Fujifilm GFX 50s
A Portable Powerhouse
When I first heard about this Fujifilm GFX 50s mirrorless medium format camera my mind instantly drifted towards "What can I sell to save up for this beast?" I quickly began to clear my shelves. Not only did this help me make the purchase but also helped me realize just how much I love my Fuji's. Over the years I've found myself naturally being drawn towards their camera systems. I started with the x100T, which I really enjoyed due to size, quality, and constraints of a fixed lens. Then found myself with an X-Pro1, which blew me away on quality for a $350 Craigslist purchase. My X-Pro 1 turned into and X-Pro2, which turned into the XT-2. Now here I am with what I believe is a groundbreaking camera in the GFX 50s that further legitimizes mirrorless camera systems. I'm mean look at it. Bye bye mirror, hello sensor!
Fujifilm GFX 50s
Why Fuji you ask? A few simple reasons. Price, quality and consistant firmware support. Fuji is constantly updating their cameras via firmware. It shows the dedication they have to each system. Beyond that, it really just comes down to what I enjoy using. Fuji's are a pleasure. They just feel right. They're small, light weight and well thought out. I mean, you hardly ever have to dig into the menus. It's the best. Quite the opposite from any Sony camera, either still or video. Those who have used a Sony knows exactly what I'm talking about. The Fuji cameras have a load of custom buttons that can be built out any way you choose. There are many dials, scroll wheels, and buttons which make for fast natural adjustments on the fly. The GFX is very similar to the rest of the Fuji cameras so instantly feels like your right at home with this monster. The only difference is when you take a look at your photos. Brace yourself. You'll be grinning from ear to ear. Look at that detail! Below is a pic and the 100% crop of the same pic. Pretty incredible.
Love at First Sight
When I picked up the camera for the first time I was surprised at how much smaller and lighter it was than I thought it would be. It's just a beauty to hold. A natural fit to my hands. After looking it over briefly I was pretty much ready to shoot. Everything was familiar from my previous Fuji's. I set all my custom buttons, strapped on the 63mm lens and that was that. I could gush on and on about it but I won't. It's just great. The last thing I'll say is that it's everything I thought it would be and more. Truly. I'm really looking forward to toting this system around with me. I'm also excited at the opportunity to use vintage film glass on this monster. The search for lenses began shortly after I received the camera. I didn't have to go far as I already had a few gems sitting on shelves I could now put to better use.
The one spot it's lacking is the flash sync speed down at 1/125th. I don't use flash much so it's not that big of a deal to me but it is the only downside I can find. Other than that, it's a real treat.
My Lens Kit
Think about all the lenses that are now open to use on this system due to it being mirrorless. Due to the flange distance all lenses from SLRs are now fair game. Everything from medium format to full frame. Fotodiox has a number of adapters that enable the use of medium format film lenses like Pentax, Mamiya and Hasselblad. They say to stay above 50mm on Full Frame lenses. I've only tried one Minolta 58mm thus far. A small investment for more fun and unique look. I've only done a light amount of shooting and am pleasantly surprised by my results with each lens so far.
I do plan on picking up the Fujifilm 23mm f4 once it comes out as I typically shoot a lot of landscape. Eventually I'll also pick up the Fujifilm 110mm f2 but no rush as these vintage lenses are a great start. I've found the EVF on the GFX much easier to manual focus than with most other mirrorless. The camera closest to clarity in the EVF would be the Leica SL. That EVF is amazing and this Fuji isn't that far behind.
Fujifilm GFX 50s Images
Now onto the fun. I've only had the camera for a week and really haven't had much time to shoot. Either way, here's a few I've found time to capture.
Hasselblad 150mm f4
Fujifilm 63mm f2.8
Fujifilm 63mm f2.8
Minolta 58mm f1.4
Pentax 67 105mm f2.4
Mirrorless Magic
To think I can have this camera with me at all times with a choice selection of lenses makes me smile. I know there are many enjoyable experiences ahead with this system. I can't wait to explore and grow with this camera. It has inspired me to shoot more.
Everything fits snugly into my smaller camera bag. Couldn't believe it myself. Even with extra battery, charger, lens blower, pancro lens cleaner, all lenses, camera and adapters. Boom!
Ona Brixton Leather
In the end, I'm not sure why some people turn their nose up at the Fuji systems. The normal response is that it's a cropped sensor. Well, now there's an answer for that. But don't short change yourself by not considering the other APS-C systems Fuji offers. Although cropped, the images they produce are fantastic. Colors are wonderful. Details are great. Most importantly, they are a joy to shoot with. It's hard to explain until you put your hands one for a day. To close out this post I wanted to share a few images from those wonderful cropped sensors as well. A Fuji fan I am.
Fujifilm X100t, XPro2 and XT2 Images
Photo. Video. Adventure. Let's go outside.