FUJIFILM Hands-On with GFX ETERNA 55 — Chapter 1 “Camera Set-Up” Released

FUJIFILM has launched the primary chapter of their hands-on video collection for the GFX ETERNA 55, with imaging specialist Michael Bulbenko strolling via the digital camera’s bodily structure and included equipment. This introductory chapter covers the whole lot from mounting choices and energy programs to lens adaptation and the dual-sided management structure.Michael Bulbenko, who has spent over 30 years working in imaging from numerous views (behind the digital camera, in entrance of it, and on the pc), guides viewers via the preliminary setup course of. The video serves as a sensible introduction for cinematographers seeking to rise up and working with FUJIFILM’s medium format cinema digital camera rapidly.The GFX ETERNA 55 options in depth mounting choices proper out of the field, with a number of 3/8 inch and one-quarter 20 screw threads on the digital camera’s backside. This eliminates the necessity for extra equipment when mounting to straightforward tripods or help programs. The digital camera’s modular design continues with a removable high deal with that slides onto a recessed dovetail and locks securely into place.What comes within the boxThe commonplace bundle contains a number of key equipment. A high deal with with multi-pin connectivity supplies extra controls and mounting factors. A five-inch LCD monitor with 2000 nits brightness comes with a pop-up lens hood and mounting bracket. The monitor bracket options one-quarter 20 threading on one finish and three/8-inch threading on the opposite, permitting for versatile placement on the deal with, digital camera high, or numerous screw holes built-in into the digital camera physique.FUJIFILM features a PL lens adapter that converts the native G mount to PL, secured with a four-bolt retaining ring. The corporate recommends utilizing all 4 bolts for optimum safety. An AC energy adapter converts AC to a DC 15-volt enter for the digital camera’s rear energy port.GFX ETERNA 55 connectivity. Credit score: FUJIFILMConnectivity and I/OThe rear panel homes complete connectivity choices. Video outputs embody each SDI and HDMI by way of devoted ports. BNC connectors present timecode and genlock enter capabilities. A USB-C port and Ethernet connection broaden workflow choices for tethered capturing or community integration. Audio inputs embody a 3.5mm port with an identical 3.5mm headphone jack for monitoring.Energy choices are equally versatile. The rear panel includes a 15 volt DC enter that accepts both the included adapter or bigger block batteries for prolonged shoots. The built-in V-mount battery plate will be tailored to Gold mount programs utilizing third-party equipment. The facility swap sits on the higher left facet of the digital camera physique.On the digital camera entrance, a two-pin 12-volt output supplies energy for equipment. The native G mount permits direct attachment of FUJIFILM’s GFX lens lineup, together with the 55mm f/1.7, 80mm f/1.7, and 110mm f/2. These lenses allow autofocus performance with the ETERNA 55, a big benefit when the state of affairs calls for it.Lens mounting and adaptation. Credit score: FUJIFILMLens mounting and adaptationAttaching G-mount lenses follows an easy course of. Line up the pink dots, rotate 45 levels till it clicks, then interact the locking lever on the high by pushing it to the correct. This lever cinches the lens tightly and eliminates any play. For cinematographers preferring commonplace cinema optics, the included PL adapter mounts to the G mount and locks with the identical mechanism, then secures with the four-bolt retaining ring. Third-party adapters allow LPL mount compatibility as nicely.The digital camera helps Cooke /i lens information via pins on the adapter. A multi-pin output port on the correct facet of the digital camera supplies energy and management for Fujinon Doval lenses and choose third-party choices. A selector swap to the left of the lens mount toggles between guide focus, autofocus, and cine autofocus modes, notably helpful when working with Fujinon GFX lenses.Twin-sided management structure. Credit score: FUJIFILMDual-sided management layoutOne of the ETERNA 55’s distinctive options is its fully mirrored menu screens on either side of the digital camera. The button structure stays comparable on both sides as nicely, with lock switches that may independently disable controls on the left, proper, or either side. This symmetrical design advantages completely different capturing configurations and crew positions.Six major entry buttons with white dots present shortcuts to frequent capabilities within the house display screen. These embody body price, ISO, shutter angle, ND filters, and white steadiness. Whereas these can’t be reassigned, a person button unlocks one other degree the place shortcuts will be custom-made. Extra operate buttons line either side of the LCD and the correct facet of the digital camera physique, all totally programmable.A big multi-function knob on the underside left of the digital camera (from the operator place) controls ND filters, iris, zoom, and focus. This identical management is mirrored on the highest deal with. The playback button sits above the menu button, offering entry to recorded clips by way of the LCD, SDI, or HDMI outputs.Energy administration and emergency backup. Credit score: FUJIFILMPower administration and emergency backupThe left facet of the digital camera homes two entry doorways. The highest door reveals a slot for FUJIFILM’s commonplace NP-W235 battery, which serves as emergency backup energy. This battery constantly prices from the first energy supply, whether or not V-mount, Gold mount, or the DC 15 volt enter.If the first energy supply fails mid-take, the digital camera saves the present clip, stops recording, and enters standby mode. It stays in standby till major energy reconnects, then resumes regular operation inside seconds. This security web proves worthwhile throughout time-critical shoots.In particular circumstances, the digital camera can function on the NP-W235 alone for brief durations. With out exterior energy, most capabilities stay obtainable besides SDI and HDMI outputs. This emergency mode might save important takes when all batteries are depleted.The underside door supplies entry to media slots. The decrease slot accepts CFexpress Sort B playing cards, whereas the higher slot takes SD playing cards. A big report button seems on each the left facet and entrance of the digital camera physique.High deal with performance. Credit score: FUJIFILMTop deal with functionalityThe removable high deal with expands management choices. Its multi-function management knob mirrors the body-mounted model. A zoom rocker allows powered zoom management with suitable GFX energy zoom lenses. A multi-directional management stick permits repositioning of the autofocus level when utilizing GFX lenses in autofocus mode.Extra begin/cease and programmable operate buttons present redundant controls. A sizzling shoe on high of the deal with accommodates third-party XLR audio adapters, increasing skilled audio capabilities.Availability and resourcesThis first chapter of FUJIFILM’s hands-on collection focuses particularly on bodily setup and accent integration. As we’ve beforehand lined, the GFX ETERNA 55 will obtain a number of firmware updates quickly, with extra capabilities deliberate, together with SDI RAW output and MXF playback enhancements.The modular design and complete equipment give the ETERNA 55 robust out-of-the-box performance for numerous capturing eventualities. What features of the bodily structure and included equipment are most necessary to your workflow? Are the dual-sided controls and emergency energy backup options you worth? 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