Fujifilm GFX Review: “Unreal Dynamic Range. It Feels like You’re Cheating… The Lamborghini of Medium Format?”

Fujifilm GFX: USA BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, AmazonUK, WexUK, ParkCamerasUK, PCHstore AUS: CameraPro

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by Allan Higa – website. This article has been posted orignally at allanhiga.com and shared at petapixel. Allan Higa is also a very active member of our Fujifilm GFX facebook community, and many of the images you can see in this article have also been shared at the group. He also wrote an interesting guest post for Fujirumors called “How I Capture Genuine Moments With Complete Strangers“. This article is shared here on FujiRumors with permission of the original author, Allan Higa (thanks :) )

Fujifilm GFX Review

Quick history lesson. The original Lamborghini motor vehicle wasn’t the supercar you know today. They were tractors. Yes, tractors. Full fledged farm going vehicular tools. Ferruccio Lamborghini always loved cars and owned Ferraris, but hated the quality of them. Frustrated, he approached Enzo Ferrari and gave him a piece of his mind and told him how to improve his cars. Enzo’s response went something like, “Leave the car making to me, you stick to making tractors.” Batman now drives a Lamborghini Aventador.

Fast forward and cross universes to cameras. The giants such as Hasselblad and Phase One have been untouchable and left alone to rule the medium format world for sometime. Sure, there’s Pentax and Leica, but it’s more like buying a Mazda Miata or a 4-door Porsche, it’s not what you think of when sports car or medium format camera comes to mind. But here we are with Fujifilm, originally a film company, pulling a move like Ferruccio Lamborghini; they’re opening the doors to somewhere that’s otherwise been locked for what feels like all of eternity.

Phase One makes amazing medium formats that few ever touch but all hope and dream of. Hasselblad is quite similar but have introduced something that seemed ground breaking, a mirrorless medium format in the Hasselblad X1D. Now, just like Ferruccio answered to Enzo Ferrari, Fujifilm has brought out the Fujifilm GFX. Will this be a classic like the Lamborghini Diablo? Or is this a Mazda Miata in disguise? Well, I’ve got the keys and this is what I’ve learned.

First off, like anyone else with a new toy in their hands I played with the lifeless camera as the completely dead batteries charged painfully slow. Here are the first impressions.

Body Design and Ergonomic

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Replace Your Standard MacOS Icons with Super Cool Fujifilm Cameras Icons! – UPDATE: Windows Version, too

My Desktop looks much cooler with the New Fuji Icon :)
My Desktop looks much cooler with the New Fuji Icon :)

Fuji Icons for Mac

Fujifilm X100F facebook group member Pawel is still waiting for his X100F, and in the meantime, he tried to manage his impatience by creating some cool Fuji X and G icons to replace the standard MacOS (or Windows) ones.

As you can see in the screenshot above, I’ve already created the X-T2 icon for my Mac (even though I don’t own it). But there are currently a total of 8 icons you can chose (X-T2 black, GFX, X-T2 with grip, X-Pro2 graphite, X100F black, X100F silver, X-20 black and X-T20 silver).

The procedure to change the icon is super easy:

“1. Open the info panel of the folder you want to change (Command+i), 2. Locate its icon preview in the left top corner. 3 drag the new icon to this place. Et voila!“

And now all you need is the link. It has been originally shared by Pawel at the X100F group here. But since not everybody is part of the closed group or does not have facebook at all, here is the direct dropbox link :) – Windows + Mac

UPDATE: Fujifilm GFX facebook group member Peter made the windows version of the icons. You can download them via GFX facebook group here or my dropbox here.

UPDATE 2: X-E2 Windows Icons: X-E2 silver, X-E2 black

UPDATE 3: Icons for lenses

UPDATE 4: more links in the comments

Pawel, you are GENIUS!!! :)

stay tuned,
Fuji X Forum, Facebook, RSS-feed and Twitter

RNI All Films 4.0.4 Adds GFX/X Support + Lens Turbo Ver.2 Available + Australian GFX Rental Service + A6500 Vs. X-T2 Vs. D750 :: X-T20 Reviews (miXed zone)

Fujifilm GFX
USA BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS

Good news! RNI All Films 4.0.4 for Lightroom and Photoshop ACR is finally up for grabs here:

What’s new in this version:

• You asked us to turn the film grain off by default. So we have turned it off. You can easily turn it back on by using RNI Toolkit for Lightroom and setting the desired level of film grain (ISO 100 – ISO 1600).

• The Fuji Pro 400H base preset has been updated for better tonal accuracy.

Also added support and customised profiles for the following new cameras:
• Fujifilm GFX 50S
• Fujifilm X A3
• Fujifilm X A10
• Fujifilm X T20
• Fujifilm X100F

RNI All Films 4.0.4 comes as a free update to all the existing RNI All Films 4 – Pro and Lite customers.

Fujifilm X100F
USA BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS

Fujifilm X-T20
USA BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS

  • FUJIFILM X-T20 Review – Real World Video Samples and First Impressions at cinema5d
  • X-T20 My First Impression at joengphotography

Fujifilm XF50mm
USA BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS

  • First Shots with the Fuji XF 50mm F2 by Kevin Mullins at f16.click

Fujifilm X-T2 (vs. D750 Vs. A6500)
USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama

Sony a6500 vs Fujifilm X-T2 – 4K Comparison

Fujifilm X-T2 vs. Nikon D750 | Compare image quality at lowest ISO for landscape photography at Ming Cai youtube

Fujifilm X-Pro2

What should you get. Fuji X-Pro2 or X-T2? – in 4k at Zed ProMedia youtube

X100/S/T + X70

Lenses / Converters
Lens Turbo Ver. 2

  • Lens Turbo Version II N / G-FX Focal Reducer Adapter Available. More at stkb
  • Fujinon’s new MK 18-55mm lens on test at redsharknews

X-Trans / Raw Converters

Travel X / Switch (or not) to the X / X Weddings

a bit of everything

  • Fujifilm Mirrorless at jlbwedding
  • Ask the staff: electronic or optical viewfinder? at dpreview

Trusted Source Confirms: “Fujifilm Developing Ultimate APS-C X-camera. Based on X-T Design. Price Not Yet Set, but Most Expensive X”

I recently shared with you a rumor from a new source, that said Fujifilm is developing the ultimate APS-C X-Trans camera, that could cost as much as $5,000 and have some killer features also for video.

As many of you guys, I also specualted it could be some kind of video-camera like the Sony FS5, especially given the lastest announcement of Fujifilm’s new Fujinon MK cinema lenses.

But I was wrong.

In fact, here is some new information I got from a trusted source:

  • Correct: Fujifilm is working on the ultimate X-series X-Trans APS-C camera
  • Design based on X-T line (We don’t know the name yet, but it’s seems it won’t be called “X-T3“)
  • The camera is still under development, hence the camera price has not yet been set
  • The only sure thing is that the camera will be more expensive than any other X-series camera currently on the market
  • Best Fuji APS-C camera for video work

It’s a long term rumor, so everything is subject to change. But, currently, these are 100% Fujifilm plans.

However, I have to remind you, that in some cases, Fujifilm can drop plans, just like it happened with the X-Pro1s, a rumor which I earned massively shitstorm for. Well, at least Fujifilm confirmed that FR sources are awesome, by displaying a X-Pro1s prototype at the X-Pro2 launch party ;)

I don’t know what Fujifilm’s next step will be regarding this “ultimate X-series camera”, but I hope to be able to keep you updated with news about its development.

And to prevent attacks about “made up fake rumors clickbait”, I would like to quickly share the rumor hit rate of the last years. Sure, they do not proof anything, maybe just that I really try hard to be as accurate as possible for you guys.

At this point, really thanks a lot to everybody, who helps FR to achieve this accuracy. Your guide me safly to the stormy waters of fake rumors.

stay tuned,
Fuji X Forum, Facebook, RSS-feed and Twitter

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The ultimate X should absoltutely have this killer feature: a pop-up smiley! :)

shared by Ed at our X100F facebook group here
“Can someone give me a reason to buy the x100f over this? I mean this one plays music! I’m pretty sure this has the max f stop of 1.0. “

Fujifilm GFX, X100F and X-T20 Reviews, Replacing the X-T1 Rubber Grip and More (miXed zone)

Fujifilm GFX
USA BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS

GFX 50s Dynamic Range example at Jonas Rask Youtube

GFX 50S VS Canon EOS 5DsR Review at the daniel life Youtube (with RAW files to compare by yourself). Tested on the street and studio. And the reviewer admits he was never a Fujifilm fan, but the GFX evidently changed this :-)

Test Fujifilm GFX autofocus en vidéo at Focus Numérique youtube

Karen Hutton’s Story and the GFX 50S at Fuji Guys Youtube (I loved this video)

Landscape Photography – Fujifilm GFX – BOXHILL, Surrey, UK at Lewis Von John Youtube

  • Fujifilm GFX 50S – First look and Sample Photos at digidirect youtube (not really new things to discover, but a good basic overview)
  • GERMAN: A “yes, but contribution” to the new Fujifilm GFX50s and the launch event at digitaler-augenblick (translation)

Fujifilm X100F
USA BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS

Fujifilm X-T20
USA BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS

Fujifilm X-T2
USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama

Other X-series Cameras

Replacing the Fujifilm X-T1 Grip at willbarton

Lenses / Converters

X-Trans

  • The Fujifilm RFC RAW Convertor: Part Two – Toolsets at adambonn

Travel X / Switch (or not) to the X / X Weddings

  • X-Gear goes Route 66 at stuartpalley
  • Nikon Pro: why I switched to Fuji at camerajabber
  • Beautiful Early Summer Sherborne Castle Wedding of Dan & Katherine by Kevin Mullins at f16.click

Flash

off-camera flash in 3 easy steps at Bert Stephani youtube

Fujifilm GFX: Outstanding Image Quality… But if Fujifilm Would Give Me A Free Camera, I’d Pick the… And You? – POLL

Amazing image, right? Taken with… the new Fujifilm X100F :) and shared by Kıvanç B. at our Fujifilm X100F facebook group here

Fujifilm GFX or X-Trans III

Ok, I admit, the samples GFX owners shared so far at our GFX group are simply… superb! I mean, every day I check out the images and everyday it’s just “WOW”.

But I was wondering, if I would not own a Fujifilm camera already and Fujifilm would send me a free camera (including 3 lenses), which one would I choose? (It’s really a mere thought experiment, since Fujifilm would not even clean my sensor for free)

Well… I think I’d still get the Fujifilm X-T2.

Why?

Yes, it’s true, the Fujifilm GFX has such a large sensor compared to APS-C, that no matter how sofisticated current APS-C sensors are, they can’t really catch up with a Medium Format sensor in term of image quality.

However, what I want from a camera is not only IQ (which is great already in my trusty X-T1, and it’s even better in the X-T2).

I also want a camera that is light and easy to carry around. I want a camera that works fast and reliable, when I occasionally have to track my crazy nephew riding downhill on his toboggan. I want a discrete camera on the street and one that allows me to carry around 3 lenses on my travels, without taking to much space in my backpack. I want a camera that looks sexy. And I want a camera that is the best allrounder possible in the smallest package imaginable.

So for now, the answer is: I want the Fujifilm X-T2 (or Fujifilm X-T20… but since it’s free I’d go for the X-T2 ;) )

Now you know I’m a rangefinder style lover. So why no X-Pro2 or X100F?

Well, here is the thing: I do make one film project every year with my students. And having a hybrid camera that gives me nice 4K video would be interesting for me, since I’m sure many of my students will have 4K TV’s at home in a few years… so the X-T2 is the way to go.

With all that said, if all I would need is the ultimate image quality, I guess I’d have no other choice than to grab the Fujifilm GFX… but I need an allrounder that can do everything very good (video included). So please Fujifilm, send me an X-T2 :)

WHY THIS POLL

I launch this poll, because I’d be interested to see, how many of you guys would grab the Fujifilm GFX if price would be no problem. Maybe the price is the only thing that keeps you from purchasing the GFX? Or maybe the advantages of current X-TransIII cameras (such as speed, better video and AF) would still make you pick an APS-C Fuji, even if all the gear would be given to you for free?

I won’t include every Fuji cameras in this poll. Only the latest generation, so X-TransIII and the GFX. Vote and feel free to tell us thoughts in the comments.

And of course… it’s Friday, so enjoy your weekend :)

Rule 1: You can Not Sell again the Camera and Lenses You Get for Free
Rule 2: Imagine you do not own a Fujifilm camera already

Imagine You Don't Own a Fujifilm camera, and You Would Get one for Free (3 lenses included)... which One Would you Take?

View Results

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Jonas Rask – Shared here at our GFX facebook group: Another day. Another GFX image.  GFX50s – 32-64mm at 37mm – f/4 – exp 1/4s – ISO200 – developed in Capture One 10. A lot of people talk about that elusive “3d pop” – I find that term complete nonsense. But let me direct your attention to the leg and foot of Jonas in this portrait. Even though the DOF is large enough for the ground both in front of- and behind his foot to be in focus, it still gives a distinct feeling that his foot almost “steps out of the frame” in another layer. – This might be because of added resolution, as well as the added colorinformation in the file. The effect is obviously best in the full resolution file which you can download here:  http://d.pr/i/DAhY You can see the GFX challenge video that we did for this shoot here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SftMz9HGZ_s

TOP OF THE SHOTS… at the X-Shooter Facebook Zone!

Bryan Minear: X-Pro2 + XF16mm

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NOTE :: HOW TO SEE THE IMAGES
To see, add and vote images click on “Photos” and then “See All“

See All

Here are the most liked images of the Fujirumors facebook page… and keep it up, share and vote your absolute favorite X-shot… and here is how to do it:

1) SHARE & DESCRIBE: go to the Fujirumors facebook timeline and submit your favorite X-shot (and a short description) in the timeline by selecting “Photo/Video” .
2) VOTE & COMMENT: All the images will be displayed at the Fujirumors facebook photo page (click “See All”). You can vote, share & comment the images there.

NOTE: The next selection will start from those images shared starting from March 2!

Enjoy the X-shots ;)

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The Complete X-T2 Review :: X-T2 Vs. EOS M5 :: From Sony to Fuji, The First 6 Months :: GFX Reports :: X-Acquire (miXed zone)

Cover Stories

The complete X-T2 Review at mirrorlessons youtube

Fujifilm GFX
USA BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, AmazonUK, WexUK, ParkCamerasUK, PCHstore AUS: CameraPro

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Fujifilm GFX: Check Out This Large Print by Jonas Rask… You Will Love It! :-) – UPDATE

Jonas Rask just shared a large print of an image taken with his Fujifilm GFX at our Fujifilm GFX facebook group here. 300dpi. 150cm on the long side. The result is stunning!

Jonas Rask GFX first impressions and tons of great images can be checked out at his website here. The print image, though, is a courtesy that Jonas Rask shared exclusively with the GFX group… and I think it’s just amazing, so I must share it also with FR-readers :-)

Jonas Rask: website / facebook / twitter / street photography lecture Video

Fujifilm GFX 50s: USA BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS

More Prints! This time courtesy of Ivan Joshua Loh – shared by Keith here

Fujifilm Manager: “We Investigate the Next Film Simulation :: Fujifilm Close to 20% Mirrorless Market Share :: More Video-Capable Camera”

This time it’s imaging-resource, who had a talk with a couple of Fujifilm Managers. Here some excerpts:

  • Current GF best sellers: the 63mm and the 32-64mm, with the demand for the zoom being “a bit higher than expected“
  • Future GF lenses requests: a telephoto prime around 200mm focal length. A wide zoom, like a 15mm, a more ultra-super-wide zoom. A 70-200mm
  • Fuji thinks GFX owners are 50/50 split between professionals and high-end amateurs
  • Film Simulation: “Some want maybe AGFA or Kodak […] So now we are investigating what’s next.”
  • Mirrorless Market share of Fujifilm is close to 20% now [NOTE: it was 14%-15% last year. X-T2 and X-Pro2 raised the bar further]
  • 4K on X-Pro2: “Basically, we cannot upgrade the X-Pro2 because it’s a difference of hardware.” [NOTE: this does not fit with what Fuji Guy Billy said here]
  • “We got a lot of requests from videographers that Fuji shooters should have more video-capable functionalities of the cameras…”
  • The biggest market for the X100 line is the USA.
  • Besides Instax, which is perceived as a new technology amongst young people, also the use of disposable cameras is increasing, because for “young customers […] it is kind of fun because they cannot see the result.”
  • Capture One will not support the GFX?: “We have a solution with Adobe Lightroom raw conversion. We also have our Fujifilm original Tether Shooting Plug-in PRO with Lightroom, which we just released from November with the X-T2 and of course the GFX. Its functionality is quite good.”

Read the full interview at imaging-resource

Fujifilm GFX Shipping Today: USA BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS

Previous CP+ 2017 Interviews with Fujifilm Managers:

  • Fujifilm Manager: GFX & X-T2 Demand Higher than Expected :: Fujinon 200/2.8 or 200/2 :: Fujifilm X-E3 :: X-T2 Kaizen & More – Click here
  • Fujifilm Manager: “Next Generation APS-C Sensor Will Still be X-Trans. Mirrorless Will Maybe Beat DSLR’s In Every Aspect With Next Processor / Sensor Generation” – Click here
  • Fuji Manager Talks about GFX, X100 FULL FRAME, X-T2 Firmware & More – Click here