The Pentax 6x7 105 Look for GFX - Mitakon 65mm Review

[@mattdayphoto]

Maaaan, those side by sides with the Pentax were a lot closer than I expected them to be. Never got my hands on that lens while using the GFX system, now I’m wishing i had! Great video, brother.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, man! Yeah, I was surprised. I thought they would be close, but not that close!

[@KNURKonesur]

They are and they aren't. For what's important in your (Matt and Kyle) style they are very close. For me as a portrait photographer that likes building dream-like and surrealistic images with lots of bokeh incorporated into the frame, the two lenses are night and day in terms of rendering out of focus artefacts and the Takumar (while not my fav lens for P67) still wins in that regard. That said, for my purposes there are lots of lenses that are easily adaptable to the GFX that get effects similar to much more exotic/expensive/difficult-to-adapt lens combinations on the P67, so within the next couple of years the switch to a GFX is probably inevitable for me as well.

[@shanillakhlani5331]

@@KNURKonesur what kind of lenses gives you that effect from the p67?

[@jonasthepigeon]

​@@KNURKonesur would you give out a list of lenses that would do that?

[@davidrothschild8913]

The GFX 50 R and Mitakon, 60 514 paired with a Cine Bloom 20% filter has been my favorite digital set up of all time in my experience. Absolutely love it as a landscape shooter.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Really been enjoying the work that you've been making with this combo!

Before I bought this lens couple of months ago, I was browsing through KZbin, looking for such comparison and I couldn’t believe no one did it. I bought it nevertheless, having high expectations and it didn’t dissappoint me in the slightest. I’m glad that you made that video (you production skills ramped up really high recently!) for all the others who are thinking about this lens. Thank you on their behalf :)

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed this one.

[@Miggeeeh]

Sold my Pentax 6x7 105mm combo for this setup. Absolutely loving it! The slow feel of the manual focusing and camera also feels kind of nice and reminds me of shooting film.

[@KyleMcDougall]

It's a good one!

[@benjhaisch]

I’ve considered selling my 50S + 65/1.4 combo so many times but just can’t bring myself to for all of these same reasons.

[@george_edward_]

was going to sell recently to buy into leica and i can't bring myself to do it. I love my 50r too much 😭

[@KyleMcDougall]

Don't do it! 😁

[@KNURKonesur]

@@george_edward_ screw Leica unless you want to commit your life to becoming the next Bruce Gilden or Joel Meyerowitz :P

[@lucg378]

I’m considering upgrading from a Sony a7III to the Fujifilm GFX 50sII. So glad I stumbled across your channel, your videos are amazing!

[@TonyNomadic]

You are my go to in this medium format world! 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@joffreypersia6084]

Your video is perfect, the side by side with the Pentax is all I wanted. Thank you

[@YOUAREMYKIN]

Nice title cards!✨ And such a nice review. Now I want to try this lens. This is making me realise that environmental portrait photography might be my favourite format right now.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers!

[@connorthompson05]

I love my GFX50R with my Mitakon 65mm. Your earlier videos helped sell me on it. I did have an issue with my first copy of the lens from B&H. The aperture blades completely went awry . They got all jumbled up and broken. Got a replacement and it’s been good. Love the look.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Connor. Definitely a bit worrying to hear a bunch of people having issues with the aperture blades. I'm hoping mine doesn't get worse.

[@johanstam3602]

I just paired my GFX50r with my Nikkon 85mm/f1.4 and it’s looking very nice. Quite sharp and the lens has a short focus throw. Can’t wait using it in a portait session.

[@M9rkAnthony112]

Thanks Kyle for this video. I really wanted to see a comparison with the Pentax 67 and you delivered. Your channel is the reason why I got the mitakon.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Mark! Been enjoying your work you've been making with this lens.

[@ricardobirnbaum]

Man, I am looking at the way this lens handles highlights in your images and it's creamy. Really impressive.

[@BryanBirks]

I’m currently in a debacle with wanting to keep a medium format film camera, get rid of them completely or simply switch to a GFX. Large format is still my main bag but after recently traveling with the Pentax 6x7…I don’t know. The black and white is damn near identical. I would have loved to see some color comparisons but digital is just getting closer and closer. It’s really tempting. Damn you, Kyle 😂

[@MrSindriSvan]

I hear you man! I've been dying for a GFX for years, not sure if I'll ever get one. Maybe if film falls out completely... But the thing is, the slow, deliberate process of shooting film; metering, framing, developing. That's the medicine I need in this fast paced world of today! :D

[@mjamesporter]

Hey Bryan, been a fan of your work for a couple years!!! As a long term owner of a 6x7 and a GFx with the mitakon (I brought it to hopefully replace the Pentax two years ago) this is my take on color... I have taken so many shots on the Pentax and even used those shots to make presets for the GFX to try and replicate the colours and feel from the Pentax, it gets close, very close. But my wife can tell everytime which one is the Pentax, there's something very special about that 6x7 neg + 105, and at this point I can't even work out what it is. Although it has some magical depth to it that the GFX just doesn't quite have (still insane though) I think that's just because film is a physical thing, so much so, I am still holding onto the Pentax even tho I barely touch it! The lens is heavy (which I like as it reminds me of a Pentax) and slow and hard to focus wide open on a digital display as it's sooo shallow, but you get used to that. Point is it's VERY close, but it's not quite 6x7, I have no regrets😁 Keep up the good work!!!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Yeah man, I can relate to that. I still love the P67, and will be keeping it, but I don't shoot as much LF as you do. Doing this comparison and seeing how close it is, gives me confidence in the GFX setup if I need/want to use it for certain work-just knowing that it's going to match up well. I think colour can come close as well, the challenge is just knowing how to get to where you want to go.

[@KyleMcDougall]

The process of working with film is something that I could never leave. I'll always be both formats.

[@KNURKonesur]

@@mjamesporter the P67 in general is a magical camera cause it's the biggest possible frame size with an internal shutter without going into 4x5" Graflex cameras, so there is a plethora of exotic and unusual lenses you can adapt to the P67 that wouldn't work with any other camera, or at least not to their full potential. Some Pentacon Six, Hasselblad and Contax lenses can be up-scaled from their native 645/6x6 to 6x7, there are ISCO, Schneider, Meopta, Kowa and other brand cinema projection lenses that cover a 7x7 frame cause they were used for IMAX and Panavision projection, there's also the legendary Kodak Aero Ektar, the bokeh monster and unchallenged GOAT for portrait bokehlicious-ness, that you can also tilt on 6x7 cause it covers 5x5", and many many other fun strange(r) things.

[@eccojammed]

I love the DOF on these images, wow

[@LeosHimself]

Kyle, your videos are getting better and better! Really enjoy watching your videos.

[@KyleMcDougall]

I appreciate that! Cheers.

[@danny_liao]

I did it! Got mine two days ago. You were right. Wide open is not bad at all!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Hope you're enjoying it, Danny!

[@dinokuznikphoto]

Great stuff Kyle, makes me wanna try this combo.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Dino. It's a good one!

[@mannycole2988]

Cool stuff. Jonathan Moore (Doomstache) has been creating iconic images with this lens for some time and pushing it to it’s potential. I couldn’t believe his images weren’t medium format film for a while. Keen to see what you can do with it!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Big fan of his work as well.

[@alhOOO2O]

Some really beautiful portraits in this video, thanks for sharing

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Alex.

[@anthonym3051]

I just bought this lens for my GFX100s ii, and I am loving it. May not be as sharp as Fuji native lenses but because of that, images have this vintage feel to it.

[@stevofoo]

Spot-on review!!!! Thank you so much!!!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Steve.

[@CulturalCats]

Hey regarding the bit about the 55mm f1.2 equivalence of the 105mm f2.4 at 6:00, if you take into account the crop needed to get a full frame sensor to the same square format the equivalence becomes closer to a 45mm f1, similarly taking into account the square crop on the GFX the mitakon looks closer to a 47mm f1 on a square cropped full frame.

[@Tom-Humble]

Thanks for the shout out man. Super interesting seeing the side by sides. Hate to say it too but I definitely preferred the digital in at least one of those comparisons. The shame! 🫣

[@KyleMcDougall]

Appreciate your help with this one, man!

[@LunchboxGTI]

Thank you so much for making this! As a Pentax 67/105 shooter, the first time I saw images from the Mitakon I had the same reaction. After seeing your test, I'm happy to hear that we were right!

[@antontaranenko8824]

It is not a surprise that they are very close, even by character. If you compare optical for mulas both of them have the same design. With only difference that Mitakon has a speed booster from 3 elements in-built on the back, after the same lens disign. Perhaps it was originally the idea, copy Pentax 6x7 lens, and than squize the image circle to the GFX sensor size... I heard that even high refractive index glass on the Mitakon are placed exactly the same way as on Pentax 67, and even that Mitakon is radioactive, as well, which makes me thinking that they used the same thoriated glass, as on Pentax...

[@venividdivici0]

was waiting for this video, great sample pictures :) color comparison would be interesting as well

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers!

[@SathyaPeacock]

Nuts how similar the images look!!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Absolutely!

[@jackhoyer7467]

Thanks for this really excellent video ! It’s really helped me decide on buying a Mitakon 65, 1.4. I shoot a lot of landscapes, and was a bit concerned about dof. Your video and your beautiful landscapes, along with some others I’ve seen on Flickr have assured me on that point. I think it should be fine stopping down, and using hyperfocal focusing. The tonality and light in the images I’ve seen from the lens are wonderful.

[@markm4263]

Kyle, i love your colors.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Mark

[@doomstache]

Nice video! I think I’m gonna have to pick up a Mitakon for myself!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Jon. Can't be beaten for the price.

[@yuidfbse]

I have a GFX100 that I use for work and a 50R that is kind of my Every day walking around camera. I had to buy 3 copies of the Mitakon before I got one right.. The first one had aperture blades problem, and the second one Was able to focus more near than supposed to and then simply did not focus on Infinity. The third one I got was finally right, but my worries about the quality control and overall lifespan of these lenses keep me worried every day. I love the shooting experience with the 50R and I absolutely detest the shooting experience (and extra weight of the GFX100), but I have to say it makes a world of difference to have in body image stabilization. The ease of use and overall pleasing experience of having a stabilized preview, makes a world of difference. If Fujifilm released an updated 50R with in body stabilization, I'd be the first in line to get it. I think IBIS it's the single most important andveffective development in camera technology. And for anyone thinking about buying a 50R or any other GFX, just do it. Weight and cost aside, there is absolutely no other smaller sensor camera system that can give you anywhere near the same OQ flexibility, enlightening experience or results.. not to mention what's ultimately the must fundamental of all things, the joy.

[@ZachSaintWard]

This is so wild to see - the weight totally pushes me away from getting one, but the look is stunning

[@KyleMcDougall]

Yeah, the weight is a bummer, but honestly, I'd carry this thing around even if it weighed ten pounds. 😁

[@KNURKonesur]

As someone who mainly used a Pentax 6x7 with an Aero Ektar for many years (combo weight of 7.7lbs) I always told people that "it's too heavy" is just an excuse for not using the equipment you already have and that a gym membership is cheap and being stronger will do good for every single one of us... and now I'm looking for the smallest possible vintage rangefinder cause my SLR street camera weighs nearly 2lbs and that puts me off :D

[@ZachSaintWard]

@@KNURKonesur Ya I’ve shot Speed Graphics with Aero Ektar’s and I would take my M3/50 combo over than most any day of the week. The resolustion is exceptional from the heavier kits, but my practical side chooses the lighter camera nearly every time

[@YuseiYGO1]

Love love love this video! Can you do more about this combo?

[@filibertkraxner305]

What a great comparison! I used to shoot a lot on the Pentax 67+ 105 back in the day, but sold it because the film transport kept dying on me. Big mistake..... Fast forward to today, and I shoot GFX whenever I can get away with it (mainly in the studio). I love the Fuji glass but I think I may have to add a Mitakon 65 to get that old Pentax look as an option. Wow, looks identical! Thanks for the video!

[@RezaBassiri1]

Thank you for your video!!! Amazing side by side comparison!!!! I own the 105mm 2.4 for the 6x7 and I never found anything quite like it... I think you just convinced me to get a GFX all together with this lens. Is it hard to manual focus with this lens?

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Reza. I haven't found focusing to be too difficult. I always use focus peaking.

[@antontaranenko8824]

It is not a surprise that they are very close, even by character. If you compare optical for mulas both of them have the same design. With only difference that Mitakon has a speed booster from 3 elements in-built on the back, after the same lens disign. Perhaps it was originally the idea, copy Pentax 6x7 lens, and than squize the image circle to the GFX sensor size... I heard that even high refractive index glass on the Mitakon are placed exactly the same way as on Pentax 67, and even that Mitakon is radioactive, as well, which makes me thinking that they used the same thoriated glass, as on Pentax...

[@pushingfilm]

That's incredible for the price. If I had a GFX, this lens would be a no-brainer 😁 Thanks for sharing!

[@KyleMcDougall]

It's a good one! Cheers.

[@tonyhayes9827]

Ive not bought into GFX yet as I don't think the sensor size is different enough from 35mm. Use my Toyo 4x5 for the `look' of larger format `sensors.' But this video and that lens might just be `the reason' why I invest in the GFX. This was a great video. I hope Fuji and Mitakon are looking after you! lol!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Tony. It really is a nice combo that brings a unique look.

[@diforbes]

I've known of the Mitakon for a long time so glad you did a video on this lens. Although a bit longer and slower on the GFX, I wonder whether my Pentax 645 75mm f2.8 would come close as an portrait/enviro portrait alternative. Anyway, great job with the video!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Dean. The 75mm Pentax would have quite a different look because of the slower speed.

[@somegeezer]

That is mad close. I'd even go as far to say those subtle differences are in the Mitakon's favour, for my taste.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Very very close.

[@vikdaddy]

I've just got this lens for £300! Oh boy it's heavy but when you nail it, it's worth it!

[@KyleMcDougall]

That's a great price!

[@jaychow94]

​@@KyleMcDougall Don't mind me crying watching this video after selling the lens to Vik

[@jawasakilee]

Nice test❤ thanks you

[@thomasbellanger2756]

Hello, Thanks for your great videos ! Each one is so well made on the content and on the form. I love also your personnal photography website, did you make it from a squarespace template ? If yes which one please ? thanks for your feedback. Thomas

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Thomas. And yes, it's from a Squarespace template. The template is Wells.

[@itsJennybeanXXY]

LOVE this Kyle! Highly Inspiring!! :) Itching to get a GFX system now and this lens! this would do me for documentary photography! for a 35mm lens what would you recommend? thanks!

[@Pentax67]

I’m using 105mm 2.4 with 0.7x Kipon on gfx 100. Same as Pentax 67. Mitakon 65mm 1.4 is a much cheaper alternative to Kipon 0.7 1000$ + 1500$ 105mm 2.4 . Great video Kyle ! Thanks again for your time and investment

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Anna. Yeah, I was always tempted to go that route, but the Kipon adapters are super expensive.

[@conorenglish.artist]

@anna Sounds great! Anywhere we can see the results of the 105 on the gfx?

[@antontaranenko8824]

Using speed booster on 105mm f2.4 - you are doing exactly the same trick which is already inbuilt in the Mitakon 65mm f1.4. It is not a surprise that they are very close, even by character. If you compare optical formulas both of them have the same design. With only difference that Mitakon has a speed booster from 3 elements in-built on the back, after the same lens design. Perhaps it was originally the idea from Mitakon, copy Pentax 6x7 lens, and than squize the image circle to the GFX sensor size... I heard that even high refractive index glass on the Mitakon are placed exactly the same way as on Pentax 67, and even that Mitakon is radioactive, as well, which makes me thinking that they used the same thoriated glass, as on Pentax...

[@Shaka1277]

Seeing the framing made me realise that the (vertical) FoV isn't just nearly the same with these lenses, but that my Hasselblad 110 mm f/2 is quite similar too. I might have to try and rent a copy of the Mitakon!

[@KNURKonesur]

That Planar 110/2.0 has an out of focus artefact rendering that I like much more for my style of photography, wish I had one! :D

[@eLopesProductions]

Awesome video as usual. Thanks!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Elliott!

[@anthonym3051]

Hello Kyle! I purchased this lens for my new GFX 100s ii. I am having lots of problems getting fairly sharp portrait images wide open. I love the colors and the bokeh but if I could get some hints as to how to increase my image keepers it would be greatly appreciated.

[@aaronthecameraguy]

Would love to see some color comparisons between the GFX and Portra.

[@lneleven1708]

Thank you for all the vids you do, is there a way to get the Fuji built in recipes to LR or is it people’s interpretations? Thanks 😊

[@EricAdeleye]

Excellent video.

[@trevhill952]

Nice review Kyle. I love my GFX for portrait work, I am lucky enough to have the 110mm F2 and its a lovely lens. I'm looking forward to the 55 1.7 coming this year, but also I am hoping we see a third party manufacturer make a break through and release a fast auto focus GFX lens at a competitive price point.

[@KyleMcDougall]

I've been waiting for the 55 1.7 as well. Really curious what that will be like!

[@KNURKonesur]

On paper a 55/1.7 sounds amazing, but I'm afraid Fuji is going to go the same route as with the 56/1.2 for X mount and make a modern well corrected lens with very buttery smooth bokeh which I'm not a fan of. Wish more modern manufacturers offered at least some lenses with oldschool Biotar/Planar designs. I think Voigtlander is the only one and I can't even remember if anything else than the 35/1.4 Nokton Classic has that vintage out of focus rendering character.

[@RichardSilvius]

Would be interesting to compare this with the 105 + kippon focal reducer. Also, it’s a shame Pentax has not kept up with their own digital medium format system. If they were to produce and market a lens as a digital equivalent to the famous 105… I feel like it would be a huge hit as popular as the Pentax 67 has become. Anyway, very interesting comparison! Thank you!

[@KyleMcDougall]

I'd love to compare the 105+focal reducer as well. Have reached out to Kipon, but no luck yet.

[@tallaganda83]

That 55mm 1.7 on the roadmap looks very appealing. Obviously it isn't as fast, but I would imagine wide open it would be very nice.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Yep, very curious to see what that is like. Sure to be expensive though.

[@antontaranenko8824]

Thank you for the nice comparison review ☺️ It is not a surprise that they are very close, even by character. If you compare optical for mulas both of them have the same design. With only difference that Mitakon has a speed booster from 3 elements in-built on the back, after the same lens disign. Perhaps it was originally the idea, copy Pentax 6x7 lens, and than squize the image circle to the GFX sensor size... I heard that even high refractive index glass on the Mitakon are placed exactly the same way as on Pentax 67, and even that Mitakon is radioactive, as well, which makes me thinking that they used the same thoriated glass, as on Pentax...

[@rossbodenmann]

I have a pile of vintage Pentax Smc lenses. The coating mitakon chose are very very close to the vintage Pentax smc glass

[@alexisval-e5x]

Hey Kyle, is there anything that comes close to the look of the Pentax 67 55mm f/4 on the Fuji GFX system? I own the Pentax lens and I was wondering if there's not an equivalent to this lens if you have advice on the best possible adapters to use in order to get this lens on the GFX without compromising focal length and look?

[@KyleMcDougall]

Hmmm, not a lens that I've used, so I can't comment on the exact look. That being said, you could easily match the field of view. The 55 on the Pentax would be similar to a 28mm on 35, if I'm correct. So maybe a 35mm lens of some sort on the GFX. Pentax 645 35mm? That could be worth a shot.

[@douggottlieb]

what a great video. Except now I really want this system... Thanks a lot Kyle. I think

[@KyleMcDougall]

It's a great combo! 😁

[@pasty_film_journey]

I had the lens, and ultimately sold it. I found the lens to be too soft when working at closer focus than what Kyle usually does. When close focusing for a tight headshot, anything under f2.8 I found.. too soft. To a point that even the contrast detect focus peaking didn't work due to the softness under f2 many times. Great comparison though, I wish I knew to use it more for environmental portraits like Kyle does. It seems to be quite nice for that

[@KyleMcDougall]

Interesting to hear that. Admittedly I haven't shot much close focus with this, just a few images. I'll have to do some tests.

[@paulred158]

Nice since film got stupid expensive my gfx is my go to system after 35 years of only shooting film. This sort of glass helps ease the transition as does the amazing gfx files. Nice content as always Kyle. Oh btw the mamiya 7 glass on the gfx is superb too. If you can put up with the clunky adapter behaviour

[@KyleMcDougall]

Yeah, I still love working with film, but it's nice to be able to have a digital setup like this that is exciting to use and with files that have a unique look to them.

[@michaelyoung1967]

Man I watched this Vid like 4 times I really love the portraits!!! So precisely how far were you standing from your subject to achieve that depth in the images Kyle?

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed, Michael. Hmmmm, if I had to guess, maybe 10 feet?

[@michaelyoung1967]

@@KyleMcDougall Thanks so much I just got the lens with the GFX100s and I really want to change the look of my portraits. Your review was outstanding sir and I'm a real fan of your work!!!

[@xjuanx92]

Great video, have pretty much the same conclusions as you minus the aperture one. Ive had the same combo as my primary lens/camera for the last 5 years now and it delivers as expected. Prior to the 65mm release I was on the Mitakon 85mm f1.2. Slightly longer in size, slightly more vignetting (easily manageable in post) Worth a look if you get a chance if you have needs for a longer reach.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Juan. Yeah, I'm hoping this aperture issue isn't something that gets worse. Fingers crossed.

[@constantinslotty5309]

Great comparison, Kyle! I meant to do this for myself as well but you've saved me the work there :D I was also surprised about just how close they are, I'd probably even give the Mitakon the edge there as the Bokeh is even a tad bit softer. Now all we need is the perfect film color simulation and we're good ;-) Btw, I think the issue with your Mitakon is specific as the aperture ring of my copy works absolutely smooth.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Colour is definitely the challenge / most consuming thing with digital (for me at least). I feel like I'm at a point where I've got a process I'm happy with, but it took a while to get there.

[@ZZ.91]

looks really really nice ! I have a question about my photography and then i could ask for yours too : why not to stop down to get less isolation of the subject ? i mean, if you want to include the context, if the context is blurry then it could be contradictory.

[@KyleMcDougall]

That will be different for every scene and project. Guess it all really depends on what you want to show.

[@alexisrodriguezcancino]

Let me know if you'd ever want to review the Contax645 + 80mm f2.0, I can borrow it for that matter : )

[@ericbrooks7874]

Omg you have to do this

[@KyleMcDougall]

Ohhhh, tempting!

[@BenLloyd87]

I’m considering getting this for my GFX 50SII, I wonder if it will product the same Pentax similarity. I also have a Pentax 67ii and the 110m lens which I absolutely love. Any tips folks for the 50SII?

[@armchairfm]

Great insights! Thanks! I own Bronica sq-ai & Mamiya 7 systems, and recently picked GFX, do you think its a good option to invest in Bronica sq or Mamiya 7 adapters? maybe you have some opinion on it?

[@KyleMcDougall]

I have mixed feelings. The vintage MF lenses are fine, and for the most part hold up. But I'm starting to lean towards the GF lenses, just to get the best quality possible.

[@armchairfm]

@@KyleMcDougall fuji systems unlike other digitals seem to be more optimized for own lenses, not sure if that’s true. I compared 50mm 3.5 with mamiya 7 lens and fuji beats it on gf. Also adapters make camera look ridiculous, heavy and opposite to compact

[@natehaiden]

So what about mounting the 105mm to the gfx with an adapter? Would love to see that

[@pyane.z]

Thank you for the video! Is there something like this but for the X-T5 system, or a way to adapt it?

[@TylerAldrich]

Love the portrait of the guy in the green shirt surrounded by green grass. Are you using a film sim as your base on the color images?

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Tyler. Yep, I use a couple different ones. Working on a video right now about my editing process.

[@bbones3318]

Great lens. Why Fuji doesn't offer a 65mm 1.4 is baffling to me. Far more desirable than the 85 and 55 1.7, IMO. thanks for the comparison with the Pentax 105. I'm surprised at how good the Miktakon is, I prefer it in these shots.

[@jaejones3613]

Been a big fan for a while mate, I've just pulled the trigger on the GFX 50R thanks to you! What are some solid lenses to adapt for it alongside this one?

[@KyleMcDougall]

Nice! I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I like the Pentax 645 glass. Also the small little Contax 45mm Tessar pancake is a fun one.

[@yuidfbse]

Aaaaaaaaaamazing visuals😍😍😍😍

[@itsmrjack_]

Hi Kyle, apologies for being a bit late to the party here but I was wondering how you found the mitakon at close distances, eg. Between MFD and 3ft? How is sharpness and, importantly, transition from in to out of focus, ie. transition zone bokeh? Cheers

[@vha42]

If possible to find, SmallRig APL2339 L bracket with grip will help to balance. And you get the grip. Recommend i it! If you really want to go down the rabbit hole with the GFX50R, try 24x65 crop and fuji 30mm GF or a decent 28mm. But thats a different video, and style.

[@KyleMcDougall]

I've actually had one on order for a couple months. Hoping that helps!

[@enshongmiranda]

Got mine for a really good price in a pretty much brand new condition. It is amazing. It's a shame though that the bokeh becomes hexagonal when stopped down and I'm still bothered by the fact that the focus and aperture rings turn the opposite way from my Mitakon 35mm on the Fuji X. But those things are really just minor things considering how nice the images look from what I get on the 50R and this Mitakon 65mm. It is literally the big brother to my X-E4 and Mitakon 35mm.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Yep, not a perfect lens. But for the price, and with the look, I can accept its shortcomings.

[@enshongmiranda]

@@KyleMcDougall If you don't mind me asking, is the aperture indicator dot and the hard stop at f1.4 or f16 in line or centered with the DOF scale on you copy? Mine is a bit off to the left. 😅

[@stephenlloydco]

On the 100S i find it really hard to nail focus with this lens when using the focus aids (digital split image or focus peaking) as they just dont resolve fine enough. You have to do it all by eye. The focus peaking says too much fore and aft is in focus when it isnt, and so the focus is often in the wrong spot.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Interesting. I've had pretty good luck so far with the 50R.

[@jonashuck]

The depth of field of these environmental portraits reminds me a bit of shooting with my 70-200 f2.8. Yet I have to get further away... and it's also not that easy to carry even tho the RF 70 - 200 is incredibly small.

[@fingersmcginty]

I'd be interested in a review of Fuji's 55mm for environmental portraits. I've been considering this Mitakon, obviously a good price for a GFX-specific lens, so thanks for the review. A comment on the user below who's using a Cine Bloom filter: I've got the same filter and I am also using the Pro-Mist which comes in 1/8, 1/4, 1/2 and so on strengths. I chose the least diffusion at 1/8 and it's very subtle but it does take the edge of digital images, but they're still sharp.

[@StitchTheOtter]

I would like to see a comparison between them with a 0.7x or 0.8x Speedbooster on the Pentax 105 shot on the gfx.

[@protestagain]

I have the Mitakon 85mm f/1.2 for Nikon F mount, and I know they also make this lens for Fuji GF mount. Do you know how it's covering the GF? My experience with that lens. It's really sharp wide open, but from f/2.8, the Nikkor 85mm f/1.4 AIS is starting to shine, and it's much better.

[@protestagain]

I'm in T&S lenses and I have both the Nikon and Canon 24mm f/3.5. But I also have the old Nikkor 28mm f/2,8 Tilt and Oly 35mm f/3.5 Tilt. Wondering how they would perform with the GFX. I think they will cover the GFX, but would they be any good as wide-angle lenses on GFX. Do you know? By the way, I think I also have the Pre-AIS Nikkor 35mm tilt.

[@KyleMcDougall]

I don't have any experience with the 85mm. It's a bit too long for my tastes, but I'm sure I've seen some images posted with it on the 'Non GF Optics FB Group' on FB. Give it a look up on there.

[@megzjr]

You dont know how many times i paused the video to stare at the images you have made. You dont know..

[@broomwagon448]

The fisherman portrait at 28seconds in is enough to make me want to drop £600 on this lens for portraits alone! What a great image.... Actually makes me wonder how the old Canon ltm 50mm 1.2 would compare??

[@snowhite1qazse4]

Do you use a hood when shooting with this lens?

[@luisedtr07]

Man I’m really loving my 50R + Mitakon combo. Especially for portraits. Though I’m really considering the new Nikon ZF. Has anyone ever found a Mitakon same look alternative for full frame??

[@fthprodphoto-video5357]

Do you feel that the 44x33 crop medium format sensor on the GFX provides a significant different look vs a Nikon Z using 1.2 lenses ? I also adapted a few bronica 6x7 and 645 lenses on my Nikon and it certainly gives a special look too but these lenses open rarely below F3.5 (the 645 80mm 1.9 is not usable full open)

[@MikeLikesChannel]

I adapt a Canon EF 135mm f/2 to my GFX. I like 106mm over 50mm for portraiture.

[@abjallen]

I have this lens and I have had to completely disassemble the lens and rebuild the aperture blade ring after it got stuck. So be aware of that. And honestly, if they were to remake this lens in all plastic w/ click aperture, I'd buy again - the weight of it is that daunting. It's also baffling to me that Fuji hasn't made this focal/f lens yet...

[@KyleMcDougall]

Yeah I'm hoping my aperture issue doesn't get any worse. Definitely don't want to be taking this apart to try and fix it.

[@Iggynopop]

nice video! would you change your 50R for a 100s ou 50sII?

[@KyleMcDougall]

I don't think so. I actually had the 100s, and went to the 50R. The only appeal to me of those would be the IBIS, but that's about it. Very happy with the 50R.

[@rüzgarınadı]

is it focusing far object turning clockwise or anti clockwise ?

[@telepoiss]

Can I ask what your other image settings are for the acros? Are those really in camera jps or you edit them as raws with the acros profile?

[@KyleMcDougall]

RAW with Acros profile and minimal tweaks-mostly a bit of highlight/shadow, but not much really. I'm working on a GFX image editing video right now. It'll be out next week and I actually show those exact images and what I did.

[@telepoiss]

@@KyleMcDougall was wondering yeah if youve nailed a good in camera highlights-shadow, chrome etc settings to get perfecto BW images straight from camera. got the mitakon 65 too a few weeks back. mostly for interior detail shots for my work. but have taken it on some family hikes. gorgeous image. but yeah the weight and unbalance is quite a demotivator. for hikes the small fuji's own 50/3.5 is so much more convenient.

[@paulhermes2316]

@@KyleMcDougall Hey Kyle, I was wondering the same thing - if there's a lot of post processing to get the GFX files looking so close to film. It's a much harder task with colour! Very keen to see the editing video. I hope you use Capture One. Thanks for the greatest GFX vids out there :)

[@gabrieledalessio6707]

How did you digitalize the film from the Pentax?

[@KyleMcDougall]

GFX50R + Pentax 120mm macro lens

[@GKhanKutar]

I hope they will come up with Version 2 of this lens. They need to improve close focusing sharpness, build quality and maybe lighter design. Fujifilm will release 55mm F1.7 lens in 2023 so it will give you better “105mm F2.4” Pentax 6*7 lens vibe.

[@KyleMcDougall]

If they could shave some weight it would be an instant upgrade form me. As for the Fuji, yeah, I've been waiting for that one. But I don't think it'll give a better '105' look considering the Mitakon matches up almost identical, and the Fuji will be wider and slower.

[@GKhanKutar]

@@KyleMcDougall it can give better 105mm look because it is going to be Fujinon glass which means much better wide open sharpness and contrast. There is not huge difference between 1.4 and f1.7. I prefer to have 55mm F1.7 lens which has a little wider angle than 105mm Pentax lens for my fashion and lifestyle shots. 55mm F1.7 , 80mm F1.7 and 110mm F2 are great options. I have 45mm F2.8 and 80mm F1.7 lenses for my GFX100. I might change my 45mm lens with the upcoming 55mm lens!

[@nanoulandia]

I tried this lens but could not get a single sharp image (was not using a tripod). It's a monster of a lens so I think I'll go with a vintage Pentax instead.

[@depotmsa2362]

Have you tried the 90 mm 1.25 tt artisan to get a similar look ?

[@KyleMcDougall]

I haven’t. That Focal length is a bit too long for me.

[@erichstocker8358]

Chinese lensmakers are doing some interesting things. It is also interesting how heavy their lenses generally are.

[@KyleMcDougall]

They certainly are. The last couple of years there's been all sorts of interesting lenses released at really cheap price points.

[@just_eirik]

God I wish more 3rd party would make affordable and fast lenses for GFX! (Full frame lenses that barely covers the sensor does not count. I want medium format lenses!)

[@eatthetoast]

IBIS still kicks in even though it’s manual right?!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Yes. You can set the focal length in the menu.

[@eatthetoast]

@@KyleMcDougall BEAUTIFUL 👌🏻

[@CryptoJones]

You can get the Pentax-A 45mm f/2.8, 75mm f/2.8, and KIPON P645-> GFX Adapter for the price of the mitkon lens!

[@Thomasbrownphoto]

I Recently came to the same conclusions. A great substitute for the 67/105 combo for sure. Great video Kyle.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Thomas! I've been enjoying the recent images you've been posting with this combo.

[@rüzgarınadı]

thanks