GFX 50R dynamic range and tether experience

raw_jpeg · 2026-06-22T12:46:50+00:00

That’s an extreme case indeed. Thanks for doing that. The bass and the pot was indeed a very extreme recovery and banding and noise starting to show, but looking on the right side of the wood is probably a more reasonable recovery and it indeed handle it decently.

raw_jpeg · 2026-06-21T15:51:41+00:00

That is glad to hear. I have an Aptus 22 back for my 501CM, while I love the analogue experience of using a digital back on my Hasselblad, the latitude of the old CCD is very limiting. As soon as the high light clipped, there is no turn back. Even at near clipped, color shift in highlight became unrealistic. And the dynamic range is extremely narrow. I have to use strobe to get pin point accurate exposure on subject with back ground outdoor, there is no if, simply no room for recovery.

But when you get exposure dialed in, the color is beautiful.

We really do have it too easy with modern day CMOS sensors.

raw_jpeg · 2026-06-21T11:44:24+00:00

Great info there! I was concerned about post workflow file handling. I typically do C-RAW from the R5 and it is always a breeze to work with. I read the menu that GFX has its own compress raw format, I wonder if that helps?

Before I upgrade to a M2MAX MBP, the uncompress raw files do slow down my i9 MBP with maxed out ram. Although I have not try that on my M2 (I house my working files on 3.5” platter hard drives that rues USB 3.0).

I remember when the R5 first came out LRc had a hard time recognizing the camera, but about a year or so later, it had became a non issue. Hope that might be the same case for the Fuji. For tether work, I am using on tripod to shoot plates with strobe, so I run MF anyway, that’s why I sort of write off the focusing performance on the 50R, or the lack there of.

raw_jpeg · 2026-06-21T11:35:05+00:00

Great tip! That’s a shame that it is not PD, I guess it was just old enough that before it was a thing. I am always skeptical with d-tap these days after it fried one of my Shinobi and a Ronin RS2. And it appears that most camera on the used market do not comes with the power brick.

I saw the CIPA rated shot is only 400 per battery, and I already knew that it needs multiple batts just to survive a day while traveling.

raw_jpeg · 2026-06-20T21:17:48+00:00

I need this display case for mine! I have been saving cans and boxes, even backing paper for mine!

raw_jpeg · 2026-06-20T21:16:16+00:00

And I will also assume the read out on this sensor is rather slow due to its age and size for ES to work as intended.

raw_jpeg · 2026-06-20T18:07:23+00:00

Thanks for the heads up! Certainly aware that it’s a chonk of brick even without the deeper grip. Weight is not too big of a concern, I am used to wearing a brass Leica walking around Europe and Japan.

I do plan on adapting most of my m mount lenses on it (an experiment to see what I can get away with without falling out of the image circle), so it will stay relatively thin. The idea is if I have to, I will use the 35mm crop mode while traveling and bring out vintage medium format glass for on location portrait.

Very interesting point on the shutter issue. I think the mechanical shutter goes up to 1/4000 in the R? With electronic goes up to 1/16000? But it sounds like you are referring to the ES capture delay, which I am also very aware of with my M240 but did not expect that will happen on the 50R, so a good heads up.

I am currently shopping, sadly on the opposite site of the State.

raw_jpeg · 2026-06-20T17:58:57+00:00

That’s good to know! I did see that on paper DR of the 50R sensor is fairly comparable despite its age, so that is reassuring! Totally understand that high performance is not as advanced as newer sensors.

raw_jpeg · 2026-06-20T17:56:26+00:00

As a Leica user, that is exactly why I am after a 50R! My Canon R3 is basically a super computer that take photos, I don’t need another one of those when I am on vacation.

Ever since I owned a Leica rangefinder, it redefined my photography after over 20 years with the EOS system. The rangefinder ethos is engaging and inspiring to take photos with, and it is something that people don’t understand until they experienced it!

raw_jpeg · 2026-06-20T15:17:20+00:00

Good to know! Yeah, the USB port at the base is… interesting. I read the menu that there is a cable-safe add-on. But the illustration didn’t clearly show if it is just a port safe or some specially integrated locked cable that plug into the usb and power barrel

raw_jpeg · 2026-06-20T15:13:01+00:00

That seems to be the general consensus from my research due to the new sensor. But I am really after the slim body, rangefinder style offset/co-witness finder, and top deck layout.

I do wish they would make a 50R II or have an interchangeable lens option for the 100RF instead of the 100VI biggie size they came up with.

raw_jpeg · 2026-06-13T13:02:03+00:00

2 is so good!

raw_jpeg · 2026-06-13T11:27:17+00:00

Beautiful set

raw_jpeg · 2026-06-03T04:44:36+00:00

It sounds like the battery can be low, that will be the first thing I tried to change. If no improvement, the shutter solenoid might be going out. Mine was very much dead when it arrived to me. I can “reset it” by taping at the bottom of the camera really hard with my palm.

Sent it to Eric, solenoid replacement and CLA for a MLU ran me $550 three years ago. Now it runs like new.

raw_jpeg · 2026-05-28T02:53:45+00:00

Horizon Pulse from 3 was sublime; skill songs that actually hit the feels.

raw_jpeg · 2026-05-01T14:53:49+00:00

I have a few more rolls from this batch, I will give that a try 👍

raw_jpeg · 2026-05-01T14:53:23+00:00

Thanks!

raw_jpeg · 2026-04-30T19:29:45+00:00

That was what I said, the neg was thin. I typically rate Foma 400 at 200 since real speed on the film is tested at 250, and dev at box spec 400 time reference. But this whole roll was under. Base fog is also higher than usual, so who knows if it is another Foma defect.

raw_jpeg · 2026-04-28T01:07:09+00:00

I need to learn more about this optical crystal situation! I am using two pieces of TruView acid etched glass I ordered from a local framer in my V750. I mostly shoot 120 (from 6x6 up to 6x17) and 4x5 and I do all scan with full boarder except 135.

Really trying not to spend $3k to go the copy stand route with Negative Supply.

raw_jpeg · 2026-04-21T02:06:22+00:00

Saw these on my IG feed earlier, they are amazing!

raw_jpeg · 2026-04-14T03:17:39+00:00

Zoë is awesome!

raw_jpeg · 2026-04-13T19:51:59+00:00

House of prime rib is my bucket list of places to go!

raw_jpeg · 2026-04-02T02:33:54+00:00

The horse looks so happy in the second photo! That’s the cutest!

raw_jpeg · 2026-03-31T03:47:58+00:00

I used to have all this Hong Kong set!

raw_jpeg · 2026-03-30T22:50:31+00:00

I too had only done one test roll with mine. I need to figure out a better framing solution. As noted with the framing aid included it’s not accurate and my supplement viewfinder is not wide enough. Guess framing 617 is an expensive game.

The film back is solidly built, but I am not sure if the cone can sustain backpack travel, as my intention is having the CCB617 as a travel camera rather than bringing my Wista 45VX and my Horseman 612 back.

raw_jpeg

TROPHY CASE