Digital medium format, a few years old (Fuji R vs Gen 1 X1D)

[Ff_mesideways]

I'm only a play photographer but I like serious results. I don't bother with post so I'm looking for the best straight out of camera outcomes I can get.

I'll be perfectly honest my photos are for Instagram but this is Pistonheads so I figure this sort of foolishness is not only OK, but to be encouraged.

I'm obsessed with medium format. But while I could pay the 6k+ a new set-up would require, I can't justify it up against other things.

So I'm looking at either a Hasselblad X1D with a 45P lens (both on MBP £2049 in "like new" and £889 respectively), or a Fuji GFX-R with a 50m lens (£2000 on eBay and £700 on MBP respectively).

I've watched the mandatory 50 YouTube videos that have left me none the wiser. The biggest issue seems to be simply is the X1D mark 1 menu system and touchscreen, not to put too fine a point on it, a bit rubbish. Stepping up to the X1D II is a spend over 4 grand with lens.

All helpful and even less helpful comments appreciated.

[toohuge]

I share your medium format interest and have been looking at the X1D recently....

In terms of in camera jpeg processing / output, I believe the fuji may be superior. I have read great things about the fuji jpeg processing... that said, I have used the 50R and couldn't stand it. None of the camera made sense and I simply couldn't get along with it....

The X1D looks awesome, however, much as I want to go all in, from the reviews I've read, it does seem a little awkward to be polite, plus I believe the AF on the II is vastly improved.

One thing I did stumble across is this note about in camera jpeg size in this review: https://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/hasselblad-...

All in all, technically, I think the Fuji will give you the best out of camera jpeg performance in the medium format arena. I'd be tempted to rent one for a weekend first to see if the interface and output are going to satisfy you.

[Ff_mesideways]

Very helpful, thanks

[Gad-Westy]

I believe you can borrow Fuji equipment for 48 hours to see if you like it.

[Ff_mesideways]

the 50R is only available used sadly

[DibblyDobbler]

Whilst equipment buying is always to be encouraged, medium format kit must surely be *massively* over the top for Instagram output (ie typically viewed on a phone screen). If you want it for its own sake then fair enough but I seriously doubt you or your followers will be able to tell the difference....

Sorry to be a damp squib!

[Gad-Westy]

Ff_mesideways said:

the 50R is only available used sadly

But you’d get a good feel for the Fuji system and controls.

[GravelBen]

DibblyDobbler said:

Whilst equipment buying is always to be encouraged, medium format kit must surely be *massively* over the top for Instagram output (ie typically viewed on a phone screen). If you want it for its own sake then fair enough but I seriously doubt you or your followers will be able to tell the difference....

Sorry to be a damp squib!

Especially for someone who doesn't bother with post processing and just uses out-of-camera jpegs.

My sensible hat would say put the medium format idea aside and get whichever of the Fuji X-series APSC cameras you best like the feel of.

But hey, its your money so spend it how you like!

[Tony1963]

I’d go as far as saying that typically images with good post-processing from a smartphone will attract more attention than images from the most expensive medium format rig you can come up with, with no processing.

Even now, cameras rarely see the world the way we do, or want to.

[Ff_mesideways]

GravelBen said:

DibblyDobbler said:

Whilst equipment buying is always to be encouraged, medium format kit must surely be *massively* over the top for Instagram output (ie typically viewed on a phone screen). If you want it for its own sake then fair enough but I seriously doubt you or your followers will be able to tell the difference....

Sorry to be a damp squib!

Especially for someone who doesn't bother with post processing and just uses out-of-camera jpegs.

My sensible hat would say put the medium format idea aside and get whichever of the Fuji X-series APSC cameras you best like the feel of.

But hey, its your money so spend it how you like!

This is indeed an option that I’ve considered and might wait for the Fuji event at the end of the month as prices on XPro3 might drop once new models are out. But I’m inclined to think I might as well just use a phone, and it’s still the better part of £2k for a decent XPro and a lens that is equivalent quality to the Hasselblad X/Fuji G.

In the meantime I’m going down a large format camera Instax wide rabbit hole.

If the Leica fixed lens was a bit cheaper I’d consider that instead.