Fujifilm unveils medium-format mirrorless camera system

The Fujifilm GX   system, featuring the GFX 50S camera plus prototypes of the first six lenses. (Source: Fujifilm.)

The first model in the series, the Fujifilm GFX 50S will feature a new Fujifilm G Format 43.8 x 32.9 mm sensor with 51.4 megapixels to ‘deliver the highest image quality in the history of Fujifilm electronic imaging’. The camera will be introduced with six lenses that carry the Fujinon GF brandname. Camera and lenses are scheduled for release ‘after early 2017’, according to the company’s press release. The GFX is an all-new mirrorless camera system with cameras and lenses that are smaller and lighter than conventional medium-format digital SLR cameras. Physically, the system’s design ‘follows in the footsteps of the X Series by featuring numerous physical buttons and dials, and is designed with an ergonomic grip, shaped carefully and optimised for the camera body and lenses’. The GFX 50S will include a detachable electronic viewfinder and an optional adapter that makes it possible to fit the EVF in any angle, giving photographers greater freedom in their choice of shooting angle.  A Vertical Battery Grip will also be offered. The camera also supports tethered shooting, which has become an essential part of the professional photographers’ workflow, and will be compatible with various RAW conversion application software.

The new lineup of Fujinon GF lenses, designed specifically for the GFX, takes advantage of the mirrorless system’s structure with a short flange back distance of just 26.7mm to prevent vignetting and achieve edge-to-edge sharpness of the world’s highest level. The initial lineup on launch is to include the following six lenses:

1. Standard prime “GF63mmF2.8 R WR” (equivalent to 50mm in the 35mm format)

2. Wide-angle standard zoom “GF32-64mmF4 R LM WR” (equivalent to 25-51mm in the 35mm format)

3. Mid-telephoto macro 1:0.5 “GF120mmF4 Macro R LM OIS WR” (equivalent to 95mm in the 35mm format)

4. Fast aperture mid-telephoto “GF110mmF2 R LM WR” (equivalent to 87mm in the 35mm format)

5. Ultra wide “GF23mmF4 R LM WR” (equivalent to 18mm in the 35mm format)

6. Wide “GF45mmF2.8 R WR” (equivalent to 35mm in the 35mm format)

The lenses feature an aperture ring, a popular feature in the X Series, and have the new C (Command) Position on the ring to enable aperture adjustments with the Command Dial on the camera body. All the lenses feature dust and weather resistant construction that withstands operation at temperatures as low as minus 10 degrees Celsius, allowing you to take them outdoors with peace of mind. This gives these lenses a strong potential, suitable for professional use in tough conditions.

Initial reports say the camera plus 63mm standard prime lens will cost ‘well under US$10,000’.