User review of the Fujifilm GFX 50S and GF63mm F2.8 by Keith Wee Kheng

The following is a guest post from Keith Wee Kheng (original article and images posted on Clubsnap and reposted with permission. Found via the GFX Facebook group). GFX 50S Medium Format Mirrorless Camera at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.

User review of the Fujifilm GFX 50S and GF63mm F2.8
by Keith Wee Kheng

Early 2017 is turning out to be the year of Fujifilm’s many innovations.
Announced in June 2016, the first of Fujifilm’s foray into Medium Format is starting to ship, and of course, end up in the hands of users.
Before one questions why Medium format for Fujifilm, remember that Fujifilm has had a very good history of making glass for many manufacturers (Hasselblad included), and given its experience before digital, medium-format photography is actually a very natural progression.
The Fujifilm GFX 50S pairs the best features of Fujifilm’s X-series cameras with a madly intense 51.4MP sensor (43.8×32.9mm), while putting everything into a camera that, surprisingly, is smaller than a DSLR thats Full frame. Imagine everything Fujifilm X-mount has done, but now at least a notch higher in terms of imaging possibilities.

I’m not going to dvelve into specs here, if you are interested in specs on paper, here’s the link to follow: http://www.fujifilm.com/products/dig…ifilm_gfx_50s/

Thanks to the folks at Fujifilm Asia Pacific, I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to use the GFX 50S and the GF63mm F2.8 lens. (50mm equivalent)for a few days and I was very very impressed by the full works of it. The handling was superb for me coming up from Fujifilm X-mount with the dials, menu all aligned to the 3rd generation models such as the X-Pro2, X-T2 and X100F.

Operation was quick, snappy and Auto focus akin to the X-T1 camera series (if you’ve no idea, that’s very fast for a Medium format camera)The full exposure triangle’s setting can all be set without even switching on the camera, with direct access to Shutter Speed, ISO, Aperture values on physical dials.

Size wise, it already wins a Canon 5D Mark IV full-frame DSLR for compactness, thats how compact this medium-format camera is for starters.
I had the set with the kit EVF (non-tilting), and similarly, if one has been impressed by the X-T2’s 0.77x viewfinder churning out 100fps , the GFX’s will blow you away. Words don’t describe it. I had always felt the Leica SL’s to be the best in the market until I looked at the world through the GFX’s evf.

Some simple ‘to note’ for the few day’s experience.

1. I had a pre-prod set of the GFX 50S and GF63mm F2.8.
2. All photos are mostly JPEG SOCC, with minor edits done. There is no LR support for the GFX’s raw files yet.
3. I’m not a professional photographer, and don’t really any intentions to be one for I won’t survive. The X-photographers have shown the camera’s capability is churning our details in a studio setting and hence I decided to do something different – by using the medium format GFX as a everyday camera. Mad? I’ll share the reasons later.

Smooth is not a way most users describe a medium-format’s usage. But that was how it felt for me. No need for a studio , no need for posed shots, adding lights made good great and most of all, this beauty of a beast handles everything I threw at it.
I shot in rain, bad light good light low light, small spaces, motion – the camera never failed to impress me.
I wanted to show one thing, the GFX50S shoots everyday moments, and doesn’t require a studio to reside in.

She was sliding down, imagine the speed – yes, this was shot entirely using 2 clicks and in natural light.

the 50mm world, renewed
The contrast, I don’t understand what’s micro-contrast and to hell with the definitions, look at the separation.

Artsy yes, but same again, the motion and flow – all beautifully rendered.
With light, the good become great.
Full credits to bro Tiong Jin, who’s skills can transform a pigeon into a kingfisher.
I don’t understand the mechanics of bokeh, and this shot is just for those who love looking at balls.
have you ever wondered how deep the thoughts go in your kids?
woof
who says kids aren’t drawn by the medium format?

final impressions:

If one’s pockets can afford this, just do it. At every step, the GFX 50S impressed. One thing to note, I only loaned the GF63mm for a simple reason, portability. That said, the GF120mm F4 and GF32-64mm F4 are also excellent choices though size and weight wise they do go ahead.

That said, medium format isn’t for everyone coming to cost but I believe everyone should for once in their life, shoot a medium format just to be able to appreciate what it can do in imaging production and articulating your vision as a photographer, whether enthusiast or professional.

Written by Keith Wee Kheng (original article and images posted on Clubsnap. Found via the GFX Facebook group).

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GFX System Camera & Lenses
GFX 50S Medium Format Mirrorless Camera at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
Fujifilm GF 63mm F/2.8 R WR Lens for GFX at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
Fujifilm GF 32-64mm F/4 R LM WR Lens for GFX at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
Fujifilm GF 120mm F/4 R LM OIS WR Macro Lens for GFX at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.

GFX 50S Accessories at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
Fujifilm EVF-TL1 EVF Tilt Adapter for GFX 50S at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
Fujifilm H Mount Adapter G, for GFX at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
Fujifilm RLCP-002 Rear Lens Cap for GFX Lenses at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
Fujifilm BCP-002 Body Cap for GFX at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
Fujifilm FLCP-62II Front Lens Cap fpr GF 63mm Lens at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
Fujifilm VG-GFX1 Vertical Battery Grip f/GFX 50S at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
Fujifilm NP-T125 Rechargeable Battery for GFX 50S at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
Fujifilm BC-T125 Battery Charger for NP-T125 Battery at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
Fujifilm AC-15V AC Power Adapter for GFX 50S at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.

Schneider announces new Cine Tilt FF E-mount lenses

Press text:

New Xenon FF-Prime Cine-Tilt Lenses from Schneider-Kreuznach
World’s first Full Frame Cine Primes to offer dynamic Tilt functionality

To enhance today’s dynamic cinematography, Schneider-Kreuznach introduces Xenon FF-Prime Cine-Tilt lenses. This groundbreaking new version combines similar form-factor and capabilities of the company’s popular Full-Frame Primes with added tilt function up to ±4°. By sustaining the field of view during focus and tilt actions, the new Cine-Tilt design makes possible previously unimaginable images from the freely moving and tilting focus planes. The new lenses offer the potential to utilize out-of-focus areas in the frame, especially when tilt is used with large apertures. A 4° tilt angle at the sensor plane corresponds to an 80° focal plane, which varies according to the focal length and aperture setting selected.

Like Schneider’s standard Xenon FF-Primes, the new version answers today’s practical needs yielding full-frame imagery, beyond 4K, in a lightweight and compact, uniform dimension package. The color-matched lenses feature minimized breathing and a bokeh reminiscent of classic Hollywood. Designed and built in Germany, the new design provides sophisticated mechanics for smooth and accurate tilt action. The lens’ tilt is controlled via a high precision ring with 120° rotation that is as intuitive to operate as pulling focus. Due to the common 0.8 module gear, the Cine-Tilt is usable with standard follow-focus systems.

Cine-Tilt lenses offer the multifold benefits of standard Xenon FF-Primes plus tilt functionality, so there’s is no need to swap out lenses during a shot. With the tilt set at 0° the Cine-Tilt lenses provide identical images as the standard FF-Primes. The consistent set comprises focal lengths of 25mm, 35mm, 50mm, 75mm and 100mm – all at T2.1.

Cine-Tilt FF-Primes will be available this spring individually or as a set, in Sony E-Mount.
Background information and applications examples can be found at www.facebook.com/SchneiderKreuznachCINE. For the US contact: Schneider Optics, NY: 631-761-5000, CA: 818-766-3715, or visit www.schneideroptics.com

Bad news: Hasselblad CEO Oosting is stepping down!

This doesn’t look good for Hasselblad. Hasselblad CEO Oosting whom had the merit to steer the company into the right direction is now stepping down! It may sounds strange but the unexpected X1D camera success may played a crucial role in this: Since the X1D launch Hasselblad struggled to produce the camera in time and in a decent quantity. That’s why DJI probably had to acquire Hasselblad shares to speed up the production process.

 

This is the official Hasselblad press release:

Hasselblad announces change of management structure

Gothenburg, January 2017

Hasselblad, the leader in high-quality professional medium format cameras today announced that Perry Oosting, CEO, will step down from his role by the end of this month.
Having guided Hasselblad to stability, strong sales as well as the partnership with aerial camera company DJI, CEO Perry Oosting has accomplished what he was asked to achieve and has decided to step down from his operational responsibilities and return to a role as advisor to the board.

“We would like to thank Mr Perry Oosting for his extraordinary efforts. Under his leadership a foundation for future growth is established and the company has extended its customer base substantially,” said the Supervisory Board.

“In the beginning of 2015 I was asked to take the role as CEO to secure sustainable growth and prepare the business for the next steps in its development. During 2016, we launched several new products and a complete new electronic platform. The market reaction to the strategic direction and its products were overwhelming. I would like to thank all involved and foresee a bright future for the team of Hasselblad.” said Perry Oosting.

The Board of Directors has, effective as of Feb 1, appointed Paul Bram, currently Advisor to Hasselblad, as Interim CEO.

“We are happy to announce Mr Paul Bram as an interim CEO. Paul is coming from his position within Hasselblad as Advisor and has a vast leadership experience from his time at Ericsson and Gambro,” said the Supervisory Board.

“I am honoured to take on the role as interim CEO for this iconic and much-loved company. Hasselblad represents outstanding quality, passion for fine art and pioneering technology. Over the coming months we will continue the started path and strategic direction, including accelerating R&D and software development in Gothenburg, Sweden. Going forward I am immensely proud to be part of this continuing journey. ” said Paul Bram.

Gordon Laing posts new Fuji GFX sample images, noise tests, video tour & hands-on impressions!

Gordon Laing from CameraLabs posted new Fuji GFX sample images, noise tests, video tour & hands-on impressions. This is his conclusion on the GFX noise performance:

I’d say virtually all the detail is retained between 100 and 400 ISO with only very minor smearing at 800 ISO reducing the ultimate fine details. There’s a bigger drop at 1600 ISO.
If you go back and look at my Canon EOS 5Ds noise results, you’ll see how the images become quite noisy at 800 ISO and for the best results you’ll really want to be shooting at 100 or 200 ISO. So the GXF 50S allows you to enjoy roughly similar 50 Megapixel resolving power, but at higher sensitivities before the quality begins to fall apart.

GFX System Camera & Lenses
GFX 50S Medium Format Mirrorless Camera at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
Fujifilm GF 63mm F/2.8 R WR Lens for GFX at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
Fujifilm GF 32-64mm F/4 R LM WR Lens for GFX at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
Fujifilm GF 120mm F/4 R LM OIS WR Macro Lens for GFX at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.

GFX 50S Accessories at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
Fujifilm EVF-TL1 EVF Tilt Adapter for GFX 50S at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
Fujifilm H Mount Adapter G, for GFX at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
Fujifilm RLCP-002 Rear Lens Cap for GFX Lenses at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
Fujifilm BCP-002 Body Cap for GFX at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
Fujifilm FLCP-62II Front Lens Cap fpr GF 63mm Lens at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
Fujifilm VG-GFX1 Vertical Battery Grip f/GFX 50S at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
Fujifilm NP-T125 Rechargeable Battery for GFX 50S at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
Fujifilm BC-T125 Battery Charger for NP-T125 Battery at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.
Fujifilm AC-15V AC Power Adapter for GFX 50S at Amazon, Adorama and BHphoto.

What’s next: Lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, Sony and Fuji!

If you wonder what’s coming next from the big mirrorless system companies the answer is quite easy: Lenses, lenses and again lenses!

  1. Fujirumors reports that a new XF 8-16mm f/2.8 is going to be launched after the upcoming 80mm macro lens
  2. As reported yesterday Sony will launch a new 16-35mm GM, 85mm budget and later on new telephoto FE lenses
  3. Panasonic will announce full specs and pricing of the three Leica branded MFT lenses they displayed at Photokina
  4. Olympus will release new fast primes and new fast telephoto lenses this year

Also Canon will release new lenses but it’s unclear what exactly is going to be announced…

Leica M10 review at CameraJabber

Fuji did steal the spotlight on the new Leica M10 camera (available here at BHphoto or Adorama). The camera costs just like the Fuji GFX and this will make you think twice if you shouldn’t go Medium format instead. But I guess true Leica fans will appreciate the rangefinder mechanism and the super high quality compact body of the Leica.

To learn more about the camera you can watch the image samples posted on Dpreview and read the new review from CameraJabber:

Leica had a tricky job on its hands when attempting to update the Typ 240. It’s aim was to bring a camera that’s valued for its traditional build and focus on the essentials of photography a little more up to date. I think it’s done a very good job. The handling has been streamlined and the addition of a sensitivity dial means that you can check and adjust all the exposure settings without powering up the camera.
All things considered, the Leica M10 is an excellent upgrade to the Leica Typ 240. In the right hands it’s capable of producing very attractive images with lots of natural detail. It’s also built to last.