u/photos_with_reid

gfx100ii, gf35-70 & gf110

gfx100ii, gf35-70

Hey everyone,
I wanted to share a recent Camera Gear journey that I just wrapped up, mostly because I think a lot of us might fall into the same mental trap and maybe my experience saves someone a bit of time and money.

TL;DR at the end.

Setup:
I am taking photos for over 20 years now. For the past couple of years, my Fujifilm X100V was my daily driver. I loved it, but as time went on, the "Medium Format Siren Song" got louder. Digital medium format was always something look up to for me and to eventually get there one day. So the GfX 50R got cheaper to a point where it was actually affordable and justifiable for me. I kept looking at GFX sample images online - that three-dimensional pop, the absurd dynamic range, the rendering, the sheer detail. I started convincing myself that my photography was being bottlenecked by an APS-C sensor. Especially after coming from full frame before the x100v.
So, two months ago, I made the jump. I sold my X100V and picked up a clean, used GFX 50R. On paper and in my head it felt like the ultimate upgrade decision.

The Reality Check (1.5 Months In):
There is no denying it: the files coming out of the GFX 50R are absolute magic. The medium format look is real, and when you slow down and compose a shot carefully, it’s incredible.
But here is what I didn't anticipate: it completely killed my photographic spontaneity.
The 50R is compact for a medium format camera, but it’s still a heavy brick compared to an X100. Suddenly, taking a camera with me wasn't a frictionless decision anymore.

With the X100, I just threw it in any bag or over my shoulder without thinking. It was an extension of my daily life. With the GFX, I found myself asking: "Do I really need to carry this today?"

That subtle mental friction changed my entire mindset. I stopped being an active observer of my everyday surroundings and turned into a heavy-equipment operator who only took the camera out for "dedicated photo sessions." I missed dozens of spontaneous, unplannable moments simply because the camera was left at home.

The Pivot
After 6 weeks, I had to be radically honest with myself: High dynamic range and 50 megapixels mean nothing if the camera stays on the shelf. I cut my losses, sold the GFX 50R, and picked up the new X100VI.
Holding the X100VI now feels like coming home again and also completely different than holding my old X100V for the first time. I’m not using it because of hype anymore. I’m using it because I tested the alternative and learned what actually matters for my creative process. I traded ultimate technical perfection for creative freedom and zero friction.

TL;DR:
Don't let the pursuit of image quality ruin your actual shooting experience. The best camera isn't the one with the biggest sensor or highest resolution; it’s the one that eliminates the barrier between seeing a moment and capturing it.
Curious to hear from you guys: Have you ever made an "upgrade" on paper that totally wrecked your actual shooting workflow? Did you stick it out or double back?

10.3" geissele super duty

14.5" geissele super duty

16" daniel defense dd5v3 .308

edit: typo

gfx100ii, gf35-70

gfx100ii. gf35-70.

gfx100ii. gf35-70.

gfx100ii, gf55

gfx100ii, gf35-70

gfx100ii, gf35-70

gfx100ii, gf35-70