Turns Out The Digital Rangefinder For Me Is Not A Rangefinder: Fujifilm GFX 50R Update.

Turns Out The Digital Rangefinder For Me Is Not A Rangefinder: Fujifilm GFX 50R Update.

Subtitle: This Is Utter Nonsense.

I spent a long time fighting off and eventually falling down the digital rangefinder rabbit hole.

Vintage Digital: A Year of Leica M Type 240 Ownership Update.

I had no interest in upgrading to a newer M. So… I am good, right?

Nope.

That is why we are here. Me writing, and you reading.

After some time, I realized something.

This is just a camera.

A wonderfully made one.

A wonderfully looking one.

A wonderful creative device.

But it is just a camera.

So I kept using it… and kept looking.

And what I eventually saw was the GFX system. Have supported this ;ivot in long form over many posts. The abridged version goes like this.

• First and foremost, a legitimate and satisfying alternative to the M rangefinder focusing experience.
  • Now that some time has passed, I am happy to report that Fujifilm’s manual focus aid is every bit as satisfying to use as a rangefinder.

• Equally impressive IQ.

• Access to medium format digital.

• Access to AF.

But there was one thing that remained.

Form factor.

Silly?

Yes.

But it matters to me.

I had let it go. But, as covered here,…

So… The GFX 50R Intro: Or How A Leica Camera Release Freed Me Up To Get A Fujifilm Camera.

…Leica made a move that freed me up. They released an EVF-equipped M.

A beautiful thing. But my reaction went like this.

Take away the mechanical rangefinder, and only the rangefinder form factor remains.

You know.

• Rectangular build.
• Offset EVF.

• Physical controls/dials, please.

And on top of that, not only can I use M lenses adapted,…

…once I realized I could now adapt anything, I pivoted to other capable SLR glass.

Then, courtesy of an offer I could not refuse from Kipon…

A Bridge Between Analog & Digital Medium Format: KIPON BAVEYES Hasselblad V-Fuji G 0.8x.

A Bridge Between Analog & Digital Medium Format: KIPON Baveyes Pentax67-Fuji G 0.62x Focal Reducer.

…vintage film medium format lenses were made available.

But wait! There’s more! (OK. That was over the top.)

But on top of all of this rangefinder cosplay action, let us not forget a couple of things.

1. This is a medium format camera for Pete’s sake.
2. This camera has AF.
3. Fujifilm AF lenses are bargains compared to top end M glass and, in my humble opinion, are comparable IQ wise.
4. And last but not least, it costs thousands less.

Is this a solution for all who have an M problem?

Nope.

Some will always prefer an actual rangefinder experience. Some just want a Leica. And I get it. I have been there.

Godspeed.

But for me? This is the way to go.

I guess I should thank Leica for validating this new path forward.

Happy capturing.

-ELW