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While the Vertex Rotating adapter technique, creating real medium format images (46x46mm sensor equivalent), or with a Fuji 65x65mm sensor equivalent) ... one has to be a bit very thoughtful and stop a bit, thinking about where I am going, and where I wish to go. What is reasonable and what is perhaps just a "honeymoon enthusiasm effect" for the time being. A sort of "Wow effect" which then plunges down like a pancake when the "magic" is over.
I mean, before I invest into a second hand Fujifilm GFX 50s camera, or even a Pentax 645z camera in Spring 2024.
Both are not very expensive on the second hand market, in fact cheaper than what my Canon ESOS R was, and in line or cheaper even what my Olympus OM-1 camera cost. But still - it is still money at around 2000 € + 500 for a new rotating Vertex adapter.
As of now: What and what Not.
I can already make wonderful images with Pentax 6x7 lenses - and do wonderful things i didn't even dream of doing just a couple weeks ago, while my Pentax 6x7 lenses were "collecting dust". Albeit... this "Vertex" method only works on still subjects and objects.
The stitching thing doesn't work well, as soon something is moving in the frame... And then there is the tricky issue with doing portraits. Let's be honest here - the "Vertex" method is quite iffy and highly unpredictable.
I never get to "feel" the entire view of a persons face and expression in the camera viewfinder. you know, the feeling of when a portrait is special... when the alignment of light, facial expression and overall look and placement in the frame is "perfect".
Well... this Vertex technique doesn't need to be the same, like the normal way of shooting portraits in a studio either. Perhaps it is I (my thinking) which limits my view. Let's perhaps say, that the Vertex method is just another way, to make Medium Format images. It does not need to "replace" everything. It is just another method of taking photos "the big ol' way"
Nobody said it needs to be used for studio portraits all the time. Or be as perfect as a "one click" portrait (= made in one go, instead of 4 separately images).
It can be done. I have seen it !
Interesting technique: yes.
Viable for longer time: I am not so sure.
I would call it a very interesting technique - which can create new ideas, looks and collaborations between model and photographer. Very experimental and different compared to the normal standard "click-click" type of photography. (Here the model has to tune into the wishes of the photographer). While normally we often take images of people in their own movements, as they seem fit.
In the studio I do like when the mode adjust to the wishes of the photographer. But today's models often move constantly thinking that the photographer follows in every of their moves. Well, in a home made studio with limited space, and fixed studio lights - the look of an image changes as soon you move a meter away - everything looks different. Even the exposure needs to be correct. So, that type of photography i am not really a bit fan of.
I like to deepen the feeling and collaboration between model and Photographer. Between moving very slow, or even "freeze" a position. I like to be a little bit more relaxed, and not constantly change the whims of a model moving back and forth on "stage" / in a little studio.
The Vertex method in portraits
I don't see Vertex Rotating method as a viable way to take medium format images of people, e.g. in portraits. Its a bit too... well, it isn't as straight like when you see the model in the frame - and when it feels right, you take the shot(s).
With the Vertex method you need concepts and ideas, how to place the model. Plus you never see the end result until you stitch the four images together. Then you see, if you framed the person correctly (within the quadratic frame), and if the expression in the face of the model was the desired one.
I love the Vertex rotating method - but only as an experimental type of photography.
Nothing more. Nothing less.
But i feel that as soon i use it on people in the photo studio, it ain't holding water. So, what is the answer then ?
A "Mini" Medium format camera (44x33 mm)
I have looked into the RAW files of a Fujifilm 50s camera, and yes, - I can only agree that the Sony 50 MP sensor is gorgeous, despite its age - it delivers, totally holding up even in 2023/24. I am also intrigued about the good high light recovery with that sensor !
The RAW files are malleable, flexible and show very good noise behavior, even at higher ISO. (And then you have Adobe Denoise, which brings down any high ISO noise further... so this is a very powerful combo !
Most likely I go the Fujifilm GFX 50s route. Either as a one-shot camera in the studio, or as a digital "Pentax 6x7" camera together with the Vertex adapter, emulating a sensor equivalent of 65x65mm - covering the full image circle of Pentax 6x7 lenses - without any crop factor !!!
That is like a wet dream for anyone who ever dealt with 6x7 Medium format cameras with film, producing those gorgeous large 6x7 negatives.
While the Greek World is focused on Fujifilm 100 MP...
Now that the world is focusing on the latest from Fuji, the GFX 100s II, which was presented to the world in Stockholm... (and it appears to be an awesome camera, and this time, I liked the files coming out of that camera). So, nobody seem to be interested into the older GFX 50 models, especially not the first generation from 2017.
They gonna drop even further in price.
I am sure I can get a Fuji GFX 50s for around 1500 € in Spring 2024. Given that they once cost 7500 €, around 6 years ago when introduced back in 2017 - they are now approaching the level of 'bargain' prices. Which isn't bad, given that you are dealing with a "baby" medium format digital camera.
Shooting discipline required - when going Medium Format
However one needs to understand the following: you need to have very good shooting discipline. Are dealing with a medium format camera (and the aforementioned model is without IBIS - which means more tripod work, and less hand-shooting. If you want the quality that a 50 MP medium format provides when used correctly.
Well, for me - it will be tripod work anyway. Since I will use it as a "Pentax 6x7" camera with the Vertex adapter. You can't do that without tripod. Pentax 6x7 lenses often need to be stopped down in order to acquire really high quality / sharpness in finer details. Especially when you use them digitally.
Well let's just say it like this: You treat the whole setup like a real 6x7 medium format, analog film camera. Those cameras are always always used with tripod, if you want sharp images which stand out.
Then - true high quality with not be withheld from you.
Real landscape photographers know this already...
Otherwise the whole meaning with a larger format, whether film is used, or a digital sensor, would be and is wasted for nothing. (This doesn't exclude all kinds of experiments, where you break rules. But making them a "normal new thing" all the time, degrades the shooting discipline of the photographer over a longer time. Often we are used to just skip the tripod...
But I often notice, how good images look in the fine details, when I use a tripod. At times, the difference is remarkable. Of course... real landscape photographer, often do use tripods. They know the difference. And they know that errors creep in too easily when you get sloppy - especially with medium format cameras. |
