Steve Spencer
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 p.1 #2 · Fuji GF vs Hassy HC/D Lenses - For Users of Both | |
Conner999 wrote:
Our MF system is a Hassy H5D-40 and we're looking at adding a GFX-50S as a second body given they can both use HC lenses (via the adapter).
We'll then rationalize the various lenses so that we have a mix of Hassy & GF glass to cover our occasional need for leaf-shutters and backup coverage, etc.
I'm curious how users or owners of both systems have found the glass in comparison. Also, not normally a fan of zooms, but reading good things on the GF 32-64/4.
The HC lenses we currently have are:
HCD 28
HC 50 II
HC 80
HC 120 II
HC 210
I currently have the HCD 24 f/4.8, and the HC 100 f/2.2 and like them both very much. I had the HC 50 (original not the II) and I have had the HC 300 f/4.5. I like the HC glass a lot and not surprisingly the two I kept more than the two I did not. My problem with the HC 50 is mainly that it is huge especially for an f/3.5 lens. My problem with the HC 300 f/4.5 was just that it wasn't nearly as fast or as good as the Canon FD 300 f/2.8L that I replaced it with that totally covers the sensor. Here is my take on your lenses and how you could integrate them with Fuji GF lenses:
The HCD 28 f/4 is a wonderful lens and I would keep it. I love my HCD 24 f/4.8 on the GFX. The one question I have is do you need something wider. If you do the GF 23 f/4 is a wonderful lens and I think it can pair nicely with you HCD 28 f/4. If you don't, then you could just keep the HCD 28 f/4 as your widest lens.
Your HC 50 II, I would replace with the GF 45 f/2.8. The HC 50 II is a great lens, but the GF 45 is a fantastic lens, half a stop faster and much smaller. You also will get better AF. You will of course be giving up the leaf shutter, but do you use it this wide? If you sell the HC 50 II, you will have money left over after buy the GF 45 f/2.8. The decision here to me depends on how much you need a leaf shutter at this focal length. If you do you might as keep the HC 50 II, it is an excellent lens, but if you don't I think everything else is in favor of the GF lens.
I tried the HC 80 f/2.8, but I never was that impressed. Yeah, it is small for a leaf shutter lens, but I never really liked the rendering. You might feel differently. Fuji doesn't have an 80mm lens yet, although I hope persistent rumors of a fast 80 will turn out to be true. So, the lens to replace it with may be the GF 63 f/2.8, which is wonderfully small on the GFX and notably smaller than the HC 80 when you consider the adapter. It is a very nice performing lens. The GF 63 f/2.8 can be had for less than $800 if you find one used, so not a bad price at all and pretty much a straight trade for the HC 80 f/2.8.
If you want a leaf shutter lens in the range of the 80, I would recommend picking up an HC 100 f/2.2. I love mine. Just a wonderful rendering, IMO. And if you sell the HC 50 & 80 and buy the GF 45 and 63, you will have a little money left over that could make it easier to buy this lens. On the used market you can find them for about $2,000. The Fuji HC adapter only allows sync speeds of 1/800, so that convinced me to go with a used one with the older specs.
For the HC 120 f/4 II Macro, I would consider replacing it with the GF 120 f/4 Macro. I think the GF lens is a strong performer and probably a bit sharper with a very nice rendering. The HC lens, however, goes to 1:1 magnification and the GF does not (it is 1: 2 magnification). So a lot of the decision is do you need to go to 1:1 magnification. If you do, a fine and cheaper option is to go with the Contax 645 120 f/4 APO, which is a lovely lens and one of my favorites. It is cheap, but you do need an expensive adapter to make it work. Still if you sold you HC 120 f/4 II, you would have money left over after buying the Contax 645 macro and the adapter. Enough to pay a huge chunk of the HC 100 f/2.2
I would keep the HC 210 f/4, which I think is a great and under appreciated lens. It also would pair nicely with what you already have. You won't get all that much for it if you sell it either. The resale market for this lens doesn't seem to appreciate how good it is. The Fuji GF 250 f/4 is a wonderful lens, but it is a bit bigger than the HC 210 and it would take a lot of money to switch and although you may gain in sharpness and AF, you will lose the leaf shutter, which I think could be important at this focal length. So, the tradeoffs are clear for the HC 210 vs the GF 250. I you need the extra length, then also appreciate that the GF 250 with the 1.4X TC make a really nice combo.
So here is summary of my recommendations:
Get the GF 23 f/4 if you need a lens that wide.
Keep the 28 f/4, it is a great lens and a useful focal length that is not available in a GF lens yet.
Get the GF 45 f/2.8 unless you really need a leaf shutter lens this wide. If you do the HC 50 f/3.5 II is a great lens and keep it.
Get the GF 63 f/2.8 (especially, only?) if you got the GF 45 f/2.8 as I think it is a better lens than the HC 80 f/2.8.
Get the HC 100 f/2.2. A great lens that is totally worth getting, IMO, just for the rendering.
Swamp the HC 120 f/4 Macro II for the GF 120 f/4 Macro if you don't need 1:1 magnification. If you do consider the Contax 645 120 f/4 APO.
Keep the HC 210 f/4, unless you are willing to sacrifice the leaf shutter for the better AF and sharpness of the GF 250 f/4. It will cost you to upgrade, however. It might be worth it especially if you need the longer reach the 1.4X TC can provide.
I hope this helps.
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