Is the Fujifilm GFX 50R a Cult Camera?

Cult Cameras are classics of design and very much sought after.
I've had plenty... the Olympus OM-1, XA2, Trip 35, Mju...
But I think the medium format Fujifilm GFX 50R is the latest Cult Camera. It is no longer in production, it has the classic Fujifilm dials, which no new GFX has, it has simple classic design unlike any new GFX, and it is being sought after by collectors around the world.
I was able to get a very nice sample of the 50R, and I'm using it as my every day carry.
I use classic vintage film lenses with adaptors.

[@user-pr8fs1kz2c]

I just picked one up - can’t wait!

[@Ford363Stroker]

Yes. I'm a member. For me the 50R is the perfect camera for full manual shooting with vintage lenses. It is the antithesis to my Sony system. It unlocks maximum creativity.

[@GregCarrick]

Good to hear :)

[@gothamindembaum]

Love this video. I have my 50r bought it new. With the pancake 40mm equivalent GF lens. I shoot it manual, zone focus, and have the compact flash attached on top. I don’t need more, all the other stuff being added to cameras doesn’t matter to my work.

[@LetsMakeGhosts]

Another great video. Thank you.

[@vagaboots]

Very sharp analysis, I agree with most points

[@watersignphotography]

A 50R as a daily carry?! Brave man! I’m loving mine and happily using M42 Takumars. The 50mm f1.4 is unbelievable on GFX and I’ve just picked up a 135mm f2.5 for a bit more reach 👌

[@GregCarrick]

Great choice of lenses. I'd love to have the 135. I've just got two Pentax lenses, the 50 f2 and 50 f1.7. Both give excellent results.

[@diego750]

Great beard. I’ve been into Fuji cameras since shooting the S5 Pro for weddings back in 2008. The X100 was the real gateway drug for me, and I followed that up with the X-Pro 1, which I still have. Many other cameras have come and gone, but I’ve kept the Fujis, and recently added a 50R with 32-64mm. The rangefinder-style body suits me perfectly. Cult cameras do go up in value - I remember being on the fence about buying an XPan for £2,000 around 5 years ago, it’s now around £6k!

[@gothamindembaum]

The only thing I still love as much is my X-Pro 3 with the XF 35mm F1.4 attached.

[@Pentax67]

GFX 50S, 50R and GFX 100 will be collector items later, mark my words. The GFX 100 is one of a kind. I have all 3 of them, wonderful cameras. Great video btw

[@RayLombardi]

Hi Greg, as one of your 'recommended' KZbinrs would say: I 'pounced' on the GFX 'wagon'...(Kasey from Camera Conspiracies off course!). I had my eye on the system since I used their 'X' series. This medium format is simply astonishing in every way possible, from form to function. I too use mine regularly and I too don't feel any strain when doing so. I mainly use it for street and urban photography. I yet have to try my hand at landscapes. Thanks for the video mate. Cheers, Ray.

[@bugsybunny398]

I'm with you, Greg; I love carrying my 50r with my Pentax lenses. The only gripe I have with my x-t30 and x-e1 is their size. They're too small for my big mitts. The 50r fits me like a glove. I totally agree with you regarding purchasing old film cameras for large sums of money without a guarantee they actually work. Regards Brian

[@jorgemoro5476]

I own all Fujis including the 50r and 100s plus the XT1, XT2 and XH1 plus numerous lenses. I love my 50r to carry around. As a matter of fact I’m shooting a track event tomorrow and all I’m taking is my XH1 with the 50-140 and for some personal work my 50r and the 50mm lens. That’s it. My other GFX lenses stay in the cabinet with the X lenses.

[@jorgemoro5476]

If I had to choose between my 100s or my 50r I’m afraid my 50r would win out. Hands down. It’s classic design, organic feel, and rangefinder style lights my fire. My 100s is amazing as is the IBIS but I would still choose the 50r

[@lestorhaslam]

What make of adapter are you using, please, and is there one available for Nikon DX lenses for Fujifilm medium format cameras?

[@GregCarrick]

This may answer your query... fujilove.com/adapting-nikon-f-mount-lenses-to-your-fujifilm-gfx/ . I use Kentfaith adaptors myself.

[@TarrelScot]

Inspiring! Like you I have a 50R but can’t afford to splash on Fuji GF glass. Was wondering whether to trade it for an X-T5 as I already have X-mount lenses for the X-pro2. I tend to use the 50R for set-piece landscape shots, but I think I might put it in square mode, switch to Acros, stick my Helios or Tac on the front and have some fun! Who knows; hanging on to it for a year it might perform better in value than the trade-in money would have done in the bank - even with interest rates pushing 5%!😂

[@GregCarrick]

...and in a year the X-T5 will be cheaper than it is now :) win/win

[@thomaseriksson6256]

I need IBIS else I would get a 2nd hand GFX 50R. I still have Fuji GW 690 III, HB503CW and Mamiya 7ii. I got Nikon D700 and D800E. Fuji X-Pro1 and X-T1

[@GregCarrick]

If none of your cameras has IBIS are you thinking of the H2 or T5?

[@thomaseriksson6256]

@@GregCarrick I don't have IBIS on any of my current cameras. But I like to have it on a GFX camera.That would be 50S or 100S, if I can afford one it. I can use adater on the GFX to use HB or Mamiya 7 lenses on it.

[@cameraman655]

The ‘R’ is an ‘XE’ on steroids. My daily shooters are my XTs (2, 3) as well as my 2 ’Pros’. That said, I have been seriously contemplating on picking up an ‘R’ and a GFX lens as I can see employing it a number of my commercial shoots. And honestly, I am a sucker for the rangefinder design, which explains in part, my two X-Pros and XE-2s.

[@GregCarrick]

I'd say it was worth it for commercial shoots. And it is a good experience using the 'rangefinder' style.

[@mrbigg2u]

I'm so on the edge but cannot make my mind up on a 50R or 50Sii....

[@GregCarrick]

They are both a big financial commitment, so ask a camera supplier to let you try them both to see which feels best for you.

[@frankartale1026]

X100, Xpro1 and soon the XT1 😁

[@Dan-jg7zl]

Look after your gfx boys and girls because they will be worth a small fortune soon. I have the 50r and I rarely use it tbh. I prefer using the Ricoh GRii. Smaller files, more character, compact and more fun to use. I find the GRii renders better black and white and the noise structure is more filmic.

[@NorthernMigrationTravel]

Great video… I was tempted to get the 50R until I found out it doesn’t have IBIS

[@GregCarrick]

Yes. When I had the 50SII on loan I took a 1 sec hand held shot. None of that with the 50R.

[@NorthernMigrationTravel]

@@GregCarrick it’s such a shame… IBIS would’ve made it a perfect camera.

[@NorthernMigrationTravel]

@@GregCarrick Someone just told me there is a second version of the XH2 that came out in September (the ‘non s’ version-simply called the XH2)… Lower price, 40MP X-Trans 5 sensor, 7-stops IBIS and 8K/30p 10-bit 4:2:2 internal video recording. Think I will go with that 👌

[@GregCarrick]

@@NorthernMigrationTravel For an IBIS Fujifilm, I'd go either with that or see about the X-T5

[@NorthernMigrationTravel]

@@GregCarrick Xt5 looks very good as well 👍

[@anta40]

I still prefer the 50S, though. Removeable prism and bigger grip. Think of it as a "mini" Contax 645. On the other side, 50S II is slimmer and has IBIS, but still really pricey these days 😅

[@GregCarrick]

Yes, the original 50S has advantages no other model has.

[@Station9.75]

What wrist strap is that? Is it specifically for the GFX?

[@GregCarrick]

The wrist strap is unique... I have them made by cutting any X Series camera's neck strap in half and sewing the ends together. So I get two wrist straps out of each neck strap. Each strap then has the original end to connect to the ring on the camera.

[@Station9.75]

Really nice design on the way it connects to the lug. I use little circular carabiner clips as a quick release mechanism on my camera lugs. Works well.

[@GregCarrick]

@@Station9.75 Sounds good, I've not tried any quick release systems yet.

[@LockeLeon]

I think if Fuji pulls out a GFX 50R II with IBIS and better AF the 50R I won't become a cult camera. If Fuji never sell a medium format R camera, then 100% the 50R becomes a cult camera.

[@GregCarrick]

Quite likely. I'd like a 50R with three way tilt screen, and I wouldn't say no to IBIS.

[@NorthernMigrationTravel]

Do you think the XH1 will end up becoming a cult camera… It’s completely different from the latest instalments in the XH series, especially with regards to having proper dials on top which they seem to have now removed on XH2

[@GregCarrick]

Funny you should mention that.... I've just bought a mint second hand one finally to replace the one that I drowned in a river. It's another first generation of a line that had the dials before they were replaced by the PASM. I shall have a think on it's cult status...

[@NorthernMigrationTravel]

@@GregCarrick I still own mine… I think it’s an absolutely wonderful camera

[@_o__o_]

y

[@ChrisLRobinson]

nah i think the leica q2 will be..gfx50r will be forgot no ibis in medium format body the gfx50sii will be a better "cult" bet.

[@macallanvintage]

Cult Cameras existed only long ago due to the highly limited choice of cameras. Not many “professional” grade cameras. Now, its different. Too many similar cameras being launched all the time, and they are all over-priced and over-hyped.

[@jorgemoro5476]

There’s only ONE 50r