Reviewing the Fuji GFX100S: first thoughts, and why I'm testing it

[@dummatube]

I switched my company from Nikon to Fuji after fifty years because of the X-Trans sensor being Moire free for architectural patterns and textures and line art cross hatching etc. I now specialise in reproducing artworks and stitch frames to create 200-600ppi images at life size from art up to 2m in size. Currently waiting for the X-T5 with the 40MP sensor and traditional analogue style controls and keen to see how you get on with your Fuji Evaluations! Thanks for your brilliant content and the priceless resources on your website! David (a Brit), Digital Masters Australasia.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks! I'm really keen to see this one with the tilt/shift lenses next year, but I'm not going to miss the chance to try it out in the mean time ;-) I'm curious to see how the multi-shot stitching works in this one - was mightily impressed when I had the Panasonic S1R to try

[@stevenscarborough9376]

Excellent. I look forward to hearing more about your experiences on this camera. FYI, I have the GFX50sii, the 50mp version, and I absolutely love it. Superb wall-to-wall image quality. Additionally, I just bought your tilt-shift book from Amazon and am eager to read it.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - looking forward to testing this camera again at some point with some more specialist lenses. Hope the book's helpful too!

[@thomascarmody9705]

Thank you Kieth! I eagerly look forward to your follow up reports. Although I am coming from a Canon 5 D mark II, I am looking forward to upgrading and trying to decide between a 5 Ds/5 Dsr and the Fuji GFX 100s. I’m trying to decide if the image quality and handling of the Fuji compares to that of the Canon and if the price difference is justified. I found your you-tube channel when I purchased my Epson SureColor P700 printer, and I have always appreciated and respected your fair and balanced reviews. Thanks again and looking forward to what’s next.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - hope this is the first of several looks at the camera ;-)

[@jw48335]

I had great fun with a GFX 50R paired with my old 45-90mm Bronica zoom and other lenses:) My testing with adapted Bronica glass led me to conclude that all four of my PE lenses out-resolve the 50mp GFX sensor. I wouldn't be surprised if the 60mm and 75mm PE are sharp enough for the 100mp:) Looking forward to hearing your insights!

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - with bigger sensors and MP I've found that there definitely is a case for 'a rising tide raising all boats' With future testing I may be able to explore this some more, and see how modern processing software can assist. It was very useful with the Laowa shift lenses, which are available for this mount too.

[@jackzigon]

Keith, I also do architectural commercial photography and use canon R5 with 17 and 24 TSE lenses as well as the GFX100S with the same lenses adapted. I find the image quality of the Fuji to be higher than the R5 but where it really sings is when I want to crop to create different views of a scene. The larger files allow that easily. I also do landscape photography but haven't yet used the GFX for that. Almost did so today but instead I took out my Fuji X100V on a walk through the woods. Easily fits in a pocket and takes great photos. Looking forward to your review.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - I'm just sticking to the 23/30mm lenses for this first look (I've only got the camera for 2 weeks) Already tested on some of my 'standard locations' for looking at lenses and the image quality is very nice.

[@Hofsaedter]

Keen to see your results

[@KeithCooper]

Me too... ;-)

[@robinjones6999]

My son has just bought a Fuji and loves it.

[@KeithCooper]

I've shot just a few dozen shots and it's looking good.

[@jdh_images]

Had mine 3 weeks Keith and loving it for Landscape photography - no manual with mine either, you have to download a PDF !!

[@KeithCooper]

Yup - just plowing through menus Managed to get it to lock up quite a few times...

[@The6t8]

If you do go down this route, one of the best things I purchased was the small rig L bracket, having larger hands it gave somewhere for my little finger to rest when holding the camera, as well as being a very good L bracket of course.

[@KeithCooper]

Yes, I was looking at the Rogeti one - a version of what I've got on my 5Ds

[@The6t8]

@@KeithCooper yes I looked at that too, the reason I ended up plumping for the small rig was that it made the camera feel just a little more ergonomically comfortable in my hands when not on tripod but I imagine for yourself given the nature of your photography hand holding isn't as high on the list

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks Actually, I've had a heretical attraction to using tilt/shift lenses handheld for quite some time ;-) The sensor IS is welcome - I've some good handheld shots from when testing the H6D100C with HTS1.5 tilt/shift adapter

[@hamshanksproductions7161]

I have 50r, the results are amazing. But for what it's worth, full frame is so good and good enough for the majority of photographers. However the lenses I have for the 50r are almost perfect. So good expensive glass is required for Full Frame for best results. I say this as someone who prints. Look forward to your review Keith.

[@KeithCooper]

Indeed, there are many of my commercial jobs where my 26MP EOS RP would still do just fine (with good glass) - My 21MP 1Ds mk3 did me fine for my work 2007-2015 I always remember this when I get too bothered by megapixels ;-) However more MP definitely make for images that are easier to work on ;-)

[@johnhume3932]

I took advantage of Fujifilm's free loan system and had the 100s for a few days earlier this year. Paired it, via an adapter, with my Pentax 645z manual lenses and was amazed at the picture quality available. I also had the Fujifilm 50mm lens and if I really pixel peeped then that was sharper than the Pentax lenses, but considering that the Pentax lenses are 30+ years old the difference was very little. The body though is definitely lighter and easier to carry around than the Pentax 645z. Look forward to seeing your appraisal of the camera.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - this is definitely my 'try out' review ;-) I'll see what adapters and the like I can sort out for a future look.

[@1825OREO]

Which Pentex lens do you have?

[@robertmoranelli]

Hi Keith, as the owner of a few tilt shift lenses such as the Canon 24mm II and 135mm, I've seen the Canon 17mm and 24mm successfully adapted to Fuji by others on KZbin. I was wondering if the 135's rear opening allows a large enough image circle to be thrown on the larger Fuji image sensor as the opening appears to be more constrained and rear lens element more recessed than others. I know the lens produces a much larger image circle than needed, but does the rear opening allow more coverage than the 35mm sensor coverage that it was designed for? Same question for the Canon 50mm TS-E as it is on my radar to pick up. Thanks!

[@KeithCooper]

Ah - I don't actually own the 50 and 135, the reviews and tests for the book were of loans from Canon. I hope to get the GFX back again to do some adapted lens testing, but it does depend on getting the kit, since as a business we have zero spare money for review kit at the moment. I don't drive a 2003 car by choice... :-(

[@robertmoranelli]

@@KeithCooper No worries, if I find out the answer from elsewhere I'll post it here. Great book btw, cheers!

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks!

[@bobby350z]

I have 24mm TSE-II, 50mm TSE and the 90mm TSE-II. Both 50mm and 90mm are superb on the GFX100s. I see no issues with +/-10mm shift. 24mm is not as good as it is not same class (even on Canon) as newer 50/90/135mm TSE lenses. Let us see how GF 30mm TSE performs.

[@thomaseriksson6256]

It’s on my horizon as a Woodland camera instead of a Z8 in the future. Until then I upgrading my F-system with some VR lenses and a 2nd hand D850. Is it possible to multi exposure in the camera and how is the low light performance. I have PC lenses, not the 19mm yet, that I like to use on the camera will there be injecting?..

[@KeithCooper]

Ah, yes, the classic "Woodland camera" ;-) Double exposures - have a read of the PDF manual. Not something I've ever done [intentionally] This is just a basic - "what do I think of the camera review". I hope to get it again for some more specialised aspects...

[@thomaseriksson6256]

@@KeithCooper Thank you. I use multiple exposures to tighten the motive. You can use movement and flash also. I have not used that on buildings or infrastructure yet. We always like to have more Mix but I need a camera that is good in low light also. As an amateur I need to control the cost-benefit aspect on a new system as Nikon Z(S-system) or Fuji GFX, therefore I’m still in the F-system and slowly upgrading to a higher Mpix camera and some VR lenses before retirement.

[@michaelvandahl3766]

Hi Keith, not that I'm considering buying such a beast, but it's interesting how the camera performs. I envision good low light performance and high dynamic range due to the large sensor and associated large pixels. Of course also a really good resolution, especially in connection with shift lenses

[@KeithCooper]

I'll be doing a written review of this to go with any videos, and I'll see if I can get some meaningful comparisons with my old 5Ds in it (I find the written articles much better for this since I can edit/refine/update them)

[@michaelvandahl3766]

I look forward to the articles😄

[@thomastuorto9929]

Aspect ratios & image files might grab some of your appreciation. Have fun.

[@KeithCooper]

Yes, it's a nice camera... Aspect ratios? I'm OK with the 4:3 sensor I personally prefer wider aspect ratios, but that's what the crop tool is for ;-) Image files? I've opened up the RAW files in ACR OK - may try a few more ways of processing them just to see. That said, I'm not one for 'film' effects though...

[@johnvaleanbaily246]

While I have no interest in purchasing Fuji or Canon cameras (or glass), as always, your videos are interesting, informative - and amusing. Thank you.

[@KeithCooper]

I appreciate that! A new camera always has the bonus of forcing me to think about stuff a bit more...

[@ateliercunha2876]

Hi Keith, I'm very interested in your opinion about this system, which is mine. When can I expect more videos?

[@KeithCooper]

As and when... Depends on the weather and actual paying work... ;-) I have it here for 2 weeks

[@ateliercunha2876]

@@KeithCooper Thanks.

[@loydsa]

Hi Keith, I have sent you a couple of PDF's for the manual and new features. Have fun 🙂

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - been out a bit this afternoon and it's nice to use. Now to read the manual!

[@rogernuffer]

I use a Canon 24mm t/s adapted to my GFX 50R. Works great!

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks, that's good to know! I may well get the GFX100 back again to explore this.

[@jdh_images]

Which adapter do you use ?