I remember going back and forth with myself about which camera I would take on this upcoming trip to Rome, Italy. I was considering the weather, the amount of walking we do and ultimately the focal lengths I would choose. It would either be limiting myself to a prime or one zoom lens. For me, the decision was between the Sony A7R4 with the new 24-70mm f/2.8 GMII or the Fujifilm GFX100s and its heavy partner the Fujinon GF 32-64mm f/4. The Sony A7R4 are my work horses and produce great images, but it doesn’t hold a candle to the Fujifilm GFX100s when it comes to colour depth and dynamic range. Although the Fujifilm set up comes in at almost double the weight, it's a compromise I was willing to take for the chance to capture some street photography in Rome.
Pro Tip for Rome: Get up early! Like before the sun comes up and explore the city. Rome gets up late so you will have ample time to see all the sights without crowds of tourist. We got out of the hotel by 5AM. It was well worth it.
The Fujifilm GFX100s isn’t the newest camera from the Fuji’s medium format line up but it’s still a heavy hitter when it comes to dynamic range. The colour depth in the image is near impossible to recreate with a full-frame sensor camera. This camera had been with me on countless trips and has yet to give me any issues. Despite its weight with the Fujinon GF 32-64mm f/4 attached, it can be carried all day by hand or in a bag with minimal discomfort. It is well worth it when it comes to capturing images that require the most demanding exposures such as cityscape. The displays, both on the back of the camera and the EVF are masterpieces. Both have no issues when shooting in the bright midday sun and the flip out screen is invaluable when framing from low angles. I still remember the days of shooting a dSLR and having to lay down on the ground just to see the shot. Choosing the camera is the easy part. Now considering the lens, that’s a whole other story.
Choosing a lens was more of a challenge. I’ve used the Fujinon GF 32-64mm f/4 on past trips. It’s usually a staple in my bag except for our last trip to Japan. For the last trip, I chose the Fujinon GF 45mm f/2.8 along with the Fujifnon GF 250mm f/4. I do have my limits when it comes to weight. Having ht 32-64mm and 250mm would have been too much. I will admit that I missed the mid-zoom. It covers all the ground you might possibly need on a trip. The Fujinon GF 32-64mm f/4 is optically phenomenal with no compromise to image quality.
GFX100s + GF 32-64mm f/4 @ f/9
I’ve had the Fujinon GF 32-64mm f/4 for 6 years and used it extensively on both travel and work. The zoom ring is still smooth and the weather sealing of the lens has been put through its paces. I don’t second guess using both the camera and lens in wet weather. That being said, since it’s externally zooming lens, dust will eventually get into the lens and it does show up when looking down the barrel. Air is constantly being pumped in and out of the lens when zooming. Despite the dust particles, I haven’t seen them manifested in the images. I don’t expect my lenses to be pristine with use, but love seeing the patina of well used gear.
Hot Take: The light in Rome is more beautiful in the morning than in the evening.
If you are on the fence when it comes to purchasing this lens, you shouldn’t be. I know the f/4 seems like a tight aperture but in most cases, it’s more than enough. You get beautiful bokeh at all focal lengths depending on focus distance. For travel photos, I’m usually up at f/9 or higher. The lens is also beautifully crafted with rings that are properly tight depending on its use. I’ve rarely had a problem mistakenly turning aperture ring. If that does becomes an issue, you can always set the wells on the camera to control aperture for you. I love this lens so much that I bought it twice. Once when I had the Fujifilm GFX 50s and then again when I re-entered the medium format world with the GFX 100s. Full frame just couldn’t cut it.
On past trips, I would usually just shoot RAW files and come back to the hotel to edit. The only problem with this was that I was completely exhausted and usually fighting jet lag. I would usually have the excitement of seeing the days photos get me through the first 10 minutes of editing and then fall asleep promptly after. On this trip, I wanted to save myself from this and chose to shoot the beautiful film simulation included in the GFX100s along with the RAW files just in case. For all these images, the Fujifilm Classic Chome was used. I would highly recommend this when on a trip. Just be sure to get some extra SD cards. All the images in this post are those files straight out of camera. All you’ll have to do is nail the exposure.
The size and speed of the Fujifilm GFX100s slows my shooting down. I don’t see this as a bad thing. This gives me the chance to be more intentional when framing a scene when shooting all subjects. The zoom range of the Fujinon GF 32-64mm f/4 is unmatched. I am glad I chose the GFX system for Rome and it will continue to be by my side on future trips.
I was just about to put my camera away before I saw this scene. I’m glad I’m stubborn and fought the urge.
