First looks at the Samyang/Rokinon 12mm f2.0

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AmazonUS / BHphoto

– Rokinon 12mm f2.0 for X-Mount – a first look at aps-photo: “Is this a replacement for the Fuji lenses? No I don’t think so, it might be a nice addition or if you are on a budget it might be a good lens to get. It is really hard to beat the [shoplink 12888]Fuji 14mm f2.8[/shoplink] or the [shoplink 20414]Fuji 10-24mm f4[/shoplink], they are very high quality lenses.”

– A pretty detailed first look at the Rokinon 12mm (mounted on Canon EOS-M) by N. Hamilton can be read at the AmazonUS customer reviews here: “For the money, I’m very pleased with my purchase. There are a variety of good reasons NOT to buy this lens, but if you can live with the negatives, this lens is a good value ultra-wide angle. Even after the use I’ve put it through so far, I would buy this lens again. I plan to give it some more extensive testing in the next several weeks.”

 

X-T1: Travel, Action, Mud… and the Fujifilm X-T1 (+ Yashica 50mm 1.7)

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image courtesy: f8photography

Fujifilm X-T1
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The Fujifilm X-T1 body is in stock at Adorama here and at Pictureline here.

The Travel

– British Pro-Photographer Gary Tyson traveled for three weeks through three different countries (Cambodia, Korea and Hong Kong) with his X-T1. And here is non technical and nice real life review of the X-T1, the Fujinon XF lenses (14, 18, 23, 35, 56) and also some thoughts on Lightroom 5.4. You can read his review here and you’ll understand why he highly recommends the X-system and the X-T1, “easily the best mirrorless camera of 2014 (so far for me)“. Here some excerpts (full review here):

Body: “The finish of the camera is great […] they’ve worked so hard to get most things very very right, then put on a flimsy SD card door that you open and close every time you shoot to get to the card, not a dealbreaker, just a little annoying“

Lenses: “Its already well documented that the lenses from the Fuji X-Series are all pretty damn good, I would go as far as to say most of them that I have used are SPECTACULAR. […] the 56mm is sublime, probably the best lens I have ever used for portraiture, especially on a ‘non full frame rig’, amazing quality in every sense.”

Image Quality: “For example, I made 15 A3+ prints the other day, 8 from the Fuji X-T1, the other 5 from my Leica M240, I showed 4 different professional photographers the images, they all guessed wrong as to which cameras produced which files, testament to the Fuji, once a file is shot on a good lens and processed, its not so easy to tell them apart from higher end cameras, in fact, I would say extremely difficult…apart from the fact that the Fuji colour is better than any other camera on the market“

Colour: “Spectacular, I have shot this camera in Hong Kong in artificial light, same in Korea, then in Cambodia in harsh light and amazing sunsets, and I can honestly say, I can’t remember having even once touched the custom white balance tool in Lightroom to fix white balance […] That paired with the ability to use the Fuji colour profiles for Velvia, Astia, Pro Neg, etc is really a very, very cool thing in my view, post processing has never been so easy for the colour files.”

AF: “I tried and failed badly shooting a basketball match and a soccer match, useless continuous AF for that….for someone walking or cycling down the street that you want to shoot however, its more than adequate. […] fast AF in good light allows capture of natural reactions quickly and easily.”

Battery life: “The weakest link of the camera.  I carry 4 batteries around with me, if you use the camera a lot, you will need a minimum of 2 batteries for a days shooting”

Lighroom 5.4: ” Rumour has it that LR 5.4 also has a different way of dealing with the Fuji RAW files in the sense that they are better quality than previously available in Lightroom.  I think this is true, before I found Fuji files to look ‘smudgy’, I don’t see that with these files, they are very very very good”

– Laurent Bourlier: “Hi Patrick, I own a splendid X-T1 since a week and i really enjoy the great improvements  Fuji has done. Still got my X-Pro1, and i will keep it, i am now waiting for the 56mm 1.2 ; my local retailer (in France) tells me “100% sure before the end of April”… You can find here some shots made with the X-T1 + 35 mm 1.4 : http://laurentbourlier.wordpress.com/ Many thanks for the great job you do everyday on Fujirumors !! Cheers”

The Yashica 50mm 1.7 ([shoplink 23563 ebay]specs&price[/shoplink])

– Josiah Patterson: “Just wanted to share some images from a family hike this past weekend taken with the Fuji X-T1” See the shots at siahphoto: “All I can say is im super stoked on the Fujifilm X-T1. It’s an amazing camera to work with. For me it’s the closest camera to bridge the gap between digital and film cameras, bringing the best of both worlds into a modern package, which is why I bought it. The images above were shot with a [shoplink 23563 ebay]Yacshica 50mm 1.7[/shoplink] in raw mode, edited in LightRoom using Replichrome.

X-T1 with [shoplink 23563 ebay]Yashica 50mm 1.7[/shoplink] at siahphoto

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The Action

– Dmitry Gudkov: “I brought an X-T1 and 56mm 1.2 to a gig shooting a Tough Mudder obstacle course event. I didn’t think I’d use it during the assignment – I mostly brought it along for travel shots, etc. But I ended up shooting quite a few frames with it, and even delivered a few to the client. If I didn’t know where the photos come from, I couldn’t tell the difference between my Fuji shots and my Canon 5D Mark III shots. Really really solid performance.” To see the action shots check out his flickr here.

image courtesy: Dmitry Gudkov

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“Outstanding Sharpness”: XF 10-24mm review at ephotozine + X-T1 body in stock at Adorama

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The X-T1 body is now in stock at Adorama.

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ephotozine completed its technical review of the Fujinon XF 10-24. See the charts, the samples and read more at ephotozine here.

“Yet again, Fujifilm has produced an excellent quality lens that should exceed the expectations of even the most discerning photographer. The sharpness delivered by this lens is outstanding, focusing is quick and precise and the robust build helps to assert that this is a quality piece of equipment.

The price of £850 may seem a little high when compared to alternatives available for other camera systems, but in this case, quality is probably worth paying extra for.

       The Fujifilm Fujinon XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS is an excellent quality lens that should exceed the expectations of even the most discerning photographer.”

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just 1 more Fujinon XF 10-24 is in stock at AmazonUS here (via third party at normal price)

XF 10-24mm: [shopcountry 20414]

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“A Joy to Use”! Fujifilm X-T1 full review at dpreview (Gold Award)

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Gold Award, what else ;-)

Once again the Fujifilm X-T1 gained an important award. This time it’s Dpreview (review here) that assigns the Gold Award to the X-T1, saying:

“The X-T1 is probably Fujifilm’s best camera to date, offering a compelling combination of intuitive handling, excellent image quality, and one of best electronic viewfinders we’ve seen. It also features on of the most impressive autofocus systems on any camera at this price level, both in terms of accuracy with fast lenses and tracking moving subjects. Over all it’s a hugely engaging and capable camera, and one that’s fundamentally a joy to use.”

It has just two weak spots: the video… and it’s hard to find in stock!

In stock check: [shopcountry 21553]

 

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miXed zone: switch to the Fuji X-T1, self made bamboo hand grip for the X-T1 and more

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image courtesy: www.street-photography-workshops.com

1) X-shooter and Pro-photographer Craig Litten is holding a workshops that could help you to “Take Your Work to the Next Level” (New Orleans from May 1 to 4). Read the details here.

2) FR-reader Justin Balog asked me over at the Fujirumors facebook wall to link to a the “10 years Flickr photo walk”: “Patrick, we will be hosting a #flick10 photo walk here in Denver and there will be plenty of Fuji cameras to check out. Could you please share it with your community. The more the merrier!” Check it out here.

Fuji X-T1
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– Johan Stephan:

Hello Patrick

I´m a freelance photographer from Sweden. I have been following fujirumors for quite some time now and i have to say thank you for all the good work that you do.

A friend of mine went from [shoplink 14518]Nikon D800[/shoplink] and a bunch of good lenses for the X-PRO1 and all Fuji glass 20 months ago.

I know how much he loves that camera (and the X-T1 that he also got in his bag now.)
I have always loved the photos that he produces with his Fuji, but i found the X-PRO1 a bit slow for my taste.

A couple of months ago i tried the X-E2 with the XF-23, this was much faster but still not quite the camera i would replace my [shoplink 13457]5D Mark III[/shoplink] with.
But the size of the camera and the files from it got in to my head…

Then the X-T1 was revealed and i was hooked! Long before i could test it in any store i decided that this was the camera that would replace my Canon gear.
So i sold all Canon equipment and placed a pre order for the X-T1, XF-14, XF-23 and the lovely XF-56, then i just had to wait for it to arrive..

And when it did it just blow my mind, whats not to love with this set-up?
It still not as fast as the 5D Mark III but fast enough for me, the weight and the way it makes me photograph easily makes up for the loss of speed.

The only thing i wish for now is a prime lens equivalent to 135mm

Thought i´d share the first two series from my trip to Japan, this was the real first test for me and the X-T1.
Looking forward for upcoming family photo shoot later this month and then some weddings.

My site is in Swedish but i can tell you that i live in Gothenburg and prefer to shoot Family, Kids, weddings and Crossfit
But after this trip to Japan i have to add travel to that list, thanks to Fuji?

http://www.johanstephan.com/kyoto/ – http://www.johanstephan.com/tokyo-fiskmarknad/ – third part from Tokyo“

– X-T1 with 56mm and 23mm – shooting with a model and pro wireless flash at the beach in California at f-sunny.

– Hans: “Not a rumor, but a fact. A quite favorable test of the X-T1 at http://www.akam.no issued today. Unfortunately in Norwegian.” Read the google translated version here.

– A wedding with the Fuji X-T1 + 14mm 2.8 + 23mm 1.4 + 35mm 1.4 + 56mm 1.2 at k-pture.

– The X-T1 is a “Photographer’s Camera” at thewanderinglensman: “I envy those who are using now it to create the types of images that don’t have the issues I saw.  I will wait patiently for the siren song of the X-T1 to call to me again in the future when the demosaicing issues are fully resolved.  And when she does, I will be sending in my hard earned money for another one.”

– Fuji X-T1 shoots Lingerie editorial… at karlbratbyphotographer.

– Fuji X-T1 and wireless triggers (for off-camera flash) at danielkcheung. For his article From Canon to Fujifilm : a wedding photographer’s deliberation click here: “There is still much improvement to be had with Fujifilm. The X-T1 is most certainly promising. Fuji have invested into a pretty strong lens line up so my previous reservation with typical crop body systems is no longer valid. The AF is good but not great. The ergonomics of the X-T1 is probably not the best for wedding photography; but it works. I can use my Phottix Strato II wireless triggers for off-camera flash. With a hack, I can use my existing Yongnuo YN560-II speedlights as on-camera flashes. With 95mb/s Sandisk Extreme Pro cards, I don’t run into buffer problems too often (I tend to shoot in CH on wedding assignments). And the lenses are fantastic.”

– Fuji X-T1 in the hands of a woman and a Boudoir Photographer at fabyandcarlo: “I have recently met the magic of the new Fuji X-T1 and the Fuji completely new way of connecting with photographers onto a level that no camera company had done before and I fell in love. The Fuji X-T1 is the result of a concerted effort to produce true magic and give total freedom to professional photographers to be creative without hassle. Effortlessly. Efficiently. Easily. The new Fuji X-T1 is a beautiful tool that can create nothing less than pure love. I used to be a Canon shooter, but I am officially not anymore. Now I am a totally Fuji lover and supporter.”

– Fujifilm X-T1 Review: The X Series Taken to The Next Level at findingrange: “The Fuji X-T1 retains the magic, the great qualities, and the excellent performance, especially in image quality that have made past X Series models successful.  On top of this foundation, it also adds many features that include but are not limited to weather sealing, a technically advanced viewfinder, enhanced AF capabilities, and better manual focusing aids.  All of this adds up to a camera that is exceptionally capable, hugely fun to use, highly involving, and best of all, makes you want to go out and shoot.  As the culmination of a series of cumulative improvements, as of now, I feel that the Fuji X-T1 occupies a well-deserved place at the head of the series.”

– X-T1 tested in a variety of situations at mikecroshaw: “Overall I love this camera.  I’ve owned and used a 5d mk3 and a D800.  While I appreciated their power, I didn’t really enjoy using them the same way I do this camera.  The DSLR gear has now gone, with the XT-1 I was finally able to totally make the switch to the Fuji system with confidence.”

– Wesley Leung: “Would like to share some news related to X-T1.  I’m the webmaster for cam-er-a.com and the site currently has the X-T1 as camera of the month.” See more here.”

– No hand grip in stock? Then make it by yourself. See more at Patrick Pecoraro’s google+ account. (The original Fuji metal hand grips can be pre-ordered at AmazonUS, BHphoto and Adorama).

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– TheFashionPages (street looks a go go / moda bambini kids photography / moda bambini): “Actor/Director Jason Priestly and daughter Ava (age 6) photographed with a Fujifilm X-T1 (+ 18-55) at the Palm Beach International Film Festival Wrap Party at Cinemark 20 in Boca Raton, Florida yesterday for Moda Bambini Magazine.“

Jason Priestly

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XF 56mm f/1.2
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 – One month shooting with the Fuji 1,2/56mm Lens at joshmcleodphotography: “I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this lens (and the X-T1) to anyone. If I had to pick just one lens out of all the Camera and Lens combos I currently own the Fuji 1,2/56mm lens (and the X-T1) would be it. I know it’s not the cheapest lens on the market but it is far from the most expensive (the comparable Panasonic Noctitron 1,2/42.5 for m43 Cameras is about $600 more) and in terms of value for money I would say it is one of the best value fast primes on the market.”

– 56mm f/1.2 Lens real world review by Fashion/Portrait photographer, Brian McNamara here: “It took what seemed like an eternity for Fujifilm to finally deliver this lens (I think it was originally announced as a f/1.4 almost two years ago). But now that it’s here, it definitely does not disappoint. It delivers where it counts. Quick, accurate AF and sharp. Really sharp! I would rank this lens above my Canon 50mm f/1.2 L, and it’s significantly cheaper.”

– 56mm and a wedding at k-pture (translation from French).

X-E2
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 – Landscape & Long exposure with the X-E2 at daniellevitarbophotography: “Over the years, I have honed in on my skills and style of photography. I enjoy long exposure work, landscape work, and adventure photography. All things you wouldn’t expect from the Fujifilm line up with their rangefinder looks and stellar street performance. Ever since the X cameras came along, I have been obsessed with mirror-less cameras. It is the future people! Who doesn’t love not having to carry DSLR’s and big heavy lenses? This gal! Whether I’m climbing up the side of a mountain, walking along the beach, or setting up the perfect shot, the Fujifilm X-E2 always gets the job done for me.”

– Kiawah Island, Fuji XE2, and the iRay at tonysweet: “Those who use digital IR are most likely aware of the infamous “hot spot” using some lenses. As I’m still learning using the Fuji lenses and how they react with the iRay filter, the image series above illustrates that the kit lens (which is outstanding, BTW) 18-55mm creates a huge, dense hot spot with flare. I managed to get it to work to a point, but it was prevalent. Needless to say, I’ll be moving on to test other lenses in the Fuji series for Infrared”

– Fujifilm X-E2 Australian Review: Photography, Back To Basics at gizmodo: “There was a time back in the mid-1970s — around about the era of the Canon AE-1 — when photography was simple. Automatic exposure made taking good pictures easier than ever before, and cameras were getting cheaper by the day without sacrificing design or build quality. Some time in the new millenium, with the birth of mirrorless, things got complicated, and cheap cameras felt cheap. The Fujifilm X-E2 is a breath of fresh air — it’s easy to use, and built very sturdily, but doesn’t skimp on cutting-edge features.”

X-PRO1
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– Luke Bhothipiti: “Hey Patrick, Long time reader and Fuji shooter.  I just wanted to share a couple of documentary and street projects I’ve recently been working on that fully utilize the X-Pro1, 23mm and 35mm lenses. The first is a photodocumentary series that depicts Floridian firearms owners.  The second is a selection from a very long running series I’ve been shooting about Daytona Beach Bike Week. Links to both galleries on my site are listed below.” Gallery 1 / Gallery 2

– April 6th, 2014 … Fuji X-Pro 1 … Andre’ & Garry hit the Streets at streetshooter.

lenses

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XF 14mm for $699 at [shoplink 23472 ebay]ebay here[/shoplink].

– REVIEW: Fujinon XF 18mm f2R – The best all round X Series lens? at macleancomms: “The Fujinon XF18mm f2R is a superb lens and my favourite of the five lenses I own for the X-Series system. Why it gets overlooked in favour of the wider or faster lenses that are available is frankly a shame. I was of the same opinion when I got my X-Pro1 system and thought the 14mm f2.8 would be my wide angle lens of choice but the reality when I started to use the system in the real world was not as I expected. I consider the 18mm f2 an essential part of my Fuji system and I wont leave home without it in the camera bag or in my pocket.”

RAW-conversion

– Cherry Blossoms with the Fuji X-E1 and the New Fuji Colour Profiles in Lightroom 5.4 at thomasfitzgeraldphotography: “Adobe have finally added colour profiles for all the standard picture modes that come on Fuji’s cameras, including Provia, Astia and of course Velvia. For these shots, there could be no other choice – I had to go with the Velvia!”

– Image Comparisons from the X-T1 and E-M1 with Adobe’s Final Version of ACR and Lightroom at thewanderinglensman.

– Lightzone (click here) project improving support for Fuji cameras in new beta build, including X-T1.