Sometimes you have to jump to the next stage in your journey. The Leica M-system attracted me to a new photographic experience around a year ago. Everything was immediately clear to me; there were no unnecessary function buttons or complicated menus, and the image quality was outstanding. This was a fantastic move.

Retaking my photographic work with this approach brings me excitement to capture photographs. And once again, customers and publications from the past ask whether we would collaborate. I always stated I just wanted to do my own thing, and that is still true. However, working with people you enjoy and having fun together while doing something you love brings great energy to the table.

One of the most recent projects for Honda, Bridgestone, and MotorNieuws.be.

World Record with Bridgestone

Honda Motors

I had the opportunity to test various cameras due to the kind guys at Grobet and Leica Boutique Antwerp. As you may have read in earlier blogs, I had a Leica SL series camera that I was able to test out in the field. The cameras did an excellent job, yet something was lacking for me.

I did continue my search, and mid-format cameras have always piqued my interest. Particularly well-known is the name of the iconic Hasselblad cameras. I’d never worked with it before, and having so many Leica lenses I wanted to mix on one camera made me wonder what I wanted.

Should I go with the Hasselblad X1D 50C II or the 907X series? The final one is my favorite, although it might be saved for later… who knows. But I couldn’t operate the 907X in the dirt. The Hasselblad X1D 50Cii would be the greatest pick for the field I needed it for because it is entirely sealed and has strong weather resistance. The retailer then advised that I look at Fuji because it is similar on the inside but has a better focusing system and a different price tag.

The first photographs captured with the Fuji GFX50sII are shown below. It’s a mid-format camera with 50 Megapixels and a weight I can handle without feeling like I’m holding a brick. It’s a lot of fun to work with the film simulation mode, which allows you to travel back in time by simply pressing a button and not having to load a new film roll.

I was checking out other brands, and I’m not a fan of complicated menu systems. For example, the Sony camera A series has so many menu options that it is difficult to just take a picture. The Fuji menu is clear and easy to use, which is important to me. Experts at the camera store suggested I acquire the GFX100, which is the same camera but has a sensor with a 100Mega byte resolution and improved focusing technology. As you can see from my website, I like manual focus, so don’t be concerned. I already have files larger than 100Mb on the GFX 50S II; with the GFX100, the files would be more than 200Mb. It is tough to deal with since it necessitates the use of a powerful computer. I seldom use Photoshop since my goal is to experience the precise situation as it is, with no modifications.

My FUJI journey began here.

I began using the camera with the GF35-70mmF4.5-5.6 WR lens. It comes as part of the FUJI camera package. My current Leica lenses and a TT Artisan adapter are among the lenses I’d want to utilize with this camera configuration.

The Fuji glass has a very distinct feel from the Leica glass. When used in combination with the camera for the first time, it produces outstanding results. It’s amazing to watch the details come to life.

Manual focusing worked fairly well. Using an F16 plane as a target, I put the focusing mechanism to the test. For me, the autofocus was swift enough. Nonetheless, the image’s accuracy is astounding once more. Even a flower comes to life when a shot is cropped without the aid of a macro lens.

One of the first photographs I took was of a beautiful oak, which I used in past shots with my Leica cameras. It made me very pleased once more.

Fuji

Fuji

Fuji

Fuji

I never expected to make this decision and join the Fujifilm story alongside Leica. The Fuji film allows me to work with autofocus systems when necessary while still having my mid-format camera available for landscape shooting. Landscape photography is a kind of meditation for me. It does assist me in appreciating the beauty around me.

I adore the nostalgic film years, and something in me is always drawn to them. I’ve always wanted to develop my film and have my darkroom. Perhaps one day…
The next step will be to pair the Leica lenses with my Fuji camera to see how the Leica spirit reveals itself.

As a result, there is more to read and pictures to show.

See you in a later blog article!

Best wishes