Everybody, who reads the comments here on FujiRumors, will already know Stealthy Ninja, one of the X-shooter, who has fun to find always new ways to ask for the XF23mmF2WR and helps me to improve my clickbait skills.

Well, Stealthy Ninja is also an active member of the Fuji X Forum community and today’s FXF member guest here on FujiRumors.

If you also want to have the opportunity to be interviewed & featured on FujiRumors, all you have to do is to join our Fuji X Forum Community, share your pics & thoughts there, and you might be the next one :) .

X-Shooter Stealthy Ninja

Tell us something about you

Professional Photographer or Amateur or something in between?

I’m a part time/freelance pro.  I actually prefer to photograph for fun, but yeah, I’ve made money from photography before. LOL can you believe it? Someone actually paid me to press a button then do hundreds of hours of [shoplink 45925 ebay]photoshop[/shoplink] trying to make them look good… hahahaha someone get me some Lexapro®.

Fun fact: My real name is MAX DANGER… yeah nah, actually it’s Adrian Evans, a true blue, dinky di Aussie who have lived in Hong Kong for the last 16 years.  I plan to return to Australia this year if possible… so I’m looking for a job in Australia (hint hint).

What is your kind of photography? (Motives, Approach …)

I just want to continually get better (which is hard when you’re already pretty awesome).

I like all sorts of subjects, I’m particularly good at shooting events.  You see, being 190cm (that’s 6.2336 feet according to google)  I blend perfectly into the crowd, which makes me a terribly stealthy ninja (or is that “terrible”?) so no one ever notices me ever, it’s like I’m a ghost man (鬼佬 ßlittle Hong Kong joke there).  This super power allows me to get photos of people and stuff without them noticing… which was spoiled a bit by having a bulky camera like the [shoplink 45926 ebay]1Dx[/shoplink] with the [shoplink 45927 ebay]70-200 2.8L IS II[/shoplink] attached… gosh, suddenly people would look at me and do that stupid two fingers V sign thing.  Stop looking at me people I’m TRYING to be stealthy here!  Verily, therefore and hence I officially switched to Fuji.  Now I’m practically invisible. Plus I get to be a cool “X” photographer.

I also have dabbled in portraits and landscapes and some other stuff.  I just shoot what moves me on the insides.  Somewhere around the occipital lobe I guess. I’m no brain science guy.

Where can we find more about you on the web (website, Flickr, Facebook, portfolio)

You know if you click on these links: http://www.aevansphoto.com or http://www.aidavproductions.com it’ll be the best part of your day and you won’t believe what will happen next, it’ll be within the 10 ten reasons you have for living I’m sure.  (How am I doing with the clickbait Master Patrick?)

What’s your favorite image taken with a Fuji?

All of the ones I’ve taken ever.  They’re all works of art that could only be bettered by the 23mm f/2.

To be serious. One I particularly like is this one. [image on the top of this post]

This one was taken with the [shoplink 45870 ebay]Samyang 8mm fisheye[/shoplink].  I was messing about near where I USED to work (currently I’m looking for a job if anyone in Australia is reading this… double hint hint) and decided to take a photo looking up at the buildings while I was crossing the road.  Turned out way better than I thought it would.  I like it because it proves sometimes it’s the moment that counts (and a bit of luck).  I like it so much it’s on the main page of my photo website.

Your Move to Fuji

What’s the main reason for you to own a Fuji?

Honestly… size.  I was a bit wary about the sensor not being full frame, but after comparing images I found the difference to be nominal and not enough for me to worry about.  Kutar (my Turkish blood brother) needs a 33mm f/1 though… oh boy he’d love a 33mm f/1 on a medium format, he’d probably faint.

I used to have to wear a wrist brace and would have a really sore back after shooting all day with my DSLR.  These days I dance around like a fairy and never feel any pain at all (apart from pain to my pride from dancing around like a fairy).

Is there something you miss from your previous system?

I’ve shot Canon, Nikon and Sony.  What I miss most is: Giant cameras that hurt my wrist.

Honestly, the confidence it gives you in focusing.  The X-Pro 2 convinced me Fuji has reached a point where I don’t feel it made that much of a difference, but with DSLR you know what you’re gonna get.  It’s just they’re so damned boring yo.

What’s your favorite lens?

23mm f/2.  They probably exist right?

Seriously though, I love the 90mm it’s so special the way it renders.  The 23mm and 56mm combo is my fave two prime lens setup.  The 100-400 is super fun to use too.  I’d have to give my fave lens award to… the 100-400 just for the pure fun of it.

What’s your favorite camera bag?

Easy. [shoplink 45928 ebay]Billingham Hadley Pro[/shoplink]. I literally own two of these bags.

What’s in your bag?

Whatever I need usually.  But for daily stuff, X-Pro 2 with 35 f/2 and other normal daily stuff like keys, earphones and Mjölnir (keeps unworthy people from stealing my bag).

Which X-series camera and which X-mount lenses do you own?

X-Pro 2, 16-55 2.8, 50-140 2.8, 100-400, 23mm 1.4 (not f/2), 35 f/2, 56mm 1.2 and 90mm f/2.

I plan to get a X-T2 this year and then sometime ultra wide.  Let’s see what the 8-16mm is like (or will even exist).

Your Advice to Fuji

Which lens, that is not yet in the roadmap, would you like Fuji to make?

23mm f/2… oh wait, NOT yet in the roadmap… OK 10mm f/2 (non fisheye) I guess.  Though after the 23mm f/2 comes out, no one will ever need another lens ever.  They say the 23mm f/2 will morph into any lens you need automatically by reading your mind.

Tell Fujifilm what’s the main thing they should still improve in the X-series system via Firmware and/or Hardware

4K in the X-Pro 2 (if that’s even possible).  Allow “T” mode for ISO on the X-Pro 2 and the X-T2 (ideally press the front dial in to adjust ISO).  Keep peaking going when you’re recording a video (it’s hard to manual focus while recording video without it).  Improve wifi connectivity (faster, easier).  More/better video controls (Zebra for example), maybe some sort of Log recording. Add a 3.5mm headphone jack to the X-T2 (and a 3.5mm mic jack, not the 2.5mm one like on the X-Pro2). Don’t hide “shoot without lens” so much (X-Pro 2). It would be sweet to have a touch screen for video focus racking and stuff.

Decisive Questions

OVF, EVF or Display?

Usually EVF.  I use OVF for times when I think there will be people walking into the shot or when I want to anticipate people walking into the shot (streets usually). Display for landscapes and video.

Rangefinder style or DSLR shape?

I like Rangefinder for primes and streets, DSLR for zooms and for looking “pro”.  DSLR types have a huge advantage in that you can add a grip. “Wowee that’s so pro!!! Just take my money already, you super-pro guy” – is what people will say when they see your gripped camera.

RAW or JPEG?

RAW.  I like Fuji jpegs fine, but Adobe is doing a good job with RAWs these days.  Plus that guy with the Fro is slightly cooler than Ken R.

Curiosity & Customize you X

What’s Your favorite film simulation

Provia > Acros > Velvia.  All the rest are a bit boring.

Your favorite photography quote.

“Don’t be too proud of this technological terror you’ve constructed. The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force.” – Darth Vader.

This reminds me not to focus too much of technology but focus on photography skills… and not to be afraid of the Dark Side (don’t try and bring out all the details in shadows).

Previous “Behind the X-gear” Episodes:
Episode 1 – Milandro: A talk with X-shooters around the World… and about the X-series SOUL
Episode 2 – Trenton: A talk with “photoholic” X-shooter Trenton… and why the X-T1 is perfect for Lord Voldemort
Episode 3 – Mehrdad: A talk with Fuji X Forum member & official Fujifilm X-photographer Mehrdad
Episode 4 – Tom H: Meet Tom H, the X-shooter with the Coolest Office in the World
Episode 5 – quincy: Meet Quincy, the X-shooter, who made me drop my coffee with his amazing #1 Forum post!
Episode 6 – donpino: Meet Don Pino, the FXF member, who shared the Most Liked Images on the Forum!
Episode 7 -darknj: Meet darknj, the X-shooter, who goes Against the Flow and Declares the XF18-135 his Favorite Lens!
Episode 8 – yokosteel: Meet yukosteel, the X-shooter, who prepared a little Quiz for You (Mitakon 35/F0.95 Vs. Fujinon XF35/F1.4)

Hi X-folks

Let’s take a (very) short break from the usual rumors/news stream and focus on the real heart of the X-system, which is you.

In today’s “Behind the X-gear” episode, we are going to meet Fuji X Forum member yukosteel . He will present himself to the X-world, talke about his photography, share his thoughts about the X-system and has even prepared a little Quiz for you :: Can you recognize which shots were taken with the [shoplink 45606 ebay]Mitakon 35mmF0.95[/shoplink] and which ones with the Fujinon XF35mmF1.4?

If you also want to have the opportunity to be interviewed & featured on FujiRumors, all you have to do is to join our Fuji X Forum Community, share your pics & thoughts there, and you might be the next one :) .

Previous “Behind the X-gear” Episodes:
Episode 1 – Milandro: A talk with X-shooters around the World… and about the X-series SOUL
Episode 2 – Trenton: A talk with “photoholic” X-shooter Trenton… and why the X-T1 is perfect for Lord Voldemort
Episode 3 – Mehrdad: A talk with Fuji X Forum member & official Fujifilm X-photographer Mehrdad
Episode 4 – Tom H: Meet Tom H, the X-shooter with the Coolest Office in the World
Episode 5 – quincy: Meet Quincy, the X-shooter, who made me drop my coffee with his amazing #1 Forum post!
Episode 6 – donpino: Meet Don Pino, the FXF member, who shared the Most Liked Images on the Forum!
Episode 7 – darknj: Meet darknj, the X-shooter, who goes Against the Flow and Declares the XF18-135 his Favorite Lens!

X-Shooter yukosteel

Tell us something about you

Professional Photographer or Amateur or something in between?

I’d say just hobby photographer. My work background is software testing and that is influencing most of my life activities including photography. I like taking pictures and share experience, but also like to investigate and repair photo equipment.

What is your kind of photography? (Motives, Approach …)

With Fuji it’s now mostly street photography, portraits, nature closeups. One thing I like so much about Fuji – it often makes me think more on future shot before taking it, like it was with film cameras. Somehow it delivers more “magic” with a photography process. I often hear from people that Fuji cameras just “call for shooting” – that’s often a motive.

Where can we find more about you on the web (website, Flickr, Facebook, portfolio)

I used to share hundreds of selected shots on FB until “On This Day” feature got introduced and started to disturbe me too often : ) I had to spend few days deleting each photo separately. Posting shots on Fuji forums, Flickr, Deviantart.

https://www.flickr.c…tos/yuriyzvonar
http://yukosteel.dev…art.com/gallery

What’s your favorite image taken with a Fuji?

It’s just every Fuji shot that wakes up positive memories. Being so compact Fuji helps me to catch more interesting moments comparing to heavy DSLR options I used before. I’ll create separate “Favorites” album on Flickr to share some shots that I personally like.

Your Move to Fuji

What’s the main reason for you to own a Fuji?

Excellent performance in low light and pleasant skin tones, comparing to m4/3 and Nikon equipment I used before.

Is there something you miss from your previous system?

The only thing I miss is instant performance of Nikon DSLR – they are actually always “ON” and ready (ON/OFF switch just locks buttons). With Fuji X cameras and lens there are many noticeable lags and slowness that I don’t see even on m4/3 system. But that seriously bothered me only for few months. I just got used to more calm shooting, and use some tricks and workarounds when I need to shoot faster.

What’s your favorite lens?

Fujinon XF35mm 1.4. I think it’s a top gem of all Fuji X lens line. It combines best things I like in Fuji optics: compact size, excellent IQ, light weight.

What’s your favorite camera bag?

It depends witch jacket I wear. Pocket is my favorite bag that I use 90% of time. For most other cases I use small and compact [shoplink 44350 ebay]LowePro StreamLine 100 bag[/shoplink] to fit extra lens, if it doesn’t fit my second pocket : )

What’s in your bag?

Just one camera + single lens most of the time. And one extra battery.

Your Advice to Fuji

Which lens, that is not yet in the roadmap, would you like Fuji to make?

I’d love to see any of existing Fuji lens converted to fully manual version – same optics, but with real manual focus and manual aperture control, no autofocus and no electronics. I think it will be smaller, more durable, and ton of joy to use. I will personally pay few times more for e.g. ” XF-M 35mm 1.4 Limited Edition” : )

Tell Fujifilm what’s the main thing they should still improve in the X-series system via Firmware and/or Hardware

I think it’s performance by custom simplification – more abilities to turn off unused options, menus, operations. Fuji made great step with adding programmable Fn buttons and custom screen items, custom Q menu. Let move forward and allow to tweak “Info” screen items, turn off “hints”. I’d like to be able to turn off everything that slows down camera but I don’t plan to use.

Decisive Questions

OVF, EVF or Display?

Mostly EVF, and Display for quick Info/Preview.

Rangefinder style or DSLR shape?

Tried both and much more like rangefinder style and size.

RAW or JPEG?

Primarily JPEG, for fast post processing. I only used RAW + in camera converting to JPEG to better understand which Film simulations work best for particular cases.

Curiosity & Customize you X

You most & you least used feature in Fujifilm cameras (like film simulations, build-in RAW converter, Extended DR(100-200-400), advanced filters, panorama, digital split image etc…)

Fuji cameras work great with manual lens, so my top used feature is “Focus Check” for precise manual focusing. Second one is Electronic Shutter.  The least used are Panorama/Adv Filters.

Which function is a Must Have feature to place on the FN-buttons of your camera?

Currently all I need is already there. But it would be useful to add other Q-menu items there as well.

What’s Your favorite film simulation

I like the most X-E1 STD “Provia” simulation. Unfortunately it’s no more available in newer cameras like X-E2 or X-T1 (it’s different there), and that is my biggest disappointment about Fuji.

Your favorite photography quote.

My favorite quote “A bug and a flower in the same frame, oh my!” of Petteri Sulonen in article “Boring Photographs”

The Quiz

FXF member yukosteel prepared a little nice Quiz for us. He owns the Mitakon 35mmF0.95 and compared it to the XF35mmF1.4. Under each comparison you’ll find a little Poll were you can drop your vote. Have fun :)

Click on the image for larger view… and solution will follow later on in the comments.

ALL SHOTS AT F/1.4

_ _ _

_ _ _

Hi X-folks

Recently I visited my buddy Andrea from SonyAlphaRumors and we went out for some beers, rumor talk and of course to take some shots. On that day I had the XF 18-135 on my X-T1. Andrea is a pure prime shooter. He looked at me, saw the XF 18-135 and said that the only zoom lens that makes sense to own is a super-zoom, because you might sacrifice a bit of IQ, but you get a very practical allrounder.

And I have to say, that since I own the XF18-135, the other two zooms I have, the 18-55 and 55-200 are not really just collecting dust, but I use them way less then I used to in the past.

Is it my favorite lens? Not really. But there is one X-shooter, who goes against the flow and declares it his favorite lens! It’s Fuji X Forum member darknj.

But discover more about X-shooter darknj in today’s “Behind the X-gear” episode, a 360 degree talk about the X-system and photography in general. Enjoy :-)

If you also want to have the opportunity to be interviewed & featured on FujiRumors, all you have to do is to join our Fuji X Forum Community, share your pics & thoughts there, and you might be the next one :) .

Previous “Behind the X-gear” Episodes:
Episode 1 – Milandro: A talk with X-shooters around the World… and about the X-series SOUL
Episode 2 – Trenton: A talk with “photoholic” X-shooter Trenton… and why the X-T1 is perfect for Lord Voldemort
Episode 3 – Mehrdad: A talk with Fuji X Forum member & official Fujifilm X-photographer Mehrdad
Episode 4 – Tom H: Meet Tom H, the X-shooter with the Coolest Office in the World
Episode 5 – quincy: Meet Quincy, the X-shooter, who made me drop my coffee with his amazing #1 Forum post!
Episode 6 – donpino: Meet Don Pino, the FXF member, who shared the Most Liked Images on the Forum!

X-Shooter darknj

Tell us something about you

Professional Photographer or Amateur or something in between?

Clearly something in between, I am a freelance worker and photography just happen to be part of my skills. But I am thinking of clearly progressing more into photography this year. I have a wedding to cover end of April along several possible baby/child/family portraits for steady income.

What is your kind of photography? (Motives, Approach …)

When not doing professional work, I do mostly events, some streets and life when possible. My photography just need to please me, I don’t often share thing unless I am covering an event or putting things up for friends.

I also travel to Asia one per year more or less that allows me to always get nice pictures back.

Where can we find more about you on the web (website, Flickr, Facebook, portfolio)

I do have Flickr account where I put a whole bunch of stuff, small events coverage, my personal life along family, camera/lenses testings and whole bunch of other things. Nothing really fancy over there. It serves mostly as cloud backup.

What’s your favorite image taken with a Fuji?

Most likely this one from my son, althought kind of cheated on the Fuji system as it was taken with an [shoplink 43831 ebay]Helio M44-2[/shoplink] with a focal reducer.

Your Move to Fuji

What’s the main reason for you to own a Fuji?

IQ/size ratio, it is about the highest IQ for the size/weight. Followed by the close second of colors. But I never did a full switch, cameras are just tools for me, each system have their own advantages or issues.

Is there something you miss from your previous system?

The AF speed of Nikon cameras, I really miss it at times when I only have my X-T1 with me but I am planning to get myself a D500 as complementary to the X-T1.

What’s your favorite lens?

I am going to go against a lot flow and say the 18-135, it is a super practical lens, it isn’t the best IQ but not having to swap lenses can be invaluable at times.

What’s your favorite camera bag?

Currently it’s the Everyday Messenger from Peak Design.

What’s in your bag?

That highly depends on the needs, I load my bags very differently depending on where I go, what I am going to shoot and if I need to be out for long or if I need to edit pictures on the fly. Let just say that on regular basis, I have my X-T1, one of either the 27 or the 35 along a second lens, could be anything from the 18-135, the 10-24 or one of legacy lenses with both the focal reducer and the dumb adapter.

Your Advice to Fuji

Which lens, that is not yet in the roadmap, would you like Fuji to make?

In all honesty, I don’t have that much need of lens specialization, the current line-up does fill my needs, if I could really make a wish, a pancake 23 would be great, either F2 or F2.8.

Tell Fujifilm what’s the main thing they should still improve in the X-series system via Firmware and/or Hardware

Bracketing ! It’s freaking 2016, being limited to a +/- 1 EvF is just laughable, my elderly D5000 can do +/- 2 EvF and it’s over 6 years old.

Decisive Questions

OVF, EVF or Display?

Either EvF or OvF depending on the camera, but don’t do hybrid, it never really work well, at least not within my own trials.

Rangefinder style or DSLR shape?

DSLR, I tried several time to use the rangefinder cameras and they never fit well in my hands, and I already have small hands. I mean seriously, there are women with bigger hands than I do… So yeah, no X-ProX cameras for me.

RAW or JPEG?

Raw + Jpeg, one day I will be confident enough to shoot only Jpegs.

Curiosity & Customize you X

You most & you least used feature in Fujifilm cameras (like film simulations, build-in RAW converter, Extended DR(100-200-400), advanced filters, panorama, digital split image etc…)

Film mode, seriously it’s kind of poorly done when compared to the other brands in class. I do understand they need to put it there because all the others manufacturers are doing it too but it makes little to no sense to me to have a half baked feature. I am a practitioner of, either do it well or don’t do it at all.

Which function is a Must Have feature to place on the FN-buttons of your camera?

The X-T1 has all the controls I need for what I use it for. Some of the menus and sub-menu could be a bit better designed but in overall, I am rather happy about how they did it.

What’s Your favorite film simulation

Provia first, Astia second and Velvia for third. I really like how they have done it and they all look very beautifully done.

Your favorite photography quote.

“The best camera is the one you have with you.” I really like that one, hence me selecting most smartphone based on how good it could take a picture.”

Hi X-folks

Let’s take a short break from the usual rumors/news stream and focus on the real heart of the X-system, which is you.

In today’s “Behind the X-gear” episode, we are going to meet Fuji X Forum member Don Pino, the FXF member, who shared the most liked images by the FXF community (Top #1 image / Top #2 image).

If you also want to have the opportunity to be interviewed & featured on FujiRumors, all you have to do is to join our Fuji X Forum Community, share your pics & thoughts there, and you might be the next one :) .

Previous “Behind the X-gear” Episodes:
Episode 1 – Milandro: A talk with X-shooters around the World… and about the X-series SOUL
Episode 2 – Trenton: A talk with “photoholic” X-shooter Trenton… and why the X-T1 is perfect for Lord Voldemort
Episode 3 – Mehrdad: A talk with Fuji X Forum member & official Fujifilm X-photographer Mehrdad
Episode 4 – Tom H: Meet Tom H, the X-shooter with the Coolest Office in the World
Episode 5 – quincy: Meet Quincy, the X-shooter, who made me drop my coffee with his amazing #1 Forum post!

X-Shooter Don Pino

Tell us something about you

Professional Photographer or Amateur or something in between?

As an amateur you have the priveledge to be free of economical influences. This way you can concentrate on your passion. 

What is your kind of photography? (Motives, Approach …)

Landscape and architecture are like “unequal sisters”. On the surface they seem to be different, but secretly they are connected through an invisible bond. Landscape and architecture are the “Ying and Yang” of photography.

Landscape is a very romantic kind of photography in which lyric and poetry take a great part. For this reason, many landscape photographers unconsciously are oriented towards the pictures of William Turner and other famous romanticists.

Architecture on the contrary, often prefers coolness as well as strict shapes and lines. It often seems to be technological, monochrome and cold.

In the daily routine of photography, architecture and landscape both subsist on wide angle shots or abstract tele shots. And certainly they are increasingly influenced by postproduction.

Where can we find more about you on the web (website, Flickr, Facebook, portfolio)

I have a portfolio on 500px (https://500px.com/don-pino) and on some German websites.

What’s your favorite image taken with a Fuji?

I only started taking pictures two years ago with Fuji. Therefore I haven’t got a very big choice. In my opinion, the pictures of the mushroom pickers are two of my highlights. Especially, because I intentionally visited the Italian Monti Sibillini in June to take pictures of the poppy blossom. Unfortunately, the poppies started flowering lately because of the low temperatures. The pictures were taken in the morning at three degree

Your Move to Fuji

What’s the main reason for you to own a Fuji?

Like many others I was looking for an alternative second system with a compact design which meet the high expectations especially regarding the low-light photography. Not until I bought the X-E2, I got to know the fantastic fixed lenses. After two years of experience, I’d say that Fuji achieved the perfect balance between quality and compactness, simultaneously creating a “brand with a soul”.

Is there something you miss from your previous system?

Since I’m frequently using the DRI technique for night scenes and indoor shootings, I miss the extensive AE – Bracketing possibilities my 5DMKIII had. The X-Pro2 now provides AE bracketing function of +/- 2 which at least is a small step in the right direction.

What’s your favorite lens?

That’s a difficult question regarding the fantastic range of Fuji lenses. I love the 16 mm 1.4 lens as a universal fixed focal length with an extremely close focus distance. Apart from the 10-24mm, the 55-200mm became one if my favourite lenses.

What’s your favorite camera bag?

I like Think Tank. Since I started using Fuji I changed to a more compact model of airport essentials.

What’s in your bag?

X-T1, X-E2 and (hopefully soon) the X-Pro2
16mm, 23mm, 56mm, 10-24mm, 55-200mm and at least the XC16-50
Several 77mm B&W and Haida ND Filters
Three Lee ND-Graduate Filters
Several Step up rings
Nissin i40
A Rocket Blower
Two SanDisk 32 GB SD cards
Undefined lens-cleaning cloth

Your Advice to Fuji

Which lens, that is not yet in the roadmap, would you like Fuji to make?

A new 60mm weather sealed and stabilized “Allround Macro” which can be also used for Portrait Photography, like the popular Canon 100/2,8 L .

Tell Fujifilm what’s the main thing they should still improve in the X-series system via Firmware and/or Hardware

Although I keep told that 80% of the X-users take their “tripod pictures” using a mechanical cable release, I desperately wish for a newer version of camera remote which will make bulb shots and exposures of more than 30 Seconds possible and the remote release dispensable at the same time. Concerning long exposure, I’d like to add that I really could use a “live bulb” function.

Decisive Questions

OVF, EVF or Display?

The EVF of the X-T1 is already great. I don’t even dare to imagine how good the EVF of the X-T2 will be.

Rangefinder style or DSLR shape?

For me this isn’t an “either/or” question. I use them both. It depends on the moment and on the lens.

RAW or JPEG?

At the Moment 100% raw. With Acros this may change.

Curiosity & Customize you X

You most & you least used feature in Fujifilm cameras (like film simulations, build-in RAW converter, Extended DR(100-200-400), advanced filters, panorama, digital split image etc…)

According to me, there should rather be too many options for technical features than too less. At the end it’s up to me anyway whether I use them or not.

Which functions did you place on the FN-buttons of your camera?

I very often use a tripod, therefore I placed the Self-timer at the Top FN Button.

What’s Your favorite film simulation

I am still waiting for Acros.

Your favorite photography quote.

Truly all photographs are self-portraits. (Elizabeth Opalenik)

X-shooter quincy’s Scandinavian Wolf – X-T1 + 55-200

_ _ _

The first of September was just an ordinary day for me. Wake up very early, make a coffee, pet my dog, switch on my notebook and start my daily web-check.

So, as usual, I opened also the Fuji X Forum… but what I saw made me almost drop my coffee!

A new Forum Member called quincy joined the Forum, and his very first entry was nothing else then a very clear & well structured list with the complete overview over all existing and upcoming Fuji X mount lenses. The list included all the names of the lenses, the price in $/€, link to reviews, main specs, a short comment and even a lens chart!

A terrific work, and very useful for the entire X-shooter community. That’s why quincy’s first post ever is now permanently pinned to the top of the Fuji X Lenses Forum section.

Congratulations quincy, and thanks so much also for keeping the list continously updated.

If you also want to have the opportunity to be interviewed & featured on FujiRumors, all you have to do is to join our Fuji X Forum Community, share your pics & thoughts there, and you might be the next one :) .

Previous “Behind the X-gear” Episodes:
Episode 1 – Milandro: A talk with X-shooters around the World… and about the X-series SOUL
Episode 2 – Trenton: A talk with “photoholic” X-shooter Trenton… and why the X-T1 is perfect for Lord Voldemort
Episode 3 – Mehrdad: A talk with Fuji X Forum member & official Fujifilm X-photographer Mehrdad
Episode 4 – Tom H: Meet Tom H, the X-shooter with the Coolest Office in the World

X-Shooter QUINCY

Why did you do that. What brought you to start to collect all the X-mount lenses into a single thread?

It was a pretty selfish reason, actually: Someday while looking through my images, I realized that some things I want to take pictures of never end up in my favourites-folder. Stars, Milkyway, certain Landscapes. So I knew I needed another lens, probably a fast wide-angle, but I did not know which one.

Searching the internet brought up a lot of individual reviews and some few compilations of several lenses, but never a complete overview over all existing options. Since I don’t like spending money on things just to try them out I usually want to be pretty sure the potential new acquisition is the right thing for me before buying it. For example, it took me about two years to choose my camera system.

Thus I decided to do it myself, and instead of stopping at wide-angle lenses, I went all the way for future reference. When I saw the whole list, I thought I might as well share it, perhaps someone else might find it useful.

And for myself, it brought me the wonderful little Samyang 12mm F2.0 NCS CS, a lens I otherwise never would have considered buying.

Did you expect to find so many lenses, when you started with it?

Absolutely not!

When I started collecting the data, I had only Fujinon’s own lenses, the three Zeiss Touits and a hand full of Samyangs in my mind. From there on, it seemed to explode.

Meyer Optik Görlitz, HandeVision, Lensbaby, SLR Magic and Zhongyi, if I recall it right, joined the party before I published the original version of the overview. And since then, it feels to me like there is a new lens every week, at least. At this rate, the chart will soon burst at the seams.

Tell us something about you

Professional Photographer or Amateur or something in between?

Definitely an amateur. Although I have used several DSLR systems (Canon and Nikon) at the University for pure technical photography with deep focus and straight angles, which is neither artistic nor fun, I would not consider photography my job, my profession. Apart from taking photos of test rigs and prototypes, photography is my hobby, and the pictures I take, I take them for me.

What is your kind of photography? (Motives, Approach …)

In general I prefer shooting nature and wildlife. But I almost always have a camera with me, and if I see something that is beautiful, I try to capture it.

Where can we find more about you on the web (website, Flickr, Facebook, portfolio)

I’m no social media person, so there is not much to see, I’m afraid. However, recent comments on my images from family, friends, and even strangers, and the opportunity for this interview convinced me to revive a very old flickr-account that was used for exchanging images years ago.

I’m a bit excited about that, to be honest.

What’s your favorite image taken with a Fuji?

It’s always hard to name just one single favourite thing, so please pardon my digression about this. I like people shots, but I’m not good with people, so I probably won’t ever do portraiture. My ‘favourite image’ is therefore a split between two portraits: One from Tom H., the other from Kirill Sokolov.

From my own pictures, I’d say a wildlife shot I took recently. It’s a scandinavian wolf , backlit by the rising sun [admin: see image at the top].

Your Move to Fuji

What’s the main reason for you to own a Fuji?

Their ‘philosophy’, if you want to call it like that, is what got my attention. To make cameras that are not bigger than they need to be, with direct controls for all important settings (Shutter Speed, Aperture, ISO) without the unnecessary PASM-Modes, without optical low pass filters and with competitive image quality.

The quality of their lenses, as well as the range of the line-up, was what finally convinced me to get into the system. When you look at their lenses, you can see that they have a strong background in lens design from their cine lens division as well as a clear vision. And they keep getting better and better with every new release!

Is there something you miss from your previous system?

My previous system was a Canon SLR, and while I liked the optical viewfinder with split screen indicator and thought I could never live without it, the moment I looked through the EVF of the X-T1 I knew this was for me and I would not go back. I had tried several other EVFs prior to that, and none was even close to convincing me.

So if I still miss something it’s probably the Film itself, and the procedure of loading it into the camera. But for sure I do not miss the limitation to 36 exposures per roll.

What’s your favorite lens?

My choice might surprise you. At the moment, it is a lens that has neither seen a lot of exposure nor love from the community since its introduction. Zack Arias even made fun of it. It’s the XF 55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS.

Despite its non-existent publicity, I found it to be sharp at 200mm and at maximum aperture. And while it is not as fast focussing as the XF 50-140mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR and is two thirds to one and a third stops slower throughout the mutual focal range, it is a good bit longer. It’s a light, compact lens for what it is, and it gives me reliably good results. I just really like it, and most of my images are shot with this lens!

What’s your favorite camera bag?

To date, I have not found one that fits me. I thought the Peak Design Everyday Messenger that is on kickstarter right now might be the one, but after I saw how huge this thing is in reality, it is no longer an option.

When I bought the X-T1, I made an insert from cardboard and cloth for a small messenger bag that I got at a conference for free. The bag is not much wider than the X-T1s height, and not much higher than the X-T1 with the XF 55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS attached is long. I wanted to use this bag on an interim basis until I found a real camera bag that fits me, but I still use it.

What’s in your bag?

Of course my X-T1, and depending on what I’m up to, one or more of the following lenses:
– Samyang 12mm F2.0 NCS CS
– XF 27mm F2.8
– XF 18-55mm F2.8-4.0 R LM OIS
– XF 55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS
And a few accessories:
– EF-X8 and sometimes the Viltrox JY-670 ring flash
– 3x NP-W126
– 3x 32 GB SD card (Transcend & Sandisk)
– Marumi Achromatic Close-up lens (3 Diopters)
– Marumi Circular Polarizer
– Marumi ND8 Filter
– NiSi ND1000 Filter
– Several step-down rings to fit the filters on the lenses
– My trusty Rocket Blower
And it all fits in my small messenger bag!

Your Advice to Fuji

Which lens, that is not yet in the roadmap, would you like Fuji to make?

This question is a tough one, to be honest. The reason being, the lenses I desire the most are exactly the next two on the roadmap: The XF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 R LM OIS and the XF 120mm F/2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro. And the fact that they were on the roadmap was a deciding factor for me to get into the X-System.

So, if I’m allowed to express one wish to Fujifilm, I’d like to have a medium sized, moderately fast long telephoto prime lens next. Something like a XF 400mm F5.6 R LM. Or, if they really want to please me, a XF 400mm F5.0 R LM OIS WR.

Tell Fujifilm what’s the main thing they should still improve in the X-series system via Firmware and/or Hardware

Like with most mirrorless cameras to date, there is a plethora of smaller and larger quirks and flaws, from quickly changing the autofocus point (for which they gave us the directional buttons on the X-T1 in an update) to the autofocus performance itself (good, but not where e.g. the Canon 7D is) to missing focal length dependent auto ISO to jpeg-only histogram to different stabilizing modes for panning and so on.

But considering that the X-System is just celebrating its 5th birthday right now, I’m sure those problems will be eliminated one after the other as new iterations of camera bodies get released.

What I’d really want from Fujifilm would simply be “staying on course”. Their cameras and lenses are beautiful in so many ways. They should not lose that spirit.

Decisive Questions

OVF, EVF or Display?

It depends on the situation, but for normal shooting definitely EVF since I have the X-T1. Having the camera up to the eye greatly enhances the overall stability, and seeing what you get, together with all the additional information (shutter speed, ISO, aperture, artificial horizon, etc.) is invaluable.

For landscape shots from a tripod or macro stuff, I also use the display. The tilt screen is especially useful when shooting low on the ground.

Rangefinder style or DSLR shape?

100% DSLR-shape.

The dual parallax error of rangefinders as well as the imprecise framing always killed my brain, and although cameras with EVF like the X-E2 essentially look “through the lens”, I still want to hold my camera in front of my head, not next to it. When I bring my X-T1 up to the eye, I know that the lens is (at least vertically) in line with what I see.

RAW or JPEG?

I always shoot JPEG FINE + RAW. The Fujifilm JPEGs are really great, and sometimes I just keep them as they are, but usually I load the RAW files into Capture One for culling and developing.

When Scottie Wang brought us the Fujifilm film simulations for Capture One it became even more fun, since I can now compare the film simulations directly while developing the images.

Curiosity & Customize you X

You most & you least used feature in Fujifilm cameras (like film simulations, build-in RAW converter, Extended DR(100-200-400), advanced filters, panorama, digital split image etc…)

I like the digital split image very much because it reminds me of my SLR, but the magnification is just not high enough for me to focus precisely, so I use the focus peaking a lot for manual focus.

I don’t use the advanced filters at all.

Which functions did you place on the FN-buttons of your camera?

On the front button is the depth of field preview. The top button is used for preview exposure / white balance. And with the new firmware update ‘AF Mode’ moved from the top FN button to the video button. The directional buttons are used for autofocus point selection.

What’s Your favorite film simulation

Provia! It gives me the most accurate representation of the scene that was photographed and makes it easy to evaluate if the image came out like I wanted it. And it also helps while photographing, thanks to the EVF. For post processing, I absolutely love the look of Classic Chrome.

Your favorite photography quote.

It’s an L-Lens. Last one we looked at, we turned into a cup. – Kai Man Wong

Hi X-folks

In today’s “Behind the X-gear” episode, we are going to talk to Fuji X Forum member Tom H, the X-shooter with the probably Coolest Office in the World… an office located at 35,000 feet from earth. Tom is a pilot, and in this thread you can see some of his stunning images taken from his priviledged location: the cockpit!

So, if you want to ask him something, for example if it really makes sense to turn off any electronic device (including our X-camera) during take-off or landing, just go ahead ;).

If you also want to have the opportunity to be interviewed & featured on FujiRumors, all you have to do is to join our Fuji X Forum Community, share your pics & thoughts there, and you might be the next one :) .

Previous Episodes: Milandro / Trenton / Mehrdad /

X-Shooter TOM H

Tell us something about you

Ok, since you are a pilot, I just have to ask it to you: after watching the following video, would you ever gate check your Fuji gear ;)

I always keep anything fragile in my flight case, so it’s never in the cargo hold. They should not treat your luggage this way, but sadly, sometimes they do… So never, ever, put anything fragile or valuable in your checked in luggage! Accidents can and will happen eventually.

That said, one of the reasons why I like the Fuji gear is that it doesn’t take up much space. I tend to travel with just the X100T and/or the X-T1 and one lens. Both fit in my flightcase easily, so I can always keep them close. Also, they fit in most safes in hotel rooms, which tend to be small. Fitting a full DSLR kit, lenses and other valuables into a flightcase or safe is usually impossible.

Professional Photographer or Amateur or something in between?

Definitely amateur. I enjoy photography very much, but my day job suits me just fine, so no intention of going professional. Maybe I will start a small side business someday to sell some prints or do some paid work, but it has to stay fun. It’s a great way to unwind and challenge myself.

What is your kind of photography? (Motives, Approach …)

I don’t see myself as one specific kind of photographer. I mostly enjoy portraits, travel and street photography the most, so usually that is what you’ll find me shooting. But I will do something completely different if the mood hits me. I would like to shoot more landscapes, but golden hours tend to be early or late, and I already spend enough days getting up early or working late when on the job.

Where can we find more about you on the web (website, Flickr, Facebook, portfolio)

Most of my content and blog is over at www.tomhenderix.com. Or you can follow me on Instagram as @tomhenderix. I will sometimes post on the Fuji X Forum too, if I have time. Feel free to comment on the blog, or send me a message through the website or Instagram.

What’s your favorite image taken with a Fuji?

That’s a difficult one. If I have to pick just one, it’s one of the first images I made with a Fuji, just days after I received the X100T. It’s a shot of an apocalyptic sunrise with gorgeous colours reflecting of a cloud layer above us. When I saw the files on my pc and saw the colours, sharpness and lack of noise, I was sold on the Fuji system. I used to only take a camera to work on special occasions, but since that shot, I never leave home without one.

Your Move to Fuji

What’s the main reason for you to own a Fuji?

Beautiful colours, excellent sharpness and nice or gorgeous bokeh on most lenses. And all those things in a small camera body that looks and feels like an actual camera, not a Playstation.

On paper, the Fuji is not beating anything else on the market today, but the whole package just comes together so nicely when using it, that the specs don’t really matter anymore.

I just want to go out and use it all the time, and that’s all that’s important in the end.

Is there something you miss from your previous system?

I used a Canon 500D and Canon lenses for years until I switched to a lighter setup last year. I was on the fence between an X-T1 or an Olympus OM-D E-M1. Finally, I went for the OM-D over the Fuji, based mostly on specs and reviews and the fact that it came with a nice weather sealed 12-40mm zoom, something that was lacking from the Fuji system back then.

Eight months later, I was given an X100T. Only days after receiving the X100T, I stopped using the OM-D altogether. I sold it a few weeks ago, as I hadn’t used it since… It’s by all means a brilliant camera, but it never felt special like the Fuji’s do. Since switching to Fuji, I also no longer feel the need to use zooms. The primes are just fine for my needs.

There aren’t many things I miss, but some things would be nice to have.

• IBIS. Once you’ve seen the way Olympus IBIS works, it’s hard not to want it. Though to be honest, I don’t really need it that often. It’s just nice to have that as an option.
• Zebras. The Olympus had a blinking highlight warning in liveview and the EVF, so it was real easy to judge overexposure.This is the feature I miss the most since moving to Fuji.
• Build quality. The Olympus E-M1 is built like a tank. The Fuji’s are quite well built, it’s just that the Olympus felt even more solid. Especially the battery door on the X100T and the card slot on the X-T1 don’t feel as solid as I would like them to be.
• Autofocus speed and accuracy. I rarely miss a shot, but still I feel improvements are needed. That’s highest on my wishlist for any new sensor in the Fuji line up.

What’s your favorite lens?

The 56 1.2 APD. The way it renders is how I wish all lenses rendered. My old favourite was the Canon 135 f2 L, but the Fujinon colours and bokeh are even better, and it’s sharper to boot. It rarely leaves my X-T1.

What’s your favorite camera bag?

I only have two bags, a Lowepro Runner AW 300 backpack, and a ThinkTank Retrospective 5 messenger bag. The backpack I use when I need to take lots of gear. For anything else, I prefer to use the messenger bag.

I like the Retrospective because it doesn’t look like a camera bag. It holds 2 small bodies (Fuji or film) and one or two lenses. I removed the inserts and padding, so it folds flat into my suitcase. That way, I always have a decent camera bag with me when I’m on layover abroad.

While flying, the cameras are in my flightcase, for which I use a ThinkTank Urban Disguise 60. The big centre compartment allows me to carry a Bose Aviation X headset in it, and still have room for up to two small cameras.

What’s in your bag?

Usually just the X100T or the X-T1 and one or two primes. On occasion, I’ll take a film body instead of a digital one, so in that case a Hasselblad Xpan or a Nikon FM2. Which ones I take depends mostly on the destination or the mood of the day.

As far as accessories go, I carry as little as possible. I try not to take anything that will not be used. So one or two spare batteries, one spare memory card, a lens pen, a tiny notebook, and a pen. Some extra film rolls when I take a film body. I use a Peak Design strap, which fits on all my bodies.

I travel a lot for work, so any unnecessary weight is a strain I don’t need.

Your Advice to Fuji

Which lens, that is not yet in the roadmap, would you like Fuji to make?

I’d like to see a revamp of the 35mm f1.4 and the 18mm f2, with the same build quality as the 16mm f1.4. I use the 16mm, 23mm (X100T) and 56mm for 95% of my shots, so I don’t quite need anything else for the time being.

Tell Fujifilm what’s the main thing they should still improve in the X-series system via Firmware and/or Hardware

Firmware:

• Customisable zebras! I still have trouble judging overexposure on skin sometimes, which I never had on the Olympus. Now I need to check overexposure after taking the shot. I’d like to see it before taking it.
• User-friendlier menus, I’m not a fan of the current menu setup, even if I rarely need to use the menu.

Hardware:

• Tougher and weather sealed build quality for new bodies and lenses. The new 16mm f1.4 is my benchmark from now on. Cockpits are very dusty environments, and even in the bag, the cameras will soak up dust like you wouldn’t believe. So weather sealing is greatly appreciated.
• Keep the retro styling, so please have bigger grips as optional accessories, don’t make them standard (I thoroughly dislike mirrorless bodies with oversized grips). The current optional grips for the X-T1 are an excellent solution for people who need more grip.
• A proper flash system and better flash controls. Preferably in cooperation with a company like Cactus or Phottix.
• Autofocus, autofocus, autofocus. Looking forward to trying the new sensor design.

Decisive Questions

OVF, EVF or Display?

Definitely EVF, but lately I’ve been using the display more when shooting portraits. I don’t even bother using the OVF anymore on the X100T, but it looks nice, so please leave it in.

Rangefinder style or DSLR shape?

I like the rangefinder styling more, but I’m left eye dominant, so I can’t use a rangefinder as intented. For fun, I prefer rangefinders. For more serious work, I prefer the X-T1.

RAW or JPEG?

Almost always RAW, but I do use the built-in raw converter to make jpegs, which I then transfer to my phone using the WiFi function. I love that feature.

Curiosity & Customize you X

You most & you least used feature in Fujifilm cameras (like film simulations, build-in RAW converter, Extended DR(100-200-400), advanced filters, panorama, digital split image etc…)

Most used:

• Physical Buttons! I hate going into menus.
• Film simulations, mostly Classic Chrome for portraits and Velvia for landscapes.
• Built-in raw converter and WiFi
• Flippy screen
• Peaking and magnify for manual focus
  

Least (or never) used:

• Advanced filters, never use them
• Panorama feature, also never used it
• Extend DR, nice feature, but I don’t use it.
• Video. I use my phone for video.

Which functions did you place on the FN-buttons of your camera?

Function buttons on the X100T

Top FN: ISO
Trashcan: Macro
WiFi: WiFi
Four way pad: Autofocus point

Function buttons on the X-T1

Front: Preview EXP/WB
WiFi: WiFi
Four way pad: Autofocus point

What’s Your favorite film simulation

Velvia for shots from the sky and Classic Chrome for portraits. For my other work, I have some personal presets to keep my files consistent.

Your favorite photography quote.

“The best camera is the one you have with you.”

Unless you bring a camera, you won’t be taking any pictures. I spent years travelling without bringing a camera and I’m still kicking myself for missing so many great opportunities… Go out there, experience and enjoy the world and the great shots will surely follow.

Hi X-folks

Let’s take a short break from the usual rumors/news stream and focus on the real heart of the X-system, which is you.

In this “Behind the X-gear” episode, official Fuji X photographer & Fuji X Forum member Mehrdad presents himself to the X-world, talkes about his photography and shares his thoughts about the X-system… plus: he unveils what you have to do to become an official Fuji X Photographer ;) .

If you also want to have the opportunity to be interviewed & featured on FujiRumors, all you have to do is to join our Fuji X Forum Community, share your pics & thoughts there, and you might be the next one :) .

Previous Episodes: Milandro / Trenton /

X-Shooter MEHRDAD

Tell us something about you

Professional Photographer or Amateur or something in between?

Something in between? I am more a professional traveller who is serious in taking pictures. But I work professional as well but not for living.

What is your kind of photography? (Motives, Approach …)

My big love is landscape- and streetphotography. Due to my civil engineer education I am somehow vulnerable to architectural photography as well.

My approach depends on the genre and changes from time to time. Sometime I try at least to plan everything up to the last-minute only to realize that most things turn the other way around and sometime I just let me lead through mood, weather and the people around me.

While taking landscape photos I often just sit there and enjoining the scene by myself without pushing the trigger every second the light or scenery changes. Just soaking it in to me enjoining the beauty mother earth is offering me in that moment.

When shooting street for example I am 100% concentrated, my eyes are searching and my brain is trying to abstract what could happen the next second…all the time the camera ready in my hands near my right eye.

Where can we find more about you on the web (website, Flickr, Facebook, portfolio)

A lot of my work can be found on my website (www.mehrdadabedi.com) The more actual stuff and photostories of mine can be found on my blog (www.qimago.de) I also do like Instagram a lot where I can be found @qimago (instagram.com/qimago/)

What’s your favorite image taken with a Fuji?

That is a hard question. Almost every image means a lot to me. I am very bad in remembering things so every photo I take is not only a photograph of a beautiful or interesting scenery, it is a part of my memory my inner is displayed on a photograph. I can not tell you which one is my favorite but which one was the one picture where I knew Fujifilm x was a good choice.

I took this photo in New York with my very first Fujifilm x-camera, actually it was my first Fujifilm camera ever. It was in August 2011 with the X100. I bought it a few weeks before as I was looking for a small and light weighted camera beside my Canon 5D MkII. It is not because it was better quality or something like this. It was just because from this day on I realized that I now will have always a small lightweight camera with me which don’t let me down when I need the quality similar to my dslr.

Your Move to Fuji

What’s the main reason for you to own a Fuji?

The main reason why I own Fujifilm x-series cameras is their small size, their light weight and their beautiful lenses. And yes: I love the rangefinder style of design of the X100-Series and the X-PRO1.

Is there something you miss from your previous system?

Yes! Fujifilms flash system is kind of not existent. I know how to get my results. But I often don’t like it that way and especially my X-PRO1 is driving me crazy here sometimes. My previous system had nice and powerful (as powerful as system flashes could be) flashlights but Fujifilm does only offer more or less better fillflashes. Not a real system. Luckily the Fujifilm x-series are good at low light but sometimes on events I do wish my old Canon flash system back.

What’s your favorite lens?

Easy one! the XF14mm, the XF35mm and my X100T. The XF56mm is nice too. But usually comes only on jobs in to play.

What’s your favorite camera bag?

That’s like asking a women for her favorite handbag. Well, I don’t have a favorite camera bag. There are plenty of good option to choose from. I’ve tried a lot of them: from Lowepro to ThinkTank and finally ended up with a Billingham. I use the Small and the Headley Pro. But as said, that’s just “a” bag for me, and not “the” bag.

During travel I take out the insert and put it with all my lenses and bodies into my flightkit. They are perfect for me. Friends of mine ar kidding sometime telling it looks like the Queens Purse but hey: Everyone has a another taste ;)

What’s in your bag?

My X100T is always with me. Even when I am going for shopping in the supermarket. And the rest depends on location/destination. Sometimes my X-PRO1 with the XF35mm and the XF14mm and quite often lately my Leica M6 with the Zeiss Biogon 25mm f2.8 zm and/or the Voigtländer Skopar 35mm f2.5 P II

Your Advice to Fuji

Which lens, that is not yet in the roadmap, would you like Fuji to make?

I would love to see a wide-angle tilt and shift lens in Fujinon quality. Yeaah! I know: Dream on! But hey, you asked!

Tell Fujifilm what’s the main thing they should still improve in the X-series system via Firmware and/or Hardware

Flash, flash, flash, flash…..ooh, and please don’t forget flaaaaaaaaaaaaash!!!! Hardware and firmware wise yes!

Decisive Questions

OVF, EVF or Display?

EVF! I love to see the photo already before pushing the trigger.
OVF I use where I have no choice: On my Leicas!

But, psssst: I still would like the OVF on the X100 and X-PRO Series…it just looks so beautiful ;)

Rangefinder style or DSLR shape?

Rangefinder! Right eye to the viewfinder, left one for the scene = Perfect!

RAW or JPEG?

I shoot both but mostly only use the RAW file. The jpgs are beautiful and for my family photos I almost always use the jpgs.

Curiosity & Customize you X

You most & you least used feature in Fujifilm cameras (like film simulations, build-in RAW converter, Extended DR(100-200-400), advanced filters, panorama, digital split image etc…)

The panorama function is great! I love Fujifilm x-series cameras for this feature. It comes in quite handy to get a very good result in capturing nice panoramas. Sometimes when I shoot jpgs or do know that I will use the jpg over the raw file I use the the DR 400, in special light conditions this can be the difference between gold or rubbish file ;)

Oh, and what I really love is the electronic shutter. It is so nice to photograph at f2.8 on a bright sunshine day without fearing to get a totatlly overexposed file. For the X-PRO1 one I would wish that sometimes. So I am a little envy on the X-T1 holder…..but only on this issue ;)

The least ones? Well the advanced filter I only used once. At the very first time I hold the camera in my hand to see what it is about. I can achieve these results in much better quality via post production. So definitely my least used feature.

Which functions did you place on the FN-buttons of your camera?

The down-pointing arrow buttons to move the af points, the left one for changing the exposure measurement, the right one for ISO, the upper one for enabling or disabling the preview pic. effect. I put Face detection on the FN Button near the trigger of my X100T and the ND-Filter is on the FN button with the trash symbol.

What’s Your favorite film simulation

Whenever I need to use my jpgs I prefer Astia on my X-PRO1 and Classic Chrome on the X100T

Your favorite photography quote.

“If you can smell the street by looking at a photo, then you know it’s Streetphotography” Bruce Gilden

How do you became an official X-photographer? What should people aspiring to become one, do to become a Fuji embassador?

I am not sure if there is the one way to become a X-photographer. I guess at the end your photo work must convince your local Fujifilm press representative? At least that worked for me. I concentrated on my photography, working on my own style and at the end contacted my local press representative and he must have seen something in my photographs he found worth calling me a Fujifilm X-photographer. At the end it is only a word, a beautiful one ;) but only a word.

Go out and have fun shooting the stuff you like, this is the most important I guess, isn’t it?

Trenton’s Flickr

_ _ _

Hi X-folks

Let’s take a short break from the rumors and focus on the real heart of the X-system, which is you.

In this second “Behind the X-gear” episode, Fuji X Forum member Trenton presents himself to the X-world, tells us about his photography, about the gear he loves and the gear misses in the Fuji X-system and a lot more.

If you also want to have the opportunity to be interviewed & featured on FujiRumors, all you have to do is to join our Fuji X Forum Community, share your pics & thoughts there, and you might be the next one :) .

Previous Episodes: Milandro /

X-Shooter TRENTON

Tell us something about you

Professional Photographer or Amateur or something in between?

Tap-tap. Is it on? Oh hi, my name is Trenton and I do photography for a living because I cannot live without photography. Yes, I’m a photoholic, but since there’s no such word, people usually call me “Professional”.

What is your kind of photography? (Motives, Approach …)

I specialize in photographing social events such as weddings and bar mitzvahs, as well as portraiture. In short: I mostly photograph people. Why? Social events are fun, and human relations are fascinating. Guess I’m an amateur anthropologist. Besides, people require a lot of active problem-solving, just like Fuji X cameras do.

My approach is mostly candid, I’m always trying to capture the essence of the moment, the connection between people in the frame. I’ve been practicing this “photojournalistic” approach for well over quarter of a century, but lately started experimenting with creating my own realities – not in Photoshop, but in front of the camera.

Where can we find more about you on the web (website, Flickr, Facebook, portfolio)

You can find my current portfolio at http://trentontalbot.com; the key word here is “current”. Most of it has been created in Belarus, where I’ve spent last 6 years; only 2 or 3 photos are from my “old” US portfolio. And since I’ve just moved (permanently!) back to Atlanta, I’ll have to create a new one, keeping just a few images from the Eastern Europe. Different world, different event lighting, different approach to liabilities.

What’s your favorite image taken with a Fuji?

It’s like asking a father of many children who’s his favorite! If you insist, I can probably settle with just two. Both are part of my experimentation with reality.

Here I’ve invited a gang of fire artists to help me better understand photographic properties of fire. Remember “different approach to liabilities” that I’ve mentioned earlier?…

This is another favorite, because it was my very first experiment in “levitation” photography. Shot just a few days before I married the girl on a photo.

Your Move to Fuji

What’s the main reason for you to own a Fuji?

Back in the film era I was a huge fan of [shoplink 38833 ebay]Fujichrome Astia[/shoplink], and now Fuji X allows me to get the very same colors digitally. I can talk all day long about how compact the whole system is, or how much lighter my camera bag became after I’ve switched to Fuji… But in the end it all boils down to colors. And how it handles the bad quality of light – low CRI, mixed color temperatures, all that horror doesn’t bother me anymore.

Is there something you miss from your previous system?

I dearly miss Canon’s 16-35/2.8L. That was a perfect “reception” lens, AF was practically telepathic on a 1-series body. Nikon’s offering in this league sucked, and Fuji’s XF 10-24/4… Well, I sold mine. It was gorgeous, but “reception” lens needs to be much faster.

Another thing that I miss is a fast stabilized super tele, such as 300/2.8. I had it for all of my systems – but Fuji doesn’t have one, even on a roadmap. While I understand that it’s a very expensive and niche-oriented piece of glass, I hope that Fuji will make it someday.

Favourite Equipment

What’s your favorite lens?

The most favorite Fujinon in my arsenal is XF 56/1.2. Second favorite is 23/1.4, followed closely by 14/2.8.

What’s your favorite camera bag?

I’m a hardcore ThinkTank fan, even helped them with testing the early prototypes of their modular system.

As for a particular model – like I said, different countries, different worlds. While working in Belarus, I alternated between MindShift Gear Rotation 180 Professional backpack and ThinkTank Retrospective 5 / 7 models. However, on US soil I prefer the roller+belt approach. It works like this: the gear that I currently use lives in a modular components on my ThinkTank Steroid belt, while the rest of the stuff (including backup equipment) are safely stashed in a locking roller case. I currently use ThinkTank Airport International for this.

What’s in your bag?

Do you seriously expect a list? It all depends on assignment. Typically it’s one or two X- T1 bodies, an X100S and a few primes. The “minimal” kit consists of just a good ol’ X100S, while the “maximum” is a truckload of primary and backup gear, lights, stands, props and grips.

Your Advice to Fuji

Which lens, that is not yet in the roadmap, would you like Fuji to make?

Dear Fuji Santa, bring me the 10-24/2.8, better yet – make it f/1.8. That’ll be my reception workhorse! And while you’re at it… How ‘bout that 300/2.8 OIS for next year’s Christmas?

Tell Fujifilm what’s the main thing they should still improve in the X-series system via Firmware and/or Hardware

The interface! There’s never enough shortcuts for a professional workflow. For example, how many keystrokes does it take to format the memory card in a Fuji camera?

Hardware interface got room for improvement, too. Lack of tactile feedback, non-locking drive mode dial, low quality of both side doors…

Decisive Questions

OVF, EVF or Display?

HVF is a more of a gestalt-ish, inspirational thing. It changes the way you perceive the scene. I’ve been shooting with both eyes open for decades, so “seeing outside of the frame” and “viewfinder lag” are both not an issue to me. There’s just some magic to that HVF.

And “EVF vs LCD” is not really a dilemma: horses for courses. If you shoot from odd angles or in extremely cold environment, use an LCD; in all other cases the EVF is your best option.

Rangefinder style or DSLR shape?

I never gonna win any prizes at the Lord Voldemort lookalike contest, for I have a nose. Quite a shnobel actually. So for me personally, the corner placement of an eyepiece always wins.

RAW or JPEG?

Both. I use Photomechanic to quickly edit the shoot, then process the keepers in LR. If Fuji reconsiders their ImageIntelligence policy that results in “waxy” skin tones, I might switch to Jpeg only… But I don’t think that it’s going to happen in the foreseeable future.

Curiosity & Customize you X

You most & you least used feature in Fujifilm cameras (like film simulations, build-in RAW converter, Extended DR(100-200-400), advanced filters, panorama, digital split image etc…)

The least used feature are probably the built-in RAW converter. Never used it, never going to.

And of course, I’m in Astia mode nearly all the time, so the film simulation is a “gimmick” that I use the most.

Which functions did you place on the FN-buttons of your camera?

Arrows do what they should, moving AF point. Front button used to toggle face detection (why can’t we assign a menu with only 2 available options to the button as a real toggle, by the way?). Top button assigned to “Preview WB/Exposure”.

What’s You favorite film simulation

Astia, as you know already. And my least favorite film simulation is B&W Red: it’s a great preset for landscapes, but a lot of photographers have been enthusiastically using it on people… Yikes.

A custom setting you recommend to X-shooters.

The most important custom settings can be found between your ears. Use them! There’s no such thing as a “gorgeous” preset.

Your favorite photography quote.

“If there’s no fun to be had, I’m not interested”.

This is not a photography quote per se, but boy oh boy, does it apply to photography! Here’s another one of my favorites:

“Teach your children photography, and they will never have money for drugs”. Yup. I’m not serious at all. Thou shalt not take thyself too seriously.

image courtesy: milandro

_ _ _

X-SERIES SOUL

I once asked myself: “Why do I like vintage so much?” My answer was: “Because I like things that have a history!”

And that’s what I like on the X-series. Fujifilm put all his photographic culture and history into a modern spec’d yet classic looking camera: the manual controls, the vintage design, features like the film simulation that resemble Fuji’s famous film lineup and more bring the X-series soul into being.

But despite that, you’ll always need the vision, the creativity and the emotions of the X-shooter behind the camera to make that soul soar free.

Therefore, with the series we introduce here on FujiRumors today, I’d like to focus on the real heart of the X-system, which is you, the X-shooter reading these lines. From time to time I’ll ask a Fuji X Forum member if he/she would like to answer to a bunch of questions and I’ll feature the interview on FujiRumors.

FXF member milandro makes the start. Join the forum, share your pics & thoughts, and you could be the next one… if you want ;) .

BEHIND THE X-GEAR

milandro

Tell us something about you

Professional Photographer or Amateur or something in between?

I have been a student of the Istituto Europeo di Design of Milan, then I was a professional photographer for over 25 years, first in Naples then Milan, Italy, then in the Netherlands and then, briefly, in Milan again.

I have been involved in many and different type of photography: Studio still life, product and food photography, portraits, but also, later on, the digitization of many important “ illuminations” in medieval manuscripts when I was associated to the department of photography of the Dutch Royal Library.

I was also co-owner of a company which worked for the Italian branch of the Condé-Nast publishing company and which provided some photographic services and database administration for their sites and some of their printed publications. I have taught Studio and Portrait photography at the Academie voor Fotografie Amsterdam.

I no longer practice photography as a profession at present.

What is your kind of photography? (Motives, Approach …)

I always liked still life photography but also loved portraiture. I worked for the most part of my photographic life with large format cameras from 4” x 5” to 8” x 10 so, I guess, my approach is not the one which a “ street” photographer or the photojournalist would have. I guess I am an old-fashioned studio photographer, I don’t really qualify as a person who follows trends and fashions and pretty much shoot as I’ve always done the only difference is that the camera is a digital one.

My first ever exhibition was about “ urban landscape”, a genre which still fascinates me but I don’t take much of it at this point in time, maybe I should dedicate more attention to it.

Where can people find you on the web?

milandro – Fuji X Forum Profile & Photo Album

What’s your favorite image taken with a Fuji?

If you mean a picture that I’ve taken myself, then it must be the portrait of my good friend Peter Krausz that you find in my gallery here

Your Move to Fuji

What’s the main reason for you to own a Fuji?

Well, when I closed my company some 5 years ago, I was very disenchanted with the photographic profession and for a few years I didn’t want to do any serious photography anymore. Sold all my equipment and only shot the occasional family and holiday shots with a compact camera. One day I went for a walkabout with a friend who still is in de active profession, although he is mainly a teacher, and he had a Fujifilm X100S. The camera intrigued me although I knew that I don’t particularly enjoy viewfinder cameras (I had had in the past a Leica CL with two lenses and a Konica Hexar), so once I was home I took a look on the internet to see what else was out there. I saw an X-E1 and 35mm f1.4, new, in a shop near me and decided that I wanted to have a go and see how I liked it. I did buy it, liked it and after a few days I got myself a 10-24mm f4, a 60mm f2.4, and then I decided to add a cheap longer lens because historically I know that long lenses are not my thing, so I bought the humble ( but great) 50-230mm.

So, I started shooting away, the camera was exactly what I wanted. Most of it was operating old-fashioned dials and that appealed to me because all the cameras that I had ever had in my life had dials to turn and buttons to press. Unfortunately the X-E1 developed a problem with some oil and dust on the sensor and was sent to the Fuji lab, in Germany, came back after 8 weeks.

In the meantime the shop lent me a X-M1, a camera that would have never got me into the system if it would have been my first Fuji. When the X-E1 came back it had another problem with a hair trapped onto the sensor (it arrived that way from the repair lab!), so I was facing  another long wait and the shop offered me a discount on another camera, so I took the chance and bought an X-T1.

Is there something you miss from your previous system?

No.

Favourite Equipment

What’s your favorite lens?

Tough call! I have sold some of the lenses that I had and bought some other lenses. Currently my favorite are the Samyang 12mm and the 60mm macro.

What’s your favorite camera bag?

The one I have a Jill.E Jack messenger extra-large

What’s in your bag?

Samyang fish-eye 8mm f 2.8, Samyang 12mm f2, Fuji 18-55 f2.8-4 , Fuji 60mm f2.4, Fuji 50-230mm 4.5-6.7, a metal L grip to fit the arca system, monopod, gorillapod, camera manual, 3 batteries, magnifier, lens-pen, air blower, X-T1 flash (just in case!), [shoplink 38498 ebay]Sinar chinagraph pencil kit[/shoplink].

I also have a Kipon tilt adapter with a Pentax takumar 28mm, Helios 58mm, [shoplink 38499 ebay]Pentax takumar 100mm macro[/shoplink] and a Tokina 135

Your Advice to Fuji

Which lens, that is not yet in the roadmap, would you like Fuji to make?

I am happy as things are.

Tell Fujifilm what’s the main thing they should still improve in the X-series system via Firmware and/or Hardware

Autofocus in low light and poor contrast with longer lenses, make using any lens as stealth as possible.

Decisive Questions

OVF, EVF or Display?

EVF

Rangefinder style or DSLR shape?

Rangefinder but no OVF.

RAW or JPEG?

Both.

Hey all!

In today’s “Behind the X-gear” episode we are going to meet Matteo Bastianelli, the Fujifilm X-shooter, whose work has been published also at National Geographic and CNN.

• (Using X100T) The poetry of Rio’s ‘Suppressed Favelas at cnn.com
• (Using X-Pro2) Inside a Flourishing—and Conflicted—Weed Industry at nationalgeographic

Interested to know more? Then check out the full interview below :-)

Tell us something about you

I am a freelance documentary photographer and filmmaker based in Rome, Italy. I am a member of Italy’s National Order of Journalists since 2009. Above all I work on long-term projects related to social, environmental and human rights issues, with a keen interest in consequences of wars and their effects on those who live through it, focusing on the theme of memory and identity.

I was a member of Reportage by Getty Images Emerging Talent till 2014. My images and videos have been published and commissioned by a number of media outlets, NGOs, national and international magazines, such as Al Jazeera, Burn, CNN, Der Spiegel, Discovery Channel Interactive, D- La Repubblica, El Pais, Il Corriere della Sera, International Committee of the Red Cross, Internazionale, International New York Times, Lens – The New York Times, L’Espresso, L’Europeo, L’Oeil de la Photographie, La Repubblica, La Stampa, MSNBC, National Geographic Photography (Australia, Netherlands, Usa), National Geographic Italia, Newsweek Japan, PDN, RTL News, Rhythms of Taipei, TIME Lightbox, Vanity Fair, among others.

My projects have been widely awarded and shown in Belgium, Brazil, Estonia, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, The Netherlands and USA.

Professional Photographer or Amateur or something in between?