Fotodiox have released a range of lens adapters for Fuji’s new GFX 50S camera. The mirrorless medium format Fuji GFX 50S has a 43.8 × 32.9mm sensor with 51.4 megapixels, and uses a G Mount that has a short flange back distance of just 26.7mm. This mount allows the camera to work with a vast array of other lens systems that are on the market.
The Fotodiox lens adapters will allow you to mount legacy medium format lenses from Hasselblad, Mamiya, and Pentax, just to name a few. There are also a range of 35mm lens adapters so you can shoot with Canon EOS, Nikon F/G, Leica R etc.
The adapters are manual only, so lens functions that rely on electronic communication with the camera body (autofocus, AE metering, image stabilization, etc.) will not work. To use them on the GFX 50S you need to do the following:
• Set your exposure manually or meter using your camera’s Aperture Priority (stop-down) mode.
• If your lens does not have a manual aperture control ring, it will stop down to its smallest f/stop by default.
Fotodiox claim that infinity focus or beyond is guaranteed, and that the lens adapters have no play, gap or wiggling when mounted on the camera. They feature an all-metal construction with chrome plated brass mounts, and come with a 24-Month Fotodiox warranty.
If you think GFX 50S might make for a good low cost alternative (it still costs $6499US) to an Alexa 65, you are going to be disappointed. For video shooters the camera has pretty hampered specifications. Despite having such a large sensor it can’t record 4K or UHD, and it is limited to HD (1920×1080) in frame rates of 29.97p / 25p / 24p / 23.98p. The recordings are made in MOV (MPEG-4) AVC / H.264, but the bitrate is limited to 36Mbps. The record time is also capped at 30 min.
The camera does have 3.5mm stereo mini connector for a microphone, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a HDMI Micro connector. It is unclear as to what the GFX 50S is capable of outputting over HDMI. Despite not having any type of log recording in camera, you can shoot video in several film simulation effects, such as ACROS for ultra high-quality monochrome and CLASSIC CHROME, which Fuji claims gives your vision a documentary-themed look.
The adapters are very reasonable priced, at between $149.95US and $169.95US.
Here’s a list of the lens mounts that are currently supported:
Medium Format lens mount
Bronica ETR Mount
Hasselblad V-Mount
Mamiya 645
Pentax 645
Pentax 6×7
35mm lens mount
Canon EOS
Nikon F/G Mount
Contax/Yashica
Olympus Zuiko OM35
Leica R
What are your thoughts on using medium format cameras for capturing video? Let us know in the comments below.
For more information head over to the Fotodiox website.
