Moving to Fuji GFX from Film - Your Questions Answered

[@ironmonkey1512]

I am shooting a GFX 50r and I love it. It captures a superset of any information you can get with film and is much more versatile. I'm working on a digital enlarger that lets you print directly to silver gelatin paper.

[@JoseHerrerawl]

Wait what? Didnt even know this was an option.

[@skilo81]

Did fujifilm discontinue the rangefinder medium format style camera? I am only seeing the SLR style cameras available...

[@dagkaszlikowski8358]

I guess it can’t capture a smooth highlight rolloff like film can.

[@cato2k182]

@@skilo81 I think so, you can really only find them used at this point

[@user-ti9zc1xv2b]

Took me 1 year to let go of all my film gear; in mid-2022 I was done with feeling completely ripped off by Kodak. Sold my Hasselblads and Mamiya 7; bought a GFX; never looked back.

[@paulred158]

I still can’t bring myself to sell the mamiya 7 and GF670 even though I’ve used neither in a year.

[@samheaney1331]

@@paulred158 I feel physically sick at the thought of selling my Mamiya 7 even though I know its probably time to let it go...

[@robertgruber982]

Sold my Mamiya 7, bought the 50R and ended up selling the 50R and buying back the Mamiya, at a not insignificant cost. Files were fine, probably could have made them work for me, but using it brought no joy. Very happy with the Mamiya and Porta and almost no post processing.

[@ElReySupr3me]

Going to sell my minty F3 and F100 due to the same reason.

[@paulred158]

@@robertgruber982 oh I totally get you. I’ve shot with mamiya 7 for 20 years. All of my favourite images were made with it.

[@paddington2063]

Best decision I ever made. I still shoot film from time-to-time and would primarily continue to if it was significantly cheaper, but the majority of my favourite photos I’ve taken are now shot on GFX

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Brian.

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Just found an amazing deal on the GFX 50s II. Wow, what a stunner and such a fun experience, even coming from high resolution Canon bodies (5dsr & R5). There's just a special look about the images, and the film simulations really kick off a whole new type of creativity. Like you, I only have the 35-70mm right now, but I picked up the fringer adapter for $500 and can use the 100-400 ii and 70-200mm f/4 for reach, and they both cover almost the entire sensor. The 35mm 1.4L II and 84mm 1.4L IS Canon primes both fully cover the sensor and look stunning. Wide angle FF lenses are the biggest weakness, but with the 35mm mode it's doable until I can save up for the 20-35mm (but like you said, GFX lenses are $$$).

[@chriscard6544]

I have the 35-70mm , the 120mm and the 80mm, I suggest the 80mm it is really awesome

[@abjallen]

As a film shooter, getting a GFX was the best camera purchase I've made in years. I don't even have native glass, using vintage lenses just adds to the nature of using the GFX and I barely touch film at all anymore.

[@chriscard6544]

with GFX I felt the same feeling as the film photography

[@ChrisGower]

I took the leap and bought the 50R after watching (and rewatching) some of your vids on it/or using it. Got it re-furbed from Fuji for ~2600 dollars and can't quite believe how much I love it. It's just such a pleasure to use and almost as much of a pleasure to edit with given the latitude of the files. Appreciate you work and clearly your thoughts and advice on the system!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you're enjoying it, Chris!

[@cartertowner]

Did the Fuji refurb come with a warranty ? I’m finding mixed info online, most say 90days but the Fuji GFX store says 12 month warranty and 24month warranty for GFX products

[@ChrisGower]

@@cartertowner I'm seeing 90 days.

[@clickroach]

I've really come to enjoy the 4:3 ratio since I got my GFX. I print my best photos on 11x14 paper to stick into portfolios and the 4:3 ratio just sits on that page size really nicely without needing any cropping. The bottom border is slightly taller than the rest which leaves a good space to add a date, caption, or whatever.

[@lewisbloom1449]

Kyle you are such a pleasure to listen to, thanks for your efforts

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Lewis.

[@tallaganda83]

The note about the colour is actually one of the main reasons I returned to digital (Alongside the price of film) I really love the idea of being able to create my own unique look which is a combination of different film stocks. Although I'm not there quite yet is fun trying.

[@Screenshot1015]

I just got a GFX50S and so far I’m totally blown away. Thanks for your videos, I find them to be the best resource for GFX information

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Matt. Glad you've enjoyed them.

[@troz856]

Traded my Horseman LF kit for a GFX50R and a couple of lenses. Enjoyed it so much that I traded my Hasselblad V-series kit (and digital back) for an X-Pro3 and a few lenses. It's reinvigorated my photography.

[@steveh8658]

I got the GFX 50SII to use with my collection of Mamiya 645 lenses and am absolutely thrilled with the combination. The 80/1.7 is on the camera mostly, followed by the 45/2.8 and occasionally the 150/3.5. I chose the 50 MP because I like the idea of having larger pixels on that sensor and less of them. The images are rich with tonal gradations that make the image look 'painterly'. At least to me they do. Entertaining and informative video. Cheers.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Steve. Glad you enjoyed.

[@davidsilbermann8903]

"The images are rich with tonal gradations that make the image look 'painterly'." - YES!

[@tedphillips2951]

I shoot with a Pentax 645 but have recently acquired a 645Z & I have been very impressed with the results. The only draw back, for me, is that it is a beast of a camera. I have many of the lenses for the 645 system so it was really a no brainier. I don.t mind manual focus & really don't require auto focus in this format. I also still like the film experience but am also impressed with the digital results. Very enjoyable video.

[@Jupiter4Alphs]

It is heavy, but also very well balanced. I love photographing with It. Carrying not so much. But It is so well build. It is soo much better than the Fuji. Thought having a lighter option would be fun. But Microlenses fuck stuff up. My Sony's have better build quality. Using focus stuff like in the first A7, no that would be comfortable. Happy I have Pentax, the digitals. I bought a film on too. The 645Z/D are the ultimate landscaping machines To bad Pentax looks so dead.

[@REMY.C.]

I don't know if you guys take in consideration the price of film and developing. Few years back I had the means to buy one of my dream cameras, Leica MP, M7 or M6. But when I did the math of buying and developing 50-75 rolls of film here in France, it was the price of a fully equipped Fuji X-Pro3 with one of their best lenses. So the choice was made. I bought the Fuji just for that reason also knowing that I won't be producing any piece of art whether it's digital or analog (unlike Kyle who's making a gorgeous "chef d'oeuvre" of a work). I know nothing beats the experience of film and I truly missed it but honestly, the cost of it is what made me stop shooting film on my 24x36 and Mamiya 645. I still have many rolls in my fridge and my heart aches every time I see them and I open my fridge a lot 😂

[@Biosynchro]

It's funny how medium format digital is now the budget option, once you take into account developing and scanning costs. It's insane.

[@ThePouyf]

Trop marrant ! J'ai la porte de mon frigo pleine de Portra 400 et de HP5. Il y a même de la CineStill T800 et je les vois tous les jours sans y toucher. Aujourd'hui, je ne me pose plus la question et vais continuer avec le GFX50R et un apsc Fuji sans plus me poser de question. J'avoue n'uriliser que mon matos Canon pour les projets professionnels mais l'approche Fuji est un réel coup de vent frais et représente un plaisir à l'utilisation que je trouve sans égal.

[@REMY.C.]

@@ThePouyf oui Fuji a bien réussi à apporter ce côté plaisir et ludique. Il y a un petit quelque chose avec leurs appareils. Est-ce que tu prends la peine d'imprimer tes photos du coup ?

[@Biosynchro]

@@ThePouyf My French is getting better. I understood 95% of what you wrote. 😉 Anyway, I predict that you will replace your Canon system with Fuji - eventually!

[@REMY.C.]

@@Biosynchro So true. Again here, the price of 5 rolls of 120 ranges from 60 to 100€ (a bit more in dollars), and the developing of one roll is around 30€ (including less than a5 small print). 10 to 15 years ago, 5 rolls were around 20€ and the developing was 17€ and it was already expensive. Let's take the higher price as exemple. 5 rolls = 250€. 170 rolls = a Fuji GFX 100s + a 2500€ Fuji Lens + a 1000€ A2+ high end printer. And then every developing of 20 rolls = a 1000€ full refill cartridges of ink with which you can print a ton of A2+ photos!!! That's just insane!

[@ramigomez3975]

Very helpful mate. I'm just deciding to sell one of my medium format cameras to get one GFX and all my doubts were in this video. Cheers bro.

[@markm4263]

I too went from 100S to 50R, and I scaled down because I hated 100S colors. I love the 50R colors.

[@ericjhaber]

That’s interesting! Could you elaborate a little more?

[@Marc-WOA]

Sorry for the late reply to this. But I used to have the 100S. Owned all kinds of brands including top of the line Hasselblad. I’m waiting on the 50R because I think I will like the colors more. The 100s really turned me down but I have high hopes for the 50r! Nice to read your comment.

[@alanpods______8260]

I'm digital-curious, but I think Kyle you hit the nail on the head there describing the unsatisfying problem I find with the digital workflow. With film the look is already baked in and you just tweak it a bit to look better. With digital you effectively build up from nothing. And I'm never really satisfied with my digital edits, they just kind of feel 'fake' and there's always that nagging doubt that some other infinite number of tweaks can be made. Whereas with film, everything is just so straightforward. Fujifilm X-pro 1 here - and I've never been truly satisfied with the images from it, RAW or jpeg, despite people raving about supposed Fujifilm filmic tones. The GFX definitely has me interested though.

[@mikafoxx2717]

I might suggest changing the settings a bit for the jpeg. And maybe try tweaking RGB curves. Film often has stuff like more blue in the shadows, or more red in the highlights, or some such. Digital is perfectly linear, film is not. Give it a go. Same with regular contrast curve. Set white balance to 5500k and leave it there for slide film ambient tonality.

[@cameraprepper7938]

I have used analog film since 1970 to 2007, since 2007 only digital Cameras and I am much more happy using digital, I am also happy that I do not pollute so much any more using analog film and chemicals.

[@ucevrim]

i bought and sold this camera maybe 3 times. Might be my favorite from fuji.

[@maxandrup8141]

Totally agree, the film experience can never be replicated. But the GFX experience is pretty awesome though..

[@andrewgifford7740]

Thanks for your continued insights into the GFX ecosystem Kyle, down to earth and relatable as always :)

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Andrew!

[@sierragold]

I have the Fuji GFX 50R and I love it as my main camera. I also have a Nikon Z5 full frame. I've collected vintage 35mm lenses for the last coupe of decades, especially Nikon 35mm glass, and I adapt them to both systems with excellent results using cheap (under 20 bucks) Fotasy adapters. I have the Fuji G 45mm f2.8 lens and it is indeed magical, especially for landscape photos. Pricey, but magical.

[@diforbes]

I also own the 50r (and a 50sii) and the Z5 which I use to adapt vintage Pentax Takumar lenses. Do you see a major difference in shallow DOF subject separation between the two sensor sizes at the same focal length and equivalent apertures?

[@sierragold]

@@diforbes Hi Dean, yes I do. The Fuji GFX 50R has significantly more subject separation. Images taken with the Fuji GFX 50R at shallow DOF have a definitely have a medium format "look", whereas the same lens, same aperture on the Z5 look good, but don't have the "wow" factor the Fuji does.

[@diforbes]

@@sierragold Thank you for the reply!

[@sierragold]

@@diforbes You're welcome!

[@luisedtr07]

@@sierragold man I’ve been trying to see if I can get that same magical look from the 50R and mitakon on a full frame. I recently tested the Nikon zf and I love the body. But i still can’t get that magical look from the 50R Mitakon combo. If anyone has let me know! 🙏🏻

[@sphaera3809]

Mamyia 645 manual focus lenses also work really well with GFX cameras, giving a bit of a nostalgic color rendition. But not as distortion free and sharp wide open as GF lenses. The 120/4 macro is excellent.

[@Seth_S-G]

I got the GFX50r thanks to your videos and it is amazing!!! The only things that I think would make it a perfect camera for me would be IBIS and a faster burst speed. Otherwise I love this camera!

[@AdrianTache]

There's always the 50S2 for the first part. And rumor has it there will be a new 100 this year, so who knows.

[@Ivandotjpeg]

I had a GFX 50R system about 8 months back and used for digitizing my medium and large format negs and transparencies. I was using a Hasselblad HC 120mm macro with a Kipon adapter, and eventually sold the entire system and moved to a Hasselblad X1/907x system with the appropriate hasselblad adapter and I honestly can’t be any happier. I have 3 native XCD lenses and adapter but used with the 120 macro I get 1:1 without any extension tubes. I loved the GFX for practical field work along with the 63, but honestly the fuji lenses feel so cheap. I just couldn’t get used to the system. It’s still an amazing system though.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad to hear you're happy with the Hasselblad. I've always been curious to try one.

[@enshongmiranda]

The Mitakon is my only lens. It's great, produces really creamy bokeh for close up portraits and also looks very nice for more "environmental" portraits. It is very heavy and bulky though which always makes me contemplate replacing it with an adapted SLR lens instead but then think again about how nice the images it produces. At least I was able to modify mine to have a more dampened aperture ring so usability is a little improved.

[@KyleMcDougall]

The weight of that lens is the biggest negative. I can put up with it though because of the look.

[@adamblack9837]

I love my GFX 50R. I was worried about the weight when I first bought it but you really can keep the size and weight of your kit down with some of these vintage lenses. Especially if you’re willing to use some 35mm glass.

[@MARKLINMAN1]

I own an X-pro3 Along with 3 of their Top lenses, I also own an M6, a Hassy 501cm, and recently bought a large format (4x5) Chamonix. I would love a GFX next, if I did and love the system I would sell my M6 and Chamonix but keep the Hassy.

[@jasongold6751]

I am barely using my Film cameras! Few weeks ago, shot OD Fuji (3layer) well stored. Great processing at Downtown Camera Toronto. I simply cannot quit. That look! Bought a fresh roll. Will use one of my Film things! Bravo! The Fuji Medium format too expensive for me! Looks good! Bravo.

[@t_h_visuals]

I have a GFX50s mkii. The only negative I have is the speed of the autofocus. That’s only a minor issue as I’m used to shooting film with no autofocus. Otherwise I love the camera. I am yet to use lens adapters, I’m looking forward to trying vintage glass on the GFX. Great video. Thank you!

[@jerrylee188]

I use the contax 80mm f/2 on the Gfx😂

[@chriscard6544]

@@jerrylee188 I have the GF 80mm f/1.7, very sharp but autofocus still very bad, useless

[@TheRebelBagel]

If people like the size of the Contax but want something a little more affordable I love the Minolta 45mm F2 adapted the 50r. Coverage is very similar down to the slight corner smearing.

[@KyleMcDougall]

I've wanted to try that lens.

[@eliaspap8708]

Thanks for sharing your craft and its great you enjoy doing what you love and enjoy, i still have a 4x5 large format Linhof many lenses and film holders and having the ability to tilt shift, drop in filters into the bellows and work slowly and methodically calculating your final exposure settings is such a tangible creative process.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Elias. Yeah, 4x5 is special and a process that I'll never abandon.

[@azzalos]

Love your videos Kyle. So inspiring. Thanks

[@TylerAldrich]

GFX with vintage glass has been enticing me for awhile now but I don't think I could ever go back to all that weight again.

[@dedclownsRfunny]

Unless you’re comparing to MFT or basic crop gear, my GFX50s isn’t as heavy with a smaller prime vintage than it looks. Sure when I add the Fringer adapter (which adds auto focus/metering etc) with my better glass (Sigma Art 35/1.4, Tamron 24-70/2.8, Nikon AC DC 135/2 etc) it all adds up heavily. But with a dumb adapter and any of my vintage primes and basic zooms it’s far lighter than my Nikon D700/750/800

[@protestagain]

I have suggestions for some affordable and good lenses that cover the GFX sensor. A very affordable and good wide angle lens, price $2-400, Nikon PC-Nikkor 28mm f/3.5. The next, perhaps slightly more expensive, Zuiko Shift 35mm f/2.8 (PC). Both work very much like "always on" wide angles, because they are not as advanced as T&S lenses otherwise are and much cheaper, but optically just as good. Next is the Mitakon 85mm f/1.2. I have it with a Nikon F mount, but it should also be available with a GF mount. You can probably find a used one with a Nikon F mount for $300. Then a Samyang (also sold under other names) 135mm f/2.0. I mean it will also cover the GF sensor and such, maybe with Nikon F mount you should find for less than $200, so not forgetting the super cheap Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM (pancake) for under $100, one of Canon's hidden gems and that cover the GFX, and with the right adapter also with well-functioning AF. If you like "wacky" art pictures, why not try the Zuiko 55mm f/1.2. It doesn't cover the GF sensor, but why not the square format?

[@dalkapur]

Film or digital is becoming an issue for me. Process vs Convenience. With film, I go the whole 9 yards: develop and scan and print the best images on an enlarger. It's quite an investment in time and money. I've been using GFX (50S upgraded to 100S) for 2 years now, and it is now dominating my photography. It's that good, and when you can get the medium format look with fast glass like the Mikaton 65mm, the move to digital becomes even more compelling. Which is making shooting film even more difficult/expensive. Unused chemicals need replacing when I do develop, and you do need to keep practicing your darkroom skills to produce that perfect print, so I find I waste a lot of photographic paper getting back into the swing of things after a typical 3 month absence. The one thing that keeps me going with film is that when I do find the time to shoot, develop and print, the whole process is a pretty joyful, destressing, cathartic experience.

[@samuelsmith6804]

I think im going to save and get a used 50R. Right now I need a camera that does video well so I can't exchange my go to.

[@lunaticfringe23]

Also worth noting is that 6x7 lense over about 200mm don't resolve infinity correctly, which would have been useful to know before buying the 300mm.

[@F9FCJ429]

Always good to catch up with you, Kyle. I’m not close to your levels of skill or commitment; I’m pretty sure I told you when we met in Flagstaff: I do engineering for a living and I do road trip photography to actually live. It’s still true today. The engineer me knows Fuji cameras owe their sensors to Sony, and Sony is simply the leader in that space. I still shoot my Sony, but photographer me went GFX because of “nostalgic negative” Stephen Shore mode, and the intangible differences in user interaction between Sony and Fuji. It’s not a matter of ergonomics so much, I collect old film cameras to actually take out and use and the ergonomics of the Argus C3 for example, I don’t wanna start a war, so I’ll just say it’s a much better camera to look at than it is to use! But I enjoy getting results out of that old school iron, and I will keep shooting medium format, 110, 35, whatever, processing it in the kitchen sink and hanging it just out of cat reach to dry until they either quit making film or my freezer stash runs out. Like you said, man, it’s the process! There’s nothing quite like setting up a shot in the old boat anchor Mamiya RZ67, dialing in the lens shift on that beautiful top finder, and knowing when I hear that familiar tic-POP-WHUMP of the shutter and mirror: that old beast has captured a keeper, and if it didn’t, it’s on me, not the camera.

[@harrisonlee9305]

Enjoyed reading this comment, I could almost hear my RZ mirror slap with how you described it!

[@F9FCJ429]

@@harrisonlee9305 I tell people the viewfinder is like the best LCD you have ever seen!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Tim. Always good to hear from you! I can definitely relate to your comments. As mentioned in the video, the process/experience is one reason I'll never leave film.

[@shred3005]

Kyle, you’ve probably mentioned it somewhere but I’m surprised you didn’t go for a 2nd (or new) Pentax 645Z given you do have 645 lenses and handling is probably closer to what you get with the 67 than the Fuji. Although the Fuji is a much newer design, maybe more adapter options and Fujis interesting film simulation JPGs. I’ve been shooting 35mm film for 3 decades and Pentax K-1 full frame for 6 yrs but I did try 6x6 TLR 30 yrs ago and now a Rolleicord Va TLR so feeling ready for a larger format digital. Given my Pentax film history I’m torn between the Fuji 50 and Pentax 645

[@KyleMcDougall]

I looked at the P645 digital for years. I like that the Fuji is mirrorless though. More options for lenses.

[@RealCelticGamer]

I'll continue shooting medium and large format film in addition to digital.

[@Caballeroshot]

I recently sold quite a bit of gear to clear out the hoard and stumbled upon a 50s with less than 300 shots on the clock and the Mitakon lens and the 35-70 for a literal steal. Unless you have money to burn or are making money from film photography I truly think it has run its course for me and time to switch from film to MF digital.

[@JoshuaBoazPribanic]

Thanks for everything you’ve shared about gfx. We’re using a GFX100s for a few film productions and I’m noticing some very serious issues w/ the footage (likely from no low pass) and wondering if you’ve seen any of this…setup is all vintage lenses - Mamiya 45mm, 150mm, & the impressive 300mm 2.8, recording externally 422 prores 24p in Log from the camera. With every lens there’s aliasing in the footage - like bad aliasing in power lines, grass detail, animal fur (we have closeups of elk & bison out of Yellowstone). I’m seeing it also in internal recoding but it does seem like there’s less. Still trying to work out what to do and who else is experiencing it and fixing the issue so if you have any knowledge on this I’d really appreciate the input. Can share footage too to give a better idea of what we’re seeing. It’s hard to stomach because the footage is amazing for that medium format look but it could end up being unusable if there’s no way to attach a low pass (does anyone have one they’re using?) a way to change internal settings to stop, or someway to fix it in post (using fcpx).

[@KyleMcDougall]

Sorry to hear that. Unfortunately I don't have any experience with the GFX for video, so I can't help ya with that one.

[@briangudas1420]

Really good episode, I am shooting similar setups and concur across the board. I still have a place for film and digital but loving vintage lenses more and more each day. Appreciate your content! Thanks bg

[@laurencetaylor1092]

I might check out that Mitakon for my hassy! I owned the GFX but I just couldn't get along with it despite being a longtime Fuji X series fan. Picked up an X1d used for such a low price I couldn't resist.

[@mjmdiver1137]

Great video Kyle... Have you ever used the Minolta 45mm f2 lens? I was thining about a compact (pancake) for street shooting and the CZ you have is a great candidate, but the Minolta is a stop faster so it may produce even better subject seperation... They're sooo cheap, too... I'm probably going to find one (and an adapter) to try out, but I thought I'd ask if you have. There is a webpage that Jonas Rask put up about 5 years ago on the Rokkor lense that he thought worked well on the GFX, and this one is in the list.

[@KyleMcDougall]

I haven't tried the Minolta, but I always have my eye out for one.

[@movenmvrl1795]

Really enjoy watching your videos and learning your thought process :)

[@foksly]

Hi, Kyle! Thanks for your videos, I really enjoy them. Recently I have found a graflok adapter for GFX so that you can use your GFX camera as a large format digital back. This adapter also allows you to stack photos and 2 GFX photos stacked vertically are almost equal to true 6x4.5. Have you ever tried this one? Would be happy to see a video of such an experience

[@KyleMcDougall]

Haven't tried it, but sounds interesting!

[@Mojave511]

I understand the economics but I would want to have the Fuji glass to get the full benefits of the camera.

[@Dan-jg7zl]

Although you get optimum optical performance the trade off is a lack of character and flaws you get with vintage glass. If depends on your style of photography. I don't like super clean photos.

[@ChaseBenjaminCollects]

Great video as always!

[@diforbes]

Another enjoyable and informative video, Kyle. A couple of questions about the Mitakon: How does it compare stopped down (f11 for example) to the native 35-70 set to the same focal length? Also, have you found a good shallow DOF aperture range on the Mitakon to give you good subject separation but avoiding a razor-thin focal plane (for example, stopping down from 1.4 to f1.8-4)? Thanks!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Hey Dean, I haven't compared the two, so i can't answer that first question. As for the second, I usually shoot either wide open or at f2. It's all subject/image specific. I try to just have a careful eye.

[@bobby350z]

Personally for me GFX system is better thanany FF but with GF lenses. I only adapt when i cant find the gf lenses like faster primes. Surpringly tamron 35mm and 45mm f1.8 work quite well. GF 45mm f2.8 was slow for my needs. I also use canon TSE lense.

[@tosha3873]

I am a film shooter. I am very interested in GFX, but I will keep shooting films until gelatin silver is distinct.

[@jdpst20]

Looking to actually Sell my Hasselblad 500c to actually fund a digital MF camera. I've used the Hasselblad X1D original a while ago when it came out and absolutely LOVE the IQ. I mainly shoot with my canon R5c for travel photo and video documentary stuff. I know there is still a difference with IQ and resolution between a 35mm 45mp image than a MF 50mp image so that I'm not worried about. I totally am considering the GFX50R or original S and pair it with a Mitikon 65mm lens and maybe 1 wide angle for landscapes. Trying to not spend of fortune and I don't need the 100mp I think it just seems cool to have. I don't need MF video as I have the R5 so looking to a 50r/s would be I think a good way to go. I DO WISH FUJI would come out with a refresh GFX50r II. Just updating the AF and some processing power and keep it low cost sub $3500. No video either.

[@KyleMcDougall]

A refresh of the 50R would be amazing.

[@dsv]

Thank you for this detailed explanation. I am still trying to convince myself to get at least 50R, so fingers crossed this year... :D

[@KyleMcDougall]

You're welcome, cheers.

[@Dan-jg7zl]

The only native glass I own for the GFX50R is the 50/3.5. For the price it is a bargain because the glass is amazing! My other non-native lens I use is the Voitlander Nokton 58/1.4 GFX and has a gorgeous charm to it and it's crazy sharp. That's all I use on the GFX. Everything else I use a Richo GRii. Even with the GRii at 16mp file I can print up to 30inch with amazing results. People buying into 100mp GFX are just gearheads. It's total madness. I'd actually love Fuji to make a GFX system based on a 20-24MP sensor.

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

Considering getting rid of my newer Canon stuff and checking out Fujis med format. I got camera lust and realized after spending $10k I dont need to be setup like Im shooting weddings everyday. These $3k RF lenses are crazy.

[@chriscard6544]

the GF 80mm F/1.7 is freaking awesome (but autofocus it's very bad)

[@dedclownsRfunny]

Have you thought about the Fringer adapters? Not cheap but totally worth being able to use my Nikon glass instead of spending literally thousands for just two GFX lenses for things like macro

[@Zetaphotography]

After witnessing many months of Facebook posts in the GFX group. For the money I found buying a Monochrom Leica was a better purchase. I didn’t find the files significant to buy a Medium Format camera. Already a shooter of the old Leica S2.

[@jeanjoseph2288]

I purchased A GFX 50r after seeing your first video I have the mitakon and the 50.35 both great lenses but I wanted to ask you what the best manual focus wide angle lens you would recommend a 28mm field a few preferable

[@KyleMcDougall]

Can't comment on the WA lens directly as I don't have anything wider than the Fuji 35-70. But I've heard good things about the Pentax 645 35mm. That would probably be the one that I would go for.

[@opendrivers]

thanx

[@30DegreesBank]

I didn’t catch why the Pentax glass is loosing light adapted to the GFX? If for example I use Mamiya 645 glass adapted, would I still have the aperture of the lens? I know the focal length would be a bit narrower, that’s clear.

[@johnnybombas1685]

I would like to hear any more thoughts on your experiences with the Contax 50mm f1.7. Really considering it for my GFX 50S II. Great video and very informative for GFX users.

[@Jupiter4Alphs]

Nice, I bought the Fuji standard lens. 2 weeks later, I learned about the cheaper one, Mitakon? not that It's cheaper but the colors always have a more natural feeling. The Fuji lenses punch a very modern look, I don't like It that much. I also have the R. It was refurb or something with just 24 clicks. Have an L grip for more grip. I do find some buttons small, weird positions. I think have It a year. But could not connect with It. Pentax 645Z/D are superiour. I did buy the 645 before the D, I like film but think It is more interesting, not to shoot a lot of 35mm, like 10 or 15 years ago. But sometimes should portrets with the film version I do have colour problems, mainly in plant, garden sets. A lot of small colour shifts, the microlenses that are smaller to give a sharper impression they also create a lot of artefacts Some people have writen about It online, show how It works The 100mp doesn't do that. It makes post process weird and frustrating Should adapt some lenses too. The Zeiss seem a cool choise. I have a lot of R lenses, could be great

[@anthonysmith3383]

I am selling a Fuji G617 to buy a GFX body. I still have my Pentax 645 and Canon EOS 1V for film. I love film but the economics of medium format film are awful. If you add the fact that international travel with film is becoming harder due to the new and more powerful CT scanners in the airports, I want a good digital body with film sims without having to worry about x ray damage. If there was a digital body that would make me get out of MF film, it's no doubt the GFX series.

[@steveh8658]

If you're looking for a film-look, the GFX with the vintage manual medium format lenses is really excellent.

[@anthonysmith3383]

@@steveh8658 Yeah I have a set of Pentax 645 lenses that I plan to adapt.

[@dinodemopoulos3336]

Kyle, you're my last hope. I am so close to pulling the trigger on a Mamiya 7 because so many photos I see that I love are with that camera, but this video has me re-thinking this. If I don't mind editing digital files from something like a 50R, how much will I regret not buying the Mamiya. Help!

[@KyleMcDougall]

That's a tough one for me to answer, Dino. A lot of it comes down to the experience of shooting with film, which for me can't be replaced.

[@MrMacroJesseSky]

Have the GFX50S, I cannot state it enough, BUY A SPEEDBOOSTER. I have the metabones V-GFX this gives you the true 645 angle of view of the medium format lenses

[@kristoffergo6294]

I have a dilemma. I don't know what to get 35-70mm and the 50mm 3.5 . I already have the 80mm 1.7 for portraits.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Depends what you shoot. The 35-70 is an excellent lens for landscape, shooting with smaller apertures. The 50mm is nice as it's a little faster and has an aperture ring. But the 35-70 is more versatile.

[@kristoffergo6294]

@@KyleMcDougall Thank you for the reply! Really appreciate it. I ordered the 50sII with the 35-70mm as a kit. Fuji offers the 50mm as a kit aswell. Thank you!

[@FusionOfPolygons]

Awesome video as always. How is focusing manually without IBIS for you? I tried and it is so hard for me when you zoom in to find the focus.

[@KyleMcDougall]

I haven't found it too difficult at all.

[@photopracticum]

Have you tried focus peaking? Maybe you don't have to zoom in.

[@steven196811]

Hi Kyle, do you always to try to use ISO 100 as much as possible or 640 to get the 400%DR. I was always lead to believe use 640 to get the extra dynamic range even in well lit situations. just ordered your book by the way.. can't wait to receive!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks for ordering one, Steve! Almost always I'm at ISO 400 to get 400% DR.

[@65WZ]

I noticed the sensor was exposed when you removed the lens. Is there a option to close the shutter/curtain? Perhaps when switching the camera off?

[@KyleMcDougall]

Not that I know of.

[@65WZ]

@@KyleMcDougall Thank you. The weather here is dusty most of the year, which makes owning such a camera risky.. Thanks again.

[@photopracticum]

No, not like Mamiya 7. I have used the camera since 2019, in many different conditions, including dusty city, sandy beaches etc. and did not have problems with dust. So I would say that this alone should not detract you from the camera.

[@Baujahr90erAG]

I still love film, but it is top expansive, i pay around 40€ for a roll of good film with development and scanning. For 36 pictures… after 125 Rolls you spend as much as you would pay for a GFX

[@RewDowns]

Have you tried Mamiya 645 glass on the GFX? Thinking about the Pentax or Mamiya adapter

[@steveh8658]

I'm using the GFX 50SII with a range of Mamiya 645 lenses (35/45/80 1.9/150/210) and using the Novoflex adaptor. It's an excellent setup as I already had the lenses and they work well. It's as close to a film look SOOC that I almost cry with joy. The 35-70 Kit lens is sharp and versatile but the vintage glass has the soul. I use it for portraits, still life, landscape and urban.

[@KyleMcDougall]

I haven't. Don't want to invest in them as the Pentax lenses serve me well.

[@samtsuichannel]

Hi thanks for this great video! You mentioned there is a facebook page talking about what lens to use in GFX system, but I couldn't find it. Would you please share? Thank you!

[@Juno_Doran]

Hi. Interesting video but I’m wondering how do they compare as prints? For example a Fuji Acros image versus a medium format negative printed in a darkroom? Would be great to see a print comparison with black and white as well as colour. I also have medium format film cameras and a GFX 50R but up to this point I haven’t yet printed anything from the GFX. I think if our images end up primarily in screens then digital is good enough but to be honest when I look at some photos I made with film they have more body, more substance. However the reality of using several films and only getting two or three great pictures and having a lot of wasted negatives, plus the cost of it, made me switch mostly to digital. I shoot a lot of documentary which involves capturing some action and the thought of how much it was costing me in film processing was impairing my creativity. The 50R is perfect for people coming from film because you’re used to being more selective and slower. But I agree that one needs to go back to film once in a while to re-educate how we see, how we photograph.

[@photopracticum]

I printed loads and they compare very well. I compared GFX50R to a 5x4 negatives and preferred the GFX. I also used to use a Mamiya 7ii with Portra, and sometimes the colour of Portra is very difficult to replicate in digital. However, I learned that being very careful about exposures can get you great results with the GFX50R. I think it is designed to behave like a slide film and to my eyes it often looks like Provia transparencies. Another thing you may need to try is to add grain to the digital images, and, when post-processing, to use dodge and burn methods, rather than precise masking, to get the look and feel of the black and white print.

[@chumleyk]

Its the digital Texas Leica

[@hollowaysteve]

Man I really want one of these. Film really is too expensive now and although I still have quite a bit in the freezer from when prices weren’t obscene I think as a low output hobbyist it’s finally time to move one of the MF cams on. How on earth do I choose between my Hasselblad or the Mamiya7? Perhaps just let them both go and be done with it. Sad times.

[@photopracticum]

I really regret selling the Mamiya 7 I had, but GFX50R feels very similar to me with all the advantages of digital. If GFX50R had a full frame 6x7 sensor, it would be the perfect camera!

[@dezfoto7534]

How is the viewfinder on the 50r? I really enjoy big optical viewfinders like on my H2 system but I think Leica is the only company making optical viewfinders for the MF cameras now. Does the EVF hold up okay?

[@daymianmejia5910]

do you have any options for wider than 40MM? Anything in the 20-35MM range that is vintage?

[@KyleMcDougall]

Pentax 645 35mm.

[@HualalaiEvents]

You mentioned some presets that you purchased. What company are they from?

[@letv4104]

looking for a link too!

[@KyleMcDougall]

The Classic Lab. Forgot to put a link. theclassicpresets.com/products/the-classic-film-presets-2021

[@aaronbonk7376]

Would I be crazy for trading my a7iv for the 50R 😅

[@phgjvdv]

great stuff! I use the mamiya lenses and i have tried several adapters - novoflex, kipon, fotodiox ... and always have light leaks. on all of the. you can easily see where it comes from (lense release). do you have the same? any remedies?

[@sammcraephoto]

Hi Kyle. Great videos. I'm wondering how the Pentax 645 75mm f2.8 is slower than the 45mm f2.8? I'm thinking of getting the 150mm f3.5 and some shorter lenses. Thanks!

[@MartinV.]

Great Video

[@TomBarjot]

Heyyy! Can you keep the AF with your GFX + Contax Zeiss 45mm 2.8f?

[@KyleMcDougall]

No. The lens is manual focus.

[@ChalkyWhite1]

Any advice on using Nikon ff lenses on the fuji. I have 9 ranging from 16mm to 400m plus a 1.4x and 2x converters.

[@maze400]

Another interesting video. My concern about the 50R would be focusing manual glass, how would that compare to the 50sII?

[@nevvanclarke9225]

I'll add a few more the depth of field thing getting everything in focus is overrated. It's not difficult even a F14 You can get everything in focus for a landscape photo. I shoot professionally in Australia and shoot a lot of landscapes and I have not had to photo stackers much at all

[@just_eirik]

Kyle do you still have and use the 50R? I just wanted to say that IBIS is SO nice to have. I almost never use a tripod with my 50S II and I can get sharp shots all the way down to 1/15s. I just mean this as encouragement. Like its so nice to not use a tripod and I think MAYBE you would like using a camera with IBIS? (I recently upgraded my crop cameras fromX-T3 to X-T5 and the IBIS is a major improvement.)

[@sdhute]

Curious why you didn’t get a 50sii instead of the 50r

[@chloescanlon1107]

If I remember, and if I’m wrong I’m sorry, but he road tested a borrowed 50R a couple of years ago and really liked it… there is a video on his road trip. But when he bought the GFX recently he got the 100s, liked it but after a while found that 100mp is way too much overkill so he decided to go back to the 50 series. And because he’d previously used and liked the rangefinder style GFX he decided to get the 50R.

[@mjmdiver1137]

@@chloescanlon1107 It's possible he got the camera just before the 50SII became available as well, but even so, the 50R is a lot cheaper than the 50SII.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Mainly price. And AF speed isn't much of a concern to me, nor is IBIS.

[@sdhute]

@@KyleMcDougall thank you

[@flojeune]

Can you help me with autofocus lenses for GFX50sII? Which option apart of Fuji lenses ( and cheaper…)? Thanks for your work!

[@thebrahmes]

All things aside, where do you get your caps? Really dig them.

[@HelmutSattler]

May I ask about the compression set to the RAW files when it comes to the performance lag you have described in this video in editing? I found the compressed files causes or at least strengthen the lag. Have you compared these options? Thanks

[@johndeer5524]

Please help I need to setup from scratch I have a gfx-50r 35-70 all my photos suck. 4th of July didn't come out well at all. All inside photos are so blurry. When I snap a photo zoomed in it won't work it's like it freezes ... 😢

[@joecal2360]

Hey Kyle! I'm into cinematography and videography rather than still photography, but I found your channel through your video on shooting 250D on a Bolex, and I loved it so much I subscribed, because I really resonate with your approach and aesthetic. I've been following ever since, and I always have the same nagging question. When you present photographs on screen, why are your borders and background white? It seems completely counterintuitive coming from a cinematography perspective, in which you'd want the background to be as dark as possible, given that bright white ruins the perception of brightness and contrast, this being the reason why screening rooms should be as dark as humanly possible, and why a movie shown in a hypothetical screening room with blazingly bright lights would be extremely annoying to the viewer. As a result, you'd never see a videography KZbinr showing a 4x3 aspect ratio with white letterboxing on the sides, or demonstrating a Cinemascope 2.39:1 aspect ratio with white letterboxing on the top and bottom. And especially with the contemporary fashion of grading films extremely dark and flat, a white background would make the image essentially unreadable. The only times I encounter this is on the few occasions I stumble on a still photography KZbin channel, where they're demonstrating a lens I'm interested in, or they're working with actual film. Something gets me to click, and every time I'm met with white borders and white backgrounds. So my question is, is this a stylistic thing that became a consensus practice in the still photography KZbin community? Or is there some technical consideration I'm not seeing? I'm perplexed and amused, and I figured if anyone can give me a coherent answer, it's you. Regardless, keep up the fantastic work!

[@JHurrenPhotography]

Photo paper is white. That could be the reason.

[@joecal2360]

@@JHurrenPhotography Oh man, I've tacked so many prints onto whiteboard back in my still photography days I can still smell the glue on the iron. But those never bothered me, insofar as the illumination originated outside of the print/board, meaning the lights on the ceiling or wall. But how are people not bothered in the KZbin era when the virtual "whiteboard" surrounding the image is an OLED screen blaring out at maximum intensity... if a movie theater did it, people would be complaining within SECONDS of the film starting. Deal-breaker, I-want-a-refund, your-projectionist-is-literally-incompetent levels of rage. But on photography KZbin.... nothing. Absolutely bizarre.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Hey Joe, thanks for watching all these years. The 250d bolex video is a throwback! As for your question, this is just something that I've done throughout my career on the still side with all presentation-prints with a large white matte/white border and even white frame, white website, editing on white background in LR, white gallery wall, etc. Right or wrong, it's what works for me and I keep it consistent throughout platforms/display.

[@nelsonclub7722]

I went away from GFX after going back to Hasselblad after I sold my H6D100c - the GFX is fantastic - amazing - incredible value for money - lenses are awesome - HOWEVER as a Pro I really just want the best image - my hot little X2d with flash sync upto 2K works for me - but it is not weather sealed - and a few other niggles here and there but the real reason I changed back to Hass was the GFX are just too fiddly - time and time again I was worried that I had either turned something on I shouldn't have; or not turned something on I should have; or I kept pressing buttons that turned something on I didn't want - if they had chosen the original modular design they showed as a concept - I think that would have worked better for Pros - and they do have a history of selling cameras with leaf shutters lenses too - their was the infamous collaboration with Hass and a third party which produced the H and the GX645 - and I was a Fuji ambassador too for some time too so I have a good history with both brands - if anyone is interested they can view my entire brand new unused collection of GX680III with all the lenses and some concept pieces at the House Of Photography in Covent Garden London -(Heritage Dept) I have not seen it yet despite only being 2hrs from London in the Cotswolds but I am told it looks cool - anyhow the other thing about Hass is the remote Ipad and iphone connection its as good as the Leica - but the Fuji is lacking seriously behind in that all important department - especially for Pros

[@CuDerRaGer]

Woot first !!

[@oursonvie]

Does 16bits color matters?

[@stonepillowband]

Why you adapt to EF first instead of 645 to gfx or contax to gfx etc?