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12.22.2018



FUJIFILM GFX 50R IN-DEPTH at
ARTEX COMPOUND





Since the release of the first mirrorless medium format camera of Fujifilm

two years ago the GFX 50S, I’ve been dreaming and wishing to have a rangefinder version of this format. Now, dreams do come true and it’s already on top of my wish list. Fujifilm announced the new GFX 50R (Rangefinder Style) together GFX100 the world first 100MP mirrorless camera with IBIS under development and working prototype last September in Photokina 2018.





I remembered the day the first time I saw and owned an X-Pro1 5 years ago. It’s very nostalgic “The Experience” a camera that will slow you down, makes you think, re-framed or re-composed before you press the shutter just like the film days and these makes the camera so unique. With all those analog dials in digital world today, makes this camera so magical to use. I just loved the rangefinder style of Fujifilm cameras.

And now it's here and it's for real.





I’m so lucky enough to test and tried it first here in the Philippines. Just like any other X Series cameras we (X-Photographers) have a week or two to test-drive new cameras from Fujifilm before its full production. Technically the 50S and 50R are similar both used the same 50MP sensor, Processor and lens mount. Not much on technical specs SAME, SAME.


I just bring this beast out and shoot outdoor maybe other X-photographers will test this in studio with strobes and in more controlled environment. Watch out for their photos and reviews. Check out Jan Gonzales website www.jangonzales.com

DESIGN / SIZE / WEIGHT





GFX 50R ON LOWEPRO PROTACTIC 250AW



So compact that fits in my LowePro Protactic 250AW with 3 GF Lenses, 3 extra battery and Lacie CO-PILOT BOSS Hard Drive.





Its like bigger versions of X-E3 in terms of design, dials and buttons but with tilt and touch screen. It is lighter and slimmer than the GFX 50S. Perfect for street /documentary and well designed for portability.


BUILD / HANDLING



The GFX 50R is not small compare to regular APS-C X-Series cameras of Fujifilm but its lighter than the size suggests. It keeps a firm hold on my hand despite slimmer and rectangular shape. Control formats about the same of the X-E3, except for the new on/off switch that has been moved away from the usual shutter button and replace it with wheel that can be customize for ISO, aperture and shutterspeed. But there are a lot of unlabeled buttons that you can customized also to whatever shortcuts you want that are accessible to your right hand.


FIELD TEST



Most of my iconic shots were taken in the body of water. Always in awe that it reminds me what water signifies. And this time, I was drawn back again to a place submerged in water. Artex Compound also known as "Venice of Malabon".

The place is still submerged in water for almost 15 years. A small community located in Malabon northwest of Manila. For the short period of time that I was there, I’m overwhelmed on how the locals go on with their day-to-day life despite of their current situation. I'd like to thank the community for showing me around and allowing me to shoot and test the camera. Shooting from sunrise to sunset was just enough to test the new Fujifilm GFX 50R.





behind the scene photos by: lukas Lao





GFX 50R + GF32-64MM I PROVIA ©2018 ROMMEL BUNDALIAN





GFX 50R + GF23MM I VELVIA ©2018 ROMMEL BUNDALIAN





GFX 50R + GF32-64MM I ©2018 ROMMEL BUNDALIAN





GFX 50R + GF32-64MM I PROVIA ©2018 ROMMEL BUNDALIAN





GFX 50R + GF23MM I VELVIA ©2018 ROMMEL BUNDALIAN





GFX 50R + GF23MM I Acros + R ©2018 ROMMEL BUNDALIAN





GFX 50R + GF32-64MM I acros+R ©2018 ROMMEL BUNDALIAN





GFX 50R + GF32-64MM I Pro Neg-hi ©2018 ROMMEL BUNDALIAN





GFX 50R + GF23MM I Classic chrome ©2018 ROMMEL BUNDALIAN





GFX 50R + GF23MM I CLASSIC CHROME ©2018 ROMMEL BUNDALIAN





GFX 50R + GF45MM I acros + R ©2018 ROMMEL BUNDALIAN



I normally shoot straight out of my camera and I rarerly used editing software with my X-Series for the past five years with Fujifilm. Normally I shoot JPEG + Raw and used in-camera converter if I want to add shadow and highlight or change film simulation on my RAW. My workflow starts with what film simulation to use in a certain scene and add or minus on shadows and highlights on my Q Button. I have several custom setting on each Fujifilm X-Series and GFX camera.


It was a perfect timing when I tested the 50R, Phase One released the software designed for Fujifilm. I’m excited to process my RAW images this time using the new software that supported the film simulation. Images shown above are outputs of the new collaboration of Fujifilm and Capture One software.



Fujifilm and Capture One software collaboration





Capture One 12 Pro for Fujifilm



Capture One's software support Fujifilm's medium format GFX and X-Series cameras and support RAW file for most all Fujifilm models. Capture One 12 now enhances that support with the ability to correctly read and interpret Fujifilm’s Film Simulations. These simulations give Fujifilm users the ability to capture images in RAW and apply Film Simulation. These in-camera settings have been reproduced in Capture One, to provide an identical experience when working with files, resulting in images that appear the same as if the Film Simulation picture profiles were applied in-camera.


POST PROCESS

​Basic post processing using Capture One.



Film Simulation in Capture One



Just open your raw file and add your favourite Film Simulations under EXPOSURE - BASE CHARACTERISTICS - CURVE. Sixteen Film Simulation are readily available, ranging from standard like Provia and Velvia to black and white film like Acros.









Final image



Global Adjustment In Capture One



Basic adjustment is now easier with the newly re-designed interface of Capture One 12.





Original Jpeg





Minimal adjustment on Shadow and LEVEL







final image



Color Grading in Capture One



Applying colour saturation on a luminosity mask layer.





Open raw file in capture one





apply film simulation





add gradient mask layer on foreground and adjust level and curve





ADD GRADIENT MASK LAYER on Sky AND ADJUST LEVEL AND CURVE





add Luminosity mask layer on a specific color and adjust saturation, level and curve.



The Final Result





ORIGINAL RAW BEFORE EDITING IN CAPTURE ONE





FINAL IMAGE AFTER EDITING IN CAPTURE ONE



Detail Recovery in Capture One



During the shoot this image is purposely shot 2 stops under. I'm shooting for the highlight and don't mind the shadow area. I want to test the dynamic range of GFX50R and pull some details on shadow part in post process.





original Raw image





apply film simulation





ADD GRADIENT AND LUMINOSITY MASK LAYER FOR FOREGROUND





adjust highlight / shadow on dynamic range and levels to recover some details







ADD gradient and LUMINOSITY MASK LAYER FOR sky





ADJUST HIGHLIGHT / SHADOW ON DYNAMIC RANGE AND LEVELS TO RECOVER SOME DETAILS





The Final Result





original Raw before editing in capture one





final image after editing in capture one



More sample photos taken with GFX50R





ACROS 65:24 ratio





velvia 65:24 RATIO





VELVIA 65:24 RATIO





GFX 50R + GF120mm
film simulation acros





GFX 50R + GF23MM
FILM SIMULATION PRO NEG -HI





GFX 50R + GF32-64MM
FILM SIMULATION classic chrome





GFX 50R + GF32-64MM
FILM SIMULATION velvia





GFX 50R + GF120MM
FILM SIMULATION VELVIA





GFX 50R + GF120MM
FILM SIMULATION VELVIA





BTS PHOTO BY LUKAS LAO



Please feel free to leave comments and questions below



feel free to contact ME with questions or comments!








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