Leapfrogging the more conventional full-frame formats of most companies, Fujifilm has made a daring leap into the medium format realm with the introduction of its GFX camera system. The star of this show is obviously the large 43.8 x 32.9mm 51.4MP CMOS sensor at the heart of the GFX 50S Mirrorless Camera. This is going to produce incredible images with outstanding color and detail. Along with this camera, Fujifilm developed the G mount with a short flange distance of 26.7 mm, meaning your older medium format lenses can be adapted. And for fans of native lenses, a series of six GF lenses will be available.
To take full advantage of the medium-format sensor, Fujifilm has used the X-Processor Pro image processor to deliver Fujifilm’s signature color and tonal reproduction, as well as deliver images with fine detail. The sensor is also versatile, with multiple aspect ratios to select, including 4:3, 3:2, 1:1, 4:5, 6:7, 6:17. The camera’s design takes a great deal of its DNA from Fujifilm’s smaller X-series cameras, such as dust- and weather-resistance, cold resistance to 14°F, many physical buttons and dials, and a lighter, more compact form factor than comparable models, but it takes many more steps that make it a professional choice. The highlight feature in this aspect is the detachable electronic viewfinder, which can even accept an optional adapter for using the EVF in multiple positions and angles, and it will come with support for tethered shooting.
While not many details are available yet for the GF lens lineup, Fujifilm did provide a comprehensive list of the first six options. This includes a GF 63mm f/2.8 R WR equivalent to 50mm, a wide-angle GF 32-64mm f/4 R LM WR equivalent to 25-51mm, a short telephoto GF 120mm f/4 Macro R LM OIS WR with 2:1 magnification that is equivalent to 95mm, a fast GF 110mm f/2 R LM WR equivalent to 87mm, an ultra-wide GF 23mm f/4 R LM WR equivalent to 18mm, and a GF 45mm f/2.8 R WR equivalent to 35mm. All of these lenses will incorporate a physical aperture ring and a C Position on the ring for adjusting the aperture with the camera body. They are all dust- and weather resistant, as well, and will function in temperatures as low as 14°F.
10 Comments
Hi ,
Is Fuji using the same sensor -
that is in th Hasselblad H6d -50 ? Sony ?
will the foles open on the Mac using Photoshop ?
thanks,
jim
Hi Jim,
While Fujifilm has not directly stated that it is the same Sony-produced sensor, it is very likely a similar model with some Fujifilm-specified tweaks. The files will be supported in Photoshop (Windows and Mac), though you will need the latest version of Creative Cloud.
I've been flitting between many cameras - 4x5, canon 5d and fuji x pro series.
4x5 - for the tilt shift and quality - 5d for the work flow and size - fuji for the file feel.
I'm hoping this camera could be my answer to all three. Is there any type of title shift adaptor that could work with this system?
Hi Max,
Details are pretty limited on the GFX as a whole since it is planned to be officially released early next year. Now, it may not be ideal, but a feasible solution would be to add a Hasselblad tilt-shift adapter and lenses via another adapter, since this mirrorless model has a much shorter flange distance. You could also set up a large format lens with some sort of bellow adapter. But, in terms of official support we do not have any word on what is going to be coming in the future.
interesting, thank you.
With the hasselblad adaptor would I have to use hasselblad lenses or could I use the fuji one's?
With the bellow adapter - something like a cambo actus?
Should there be a classification for MF APS-C sized sensors? MFAPS-C. I want to buy a MF system; I want the Mamiya 645 and RZ67 systems. But from what I've read about MF digital systems, they are crop sensors.
I've been shooting 35mm film since 1980. I'd like to get into medium format and also 4x5.
Hi Ralph,
For digital medium format, sensors have always been smaller than "true" medium format. They are going up in size but I would argue it is not a huge issue for digital, with many designed for digital lenses becoming available alongside the systems. Also, we always try to mention the actual physical size of the sensor when discussing these cameras, so that should help classify whether they are "full-frame MF" or not, meaning I don't think we necessarily need another potentially confusing and varied classification system for these sensor.
Hi Max,
Many adapters will likely be available so you can you all different brands of lenses on the GFX. But, until the camera is released and actual products become available I can't give you any definitive answers. If you wait and see I believe some sort of solutions will be developed by Fujifilm or third-party manufacturers.
I am considering moving up to a Medium Format system, especially Pentax's 645Z and now Fujifilm comes to the market with, I am guesing,, a comparably priced and equally useful camera. As I understand, 645 is extremely good for landscape images - one my interests. I also like surfing, futbol and motorcycle racing and would need a high frame rate FX DSLR. Obviously, this will be a pricey endeavor so it would be convenient to have glass for each camera that could be interchangeble.
Has anyone heard, whispers or otherwise if this will be a tactic to sell both the 645 type cameras with lenses that will adapt downward to a FX DSLR?
Hi Miki,
This is an interesting consideration. Both the Fujifilm and Pentax medium format cameras are using a similar sensor, so IQ should be practically the same for each. Now, if you also want a full-frame DSLR in the same system Pentax is the only one of the two that has an FF DSLR, and there are adapters for 645 to Pentax K. However, I wouldn't necessarily call the K-1 "fast" or good for sports and action. The Fujifilm medium format camera is yet to be offically released so we don't know much, but in theory there should be room for an adapter of sorts for their APS-C format X-series mirrorless cameras. The XT-2, though APS-C, is a fast camera, and would probably be better suited to sports than the K-1. But it isn't FF. This probably wasn't too helpful in making a decision, but hopefully some information in there can guide you to the right choice.