The luminescence of Sm2+-doped BaFBr has been measured as a function of temperature and pressure. The 7FJ crystal field levels have been identified and the corresponding crystal field parameters evaluated. Temperature dependent lifetime measurements allow to locate the energy of the lowest 4f55d1 level. Pressure dependent measurements up to 8 GPa show linear red shifts of the 5D2,1,0 levels. These shifts are about 3 times stronger than the well known ruby pressure shifts and highlight thus the potential use as pressure sensors below 8 GPa.