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I have rounded out my set of sensor formats with the acquisition (used) of a medium format Fuji.

It’s debatable whether medium format is the right term for the 44x33mm sensor size (it’s only about 70% larger in area than full frame, and well short of the smallest traditional medium format film size – 645 – which has a frame size of 56x42mm), but in digital sensor terms that is what we are calling this larger than full frame format.

It’s quite an old 51MP sensor but still remains a goody. The 50s was the first in the Fuji GFX line and was a milestone in the reduction of medium format prices at the time of release, and remained in the line up until recently replaced by the 50s mk 2. You can get it for a reasonable price used, about the same as a used Nikon Z7.

I can’t afford to get on the premium Fuji GF lens bandwagon with their hugely expensive prices, but I”ve acquired a suite of classic Pentax 645 primes. These lenses are regularly available used for about the price of a good polarising filter and represent superb value for money. I’m also experimenting with adapted full frame lenses, although these can be problematic. Many won’t cover the larger sensor fully and suffer hard vignetting. However, most are fine with the camera set to a square aspect ratio (which I mainly use).

The primary use of this camera will be for my favourite long exposure photography. It excels at this with a beautifully clean sensor that requires no noise or hot pixel reduction. The camera also has shutter speeds up to an hour available, so a cable release is not needed. It is a heavy beast for handholding, but I can see myself experimenting using it for other types of work.

I am planning a comparison with my A7Rii/Vertex stitch adaptor using the same P645 lenses. Keep an eye out for an upcoming article.