FUJI GFX100ii Camera Launch: Rajiv Menon / Aseem Bajaj!

CAM BENEFIT TRUST – SICA (Southern India Cinematographers’ Association) organized an event on a new medium format camera by Fuji film and followed by Special screening of  BECOMING shot by Ace Cinematographer Aseem Bajaj and Directed by Leena Yadav.

Venue : Prasad Lab Theatre  Chennai / 10 am / 24-3-24

It was a noteworthy and well-attended gathering, uniting professionals ,students and enthusiasts from the cinematography community in a shared exploration of the FUJI GFX 100ii medium format camera.

The gathering was marked by a warm welcome address from President A. Karthik Raaja, who provided insights into the day’s schedule. Following this, General Secretary Ilavarasu shared his experiences and perspectives on the importance of film stock as a recording medium, with a particular emphasis on the contributions of Fuji.

The presence of esteemed filmmaker Rajiv Menon added a special dimension to the occasion. Rajiv’s profound passion for understanding cinematography as a medium was acknowledged, along with his role in nurturing and guiding aspiring cinematographers nationwide.

During the start of the event, cinematographer Ramji was honored for his outstanding achievement in winning the state government award for Best Cinematographer for the Tamil film “Thani Oruvan.” This recognition underscored his exceptional talent and contributions to the field of cinematography.

Furthermore, the stage was graced by the presence of veteran cinematographers Alphonse Roy, MN Gnanasekaran of MFi and P. Sukumar, who were also honored. Their extensive experience and remarkable work in the industry were celebrated, highlighting their enduring impact on Tamil cinema and beyond.

During his presiding address, Rajiv Menon expressed his delight at being part of the event, reminiscing about his mentorship alongside Aseem Bajaj under the legendary Ashok Mehta. He fondly recalled nostalgic moments at the Prasad Lab Theatre premises, particularly operating the Steadicam.

Highlighting the significance of film stock as a medium, Rajiv shared statistics from recent Cannes festivals, where nearly 20 movies shot on film stock were entered. He emphasized Fuji’s tradition of prioritizing color accuracy, citing his own experience shooting Mani Ratnam’s “Kadal” using Fuji film stock to capture the nuanced hues of sand and sky in a balanced manner.

Rajiv then introduced the FUJI GFX 100ii camera, detailing its special advantages such as the quality of large sensor imaging and the transformative difference it can make. He also discussed the challenges associated with working with large-format sensors in wide-open apertures.

In conclusion, Rajiv stressed the importance of judging any camera by experiencing its capabilities firsthand, asserting that “seeing is believing” through one’s own eyes.

After Rajiv Menon’s insightful address, the floor was handed over to Mr. Sathya Narayanan of Fuji Film, who commenced the session by highlighting Fuji’s illustrious legacy as a photography company spanning over 90 years. He emphasized Fuji’s diverse presence in various sectors including broadcasting, cinema, projection, and binoculars, underscoring the company’s multifaceted contributions to the imaging industry.

Sathya further elaborated on Fuji’s foray into the mirrorless camera segment for the past 13 years, showcasing the company’s commitment to innovation and cutting-edge technology. He also highlighted Fuji’s extensive experience in producing cine lenses for over 25 years, indicating their expertise in catering to the needs of filmmakers and cinematographers.

An interesting fact shared by Sathya was Fuji’s involvement in providing broadcast cameras for recent events such as IPL matches and sessions in the Indian Parliament.

Sathya delved into  introducing FUJI FILM GFX100ii Mirrorless Camera ..here key points presented

FUJIFILM GFX100 II: Advancements and Features

Sensor Technology:
– The GFX100 II boasts a sensor that is 70% larger than full-frame sensors/ Diagonal Size 58.3mm
– Utilizes X Trans sensor technology, eliminating the need for a low pass filter.
– Features a unique color filter array different from the standard BAYERN pattern.
– Photosites have a 30% increased light capacity

Enhanced Viewfinder and Stabilization:
– Massive 9.44m-dot EVF with 120 fps live view.
– 5 fps blackout-free shutter use.
– 8-stops in-body stabilization for sharper images and greater control over shutter speeds.

Autofocus Performance:
– New 102MP resolution 43.8 x 32.9mm BSI CMOS sensor and X-Processor 5.
– Improved autofocus performance with enhanced tracking.
– Internal subject detection and autofocus algorithms for reliable subject tracking.

Video Capabilities:
– Internal recording in 4:2:2, 10-bit Apple ProRes.
– HDMI output for 12-bit 4:2:2 Apple ProRes RAW or Blackmagic RAW up to 8K/30p.
– Various cinema format crops and aspect ratios supported.

Compatibility and Accessories:
– Compatibility with GF Format, Fujinon PREMISTA, and 35mm cinema formats.
– GF to PL adapter for pairing with cinema optics.
– Two high-resolution 35mm anamorphic recording modes.
– Additional features include waveform and vector scope monitoring, timecode sync, object tracking, SSD recording, and 20 film stimulations mode and REALA ACE Film Simulation mode for softer shadows

Surprising Size Comparison:
– GFX100 II size comparison chart reveals it is larger than Arri LF and even Alexa 65mm sensor, highlighting its significant presence in the industry.

Dynamic Range and Color Science:
– Boasts a dynamic range of 14+ stops.
– Dynamic Range Priority mode enhances dynamic range capabilities.
– F-Log 2 mode available, with a base ISO of 800, providing optimal flexibility in various shooting conditions.

Color Workflow Integration:
– Supports IDT (Input Data Transform) for seamless integration into ACES (Academy Color Encoding System) workflows.
– With ACES workflow compatibility, GFX100 II footage can be effortlessly matched with footage from other cameras, ensuring consistency and ease of color grading.

FUJIFILM GFX Lens Ecosystem:
– FUJIFILM offers an extensive range of lenses catering to different formats.
– For the GFX format, there are nearly 18 lenses available, providing users with a wide array of options to suit their photographic needs.
– Additionally, there are approximately 40 lenses available for the APSC format, further expanding the versatility of FUJIFILM’s lens lineup.

Native Lens Compatibility:
– The FUJIFILM GFX 100 II features a Fujifilm G lens mount, ensuring seamless compatibility with native lenses designed specifically for the GFX format.
– Recent additions to the lens lineup include the Fujifilm GF 110mm F5.6 TS Macro, Fujifilm GF 30mm F5.6 TS, and Fujifilm GF 55mm F1.7R WR, providing users with new creative possibilities.

Image Stabilization:
– The GFX 100 II is equipped with a sensor-based image stabilization system, offering up to 8.0 stops of effectiveness.
– This ensures that all lenses, including those without built-in stabilization, benefit from stabilization when mounted on the GFX 100 II, enhancing image quality and reducing the impact of camera shake.

Focal Length Multiplier:
– Due to the medium format sensor of the GFX 100 II, it has a focal length multiplier of 0.79x compared to full-frame sensors.
– Users can calculate the full-frame equivalent focal length of lenses by multiplying the original focal length by this multiplier, providing a reference for framing and composition.

After the presentation, Sathya was requested by SICA to invite dignitaries from FUJIFILM onto the stage. The following individuals were honored:

Arun Babu – Head of Division of Electronic Imaging, Optical Device, Instax.

Hiroki Yokomizo – Japanese Advisor.

Ranjeet C – National Sales Manager, Electronic Imaging.

Vaibhav Tuteja – Manager, Optical Devices.

Sourabh Joshi – Digital Marketing Manager.

Their presence on stage further emphasized FUJIFILM’s commitment to innovation and collaboration within the imaging industry.

Tea Break was announced by SICA presenter Naga Saravanan.

The event reached its pinnacle with the screening of a short film BECOMING shot by Aseem Bajaj and directed by Leena Yadav, projected through a DCP format. The short film provided a mesmerizing portrayal of the spiritualization of Buddhism, delving into its underlying philosophy of the cycle of lives and rebirth.

Director Leena Yadav’s choice to utilize the FUJIFILM GFX 100 II camera for this project was apt, it symbolizes GFX 100 to GFX1OOii a new camera ..Buddhism as a base theme, the Large Sensor camera utilized by DOP Aseem   to capture  breathtaking visuals that truly immersed the audience in the essence of the narrative. The film showcased stunning imagery depicting a boy’s journey towards becoming a monk, intertwined with captivating landscapes, monochrome scenes, vibrant reds and blues, and contrasting elements of snow and sand. Drone shots provided an unseen aerial perspective, while flares added a magical touch, symbolizing enlightenment and transcendence.

The audience responded with enthusiastic applause, appreciating the artistry and emotional depth portrayed in the short film. It was a fitting conclusion to an event celebrating the FUJIFILM GFX 100 II and its capabilities in capturing the beauty and essence of storytelling through cinematography.

Following the screening, Aseem Bajaj and Leena Yadav were called upon the stage and honored by SICA with the presence of Treasurer Sakthi Saravanan  for their remarkable contribution to the short film project.

Rajiv Menon, expressing his admiration, complimented the film, noting that it was not only a captivating piece of art but also served as an enriching experience for the audience. He further emphasized that the short film effectively showcased the capabilities of the FUJIFILM GFX100 II, serving as a compelling demonstration of its prowess in cinematography. He further pointed out the Drone footage, Panning shots.

In his acceptance speech, Aseem Bajaj expressed his thrill at being present at the event, highlighting his admiration for Rajiv Menon, whom he considers his mentor. He reminisced about a proud moment when he had the opportunity to pull focus for a single shot in Bombay, emphasizing the significance of mentorship in his journey. Bajaj shared a personal anecdote about watching the film “Anjali” at his father’s insistence, which inspired him to aspire to become like the character Anjali. He recounted the profound impact of cinematography, particularly citing Madhu Ambat’s work, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet Ambat in person.

Bajaj then proceeded to discuss the advantages of the FUJIFILM GFX 100 II camera, underlining its capabilities in cinematography. He introduced the technicians who worked alongside him on the project, acknowledging the contributions of drone operator Kshitij Goel and Gimbal macro shots by Sathya.

In conclusion, Bajaj extended his gratitude to SICA for organizing the wonderful event, expressing how it marked a memorable day in his career.

During mid of the event a practical demo of the GFX 100ii cameras important menu navigation was done which had a projection on a LED screen.

Finally many SICA members had a hands on experience with FUJI FILM Gfx 100ii camera and other line up from Fuji.

Article by

CJ Rajkumar

Author/Cinematographer