As a long term (bought at launch) 50S user what works for me is the ergonomics. I shoot 95% in portrait orientation and use the tilt function to have the eyepiece at maximum vertical orientation and use the battery grip to provide the release button on the lens axis. I find this set-up “ideal” for me. I would appreciate phase detect autofocus and 100 mps but image stabilisation is not of interest as my work uses studio flash. So unfortunately at the moment there is no upgrade path for me until they offer the interchangeable viewfinder and on axis portrait mode shutter release.
Fuji 50s II is a huge step forward with IBIS when it comes to hand holding. It's a step backwards in ergonomics. Not just due to buttons. The lenses are huge and the body with a hump works better IMO for balance. The biggest one is the side loading battery on the 50s. That's a huge benefit for swapping batteries on a tripod.
I wanted the GFX 100s but couldn't pass up the lower cost of a used 50sii. I planned to use my medium format film camera manual lenses so IBIS was crucial so the 50s was off the table. Really happy with the IBIS as I can shoot down to 1/15 handheld pretty easily. No tripod for moving water shots now...
@@AlexDubois I think he is saying that due to the age of the lenses he already owned that it was important that the body has stabilization because his lenses obviously wouldn’t have any
I respect your opinions very much….and I’ve considered the jump for a long time. Watching the field of cameras develop. I’ve begin to come down on the side of the Hasselblad xdii 50c, for a few reasons. I’ll preface by saying I shoot a Leica SL 601 with M lenses, a mix of Leica and Voigtländer glass. The build quality, compact size, clean design, spectacular interface, superior colors, and of course those leaf shutter lenses. Your thoughts.
Thanks for the comparison review. I've owned the original since it came out and not thinking of upgrading. My only gripe is the "blackout" between shots, makes it really hard to shoot any kind of motion or capturing a fleeting moment. Love your wedding photos btw, and I hate wedding photography haha. That's a compliment ;)
I just got the 50s ii with 35-70mm lens used on B&H a week ago for $3700 with no tax. It pays to look at their used department daily when looking for deals!
@@benjhaisch Just found a BRAND NEW GFX50S (not the MK2) for $2200.... What's the move, yay or nay ?! lol. *I might have asked this question on another one of your videos but, I'm sorry... Looking to the net to be a vote difference maker lol.
I think having dials and better ergonomics trumps spec sheets improvements. I'm currently on the fence between a GFX50S and a Pentax 645Z. For the kind of work one normally does with a medium format camera fast autofocus and snappiness are afterthoughts, IMO
I am one of them who is considering buying a GFX camera and which one to buy. The new 50S MkII is just slightly better than the old, but If I save $2K then I will choose the 50R. The difference between the 50S MkII and the 100S is just a half Fuji G lens, and with a simple calculation there are just two options, the old 50S/50R or the 100S. By the way, I have many old manual lenses, and many of them will work fine with GFX.
What did you go for in the end… there is a £600 difference between the 50S and 50Sii… I am not a pro and will shoot with 645 manual glass to start with as my budget is tight…
Thanks for this. I own 2 x GFX50s's and love the ergonomics and with the new firmware update, it is way more responsive. i also appreciated the tilt add-on viewfinder and battery grip when I need it.
@@jasonmarkharris was disappointed they discontinued it - was hoping for a price drop at the worst or at best, an updated model The form factor is just so good
@@natashanicole7408 I agree, as it stands is only 2-300£ cheaper than the mk2 so I think they will drop price on any remaining models. Maybe black Friday. I really wanted to love the 50r but found it very blocky. I have ordered a mk2 but there are a lot of use 50r’s hitting the market so very tempting to save money. I much prefer the rangefinder bodies
@@jasonmarkharris 50S and 50R will be items of collections . I’m telling y’a . I’m also owning a professional camera store, I sell rare cameras (film only) and I highly believe 50S and 50R, especially 50S with tilt adapter will be highly sought as a collection .
I have the GFX 50S. Such a wonderful camera. That’s my first digital camera. I’m still a film guy (I’m not old haha, just 30yo) . Always used to hate digital because of mandatory editing of photos + there is no feel. But with GFX 50s you can get Portra 800 or many famous films with film simulation + I’m also using Arketype Process. Using EF canon 85mm 1.2 and FD 85mm 1.2 ( I prefer FD). With 85mm 1.2 you get an equivalent of 67mm 0.8-0.9 ( many agrees on 0.9 from dof calculations but I used large format 0.7 lenses and it feels similar to gfx) . I can adapt all my vintage lenses even my Pentax 67 lenses , such as 105mm 2.4 , fabulous ultra sharp lens . Tilt adapter is a must have for gfx 50S ! Yeah it’s 500-600$ but absolutely worth it! 50S II is not in same category , it’s oversimplified and feels like a step back. I think 50S II is not for professionals but for mainstream, but 50S is for professionals. And it’s true because GFX100 is step forward compared to GFX 100s. Gfx 100 has more options in camera than 100s. I think that “S” stands for “small. Like a small brother
Interesting review. For copy work, the 50S with the rotating tilting viewer is great, maybe even essential. Given the fact that detachable interchangeable view finder have been around on pro 35mm and medium format cameras since the 1950s, I don’t really understand why we cannot have those on all pro level cameras. The titling screens make a big difference but just like nobody would think of not having interchangeable lenses, we should have the same with digital pro bodies. Sorry for the rant. Bottom line fuji has done the photo world a huge service in pushing the quality and price envelope and in using analog controls. I hope they keep it up!!
I’ve been doing a lot of research lately and I really want to get the Leica m9 because even though it was released in 2009 and it has the potential for the corroded sensor. I have found that it has the features I really enjoy. I love that it has the CCD sensor rather then the CMOS. I understand you can get higher MP if you go with the CMOS but I like that it captures light all at once rather then pixel by pixel. I also have noticed that with the CMOS sensors in phone cameras that, at times, it can stretch the image and causing lines to look diagonal. My other main reason for thinking of purchasing a Leica M series is the fact it has manual autofocus and manual aperture. I love the idea of that because I feel it will help me improve as a photographer and get really in tune with the camera itself. I’ve been trying to find other digital rangefinders that have manual AF and aperture and I can’t seem to find any because I’d like to compare them and look at all my options. I’ve found some film cameras with manual AF and aperture but I want to respark my hobby with a digital because then I can edit with more ease. I do want to develop my own film someday but want a digital first. So my question is do you know of any other digital rangefinder that have manual AF and aperture?
Leica is the only camera making a digital rangefinder :/ I’d REALLY consider checking out the M240 over the M9. They’re about the same price, but the M240 is a much better camera.
As a long term (bought at launch) 50S user what works for me is the ergonomics. I shoot 95% in portrait orientation and use the tilt function to have the eyepiece at maximum vertical orientation and use the battery grip to provide the release button on the lens axis. I find this set-up “ideal” for me. I would appreciate phase detect autofocus and 100 mps but image stabilisation is not of interest as my work uses studio flash. So unfortunately at the moment there is no upgrade path for me until they offer the interchangeable viewfinder and on axis portrait mode shutter release.
Fuji 50s II is a huge step forward with IBIS when it comes to hand holding. It's a step backwards in ergonomics. Not just due to buttons. The lenses are huge and the body with a hump works better IMO for balance. The biggest one is the side loading battery on the 50s. That's a huge benefit for swapping batteries on a tripod.
I wanted the GFX 100s but couldn't pass up the lower cost of a used 50sii. I planned to use my medium format film camera manual lenses so IBIS was crucial so the 50s was off the table. Really happy with the IBIS as I can shoot down to 1/15 handheld pretty easily. No tripod for moving water shots now...
@@bigdogdougcambridge1008 Did you finally go for the 50S ii? Could you clarify why IBIS is important for medium format lens with manual focus? Thanks…
@@AlexDubois I think he is saying that due to the age of the lenses he already owned that it was important that the body has stabilization because his lenses obviously wouldn’t have any
I respect your opinions very much….and I’ve considered the jump for a long time. Watching the field of cameras develop. I’ve begin to come down on the side of the Hasselblad xdii 50c, for a few reasons. I’ll preface by saying I shoot a Leica SL 601 with M lenses, a mix of Leica and Voigtländer glass. The build quality, compact size, clean design, spectacular interface, superior colors, and of course those leaf shutter lenses. Your thoughts.
Thanks for the comparison review. I've owned the original since it came out and not thinking of upgrading. My only gripe is the "blackout" between shots, makes it really hard to shoot any kind of motion or capturing a fleeting moment.
Love your wedding photos btw, and I hate wedding photography haha. That's a compliment ;)
thanks so much!
I just got the 50s ii with 35-70mm lens used on B&H a week ago for $3700 with no tax. It pays to look at their used department daily when looking for deals!
Wow!
@@benjhaisch Just found a BRAND NEW GFX50S (not the MK2) for $2200.... What's the move, yay or nay ?! lol. *I might have asked this question on another one of your videos but, I'm sorry... Looking to the net to be a vote difference maker lol.
I think having dials and better ergonomics trumps spec sheets improvements. I'm currently on the fence between a GFX50S and a Pentax 645Z. For the kind of work one normally does with a medium format camera fast autofocus and snappiness are afterthoughts, IMO
Rewatching this now i love how the Mitakon is set to 1.4 with tape :D
I am one of them who is considering buying a GFX camera and which one to buy. The new 50S MkII is just slightly better than the old, but If I save $2K then I will choose the 50R. The difference between the 50S MkII and the 100S is just a half Fuji G lens, and with a simple calculation there are just two options, the old 50S/50R or the 100S.
By the way, I have many old manual lenses, and many of them will work fine with GFX.
What did you go for in the end… there is a £600 difference between the 50S and 50Sii… I am not a pro and will shoot with 645 manual glass to start with as my budget is tight…
How do u find the manual focusing process for weddings? I feel like I would miss some shots if I was photographing an event with manual focus lenses …
So did you buy a 50sii Benj?
Still have the original 50S
How about black out time between shot?
Coming in the final review. Only just got an HDMI recorder
5:47 nice tracking with a manual focus lens 👌☝️
Does the GFX50SII have Focus Peaking for manual focus?
Yes, same as the 50S I believe
Love the review!!! Have you done a review on the Mitakon yet? Couldn’t find one on your channel
I haven’t yet, it’s on its way. Sooooo many good videos on the table right now
Do you still shoot with your Leicas? How much of a difference do you find in the final images between FF and MF?
Absolutely. They’re my primary camera
@@benjhaisch Which is the best for landscapes (taking into account smaller weight of the Leica so easier to lug around?)
Thanks for this. I own 2 x GFX50s's and love the ergonomics and with the new firmware update, it is way more responsive. i also appreciated the tilt add-on viewfinder and battery grip when I need it.
Which update ? 4.30? Or 4.20?
@@Pentax67 Fujifilm Version 4.41
@@BenjaminKanarek you still 50s ? im planning to get 50s but not sure the first gen or the 2nd.
is there any big difference on the s2 ?
I know where I’m staring, with a 50r or if they make a 50r II
Fuji announced that they are discontinuing the 50r so time will tell if they do a mk2.. I can’t see it happening until there is a new sensor
@@jasonmarkharris was disappointed they discontinued it - was hoping for a price drop at the worst or at best, an updated model
The form factor is just so good
@@natashanicole7408 I agree, as it stands is only 2-300£ cheaper than the mk2 so I think they will drop price on any remaining models. Maybe black Friday. I really wanted to love the 50r but found it very blocky. I have ordered a mk2 but there are a lot of use 50r’s hitting the market so very tempting to save money. I much prefer the rangefinder bodies
@@jasonmarkharris 50S and 50R will be items of collections . I’m telling y’a . I’m also owning a professional camera store, I sell rare cameras (film only) and I highly believe 50S and 50R, especially 50S with tilt adapter will be highly sought as a collection .
Nice review buddy! Would you know which Leica M adapter would be best for the GFX?
I currently have the 7Artisans one but don’t recommend it at it goes past infinity and seems a little too loose for my preferences
I have the GFX 50S. Such a wonderful camera. That’s my first digital camera. I’m still a film guy (I’m not old haha, just 30yo) . Always used to hate digital because of mandatory editing of photos + there is no feel. But with GFX 50s you can get Portra 800 or many famous films with film simulation + I’m also using Arketype Process. Using EF canon 85mm 1.2 and FD 85mm 1.2 ( I prefer FD). With 85mm 1.2 you get an equivalent of 67mm 0.8-0.9 ( many agrees on 0.9 from dof calculations but I used large format 0.7 lenses and it feels similar to gfx) .
I can adapt all my vintage lenses even my Pentax 67 lenses , such as 105mm 2.4 , fabulous ultra sharp lens . Tilt adapter is a must have for gfx 50S ! Yeah it’s 500-600$ but absolutely worth it!
50S II is not in same category , it’s oversimplified and feels like a step back. I think 50S II is not for professionals but for mainstream, but 50S is for professionals.
And it’s true because GFX100 is step forward compared to GFX 100s. Gfx 100 has more options in camera than 100s. I think that “S” stands for “small. Like a small brother
How do you find the manual focusing?
Did you ever photograph art/paintings?
Interesting review. For copy work, the 50S with the rotating tilting viewer is great, maybe even essential.
Given the fact that detachable interchangeable view finder have been around on pro 35mm and medium format cameras since the 1950s, I don’t really understand why we cannot have those on all pro level cameras. The titling screens make a big difference but just like nobody would think of not having interchangeable lenses, we should have the same with digital pro bodies. Sorry for the rant.
Bottom line fuji has done the photo world a huge service in pushing the quality and price envelope and in using analog controls. I hope they keep it up!!
They should’ve added phase detect
You mean face detect?
Phase detect vs contrast detect autofocus
I’ve been doing a lot of research lately and I really want to get the Leica m9 because even though it was released in 2009 and it has the potential for the corroded sensor. I have found that it has the features I really enjoy. I love that it has the CCD sensor rather then the CMOS. I understand you can get higher MP if you go with the CMOS but I like that it captures light all at once rather then pixel by pixel. I also have noticed that with the CMOS sensors in phone cameras that, at times, it can stretch the image and causing lines to look diagonal. My other main reason for thinking of purchasing a Leica M series is the fact it has manual autofocus and manual aperture. I love the idea of that because I feel it will help me improve as a photographer and get really in tune with the camera itself. I’ve been trying to find other digital rangefinders that have manual AF and aperture and I can’t seem to find any because I’d like to compare them and look at all my options. I’ve found some film cameras with manual AF and aperture but I want to respark my hobby with a digital because then I can edit with more ease. I do want to develop my own film someday but want a digital first. So my question is do you know of any other digital rangefinder that have manual AF and aperture?
Leica is the only camera making a digital rangefinder :/
I’d REALLY consider checking out the M240 over the M9. They’re about the same price, but the M240 is a much better camera.
Thank you so much for your reply! I will check it out! 😁
th-cam.com/video/8XRK-ZL74Jg/w-d-xo.html 🙌🏼
The traditional dials are much better in my opinion
more Mitakon. Not enough video on TH-cam about it. More views for your channel.
If they'd make an X-pro style 50SII, with an OVF, I'd sell a kidney for that.
Sadly, I don’t see a 50RII on the horizon 😭
I like how he has duct tape to keep that aperture ring in place…
right? it's such a dumb oversight
I do that
Thank you for comparison. But you need to move your camera down when you shoot people, as lots of shot I see people looks like children.