Fuji Film GFX 50sii: My One-Year Journey with Medium Format Photography

In this video, I will be discussing my first year of using a medium format camera, a digital camera. What my thoughts are, the pros and cons of medium format, is it worth the upgrade? Is it right for you and what you do?
This is one of my first review videos and I hope this video adds some value to you and maybe helps you if you are looking to make the jump to the medium format system. Let me know in the comments if you find this useful, if you are in a medium format already share your experiences, and would love to hear your thoughts as well!
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[@northcreativedesign]

Hey Everyone its now 7/13/2023 about 4 months since I posted this video. Since this video has posted it has seen a steady view rate. I woke up yesterday and was browsing "Google Discovery" and came across an FStoppers article talking about the video we did. Since then we have gotten a decent amount of views in a 24 hour span. I really appriciate everyone check out the video, also please if you can subscribe. What makes our Channel different? Just go watch a few other videos and learn about me and my wife. We run two businesses in Alaska's Tongass National Forest, it is the largest Froest in the US, and is also a Temperate rainforest. We love talking about life in Alaska, Gear, doing videos we have produced for clients and entrapanuership. So if you have come across this video and comment please come join us on this adventure. But if not we satill are hu8mble and thankful for you finding our video and spending some time learning about this Amazing camera!

[@BenjaminKanarek]

Thanks for this wonderful expose. Sounds very similar to my situation. I sold off all of my Nikon FF gear, 4 bodies and 11 lenses and totally migrated to Fujifilm. My Nikon gear hadn't been used since getting in to Fujifilm about 4 years ago. I now have 3 x GFX bodies and 9 GF lenses and 7 XT bodies and 17 X lenses. I am now totally Fujifilm and am very pleased to say the least.

[@jamesbagwell1846]

I usually don't leave many comments on videos but I had to leave one on yours- What a fantastic and genuine review. Seriously, well done. You nailed all of the ups, downs, and quirks of the 50Sii. Is it a perfect camera? No. Is it a fantastic camera? Yes. I too had shot a Nikon D750 professionally and then jumped aboard the Sony full-frame bus. But a few weeks ago I grabbed an open-box deal on the GFX 50Sii that I had always thought about going for and I don't regret it for a sec. I'm trying out a few lenses now to see what works best for my needs. But the camera experience itself is magical. Looking forward to settling into this camera and enjoying the process of shooting photos again, not making fast-paced multimedia content.

[@josephschimmer302]

For all of you waiting for the GF shift lens; I just started using the Pentax 67 45/2.8 with the Kipon shift adapter; pretty interesting

[@POVwithRC]

"It made me love photography again" That'll be Fuji. Every time. I sold my A7R4, bought an XE4. The former was too much camera too soon. The latter just the right amount, and it still is. I'll go GFX eventually.

[@andrewbrooks2001]

Awesome video, thank you. I decided to buy into the Fujifilm GFX system as my landscape and portrait camera.

[@northcreativedesign]

That's Awesome!! I think you will be very happy with the decision!

[@costashadjimarcou5347]

Excellent!!!

[@davidfromdownunder]

Great video, I totally get it mate. I am old school where I lived, breathed film and the entire process working as both a semi pro shooting weddings / Portraits but loved landscapes for my personal freedom including my days working in Pro Labs as a printer, film processor. I was 100% Canon then digital came along and I became disconnected in a sense that photography for me was being 'in the moment'. I was completely lost and the passion died until the XT series reignited my passion and love once again via Fuji's film simulations. Being now predominantly a landscape shooter I am looking at either an XH2 to use my existing XF series lenses from my XT2 body or invest in a GFX system with / G series lenses. Thanks for telling me what I needed to hear, I am going to bite the bullet and shoot on GFX. I own a Mamiya 645 Pro TL to shoot 120mm film to slow down my process but with the cost of film and continued limited film stock it makes sense to go a GFX to fall in love all over again and be future proofed.

[@northcreativedesign]

I have also been shooting film for a year and just did a new video about it I love it but like you said it is expensive. But I'm still shooting mostly 35mm I have been using a friends medium format but the results have been a mix bag when getting them back. I also looked at the XH2, but honestly, If you are doing landscapes I'd get the 50sii it really has become my favorite digital camera in the landscape realm and even with non moving portraits. I love the range I have in post (I'm working on a post-editing video) but the files are so fun to work with! I'm really glad the video helped, I'm really surprised how many people have watched the video and who are looking to get into the GFX system! I'd love to hear your experiences once you get one and use it for a bit!

[@michaellong9526]

The thing that pleasantly surprised me is the ibis quality. I can handhold on even my 100-200 lens, with my 35-70 it’s not small but it is not too big or too heavy ,is well balanced and quite nice for carrying around, no tripod no heavy camera bag. I’m very pleased with the system👍😀

[@stefaniehaerdter3808]

Thank you, I am in a very similar situation, using R5/6 professionally for video and stills jobs and totally happy with it, makes my life fast and easy, but feel something is lacking, this wow moment. Photography has always been a journey for me, trying to find technical solutions to a creative drive, and it should require skill and passion and some pain. In a way, the ease of use of the ff world is daunting, you get some sort of perfection at every shot, what the value then? I was considering to buy a Rolleiflex, maybe I will, but your video intrigued me to go the other direction. Looking at the new 100 II. Thanks for your thoughtful and authentic video.

[@Randyfhutchison]

Really an informative unbiased vid. I was surprised you bought into the Fuji system, but I can understand why. Honestly you can’t purchase a bad camera nowadays. But you can purchase one that fits your needs better. The Fuji system is a dream camera for landscapes and you certainly made a good choice. You’ve come a long way from the polite young man I met at Palouse Falls all those years ago. Keep after it…!

[@northcreativedesign]

Thank Randy, I know feels like forever ago now. I never thought to myself I'd be Fuji nI honestly thought I'd always stick with Nikon. But you know sometimes change is good, and I know there are tons of reviews and stuff out there and trying to do photo style videos is a crowded market, but I hope people connect with my stories and it helps them one way or another, you are right there is not huge differences in cameras now days but there are still some and it all depends on what your end goal is with what you are doing. I'm really glad we have been ablke to stay connected through the years I want to get back to Palouse really bad!

[@Randyfhutchison]

Hey I was wondering how you’re adding music to your vids? I was thinking about doing some Timelapse photography. I’m such an old school photographer I thought I should try something different. Thanks!

[@northcreativedesign]

@@Randyfhutchison Hit me up on messanger and we can chat about that I can give you some options!

[@SpringBarry]

Randy, I don’t think there is a camera on this earth that Jeremy wouldn’t buy….. 🤦‍♀️😂

[@northcreativedesign]

@@SpringBarry I wouldn't buy Sony the only sony camera i got we got for free lol. Not hating on Sony people out there it's just not my jam.

[@mugendocs]

Id love to be able to buy the XH2s and the GFX50, but they are currently a far dream in my career. I have both the XT2 and XT3, I love those cameras, Fujifilm is amazing! Been photographing. professionally with the T2 since 2021 ❤

[@northcreativedesign]

ohh that's awesome, yea I love this camera and I picked up the x100V over summer and love that thing as well it's nice to just have a small daily camera, feel like it keeps me off my phone as well lol. I wanted an XT5 but i just didn't want another set of lenses lol

[@northcreativedesign]

Thanks everyone who watches our videos. I had a lot of fun talking about the pros & cons of this amazing camera. If you have followed our channel you know a little about us but if you haven;t seen our channel, we are a company based in Alaska and we love bringing people along and talk about our work running our multiple businesses, and also talk about gear and things we enjoy. This was my first review like video and I really enjoyed making it and hope you enjoy watching it! The GFX 50sii is an amazing camera and has really re-ignited my love for photography!

[@luiscarrasquillo5544]

Amazing video Thanks

[@northcreativedesign]

Thank you 🙏 I really appreciate that!

[@arcephotos]

Thanks for the review, what do you think about the GFX50Sii for street photography

[@CharlesTay]

Thanks for sharing

[@northcreativedesign]

No Problem Thanks for Watching!

[@chadkbrignall22]

Same here bro I was a Nikon guy since the 90s and a year ago I purchased the GFX 50Sii and I nicknamed it "the god" camera cause I never shot with a camera so amazing

[@northcreativedesign]

That’s awesome! Sorry for me delayed response. Yea i loved my Nikon and it looks like their Z Line of cameras are sick but i think they were just so slow to catch up that i moved on :/

[@nevvanclarke9225]

It's really interesting mate I actually own a Fujifilm XT5 and I love this camera as a landscape camera it probably does everything I need. I am a professional landscape photographer on a small scale let's say I sell three or four images a month I do lessons and I do some other stuff with landscapes as well and I love the XT5, but I've always wanted a medium format camera and I think I'm gonna get this camera and pair it with the XT5. I think these two together could just be an awesome combination and actually the low light performance of the XT5 is really good, so I think with these two cameras as a combination I think I'm set for life

[@northcreativedesign]

Ohh that's awesome, we seriously looked at the XT-5 but I ultimatly got an x100v as my non medium format camera. But I'm using it for more my daily photos it has replace my phone mostly. I need to program it for quick video switching then I think my phone would be replace totally. I didn't get the X-t5 only because I didn't want another set of lenses and wanted something with a small footprint. But as for the GFX 50sii it's an amazing camera obviously they just came out with the 100sii but I think for most people the 50 is more than you would ever need. I think your logic and resoning for the pairing of the two lenses makes total sense and hope you enjoy it. Yes I think cameras today will stand longer than others. I'm almost 2 years with this camera and it still works as its intended. :) Good luck on your journey!

[@nevvanclarke9225]

@@northcreativedesign thank you for the long reply mate really appreciate your advice. I really wanted the xt5 as a Walkabout camera but it was so good that I started buying landscape lenses for it but I need the performance of a gfx camera for landscapes. Thanks and I followed the channel

[@mattodomphoto]

Summed up my experience with my Fuji GFX to the T

[@northcreativedesign]

ohh wow, so guessing you are not still using the Fuji? I went and checked out your channel and saw I watched your behind-the-scenes video a while ago, I think I watched it when I was making the decision to buy one, lol small internet world

[@mattodomphoto]

@@northcreativedesign absolutely still using it! I have an R5 for my run and gun editorial work or when I have to work extremely fast. I try to use my Fuji at least 80-85% of the time . WOW it is a small world I really appreciate that 🙂

[@MARKLINMAN1]

As expensive as FILM has become i decided to clean my M6 and my Hasselblad 501cm and will put them away, i may get this 50SII along with FUJI' S 55MM 1.7 Lens and call it good. I do shoot with the X-PRO3 AND recently acquired the XT5, Thank you for this video.

[@northcreativedesign]

No problem both those film cameras are amazing I’m sure I still shoot film don’t get me wrong but I’m pretty selective now. I love this camera though and think it’s totally worth the investment! Good luck on your new journey :)

[@MARKLINMAN1]

@@northcreativedesign Thank you, i just found out i can use my HASSELBLAD 80MM 2.8 Lens with this GFX by buying the H TO G Fuji adapter, I AM SUPER EXCITED now, lolol.

[@clivengu]

I am using Fujifilm X-H1 apsc to shoot interior architecture for 2 years now. But im looking to upgrade to a bigger sensor system in the future. Looking at market price for Fullframe systems, they are so expensive and nearly cost as much as the Fuji medium format. I do not do video, I do not do fast shooting. Not sure if i should skip the Fullframe and directly go to medium format.

[@northcreativedesign]

I think the questions you should probably ask yourself is, how are you gonna use final files? I you shooting real estate? Also the price of the body may be comparable but GFX lenses outside the kit lens is pretty expensive as well, you can get adapters for other lens sets, but you won't get medium format coverage. Also not sure if the kit lens would be wide enough, I'm not sure how wide you are shooting on your current system. But the kit lens might work. I guess the other thing is speed how fast you shooting your shots, if its a quick down and dirty get photos get out and get editing andf deliver to client that might not work the best for this system. IK'm not sure where you are located but if was me and I lived somewhere I could use a site like borrowlenses or whatever I would maybe test drive them, I think the R5 or maybe the R6 since it's cheaper might be better, but yes they both do video so, I'm not sure how you feel about them but the lenses are cheaper and you can get the r to rf mount pretty cheap as well. I'd personally say if you can test drive the system out then do that and just make sure it's right for you. I think you could acomplish what you wanted but if you need speed then it won't really be your cup of tea.

[@clivengu]

@@northcreativedesign Thank you for taking the time to reply. Unfortunately my country do not have the culture of providing lens/camera rental services. So it is quite difficult for me to try them on before deciding to jump into the system. The only way is to buy them, to try and if it doesn't work, then we sell it at some lost. So the camera system /lens that we buy has to be at least popular to remain its value better. Personally I like Fujifilm system... it makes me want to shoot with it even if it is for a job. My projects involve slowing down, carefully planned shots. Probably even manual focusing every shot. So focusing speed is not an issue. Anyway price is still a deciding factor... and if my "part time" job can keep up with the system im buying.

[@northcreativedesign]

@@clivengu yea i don't get to rent stuff either island in Alaska might as well be a different country lol. I'd say if you can afford a body and lens, and you are not in fast pace requirement of the job, future proof yourself and get yourself a fuji medium format!

[@sindbadsailor7868]

I’d like to upgrade my current set up, fuji x-t2 with bunch of primes lens, i have no complain with this system, i love the color. But i want to try the full frame camera. Somehow when i looked up the price, the gfx 50r (2nd hand) is cheaper than the certain full frame camera… but i dont like to bring big camera and lens, also the file size… im pretty sure the image quality will be gorgeous, because it’s fuji… now im confusing

[@northcreativedesign]

Well the R was released before this version. I'm not sure what the difference in specs are. I'm pretty sure the file size and image quality will be the exact same since it was like a half year or year difference in release dates? If you like range style types of cameras, then the R will definatly be down your ally. I think most the upgrade to the 50 sii is like better view finder, better auto focusing, ect. Don't quote me on that because I never compared the two when buying this one, but I do remember looking into the R after the fact a little and if my memory serves correct thats some of the differences. Also keep in mind is already over a half year old, and the camera is almost 2 years old now? Fuji has an event on the 20th I think and it could be possible a new version of the 50 comes out. I haven't heard rumors most the rumors are about the new X100v but it might be possible they announce a new 50 since a new 100 came out not to long ago. If it was me I'd probabably wait until after that event, and see if something is announced making the older cameras probably a little more cheaper :)

[@feelda303]

I agree 100%. Shooting professionally with R6II and recently got GFX50SII and while it's a great camera, it feels like going back to the original 5D in terms of size, weight and speed :-) But yes, it slows you down in a way and let's you enjoy the photo taking process. I'm not 100% convinced to be invested in Fuji ecosystem because I really have to pixel peep to see any difference. I'm sure if I printed my stuff, I would see it differently though. Great insight!

[@northcreativedesign]

Interesting on the pixel peeping on the R6II because i can totally tell the difference when zoomed in on a R5 and Fuji. Zoomed out you wouldn't know outside the crop ratio but the Fuji is def sharper than my R5 zoomed in. I think for fuji you really have to love the ecosystem and that film style for most their cameras. A part of me wishes I'd have just spent the extra on a 100s but since I wasn't sure if I would even like fuji i stayed with a 50. Thanks for watching though its awesome hearing about others who are in similar situations and their thoughts on it as well!

[@christophsauer2857]

@@northcreativedesign so, would you, looking better, preferred to have bought the 100s over the 50s 2? Because I am in the situation that I would like to sell my 50s for either 50s2 or 100s. The new 100 2 is definety over my budget. But between 50s 2 and 100s I am thinking.... :)

[@northcreativedesign]

@@christophsauer2857 I'd take the 50sii mainly because I don't think I have a need for a 100s. Maybe it fits better for some people, I don't know what I'd ever use it for, I honestly think the 50sii is more than overkill for most the things I do, but I really wanted to try Medium Format, and I Iove it, but again each person has different needs. But personally I'm still happy with this camera!

[@RobJorg]

6:30 f2 x 0.8 = f1.6 . fav combo would be the Z8 and a GFX 100s

[@EddieInzauto]

“When I got this camera, it made me want to start shooting medium format film.” So you’re saying it’s twice as expensive as we thought! 😂 -me, a former mf film shooter.

[@northcreativedesign]

haha it can be, or maybe I'm just always looking for some excuse to get more gear lol ;)

[@MrSolidair]

This review is one of the better on youtube! Is this a good camera to concider for architecture and interior photography?

[@northcreativedesign]

I would say it can be with the right lens. Fuji just released the 20-35mm which I think is equivalent to 18-24mm. The photos I have seen in wide format are amazing and would imagine it would carry over to both interior photography and architecture. I would just say it's what do you want to spend on it the lens alone is more than most full-frame cameras. So if you are say taking real estate photos for the web this is probably overkill but if you are making big prints out of something then I would say go for it!

[@POVwithRC]

11:50 Good gracious that shot has probably sold a few GFX bods.

[@northcreativedesign]

@@POVwithRC haha thanks man, i do love that shot!! I hope it has the GFX is really an amazing camera for these types of shots!

[@CnarkM]

F2 is equivalent of f1,58 on a fullframe exactly. (It's multiplayer by 0,79x for Fuji sensor) Fuji is not a real medium format it's slightly bigger than a full frame I bought gfx 100s + GX110f2 and r5 + rf 85L and after six months I sold Fuji set RF 85L is such a better performer. Only thing I regret is that I moved away from h6d 100c this was real medium format camera when I watch photos from this "old" digital medium format camera I can say that still only new hasselblad cam give you better results

[@willyonamountain]

SE Alaskan photographers shout-out 💪 edit- I've been fighting the urge to sell my Sony FF stuff and go medium format for months. Not sure i want to carry that bad boy up the mountains around Skagway though 😅

[@northcreativedesign]

You know if you are carrying a backpack it’s not that bad I don’t really find it to be heavy and more of a burden. I feel like it’s less heavy than my canon r5 with a battery and lens. Also heck yea SE Alaska represent! I need to get to Skagway it’s on my list.

[@willyonamountain]

@@northcreativedesign Darn it, I need to go check one out and see how it feels in the hand 💸😅

[@northcreativedesign]

Thank me later lol, nah but for real if you get a chance to check on out let me know your thoughts. Do you have IG or something I could check out and follow you on I love seeing other SE Work.

[@adamkencki]

you can pronounce fuji correctly, why is it so hard to say nikon…i.. not naycon

[@northcreativedesign]

"Shrug" seems pronounced right to me. But probably because i suck in front of the camera I'm a camera guy i like being behind the camera.

[@humandroid53]

He's just using the American way of saying it. No big deal.

[@RichardsModellingAdventures]

You spent a year with this thing? It's the worst photography experience I ever had in the short time I had mine. Horrible camera

[@northcreativedesign]

yup and still use it and love it. But to each their own. Good luck on your journey

[@jeaninedc11]

I have the GFX50R, it is amazing and I love it. Doubtful I will ever switch.

[@chloescanlon1107]

Troll