Fujifilm
THE KIT PAUL USED
GFX 50R The second camera to break cover in Fujifilm’s medium format GFX range, the GFX 50R keeps the same high-resolution G-Format 51.4-megapixel sensor as found in the GFX 50S, but combines it with a rangefinder-style body. This makes for a lighter and smaller camera, but still with a weather- sealed, magnesium alloy design and great handling thanks to manual inputs for shutter speed and exposure compensation, and a new focus lever to increase the speed of adjustment.
that being another passion of mine. Overall, the GFX 50R performed beautifully throughout, and by the second session I was very comfortable carrying the GFX 50R around on a wrist strap. Despite the larger image format, it felt no more cumbersome than my regular gear. Even though the Fujifilmmenu system was new to me, I got to grips with it fairly quickly, especially given I knew exactly how I wanted the camera to be set up. The menus were intuitive and relatively easy to navigate, and if I’d had more time with the camera, I would definitely have made full use of the five dedicated function buttons that can be mapped to your most-used settings. In terms of handling, whilst I’m extremely used to using a DSLR, I very quickly got comfortable with the rangefinder-style of composing my images. When using it on a tripod I deferred to the articulating rear LCD, but it would be great if the screen was fully articulating, particularly for composing in portrait format. I found the focus lever very useful when handholding the GFX 50R, and more user friendly than the D-Pad on my Nikon D810, although when using it on a tripod there was little to choose between the two for moving the focus point around the rear LCD. However, the ability to move the focus point from one edge of the frame to the other when handholding the GFX 50R, as against the fairly limited AF area on my Nikon D810, I found a huge advantage. Another feature I enjoyed using, which harks back to my old film SLR cameras, was the aperture ring on the GFX lenses. I felt it was a very tactile way of working, and I enjoyed using it more than a command dial. It feels more connected somehow. I also liked the focus peaking, where in-focus areas are highlighted
GF32-64MM F/4 R LMWR Weather and dust sealed, like the bodies it’s designed for, this is the standard zoom lens for the Fujifilm GFX cameras, with a constant f/4 aperture and fast, silent autofocus.
GF23MM F/4 R LMWR This super wide angle is the perfect partner for sprawling landscapes, architecture and interiors, delivering sumptuous detail when twinned with the GFX 50R’s ultra high-resolution sensor.
The storms impacted my plans to visit locations I’d shot with my D810 and make a comparison of image quality, but I was able to take some broadly similar pictures. Studying the images at a ratio of 2:1 in Lightroom I was pleased to see the shots taken on the Fujifilm GFX 50R were noticeably sharper; not a huge surprise, given the bigger sensor and 40%more pixels. I found the Fujifilm GFX 50R just as easy and comfortable to use as my Nikon D810, but with the added benefits of an articulating rear screen, focus peaking, focus bracketing and greater image quality. I’d love to see Fujifilm continue to expand its range of lenses for the GFX system; it would be good to see an ultra wide-angle zoom, which would significantly increase its appeal to landscapers like myself. Would I recommend others to try out Fujifilm gear? Absolutely!
“Another feature I enjoyed usingwas the aperture ring on theGFX lenses”
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for easier manual focusing, although it took me a little while to nail this, given my lack of experience, as the Nikon D810 does not have this feature. Similarly, my current gear does not have focus bracketing, and I found this feature extremely beneficial for my landscape and cityscape images, although again it took a little time to fully realise its potential. If I had more time with the GFX 50R, I would love to make further use of the focus bracketing function with the GF120mm f/4 R LM OIS WR Macro lens, for shooting insects and flowers.
If you’re looking to make the switch to Fujifilm and want to be featured in Photography News , then visit the website below. Fill out the form and you could be selected to borrow a Fujifilm camera and two lenses for up to two weeks, free of charge! Terms and conditions apply and can be found at photographynews. co.uk/maketheswitch
Issue 76 | Photography News 17
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