The following is a brief overview of this FotodioX Nikon to Fujifilm G-mount mount adapter that allows the mounting of Nikon G-type lenses to Fuji’s GX-50S cameras. Although it is generally recommended to utilize native lenses on any camera however, the concept of using lenses from a different camera system to an asymmetrical camera is attractive for several reasons.
Apart from the potential savings and savings, you can make the most of the technology that mirrorless cameras offer (see mirrorless vs DSLR for more details) and make use of the ability to zoom in on an object while framing, which could result in more images that are in focus compared to DSLR. DSLR. Additionally, adapters for lenses can also allow users to use lenses which aren’t accessible for the camera and, is the case with the new Fuji GFX50S is definitely worth a look, as the system is relatively new as only three lenses with a native mount are in stock currently.
When I was shooting using Fuji GFX 50S, I was shooting with Fuji GFX 50S I was wondering how the Nikon lenses would perform on the medium-format camera, and so I decided to test an FotodioX Nikon F to Fuji G-mount adapter.
Typically, one will only look at lenses that are made for larger recording mediums for use in smaller systems. The lens intended for a bigger film or sensor will have a large enough circle of image to fill the complete surface of the sensor without creating Vignetting and other problems. In this instance I chose to go the other way, using full-frame lenses with medium-sized cameras. One may be wondering why someone would ever think of taking this approach, given that images may need to be cropped heavily.
But, when you consider how the medium-format sensor of the Fuji GFX 50S isn’t much larger than the GFX 50S (43.8×32.9mm in comparison to 35.9x24mm See Fuji 50S GFX considerations) Certain full-frame lens may possess a wide enough circle of images to cover the entire sensor, removing the necessity of cropping images.
Additionally, it’s likely that Fuji will launch very speedy prime lenses native to this GFX 50S (such lenses would be extremely expensive, bulky and heavy) therefore the notion of having a mount similar to Nikon’s Nikon 85mm f/1.4G is very appealing for those who shoot in medium format particularly if they want stunning images with bokeh and even a more shallow fields of view.
Lens Adapter Issues
However, all lens adapters have one issue: they are able to add a mount point. If the tolerances of manufacturing are not acceptable (which they typically are) adapters can end up reducing image clarity, especially around those edges. Additionally the low-pass filter stacks may differ significantly among various camera systems, which could negatively affect sharpness of edges further. Because of this, I would not suggest using lenses for architectural or landscape photography (where sharp edges are important) using adapters. It is always recommended to choose native mount lenses specifically designed to provide maximum clarity across the entire frame.
However adapters are helpful for taking portraits in situations where sharpness of edges isn’t a factor. In these situations using an telephoto lens and an adapter lens will produce stunning photos.
Remember this: the FotodioX Nikon F adapter to Fuji G mount adapter is an “dumb” adapter and, therefore, you’ll need to manually focus each Nikon lens. There are no AF communication features.
Construction Quality and Construction
Although one could think that all adapters for lens are alike in terms of their build quality however my experience has proved that the opposite is true. I’ve tested a variety of adapters that work with using the Sony A7R II in the past, and have discovered a lot of them to be between average and poor quality.
Remember that even just a quarter of millimeter can impact on the image’s sharpness using adapters. So if you are looking for the highest edge-to-edge clarity, you may need to test a couple of these. Incredibly, while certain brands were superior to other brands, tolerances weren’t necessarily higher and sometimes, using two of the exact same adapter could produce completely different outcomes.
This is why is the case with using the FotodioX F adapter to Fuji G mount adapter, I didn’t bother to test a variety of models for tolerances because my intention was not to utilize the adapter to get the highest edge-to-edge clarity. I was aware that a majority the lenses I have for landscape will not perform well on medium format because of the smaller image circles and the resulting Vignetting issues My goal was to determine how useful my Nikon Telephoto lenses would perform with the Fuji GFX 50S.
This FotodioX Nikon F adapter from Fuji G mount adapter is entirely made of metal. Both the G-mount and F-mount sides feature a metallic appearance as can be seen in the image above and the middle part of the adapter is black. The middle part has smooth surfaces and the ring that rotates features two textured areas to provide more grip. The non-moving section of the adapter is marked with “Fotodiox Pro Nik(G) with the GFX” engraving and the one that is moving is engraved with apertures that range from big to small apertures:
There isn’t a corresponding F-number in relation to aperture size since the apertures’ maximum and minimum sizes can vary significantly depending on the lens. In order to change the aperture the aperture ring can be rotated using the tiny lever that is located to the side or by grabbing the two textured parts within the ring. The ring is able to rotate quite easily but the it is not as strong on mine. certainly decreases to the final three dots as you slow down.
When viewing the adapter from top it is possible to see the aperture lever moving inside and out. This is an adapter made of mechanical that means it can only be used for Nikon’s “G” type lenses with an aperture lever in the mount. However, you won’t be able to stop any of the more recent “E” types of lenses using this adapter. These lenses need an adapter that is electronic.
By using the adapter
There are two red markings on either part of the mounting that aid in aligning the dots with the camera’s mount or lens. I found them to be quite precise. Mounting the adapter onto the camera is fairly simple and once it’s placed in its place it clicks, and remains solid. My test was difficult to mount securely on the GFX50S and required a lot of force to secure it in the position that clicks. After mounting and dismounting it several times, it started to look slightly better.
After the adapter has been installed on the camera, mounting the Nikon lens is the same from mounting it on an camera body. Just place with the dot in red on the mounting to that of the dot in the center, and move the lens counter-clockwise until it clicks into position. To remove or release the lens, you’ll have to insert the tiny ear with a spring situated close to the red line first. Be aware that if you plan to utilize an old Nikon lens that has the aperture ring you’ll need to close the lens to the lowest aperture prior to being capable of using the aperture ring of FotodioX. FotodioX adapter.
Here’s the Noct-NIKKOR The 58mm f/1.2 set up on the Fuji GFX 50S with the FotodioX adapter:
Noct NIKKOR 58mm f/1.2 mounted on Fuji GFX 50S
It is evident in the picture the lens is adjusted to its maximum aperture. The little pointer is directed towards the diaphragm that is first.
Make use of Noct-NIKKOR’s 58mm f/1.2
Personally my personal experience, one of the first lenses I was looking to try with the GFX was the Noct-NIKKOR 58mm f/1.2 iconic classic and one of the best and fastest lens Nikon has ever produced. I am the very proud owner of the Noct and it’s the lens I love over any more modern lenses Nikon has recently released even though they are more sharp than the older ones. Read the review of the Noct-NIKKOR58mm f/1.2 review to learn more about this tiny gem.
The way that the Noct-NIKKOR58mm f/1.2 renders bokeh looks extraordinary! It was a surprise to me that the lens didn’t show any signs of vignetting in the images. There is certainly vignetting around areas around the frames however, it’s mostly due to the stunning natural vignetting that the lens creates when it is exposed to large apertures.
The focus at large apertures is difficult particularly when it’s quite windy as everything moves. In this case I set the focus of my lens to the smallest distance for focus and then moved my body toward to the flowers until I could see that the part I was looking at was clearly in focus.
The ability to shoot at f/1.2 using this GFX 50S is awe-inspiring So, when the sun went down I placed my sweet girl Jasmine just next to a window. I then took the following portrait:
As you can observe, her face as well as her right shoulder were illuminated by the dim blue light outside, whereas the indoor lights that were yellow lit her other side as well as the background. The ability to focus upon her right eye seemed simple using the GFX 50S. Pressing of the rear dial will zoom in to the focal point in a flash similar to the Fuji X-T2 So all I needed to do was to move the focus knob on the Noct until part of her eyes was focused. With such a short distance and a large aperture, I needed to ensure that I didn’t sway between the two during the process, as the it was thin!
Make use of Nikon 85mm f/1.8G
In the early morning I also had the opportunity to try earlier in the day, I also had a chance to test Nikon 85mm f/1.8G with the GFX 50S. Here’s a photo of Jasmine at f/1.8:
It’s not a Noct, but at its cost it is a great value. Nikon 85mm f/1.8G is a stunning portrait lens. It is sharp and renders background extremely smoothly. There’s no vignetting to worry about as the lens covers the entire image sensor. If you have Nikon 85mm f/1.4G, you can use it to capture stunning portraits. Nikon 85mm f/1.4G it completely covers the sensor and renders stunning images. At f/1.4 and you will get an even more shallow depth of field to create amazing portraits.
Notes on Lenses Tested and Tested
To date, I’ve tried the FotodioX adapter on a variety different Nikon lenses. Although many lenses are excellent sufficient to fill the entire circle of images, certain lenses are not suitable for use with this adapter. For instance for example, the Nikon 24-120mm f/4G lens is a extremely poor choice because it has a lot of vignetting in all focal lengths.
The image circle of the lens is not big enough to cover a full frame sensor, which means it will not really perform with the GFX 50S. This is also true for several other contemporary Nikon lenses. However certain older lenses work well using the adapter as well. They are also capable of filling the entire GFX50S camera:
- Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G – visible vignetting across all focal lengths.
- Sigma 2435mm F/2 – edge vignetting starting at 24mm. It completely disappears by 26mm
- Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8E VR – visible vignetting throughout all focal lengths
- Nikon 24-120mm F/4G VR Vignetting is intense, visible across all focal lengths.
- Nikon 28mm f/2.8 AiS Visible vignetting on the extreme edges when in focus (no Vignetting when in close focus) It will require slight cropping
- Nikon 35mm f/2.8 AiS – no vignetting
- Nikon 50mm f/1.2 AiS – vignetting that is heavy on the edges of the image, will necessitate cropping
- Nikon 50mm f/1.4G – slight corner vignetting
- Nikon 50mm f/1.8G – no vignetting
- Nikon 55mm f/1.2 AiS – slight vignetting in wide-open, but more noticeable at infinity
- Noct-Nikkor 58mm f/1.2 AiS – no vignetting
- Nikon 85mm f/1.4G – no vignetting
- Nikon 85mm f/1.8G – no vignetting
- Nikon Micro-NIKKOR105mm f/2.8G VR – visible edge vignetting infinity, requires cropping
However, it’s difficult to know which lenses perform better than others, as it’s all based on the size of an image circle the lens makes. Because tilt-shift lenses usually feature large image circles, they should perform well with the GFX 50S as they are not too shifted. In general, larger lenses will be less troublesome, but it is dependent on the style. As you can observe this lens, 100mm f/2.8G VR Macro showed visible vignetting when infinity focused while much shorter focal length lenses like those with 35mm f/2.8 AiS showed no signs of Vignetting.
Conclusion
If you’ve purchased or are considering purchasing the Fuji GFX-50S medium format camera and have Nikon lens, then you may be interested in taking a close review of the FotodioX Nikon F adapter. It is a Nikon F Fuji G mount adapter. As you will see in this review, although Fuji is busy developing native lenses for GFX 50S, you may already use some of the available Nikon glass to create stunning portraits.
If the lens you intend to use is able to cover the entire image sensor and doesn’t draw vignettes in a large amount, you’ll be able to decrease in size without any big problems. Overall, I’d recommend this adapter for utilized with Nikon lenses mounted on the Fujifilm GFX 50S. It’s an extremely reliable, high-quality item worth looking into for those who wish the ability to attach Nikon lenses onto this mount. Fujifilm G mount.