A Legend in the Making - Fujifilm GFX 50R

[@i35photo]

The "Texas Leica" 2.0 Love mine got it back in 2019... Excellent camera all around

[@mynewcolour]

Kinda. No leaf shutter (sadly).

[@Narsuitus]

Thanks for sharing your Fuji favorite with us. Over the decades, I have owned and used the following Fuji photographic equipment: 1. Fuji GW670iii medium format film rangefinder with fixed Fuji 90mm f/3.5 normal lens 2. Fuji GSW690iii medium format film rangefinder with fixed Fuji 65mm f/5.6 wide-angle lens 3. Fuji ST705 35mm film SLR with Fuji 28/50/135mm prime lenses 4. Fuji S5 Pro APS-C digital SLR (uses Nikon F mount lenses) 5. Fuji X-Pro1 APS-C digital mirrorless with Fuji 16/23/56mm prime lenses 6. Fuji X-Pro2 APS-C digital mirrorless with Fuji 16-55mm f/2.8 zoom lens and Fuji 50-140mm f/2.8 zoom lens 7. 4x5 inch large format monorail view camera with Fuji 135mm f/5.6 normal lens and Fuji 90mm f/5.6 wide-angle lens I still own and use all seven. The GW670iii is my favorite Fuji film camera and the X-Pro2 is my favorite Fuji digital camera.

[@Lonnie.G]

Would love to try the GW670 and I’m still on the hunt for a graphite xpro2 at a good price. I had a chance at one for 700 before they shot up in price and I kick myself everyday for not getting it!

[@Narsuitus]

@@Lonnie.G For the longest time, I hunted for a used graphite Fuji X-Pro2 without the graphite 35mm f/2 lens. I finally stopped looking and bought a new graphite X-Pro2 with the 35mm f/2 lens. My intention was to sell the lens because I felt that since I already owned a 35mm f/1.4 Fuji lens, I did not need the f/2 version. However, I made the mistake of trying the f/2 version before selling it. I fell in love with the smaller and lighter weight lens. I now have two 35mm prime lenses.

[@Zimh91]

Great video, the 50R is the only GFX I really want to give a try, as you said it is so sad Fuji did not update this line... thanks a lot for your feedback on it and I hope more videos from you are coming soon 👍 cheers

[@raily9713]

I own a lot... And I mean, A LOT of fuji bodies, and despite the concept of x-pro line, on paper, is my way to go... I can't resonate more with your opinion. Gfx 50r is the favorite camera I've ever used. Pure joy. I don't know why fuji only continues with 100s and 50s lines in their MF ecosystem

[@musa7606]

The medium format look is this: 1) High resolution images, esp in the case of film. Medium format film gives so much more detail than 35mm, but digital sensors can give high definition with a smaller sensor, so in the age of digital, this isn't such a big issue. 2) This is pure physics and even in the age of digital can only be changed by a focal reducer: Using a longer focal length lens at a closer range for a shallower depth of field. Ultra fast optics seem to help balance this with smaller sensors, but ultimately the sensor size, or effective size, does matter. You can try a test to see the difference. Take whatever camera you have, put a portrait length lens on it, and then take a full body picture of someone. Then, move closer, and a take multi panel image of the same person, 3 or 4 panels, and then stitch the panels together. The stitched image won't look great, don't worry about that, but you will be able to see the difference in lens compression with the exact same lens.

[@TDub777]

Good to see you posting. The YT photo community needs you on here.

[@Lonnie.G]

I appreciate that!

[@magnetoclash]

Great to see you uploading again! One of my favorite channels!

[@Lonnie.G]

That means a lot!

[@johnybravo7034]

I have a Gfx 50r also. I use to have the native Fuji 45mm and 50mm, but sold them because I was only using my adapted lenses. I have the Minolta rokkor manual focus 45mm f2, 55mm 1.7, and 58mm 1.4. My favorite of the Minoltas is the 55mm. It is pretty sharp wide open for a vintage lens, covers the sensor well, relatively small, and cheap. Yeah, I wish they would come out with a newer body with ibis, but I still wouldn’t sell this body. This is the only camera body that I have not sold in my collection of gear. I definitely share your sentiments as it relates to this camera.

[@christopherrodriguez7223]

Welcome back and thank you for sharing.

[@Lonnie.G]

Thanks Chris!

[@BenjaminKanarek]

Wonderful work! Bravo!

[@ArminHirmer]

This camera deserves its place, yet I am waiting for an updated version. It can keep the 50mp bit IBIS and things would be nice to see along with a larger EVF

[@mortenthorpe]

The gfx50R is legend! I have this, the GFX 100S, a number of x-t and x-h bodies, and Nikons… and the gFx50r is the camera with most soul… they should update this gem of a camera, probably won’t though…

[@DeeRosa]

Bro out here making tracks for Push and Griselda like we wouldn’t notice.

[@Lonnie.G]

Lmao 🤫🤫🤫

[@NumberOneBlackGuy]

You come here often?

[@john_in_Berlin]

Exceptional video. Much more than an informal riff. Pure narrative.

[@Lonnie.G]

I really appreciate that- thank you!

[@mahdimanesh4221]

I used the 50R years ago along the 50S and I always came back to it and the 63mm -- but the 50S and the zoom was excellent; just not portable. Now the 100sii is here and the ergonomics are excellent again. As an owner of the XH2S, I still miss my XPro3. So unless. I would use long lenses and need a battery grip, I prefer the "viewfinder to the left" body. Hope Fujifilm will update this body sometime.

[@davidselby8115]

Really good unbiased explanation of the camera and its features

[@whatsgood001]

I dont think I've ever heard of this camera but it looks 🔥🔥🔥

[@troz856]

I love mine; traded a Hasselblad 501CM with CFV-50c digital back for GFX 50R and a couple of zoom lenses. I really enjoy using it, and I wish they would do a 100R. (edit): I'd add three points. 1. You talk about the cropping flexibility but the MF sensor means that aggressive cropping without much loss of quality essentially extends your focal length, so my 100-200 zoom is almost like having a 100-400. 2. The MF sensor has comparatively low noise at higher ISOs, so I often shoot with fixed aperture and shutter speed, and auto ISO. That took a lot of mental recalibration after decades of shooting film. 3. The GF zooms are, to my eye at any rate, comparable in quality with primes in many situations. My 50R came with a 32-64 and I haven't looked at an image taken with it and wished that I had used a prime. Only criticism: I wish it wasn't so easy to move the exposure compensation dial when taking it out of the bag...

[@Lonnie.G]

likewise a 100R would be a dream. think your additional points are all valid as well and I do wish to get myself a zoom for landscape and hiking. Luckily I don’t recall ,y exposure comp dial ever getting bumped - mine seems fairly stiff

[@lwwells]

I paid $500 for an “as new” xe2s. I feel that price is appropriate. I’ve never loved a camera this much. My Voigtlander 27 f2 sits on it 99% of the time.

[@brownbear100]

Have wondered about such using the x-e3 as a Voigtländer shooter - 18+27. Who cares about poor AF if you just use MF! I want to use the x100vi in MF and it's terrible for this. A lot to like about the camera but I don't feel the connection like I used to now I have an x-t5 that has gotten smaller.

[@lwwells]

@@brownbear100 This lens is FANTASTIC. Just do it. I’ll also pick up the 18 mm color-skopar. I haven’t tried it yet, but I have a feeling I’ll love it.

[@Lonnie.G]

I recently learned the 18mm skopar existed- looks super interesting. The 27/2 would be interesting too! Would love to get an xpro 2 and use them both

[@wilsonsantos384]

I own the 50R and I will never sell, shame Fuji has no plans to upgrade the R lineup.

[@brownbear100]

Really appreciate this video. I have had an x-t5 since release and an very happy with the camera and have some great lenses for it. Having had the x70, then the x100v, then x70, then x100v...and now x100vi I have concluded that the x70 is very nice and compact, but lacking in many ways. The x100vi on that sensor is wonderful... but now too similar to the x-t5 in many ways that was never the case with the previous x100 and X-T cameras. I want a compact camera, but while it will fit in a pocket, it's not super compact. I also want something different, yet it's no longer as different as it once was. The ND is nice, but the 1/180000 shutter speed for non-flash and non-video does the job too on both x-t5 and x100vi. The OVF is nice, but I only use it because it's there and I wish to the OVF was better. I find it an awkward child rather than a Goldilocks. I've also started leaning more towards 18 and 27mm on apsc. With Fuji apparently bringing a gfx version of the x100 next year, I have obsessed over getting a GFX50R and 50 3.5 used to at least test the waters. I would never want the huge lenses, nor their price tags. So a gfx in the style of the x100 with (in all likelihood) an adapted 50 3.5 is mighty appealing for my "something different" camera. A GR for lightweight camera could then fill that hole. I have the 27 1.2 for the x-t5 so am not going to gain anything with the 50 3.5 (1.8 equiv on apsc) but I do stop that lens down also. What I would like to do is this summer take the x100vi and gfx50R+50mm 3.5 on a two week road trip I have coming up and just see where I'm at. The X-t5 is my comfort blanket so would leave that and all my nice lenses. How do you find that dial on the shutter button, though? Looks Ike it would be easy to nudge when taking a shot!

[@Lonnie.G]

That dial can absolutely be bumped on accident. It’s something I keep my eye on for sure. Luckily no effect when the camera is off and in the bag for example but once you turn the camera on you do have to be mindful of it. Great question

[@dunkkid23]

Im late but this video ain't! Good to see you back on here bro! The GFX 50r is tuff but Fujifilm got other plans. I hope to get one soon.

[@Lonnie.G]

Appreciate it bro!

[@rhyno23rjr]

Would love to see a video of the adapted lenses, this camera is amazing and will probably go down as one of Fuji's best cameras.

[@Lonnie.G]

I’ll definitely have to give it a shot! Yeah I feel like it’s somehow a sleeper but will likely become a cult classic

[@dezfoto7534]

Thanks Lonnie, I found this really helpful!

[@SourPlanet]

GFX 50R is zero hype, all real deal. Super unique camera. With that Mitakon.. no other system conveniently offers that particular look.

[@winc06]

Yes. More, please.

[@coryirvin6651]

Great to see you make another video, always love your perspective. Total palette cleanser from the stock photo youtuber stuff. I've been thinking about this camera for a long time, ever since I saw it being used with adapted xpan lenses. Looking forward to hear more about the lenses you use, and more about the scenarios you're using them for. If I took to doing more personal work, this would be the camera I'd use. Side note, does this mean the sony gear is gone? Would love to hear some long term reviews of using the a7c and a9 as well.

[@Lonnie.G]

Thank you for that! No the a7c (filmed this video) is still going strong though I have it rigged out like a cinema camera now. And I've already run 10's of thousands of frames through the a9 this year already. Sony is absolutely still the workhorses and I have very few complaints there though they don't inspire me outside of that work. Thanks again!

[@AeonGotBeats]

peace! great video, watched every minute. just bought my GFX 50S II so consuming all i can as i wait for it to arrive! would love to hear your opinion/see images you've shot with the Samyang combo - i LOVE that lens on my canon R5, have been really curious what it would do on a GFX sensor.

[@jmtphotographymedia]

I definitely want to try this camera.

[@Lonnie.G]

I’m so glad I did. Shortcomings aside

[@momoz88]

Lets hope Fuji brings a successor for the 50r

[@aubakeerov]

Found one for 1900$ mint w/o the lens. Do I really need the “medium format”? Still can’t figure out, but I really love the images out of this sensor size!

[@NumberOneBlackGuy]

Bro left with a fade came back with a fro

[@Lonnie.G]

Lmaooo

[@TheDavveponken]

Didn't realize I was watching the same dude from the epic 5d Classic ode video before I recognized his son(?) in one of the pictures without an afro (I still remember the shot of him from the 5d video - very clean!)

[@torakun3573]

hi, i'm in the middle of changing system currently. EIther Fuji GFX 50r or leica, is my only 2 choices. My question is, how hard is it to manual focus with it? especially with that mitakon. I dont do landscape, but I'd love to take a family photograph during family events, and travel purpose. So I wont need the wide angle lenses, I'd just buy the mitakon and 1 AF lens if i go down the GFX route. Please advise on how hard is it to manual focus. especially at night or at indoor. thank you kindly, and what a great video. I love videos where people dont review/talk about the latest and greatest gears only.. its getting so boring.. i love older gears talk/re review/long usage review. cheers!

[@afeher]

Mate, what is that small display under your main monitor?

[@erickpro]

Do you feel that the low res of the viewfinder is a bother?

[@Lonnie.G]

without looking up the specs I never thought the EVF was low res. for a point of comparison I currently use the a9 and a7c EVFs so it’s possible I just haven’t been spoiled by a Hugh end EVF yet. best ones I’ve used are likely this one and the xt3. so it’s all relative and I never had an issue with this evf - feels large to me and crisp enough for manual focus

[@Illlini]

Enjoyed your video. I have a 50R that I just cannot connect with. I love the files when the Mitakon is attached, but the I just can't connect with it b/c of the weight!!

[@Lonnie.G]

yeah I definitely get that. with the mistaken it is definitely hefty. though I enjoy the images from the combo so much I can deal with it

[@0zwald]

Want to sell it?

[@Illlini]

@@0zwald Yes.. I am selling it.. 2300 shipped. - Under 3K shutter count. No scuffs/marks....

[@asafoadjei1]

I will always say, Fuji just need to stack a 50MP MF sensor with the AF performance of the XT5 or better and we are good to go.

[@Lonnie.G]

if they can also put emphasis on making their lenses focus faster (only a few have the linear motors) then. Even on the 50r the 50mm 3.5 is fairly quick but from what I hear most of the rest of the primes struggle there

[@eek0212]

its digital xpan!

[@johndeer5524]

I am taking absolutely horrible photos with this camera I can't even figure out how to take a photo on zoom clearly my shutter speed is all jacked up ... I need help 😭

[@Framesbyfrisby]

I want get my hands on one for wedding but it might be too slow 😢

[@Lonnie.G]

As a main body for use with AF lenses? Yeah I'd say it's too slow for how weddings are traditionally shot. On the other hand, if it's an extra body to bring along to get creative with after the main must have shots are obtained it would do fine where you have to the time to nail focus or manually focus. i.e. you've got all of the must have for the bride and groom informals and you wan to take an extra 3 minutes at the end to get some medium format posed shots. Definitely wouldn't rely on it as my main shooter for a wedding though

[@SuperBengamin]

Thanks for an interesting video. I am so close to pulling the trigger and get the 50r with the 45mm f 2.8. The only problem is that I am worries about the autofocus. I like to get up close and personal for some documentary style environmental portraits with a semi candid look. I don´t want the subject to notice me before I take the shot to capture the candid feeling in the photo. Do you think this is possible to do with the 50r?

[@Lonnie.G]

I actually do think that’s possible but I’d say you’ll have higher chance of success using the tilt screen on the back for that. the camera is still fairly large in comparison to a casual point and shoot and I find when you bring anything up to your eye people tend to pay attention. but looking down like a waist viewfinder seems to be a little less intrusive if you are comfortable composing that way.

[@DesignedByWil]

F the camera, let me see more of that studio god damn.

[@adrianemikko]

Probably the closest thing to a digital Mamiya 7

[@Fondofmelobster]

a little repetitive, especially Part 5 - but great video!

[@TopshelfJunior]

What were you listening to on the airpods ?

[@Lonnie.G]

I don’t remember - a Pusha T song tho from what I can see (bottom monitor)

[@feelda303]

cool insight. how does the ef 28 work on the gfx?

[@Lonnie.G]

Thanks! There is definitely vignetting. Can be mostly corrected in post but it’s work. Corners are soft. But the field of view is really nice - especially when shooting in 65:24 . I’d say it’s functional for casual shooting. Not for critical use though

[@erikleypoldt8275]

Autofocus, no one does any videos on it. Is it slooooww and unable to be used as an everyday carry? Not interested in sport etc. Also any blackout?

[@Lonnie.G]

It is slow. I can’t answer your second question. I can adjust to just about any autofocus speed - which is what people have been doing for years with older cameras with and without autofocus even. It does change the way you shoot if you primarily rely on or are used to fast AF. Yes definitely has a fairly long blackout. It think the older processor requires a good amount of time to process and write the image and the shutter is large and not really built for speed. Despite this, it’s still a great camera but I wouldn’t want you to be misled into thinking it’s something it isn’t .

[@marklion315]

This is funny, Chris Nicols of petapixel was just destroying this camera on their latest podcast, he really hates it lol saying something like not even free is it worth using.

[@Lonnie.G]

lol that's crazy! I'm sure a bit of hyperbole..hopefully. Also he gets to use all the latest and greatest. Though I'd still have a soft spot even if I did get to use a 100 mark II any time I wanted. I just love this form factor.

[@TylerMcCool]

Because all they care about are speed specs like fps and autofocus speed. Things that have nothing to do with the quality of a photograph. They’re reviewers, not even photographers.

[@nickthaskater]

50R sitting at $3k+ today hurts.

[@Lonnie.G]

If you’re in the US you just have to know where to look. One recently sold for 1795 on fredmiranda within the past week with 5 batteries (which are hard to find). I’m seeing used from online retailers for $2150-2400 . If not US I’m not sure.

[@nickthaskater]

@@Lonnie.G Canada here, so the US pricing you mention is is about right.

[@Lonnie.G]

@nickthaskater ahhh ok

[@ItsjustmeDJ]

@@Lonnie.G That was me! I feel like I got the deal of the century. I love this camera so much. For now I’m adapting M and LTM lenses on it but I’m hoping to get a GF lens for it soon but will probably have to sell something first. I also have an x-pro2 so the layout seems very familiar to me. Btw, love the video!

[@Lonnie.G]

Yeah you got a hell of a deal. Took me so long to find the original batteries at a decent price

[@renashbell1203]

that’s not even “portable”

[@musa7606]

Depends on how small your hands are.