Fuji GFX 50S gets "full frame" crop mode firmware update to simulate 35mm cameras

Well, this is an interesting little update for the Fujifilm GFX 50S. A new firmware adds a 35mm “full frame” crop mode to its capabilities. It also adds focus bracketing up to 999 frames for those macro users forced into shallow depth of field. And lastly, it adds some more compatibility for the H Mount Adapter G, which lets you use Hasselblad H Mount lenses on the GFX 50S.

Here are the patch notes, and you can download the v3.00 firmware update here.

1. Addition of “Focus Bracketing”
  The update will enable the photographer to shoot focus distance bracketing up to 999 frames. When the photographer start shooting, the focal location is shifted with each activation of the shutter by the step of focus shift set from 1 to 10.
2. Addition of “35mm Format Mode”
  The update will enable the photographer to shoot central 36.0mm x 24.0mm (30.5M) cropped images as both JPEG and RAW files. When using 35mm format adapters(*), it will be easier to adjust the image size to 35mm format image circle lenses by changing the setting.
  * This function cannot be used with some of the mount adapters which have contacts for a camera body.
3. “H MOUNT ADAPTER G” new firmware
  The firmware update will expand the compatibility for the “H MOUNT ADAPTER G” accessory.
  *Regarding the compatibility of lenses and accessories with H MOUNT ADAPTER G, refer to the URL below.
  - H MOUNT ADAPTER G
  *Release latest firmware updates for H MOUNT ADAPTER G
  - Mount Adapter “H MOUNT ADAPTER G” Firmware Update Ver.1.10

I have to be honest, I love the sweet irony of “full frame” now officially being a crop mode in a camera. I wonder if GFX 50S owners will treat it with the same regard that most Nikon FX shooters do toward DX mode on their “full frame” DSLRs?

But, it is nice that GFX 50S users will be able to take advantage of some 35mm lenses (assuming they can find the right adapter). As medium format cameras go, the GFX 50S is relatively small. It’s not really all that dissimilar to a “pro” level DSLR in physical size and isn’t an unreasonable combo to wield. So, for those complaining that they won’t switch to Fuji because it doesn’t have a “full frame” option, here you go.

The focus bracketing update is a very nice feature. I’ve done this occasionally with my Nikon DSLRs using qDslrDashboard’s focus bracketing feature. It’s very handy and it’s pretty cool to see this built right inside a camera. And with that large medium format sensor, it should allow you to create some incredible images.

Click here to download the v3.00 Fuji GFX 50S firmware and here for the v1.10 H Mount Adapter G firmware update.