X-T1 + 56mm review at riflessifotografici! (Part 1)

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Fujifilm X-T1, Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2 R, 1/125, f/1.6 Iso 800.

Max (riflessifotografici) didn’t just test the X-T1… he is working and realizing a photographic project with it (“La Via Dolorosa”). If you want to read and see how it performs on the field, then you should check it out here in English (or in Italian here).

The images where processed with Iridient. They say that: “Luckily “Iridient Digital” came in to help me, allowing me to use a preview version of its brand new powerful software. I will never stop thanking them and I would like to point out that their 2.3.3 version of the software is so powerful that I used it for all the images of this review and for my latest work called “La Via Dolorosa” (The painful road) which will be presented March 5 at the beginning of Lent.”

Also tested, the XF 56mm: “The Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2 R is an excellent lens and as shown by the attached pictures it is good to face almost every photographic condition without problems. The fact that it’s not a longer focal lenght is probably a personal interpretation of what a portrait lens should provide but, other than that, we have to give credit to Fujifilm for this great, sharp lens.

But it won’t stop here: “I want to point out that the X-T1 coverage doesn’t end here. After Nikon Df, Sony A7r and Olympus OM-D reviews we will write a little summary that will show the good and the bad of all of these cameras. I can tell you that all four cameras are pretty good ones, and the X-T1 is by far the best APSC CSC camera I have ever used. It is a new evolution of the CSC world, a world that is now moving towards a more traditional approach to photography.”

X-T1 + 56mm pre-orders

X-T1 body only ($1,299): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
X-T1 with 18-55 ($1,699): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /

XF 56mm f/1.2 ($999): USA AmazonUS / BHphoto / AdoramaDigitalRev / – EUROPE: wexUK / wexDE / PCHstore / DigitalRev

Fujifilm X-T1, Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2 R, 1/125 f/2.5, Iso 800.

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“Function and style in one beautiful package”: X-T1 creaming off awards (techradar + whatdigitalcamera)

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X-T1

X-T1 body only ($1,299): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
X-T1 with 18-55 ($1,699): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /

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101 posts in 50 days… and with your support I won’t stop it here. Feel free to support FR by using one of the links to get your X-T1.

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For all those, like me, owning an X-E2, please stop reading now. You could get tempted to get rid of it and buy the X-T1.

I’m still resisting, but it’s incredible how everyone who gets his hands on this camera is simply enthusiastic about it. What’s so special about it? Well, in this post you’ll find the latest X-T1 tidbits. Ok, it’s the best X-camera ever made until now, but I’d get rid of my X-E2 only if the X-T1 would have a hybrid viewfinder… that said, I’ve never looked through the X-T1’s EVF by myself (and I can’t wait to do it), so the jury is still out.

At the bottom I’ve shared again Kai’s X-T1 review. I don’t remind any other of his reviews where he is so enthusiastic about a camera.

One more thing: I got emails of people from Europe and USA… they tell me that their X-T1 is ready to be shipped! That would be earlier than expected!

1) Let’s start this X-T1 roundup with techradar’s review here. They conclude that…

“… Fuji has done it again: produced a camera that is not only beautiful, but is capable of producing some superb images. We can see this being top of many a photographer’s lust list, and for good reason – it’s top of ours too.”

2) The list of review sites that award the X-T1 with their best ratings is rapidly growing. The next one is whatdigitalcamera here:

“The X-T1 isn’t entirely without flaw – it would have been nice to see Fujifilm add a touchscreen to the camera, while the option to have the camera in a silver finish would also be appealing.

That being said, there’s no denying the X-T1’s quality and on the whole it’s one of the best premium CSC’s on the market, reflected in its Gold Award status and a well deserved 93% overall score.”

3) Check focus-numerique here for some ISO test shots.

4) And some more X-T1 stuff: A: Fuji X-T1 & CP+ at kevinmullinsphotography here: “Part of my trip has also allowed me to use pre-production models of the XF56mm F1.2 and XF10-24mm F4 lenses. […]But the X-T1…..well, for the time being, all I’m saying is “Wow!”.  The view finder is simply gorgeous, low light and AF performance is again improved and AF-C is now very useableB: Grittymonkey: “Hi Patrick, If anyone was still looking for an unboxing video of the X-T1, here is mine: youtube… with a lot of French accent as a free extra… ;)C: Patrick Cavan Brown: “check out what camera David Alan Harvey is using! (video).” D: The 56mm and a little bit more of the X-T1 at neillsoden here: “Just to touch on the X-T1 again. This camera is great, fast and spot-on in the performance from the menus to the access to the SD card.”

X-T1

X-T1 body only ($1,299): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
X-T1 with 18-55 ($1,699): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
X-T1 Vertical Battery Grip ($ 249,99): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / EU: wexDE / wexUK /
X-T1 Hand Grip ($129.95): USA: AmazonUS / Bhphoto / EU: wexUk / wexDE

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Fuji X-T1 reviewed by crazy Kai from Digitalrev ;) “A winning combination of top taste and pleasing performance”

Well, do you wanna hear what Kai from Digitalrev has to say about the Fuji’x new X-T1? Just click the play button on the video on top :)

“This body is designed to be practical […]super quick shutter response time […] focusing is quick and good accuracy […] the EVF is brilliant and so blooming big. […] the best thing they have done since they conceived the idea of the X100.

The X-T1 is a winning combination of top taste and pleasing performance.”

Jordan S. said in the comments: “That’s one of the most positive reviews I’ve ever seen Kai do. It’s getting harder and harder to resist this camera, even already owning an X-E2.”

P.S.: He also rants again the [shoplink 21555]Nikon DF[/shoplink] for doing wrong what the Fuji X-T1 did right :)

P.P.S.: I also got news that wexDE and also some US stores are ready to ship the X-T1!

X-T1

feel free to support FR by using one of the links to get your X-T1.

X-T1 body only ($1,299): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
X-T1 with 18-55 ($1,699): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
X-T1 Vertical Battery Grip ($ 249,99): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / EU: wexDE / wexUK /
X-T1 Hand Grip ($129.95): USA: AmazonUS / Bhphoto / EU: wexUk / wexDE

X-T1 field test at thecamerastoreTV!

Does the X-T1 meet your needs?

 Then feel free to purchase it using one of the links below. You will at the same time support this blog and my daily work on it with no extra costs for you… with your support, we could have an exciting rumor year in 2014.

 X-T1 body only ($1,299): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
X-T1 with 18-55 ($1,699): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /

[Vote the ultimate Kaizen firmware poll here]

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– The X-T1 Field Test is online at thecamerastoreTV here. For those who are right now at work and don’t have 13 minutes of time to look at it, here is quick summary:

a damn sexy looking camera […] really esay to use in the field […] gorgeous and huge EVF, the first EVF I really can work with […] great refresh rate […] 8fps shooting tracking with predictive AF really works […] “Fuji really looks at what users wants in improvements, and then they just do it! I don’t know why other companies don’t do it!” […] WiFi: works quick and nice. […] What’s not so great? Video! […] It is one of the best, if not the best, APS-C sensor on the market […] the menu order could be better […] Autofocus: “I was blown away about how the camera focuses, especially continuously, and it’s fast!”

– Hands on video of PhotoNewsReviews on youtube here.

– Interview with Kevin Mullins: first impressions of the XF10-24 and XF56 lenses and the X-T1 camera of Kevin Mullins at fujifilmblog here: ” [56mm] I’m really impressed with the handling of the lens, especially the speed of focus. The depth of field at f/1.2 is remarkable for an APS-C sized sensor CSC. I’m really looking forward to using it at a wedding where I’m sure it will become a permanent fixture in my camera bag”. [10-24mm] Not being a regular user of a zoom lens, I was really keen to get my hands on the 10-24 and the ability to shoot as a the wide end of the zoom really introduces a new dynamic into the way we can use the X series cameras. The lens handles really well at both ends of the zoom, is very fast and the weight of it doesn’t unbalance the camera. [X-T1] I’ve been waiting to get my hands on the X-T1 for a while and I’m certainly not disappointed. Although I’ve only used it for a few hours, the viewfinder is simply amazing and the manual controls are well positioned – the camera feels really good in my hands. Well thought out features like the tilting screen, the side loading card and the vertical battery grip really make this a camera that’s going to enhance my everyday shooting.”

– Ω image: “Many Japanese customers are picking up our X-T1 cameras. I have taken a few product-style images for review, which show the X-T1 with a Nik-FX Speedbooster and the ultra-sharp Nikkor 50/2 Ai. You may find them interesting or helpful for reference. Here they are.”

– Write up on the Fuji Camera Remote App with X-T1 at f-sunny here: “I can see this being useful in the studio, for tethered shooting with live image preview and also image retrieval over WiFi. I could see in really harsh conditions that remote tethering would due a huge bonus, keeping the shooter warm and dry. Also in the field for nature photography, where the camera is remote controlled from a hide in order to get the camera closer to the subject without direct human presence. Also in sports, where you could put the camera in ‘harms way’, perhaps trackside, or behind a soccer goal, and not only trigger it, but remote control it’s settings, and retrieve files for upload to the media – before the event has even ended.” More X-T1 shots, including a covert street test here.

[UDPDATE: X-T1 Full Size Sample Images at danbaileyphoto here]

X-T1

X-T1 body only ($1,299): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
X-T1 with 18-55 ($1,699): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
X-T1 Vertical Battery Grip ($ 249,99): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / EU: wexDE / wexUK /
X-T1 Hand Grip ($129.95): USA: AmazonUS / Bhphoto / EU: wexUk / wexDE

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XF deals

XF 14mm: $200 off (price $700) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 18mm: $200 off (price $400) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 23mm: $150 off (price $750) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 27mm: $250 off (price $200) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 35mm: $150 off (price $450) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 60mm: $250 off (price $400) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 55-200: $200 off (price $500) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline

miXed zone: Projet 192, X-T1, Fuji’s imaging division still losing money (but less than before) and more!

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image courtesy: Projet 192

Madrid, March 11, 10 years ago… the day of the commuter trains passenger bombings. On that day, 192 persons died.

Now, 10 years later, 192 photographers created “Projet 192” (website) in memory to those souls. Each photographer took one image to remind one of them. You can see the whole gallery here.

It’s a touching tribute to the people who died that day. And, among all the other great photographers, also Donato Chirulli (riflessifotografici) dedicated one picture to one of the victims of that terrorist attack. He took it with his Fuji X-E1.

X-T1

X-T1 body only ($1,299): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
X-T1 with 18-55 ($1,699): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /

– X-T1 shooting report at yodobashi here (translation).

– Chris Donkin’s (f-sunny) X-T1 unboxing here and test shots here. He also tested the tracking here and after his initial test he says: “they’ve cracked it.”

– Vibranze: “Some photos taken with X-T1 with 14, 56 lens during Fuji X-T1 pre-order session in Singapore.” Check them here on Flickr.

– Jonavin: “Fuji Canada doing in store demos of X-T1 at some Canadian retailers start Friday February 21. adencamera and henrys.”

X-E2
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– Ari Hallami: “Here’s a story (in Finnish) about “fullframe” Fuji X-E2 + Metabones Speedbooster. I have tested lenses such as Canon FD 50/1.2L, 85/1.2L, 35/2 + few others with the setup and the results are very good (bokehlicious) indeed. I haven’t found any articles about this, so it could be a good read for Fuji shooters (even if the Google translate will mess up the text).” Check it here (translation).

Introduction to the Fujifilm X-E2 by X-Photographer Kale Friesen at KaleJFPhotography (youtube).

X100S
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– “Goodbye God, I am going to Bodie” with the Fuji X-Pro1 & Fuji X100S at olafphotoblog here: “It is hard to describe what draws us to places like Bodie. Maybe it is the beauty of the forgotten and rusty; maybe it is the dark history or a search for ghosts of the past. One thing is for sure – after documenting all major ghost towns of the West over the last few years we couldn’t be more pleased. Each ghost town provided us with great history lessons, unforgettable adventures and beautiful imagery.”

Simplicity and the X100S Part 2 at stephenip here: “As I’ve mentioned in the past, the X100S is the camera I turn to whenever I want to keep things simple. Without having to worry about zooming or changing lenses, I’m left to focus on creating images. By concentrating on what I see in the viewfinder, I find that I’m not only more creative with my compositions, but more able to find a narrative in the images I bring home. Here is a series of images from my latest exercise in simplicity.”

Using the Fuji X100S to Photograph a Wedding at rogerspictures here: “There are lots of benefits of using the tiny and silent Fuji X100S to photograph a wedding. Although I mainly use Canon cameras through the wedding day, there are many great opportunities when this little camera is a better option for me. That’s usually when I want to get in close to my subjects without affecting their behaviour. Its small size, and silence is what’s most important here. But there have been small and quiet compact cameras around for a while now – what makes the Fuji different is the amazing clarity and image quality. These images fit in perfectly with those shot on the larger Canon SLR’s, and it’s pretty hard to distinguish between them in the finished set.

– X100S review at luminous-landscape here: “[…] as I worked with it something surprising happened. I started creating images I was excited about. I had ideas for images I did not have before. I started finding excitement in subjects I previously considered mundane, or for which I had no vision. The simplicity of the camera did that. The X100s is a simple camera with a fixed lens that makes me focus on taking photographs rather than on what gear I am going to use. It brings me back to thinking about photographs, instead of thinking about my equipment. It renews my vision and focuses my attention on the image rather than on the gear. Small and lightweight, I forget I am carrying it until I want to make a photograph. The camera is almost transparent. It lets the photograph come through and the vision free to express itself, renewed and fresh. As such it fosters a return to the fundamentals, to what photography is about.”

X-PRO1
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Using the Fuji X-Pro1 for action sports at andywaterman here: “The X-Pro1 will never be sold as a pro sports camera but if you persevere with it, you’ll get some fantastic results. It encourages a way of shooting that slows things down and makes you think in advance of pressing the shutter. I like that. The lenses are small, light and fantastically sharp (I really want to try the 56mm f1.2) and the camera itself is small and light compared to a DSLR. ”

X-A1
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Fujifilm X-A1 – Is this the best low light camera for under $1500? (even though it only costs $499?) at imaging-resource here: “We’ve just started testing the Fujifilm X-A1 and quickly ran across something astonishing (and we don’t use that word very often): It blows the doors off the close competition at higher ISOs for delivering good detail while keeping the noise levels low, and even challenges some cameras costing more than $1000!

lenses

Still Life with MC ROKKOR-PG 58/1.2 at vkphotoblog here: “Finally I got time to put together a small set of B&W still life images inspired by a visit to friend’s rustic cottage and taken with my favourite camera and legacy lens.”

RAW-conversion

Updated X-Trans Sharpening Presets for Lightroom at thomasfitzgeraldphotography here: “The looks presets are there as a starting point. They’re there to get you in thew ball park, and you can then tweak the settings to your own tastes. Each of the looks uses the “SuperSharp” sharpening settings.”

switch to the X

Why I left Nikon for Fuji X at jiriruzek here: “There are hundreds or thousands articles about Fuji X cameras all around. I have never seen something like this before. Why? Fuji simply has managed to produce camera you fall in love with. And it is not only one camera, it is almost the whole X line. Instead of the usual “Photos of Tuscany” photographers write “Photos of Tuscany with Fuji X”.”

hand grip

– Hands-On with the new Fuji MHG-XPRO grip at f-sunny here: “All in all a very nice grip – much more of an engineered solution, and something which should really have been supplied day one. Not cheap, but it’s so useful that I can easily justify the cost.

a little bit of everything

– Fuji’s imaging division is still losing money… so what’s the news? Well, they loose less money than before! Read the report here.

Is Full Frame Still the Best? at digital-photography-school here:If you’re an aspiring pro, you may feel that you need a full frame camera to be taken seriously. In fact, this has never been completely true. There are plenty of professional photographers who use crop sensor cameras. The quality is more than good enough, and if you’re a sports or wildlife photographer you may also appreciate the extra reach that an APS-C camera gives you with telephoto lenses.

Fujifilm Metering at fujivsfuji here: “Fujifilm cameras […] seem to disregard the chosen AF point, and instead meter based on the centre of the frame. No matter what. I guess the camera presumes that whatever is in the centre of the frame is what you’d like to set your exposure to.”

– X Series Daylight shooting with ND Filters at f-sunny here: “One of the limitations for any camera is the shutter speed – and on the Fuji X Series, the shutter speed tops out at 1/4000. Normally this isn’t an issue, you rarely even have to think about it. But if you’re using fast glass, and shooting with wide apertures in bright daylight, that 1/4000 shutter speed can start to become a real problem. For example, shooting f/1.4 in sunlight, even with the base ISO of 200, could require a shutter speed faster than 1/4000. The X100 and X100s solve this by offering a built-in 3 stop Neutral Density (ND) filter. […] While the X100 and X100s have the ND filter built-in, the other Fuji X models do not. You need to add your own screw-on ND filter to produce the same effect, and you’ll need one for each lens/filter sizes in your lens set. (Fuji have failed to standardize on a single filter size, so this is a real pain/expense).”

– SanDisk announced new UHS-II SD-cards here. It’s what you need to boost your X-T1’s writing speed!

XF deals

XF 14mm: $200 off (price $700) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 18mm: $200 off (price $400) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 23mm: $150 off (price $750) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 27mm: $250 off (price $200) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 35mm: $150 off (price $450) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 60mm: $250 off (price $400) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 55-200: $200 off (price $500) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline