An Affordable Medium Format Digital Camera? | Fujifilm GFX 50R Review w/ Leica Lenses

Over the last few months, I’ve made a lot of Leica and Fujifilm videos. As I was putting together my bags for a last-minute wedding this coming weekend, I figured I'd film my decision-making process.
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[@george_edward_]

I purchased the 50r about a year ago now and have been insanely happy with the purchase ever since. The feedback given in this video is for sure accurate - it is a slow camera. However, shooting the way I do (landscapes, stillscapes, etc) I have zero issues with it whatsoever. As a field run and gun I could see it getting in the way. I'm a huge fan of fuji's color science so this hits the nail on the head every photo. and it gives me so much detail to edit my photos exactly like I want :)

[@Tom-Humble]

I use a GFX50R myself with a voigtlander 58mm f1.4. It has a great filmy look probably similar to the 7artisans lens. Vignette wide open is easily fixed in post. Shooting square crop is also a great way to get rid of any corner distortions and very fun too!

[@michaelbennettphoto]

I have a GFX 50S and I’m in love with that camera. I debated getting the 50R, but I found a really good price on the 50S and I can fully say that I’m glad I got it over the 50R. It’s the most comfortable camera I’ve ever held and it’s not even close. The camera is amazing and I’m so happy I have it.

[@N9olan]

Same here!

[@israellatham]

You gave this a fair shake and pointed out what others haven’t. Definitely interested in a lens comparison and what you found useable.

[@israellatham]

@@faenjeggiropp that’s why I’ve been using super fast M lenses to get a nearly large format look. Of course their is a ton of distortion and vignette but the tradeoffs are worth it to me.

[@demetrizuev258]

I have a 50R and a separate grip is a must for this camera, it's just night and day with and without it. GF 50mm f3.5 is one of the best lenses for GFX, fast AF, cheap, sharp, smallest of the bunch and no hassle with distortion or adapters 🙃

[@wikdmessenger]

Good review, however, my experience with the camera is somewhat different: I find the design and the feel of using of the camera very inspiring, it makes me wanna go out and shoot. I love the very large offset viewfinder (I'm used to the Sony A7rlV), the grip and the controls. I actually like the understated utilitarian design (like on a different camera, the Ricoh Gr ll) While the body feels somewhat hollow, I appreciate the light weight. The autofocus (with the latest firmware) is only disappointing if you think that you're gonna get the same speed and accuracy of the newer full frame or crop cameras. I fint AF-s quite usable. Image quality is of course outstanding.

[@michivanhalen7086]

Is the eye af price and fast enough for slow moving people?

[@LeslieCelis]

Agree. This is on the 'film' side.

[@eliaspap8708]

@@michivanhalen7086 not really u might get 1 in 3 sharp, I wouldn’t attempt to track any moving subjects, however u can pre focus like the old film cameras and that will always work, Unfortunately that skill has evaporated these modern days as were spoilt.

[@markcapilitan3484]

As a former 10 year or so Xpan2 full kit user who sold it all in 2017, I actually picked a 50r up last April & have used it since almost exclusively in 65:24 format. Very similar to the Xpan except you naturally shoot a bit more as it's digital. I've tweaked the jpg recipes to get something similar to Velvia50 so results are very close to Xpan stuff I used to shoot. It's digital & you can see what you're doing when it comes to ND filters etc so it is a bit easier but no question when it comes to long exposures and very tricky light, the results from the 50r are better than old film where just sometimes it didn't work out no matter how many bracketing shots you took!! I don't need huge files so 25 meg is perfect for me. I only have the 32-64mm lens so am kind of stuck, but that's ok for now & is a decent range. The 23mm lens would be sweet and probably replicate the old Xpan 30mm lens more but for now its too expensive.

[@BoomerBapstonIV]

Dude that xpan crop mode is sick

[@StapediusReflex]

Great video! Looking forward to seeing how that 50mm does the X-mount system.

[@Jayveel]

Literally just found your channel through another video and I’ve been looking at getting a 50r and here we are 😅 great vid!

[@YOUAREMYKIN]

Hi Benj - this is the most honest review I’ve seen of this camera. And an interesting way to frame its use case. It’d be nice to see more of the photos that you describe during the video. Just a thought. Btw. Your Moment Cinebloom filter review was so insightful! I hope your channel continues to grow fast 😃

[@Muchtoobizy]

I am delighted someone made a video like this. I have a GFX 50r that I bought used in mint condition for about the same price as a new Sony A7iii. I also use it with manual focus lenses, including those from 7 Artisans and TTArtisan. I find it to be a superb camera when used in this way, especially in low light with wide apertures. The pictures have that beautiful smooth tonal range and shallow depth of field that I love. Yes, I will get varying degrees of vignetting depending on which lens I use. It's best to use full frame lenses without lens hoods to minimise this effect. The problem is easily cropped out and/or adjusted in post. About the chunkiness and weight; I just got used to it and I don't dwell on it, because the quality images are worth the extra effort.

[@JTobiason]

I appreciate the info on the converted lenses. I mean, I know the fuji lenses are great, but to get into a system with minimum new purchases is always helpful.

[@benjhaisch]

100%. I’m still very much considering buying the 50R and the Mitakon 65/1.4. Could put it together for under $4k which is still a ton of money but would give me something pretty unique in the digital world.

[@diforbes]

@@benjhaisch Have you tested the Mitakon? Curious to know what you think of it. Thanks.

[@KingGameReview]

I just got a used one a few days ago for 2k. I'm loving it. So far I've just been playing around and seeing how my existing lenses cover the sensor. Yesterday I tested around 30 lenses. The next nice day I'll test another 30. I'm surprised how many lenses completely cover or mostly cover the sensor.

[@tylertrudeau2038]

Your broll footage sure has up'd it's game! 😉

[@Jordan-dh9it]

i would have love to more photos you took on the 50r

[@David-lk8fd]

Just picked up a 50R, and I definitely recommend the Smallrig grip/L-bracket. I was surprised that the body and the 32-64mm lens weighs exactly the same as my X-T4 50-140mm setup.

[@RichardStroffolino]

Wow, that DoF is a lot of fun with that 50mm. Been wanting to rent one to play around with my old Pentax 645 glass. The 75mm 2.8 would be pretty reasonable on that body. Thanks for sharing!

[@b17ch5l4p]

would've loved to see some photos with the 50 1.4! ):

[@swernovsky]

Great Video!

[@Zetaphotography]

Tha K you for another great review. I've been shooting with an older Leica S2. Love the colors of the CCD. Needs a lot of light though, but the lenses. The standard Summarit-S 70 F2.5 is super light for its size. Images are crisp. If you can find one with the swapped out sensor (think M9) and a good lens with replaced AF motors. You will be happy. Top it off I have my Hasselblad C lenses that I can adapt which gives me Aperture Priority.

[@wyw3237]

Yes, a lot of people including me are into the pentax67 105/2.4 look. it will be really interesting to see a comparison of images with shallow DoF from this sensor vs those of Leica m10, especially as 120 film getting more and more unaffordable with options lesser. Again great colors from sample photos

[@earlrogersjr3026]

Maybe he should’ve use a Pentax 6 x 7 he would’ve had a better understanding of how a medium format works. You can shoot some sports with it if you know how to lead yo subject but it is not a DSLR which Fuji did not make it to be one.

[@Sc3ptor]

Thanks for the review! I never considered adapting my manual M lenses to medium format and I think I just veered me away from the M10 to the GFX series hah

[@M9rkAnthony112]

The fringer adapter with the sigma 50 1.4 art lens is a great combo 🤌🏽.

[@derekdibrell2067]

It might be worth holding off for a while. A 50S mark 2 is going to be released later this year. Super excited to see what features it will have.

[@benjhaisch]

I’m the one requesting these lenses for review specifically because I’m curious about them. I already have an entire kit of Leica and Zeiss lenses, so sure, I don’t need them and don’t expect them to be better than the lenses that I already own that cost 5-10x as much. I do still own most of them though as I like to have them around as a different look and comparison. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@jan-martinulvag1953]

Great info

[@asimplefarmer]

Not about the review, but love the new background lights you’ve set up Edit: love the fact you talked about adapting lenses.

[@FarEastSurvival]

I would suggest that you try out the Leica-SL2S before you decide. I use it to shoot M-lenses and I love it

[@ChuckKolyvas]

Thanks - this is really helpful. My M9 died and I'm considering a new way to use my Leica glass.

[@ObservingBeauty]

Great review

[@hobrandon]

It’s actually reminiscent of their 645 cameras. The body looks a lot like my GA645w!

[@dekonildo]

Hi! Autofocus in these larger sensors will never be as fast as in the smaller ones. I guess this is a limitation you can't really escape. But as long as you're aware of it and understands what this camera does well, it's a pretty good investment. Regarding the distortion you're getting, I'd say it's expected. You're using an area outside of the intended image region of these lenses. I guess the vignetting would make the lens unusable if the sensor on it were as large as the images on film MF cameras (i.e. the true medium format cameras for the purists) .

[@kevinkazakevich5766]

Very cool. I am not professional, but have Leica lenses and the M6 and have not gone to digital. I think this would be the way to use the Leica M lenses and have a digital camera.

[@bennyk6705]

Another great review Benj! I’m looking at picking up a 50r or 50s. Is see you’ve experienced both cameras. Just wondering which you’d recommend/prefer? Cheers!

[@bngr_bngr]

I wonder how the Noctilux 50mm performs on the R.

[@aroach337]

No question about the grip. I got the SmallRig L-bracket with grip and it is entirely different. No question this camera is relatively slow. They should have called this the 50L for landscape photography or be really clear this is a landscape photographer's rangefinder. It comes into its own when you can slow down and take your time. It is cheaper than the 50s, but it is not about price. this is for rangefinder fans who don't mind giving up some ergonomics cause they love the rangefinder look... or hate that weird rump on the otherwise better 50s :-)

[@redisred]

I'm curious why this over upgrading to the M10R? You've mentioned the 50 Summilux has a medium format look to it, is the real thing that much better?

[@jeromesusi1064]

Was looking into this for my 50summilux and 35cron. Have you tested your 50summilux with this camera yet?

[@ucevrim]

still regret selling it but it was a fun year :)

[@_parkphoto]

Did you try your Summilux 50 on it and if so did it perform better than the TTArtisan?

[@nunosantos8784]

For medium format, just skip that one. I had it with 3 lenses and sold everything to buy the Pentaz 645z with 3 lenses, all brand new... and guess what, for the same price that I sold the used Fuji gear. I know, the 645z is much heavier and bulkier, but for the type of photography I use this format, size doesn´t matter, and you gain the amazing build quality on the 645z. In fact is not even comparable, the Pentax belongs to another league. Can´t handle anymore the hollow feel of the Fuji and the horrible tactile experience of the dials... can´t understand why. On the Pentax, having the bright optical view is another bonus. Image quality is great on both cameras, with more artificial sharpness on the Fuji files. I believe that the gfx100s got better build quality, probably the best of the 4 models. The Fuji lenses are great, just never get used to the focus by wire, but unfortunately is the trend in many systems... fortunately not in the Pentax 645 line nor in Leica M. Just to finish, I fully understand you, when a camera doesn´t inspire me, I don´t have the will to go out and shoot, and mostly of the time I end up using the GFX just when I really need the image quality for a job. The rest of the time was on the shelf getting dust... while I was using the Leica M all the time, every day. Funny enough, the 645z, despite the size and weight, now is always with me, paired with the M.

[@Qihua]

I am looking for Asahi Super Takumar 28mm F3.5 on my 50R，would that be a good idea? I mean would that be a clear dark corner

[@walterlopez1924]

hello, excellent video... a question... can you give me the link to buy the leica lens adapter. Thank you

[@robertstacy8438]

Good review. I owned one for about 2 years and felt incredible buyer's remorse. It not that there is anything wrong with it per se, except that there is no joy in using it.

[@photobusta]

Have you ever put the mamiya schinder lenses on this?

[@jerryeisner1]

Benji, really nice review plus the bonus of adapting lenses from other makers. I'd love to know more about what type of weird distortions you are getting on the Leica 50 mm lens. The images you showed seemed really fine. On the other hand, if you continue to use the Leica lenses or other 35 mm type lenses, don't you get the same effect with adapted lenses as if you were shooting with a full frame 35 mm camera instead of the Medium Format. It sounds like a cool way to go except that you would be losing the medium format larger area. It would be just like shooting a Full Frame camera and then using APSC crop lenses. What is your feeling about all of this. Are there advantages I'm missing besides the weight savings and the balance that the smaller lenses give you. And for sure the idea of a panoramic crop which you showed sounds like a great advantage as well. Thanks. je

[@benjhaisch]

I’m no expert on this, but it seems like the close distance of the Leica lenses to the sensor end up causing some weird distortion at times. It doesn’t seem to happen with “regular” SLR sized lenses and I think it’s probably that difference.

[@bfums]

It almost feels like these cameras were styled after the Texas Leica

[@VictorGee]

As I understand this is the same sensor from the Pentax 645Z, Hasselblad H5Dc and PhaseOne IQ250. How much longer do they plan to milk us for the same sensor?

[@austriker]

Oh gosh, very tempted but I'm like $3500 short. 🤣... Also bold move shooting a wedding with your first time using it - I am jealous of the skills required for that

[@t-money561]

Medium format that is 1/4 the size of 645?

[@prphoto666]

Hey Benj~ Beautiful work! I don’t care at all about the distortion, but I am curious as to your editing for the family photos. Those are lovely tones. May I ask how you edited those images? Straight out of camera or edited to taste? Thanks so much! pr

[@benjhaisch]

Edited with my Cascade Presets :)

[@prphoto666]

@@benjhaisch I thought there was strong chance you’d say that….. I’ll have to look into them! Beautiful work!

[@Kveekx1]

GFX 50R with the OVF/EVF would be a game changer!

[@benjhaisch]

It’d be sooooo fun.

[@REMY.C.]

And please a 1:1 coupled OVF to justify a +1000$ price tag 😂

[@egghunt822]

have you tried it with the ttartisans 50 f2? even more compact!

[@jojo7350]

is manual focus pretty easy to use on this camera? Does it have peaking?

[@81springbrook96]

yup, has peaking. you can also zoom in to nail the focus. :)

[@amg231]

Seeing reviews of the gfx 100s, it seems like that is what the 50r should have been. Would love to hear your take on that camera and how it compares to the 50r

[@benjhaisch]

Still trying to get my hands on one! It seems to be much more of an upgrade over the 50S though in terms of styling. I’d LOVE a 50R mkII though

[@amg231]

@@benjhaisch an updated 50r would be great!

[@drc4563]

A GFX 50R with the X100 style buttons and IBIS would be perfect. Loving the one I just brought used. Amazing value for what it can do. I bought it to shoot big landscapes so all the issues about the autofocus are irrelevant to me. This is now half the price of the GFX100s (admittedly the more capable and versatile camera and less than a third of a new M10R or M11).

[@tedtedsen269]

i also have the 50r and a woodgrip i also have a gfx100s but the 100s looks like a standar sony or canon body no inspiring but my 50r gives me more off that old camera feeling if i compare 100s to a modern canon r5 the 100s is 10 years behind in speed and focus accuracy but the image quality is unique thats whats mf is for

[@FookFish]

wait i had no idea full frame lenses adapted to medium format would cover the entire sensor

[@rf8221]

So would you sell an M10 if you picked up a GFX50R?

[@benjhaisch]

Nope! It’d be a supplemental thing

[@HoanNguyen-lf3rr]

the camera is rangefinder styled with an evf instead of ovf, similar to the XE line, not necessarily cheap, just different than dslr style. im sure you are well aware of this since you also own the leica M system so im not sure why you would find the rangefinder styled camera to be uninspiring..

[@crispin8888]

Very enjoyable and interesting video, and especially the XPan references. It's tempting to use an XPan lens on this and shoot black and white jpegs.

[@brianwyse1010]

buy this, or the hasselblad?

[@benjhaisch]

Yeah... depends on both your budget and use cases. Do you love the leaf shutter and native Hasselblad lenses AND have the budget? Hasselblad is amazing. Do you want medium format but don’t care about leaf shutters and don’t mind the form factor? Fujifilm.

[@flo.___.w2627]

the TTArtisan 50mm f0.95 on the GFX would be crazy --> 40mm f0.75 (if it works)

[@benjhaisch]

I’m testing the TTArtisan version on another 44x33 sensor soon!

[@pauljobson554]

Benj, with regard to the distortions, did you try enabling 35mm format mode?

[@benjhaisch]

I did not as it wouldn’t be using the full sensor :)

[@pauljobson554]

@@benjhaischYep. I'm thinking that with the crop applied in camera for a 35mm image circle perhaps the distortions won't be so bad??

[@Baronic]

How does the raw files work in tandem with leica? I tried sony and leica but the files were just too different in raw and it was very visible which was shot with which.

[@benjhaisch]

for sure, it takes a bit of tweaking no matter what brands or even camera models you're switching between. Heck, even my 50 Summilux and 28 Summicron have a slightly different white balance that I have to adjust for

[@Baronic]

@@benjhaisch thanks for the response. Was it just a white balance tweak or you had to go into each color pallete and tweak each saturation, vibrancy and luminosity to get them to work together?

[@benjhaisch]

All depends on the brand, but with Fuji/Leica they’re fairly similar but I still have to go in and change a few things for sure. HSL is a big one

[@dhritimanbatchu]

Doesn't the crop work the inverse way to how you've described it? As in, doesn't a 50mm 1.4 FF lens translate to approx. 63mm 1.75 on a MF sensor? Or am I getting it wrong?

[@benjhaisch]

If you were converting a FF equivalent to 44x33 then yes that sounds right, but you’re converting a 44x33 to 36x24 which makes things wider and with a more shallow DOF

[@dhritimanbatchu]

@@benjhaisch Got it. Grateful to have EVFs to skip over the calculations and just have the view! Cheers.

[@MB-or8js]

Can you use Hasselblad V-lenses with adapter on this camera? Any intent to showcase this in a future video?

[@benjhaisch]

I don’t see why not. I’m sure they make an adapter

[@MB-or8js]

@@benjhaisch I found several adapters online. Other that the camera-adapted lens arrangement is more front heavy, it should work fine with preselected aperture. I tested the lenses already adapted this way on my Sony MLC

[@JasondePlater]

I tried the 50R... the size and weight of those slow f stop GF lenses together with the lag of the shutter and low res EVF made me go for the a7R IV instead. It has 61 megapixels and can adapt a lot of lenses well. It even has 4:3 ratio shooting.. Not sure why you'd use that cheap, fake Summilux when you've got the real thing!

[@POVwithRC]

Coolest of stories broseph

[@joco1164]

I want the hell out of this

[@A1000Truths]

Fuji is coming out with an 50s Mk II. Hold off. It suppose to be a $3K medium format camera.

[@benjhaisch]

I’ll believe it when I see it ;)

[@benjhaisch]

And I’d LOVE to eat my words on this because I would buy one in a heartbeat

[@A1000Truths]

@@benjhaisch same! I’m saving up for it already. 😂

[@chloescanlon1107]

Excellent review, but just to pick you up on a couple of things.... I find it incredibly inspiring, not uninspiring like you. Also you mention a few times that this is older camera.... but your brand new Leica M10’s that you’ve just bought are 18 months older. This camera is brilliant, a medium format camera for this price! I only have the 50 f3.5 which is very light (the same weight as a Leica M10/24f1.4). Plus with that lens the focusing is speedy and accurate and the most important thing, the image quality is phenomenal.

[@RocketinExile]

U still own this camera?

[@benjhaisch]

I’m borrowed this one, but I still own the 50S

[@ashok5591]

Why GFX Fujifilm camera dispalays in the screen first. No! This one is one sided. I think it is partiality.

[@hyojoonus]

Looks like a giant X-E4!

[@REMY.C.]

I think it's the X-E4 that looks like a micro GFX50R.

[@herbievos8003]

Sorry, I find it a little bit ugly..... clunky and cheap looking. The designer had a offday 🤭the Hasselblad is so much more beautiful, but also a bit pricier.

[@fujizones1724]

yeah, beautìul but useless

[@jorgemoro5476]

In the future reviews please use the camera for longer than a couple of weeks. You have no idea…

[@benjhaisch]

I have no idea what?

[@jorgemoro5476]

@@benjhaisch about the camera itself. I own the50r and the 100s and honestly I prefer my50r. Using the camera for a short period of time does give enough time to appreciate the quality and nuances of the system

[@edlondon3717]

Best camera for the price, $2,999...for a medium format that is truly great. Look, a medium format was not designed to be fast, it takes fabulous pro photographs.

[@PianoBlackTrimRep.]

Affordable, eh? LOL Yeah sure. What about the lenses? You can buy the camera for like $2k used but EVERY single lens is going to cost you $1,500 to $2,500 lol

[@benjhaisch]

I don’t own a single GFX lens and still enjoy the system. My main lens is $650

[@jabobeat44]

カメラは道具ですよ金槌や鋸と同じです用途に合った道具を写真家は選ぶだけだ 写真を良くするのも悪くするのも写真家次第ですよ

[@sorinflorea]

so is not leica lenses, is leica mount lenses!!!

[@benjhaisch]

well, and Leica lenses too as I've used a bunch of Summilux and Summicron lenses on it as well.

[@FilmDad]

Affordable? Lol

[@benjhaisch]

I mean, it's medium format digital, so it's all relative ;)

[@GKhanKutar]

50R feels too plasticky and looks so cheap. I hope they never do that mistake again. X100V has much much much better built quality than 50R