Exploring the GFX100 II with cinematographer Ryan Eddleston
3rd Sep 2025
With the upcoming launch of the GFX Eterna that will join the Fujifilm GFX lineup, we asked BAFTA CYMRU Award winning cinematographer, Ryan Eddleston to put the GFX100 II through it's paces:
Exploring the Fujifilm GFX100 II: A Real-World Test of Creative Versatility
As a cinematographer, my work has always revolved around finding intuitive, robust gear that helps transform creative ideas into compelling visuals—without excessive baggage. With experience that ranges from feature films and TV dramas to fast-paced, self-produced music videos, my kit has spanned everything from the Alexa 35 to the Sony Venice, full-frame DSLRs, and even the charming unpredictability of celluloid film stocks. The variety keeps me sharp, but it also makes me acutely aware of the need for equipment that’s flexible, efficient, and easy to use on the go.
Partnering with Top-Teks and Devin
I met Devin from Top-Teks at Camerimage, where conversations about craft, passion projects, and creative problem-solving came naturally. Devin’s approach was refreshingly open—he encouraged me to push the Fujifilm GFX100 II to its limits and see what it could deliver on a demanding real-world shoot. This level of trust and practical support made all the difference: Top-Teks didn’t just hand over the camera, they made sure I had everything at my disposal, fostering a true spirit of collaboration and exploration.
About the Project (and Me)
With a career spent constantly on the move—hauling heavy camera and lighting kits across the world or squeezing every ounce of style from minimal setups in music videos—I know first-hand the value of lightweight, dependable gear. To properly test the GFX100 II, I chose a music video shoot with a tiny crew and ambitious visuals. I wanted to see if this camera could blend seamlessly into my workflow, balancing portability and top-tier image quality.
The GFX100 II in Action
The compact body of the GFX100 II was an immediate plus. I combined it with Blazar Remus 1.5X anamorphic lenses via PL mount, chasing that signature cinematic look—without needing a big team or heavy rig. There’s a learning curve: the camera defaults to GF lens mode, which momentarily stopped my third-party lenses from working. It took a little menu-diving to find the “shoot without lens” option—a moment that ended up showcasing the camera’s deep customization and reminded me that even seemingly tricky menus can reveal powerful flexibility.
Charging the battery inside the camera itself, rather than through an external charger, at first seemed an odd choice. But this quirk encouraged me to be more thoughtful about power management and scheduling, eliminating frantic mid-shoot battery swaps. For extended productions, having a power bank or spare charger on hand would be a simple workaround.
The menus are undeniably dense, but that complexity is exactly what allows the GFX100 II to be tailored so precisely. Once you get used to the structure, there’s a wealth of features worth exploring—like live anamorphic de-squeeze monitoring, which is invaluable for single-operator setups. The film simulation picture profiles are a bonus, echoing the creative flexibility I love from working with traditional film stocks. If only it offered 25p FPS, my wish list would be complete; but the luscious medium-format results more than make up for this minor absence.
Special mention goes to the ongoing support from Top-Teks and Devin, whose insights and encouragement kept my focus on creative problem-solving rather than tech headaches.
The Results
The footage surpassed expectations: crisp, beautifully detailed, with the “pop” and rich tonality that only medium format can provide. Having the ability to frame anamorphic shots live, without a bulky external monitor, was liberating and streamlined both shooting and edit prep. Every technical hurdle along the way became an opportunity to learn more about the camera’s potential and finesse my process.
A feature I’d add? Some sort of built-in “camera assistant”—a guide to help navigate the labyrinth of options. But finding my own way gave me an intimate understanding of the GFX’s capabilities.
Final Thoughts
Shooting with the Fujifilm GFX100 II, thanks to the partnership with Top-Teks and Devin, proved that tackling technical quirks can uncover new creative strengths. The GFX100 II isn’t just a tool; it’s a launchpad for experimentation—a camera that rewards resourcefulness and encourages storytelling ingenuity. For solo shooters, documentarians, and anyone needing a flexible, power-packed camera that won’t slow you down, the GFX100 II turns small obstacles into stepping stones for fresh creative achievement.
Credit: Ryan Eddleston (2025)
Ryan Eddleston - Cinematographer
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