Beginning a New Era………

5 years, 2 months ago 9
Posted in: Uncategorized

 

I didn’t want to do this, until I did!!!!!  Explanation:  When the Fujifilm GFX 50S was released I had the chance to shoot it on Route 66 with Cy Franks and Jackie Hillyer for a couple of days.  We shot it at the Seba Station Motorcycle Museum and the results were astounding.  I shot various subjects side by side once with the X-T2 and then with the GFX.  Same focal length lenses, same exposure and same f stop all from a solid tripod on a concrete floor.  My conclusion was; ( A ) the 50 mega-pixel GFX 50S was nothing short of amazing, and for most of what I do the X-T2 was plenty good enough. and  ( B ) I couldn’t afford it anyway!!!  I gave it no more thought after that, ok, I gave it a little thought and wished from time to time I had the money to own one, but as I said,  that was that.

 

Fast forward to 2019, Fujifilm has gotten more aggressive about letting X-Photographers test out gear to review and determine if we have a need for said gear.  I had noticed in all the advertising and videos about the GFX system that very little was of the nature, landscape, travel field, that I work in.  I proposed to the powers that be, that if they would make me a long term loan of a GFX and two lenses, the 32-64 and the 120mm Macro I would travel with it all this season and shoot those kinds of images for them to use anyway they would like.  If at the end of the project they were happy and I was happy, we would see what my images were worth to them toward the gear, or I would simply return it and go happily on my way!

 

I tell you all this because I am going ot being doing serious work from all my workshop locations in 2019 and will certainly share my findings with you guys as well!  What do I think I will learn, and of course this is a guess, but I’m sure that for making large prints I’m going to find the GFX to be a superior file.  I think for landscapes with a high degree of details, the GFX files will be stunning.  I’m espccially anxious ot see how the GFX performs inclsoe-up work.  They have provided the 120mm Macro so I will start with that right way and see where it takes us!!!

 

Two quick tests!  My Shure 555H II microphone my standard test target for acutance.  Acutance is the level of sharpness and how it reveals the change of tones.  the smoother it is the more acutance.  As you can see, you can actually feel the metal in this shot.

 

 

This is a Kansas State Trooper belt buckle given to me by a dear photo buddy that was once a tropper, I use it to test depth and sharpness, shot at an angle you can see the right side of the buckle is tack sharp even at f11 the left side is soft.  The 120 macro is supremely sharp but the depth of field is very shallow.

 

 

 

Internet resolution does not allow you to see just how incrdibly sharp these images are, I look forward to shooting a lot more and sharing them with you!

 

Blessings,

 

the pilgrim

 

 

9 Responses

  1. Rick Coleman says:

    That’s going to make for a fun and interesting year. Looking forward to some amazing images.

  2. Brad Mikel says:

    Wonderful machine, but beyond my weight acceptability and need. Bill, have you had a chance
    to handle the new X-T30? I’m using and very pleased right now with my XT2, but the idea of an even lighter body for travel is enticing. I know it’s not as watertight etc, but the extra few less ounces might be good for my aching shoulders!
    Thoughts? Thanks.

  3. Bill Fortney says:

    Not yet, does look and sound promising! Jack really likes the X-E3 too!

  4. John Gompf says:

    Bill,
    I purchased the GFX-50S and the 32-64mm lens used a month or so ago. It took a while to get out to shoot as the weather has been so lousy. The images are fantastic. I also just purchased the 100-200mm lens. You should ask Fujifilm for a copy of this as well. I have to rethink the rest of my equipment (Nikon and Fujifilm) to see if I am going to shot anything else again for landscape and nature. I am sure you will love this set up as I do. I am going to use the nikon 200mm micro and Zeiss 100mm macro for my close up work.

    John

  5. Tim Abramowitz says:

    Hi Bill,
    I have spent the last few months with the GFX 50s. You are in for a fun, although I would say demanding year. With a few magazine covers and several stories completed using this incredible camera system, I decided to go back to the X-Series. Since my prints rarely exceed 20×30, the X-T3 is more than enough camera for me. That said, the resolution of the GFX/GF Lens combination is incredible and I’m sure you will enjoy it.

  6. Rodney McKnight says:

    This will be fun to follow….