FR-reader zone: Jeff’s best X-PRO1 shots, 55-200 love story, a switch to the X and a speed booster review

Thanks X-shooters for sharing your stories, galleries and reviews with Fujirumors. Keep it up via fujirumor@gmail.com,  facebook or twitter.

Remember that until September 21 you can profit from hughe price drops on 5 XF lenses if you purchase them together with the X-E1 or X-PRO1 and save up to 1,150. You can find the deals here: AmazonUS: Fuji X-E1 / Fuji X-PRO1BHphoto: Fuji X-E1 / Fuji X-PRO1 Pictureline: Fuji X-E1 / Fuji X-PRO1 Adorama: Fuji X-E1 / Fuji X-PRO1

The brand new XF 23mm is not included in this offer. You can pre-order it here: USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline EUROPE: PCHstore / wexcamerasDE / wexphotographicUK

have a great Sunday
Patrick

Jeff

Hi, there. Love that you are featuring Lawrence’s work [admin: I’ve shared Lawrence’s work here and here]…I’ve known him for a long time, and in fact was the one who urged him to ditch his old equipment and purchase the Fuji system! His work is fantastic. Anyway, I wanted to get on your radar. I’ve been using the X-Pro1 almost exclusively for a while and have blogged about some of my best images, all with X-Pro1. http://jeffseltzerphotography.com/blog/ . Thanks for taking the time to look. Best, Jeff (http://jeffseltzerphotography.com/  http://onlyapicture.tumblr.com/)

Jeff (onlyapicture.tumblr.com)

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Fuji XF 55-200mm: [shopcountry 12892]

Michael

Fujinon 55-200mm – A Love Story: Great site! My story from today – I didn’t believe in love at first sight, until I took out my X-E1 for my first shoot with the XF 55-200. I happened to have it with me when a storm suddenly broke and the sun sat perfectly between the cloud line and the horizon. This is a JPEG straight out of the camera w/ the Velvia film simulation – I absolutely love the colors that this lens can produce, and experienced very little lens flair unless pointed directly into the sun. I already loved the X system I’ve been building, but I might not take this lens off for quite some time.

More will be coming http://www.flickr.com/photos/the_lensman

Thanks for providing such relevant content!

Michael

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Fuji X-PRO1: [shopcountry 12882]

Carl

http://billfortney.com/

The above is a daily blog written by a 43 year professional photographer – the likes of 1) Washington Redskins Football Team Photographer, 2) photographed 6 standing Presidents of the USA, – well you get the picture.  He has been, for the last 10+ years, a Nikon representative but has retired in the last 2 months.  I think you will find his last two days of blogs very interesting.  In Thursday blog (click here) he tells of his life commitment to photography and primarily Nikon equipment – and then in the last 6 months his switch to Fuji equipment.  He got so many comments on Thursday blog that he wrote Friday’s blog (click here) about Fuji including many pictures.  I thought you needed to know this – and would enjoy reading it – and maybe your readers would too.  I am a friend of Bill’s and consequently switched to Fuji (X-E1) myself after much discussion with him personally.  Your blog (Fujirumor) is the first thing I read in the morning after my daily devotional.  Check it 2-3 times a day thereafter.  You REALLY do a good job!

Grace to you – and for all you do for the Fuji world!  Carl

“So many sad stories start with a visit to the doctors office.  My doctor said, “Would you like some more shoulder surgery?”  I responded, “would you like me to sock you in the jaw??!!”  ( My doctor is also a good friend and he’s use to my, sometimes, caustic manner!) He explained that if I wanted to preserve my remaining, good shoulder, I was going to have to stop carrying a 25 + pound camera bag! […] Then it happened ……. It was Nick’s fault […],  he introduced me to her!  She was much smaller and lighter, but really well built, and oh how sharp her lenses were.  Nick may have introduced me to her but I was the one who decided to take her for a spin, don’t blame Nick!  After a romantic afternoon of shooting the Fuji X-Pro 1, with my hands all over her, I went back and downloaded the files. There it was, starring me in the face, and as Judy Garland sang in the nineteen fifties, “You Made Me Love You!”

Carl (image courtesy: billfortney.com)

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Speed Booster [shopcountry 16275]

Tom

Patrick – I have done a review of the Metabones [shoplink 16275 ebay]Speed Booster[/shoplink] adapter that mounts Nikon G lenses onto Fuji X cameras. I have been excited by the potential of this device ever since it came out and wanted to give it a try. I performed a large number of practical tests some of Nikon’s best lenses mounted on a Fuji X-Pro1 with the Speed Booster. My results include many downloadable sample images that I think your readers will find interesting.

Here is a link to the post:

http://aboutphotography-tomgrill.blogspot.com/2013/08/metabones-speed-booster-nikon-g-lens-to.html

And here is a photo that shows an impressive hook-up of Nikon’s newest 70-400mm lens mounted on the X-Pro1:

  www.tomgrill.com/ti01067402bl.jpg

This was a really interesting test to perform. I think your readers will enjoy it.  – Tom

From the conclusions: “As already mentioned, optical quality will be degraded somewhat simply by inserting another optical element in the image path. Nonetheless, the center sharpness with almost all lenses I tested remained very high. It is only in the corners that things began to fall apart, as the image softened, vignetting increased, and color fringing crept in — all of which was more apparent with zoom lenses than with primes, and most of which was easily corrected in post-processing.

Tom

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miXed zone: switch to the X, what X-camera should you buy, X-Trans and reviews

XF 23mm pre-order

USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline EUROPE: PCHstore / wexcamerasDE / wexphotographicUK

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Switch to the X

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image courtesy: rileyjoseph.com

Riley Joseph switched to the X. All his DSLR gear is gone, sold: “In my head I was making strange rationalizations for keeping my big dSLR: 1) I need it because of the full frame depth of field. 2) The Fujis are not weather sealed! I need it for shooting in bad weather! 3) With a crop factor I won’t be able to go super wide! I need full frame to go wide! 4) I need super fast auto focus. Or I might miss a shot!” Now read his answer to each of these points in his blog post here.

What X-Series Camera Should I Buy?

You’re struggling with the same question? Then read this fstoplounge post here… maybe he can help you.

The 2 Fujinon Lenses I use the most are...

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X-Trans

Some quick thoughts about Fujifim’s X-Trans Cameras and Software can be read at fujifilmxseries here: “Capture One is the best. Maybe Iridient Developer 2.2 gets more detail (important when you’re printing pixels), and maybe others do this or that, but for overall use as a RAW importer / converter / etc., I think Capture One comes out trumps. Overall, I find Capture One processed RAW files look best. […] I haven’t noticed anyone writing about the horrible smudged effect at the transitional edges of shadows. I first noticed it before I had bought my X100s, when I downloaded someone’s example X-Pro1 files (so, it’s not just me doing something odd on import). It looks like someone has taken some nugget (shoe polish) on a brush and dabbed it along the edges of shadows. I’ve never seen this before, so presumably it is an X-Trans thing. But it is also software compounded, as it is worse in jPegs, worse if soft-proofing and worse in Aperture than Lightroom […]”

X-M1

[shopcountry 13828]

digitalcamera-hq X-M1 review can be checked out here. From the conclusions: “With the Fujifilm X-M1, it’s easy to snap stunning, detailed images. The design, both on the exterior and on the sensor and processor inside, translates into an excellent camera. The X-M1 is really a great all-around shooter—beginners will love the simple automated modes while enthusiasts will have plenty to love about the large sensor and wide range of manual capabilities. But, the mirrorless category is quite competitive. How does the X-M1 compare? The Olympus E-P5 is similarly designed, but uses a micro four thirds sized sensor. […] With the sharp, detailed images and excellent design, the Fujifilm X-M1 is likely the best mirrorless option for under $800 this year.”

– The French site focus-numerique.com posted its X-M1 test here (translation). You can download the RAW files of the samples and look at the ISO performance.

photoxels assigned to the X-M1 with 16-50 the Gold Award. Read why in this review here: “The Fujifilm X-M1 is a camera that I can easily recommend to anyone who wants to start learning about photography. You can start with AUTO and scene modes, but at some time in your learning you will want to take control of the exposure settings, and this is where the X-M1 will make it easy to understand with its twin command dials. For many of you considering a purchase, its outstanding image quality will be the deciding factor for it stands right up there with that of top end DSLRs. All in a beautiful, solid and compact package. Highly recommended!”

– Fuji X-M1 | Lingerie Shoot at Dave Kai-Pipers blog post here.

image courtesy: Dave Kai-Piper

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X100S

[shopcountry 12883]

– Pro photographer Matt Ludtke posted his X100S review on his blog here: “The X100s image quality rivals that of DSLRs with APS-C size sensors and even at times that of the full frame cameras like my 5D Mk III.  It has a sharp 35mm full frame equivalent f/2 lens that is even sharp wide open.  Best of all it is small, light weight and you have real controls on the camera for shutter speed and aperture. Oh and the hybrid viewfinder kicks butt.  The camera is just a joy to work with.  And like many other pros who have one, I’ve recently started to use it on paid gigs.  Here are some of my favorite images I’ve shot with it so far.”

Matt Ludtke

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– X100S review at bestmat.ch here: “It’s hard to start concluding our review on the unique X100S. We enjoyed all time we had it in our hands which is something we don’t feel about many pieces of consumer electronics. The shooting experience is so enjoyable that we just forgot the various shortcomings of the camera. The fun part is that after we enjoyed taking the images, we’re left with an image of the highest quality.”

– An Entirely Subjective Look at the Fuji X100S at lightstalking here: “The real joy of this camera though is in the shooting. The way the controls fall to hand, and indeed the way the camera handles, make you wanting to take more and more. The fixed 35mm lens far from being an inconvenience is in fact a revelation. It makes you think about position and perspective. Its f2 aperture opening the doors to creative shallow depth of field shots or great low light images. In short, and in unison, with many other owners of this camera, this is the best digital camera I have ever owned, a camera that takes you back to the glory days of film not only in its looks and feel but also in its film-like image quality.”

– Zarek: “Hi. Just giving you the heads up on a detailed new Q&A style review I have prepared on the X100S. You featured my X-E1 review last year and I’ve had a lot of requests for a review of the new camera too. You can see it here.”

image courtesy: Zarek – 25daysoff.com

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X20

[shopcountry 12884]

– X20 review at photocomment.net: “The X20 is a little camera that packs a big punch and is hard to fault. It improves on the areas of the X10 that needed it most which means the Fujifilm X20 even closer to being an unbeatable, pro compact camera.”

X-E1

[shopcountry 12881]

– Some images taken with the X-E1 + 18-55 lens at onecameraonelens here: “Overall I can’t think of a single item of this camera that I would want  changed. It focuses fast enough for me, its sharp, has a very easy menu to use. The lens is superb (18-55mm/2.8-4) and an absolute joy to use. This setup just makes me want to get out more and shoot!”

– Tom Grill: “Patrick – I just finished a comprehensive review comparing the Fuji X-E1 to the Sony Nex-6. It was an eye-opener for me that I think would interest anyone deciding between these two cameras. It definitely convinced me. blog link here.”

“[…]  If compact size is a prime consideration, then the Nex-6 is clearly the winner, especially when outfitted with its smaller kit zoom lens. When it came down to actually using the cameras,  however, I found myself always preferring the handling quality of the X-E1. Its controls and menus are more extensive, more intuitive, and extremely well thought out, something an experienced photographer will appreciate. I would have no trouble taking along a Fuji X-E1 as my only camera on a travel shoot. Plus, as Fuji and other manufacturers expand the quality lens lineup, this camera system is going to get even better. In the end I found myself constantly gravitating towards using the X-E1. It was such a comfortable and impressive camera to use that I decided to add it to my already too large assortment of camera systems. I suppose that sums it up best.”

–  Fuji X-E1 plus 28 year old £35 Nikon Series E 50mm f/1.8 lens at soundimageplus here.

X-PRO1

[shopcountry 12882]

– Black and white photography with the X-PRO1 and the Zeiss Touit lenses at riflessifotografici.com.

image courtesy: riflessifotografici.com

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– There is a use for the in camera Multiple Exposure feature of the X-Pro1. Learn more about this and see some shots here at thedigitaltrekker. And be sure to check out also his beautiful shots in taken in Nepal here! You’ll read his comments regarding his frustrations with the current lens choices for the way he shoots.

image courtesy: thedigitaltrekker (Nepal)

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– One day Nathan decided to hike up to the summit of Mt. Yamnuska and packed his light X-PRO1 with 18mm lens in the backpack. Check out the picutres, read his story and see his wild descent from Mt. Yamnuska here.

– Fujifilm X-Pro1 and Fujinon 35mm f/1.4 at thewsreviews here: “More than some other manufacturers, I get the sense that Fujifilm is hungry to do better. Each round of cameras is exponentially better than their last. They’re getting better at high-end digital cameras faster than the competition is getting better at doing, well, anything interesting.”

– A bit of black and white photography by Jean-Michel Leclercq here.

– A little bit of Fuji X-Pro 1 love…despite some of its shortcomings… at lydiashawphotography here.

lenses

Fuji XF 55-200mm: [shopcountry 12892]

Fuji XF 27mm: [shopcountry 13829]

XF 55-200 test at roel here. From the conclusions: “The Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5~4.8 R LM OIS is a decent performer. It is sharp, the OIS is effective and it balances nicely on an X-Pro1 body (but not so much on the X-E1).  For stationary subjects, AF is good (but not great), and given the current state of continuous AF on the X-Pro1 and X-E1, I won’t be using it for any of my action work (wildlife and sports). I have been on the fence as to whether I would keep this lens – not because it is bad, in fact, it is quite good.  I initially purchased my X-Pro1 system because of the high quality, fast and small prime lenses – I am not a fan of variable aperture zoom lenses.  But for now, I will keep this lens as it is the only way to go beyond 60mm with the “X” system and still have auto focus – plus optically, it delivers the goods. So for now, I will be holding onto it.  For me, it is a compromise but if you don’t mind variable aperture zooms, then you will probably like this lens a lot.”

– DPR posted some 55-200 real world samples here.

– Some samples taken with the XF 27mm can be seen at dc.watch here (translation)

XF 23mm first experience: “The performance of this lens is smashing. Absolutely smashing!”

Pre-order

USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline EUROPE: PCHstore / wexcamerasDE / wexphotographicUK

Kevin Mullins spent one day with the XF 23mm. He finds that “this is a FANTASTIC lens […] The lowlight performance of this lens is smashing. Absolutely smashing. The bokeh, especially in low light is just beautiful and the feel of the lens is great.” Read more and see the samples here at kevinmullinsphotography.

Another question: is it sharp wide open? David Hobby says here at google+:Oh yes, yes is it is. Screamingly tack sharp.”

Ultimate RAW Converter Shootout

by Rico Pfirstinger

Talk to Rico (open forum for questions & feedback)Rico’s Flickr sets – RAW converter comparison Flickr set (private set, must use this link) – Mastering the Fujifilm X-Pro1 reading samples (65 free pages)

Hello, again! Remember me?

It’s been a while, but to my defense, I have been busy finishing my new book Mastering the Fujifilm X-E1 and X-Pro1. It went to the printer yesterday (it will be printed in the U.S.A), and it’s expected to hit the stores by the end of October. You can preorder it by clicking here (currently with a 30% discount).

Of course, there’ll also be an eBook version for Kindle, iBooks and the likes. I’ll try to prepare a new set of reading samples for one of the next editions of this column. One will feature a first look at Fuji’s new X-A1 entry-level system camera (I have been testing a pre-production camera for several weeks), another one a look at the XF23mmF1.4 R lens that has just been officially announced (I am currently testing a pre-production sample).

As for this X-Pert Corner edition, it appears like I am promising you an “ultimate” RAW converter shootout, but of course, that’s just stupid marketing blah to lure you in. I was told that this kind of language attracts readers (hey, it worked on you, didn’t it?), and by the way, did I mention that the DSLR is dead and that Fuji is the new Leica?

Relax! Just kidding! ;)

What I am really going to do in this column is offering you a humble comparison of eight different X-Trans compatible RAW converters with respect to critical detail rendering at higher sharpening levels. My goal was to use AccuRaw 1.1.1, Aperture 3.4.5 with Apple Camera Raw 4.0.8, Capture One Pro 7.1.3, Iridient Developer 2.2, Lightroom 5.2RC, RPP 64 4.7.1, Silkypix 5.0.45 and the internal RAW converter of an X-Pro1 to extract as much detail as possible from two proven RAW sample files, then presenting the results without telling you which sample was made with which converter. This means that you’ll have to drop your preconceptions. Just look at the files without a safety net of hearsay! Spooky, huh?

Let flowers speak!

Enough introductory talk, let’s have a look at the first demo file:

By clicking here, you will get to a private Flickr set showing you eight different renderings of this image, labeled DSCF0544-1 to DSCF0544-8, displaying the results from RAW converters 1 to 8, respectively. I didn’t care about matching colors, contrast and the likes (you can change those anytime and anywhere to your personal taste). Instead, I focused on revealing as much sharp detail as possible, so for some of you, the results may look a tad too sharp. That’s intentional, as weaknesses tend to reveal themselves at critical sharpening levels (think “watercolor effect”).

Here’s how it goes: Look at the samples 1 to 8, then vote in the poll below for the one you like the most. I did my best to set each RAW converter to maximum effect with respect to revealing as much detail as possible, but hey, I’m only human (aka not Ken Rockwell). That’s why you’ll also find links to the original RAW files in Flickr’s image descriptions. Go ahead, knock yourselves out and do a better job with the RAW converter of your choosing!

Poll for DSCF0544-1 to DSCF0544-8:

Which two Fujinon Prime Lenses are the Most Sold ones until December 2015? (max. 2 selections)

View Results

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Personally, I think it’s interesting to not only see how differently the RAW converters are rendering the overall image, but also how different parts of the image reveal quite different levels of fine detail depending on which converter the file was processed with. If you click on the “original size” versions of the samples in Flickr, you will get 100% magnification views in lossless JPEG format, so prepare yourself for extended loading times. Many files are 20 MB+ in size. Yay!

Green is mean!

Our second sample is a particularly tough one, as it contains foliage and grass in all shapes and sizes. It’s a genuine X-Trans nightmare. I love it!

** CLICK HERE to Read the Rest of the Article **

XF23mm unveiled: pre-orders, press-release, hands-on reviews! LIVE-BLOGGING (reload this page)

USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline EUROPE: PCHstore /

Samples

Fujfilm just uploaded the first official samples of the XF 23mm here!

Hands-on

Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R Hands-on Photos at photographyblog here.

Press-releases

German Press Release (via systemkamera-forum) here (tranlsation). They say the lens will be available in Europe for €899 starting from the beginning of October.

Fujifilm GLOBAL press release!

FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Shigehiro Nakajima) is proud to announce the launch of the FUJINON XF23mmF1.4 R lens for Fujifilm compact system cameras.

FUJINON XF lenses represent the pinnacle of Fujifilm’s optical design technology, with top quality all-glass construction which includes an aspherical lens element. Their fast maximum apertures increase versatility for low-light photography and create scenes with a beautiful bokeh effect, while Fujifilm’s HT-EBC coating reduces reflections over a wider range of wavelengths, thereby controlling flare and ghosting. These advanced optical engineering techniques combine to deliver full-frame sensor resolution and noise level performance in the highly detailed APS-C sized X-Trans CMOS sensor in Fujifilm X-mount cameras.

With a focal length equivalent to 35mm in the 35mm format, the FUJINON XF23mmF1.4 R is suitable for a wide range of applications including portraits and landscapes as well as more general photography. The fast maximum aperture of f/1.4 allows you to shoot hand-held in low light conditions, where zoom lenses would introduce camera shake, plus it creates beautiful bokeh for artistic images.
• Dedicated lens design for use with Fujifilm X-Trans CMOS sensors

The new lens design provides enhanced resolving power with high contrast to draw the maximum performance out of the highly descriptive X-Trans CMOS sensor.
The fast f/1.4 aperture allows the user to create images with beautiful bokeh and helps reduce blurring in low light conditions.
Lens distortion has been reduced to the absolute minimum using only optical rather than digital correction, thereby delivering the highest possible picture quality.
The rounded seven-blade diaphragm ensures smooth bokeh even when shooting portraits or product shots at a medium aperture to maintain reasonable depth-of-field.
All lens elements are treated with Fujifilm’s multilayer HT-EBC (High Transmittance Electron Beam Coating) which delivers enhanced durability and ensures an even spread of light across the sensor.

• Ideal focal length for day to day shooting

The versatile focal length equivalent to 35mm in the 35mm format means you can enjoy both a wide-angle and telephoto approach by using your own feet to adjust the distance or angle with the subject matter.

• Distance indicator suitable for quick shots

The FUJINON XF23mmF1.4 R features a camera-to-subject distance indicator and a depth-of-field scale on the barrel. Both are useful when manually pre-focusing to capture a fast moving subject, or minimize the shutter lag to capture a fleeting moment.
The minimum working distance of around 28cm also makes this lens ideal for close-up shots.

• High speed autofocus

The lens uses an internal focusing system for high speed autofocus. The focusing lens group consists of three cemented lens elements and one aspheric lens element to keep weight down while the built-in high-torque DC coreless motor delivers ultra-fast AF performance.

• Compact size and premium design

The FUJINON XF23mmF1.4 R weighs 300g and measures just 63mm in length making it the most compact and lightweight lens of its class.
Metal parts are used for the focus and aperture rings, which are designed to give just the right amount of torque and feel in use.
The large front element gives the premium look of a fast lens, reminiscent of classic lenses from the past.