The decision has been made. Back to basics. Today my new camera arrived and all the rest (except one) has been put on sale. Writing reviews is not my specialty and will never be, However, I’d like to share my first impressions of the Fuji GFX50R.

Unboxing

With the Fuji x-series, all boxes where nicely black, and the one from the X-PRO1 was very nicely made. So I was surprised to now get pure white boxes. Classic, yet different. Very nice touch. Not important for me though, as I hope to see the box never again until I sell the camera (I never keep my camera’s when I upgrade and/or switch systems).

Size

Of course the camera is significant bigger then the x-series, but not so much bigger then the X-H1. I’d say it is like a Mamiya 7 (with the GF50mm) and I am not sure if I will need an additional grip or not. This time will tell me. With the GF110mm attached, for sure I will need two hands though I intend to use a tripod mostly with this lens and that’s why I am grateful that it has an adjustable screen.

Weight

Even with the bigger GF110mm, not too much, though I would not like to walk around with that lens whole day, but therefore I bought the GF50mm instead. This will be my everyday walk around lens.

Buttons

Seems perfect to me. Not too many, and all clearly in reach. That said, it will take a while before my hands can find them seamlessly. I need to go out and shoot.

Beauty

To me, the X-PRO series are gorgeous camera’s, almost as the Contax G1. The XH1 is an ugly beast. But extremely functional and good to hold with bigger lenses. The GFX50R is in between. Not as ugly as the XH1, not as beautiful as a X-PRO.

Sound

Huh? Sound? The camera has a shutter that makes noise. A rolling shutter sound, didn’t hear this for ages. Now, one can move to an electric shutter (which is perfectly silent), but for the time being I will enjoy the sound. A present surprise.

So, I’d say that the first impression is a rather positive one, which is nice as of course my expectations were rather high as well.