Medium format cameras offer an elevated experience for those who want more detail and depth in their images, yet they’ve traditionally been seen as impractical or overly expensive. Fujifilm's GFX100S II challenges this idea by bringing impressive quality in a compact, user-friendly format, but lenses are still pricey. What if you could adapt more affordable full frame options?
Coming to you from Leigh & Raymond Photography, this intriguing video explores the idea of using full frame lenses on the Fujifilm GFX100S II, a medium format camera. This isn’t just a technical choice but also a practical one. Medium format lenses tend to be pricey, and adapting lenses from other formats can offer flexibility and savings.
Testing the setup involved a mix of F mount and M mount lenses, including some unique vintage options. The setup was straightforward, especially with the camera’s manual adapter compatibility, allowing the GFX100S II to crop down to a 35mm frame when needed. This feature helped them experiment with different looks and achieve crisp images without compromising the camera’s high-resolution output. Even though there’s no autofocus with adapted lenses, the GFX100S II’s focus peaking made manual focusing manageable, even enjoyable. The simplicity of using familiar gear on a new platform showed how adaptable the camera could be.
Some might question why you’d put a full frame lens on a medium format body, but as Leigh discusses, there are plenty of reasons to try it. First, it keeps your options open when building a medium format kit without having to invest in all-new lenses right away. Using lenses you already own, especially if they’re high-quality or have specific characteristics, can help you ease into a new system while taking advantage of familiar tools. Medium format lenses are a significant investment, so blending old and new gear can make the transition more affordable and less daunting.
Beyond the practical benefits, the aesthetic results were impressive. They tested each lens in various locations, capturing scenes that highlighted the unique qualities of medium format with adapted lenses. Nonetheless, not all lenses will perform will or cover the entire sensor, so it really depends on your individual collection. Check out the video above for the full rundown.
This should work fine with the longer lenses. You would really only be a problem with normal and wide angle lenses. Even then it might give you what you want.
Yes it can work. But why would you stick cheap tyres on a Ferrari?
You have one of the most powerful camera bodies on the planet and you're not taking full advatage of it!
Sure it saves money ....got that
You can buy great used GFX lenses second hand.
Fringer, Metabones and others have been making GF adapters for years. Full auto-focus, aperture control, even IS/VR. You get full coverage with a lot of lenses, some can get to full coverage with the 1.4x. Folks have been shooting the T/S lenses this way ever since the GFX came out.
Metabones even makes a Smart Expander that gives full coverage from EF or G lenses on the GFX.
When I had the Kipon manual adapter on a 50s with the EF 200-400 or 85/1.2 lens back in 2017, it was novel. In 2024 it's about preference, you prefer how a specific lens renders.
Spoiler: She just crops the sensor area to a full frame size. It's no longer medium format.
Exactly I just don't see the point of using full frame lenses on a medium format body. It just doesn't make any sense at all. Why would you put cheap tyres on a Ferrari makes no sense at all to me.