cable. Not sure which "authority" told you it'll destroy the cable, but that's simply not correct. Maybe you're using a cable that isn't within the specified parameters (too long, too thin) but the Tethertools cables you mentioned have been doing fine and they work perfectly fine. USB-C specs recommend a maximum length of 4m. As for the EVF - that's really just a matter of preference and getting used to it. After you get used to it, it's a much better tool than an optical viewfinder. I've tried to go back and it's just cumbersome.

I totally agree, the EVF is one of the main drawbacks of mirrorless systems, mostly due to limited dynamic range (~8 vs 20 EV) and the speed of transmission (few μsec vs speed of light). There are few advantages but in my opinion for most photographers they don't outweigh the cons.

Not sure which software you're using, I used to find the 100s slow to teather in Capture One, but after an update it significantly improved from taking 10 or 20 seconds to 1 or 2 seconds. Found no difficulty in the setup myself using a cheapy usb cable. Agree EVF is pretty poor coming from DSLR myself, no fine details and relatively muddy appearance. I now use eterna profile where camera previews image rather than simulating an optical viewfinder and I increased the EVF brightness manually which has all helped from where I started but its still no optical viewfinder. Have found other modern mirrorless cameras have much better EVFs.

I thought I was the only one that HATED electronic viewfinders. I'm glad to know there are others.

At 06:33 Every camera should have a way to take a "screenshot" of the rear display. That would be so easy to document your settings. Just a combination of buttons to press to record an image on the SD card. Would be great to use in educational (RU-vid) videos or websites.

Would be great to see your review about the last gen. of this camera.

I think we need a comparison video with the gfx 100II if you can borrow/rent one maybe? I've heard many of those growing pains have improved in the newer version

I so agree with you ref the EVF thing Sscott, I use 50S with the tilting adapter for the EVF (usually on a tripod for landscape) and just today I was out and decided to go hand held for a change, trouble was when I went to 100% to check for camera shake (as I am not used to hand holding the GFX) the EVF was effin useless, might as well have not bothered at 100% I couldn't even tell if it was in focus let alone free of camera shake it looked like a painting by numbers sketchbook. I still love my 50S for landscape though and the files as you say are gorgeous. BTW love the chyannel.

Enjoyed this a lot. Weirdly I’m a Fuji user but not emotionally attached to kit. Also grew up on Canon and Nikon bodies. So totally agree on menus and EVF being yucky. However I like the files, the recipes (heresy for you probably) and the handling (X-T5). If I could put 5D menus, 1dmk2 viewfinder in x-t5 body I’d be stoked.

The Fuji GF 110 mm lens is great. I use it for client shoots, and I absolutely love it.

You're like me, I dont understand why is mirrorless the future, and the exp sim and eye tracking so much praysed by internet reviews never worked for me, and I tested it quite a lot. Although I understand why fuji embraced it, because of the compactness of the smaller cameras like x t30, it really makes sense. But for the case of canons r5 and so on I dont understand it from a photo centric view. Can you please tell wich lenses are these?

Thank you so much for clarifying the rationale - I 'll stick to my 5Ds' for now.

Thank you for sharing

I know you use the GFX on a view camera with adapted MF lenses - Have you used GF glass, and if so how would you compare them to your 67 lenses, especially when considering coatings, flare, etc.?

Surprised with the problems you have had with menu and tethering. I have had the gfx100 and gfx100 II and had no issue once setting it to computer auto detect. What issue did you have with menu only new thing for me going from dslr is having to change to auto WB and preview .

I completely agree on electronic viewfinders. I use Canon 1DXs. I cannot work comfortably with an EVF, it has to be an optical viewfinder.

Welcome to fuji! 😅You're bang on for the most part, the 100ii fixed a lot of these issues (at a price) and is a much more useable and thus considerably superior camera. Your needs are extreme, so interested why you went for the older version . Oh and glass wise, buy the 110 over the 80. No competition really.

Did you update your camera to the new firmware ? If you did and still not happy, I would suggest not to buy a second one, but rent the new one Fujifilm gfx 100 mark II to see if all the problems you have were fixed on the new camera.

Well, you did a marvellous job of selling the GFX... Lol!... I shall look forward to watching your review of something you really don't like...love your style!

The 45-100mm F4 is great for the studio, great all-round lens. The fast lenses are great for natural light, certainly if you' re after shallow DoF.

Interesting, Thanks!

Why not Fujifilm GFX100 II? Might there be difference when thetering?

Just got the GFX 100ii. Have you taken a look at that?

What’s the issues you are having with the EVF? Fuji is known for making some Power/Quality tradeoffs that affect the EVF, with the defaults usually being on the side that conserves power.

FWIW I have been using the GFX system for a few years now and haven't had any trouble tethering. Area 51 and LVNA cables seem to work the best/quickest. As for the menu system, it really isn't bad. Learning a new menu is always rough. To me, it was better than Sony, where I came from, so I was always fine with it.

Buy the 80 for a native lens! The 110 is lovely and quiet and has nice bokeh, but the Fuji GFX 80mm f1.7 has such wonderful falloff. It's noisey, and slow with the af motors, but the images are just beautiful. Rent one - you'll see what I'm talking about. Like all artist's tools, the ones that are a pain the arse usually have that magic sauce that makes them worth it, and the FUji 80mm f1.7 is just such a tool :)

I love the Fuji GFX 100S as a portable camera. As you say, the image quality is superb. Once you’ve mastered the menus and customized it, it’s fantastic! Image having that studio quality sensor in a portable form. Image stabilization and great lenses.

I'm waiting for the Hassy H5D, or H6D to come down enough to pick one up with the fact Hassy won't service them anymore so it's an expensive disposable. I've been switched to mirrorless for like six years now and I still hate the electronic view finder.

Love the brutal honesty .... I bet if Fuji actually saw this video . Would they make you a custom spec'd camera to suit your job requirements

The large format Fuji cameras are a few years behind the APSC bodies in terms of software etc. They are only just starting to catch up. One thing you will get is firmware updates for quite a long time. Some of the issues you are having will be fixed. As an experiment you could try an XH2 and see the difference. I personally find them easy to use and enjoy the live view of the viewfinder and I have used all brands including Canon (I find their menu system very basic).

It's good to pull the manufacturer's ear from time to time. Well said.

Workflow issues like you mention are the entire reason I am selling my Hasselblad/Phase One kit. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the camera, but Firewire and lack of high usable ISO are my biggest problems. As a "jobbing local photographer" it makes no sense to have a $3500 camera kit that I can only use in the studio at ISO 50 or 100. I'll take the bit depth hit if it means running leaner, faster, and having redundancy. My Nikon kit costs far less, weighs less, can do all the jobs. If I we're in your shoes, with some nice high power, fast duration lights shooting only still life, then it would be the other way around.

Not sure about the Fuji viewfinder, but my Lumix S1R's is lovely :) If only it were 16 bit medium format ish.

Curious question for you. You mention the viewfinder is 'rubbish' and I tend to agree. I have had the 100s for a good bit. While I know your business model approach to such decisions, the 'medium-ish' format is a little unique in its price point. Viewfinder on 100s is roughly 3mil, the 100II is >9mil and the Hasselblad is about 5mil. I suspect the used price is roughly 1/3-1/2 of the new 100 II ($1k less than Hass). So my question, did you consider the 100 II and potentially its tilt viewfinder ? In your shooting, how much could you use the viewfinder? For me the II is worth the upgrade but I do not shoot product photography and the better focus, viewfinder and tilt are quite big factors for me.

You should do more camera reviews!

And here I was considering a Phase One XF with an IQ3 back. Man oh man.

recently i used a Sony a7sii that has 3 times the resolution of this fuji ....now i understand why people dont like low resolution viewfinders...totally a game changer ....but in my case i never used a dslr and alll my mirrorless cameras had lower viewfinder than that fuji so i didnt know what people where talking about....all i am saying is that you probably have used really good stuff and you expect better.... i mostly use the screen if possible cause i feel i can frame a shot better and i see the surroundings :)

Lol, I thought you were talking about a 20x24 view camera, lol. not the year. I'll catch on eventually.

I agreed with what you said about the EVF and new mirrorless camera things, especially the menus, because of video settings, and new features like A.i. So much, menus and labels on that settings that you didn't use 100% all the time.. And it's annoying sometimes if you trying to find just simple things to adjust. DSLR cameras are much simple than mirrorless cameras, I also own sony mirrorless cameras if I shoot for work I use it, but when I go travel or walking outside I use leica M series, it much simple and better and If I use my sony EVF or other camera with low quality EVF, my eyes gets tired to look at it. I love OVF. 😊

What happened to your jackets? You don‘t switch them anymore?

Hasselblad back that can be use on a V system and also on your Cambo, it could be a good match. Many people say that Hasselblad Natural Color are really good.

Fuji is a little rough around the edges, glad you called them out on that =)

I knew it, good to hear all this from you. But I don’t think the menu system is that terrific though😂

Love your vids Scott , I’m an amateur photographer, well maybe not even that maybe just a happy snapper , shoot mainly film but do use an old eos 1ds and fuji x 100v , rarely use the evf in the fuji prefer the optical view finder . Regarding the gfx 100s flappy battery door , these cameras are not designed for professional photographers, they are for the amateur market , if canon Fuji Sony Nikon had to rely on sales to professional photographers they would make no money . Enjoy your honest no nonsense channel 👍

With the issues, you are experiencing with the Fuji GFX 100s, you might consider a Hasselblad 907x 100c once cheaper second hand models become available. It's a very different setup, but it seems to me, they were made for studio work. I guess, you will probably be all over the Phase One by then though.

Aside from the price, sounds like a X2d would solve your issues. Think of it as a quality of life purchase… brilliant for all your non-paid test shooting and quite simply puts a smile on your face everytime you pick it up. Since getting one I haven’t touched my canons except for when I absolutely have to shoot something in continuous mode or want video.

Did u update the

I don't know the Fuji GFX series from own experience but from some other photographers on RU-vid who have been shooting with the GFX100s I did get the impression built-quality was not Fuji's best... Menu system is a personal preference I guess. After using Canon (APS-C but I think menu systems are comparable) I found the Fuji menu system much easier. The viewfinder, I never had a problem with that though! And compared to DSLRs I like that I can get a proper preview of the exposure, or if I don't want that, it can give me a proper bright picture even when the light is low. I often prefer the EVF over the rear LCD. I think that again this is a personal preference. Tethering -- I ever only had to set one menu option on my Fuji correctly (USB connection: Tethering Auto) and never before had any issue tethering with my Fuji APS-C cameras! And I've always been using cheap cables too (currently using a Matthorn cable). However -- I probably use cables that are much shorter than the one you put down on the table and cable length can very well be factor. So I'm very surprised that Fuji would have screwed that up so much with the GFX. Slow, however, yes, my Fuji APS-C cameras aren't very fast when tethered either and importing the pictures into CaptureOne seems to slow down after taking a few shots. LiveView in CaptureOne while tethering has always been low-res and slow with my Fuji APS-C cameras... I don't know if that is any better with other cameras. EDIT: PS1: I know from previous videos you did that you do not like working with an electronic viewfinder so I was surprised that you did upgrade to mirrorless... and not surprised to learn that you still hate those EVF's 😉 PS2: When I put my camera on a tripod and tether it, I do usually use the back LCD as well instead of a viewfinder and then finetune the composition based on what appears on the big screen after taking a shot. But that's purely because bending down towards the viewfinder is just less convenient than looking at the tiltable screen of the camera. When shooting "freehand" I still prefer the EVF, and the advantages it brings for me personally, such as exposure-preview. But I never used a DSLR as much as you did so my mind has a different training.

GFX100 II has a wonderfull EVF, give it a try.

The GFX EVFs - agreed. Hate them. If you stink still life is bad, you should try architecture. On one shoot I almost threw the camera cross the parking lot. Made me crazy! But the files were awesome.

it is technically 14bit raw sensor, upscaled to 16bit right ??

After watching this I checked my Sony's battery door and it has a removeable piece so you can use external power. But since I never do I never noticed before today.

I bought a 100s 2nd hand a year ago for £3k ish... swapping all my D850 kit... function wise it's not as solid and reliable as the Nikon. But the images are as sweet as anything I've ever personally owned, mixed with Caption One it's joyful viewing. Never owned a Phase so cannot compare, but I have worked with other photographers P1 images, and they are stunning.... I do love the 100s, but it does do weird unexplainable shit which is a pain, which really should be unacceptable for a Japanese camera at this price... Another enjoyable vid Mister Tin House x ...... PS. The 45-100mm zoom is a great studio lens for most work, appreciate it's only F4, so not idea for every scenario

I use tethertools cable and capture one. Never had an issue with my 100s. Worked with nikon and Sony as well. For me it’s no difference.

As an amateur mildly fascinated by the thinking of a pro, I have to wonder what the reasons are for you not biting the bullet and buying a tip top camera which does not suck and with which you can happily live with no complaints about tethering etc. Is it just the maths of economics which lead you to that? I would have thought that it would better to spend the dosh for peace of mind and not getting wound up.

I would consider borrowing/renting the fuji lenses before you buy. I prefer the 110 for some things and the 80 for others.

the viewfinder on the new cameras are just to slowly get people use to using the LCD display more

Not spent any time with Fuji bar the OG X100 so can't say much. Had a studio hire in recently who has moved to the GFX 100 II and the AF was hit and miss on the first session but was ok on the 2nd. some setting had been change on the Eye AF I believe. Files were very sharp and detailed and colours looked good. I would need to spend time with one to see if it is ££££ much batter than my 5DsR for my work but then I have no interest in changing at the moment. They do seem to be a lot of camera for the money when yo consider other MF options.

Did you contact the distributor about your tethering problems? I use a cheap 5 m long USB cable to connect my Canon EOS 750D camera to my PC. Works fine. How can failing to switch off the camera damage a cable? There are no active components in the cable. Did you try another PC? Another USB port?

The viewfinder and rear screen is top notch and a million times better on the new version, the gfx100ii I’m on the 100s, best lens is the 120 macro imho Sounds like youre sold man! Need to try out the new one and see what you think

I get what you are saying about the evf, maybe the 100sii will have a better one, when its launched in the next couple of months, Fuji are heavilly discounting the 100s to clear stock, before the launch of its replacement. The newish 100ii has the best evf of any mirrorless camera, plus better AF etc, but at a £3k premium over the 100s. Maybe you should rent one for a week, along with 80 & 110.

The sync speed is only 1/125th of the second!!! that killed it for me. I returned it and went back to my D850 I wanna try the Hassleblad X2D but I haven't gotten around to it yet. It has a leaf shutter so sync speed should be Really good Something like 1/4000 of a second.

Use it for weddings. Absolutely brilliant. Can only use certain parts of the day as it's not a speed machine. Single point focus is surprisingly accurate. Many keepers. Tracking is shit. Always use it when I can. The files are sublime. Editing is a joy. You get used to the menu. With the 55mm 1.7 it has a look that makes your heart skip when viewing the files. Plus you can crop the crap out of it so you essentially have a 55mm-85mm without any noticeable loss of quality.

Boo! As a Sony and GFX owner...I think you were a little harsh on GFX100s. I agree compared to Canon and Sony, Menu system needs work. I don't think its terrible because it is arranged in a decent manner unlike Sony prior to Generation four of A7 series. Tethering to Capture One is phenomenal and I have never had an issue connecting on set. I believe you shooting Canon for most of your career has understandably critical of how another system works. Files are amazing.

I find it bizarre that the 100S doesn't have a cable passthrough for a dummy battery, but the xh2 does.

I went from Fuji XT3 to Canon EOS R - So much easier to use and the canon just does everything without fuss (in terms of settings). The Fuji would decide what mood it was in that particular day. Oh, and I love EOS R mirrorless. I barely use the backscreen because of it.

I'm older than you, but I actually like EVFs since I first encountered them. Yes, not as nice as a really good (D)SLR viewfinder. But seeing the actual exposure, having all the data when needed in the viewfinder, having more flexibility with lenses, and having more compact bodies - I wouldn't go back. Granted, I'm not a professional photographer, but pros also get used to EVFs and like them in the end (they are much better by now than they were in the beginning).

The view finder for mirrorless cameras is what has me apprehensive about them. I manual focus for everything, and the quality of the viewfinder even for film cameras took a back seat with autofocus being the norm. And now that there's no skill at all required for anything that moves with animal recognition, eye recognition, etc.., switching to a mirrorless with a funny looking viewfinder is not something I want to do. The R3 is the only one that's mentioned anything about the viewfinder simulating an optical viewfinder.

Hello Scott, it's me again .... before waisting your money on lenses I would advise to skip the 80 and the 110 and go for the 120 or better the 45 to 100. If you really want/need that shallow depth of field go with the Viltrox EF to GFX adapter and the Sigma 105 mm ƒ1.4 (it works flawlessly and has better bokeh than the 110mm) . Cheers.

Mamiya K/L lenses are my happy place

The whole thing about it destroying tether cables is someone who isn't an electrical engineer and is talking out their backside. The issue is its the wild west at the moment for USB-C and many companies are putting out cables with inappropriately sized conductors causing the cable to overhead and fail. If you are spending a fortune on a cable that can't charge the person who made it is either incompetent or cutting corners. USB-C Standard is very straight forward.

Finally someone calls out Fuji for their terrible menus. Reviewers probably got used to this, but I still wonder why are touchscreen settings in the buttons category.