The Mitakon Speedmaster 65mm f1.4 Gives the Fujifilm GFX a 51mm f1.1 Equivalent Lens

Last Updated on 12/01/2018 by Mark Beckenbach

With the Mitakon Speedmaster 65mm f1.4, you’re bound to be able to take full advantage of the medium format GFX system.

I’ve never understood why some folks (and they indeed do) say that the Fujifilm GFX system doesn’t need faster lenses than f2, but the Mitakon Speedmaster 65mm f1.4 is offering that to the system for only $799. Granted, you’re getting a manual focus lens that doesn’t have weather sealing, but it’s finally taking advantage of one of the biggest features of medium format; the larger sensor area that amounts to more bokeh per aperture. According to mmcalc, it gives them a 51mm f1.1 lens.

For those of you who have shot medium format in the film days, you’re probably saying to yourself that f2 is plenty fast for medium format. Except there is one big factor here: the Fujifilm GFX system isn’t a full frame 645. It’s between 35mm and 645 (and even medium format film lenses went to f1.8). So theoretically if this system isn’t a 645 system, then it should be able to shoot at f1.4 or even f1.2. That in and of itself would render full frame completely useless in comparison to depth of field at a given focal length.

The Mitakon Speedmaster 65mm f1.4 is  offering up two high refractive index lens elements, two ultra low dispersion elements, and nine aperture blades. It’s also offering all of this at a $799 price point with a retractable lens hood. Unlike Fujifilm’s lenses, there doesn’t seem to be weather sealing, but there is an all metal body.

Tech Specs and sample images are below. It’s pretty perplexing why Fujifilm isn’t making lenses faster than f2 to me. Instead of appealing to medium format folks, they could appeal to full frame users and get our business instead.

Mitakon Speedmaster 65mm f1.4 Sample Images