The Making Of Fuji Medium Format Cameras

Medium format cameras are a popular choice for many professional photographers. They offer the physically biggest image sensors and native 100MP resolution for unmatched detail and colour accuracy. Fujifilm is a well-known manufacturer of medium format cameras, with its GFX series being a top choice for many photographers. The company is Japanese and was founded in 1934, originally as a film manufacturer before expanding into camera production in the late 1940s.

History of Fuji medium format cameras

The history of Fuji medium format cameras began in 1934 when the company was founded as Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. in Japan. Initially, the company focused on producing photographic film and paper, quickly gaining a reputation for reliability and excellence in imaging. In the 1960s, Fuji expanded into camera manufacturing with the Fujica series, which included 35mm rangefinder and single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras. This marked the beginning of their journey as a camera brand.

During the 1970s and 1980s, Fuji continued to diversify its product line, venturing into the realm of medium format cameras. The company's medium format offerings, such as the Fujifilm GW690, became popular for their exceptional image quality and ease of use. This diversification allowed Fuji to cater to a wider audience, including professional photographers who demanded high-quality equipment.

In the 1990s, as the photography world transitioned from film to digital, Fuji adapted by introducing its first digital cameras, incorporating cutting-edge innovations. They also entered the digital SLR market, partnering with other manufacturers to create models like the Fujifilm FinePix S Pro series for professionals and enthusiasts.

In the 2010s, Fuji made a significant impact with the introduction of its X Series cameras, which offered superior image quality, compactness, and retro-inspired aesthetics. These mirrorless cameras, featuring Fuji's X-Trans sensor technology, solidified the company's position in the mirrorless market.

More recently, in 2016, Fuji launched the GFX system, a line of medium format mirrorless cameras offering high-resolution, large-sensor systems that are more compact and accessible than traditional medium format cameras. The GFX series includes models such as the GFX 50S, GFX 50R, and GFX100, with the latest model, the GFX100 II, released in 2023.

Throughout its history, Fuji has consistently pushed the boundaries of technology and design, shaping the world of photography and earning its reputation as a leader in camera innovation.

Fuji medium format cameras today

Fuji medium format cameras have been around for decades, with the first Fujica Six released in 1948. The company has since released a range of medium format cameras, from the Fujica GL690 and GW690 to the more recent GFX 100 II and GFX 100S.

Today, Fuji medium format cameras are known for their high-quality lenses and advanced features. The GFX 100 II, for example, offers an impressive 102MP resolution, 8K video capture, and 8 stops of in-body image stabilization. This puts it on par with other leading medium format cameras in the market, such as those from Hasselblad.

The GFX 100 II also has a more compact body compared to its predecessor, the GFX 100, making it more portable and easier to handle. However, it still retains the large image sensor that is characteristic of medium format cameras, resulting in unparalleled image quality and dynamic range.

For those looking for a more affordable option, the GFX 100S offers similar performance and features but at a lower price point. It has a 102MP resolution and 4K video capture, only slightly less impressive than the GFX 100 II. The GFX 100S is a great choice for photographers who want to experience the benefits of a medium format camera without breaking the bank.

In addition to their digital medium format cameras, Fuji also has a range of film medium format cameras that are still sought-after by photographers who prefer shooting on film. These include the GS645S Professional, the GW690III Professional, and the GSW690III Professional, among others.

Overall, Fuji medium format cameras offer a great balance of performance, features, and value, making them a popular choice for both professional and enthusiast photographers today.

Fuji medium format camera features

The Fujifilm GFX range of medium-format cameras offers a variety of features that cater to the needs of professional photographers and enthusiasts alike. Here are some of the key features that make the GFX cameras stand out:

Image Quality:

The GFX cameras are known for delivering exceptional image quality. The GFX 50S, for example, combines a high resolution of 51.4 megapixels with exceptional tones, advanced colour reproduction, and high-performance lenses. The GFX100, on the other hand, boasts a 102MP imaging sensor, producing images with amazing colour fidelity, rich shadow detail, and incredible dynamic range.

Large Sensor:

The GFX cameras feature a large CMOS sensor measuring 43.8mm x 32.9mm. This sensor size is significantly larger than the APS-C sensors found in the X Series cameras, allowing for a shallower depth of field and higher image resolution. The larger sensor also enables better low-light performance and shallower depth of field compared to smaller sensors.

In-Body Image Stabilisation (IBIS):

The GFX range, including the GFX100 and GFX100S, offers in-body stabilisation, a feature not commonly found in medium-format cameras. This stabilisation system allows for sharper images and smoother video footage when shooting handheld, making the cameras more versatile and suitable for a wider range of photography genres.

Video Capabilities:

The GFX cameras have impressive video capabilities. The GFX100, for instance, supports 4K video recording at 30p with 10-bit colour depth, providing filmmakers with a large-format look and exceptional control over depth of field. The GFX100 also includes features such as F-Log recording, 10-bit 4:2:2 uncompressed footage, and even RAW video data output through the HDMI port.

Autofocus System:

The autofocus system in the GFX cameras has been designed to perform well with the large sensors. The GFX100, in particular, utilises AF phase-detection pixels across most of the sensor, providing fast and accurate autofocus performance. It also offers face and eye detection, making it suitable for a range of photography styles, including portraiture and street photography.

Design and Build:

The GFX cameras are designed to be compact, robust, and lightweight. The camera bodies are made of magnesium alloy, providing durability while keeping the weight down. The GFX cameras also feature dust and moisture resistance, making them suitable for a variety of shooting environments.

Fuji medium format camera models

The Fujifilm GFX range of cameras are considered medium format, with a large 43.8mm x 32.9mm sensor, offering resolutions up to 102 megapixels. The GFX range includes mirrorless cameras with in-built stabilisation, 4K video capabilities, and phase-detect AF.

The Fujifilm GFX 50S II is a 50MP medium format camera, offering a cost-effective entry point into digital medium format photography. The GFX 50S II offers a noticeable improvement in image quality over 40MP APS-C sensors, with better micro-contrast, sharpness, dynamic range, and high ISO performance. However, the GFX 50S II has a slower autofocus speed and a poor rolling shutter, making it suitable only for casual photography.

The Fujifilm GFX 100 II is a 102MP medium format camera and the current flagship model in the GFX range. The GFX 100 II offers impressive speed, with an 8fps motordrive setting and a buffer that can shoot bursts of up to 325 shots. It also offers 8K video capture with over 13 stops of dynamic range. The in-body image stabilisation is rated at 8 stops, and the camera features Fujifilm's renowned film simulations.

The Fujifilm GFX 100S is another 102MP medium format camera, offering similar specifications to the GFX 100 II at a lower price. The GFX 100S shoots 4K video (instead of 8K), has 6 stops of stabilisation (instead of 8), a burst shooting speed of 5fps (instead of 8fps), and a lower-resolution viewfinder.

The Fujifilm GFX 50S is a 51.4MP medium format camera, featuring a magnesium alloy body, a detachable EVF, and a maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 sec. It supports Full HD video settings and includes a dedicated G Mount for FUJINON GF lenses.

Fuji medium format camera competitors

The market for medium-format cameras is dominated by Hasselblad and Fujifilm, both of which use Sony image sensors. However, there are several other competitors in the medium-format camera space.

Phase One

Phase One is a super-specialist company that makes the most expensive professional cameras in the world with full-size medium format image sensors. Their Phase One XT camera is described as an "extraordinary" technical camera with a full-size medium format sensor (53.4 x 40mm) and over 150MP. It is designed for portability and field work and is aimed at landscape and architectural photographers who require a lot of resolving power in a field-ready kit.

Pentax

Pentax offers the Pentax 645Z and the Pentax 67, or Pentax 6x7, a legendary medium format camera with exceptional build quality and outstanding image rendition. The Pentax 67 uses 6x7 cm film negatives, providing exceptional detail. It is a robust camera with simple operation and solid image quality, making it a popular choice for landscape, portrait, and documentary photography.

Mamiya

Mamiya offers several medium format cameras, including the Mamiya RZ67, Mamiya 6, and Mamiya m645. The Mamiya RZ67 is a versatile camera with interchangeable lenses and film backs, providing extensive creative control for photographers. It features a bellows focusing system for precise focusing and perspective adjustments. It is a popular choice for studio photographers and those seeking ultimate image quality in portrait, fashion, and landscape photography.

Rolleiflex

Rolleiflex produces the iconic Rolleiflex 2.8F, a twin-lens reflex (TLR) medium format camera with a long history and a reputation for top-notch optics and mechanical precision. It features a waist-level viewfinder and manual controls, offering a unique shooting experience. The Rolleiflex 2.8F is favoured by fine art and street photographers for its outstanding image quality and the distinct square format it produces.

Contax

The Contax 645 is a professional-grade medium format camera known for its superb image quality and autofocus capabilities. It offers a modular system with interchangeable lenses, film backs, and viewfinders, making it flexible for different shooting scenarios. Its signature 80mm lens has an impressive f/2 aperture, delivering excellent bokeh and making it well-suited for portrait, fashion, and wedding photography.

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