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)

And after the Fujifilm EF-X500 delay (report here), we now have another very nice flash for the Fuji X-system, that has been postponed: the Nissin i60!

It was originally planed to hit the market in mid June (report here), but has now been postponed to late July, according to BHphoto. But maybe that’s a bit too optimisitc. Nissin officially said the Sony Version will be available in August (via SonyAlphaRumors).

Product Highlights

• Nissin Air 2.4 GHz Radio TTL System
• Compatible with Fujifilm TTL
• Guide Number: 197′ at ISO 100 and 200mm
• Zoom Range: 24-200mm (16mm with Panel)
• LED Video Light; Color LCD Screen
• Tilts Upward 90°
• Rotates Left & Right 180°
• Recycle Time: 0.1-5.5 Seconds
• Slow, High-Speed, 1st & 2nd Curtain Sync
• Runs on 4 AA Batteries or External Pack

SUPER X SAVINGS :: Pay only $499 for the XF14mm :: XF16mmF1.4 now $300 off … and MUCH more!

Billy of the Fuji Guys was interviewed by ArtoftheImage about the X-Pro2. There are a few of Billy’s statements I’d like to highlight.

If you don’t have time to watch the entire 27 minutes video, then here is the transcription I’ve made for you of the most important parts (you’re welcome ;) ).

1. The X-Pro2 is overengineered
   Billy: “The processor allows us future expansion, when we need to do so. There is a lot of potential still in the X-Pro2 that has not been harnessed yet.”
   Interviewer: “In terms of how Fuji is constantly doing updates via firmware?”
   Billy: “That’s right. Whether it’s the controls or the AF-system”.
   Interviewer: “So you overengineered the X-Pro2, anticipating advancements you are going to offer in firmware down the road”.
   Billy: “That’s right, absolutely”
2. AF speed
   Billy: “Faster contrast detection AF over previous models. Firmware has been fine tuned, but there is still room for growth based on combination of sensor and processor”
3. Kaizen + EVF Refresh rate higher than 85fps? It’s possible!
   Interviewer: “That’s one of the neatest things about Fuji. You buy the camera, and it doesn’t end there. Like 2 years later you get a 50% better camera because you keep giving the consumer updates, whereas other camera manufacturers are like –ok, you bought your camera, we are done with that-”
   Billy: “Well, when you look at Fuji cameras, the design is timeless. The idea is to try to keep the camera as long as possible. Fuji obviously has to balance between how long you keep the camera to when you buy a new camera. Because, at the end of the day, when someone buys a Fuji camera, it really helps keep Fuji in business and gives us the ability to do things we want to do, which is to close the gap between this and a DSLR. We have done that with the Viewfinder [of the X-Pro2], offering extremely fast refresh rate. […] The human eye recognizes the difference in motion about 120 fps. We are actually at 85fps, so very very close. […] And the processing power is actually already there in this camera to eventually even reach 120fps!
   Interviewer: “So you might even tweak that?”
   Billy: “Absolutely! But as I said, it’s also a balance between performance and power. Make 80 shots and have incredible performance or make 200-300 shots and get decent enough performance.”
4. Why no tilt screen?
   Billy: “When you develop a product, there is a path you have to go through. It’s also based on budgets. If you do this, you can’t do that. Or the cost of the product goes up. The idea is to keep the product at a certain price point and follow that.”
5. 4K… why not? And will it come via Firmware Update?
   Billy: “The X-Pro2 is 4K capable. The processing power and sensor is there. The issue is heat. The required heat dissipation is not built into this camera. You can put 4K in, but after 30 seconds or something like that the camera is going to be super-hot and you can’t use it. […] Eventually I assume Fuji will get there [X-T2 anyone ;) ], but the X-Pro2 was designed with photography in mind.”
   Interviewer: “So we can’t expect 4K to come via Firmware update?”
   Billy: “Heat would be an issue. There would be battery issues, too. But you never know… I can’t say never.”

Fujifilm X-Pro2
USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / CANADA: AmazonCA / EUROPE: AmazonDE / AmazonUK / WexUK / PCHstore / AmazonITA / AmazonFR / AmazonESP / AUSTRALIA: CameraPro

Peter Thoshinsky: “Thunderstorm and Umbrella”, Washington DC, 2016. On a sad note, this was one of the last photos this camera ever took. Within seconds violent wind and rain completely soaked us both. In my enthusiasm I didn’t take any precautions to keep the camera safe, and I paid the price. The camera started acting crazy and in the morning was dead. I guess I will wait for the X-T2 and do my best with my X-T10 backup for a few months. X-T1,23 mm, 1/550 @ f1.4 ISO 6400

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Here are the most liked images of the Fujirumors facebook photostream… and keep it up, share and vote your absolute favorite X-shot… and here is how to do it:

1) SHARE & DESCRIBE: go to the Fujirumors facebook timeline and submit your favorite X-shot (and a short description) in the timeline by selecting “Photo/Video” .
2) VOTE & COMMENT: All the images will be displayed at the Fujirumors facebook photostream. You can vote & comment the images there.

NOTE: The next selection will start from those images shared starting from May 24!

Enjoy the X-shots

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Adam Holston: Sunrise on the Stokksnes in East Iceland. Shot with a XT-1, 14mm, F8, 1/125s, ISO 400. — in Höfn.

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Arthur Rijsterborgh‎: Fuji XT-1 18mm — at Hoge Brug

Push the READ MORE Button and Enjoy More TOP SHOTS!

Those of you, who check out regularly the continuously updated full overview over all existing and upcoming X-mount lenses, will already know it since a few weeks now, but I somehow missed to report about it on FujiRumors (as you could see, I was quite busy with the rumors lately ;) ).

So I’ll catch up now and tell you that Meike (aka Kaxinda) announced:

Meike 25mm f/0.95 (info here)
Meike 28mm f/2.8 (info here)
Meike 35mm f/1.7 (info here)
Meike 50mm f/2.0 (info here)

FULL LIST OF SAVINGS HERE

via mirrorlessrumors