Fuji GFX: An Inexpensive Digital Back?

[Michael Erlewine]

My strategy may be shifting as regards the new Fuji GFX. This is an idea that is slowly occurring to me, one not too welcome. It is not meant as negative, but just about practicality... for the work I do.

From the reports I am getting from some (IMO qualified) photographers who already have the GFX is that the 63mm lens is not really usable for high-quality work (especially close-up) and the 120mm Macro, while quite high in quality, has a pronounced focus-shift. Because of the “reasonable” price of the GFX lenses, I had wondered all along if they could in fact (at that price) afford to highly correct them. It does not look good, but may be fine for ordinary use.

Apparently, the Hasselblad X1D lenses are quite good, but I gave up my place in line for that camera and, with spring coming, am not about to wait another seven months for a copy. I already did that. And, since the X1D won’t take other lenses, that is a non-starter for me right there.

My view is that if the IQ on the GFX is very good and the base color is neutral (and can be tweaked), then for me the Fuji GFX may essentially become an inexpensive digital back for many of the fine non-Fuji lenses I have, like the Zeiss Otus series, the El Nikkor 105mm APO, and so on. My GFX is supposed to show up today, so we will soon see. I would like to hear from others with the 63mm and the 120mm Fuji, as to their “corrected-ness.”

And I still await Nikon to do something, and they may yet show up with a 50 Mpx camera that will do the job.

[Erik Lund]

Indeed not so good news, kind of pointless to have a wonderful sensor and not APO corrected lenses with focus shift, my guess is one could live with focus shift when working in LV,,,,


Performance of the Otus lenses not yet confirmed,,,, or?

[Michael Erlewine]

Indeed not so good news, kind of pointless to have a wonderful sensor and not APO corrected lenses with focus shift, my guess is one could live with focus shift when working in LV,,,,


Performance of the Otus lenses not yet confirmed,,,, or?

I believe all of the Otus (perhaps not the 28mm) work on the GFX, but I will confirm that by tomorrow, provided my GFX shows up today, and it is "Out for Delivery" as we speak.

As mentioned, if I look at this as a really fine digital back, it is a bargain. I perhaps will send the 63mm lens back, and probably keep the 120mm Macro, since I use LiveView most of the time. My understanding is that the sensor is superb on the GFX, but I want to see for myself. I am looking down the street right now for the UPS truck.

Also have the RC-90 remote cord, the viewfinder extension, the AC adapter and the flash unit are here or on their way.

[simsurace]

You are planning to adapt the Zeiss Otus lenses to a medium format camera?
Are you counting on their image circles being slighly oversize for FX?
Or are you planning to use them only with extension, which also enlarges their image circles?

Both scenarios would put them outside their ideal performance envelope they were designed for.
It is only a prediction, but I would be quite surprised if you get quality that is substantially above what you can achieve with FX using lenses optimized for that format.

This argument is of course moot for the large format or enlarger lenses. They would likely profit from the larger sensor.

[Frank Fremerey]

I am not interested in the current lens offerings from Fuji's side.

My aim is to connect the GFX to the sinar p2 using the p-slr a bellows that allows movements in the film plane on the back standart. This way I can use the APO Digitars and Digarons and AMED Nikkors utilizing all benefits from the 16.7mm registration in stead of 37.5mm and the lenses

And still have an interesting range of manual focus lenses with all Hasselblad optics that are adaptable. A field camera handling like a DSLR and a digiback all in one. Great.

[Michael Erlewine]

You are planning to adapt the Zeiss Otus lenses to a medium format camera?
Are you counting on their image circles being slighly oversize for FX?
Or are you planning to use them only with extension, which also enlarges their image circles?

Both scenarios would put them outside their ideal performance envelope they were designed for.
It is only a prediction, but I would be quite surprised if you get quality that is substantially above what you can achieve with FX using lenses optimized for that format.

This argument is of course moot for the large format or enlarger lenses. They would likely profit from the larger sensor.

We will soon find out.