ON TRIAL
38
FUJIFILM GFX 50S
dioptres range) and a proximity
sensor to enable auto switching
between the EVF and the monitor
screen. It also incorporates a
hotshoe and, like the rest of the
camera, is metal bodied.
Interestingly, even with the
detachable EVF, Fujifi lm is able
to maintain full weather-proofi ng
for the GFX 50S which is also
insulated to enable shooting in
subzero temperatures down to
-10 degrees Celsius. The external
body covers are all magnesium
alloy with a total of 58 weather
seals, including substantial
rubber gaskets for the various
compartments and connection
bays. Incidentally, without the EVF
fi tted, the GFX 50S body weighs
only 825 grams (with the battery
and a memory card) while, with it
attached, the total weight is still
only 920 grams... which is one of
the surprises when you fi rst pick
it up; you really do expect it to feel
a lot heavier.
As you’d expect on a camera
of this calibre, the memory cards
have their own home and, yes,
there are dual slots which Fujifi lm
has sensibly made for the SD
format, both with UHS-II speed
support. The reality is that the SD
card is by far the most popular
format across the board and
this doesn’t look likely to change
given the momentum that’s now
behind it. And, of course, having
both slots exactly the same (in
format and speed support) is
just a whole lot more convenient
than any other arrangement.
The card management options
are Sequential (i.e. automatic
overfl ow), Back-Up or, lastly,
format specifi c (RAW, JPEG or
movie clips).HERITAGE
The lens mount is all-new, but
designated the G Mount which
pays homage to Fujifi lm’s medium
format fi lm heritage (for example,
the G690 6x9cm RF camera from
1968). It’s a stainless steel three-
claw bayonet fi tting (brass on the
lenses) with 12 contact pins for
fully-electronic communications.
The external diameter is 76.5 mil-
limetres, and the internal is 65.0
millimetres. The fl ange back dis-
tance is 26.7 millimetres, enabling
a minimum back focusing distance
of just 16.7 millimetres which
delivers considerable fl exibility
when it comes to lens design. On
the subject of lenses, the GFX 50SON TRIAL
Top panel info display is
customisable and has built-in
backlighting.As on the X Mount
cameras, focus
modes are selected
manually via an
external switch...
which is at the rear
of the GFX 50S.Shutter speed dial
can be locked by
pushing down the
central button.
‘T’ position gives
access to longer
shutter speeds.Main connection bay
includes micro-USB, Type
D HDMI and wired remote
trigger terminals. Stereo
audio in/out are alongside.ISO dial is also
lockable. The auto
range can be
preprogrammed
with selected
highest and lowest
settings.All-new lens
mount is called
the G Mount
and is fully
electronic.CamMayJune17_036-045 Fujifilm.indd 38 13/04/2017 9:59 AM