Why a fixed-lens GFX is a good thing (or not)

Not too many weeks ago FujiRumors announced that in 2025 there would be a fixed-lens GFX. Nothing more in the way of sensor, lens...which will come as Patrick has reliable sources close to Fujifilm.
I will get one, whatever lens it has. I currently have the GFX 50SII and it is great (except for focus speed as it uses only contrast detection and because the optics are larger, and thus heavier, it takes longer for the lens to lock in). I was considering the X100VI as a travel camera but I think the fixed-lens GFX will be more flexible in post, assuming it has a 100mp sensor, but even if it was the older 50mp with a faster processor I'd still get it. They could offer a 35mm lens which equates in full-frame equivalent to 28mm, and then by in-camera crop or post crop, you've got equivalencies for 35, 50 and 75 without losing too much resolution. This is what the Leica Q3 does. There is talk about it maybe being a medium format version of the X-pan but I don't see any reason to limit it to one aspect ratio. If, however, it was a 65:24 (x-pan) at the full height of the current sensors 32,9mm, but double the width...??

Price doesn't seem to be an obstacle for you, GFX, Q3 ... 😎

It is a very personal opinion, but I do not get the point of fixed lens cameras. I can buy a ILC, and put whatever lens I want on it, and make it a personalised fixed lens camera. I would hate to be limited to one focal length, whilst out and about with a camera.

I started my photographic journey with a fixed lens Fuji rangefinder, and it was a good way to learn the basics of photography.

im with you Nigel, if the lens fully retracted into the body it would be the perfect compact but they dont.

I had the original Fuji GFX50, but returned it because of low image stabilisation and slow readout (bad rolling shutter).
High cropping ratios seem a bit silly to me, i much prefer a zoom lens instead, even if it's on a smaller sensor.
Today, i use Google's Pixel 8 Pro as my travel camera - mainly for its convenient and easy to use AI features / computational photography.

The closest thing I have come to this is the excellent Panasonic LX100, that really is pocketable. A sadly underrated camera.

I am all for lightweight cameras with fixed lenses, while accepting that there are some situations that they cannot cope with -- extreme wide angle, particularly where a shift lens is needed, and long telephoto. In such cases I use my Canon R6; normally I take my Leica Q3, or Sony RX-100 with me, both of which are capable of excellent results. the Leica even better than the Sony, though the latter is no slouch.

But the advantage of the Leica and Sony over the medium format Fuji cameras for me, despite the Fuji's high MP sensors, is weight. So I am not expecting that a fixed lens GFX is for me.

Regarding fixed lenses in general, I took these with the Leica recently:

Full frame:

100% crop:

Full frame, B&W conversion:

I think they speak well for a small fixed lens (28mm) camera.

David

I have revisited my thoughts on a fixed-lens GFX. First, value. It may end up being less expensive than their interchangeable lens models (it had better be), but it will still be a significant investment. Second, size: one of the downsides to my GFX 50SII is that when I am hiking with it and just one lens (ie, the 23mm) it is a beast--not as much of a beast as, say, a Pentax 67, but still heavy and awkward in a pack. Third, Fujirumors stated some while back that the lens would be a 35/3.5. I'm okay with the focal length equiv of 28mm, good for landscape and street and wedding-type events, but 3.5? The only reason I can see for that is they're keeping the size and cost down. Since I wrote the post above I've managed to get an X100VI, and it's 23mm (35 equiv) and 40mp sensor do a heck of a fine job. I've made some stunning prints from it. The included image was shot raw, processed in LR Classic using a Mastin Labs preset and output at 4000px long-edge for posting.
So I have a tiny fixed-lens camera, more or less pocketable* and reasonably high resolution. That may be all that I "need" (as opposed to "want"). !
[Damp dark forest with diffused light, shot during rain fall with Fujifilm X100VI.]

*Pocketability of X100VI: big pocket required! Lens hood easily slips off by rotation because it doesn't have a click-lock mechanism. Filter and filter adapter required for "weather resistance." It is NOT rain-proof: there are too many places for water ingress in heavy rain. A good airing out is required: remove battery and card, keep all doors open, remove filter and adapter ring, use lint-free cloth where you can.

always remember watching this
www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGp5fLqugJM&t=533s

I think we will see a few new fixed lens cameras soon.