28 Comments
Jul 7, 2022Liked by RWB, Paper Arts Collective

What is clear about this thread is that people have suited their needs to a tee. with all the choices, budgets, pros, amateurs, etc, everyone seems to have gotten what works best for them. I have spent 50 years as a commercial professional, 34 in my own studio, and shot mostly with a 5x7 Linhoff using a 4x5 back. First Hasselblads, then a Mamiya 6x4.5 with everything they had. I still have this, I still use a 6x9 Brooks Veriwide with, a Schnider 5.6 90mm , but a Nikon 810 gets the paid work done. I am mostly retired, but still shoot tires on a regular basis. I have Leicas, Deardorfs, Graphics and more. There never will be one do it all camera

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Great article. And interestingly, right now I'm testing a GFX 50s II that Fujifilm was kind on lending for a week. I have the "kit" lens and the macro 120mm. This is 50 meg sensor but it blew me away with the details. And the so called "kit" lens is better than most of my Canon L glass. I too think dynamic range is critical for my work so I'm looking forward to when I will be able to get this nice camera. This is a more affordable entry into Fujifilm medium format.

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Jul 7, 2022Liked by RWB, Paper Arts Collective

I have had the GFX 100 for about four years and love it. Routinely make 40x50, 40x60 prints. I am curious about the high panoramic images you are printing. Are those stitched frames, or are they a cropped single frame?

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Jul 7, 2022Liked by RWB, Paper Arts Collective

The Fuji is an extraordinary system. No doubt. And, it is worth every $$$.

My Pentax 645z was used, but 'like new,' and I paid $3000. The legacy lenses are very good, and for less than $1000 I have a full range of lenses in my kit. And I don't mind manual focus for the deliberate work a MF is used for in both studio and the field. And, their 'digital' autofocus and zooms are also affordable, so I keep a 150mm and 400mm in my arsenal.

It is a DSLR, so more bulky than the Fuji, but the same sensor.

As for Dynamic Range, the smooth tonal transitions and shadow detail are clearly evident in the prints.

Retired, I'm used to shooting TLR MF, MF SLR's like the Bronica GS1, and 4x5. And, yes, the menus and features on any digital camera take some time to learn.

One of the challenges I'm pursuing with the 645z is astrophotography and night landscapes.

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Jul 7, 2022Liked by RWB, Paper Arts Collective

Your blog makes me want to rush right out and get one...love your work.

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Jul 7, 2022Liked by Paper Arts Collective

Thanks.

Got to sell one of my kids. They’re over 40 so a bit used.

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It's ready. I'll send you a copy. Let me know what you think.

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Jul 8, 2022Liked by RWB

Your recap and report matches up very well with all of the reviews I have read and watched. Your summary and dollars and cents (sense) are spot on. Thanks

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Terrific article Les. I’m starting to shoot more MF. Love the detail and DR. Using the Hasselblad X1Dll. Like it’s size and interface. Nice files as well.

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Use several Fuji GX680 with digital backs but thinking about something smaller in the medium format size for the field.

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