Fujifilm GFX owners can easily mount their medium-format mirrorless camera to any large-format 4×5 view camera with a Graflok back using Fotodiox’s new 4×5 GFX Stretch Stitch Adapter. The adapter essentially turns a GFX camera — any specific GFX model will work — into a digital back for a 4×5 camera. However, the most common image area for a 4×5 camera is four by five inches (10.2 by 12.7 centimeters). A GFX camera’s image sensor is 4.4 by 3.3 centimeters. This means a photographer must stitch together multiple GFX photos to take full advantage of the 4×5 view camera’s imaging plane.
The Fotodiox Shift Stretch Adapter includes precise markings and diagrams to help photographers precisely slide their mounted GFX camera to capture the necessary frames for the full panorama image. Depending on the camera’s orientation and desired output, there are designated markings photographers should use. It may sound complicated, but Fotodiox’s video below breaks it down very well. As seen in the video, photographers have multiple stitching modes available. If someone wants just a single frame, that’s fine, too. They can take advantage of the very center of a large-format lens with a rather heavy crop factor. Photographers should keep some things in mind to take advantage of the large-format image area through stitching. ISO, exposure, and white balance settings should be set manually to ensure a consistent look across multiple frames. Further, the selected subject should be stationary, like when shooting any panorama.
Further, only some view cameras will work with this adapter. For starters, it must have a Graflok rear standard back. Particular lens and bellows combinations that require a lens to be close to the film plane for infinity focus may not focus to infinity when used with the new GFX adapter. Further, the adapter will not work on 4×5 field cameras, like the Graflok Crown Graphic, due to focus issues. Fotodiox recommends against using its adapter on 4×5 field cameras altogether, instead only recommending the adapter’s use on 4×5 view cameras. This is due primarily to control over focus. Additional Sample Images
Pricing and Availability All that said, the adapter can help photographers digitize their 4×5 large-format cameras and capture some huge photos. The Fotodiox Pro Shift / Stitch Lens Adapter is available now for $220. Image credits: Fotodiox
