David Schneider
New member
I went to the PhotoPlus Expo in New York City with the idea of handling the GFX50R. But when I got there I found that Fuji was loaning out medium format GFX50R cameras for the day and I got one! And I could keep the 16GB sd card they supplied! Since I've used Fuji X cameras since 2012 and use an "old" Hasselblad H3D2-39, I almost instinctively knew how the controls worked and the caveats to medium format, just needed to get use to where the controls were placed. Fortunately, Fuji generally has multiple ways of changing settings so it's not difficult to start using it without a manual or instruction.
I was walking out of the Javits Center to the street, and while trying to get familiar with the settings, I saw one of the most iconic, well known NYC photographers, Louis Mendes and his 1940's Speed Graphic. He's 78 and still earning a living taking photos on the street. He graciously allowed me to take a few images, (while I fumbled away with the GFX50R). I couldn't help but think of the evolution of cameras between his and mine. I've seen him several times over the years, but never had a camera with me.
For me, the GFX50R is a well done application of all the things that are wonderful, and I've come to expect, from a mirrorless camera into a reasonably sized medium format body. The body seems no larger than a high end dslr and the 32-64mm I also borrowed was much lighter than my Canon 70-200 f2.8II. It is great to be able to quickly manual focus or to have eye focus ability (which seems at least as good as my XT2, but didn't have it with me to compare). Nice to be able to pinch out on the screen to check focus of a shot or check in the EVF. I can see this easily replacing my Hassie in the studio and can even see it coming on an easy trip if I'm traveling by car; fine for, say, a drive through Loire Valley of France photographing chateaux, but not for trekking in Peru or Nepal.
I found it a very enjoyable camera to use. Yes, it would be better with IBIS, maybe a stiffer diopter, but for US$4,500 it is fantastic. I can see it becoming my studio workhorse when the 100-200mm is available as it and the 32-64mm would cover me very well. But I might just get an adapter and use my four HC lenses until that happens.
I was walking out of the Javits Center to the street, and while trying to get familiar with the settings, I saw one of the most iconic, well known NYC photographers, Louis Mendes and his 1940's Speed Graphic. He's 78 and still earning a living taking photos on the street. He graciously allowed me to take a few images, (while I fumbled away with the GFX50R). I couldn't help but think of the evolution of cameras between his and mine. I've seen him several times over the years, but never had a camera with me.
For me, the GFX50R is a well done application of all the things that are wonderful, and I've come to expect, from a mirrorless camera into a reasonably sized medium format body. The body seems no larger than a high end dslr and the 32-64mm I also borrowed was much lighter than my Canon 70-200 f2.8II. It is great to be able to quickly manual focus or to have eye focus ability (which seems at least as good as my XT2, but didn't have it with me to compare). Nice to be able to pinch out on the screen to check focus of a shot or check in the EVF. I can see this easily replacing my Hassie in the studio and can even see it coming on an easy trip if I'm traveling by car; fine for, say, a drive through Loire Valley of France photographing chateaux, but not for trekking in Peru or Nepal.
I found it a very enjoyable camera to use. Yes, it would be better with IBIS, maybe a stiffer diopter, but for US$4,500 it is fantastic. I can see it becoming my studio workhorse when the 100-200mm is available as it and the 32-64mm would cover me very well. But I might just get an adapter and use my four HC lenses until that happens.
