Studio battle - Fujifilm GFX50s VS Leica SL

Disclaimer: Both cameras in this video (Leica SL and Fujifilm GFX50s) were purchased by me. I am not sponsored by either company. I use both, side by side, for different projects and for different clients.
Note: The image of showing the top LCD was taken by Jonas Rask. He wrote up a beautiful article about the GFX100 here: jonasraskphoto...
The Mitutoyo images were shot at the following settings and equipment:
Focusing device: Novoflex BALPRO T/S
Lens: Sinaron Digital 105mm F/4
ISO: 100
Adapter: SL - NOVOFLEX EF-SL; GFX - Steelsring EF/GFX
The other camera images at the end were shot using the same focusing system, but because they are not cropped to match output parameters, the GFX image alone was shot with the 105 Sinaron, while the SL was shot with a Sinaron 80mm Digital F/4.
Relevant links to come.

[@FauxtakuLounge]

For all you people that can't fathom positive criticism, the GFX100s changes the poor joystick and battery and of course, the shutter speed dial, which makes it a more usable camera. Way to go Fujifilm, but all you guys that supported only what Fujifilm used to do, you have a choice. Do you abandon Fujifilm because they improved a bunch of things, or do you accept the improvements?

[@suzukitaka4470]

Hi, reading this comment section was very interesting. I am trying to purchase used SL for about 1500 and considering adding R or M-mount voightlander lens, or purchase GFX50s2 for 2200, with one or two GF lens, or maybe adapt Pentax MF lens. I will use it for traveling, car meets, and sometimes portraits. Which do you recommend?

[@guyprolly]

Fauxtaku's other account here. I can't say what is best for you or your wants, but I can say that the SL is a much much more responsive camera in all ways and much easier to use. Its IQ isn't as good, but I don't think anyone can tell the difference for normal photography. Even for studio work, I didn't see much difference between the two, and not even when normalised to the same resolution except when pushed. That said, when pushed, the GFX50s returns better IQ by a good margin. It is larger and heavier and doesn't adapt as many lenses as well, nor is as fast to focus, and can't follow focus either. It has a very hard time focusing in low light, where the SL does a good but not great job. The SL is also made better, but lacks the angled LCD. I much preferred using the SL, but again, that was my experience. I hope you find what you need.

[@Mr7Poz]

@@guyprolly Would you recommend SL over Fuji X in general?

[@guyprolly]

For IQ, there is no comparison. FF, Bayer, better lenses, far better build and weather sealing, better remote app and general UI, yes. But it is FAR more expensive, less capable in video, and its AF, while competent back in 2015 against Fujifilm, is a step or two behind today. @@Mr7Poz

[@GoGrJr]

I am just about to decide between those two, what my next Camera would be... you would choose the Sl 601 right? How you like the macro planar with the gfx by the way? Cheers, Chris

[@FauxtakuLounge]

It really depends. If you are doing extreme macro the Leica is easily the easier to use and stabler choice. Software tethering is better and its processors are way faster, allowing you to check details without blur artefacts. Both are as sharp but colours synced to grey cards under flash are more accurate with the SL, and the camera is easier to use and has way less shutter shock. Of course you lose an extra 26 megapixels, so if you print large the 50s will have distinct as advantages for you.

[@GoGrJr]

@@FauxtakuLounge Thank you! Unfortunately even in Berlin it's pretty hard to rent a GFX or even a SL. But since i'm a X-Pro2 User, which i will def. keep, I tend towards the fuji just because to maintain a constant look. But I'd love to test those side by side for my Reportage/ Documentary and Portrait-Work.

[@suzukitaka4470]

@@GoGrJrwhich did you go with

[@GoGrJr]

@@suzukitaka4470 gfx :)

[@crispin8888]

Very informative. Thank you for your individual approach.

[@FauxtakuLounge]

And thank you for the encouragement.

[@tjmanou6422]

Hard to argue with a KZbinr when he starts arguing with himself ;)

[@FauxtakuLounge]

I may have done that. But remind me, what did I say?

[@ricardodafonseca9043]

I like the shutter speed dial on the Fuji. On my xpro1 it was nice to see all my settings when the camera was around my neck while out and about. In a studio situation it has no real benefit. Then I prefer a canon which I'm back to. Would love to have a go with an SL at some point. Really interesting camera.

[@FauxtakuLounge]

Thanks for the comment. You know, I would also like the shutter speed dial if it actually showed the set shutter speed rather than a just about speed indicator that sublimates all fine tuning to a separate T mode or command dial. This inconsistency or psychotic nature drive me to Leica. The dial shows the actual shutter speed including fine tuning.

[@ricardodafonseca9043]

@@FauxtakuLounge I understand that. The only time it really annoyed me with the xpro1 was with its sync speed. The cameras max sync speed was 180th which isn't on the dial. So that's the only time I'd ever use the 1/3 stops. It's amazing how small things like this can drive one person nuts and the next guy will love it

[@FauxtakuLounge]

@@ricardodafonseca9043 It is amazing. Yes, them not putting the max flash sync speed on the shutter speed dial was a HUGE miss which made me at the time think that they didn't take the X series seriously. And probably they didn't. I think those design mistakes have imprinted themselves onto the series as a whole, and over time, we have a now-serious series that is slaved to some very poor, very silly original design decisions. But... LOVE the output.

[@andrewmclark1961]

Just curious to hear your input (even a review) about the Novoflex BALPRO T/S. I'm thinking about investing in that system and would appreciate your input / advice in regards to that bellows system.

[@FauxtakuLounge]

Coming soon! I have been meaning to review it for many years bu have not. The good news: I have had it for 6 years and am intimately familiar with its plusses and minuses. The bad news is that it won't be for a few weeks. Amazing system for stacking and focus stability. I only wish it had vertical rise and fall.

[@andrewmclark1961]

@@FauxtakuLounge Thanks for the reply; most appreciate it!!! Looks like an amazing system. It's just a bit confusing as to what adapters I need to make the system ready to go. Their (Novoflex) website(s) are a bit challenging to figure out what parts exactly are needed to make a complete system. Also, they don't seem to respond to emails ... as I have emailed them twice ... to their USA website. Thanks again and maybe in your review, you could go into detail about this. I definitely would appreciate it!!!

[@vc6218]

Hi what lens is this on the GFX?

[@guyprolly]

The one in the beginning is the Zeiss Milvus 50/2 Macro.

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

I went from an XPro2 to the SL and while not a fair comparison, your point about the chatter from some of the AF lenses really detracted from an otherwise great little camera. The SL is such an interesting and pure design which makes it a joy to use.

[@myscrnnm]

This guy is fucking obsessed with gloves.

[@michaelfedorsha8147]

OMG, it's Giovanni Ribisi 😁 seriously though, great video.

[@j204ever5]

@ Fauxtaku Lounge, what is the final conclusion??

[@FauxtakuLounge]

Well, in 35mm mode, I see no differences. For macro, the GFX is woefully slow. If you use the full sensor, it pulls away from the SL in all metrics.

[@j204ever5]

@@FauxtakuLounge And in clear(er) words?

[@AcidicDelusion]

@@j204ever5 gfx is better

[@copaluge]

Hi ! I just discovered your video/channel and I love your honest and clear position. It's like someone put words on my thoughts ! Very enlightening. I was thinking about swapping from GFX50S to SL2 (I very mostly do macrophotography), but what I know is that I know NOTHING about ALL the possibilities around there to shoot macro and have fantastic results. All comes down to me and my eyes/hands/body use. I guess technology is always capable of doing great things if the person using it works hard. When I see your bellows and lenses, I'm getting more curious about them, I think I have to plunge into your videos... See you in the next comment section. Take good care and THANK you. Colin

[@paullefko]

Thanks for the review, they take a long time and thought. I love the SL, it’s a great tool. I don’t have much recent experience with Fuji. I have owned fuji years ago, it’s nice. When buying a camera one is buying into a system. Leica glass on optimized Leica bodies are incredible imaging making tools. I love the simplicity of the bodies and the color and black and white qualities. I also use a D850 for other types of projects where that is a better tool. The build quality / materials used by Leica are just another level. The SL hard core built.

[@tedtedsen269]

i have the gfx 50r it's true what you said cant deny that gfx are slow doesn't have this or that but THE GFX 50R is good at what its designed to do and it does it well i also have d810 d850 they are way better alaround cameras than gfx but when comes to image output the gfx50r is better not big difference but remember a small difference can mean alot to a good photographer the difference is in the details

[@FauxtakuLounge]

All of that is true.

[@robiulahmed]

You should borrow a Sony one day, it'll blow that Fuji even more into the weeds.

[@SuperMassara]

Try the gfx 100s in studio. You'll dump the SL ( which i love) in the dumpster

[@blakeaghili5033]

good comparison

[@FauxtakuLounge]

Many thanks.

[@bernios3446]

Funny, there are many working pros who love the 50S and like it to death. Well, by now more the Gfx 100. It probably is just not the camera for you. So much negativity would only leave one conclusion (to me): better get rid of it and never get close to one of those horrible Fuji cameras again. Why waste time with something that obviously fits your habits so little. I have been using Fuji x cameras since 2012 and never had a problem with them. Most is habit, after a while I ended up using every camera I had almost blind. Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Mamiya, basically they're all the same. Some faster, some slower. Never owned a Leica, too expensive for my liking.

[@FauxtakuLounge]

Actually, my criticism is positive, emploring Fujifilm to do what they did: change the battery, the shutter speed dial, the joystick. I don't think they have fixed the magnification and pan issue, but I also get the impression that all the 'pros' that use the GFX are just fashion people and not product photographers or macro users.

[@petera1033]

I bought the GFXS because I knew the 100MP was coming - apparently Alpa are making something for the 100MP camera - but I will never ever go back to Schneider or Rodenstock and all that expense ...the thing that really pisses me off about the GFX is the two stoopid camera strap lugs - useless rubbish that even get in the way of the card slot...they changed them in the R version. Also I congratulate you on the meticulous preparation for your stills shots- didnt see one iota of dust - which makes me think you must have superior cleaning skills - to go along with an excellent sense of humour. Thanks for your trouble I really look forward and enjoy your videos of cameras and photography - dont ask about the DAC music player whatever stuff - way over my head Also I think I am about to ditch all my leica gear -much as I like it - I think teh XT3 and thee 100MP will do everything I need. I might change my mind - since I've been thinking about this scary prospect of no Leica for a year now. Cheers Pete

[@FauxtakuLounge]

Peter, thanks for the thoughtful comment. I have many problems with the GFX50s design- too many to count and publish and still be considered a Fuji user without also being labelled a troll. But I love its output. I should have updated the lead with the facts: I cleaned and edited the images to taste in a way that would approximate a lesser commercial shoot. I have gone back and forth about Leica. I just shot a prom last week with two M10s and most of my events have been done with them or the M240 and previously a D800 with manual glass. I love the control and the size. There are limitations to be sure, but when it gets dark, I hate choppy EVFs or dark TTL OVFs. I wish you luck.

[@krishartsphotography5643]

Most of the Fuji cameras have the Orange mark with the battery & a orange locking pin in the compartment. They have to be side to side for the correct insert & lock to work. It's pretty basic stuff. Yeah , I get your point. You own both cameras. Getting from Point A to Point B will be of no difference with a porsche or honda , when you look out from your window (Metaphor for image comparison)... I like both the cameras. But I wouldn't compare them or even think of the other when I own one :) I think it's just about the preference. ! Good Luck :)

[@FauxtakuLounge]

Thanks for the comment. You can't open the hatch with gloves on (unless they are isotoner), and the battery goes in not just two ways, but four. That is unprecedented among high-end mirrorless. Everyone else has poor design (aside from Hasselblad) but even Nikon and Canon's go in only two ways. As far as comparisons, it makes sense. I compared the GFX with a Hasselblad back system. Totally different, but, while the GFX was far less modular and able to mate into any system I wanted, it was faster to use. The SL allowed lower resolution studio stuff to be shot lighting quick. The ride is vastly different between cars. Even my wife's low end VW is a huge step up from my Suzuki Every, but the Every hauls things and has an easier gear system. Good luck to you as well.

[@krishartsphotography5643]

@@FauxtakuLounge Yep , from a tropical land (India).. I have no issues with the battery door. We hardly use gloves. I wasn't talking about the car's mechanism or the ride. but the image view from the window. I understand what GFX system is. But it is what it is. Guess it narrows down to the preference :) I like Fuji because they always listen to their reviewers. Hope they consider this in their next update :) But it still feels apples & oranges to me :) Good luck :)

[@FauxtakuLounge]

@@krishartsphotography5643 Indeed. I think we don't disagree on anything necessarily. But where you find that a thing doesn't really matter because of external circumstances, I find a flaw that doesn't need to be part of the design. I was driven to Leica because of the many inconsistencies in Fujifilm designs. Fujifilm do listen to reviewers, but they don't listen to critics- or not as much as they should. This could be because of their market position, and it must be because of their position as the 'analogue' maker in Japanese digital camera land that cements their resolve to listen to the small, loud, and somehow snobbish user base, when they should probably look abroad. I hope to hear back from you. I haven't published it yet, but I intend to show off a bit of what I've been able to create with the GFX50 that would have been harder with my old digital back and sliding adapter setup.

[@krishartsphotography5643]

@@FauxtakuLounge Analogue design in a digital camera is the first thing which made me to switch to FUJI pipeline. Please do share your work taken with GFX 50 :) I would be happy to take a look at it :) Have a great day Sir :)

[@robertbland5131]

Leica a fan boy , Buy a Leica and forget about it, We know about that stop crying leave the Fuji alone 😢😢😢😢😢

[@FauxtakuLounge]

I own both cameras.

[@shotbydmitry]

“Oh Leica, Leica, bla bla bla. Fuji sucks, Leica is great.” When it comes to facts, it all falls apart and doesn’t sound logical. Both cameras are great. Of course they made with different approach. Stop been such a nerd and a fanboy. It’s really obvious from aside.

[@FauxtakuLounge]

Actually dude, I bet you to look at what I say from a logical rather than fanboy perspective. Obviously I am a fuji user (and have been for longer). So you’ve got your character pegged wrong. That, and every issue I bring up is real for both cameras.

[@AdrianGalli]

Where do I start with how superficial this review is.....

[@FauxtakuLounge]

By all means be as detailed as you can be. It’s not a review. BTW, It’s a summary of performance with a few design features that separate the cameras. I might ask: had the features always favoured the Fujifilm and the output proof always favoured the GFX, would the ‘review’ be just as superficial?

[@AdrianGalli]

The GFX50S is a medium format camera. Its performance is only exceeded by the new GFX100S. Comparing the GFX to the SL is like comparing a bulldozer to a pickup truck. You're not using the GFX in the middle of the winer, outside, with gloves on. Wrong camera choice. If you're going Fuji, go with the X-H1 or X-T3. The battery isn't that difficult to use. Not even a minor concern. Using the GFX in 35mm mode skews the comparison. Medium format vs. 35mm sensor-in a world when everyone balks at "small sensors" its funny how all the sudden medium format isn't all that much better. A stop of dynamic range doesn't matter to me but it seems to matter to every 35mm shooter out there cuz they'd "never shoot APS-C" so according to popular belief, that stop is pretty significant. The SL doesn't have an old sensor "not as good as the Nikon D750" how the camera processes the data coming from the sensor is more likely the differentiator. They may be different sensors but are in the same class. Not worth mentioning. The focusing system on the GFX, I couldn't follow what the issue was. It works like every other camera I've worked with. It is a "block" system if that is what you's like to call it. Non-issue. I'm also not sure how the 'mouse' or 'earthquake' was changing your focus results unless the mouse was an elephant and you live in Southern California. I've also yet to be in a studio where it was so dark I couldn't focus a camera-medium format or otherwise. I've never run into the shutter/exposure issue you've described with Fuji cameras. Shutter will not change your depth of field. If you're referring to the aperture, I've also never run into this. Set the aperture is setting the aperture. There is a setting that will adjust how the camera previews the "live view" through the view finder but if you set your aperture, it is set. The shutter dial is just like every other shutter dials on every other camera. Fuji cameras can be as manual or as automatic as you want. No idea where you're having the issue. The shutter dial set to T will let you us the command dial to set your shutter further. Nothing hidden about it. Once you got emotional about the camera and used the term "circle jerkers" you lost me. Not longer rational. @@FauxtakuLounge

[@FauxtakuLounge]

@@AdrianGalli Thank you for the detailed reply. Note that I am a fuji user and owner. I have owned Fuji since 2013. I am just not part of the fanboy population. I will now go through your criticism point by point, though I shouldn't have to as I was clear in the video. 1. The GFX is weather sealed. Conceptually it is a perfect landscape camera. I guess that those nature photographers that use it in the elements must not use it in the elements because you say it is the wrong choice. Whether you want to believe it is a studio-only camera or not, its dials are poorly designed to be used in the elements. Neither the X-H1 or the X-T3 are any better; in fact, with there smaller dials and more cramped bodies, they are harder to use in inclement and cold weather. 2. The battery is worse to use than a Nikon/Canon, but not that bad on the general market. It is horrible in design next to the SL or Hasselblad X1D. Again, can't open the door with gloves on and it can't be blind inserted without a lot of muscle memory. Whether this does or does not trip you up, it shows your own tolerance for lazy design. 3. The sensor in the GFX is just 60% larger than FF. It nets, what, a half a stop difference in any one direction compared to top FF? That's great. But it's a lot less a difference than going from APS-C to FF. 4. The SL's sensor isn't as good as the D750s. It is about as good for noise, but not for DR. 5. The focus magnification goes in blocks. This only happens on Fuji cameras. Not Nikon. Not Sony. Not Leica. There is NO overlap at the edge of frames, so if you need careful focus the like of which you need in macro and close up photography, it requires guess-work. This can be fixed in firmware, but hasn't been since 2012 with the X-Pro 1. 6. The aperture blades chatter to control how much light the sensor transfers through the visual pipeline prior to exposure, in all but one metering mode. Just google: "fuji aperture blade chatter" and you'll find countless threads, videos, and more, detailing how it is or is not annoying to the photographer. Again, some people are bothered with it, some are not. I'd offer that detail-oriented people probably are more worried about things like this and the battery and the exposure dial than others. 7. The GFX is very very slow in a dark studio. At close distances, where effective aperture is multiple by 4-5, the processor of the 50S slows down the feedback to a crawl. It is VERY hard to focus unless you flood everything with massive light and ramp up the heat in the room. I'm sure the 100 fixes this because it has more powerful processors. By the way, I live in Japan, where earthquakes of various magnitudes are a weekly if not daily occurrence. But obviously I was joking. 8. I showed you and you have to know this if you use Fuji cameras, the shutter speed dial only does full stops and it is extremely limited, not even going down beyond 1 second, and unable to control stops down to longest or shortest non-bulb shutter duration settings. This is NOT close to operation of other cameras. In fact, the only one that uses that system is the Leica Q and Nikon Df, both of which are criticised for limiting the user. The SL from a single dial accesses all shutter speeds. The Fuji requires you to use two dials or to go to T mode and then to use the sub dial. Again, if you are bothered by this, you are, but if you are not, it is probably the same reasons that the battery and magnification and dial size, travel, button placement/travel system don't bother you. Circle jerk refers to Fuji fans that are incapable or unwilling to criticise their cameras for whatever reason. All of the problems I've listed are problems. Whether or not your realise it, they are problems. Fuji users are an interesting bunch. I am one. But, critical users are insanely a small group. I think it has to do with Fujifilm being an underdog and because they design their cameras to look old, which makes people sort of feel loyal. It is a circle jerk. And within the context of everything I mention, it is rational. I didn't just say the term, I referred to a litany of problems that Fuji fans refuse to or cannot understand.

[@klarion]

@@FauxtakuLounge I love to criticize fuji, but I disagree with you about the shutter speed dial. When I need full control, I set it on the top dial and use the rear control dial. However, I am very frequently in a situation where I can only use a certain range of shutter speeds and Fuji is perfect for that. Set the full stop SS and you have a range of third stops to fine tune with the rear dial. I never have to worry about overshooting and flicking the aperture ring is a breeze. I never have to rely on menu diving or double action... like press here - rotate there.

[@salpatalano2306]

I can sense your desperation....the saying goes that people that buy the Hassy X1D have more money than brains....people that buy the SL Over the GFX, have NO brains at all!

[@FauxtakuLounge]

How did you miss your hat I own both cameras? Further, the two are totally different sorts of cameras for different jobs. This video only showed that the output between them isn’t night and day.

[@salpatalano2306]

Fauxtaku Lounge get real...I don’t care if you own both and you may also own a parrot.....you are speaking through your butt whole because your mouth is full of shite! 10 to 1 you get a Kick Back from Leica....c’mon....admit it!

[@FauxtakuLounge]

@@salpatalano2306 This video has what, 1.200 views? Leica likely have no idea this video even exists. Do you seriously assume that anyone that favourably compares camera A to camera B and even shows the output of both cameras shot side by side is a shill? That is insane. What's next, Russian bot? Stop it with the conspiracy theories and just look at the information as mentioned. And as far as I can tell, the GFX in 35mm mode is the SAME as the SL. Obviously using the full frame it is superior. I mention both things.

[@salpatalano2306]

Fauxtaku Lounge you are comparing two cameras that cannot be compared. The GFX trumps the Leica SL in every way.....you want to compare the SL to the 35mm format of the GFX? You make me laugh....how about you compare a four cylinder Porsche to the 4 cylinders of an 8 cylinder Ferrari Testa Rosa........about the same side by side...but hey, guess what......you are forgetting about the OTHER FOUR CYLINDERS!!!! Your comparison is ludicrous because there is NO comparison.....and by the way, Hassy today, owned by DJI is a Piece of junk.....and they just laid another big brain fart with the X1D II.....and Leica today, not as bad as Hassy, but compared to Leica 30 years ago, IS A PIECE OF JUNK....you want to compare the SL to something, compare it to a Nikon D850....put a Ziess or a Tamron lens on the 850 and it will come out on top....you are a Leica fan boy......it makes you look bad and above all, BIASED!

[@FauxtakuLounge]

@@salpatalano2306 Two cameras that can't be compared and yet you are ready to say that one trumps the other in every way? Which is it? Sal, think about it: there is NO good way to compare both cameras to satisfy everyone. Using the same lens, the same aperture, the same everything is better. Had I used the 80mm on the SL and the 105mm on the GFX and the 80mm didn't look significantly worse, viewers like you would cry foul. I didn't do this to prove a point. I know that the GFX is better overall in IQ alone. I have used them back to back for various jobs. But the difference isn't huge like it is going from APS-C to FF for the same work. Note at the end of the video are various samples from both cameras, uncropped. Also note that the GFX is only 60% larger than FF and the SL isn't known to sport a top end sensor. As for my being a Leica fanboy, I have owned and used more Fujifilm cameras than Leica cameras. I LOVE Leica design. A simple look at the battery is all you need to see that Leica take the extra time to design things for the end user. They are the only company I know that are so worried about the small things. I should ask: in what way does the GFX trump the SL? Is it faster focusing? More robust? Does it have better battery life? Better EVF? Faster processing? What? You use superlatives, I use empirical evidence. Listen I don't agree that the SL is capable of outputting as high quality images as the GFX. I note that. But the point of this video is that the GFX's sensor isn't better than the Leica's, just a bit bigger. All larger sensors are 'better' than smaller sensors. Some will have you believe that that extends down to crop, some will have you believe otherwise. If I am a Leica fanboy that owns, uses, and makes money with a Fujifilm and a Leica, then you are a Fujifilm fanboy that can't have owned, used, or properly bothered with a Leica. BIASED!