As I look towards winding down my freelance work, I'm going to swap my Z9 for something slower and simpler that rewards more deliberate and considered use. My goal is to find a camera/system that offers something a bit more unique over full frame, even if that comes with compromises; 50mp GFX seems to fit the bill nicely. The 100mp GFX models are probably out of my budget when including lens(es).
I have read numerous "long term" reviews and watched quite a few relatively recent YouTube videos that cover using a 50R, but they are often overly rosy and don't really mention anything negative or annoying about the camera. I'd rather hear about actually living with a 50R, how it has held up over long term use, how it performs now on the latest firmware (3.11), does the lack of IBIS handicap it too much, etc.
It's the form factor that makes the 50R unique and "the one to get". You know a downside can be lack of IBIS, and it IS a slow operating camera (AF wise). But if you want to slow down, a great option.
Do you have lens options in mind? Because, that can make the camera a worse deal, heavy, tippy (front heavy), so it isn't just about the body.
I am thinking of the GF 50mm to start with, as it seems most fitting for the rangefinder style body, and I like the field of view it offers. After that I'll be looking for something 24 to 28mm equivalent, and not opposed to adapting.
I used the 50S for a while and liked it a lot. I have big hands and the 50R seemed like a no-go, heavy camera/tiny grip. Plus the 50R tends to sell for more, at least at the time it was quite a bit more just for better looks. I have since moved on to the 100S which gives more crop-ability, better battery life (that is the same as my X cameras), better AF, and IBIS. I didn't really mind the lack of IBIS, at the time I was mostly shooting the 45-100 (it has IS) and the 20-35 which is wide enough I didn't feel the need. Plus I typically shoot landscape in good light without shutter speed low limits. The 50mp bodies don't have phase detect AF and that is a disadvantage, although I got along pretty well with the 50S. But overall, I found the 100S has enough small improvements to be worth the small increase in cost, assuming pre-owned pricing.
I used the 50R for a few years before upgrading (?) to the 50S II. The only reason was that I wanted IBIS, otherwise I would still much have prefered the 50R. It's a lot less bulky with the flat and wide form factor.
I have very large hands and I never had a problem with the grip, but then I don't use gigantic lenses very often. Or, if I do, I hold the weight by the lens when shooting anyway, so the grip of the camera doesn't matter.
ahinesdesign wrote:
,,,I'm going to swap my Z9 for something slower and simpler that rewards more deliberate and considered use...The 100mp GFX models are probably out of my budget when including lens(es).
If you're used to and comfortable with the size and weight of the z9, perhaps one unique budget solution to consider is the original GFX 100 which comes with IBIS, PDAF (over contrast-only on 50R), vertical grip, and tillable EVF option. Prices have cratered since the 10k launch and can be lower than the more trendy and smaller 50R while IQ is simply stellar. While large, it's actually *lighter* than the z9 at 1320g vs. 1340g. I find carrying it with a wrist strap and prime to be comfortable for moderate hikes, though it really stands out for street usage and will instantly tag you as "photographer" if that's your use case. Perhaps something to consider
To me, one of the important features is the dynamic range. From this personal point of view, I see a significant difference between the GFX50 and GFX100 bodies. All GFX100 bodies have a better PDR, plus the dual gain at ISO 500.
It is instructive to look at the PDR data from Bill Claff on photonstophotos.
A friend of mine picked up a 50R a few months back. I've used it a little bit. The AF is better than I expected, at least with the 50mm.
The finder was also WAY nicer than I expected. Gets a little slow in bad light, but other than that it's huge and beautiful.
I think if you can find one for a good price, it's a great option for what you are wanting to do. The form factor is the reason to go with it vs any other GFX body.
I shot the 50R for long enough to not recommend it to anyone, really. The form factor is atrocious and the lack of IBIS is just frustrating coming from cameras with incredible IBIS systems (Z9 included).
I thought the EVF was a real weak point, personally. It would band randomly as if there were LED lights around, but it would do that even outside. I had read horror stories about how expensive 50R repairs are and decided I wasn't going to wait to find out if I had a bad EVF. I could never confirm that behavior with any other user, not that there are many to talk to.
The OS and operations are slow and clunky.
It's missing a few critical film sims for my use, which also stunk.
There are better platforms for slow, deliberate use. The 100S immediately comes to mind and solves every issue I had with the 50R. It’s surprisingly small and light in hand, very similar to a Zf with a grip attached. It’s shocking.
ahinesdesign wrote:
My goal is to find a camera/system that offers something a bit more unique over full frame, even if that comes with compromises; 50mp GFX seems to fit the bill nicely. The 100mp GFX models are probably out of my budget when including lens(es).
I've had a 50R since the massive opening sale at the end of 2018. I used it a lot less once I got a 100s and, sadly, hardly at all since I got my 100 II and am thinking about selling it now.
I liked the form factor for travel because it makes for very efficient packing. I was willing to trade off the ergonomics for that. But the lack of IBIS meant that shutter speeds had to stay pretty high for travel and landscape use and combined with the somewhat inconsistent AF (even in single shot) I got into the habit of taking a minimum of 3-5 shots handheld to ensure that at least one would be sharp at the pixel level. I swore afterwards that this would be the last camera I bought without IBIS.
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ISO1600 wrote:
A friend of mine picked up a 50R a few months back. I've used it a little bit. The AF is better than I expected, at least with the 50mm.
The finder was also WAY nicer than I expected. Gets a little slow in bad light, but other than that it's huge and beautiful.
I think if you can find one for a good price, it's a great option for what you are wanting to do. The form factor is the reason to go with it vs any other GFX body.
I thought the viewfinder was acceptable in 2018. By 2026 standards I think "huge and beautiful" might be overstating it versus say the 100 II or even a FF body like my R5 II. I didn't think it was awful but it certainly wasn't a selling point for me even at the time, and I don't see how it could be now.
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RoamingScott wrote:
The 100S immediately comes to mind and solves every issue I had with the 50R. It’s surprisingly small and light in hand, very similar to a Zf with a grip attached. It’s shocking.
Largely agreed. I understand that the 50s II has the 50MP sensor from the original 50s and 50R in the 100s body with IBIS, so that would be worth a look too, since the OP mentioned that only the 50MP bodies are within budget.
I have a Z9 and 50R. I use the 50R for much the same reason as you. For me it’s with old manual lenses (and an EF70-200/4).
The 50R has primitive AF compared to the Z9. If you used the original Z6 or Z7, expect similar performance.
Usability-wise, it also feels a bit sluggish. Opening menus, toggling viewfinder modes, and other input is not instantaneous like the Z9.
No IBIS is also painful at times, but you can easily imagine that.
The rarity of first party batteries is something to be aware of, if you like using first-party only.
All that said, it’s my favorite camera to use ‘for fun’. The large sensor demands too much from my old lenses, which is fun to work with and the body design and controls feel natural to me. It’s a huge spec downgrade from the Z9, but I enjoy the experience much more, and—so long as I don’t screw up the shot—the photos look great.
It's a great camera, if your intention is to slow down this is the camera for that. Biggest con is that it's heavy but so are older medium format film cameras.
_Refraction wrote:
the OP mentioned that only the 50MP bodies are within budget.
Well, the 50R used prices have risen in the last few months to match the quickly falling 100S prices...they are usually within a hundred bucks of each other now.
I'd certainly rather spend the extra $100 for a much more complete package.
GIANT asterisk I would place next to my endorsement- prices on the American market SUCK for the 50R. I would NOT pay what people in the USA are asking.... Japan, Thailand, prob other places on this side of the world, it can still be found "cheap".
RoamingScott wrote:
Well, the 50R used prices have risen in the last few months to match the quickly falling 100S prices...they are usually within a hundred bucks of each other now.
I'd certainly rather spend the extra $100 for a much more complete package.
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ISO1600 wrote:
GIANT asterisk I would place next to my endorsement- prices on the American market SUCK for the 50R. I would NOT pay what people in the USA are asking.... Japan, Thailand, prob other places on this side of the world, it can still be found "cheap".
Wow, I hadn't realised 50R prices in the US had gone crazy. Quick google shows MPB selling them for US$2500?!
Tomorrow I'm going to give mine a clean, dig out the box etc and see if I can figure out a way to sell it into the US.
Thank you to all who responded! You have provided a lot of great information to consider, and I am now looking at the 100S and 50SII more than the 50R. I am going to try to rent or borrow at least a couple of the options before making a final decision, but pretty well set on GFX on some kind...
