Fuji GFX 100: Setup for purely Landscape work.

[Lust4Life]

Given:
I have been shooting landscapes since I was in my teens, now 73.
Almost all images have been shot in horizontal format.
Rarely shoot a portrait.
100% on tripod with field logic left over from my 4x5 days - not a lot of clicks, but the ones I take are normally keepers.

Shot primarily Hasselblad since back in the 500cm days up to the H4D60 which I currently
have for sale here and on eBay. 

I love the simplicity of the H series for landscape field work and I find the
color tables and 16 bit RAW files to be seductive to my eye. 

Forced to part from Hasselblad as I can no longer carry the system any distance at all!
(GFX system is over 5 pounds lighter that H4D60 with comparable lenses)

Since it was introduced I've been shooting the GFX 50S with he 23mm, 32-64mm and 100-200mm lenses.

Last week I purchased the GFX 100 and on Tuesday I received it but have kept the 50S until the 100 proves it's excellent for landscapes, at least the way I shoot them.

First impressions GFX 100 in the 16 bits is giving me the "band width" I want for processing that
I find on occasion is limiting with the 50S.  I also enjoy the extra MP of 100MP array (I shoot only RAW and 16 bits).

So, why am I here with this post?

I'm finding the GFX 100 a bitch to set up for strictly simplistic landscape work.

Why?
I want user defined FN toggle buttons for Timer, Histogram, Zoom, Electronic Level, Bracket Exposure, Distance Bracketing, shooting mode cycles from full Manual, to Shutter priority, Aperture Priority, the rare use of Program.

In reading the Specs and watching several videos on the GFX 100 before I purchase it, I was impressed as Fuji promoted there were 19 FN (user definable buttons).  Well, that's not quite true, actually not even close. 

IF you "Lock" the vertical shutter button, you loose the use of the majority of the not predefined FN buttons on the GFX 100.
IF you "UNLOCK" the vertical shutter lock to get use of the lower assignable buttons , my big paws are hitting that button and firing the shutter many times in error during a field shoot!

Thus, before I give up and return this beauty, I'm hoping to hear from other landscape shooters using the GFX 100 as to how they have set it up for their work.

Thanks in advance,
Jack

[BobShaw]

Forced to part from Hasselblad as I can no longer carry the system any distance at all!
(GFX system is over 5 pounds lighter that H4D60 with comparable lenses)

X1D. Half the weight and price of a GFX100.
If you really need 100MP put a Canon Tilt Shift on it and take three shifted shots and stitch.

[Lust4Life]

Hi Bob,

I appreciate your comments, but I am seeking control buttons, control wheel, etc. setups of GFX 100 for landscapes, not advice on the camera to shoot.

As to the X1D II and the GFX 50S, that I have shot since it came out, are built on the exact same array, there is NO advantage to the X1DII from a
technical perspective.  Additionally Hassie claims 16 bits but the array can only gen 14.  I can up-res on my own and accomplish the same claim
of 16 bits.

The cost and value of the X1D II can not be justified in my mind against the GFX and there is NO weight savings, actually the X1DII weight is more.

I just tried to attached a spreadsheet that I built in Excel to share if you wish to review it but just learned LL will not allow Excel files.
Anyone interested in the spreadsheet can send me a private message with your email and I'll send it to you. 
I have proofed it carefully, but hope there are a few errors to be found.  If you do, just let me know
and I'll correct and update back to you.
(I will be out of touch from all of Xmas week and not checking messages here.)

The take away from the Excel spreadsheet study is:
GFX 50S:  Weight with 23 wide, mid 32-62 and 100-200 is 8.0 pounds and total cost is $10,393.00.
X1DII with XCD lenses:  Weight with 21 wide, mid 35-75 and a 120 weight is 9.68 pounds and total cost is $19,170.00!!!
     No short tele zoom from Hassie so I took the 120 as what I would have bought.

I also included the GFX 100 in the spreadsheet and the system cost is $15,398 and total weight with the same lenses that I have, as above, is 9.1 pounds!
So you get 100MP, 16 bits, a half pound less weight and save near $4,000???
Hassie is asleep was my conclusion.

Kindly remember, identical array/sensor at near twice the cost and 1.68 pounds more weight and no zoom covering tele 100-200 range.

As I've been with Hassie all of my life until just recently, I had hoped the X1D/X1DII would make sense, but from a study of the spreadsheet, it does not to me.

[Ken Bennett]

Hi, Jack,

I share your frustrations with the user interface of the GFX100. I shoot about half landscape and half portrait with it, which probably doubles my frustration Coming from shooting Fuji X and the GFX-50s, and before that Canon 1D series cameras, the GFX100 is thoroughly unintuitive to use, and regularly prevents me from doing something I expect it can do. Argh. (Pro tip to Fuji -- if you're going to build a modern modal interface with (unmarked) buttons and dials, you could learn a lot from a Canon 1Dx. Or a Leica Q2.) Also the dials are very flimsy and move when I breathe on them.

I lose two more function buttons b/c I have one for toggling Face Detection, and one that opens the Lock menu so that I can selectively lock all the things that I bump inadvertently -- like the ISO or the shutter speed dials and the Q menu button.

I am working around the limited function buttons by using the My Menu, so when I hit the Menu button I get 8 choices of important items without having do dig around the menus. So I have ISO, self timer, white balance, etc. -- the things I need quickly. Yes, this is one more step beyond a dedicated function button, but it works pretty well. (If I remember to Unlock the camera before changing things.)

Good luck. I am sticking with it because the lenses and the files are so good. It's a wonderful environmental portrait camera.


EDIT: I don't use it b/c it drives me crazy, but one can also set up a custom Q menu that gives one or two-button access to a lot of controls.

[Lust4Life]

Hi Ken,

Not to be pleased that I am not alone in my frustration, but I AM glad to hear I am not the only one that finds it totally non-intuitive.

As my camera can sit on the shelf for weeks as I can't travel constantly, I have been forced to label SO many functions that I changed
to suit my work style.  Here is a photo I've attached that should "embarrass" the designers at Fuji!  One should not have to go to
such lengths to use the GFX 100!!  I miss the simple logic on the Hasselblad H series with their "Profile" setups.

I have been working on setting up the "Q" button to give me access to some of the features I need, but have not become totally
comfortable with it yet.

I was working with Fuji Tech Support yesterday on the phone seeking a way to "Unlock" the vertical button BUT defeat the ability of the shutter button to fire.
We could not find a way to accomplish that.  IF we had, that would give me back the entire selection of the FN buttons that are locked
out of access when the vertical shutter is "Locked".  I'm 6'4" and big hands - the flesh on the right side of my right palm rests on top of the
vertical shutter button when I handle the camera!  I have many wasted clicks that I had no intention of doing because of this limitation.

I have not worked much with My Menu - it seems also very non-intuitive at first glance.
Have you found it to be useful, and if so, any "secret de-coder" keys to making it useful?

[kers]

It is very strange for FUJI to have messed up the ergonomics while they have produced so many digital cameras that people like to use.
especially when you know this is their flagship.
Here is a review with the same conclusions:
https://photographylife.com/reviews/fuji-gfx-100

[Paul2660]

Make sure you take this up the chain at Fuji, i.e. ask Tech support to forward to Japan for consideration in a future Firmware.  One thing Fuji is very good at for sure is addressing issues like this with a firmware fix.  I agree it's strange that the 50s allows this.  Have to assume that most people don't use the battery grip on the 50s, but as the GFX100 has no option, Fuji did not do enough feedback followup. 

Also consider a blog post if you have one and get it to Fujirumors.com  Patrick is great at getting messages back to Fuji as they do seem to follow his site.

Paul C

[Lust4Life]

It is very strange for FUJI to have messed up the ergonomics while they have produced so many digital cameras that people like to use.
especially when you know this is their flagship.
Here is a review with the same conclusions:
https://photographylife.com/reviews/fuji-gfx-100

I developed software on the Cray/SGI platform for years before "dropping out" and thus
have first hand experience with how to expand and morph the firmware to meet users
changing needs and desires.  It's not difficult assuming you have the headroom.

As such, I'm banking on the hope that Fuji will get the word that their UI needs serious work on this camera!

I have just started compiling a list of just simple issues that could be addressed in a firmware rev. 
Example: making the "Q" menu more dynamic - it COULD serve as a great place to overcome the real
lack of user definable FN's. 

Example:  In the "Q" menu we have a net of 15 fields that COULD be setup to allow the user to bring in far more "field hooks" of their choice, say add "Bracket" sets and toss away something like "Image Size" for my kind of work.

[Ken Bennett]

I have not worked much with My Menu - it seems also very non-intuitive at first glance.
Have you found it to be useful, and if so, any "secret de-coder" keys to making it useful?

The thing I like about the My Menu is that it's the default, so when I hit the Menu button it's the first thing to pop up. So I have items that I need on a regular basis but would otherwise need to dig deep into the menu system, like turning on and off the IBIS (which should be Off when using a tripod; found that out the hard way.) Or I have simple items that are otherwise a pain, like choosing an ISO. The default of the thumb dial means I am constantly changing ISO when I bump the camera.

You can choose what's on this menu, and what order it's in. Again, Leica does this *much* better (along with function buttons). I do think I need to take the advice above and start sending this feedback to Fuji.

Good luck!

[Lust4Life]

I've taken a lot of time this afternoon and worked with the Quick Menu and also My Menu.
Those two features have to some degree improved my impression of the UI, but it's still not what it ought to be on a ten thousand dollar camera!

We ought to consider "rescuing" Fuji and start a thread where we list improvements that they can follow here on LL.
Make our focus on Landscape shooter needs.

Would be nice to have a thread where each of us places our suggestion/s for improvement, then we collective
review each and assign a group agreed priority to the composite list of suggestions to mail to Fuji.

[ErikKaffehr]

Hi,

DPReviews has a medium format forum. Most users there are Fuji GFX shooters and some of them are very helpful.

Posting your question there would give you many good answers.

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/1067

Jim Kasson has lot of stuff on the GFX 100, but he is more like scientist. I understand that he is also a dedicated photographic artist, but his writing on technique is a bit technical.

https://blog.kasson.com/category/gfx-100/

Jim is a great guy, you can just mail him directly. But he gets a lot of mail and he may miss some.

Best regards
Erik

[Lust4Life]

Thanks Eric,

I hit DPR as it has been a long time since I spent time there.  Will add post later today as some of the info I found there was interesting on the GFX 100!  Thanks.

As to Jim's site, ditto!

Best to you and hope Santa was kind to you!!
Jack

[Avalanche]

We ought to consider "rescuing" Fuji and start a thread where we list improvements that they can follow here on LL.
Make our focus on Landscape shooter needs.

This can be quite easily put into one sentence: Please give it the dials of an X-T3 (but move the M-C-S switch at a better place and make it easier to use with gloves).

[Lust4Life]

This can be quite easily put into one sentence: Please give it the dials of an X-T3 (but move the M-C-S switch at a better place and make it easier to use with gloves).

Welcome to the forum!
That's a great idea.

Give me a day or so to start a thread on it with initial suggestions and I'll post a link here.

But having had the GFX 100, and returned it as I dramatically like my 50S more, might want to set up 2 threads?
I think this thread can serve the purpose for GFX 100 ideas to communicate to Fuji, but need to set up one for the
GFX 50S "Generation 2" (SS?)


(I'm working on installing a back up camera on my 2019 Airstream Basecamp X.  It's my Mistress and gets first attention!)

[vjbelle]

I find it amazing that you returned the '100'.  It took you a little longer than me - I had mine for 1 day and returned it due to its size and limitations using it with my Actus.  I also initially didn't like the files as I was very used to the 50s and my Phase 3100.  When comparing the files out of the '100' to the Phase 3100 there was a dramatic difference.  Some of this could have been due to the bias that C1 has built in for the Phase files but it sure was disappointing. 

For mirrorless I now shoot both my 50s and Sony 7RM4 on my Actus with incredible results.  The Sony is a dream to use and the 50s still produces remarkable files as it always has. 

Best of luck......

Victor

[Lust4Life]

I find it amazing that you returned the '100'.  It took you a little longer than me - I had mine for 1 day and returned it due to its size and limitations using it with my Actus.  I also initially didn't like the files as I was very used to the 50s and my Phase 3100.  When comparing the files out of the '100' to the Phase 3100 there was a dramatic difference.  Some of this could have been due to the bias that C1 has built in for the Phase files but it sure was disappointing. 

For mirrorless I now shoot both my 50s and Sony 7RM4 on my Actus with incredible results.  The Sony is a dream to use and the 50s still produces remarkable files as it always has. 

Best of luck......

Victor

Victor, Thank you for your post!  I have been feeling like I'm the Lone Wolf out here!  :-)

With the Actus, is your work landscape or architecture?

I had the Sony a7RII and sold it - the images were much "harsher" than what I was used to with the Hasselblad H4D 50 I had at the time BUT I loved the weight of the a7RII and three lenses!!  That is what attracted me to it as I have limitations on my walking and the lighter the gear the better for me.

Would you be kind enough to contrast for me what you find as the image quality differences for landscape work between your new Sony a7RIV and the GFX 50S files shot in RAW?

Jack

[vjbelle]

Jack..... with my Actus most of my work is landscape.  However I am now including my 4150 which is almost exclusively landscape.  Like you, I also don't shoot much wide angle and much prefer to shoot with a normal to 'baby' telephoto and shift which always results in a superior file. 

The 7RM4 is worlds beyond the Sony you had.  I also prefer it to the files from the 50s but not so much because there is a wide quality difference but more that the pixel density of the Sony allows for larger files.  A 15mm portrait position shift LR 3 shot file from the Sony stays within the same area of the image circle as a single shot from my 4150......and I've had the luxury of being able to shift 15mm.  It's really liberating.  I would never do this with my 4150 except for my best lenses (Rody 90mm, Schneider 120 Asph, etc.).  In fact I find it kind of silly to think about shifting with the 4150 given the file size but rise is a whole other issue.  A 15mm Portrait 3 shot shift from the Sony produces a 137MP 3X2.  A 12mm Portrait 3 shot shift from the GFX produces a 90MP 3X4 file.  Not that 90MP is anything to sneeze at but I print and sometimes I get greedy for pixels.....not that I really need them.  A 61MP file from the Sony makes a lovely 40 inch print.  A 51MP file from the GFX also makes a lovely 40 inch print. If you know what you are doing regarding printing and have an excellent file then either camera will work for you. 

The files out of the 7RM4 are really remarkable.  I started to use C1 but quickly gravitated to CR as I think overall it is the better of the two for creating files with delicate micro contrast.  It also has most, not all, of the bells and whistles of C1.  You just have to watch how you sharpen with CR and if you do the files will be gorgeous. My biggest disappointment with C1 is how it sharpened the Sony files.... it's just not as delicate and crisp regardless of settings as can be obtained from CR.

There is quite a bit of difference between the 7RM4 and the 50s as far as handling and usage - at least for me.  The EVF on the Sony is a dream to use.  It's crystal clear very unlike the 50s.  The focus frame on the Sony moves in much smaller steps than the 50s which is important to me.....it really makes a big difference.  There a ton of lenses available of which I have three gems (Sigma 85, Sigma 35, Voigtlander 65).  The Sigmas are as heavy as the Fuji lenses but even steven edge to edge wide open.  The Voigtlander is a modern bench mark.  The main advantage for the 50s, for me, is focus bracketing.  Comes in handy at times..... I actually like the menu on the Sony better than the Fuji but again that's me.

I am of similar age to you and very small framed and also would prefer a lighter setup.  My goal for a backpack excluding tripod, which I always hand carry, is 15 lbs. or less.  I can easily do that with the Actus, Sony and 5 LF lenses of my choice plus other needed stuff. 

Hope some of this helps.....

Victor

[kers]

Jack..... with my Actus most of my work is landscape.  However I am now including my 4150 which is almost exclusively landscape.  Like you, I also don't shoot much wide angle and much prefer to shoot with a normal to 'baby' telephoto and shift which always results in a superior file. 

The 7RM4 is worlds beyond the Sony you had.  I also prefer it to the files from the 50s but not so much because there is a wide quality difference but more that the pixel density of the Sony allows for larger files.  A 15mm portrait position shift LR 3 shot file from the Sony stays within the same area of the image circle as a single shot from my 4150......and I've had the luxury of being able to shift 15mm.  It's really liberating.  I would never do this with my 4150 except for my best lenses (Rody 90mm, Schneider 120 Asph, etc.).  In fact I find it kind of silly to think about shifting with the 4150 given the file size but rise is a whole other issue.  A 15mm Portrait 3 shot shift from the Sony produces a 137MP 3X2.  A 12mm Portrait 3 shot shift from the GFX produces a 90MP 3X4 file.  Not that 90MP is anything to sneeze at but I print and sometimes I get greedy for pixels.....not that I really need them.  A 61MP file from the Sony makes a lovely 40 inch print.  A 51MP file from the GFX also makes a lovely 40 inch print. If you know what you are doing regarding printing and have an excellent file then either camera will work for you. 

The files out of the 7RM4 are really remarkable.  I started to use C1 but quickly gravitated to CR as I think overall it is the better of the two for creating files with delicate micro contrast.  It also has most, not all, of the bells and whistles of C1.  You just have to watch how you sharpen with CR and if you do the files will be gorgeous. My biggest disappointment with C1 is how it sharpened the Sony files.... it's just not as delicate and crisp regardless of settings as can be obtained from CR.

There is quite a bit of difference between the 7RM4 and the 50s as far as handling and usage - at least for me.  The EVF on the Sony is a dream to use.  It's crystal clear very unlike the 50s.  The focus frame on the Sony moves in much smaller steps than the 50s which is important to me.....it really makes a big difference.  There a ton of lenses available of which I have three gems (Sigma 85, Sigma 35, Voigtlander 65).  The Sigmas are as heavy as the Fuji lenses but even steven edge to edge wide open.  The Voigtlander is a modern bench mark.  The main advantage for the 50s, for me, is focus bracketing.  Comes in handy at times..... I actually like the menu on the Sony better than the Fuji but again that's me.

I am of similar age to you and very small framed and also would prefer a lighter setup.  My goal for a backpack excluding tripod, which I always hand carry, is 15 lbs. or less.  I can easily do that with the Actus, Sony and 5 LF lenses of my choice plus other needed stuff. 

Hope some of this helps.....

Victor

what is CR?
focus bracketing= focus stacking?  I thought the Sony did not have that automated?
I have the 85 Sigma , but the nikon 85mm 1.8 S is as good, maybe better and lightweight... I hear the evf is better as well on the nikon z7... but cannot compare...
Nevertheless the Sigma 85 is a very fine lens, better (best) even is the 40mm 1.4 ... also very heavy.

[vjbelle]

CR = Camera Raw . The Sony does not have focus bracketing/stacking as I stated.  The GFX does. 

Victor

[Lust4Life]

Hi Victor,

Interesting the comments you made in your post!!

By CR are you talking about Adobe Camera RAW?
I've used it just recently and found DXO PL and Capture One 20 to do a substantially better job with my
GFX 50S files.  What am I missing in using ACR that you have figured out? 
More detail please IF you feel it surpasses the latest C1 (which I hate their Library and file saving logic) or DXO.
Do I need a "Secret Decoder Ring" to master ACR that you have a source for???   :-)

Victor, the 4150?  Please define as I don't want to make assumptions.

Great to hear the a7RIV is beyond what I experienced with the II as I will have to be going to a lighter camera in the next
year or two due to degenerative health issues - weight!  A set up of Sony glass for 24mm, 24-70mm and 135mm compared to
similar lens in the GFX line gives about a 1.5 pound reduction in weight for me with the Sony setup. 
That is enough to matter but image quality must not be sacrificed.  (Right now when my partner can go with me, she carries for me the two additional lenses and I tote the 50S and one lens plus Sekonix spot meter and carbon Tripod.)

I'm pondering the differences in arrays of the 50S verse the IV.
The 50S has a 51.4MP array is 8256 x 6192 on a 43.8x32.9 piece of media and the IV is 9504 x 6336 on a substantially smaller 35.7 x 23.8 media!

That is a substantial difference that should have the 50S producing an substantially better array for catching photons.
(To the "Peanut Gallery":  Of course I know and don't need to be told there are MANY other factors but the above is one of the dominate ones in my mind.)

I'm curious if you have a file from the Sony in RAW that
you would be willing to DropBox, etc for me to take a look at and compare.
If so, please send me a PM with contact info or contact me at my web site, shadowsdancing.com

I love the use of tilt and shift lenses as it's a carry over of my 4x5 days, but they are heavy! 
The Sony might allow the use of the new Nikon 19mm TS lens, but a long TS lens would work best for building
megapixel files from multi shots stitched.  The Nikon 19 has excellent reviews, if there is an adapter to the Sony for it - as of tonight there is not a good one to the 50S per my last chat a week ago with the chaps at Adorama.

An improvement in EVF would certainly be welcome to my eyes for focusing, as I focus manually in all of my shots.

I am also curious that you did not find the Sony G-Master lenses to be excellent.  Please share more on this as well.

Best,
Jack