The Fujifilm GFX 50R and GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR — Breaking in a pre-owned (new to me) Fujifilm GFX 50R and GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR. Scouting for landscape photography locations in Vernon, B.C, Canada

Finally, I Have a GFX Camera

Buying a Fujifilm GFX 50R in 2022

It seems like yesterday, yet it has been three years since I first tried and reviewed the Fujifilm GFX 50R. Since then, newer and more tempting GFX models have arrived, and it has been interesting to follow the evolution of the GFX system.

I have mentioned the Fujifilm GFX 50R several times in my latest GFX reviews, as I follow used prices closely every time a new camera is released.

The GFX 50R has been discontinued, making used prices more affordable. The lower price point eventually triggered me to buy one. Let’s see how it has panned out so far.

The GFX 50R Makes Sense

The following will be a personal account of why I think the Fujifilm GFX 50R makes sense, even in 2022. I have already corresponded and talked with a few photographers pondering the same idea, so I hope you can derive a few ideas about it and how it fits in the mix of current options.

A man points to the north shore of Canada on a map. Sample image from a Fujifilm GFX 50R — Fujifilm GFX 50R and GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR @ f/5.6

Price Considerations

Admittedly, price was an all-important factor for me. Fees and shipping included, I paid $2,000.00 for a near-mint copy, including three original batteries. The GFX 50R was $4,500.00 when first announced in September 2018.

My initial plan this past summer was to buy a GFX 50S II, but money has been slipping out of my bank account faster than ever. Inflation, vacation time, and I have repeatedly been shaking my head at the gas pump, etc.

If you are in the market for a 50-megapixel camera, the GFX 50S II also makes a lot of sense, depending on your needs and budget. This was especially true when it was on sale earlier this summer. I will get into a few differences below.

John Krakauer's book, Into Thin Air, in an RV van window. Sample image from a Fujifilm GFX 50R — Fujifilm GFX 50R and GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR @ f/5.6

Why Not Stick With the X Series and APS-C?

For several years before our travel project kicked off in 2015, I used a long line of full-frame Canon 5D series cameras. However, the Fujifilm X Series made more sense for travel because it was lower cost, lighter, and more portable.

I sold all my Canon gear and started building a Fujifilm kit, based on the X-Pro1, X-Pro2, and X-Pro3 cameras. I still intend to use these alongside the newly acquired GFX camera.

While I am generally happy with the X Series, I would sometimes like to create images with a different look.

The extra megapixels and the larger-than-full-frame 44 x 33mm sensor give me a new set of paint brushes, and the result will be different.

A park bench at Kin Beach in Vernon by Okanagan Lake. Sample image from a Fujifilm GFX 50R — Fujifilm GFX 50R and GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR @ f/5.6

Fujifilm GFX 50R vs. GFX 50S II

When I purchased a pre-owned GFX 50R, the savings were approximately $1,900.00 over getting a new GFX 50S II.

The last time this post was updated (May 2023), the GFX 50S II was on sale for $3.199.95, which indeed makes it tempting. Keep an eye on sales, as this likely will influence your decision between a used GFX 50R and a new GFX 50S II.

At this point, the GFX 50S II has also been on the market for a while, and you may be able to scout out a good deal on a used copy. Used GFX 50R cameras are likely priced slightly lower than when I purchased my copy.

I considered the GFX 50S II and think it is an excellent option. It offers niceties such as 6.5-stop image stabilization and a new sleek ergonomic body with an excellent grip.

Add to this the newer X-Processor 4 image processor, a new and smaller NP-235 battery with higher capacity, and the wonderful Nostalgic Neg. film simulation, which was one of my favorite film simulations when testing the GFX 100S and GFX 50S II.

One of the clinchers, however, is that the two cameras share the exact same 51.4-Megapixel CMOS sensor, which weighed heavily in my decision to conclude that the GFX 50R will do just fine and will be good enough for my needs.

You are not likely to shop for these cameras to shoot video, and both cameras feature a lackluster full HD, 30 fps. option only.

While IBIS is a very nice addition, somehow and perhaps miraculously, I have survived to this day without ever having a camera with built-in image stabilization.

Kidding aside, IBIS will keep your ISO lower for still shots without having to carry a tripod. I can already see that I have to bump my ISO in many scenarios when shooting with the slower f/3.5 GF 50mm lens. High ISO performance, however, is very good with this sensor.

Another consideration that swayed me towards the GFX 50R is its body layout, which resembles a rangefinder camera, very similar to my X-Pro cameras. This goes for the way you operate it and how the buttons are laid out.

A woman walks down the street in Vernon, BC. Street photography sample image from a Fujifilm GFX 50R — Vernon, BC, Fujifilm GFX 50R and GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR @ f/5.6

Switching between the GFX 50R and X-Pro cameras is less demanding regarding muscle memory. While some may prefer the new PASM mode dial on the GFX 50S II, I like the more tactile shutter speed dial and dedicated exposure compensation dial on the GFX 50R.

The GFX 50R is slightly lighter, at 1.7 lb (775 g), compared to 2 lb (900 g) for the GFX 50S II.

Size comparison between the Fujifilm X-Pro1, X-Pro2, X-Pro3, and GFX 50R — Comparison between the Fujifilm X-Pro1, X-Pro2, X-Pro3, and GFX 50R. Notice the somewhat similar button layout with a dedicated shutter speed and exposure compensation dial on top of the cameras.

So Far So Good

It has been a week with the GFX 50R, and so far, so good. I was lucky to get the camera the day we headed off for a camping trip with lifelong friends to Ellison Provincial Park near Vernon in British Columbia, Canada.

This has given me a chance to use the camera for some of my intended genres, such as travel, road trips, landscape, and street photography, with a few candid personal photos thrown into the mix.

The mountain range near Lilooet in British Columbia, Canada. Sample image from a Fujifilm GFX 50R — Lillooet, BC, Fujifilm GFX 50R and GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR @ f/11

With the latest firmware, version 2.41, the GFX 50R feels like a much faster camera than the review unit I tried in 2019. I like the resounding shutter sound, and only in a few scenarios was the autofocus hunting a bit in lower light.

Autofocus speed feels determined for the most part, and for my style of shooting, I do not anticipate it to be an issue. However, this is pending more low-light photography and studio scenarios. I will report back on this later. I have mostly been shooting in excellent daylight for the first week.

Update:

I have now tried the GFX 50R in the studio using only the modeling light in my studio strobe. I used a continuous light to light my backdrop, which actually caused my model to be somewhat backlit, which could have caused trouble with autofocus performance.

I used the GF 110mm f/2 R LM WR for this studio session and was positively surprised by how good the autofocus performance was. There was no hunting at all. I used a single AF spot on the eye. My hit ratio with shots in focus was about 98%.

Actor, Mik Byskov, Vancouver — Actor, Mik Byskov
Fujifilm GFX 50R and GF 110mm f/2 R LM WR @ f/5.6

Be prepared for a bulkier camera that also does not operate as fast as the latest X-Pro3. Things will slow you down somewhat with any GFX camera, and the GFX 50R is no exception.

There is more blackout time between frames. You need to adjust your approach and do not expect to be able to fire off a series of shots quickly. The GFX 50R maxes out at 3 fps.

Railroad tracks near Lillooet in British Columbia, Canada. Black and white sample image from a Fujifilm GFX 50R — Lillooet, BC, Fujifilm GFX 50R and GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR @ f/11

One Lens to Start - the GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR

For a while, I plan to use the GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR as my main and only lens for the GFX. Pairing the GF 50mm with the GFX 50R makes for the most portable and lightweight GFX camera/lens combination, which is important to me for street photography or while cycling, which I often do.

Stay tuned for more G-Mount lens test drives coming up. I am also exploring options to try more adapted lenses, which should be interesting.

Smoke from forest fires seen in the mountains along Highway 99 near Pemberton, BC, Canada. Sample image from a Fujifilm GFX 50R — Highway 99, BC, Fujifilm GFX 50R and GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR @ f/11

Image Quality

After testing the GFX 50R and GFX 50S II earlier, I knew what to expect regarding image quality, but I am excited to try the camera out in more scenarios to see how it performs.

While you will not have the same ability to crop images as with the 102-megapixel Fujifilm GFX 100S, the GFX 50R images have plenty of details and ample dynamic range.

The files from this 51.4-megapixel sensor seem very organic and film-like. They are rich in detail but do not look overly clinical.

Film photography, and especially black-and-white photography, is becoming increasingly important to me. I love how the GFX 50R renders black-and-white with the Acros film simulation. Check out the sample images below.

Okangan Lake as seen from Kin Beach in Vernon, British Columbia on a beautiful September morning. Sample image from a Fujifilm GFX 50R — Okanagan Lake, BC, Fujifilm GFX 50R and GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR @ f/16

That’s a Wrap

If you are looking for an affordable gateway into the Fujifilm GFX system, the GFX 50R or GFX 50S could be the way to go, as long as you can live without the latest tech under the hood.

These cameras are easy to find on the used market and are often in good condition, as many photographers use them on a tripod or in a studio setting.

Make no mistake. The early model GFX cameras can still deliver outstanding results. If you prefer an SLR-style camera, the 50S would be the way to go, and if you prefer a rangefinder-style camera, take a closer look at the GFX 50R.

Two kayaks paddle by the rocks at Ellison Provincial Park on Okanagan Lake near Vernon, BC, Canada. A black and white sample image from a Fujifilm GFX 50R — Okanagan Lake, Fujifilm GFX 50R and GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR @ f/8

Stay tuned for more GFX content. I am tinkering with my studio lights and plan to do some portrait photography soon.

You can catch my 2019 review of the GFX 50R here:

Fujifilm GFX 50R - Review

I have several articles in my Musings section of this site centered around the GFX 50R:

Morten’s Musings

Please see more sample images below.

Price / Availability

Thank you for reading this review to the end. The GFX 50R has been discontinued but you can probably find one on your local buy-and-sell if you are okay with a used copy.

If you are planning a purchase of a GFX camera and would like to support us, you can do so, at no additional cost, by using the affiliate link below. A small commission goes to us and helps us keep the wheels turning at 5050 Travelog.

Check the current price at B&H Photo

Fujifilm GFX100 II - B&H Photo
Fujifilm GFX100S II - B&H Photo

Thank you for being supportive.

Fujifilm GFX 50R - Sample Images

Please see the sample images below. Editing was done in Capture One and I used Fujifilm film simulations for some of the photos. Some of the images are cropped slightly.

Please click to view larger images.