The Perfect Exposure

Exposing and Editing RAW Files the Right Way

The path to technically optimal images leads through two stages: the best possible RAW exposure and competent post-processing. That’s why my Fuji X Secrets RAW workshops deal with both aspects equally.

by Rico Pfirstinger

Note: This is the English version of my German blog entry on Fuji X Secrets. Click here to read the original article in German.

From time to time, participants submit images to my RAW workshops that have been exposed incorrectly. Usually, this is because they want to compensate for their exposure error by processing the RAW image and “salvage” it somehow. This is based on a misunderstanding: RAW processing is not primarily intended as a rescue expedition to improve the technical (and sometimes also creative) mishaps of photos that have turned out badly. Although this may well be possible in individual cases, our goal should be to deliver RAW files that are as technically well exposed as possible. Then we can process them with all the skill at our disposal to make the most out of them.

Garbage In, Garbage Out

The quality of the captured RAW data determines what you can achieve with them in the RAW converter. A simple rule applies: The more light the camera can capture in a shot, the technically superior the image will be. So, do you overexpose vigorously? Of course not! A shot with blown-out highlights that cannot be recovered in the RAW converter is not attractive.

The principle of letting as much light hit the sensor as possible is thus limited by the fact that image-critical highlights in the scene should not be destroyed by the exposure. The photographer decides what is image-critical, not the camera. For a technically pristine image, it is always better to control the camera – rather than being controlled by it.

The Correct Exposure

To set the optimal exposure for a scene, we need some help. Fujifilm’s mirrorless X and GFX Series cameras have several things going for them in this respect:

  • The live view usually (not always!) displays a WYSIWYG preview of the JPEG shot – and thus also serves as an exposure preview.
  • Respectively, the RGB histogram shows the brightness distribution of the JPEG for each individual color channel.
  • A blinking overexposure warning indicates overexposed (blown-out) areas in the live view.
  • Spot metering allows pinpoint brightness measurements for isolated areas in manual exposure mode (M).

Since the live view, the histogram and the blinking overexposure alerts always refer to the JPEG to be generated by the camera (and not to the RAW data), they are based on the JPEG settings that apply at the time. So, it does make a difference which film simulation, contrast or white balance setting is currently in effect. This allows us to specifically find in-camera JPEG settings that are closest to the potential of the RAW data – let’s call them “JPEG settings for RAW shooters”.

Live view, histogram and overexposure warnings depend on the currently selected JPEG settings of the camera. The image above shows the factory settings of an X-H1, the one below our custom “JPEG settings for RAW shooters”. For the live view and the histogram to correspond as closely as possible to the exposure of the RAW file, I recommend low-contrast JPEG settings with reduced color saturation. 

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Fujinon XF33mmF1.4 and XF23mmF1.4 II Coming with Linear Autofocus Motor and Weather Sealing on September 2

The Fujinon XF33mm f/1.4 and the Fujinon XF 23mm f/1.4 II will be announced on September 2.

Today we can tell you that both these lenses will have weather sealing as well as linear motor autofocus.

As explained by Fuji Guy Billy in this article, Fujifilm uses four different type of motors in their lenses:

  • stepping motors
  • linear motors
  • DC coreless motors
  • ultrasonic type of motors

Each motor has its Pros and Cons and you can read about it here.

Linear motors are certainly not the smallest, but they have two wonderful characteristics: they are fast and silent.

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BREAKING: Fujinon XF23mmF1.4 MKII with Weather Sealing to be Announced September 2

You might remember we told you back in April that Fujifilm will launch the Fujinon XF23mmF1.4 MKII and that it should be released in 2022.

Well, it is correct, the XF23mmF1.4II is coming, but earlier than originally planed.

According to sources Fujifilm stepped on the gas and anticipated the release of the Fujinon XF23mmF1.4 MKII to 2021.

I don’t know when exactly it will ship, but the official announcement will take place at the Fujifilm X Summit on September 2.

Another tidbit a kind new source passed us (thanks, also for the X-T30II) : it will come with weather sealing.

The original Fujinon XF23mmF1.4 was my workhorse at the recent wedding I photographed and it performed admirably in combination with the Fujifilm X-T4.

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Voigtländer Nokton 35mmF1.2: Electronic Contacts, Full Specs, Press Release and Official Sneak Peek

We’ve shared hands on images of the new Voigtländer Nokton 35mm f/1.2 for Fujifilm X mount earlier today.

Now we spotted an official teaser to this lens at the Voigtländer website. It’s in German, so I’ll share first the google translated version and then the original one in German.

Also, a Polish distributor has shared the full specs and press release, so we share that one too here on FujiRumors (google translated via optyczne).

Also in German you can find the full press release at photoscala (images below).

PRESS RELEASE and SPECS (translated)

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The f/0.95 Lens Battle: Laowa Argus 33mmF0.95 vs Zhongyi Mitakon 35mmF0.95 vs 7Artisans 35mmF0.95

There is a vast offering of third party manual focus only Fujifilm X mount lenses. We share a selection of them down below.

Among the most popular ones, there are the ultra fast Laowa Argus 33mmF0.95, the Zhongyi Mitakon 35mmF0.95 and the vs 7Artisans 35mmF0.95.

Now Richard Wong compared them all on his youtube channel. As usual, I’ll provide a summary for you guys in case you don’t have time right now to watch at the 22 minutes long video.

Summary

Design and Built Quality

  • all manual focus only with no electronic contacts
  • all full metal construction
  • they all feel very solid
  • Mitakon and 7Artisans size and weight is similar. The Laowa is quite a bit bigger and heavier
  • The Laowa feels a bit front heavy on X-T3
  • Mitakon and 7Artisans, when you change focus distance, the high of these lenses will extend a bit. The size of the Laowa always remains the same
  • Only Laowa comes with lens hood, a metal lens hood. But the lens cap is of plastic
  • 7Artisans and Mitakon have a focus throw of 90 degrees, while the Laowa has a much longer focus throw of 270 degrees
  • Laowa focus ring feels smooth but also a bit tight. Changing from closes distance to infinity, it will be hard to do it quickly on the Laowa. Not a problem with the other lenses
  • 7Artisans has a quite loose focus ring, so it can be tricky to focus very precisely when shooting at f/.095
  • all these lenses have an de-clicked aperture ring, which he hates. Non of his videographer friends ever changes aperture while shooting a video. He’d prefer a clicked aperture ring
  • he prefers the design of the Laowa

Field of view

  • Laowa has the widest field of view (33 instead of 35)

Sharpness

  • Center at f/0.95: Laowa is clearly the sharpest, followed by Mitakon and the last is 7Artisans
  • at f/1.4 all lenses improve contrast
  • corner sharpness at f/0.95: all quite soft, but Laowa is the sharpest and borderline usable
  • corner sharpness at f/1.4 is reasonably sharp, while you must stop the Mitakon and 7Artisans down at f/2 to get similar results of the Laowa at f/1.4

Chromatic Aberration

  • at f/0.95: Laowa is the best with only a little bit of aberration, and much better than the other two lenses. Mitakon still keeps chromatic aberration at a decent level. 7Artisans has noticeably more chromatic aberration than the other two lenses
  • LoCA at f/0.95: serious color fringing on the 7Artisans. Laowa is best. Mitakon only marginally worst than the Laowa

Vignetting

  • at f/0.95, the Laowa is worst, followed by Mitakon and 7Artisans is best
  • it’s surprising, as the Laowa is the biggest lens

Bokeh

  • at f/0.95: Laowa has smoothest and most creamy bokeh, Mitakon a bit of halo, on 7Artisans pretty noticeable halo which makes it look more nervous
  • bokeh balls: Laowa pretty round a bit swirly in the corners. Mitakon relatively round in the center, but in corners a weird triangle shape. 7Artisans bokeh a bit similar to Mitakon but not quite as extreme and corners have oval shape bokeh with pointy end

Distortion

  • overall similar and noticeable barrel distortion

Focus distance

  • similar minimum focus distance of 35/37 cm
  • at close distance, Laowa has softest sharpness, Mitakon in the middle, and 7Artisans is the sharpest at close distance

Flare

  • All have quite some lens flare and contrast drops
  • lens flare looks quite different
  • 7Artisans is best with least amount of lens flare, but the Laowa has the best and very cinematic looking lens flare with lots of character thanks to a red lens flare

Sun Stars

  • from f/8 to f/11: Laowa most beautiful. Also 7Artisans has nice sun stars. Mitakon not quite as clean sun stars
  • You can stop down the Laowa only until f/11, while 7Artisans and Mitakon go until f/16
  • Mitakon and 7Artisans have quite a bit of ghosting when shooting at f/16, so while the sun star is a bit sharper compared to Laowa at f/16, the ghosting can become a bit distracting
  • Laowa and 7Artisans are a good choice

Coma + Focus Breathing

  • Laowa Coma is at acceptable level. 7Artisans has slightly more coma. Mitakon is the worst
  • Laowa and Mitakon similar focus breathing, 7Artisans more focus breathing

Final Thoughts

  • Each of the lenses has Pros and Cons
  • 7Artisans best value for money, Mitakon overall balanced design and reasonably well in most areas
  • Laowa is his favorite. It’s the sharpness of all and has lowest amount of chromatic aberration, making it most usable at f/0.95
  • Laowa renders best bokeh and lens flare
  • Laowa has way too long focus throw
  • He would pick the Laowa, even if it is larger and heavier

Where to get them

Some Third Party X Mount Options

Nitecore NP-W235 and NP-W126S Batteries Announced

Nitecore has announced their new Nitecore NP-W235 batteries for Fujifilm X-T4 and Fujifilm GFX100S and their NP-W126S batteries for X-T3 and other X series cameras (except the older X100 models).

Nitecore NP-W235 – Coming soon to AmazonUS and at Nitecore

  • Voltage: 7.2V
  • Capacity: 2,250mAh
  • Energy: 16.2Wh
  • Operating Temperature:
  • Charge: 0~55°C (32~131°F)
  • Discharge: -10~60°C (14~140°F)
  • Weight: 78.2g (2.76oz)
  • Compatible Models: X-T4, GFX100S
    (Please refer to the original battery compatibility for more compatible models)

Nitecore NP-W126S – Coming soon to AmazonUS and at Nitecore

  • Voltage: 7.4V
    Capacity: 1,140mAh
  • Energy: 8.4Wh
  • Operating Temperature:
  • Charge: 0~55°C (32~131°F)
  • Discharge: -10~60°C (14~140°F)
  • Weight: 51.5g (1.82oz)
  • Compatible Models:
    X-H1, X-Pro3, X-Pro2, X-Pro1, X-T3, X-T2, X-T1, X-T30, X-T20, X-T10, X-T100, X-E3, X-E2S, X-E2, X-E1, X-M1, X-A7, X-A5, X-A3, X-A2, X-A1, X-A10, X100F, X100V, X-S10, X-E4
    FinePix HS50EXR / HS30EXR / HS33EXR
    (Please refer to the original battery compatibility for more compatible models)

The Rise of Selfie Screens, The Myth of Them Being Better for Video and About Pleasing Youtubers instead of Customers

2020 Trend

These days everybody is making its list of the best and worst gear 2020, as well as best and worst trends of 2020.

And it’s on the latter one, the “trends”, that I would like to focus on today.

Because it is clear: one of the hot trends in the photography industry is putting selfie screens on cameras.

And guys, we have to talk about it!

I Am NOT a Selfie Screen Hater

To be clear: I do not hate selfie screens.

And in fact, during the various COVID-19 lockdowns, I often have to teach online and record my lessons, and the selfie screen is a true blessing!

A fully articulating screen is not the photography-evil of our times. It still works fine, it’s still flexible, and I have rather rapidly learned to accept it on my Fujifilm X-T4, sometimes even to love it (especially during my online lessons).

So, if you are one of those, who loves the fully articulating screen, I get it. Maybe I don’t love it as much as you do, but I could totally accept a selfie screen on cameras like the future Fujifilm X-H2 for example.

But….

But it’s getting a bit out of control, with selfie screens just popping up on so many cameras, that we have to talk about it.

And why is this happening?

Tony Northrup
“Selfie Screen? Pleasing Youtubers is Higher Priority than Pleasing Customers”
Vs.
Jonas Rask
“I have no count as to how many shots I missed becauseof the Selfie Screen”

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Photokina GAME OVER: Suspended “Until further Notice”

The Photokina team just announced that photokina has been “suspended until further notice”.

Originally, due to the Coronavirus outbreak, Photokina 2020 had been canceled and postponed to May 2022. But apparently there won’t be any photokina in 2022, and probably never again at this point.

I have been to photokina a few times (2016 report here – 2018 report here) and I always hugely enjoyed it. It’s sad to see this show ending. But to me, the error was made when they dropped their 2 years cycle and decided to take place every year in May. It was the wrong answer to a real problem.

Topaz

What is not yet suspended, but won’t last very long, is the following deal:

TOPAZ has just launched a one-time-only mega bundle deal which allows you to save 60%+ on all Topaz Products.

You’ll get DeNoise AI, Gigapixel AI, Sharpen AI, JPEG to RAW AI, Mask AI, Adjust AI, Topaz Studio 2, and Video Enhance AI for just $299 instead of $1,000.

If you are not into video, you can remove Video Enhance AI from the bundle and hence get it all for just $199!

And if you already own at least one if not more Topaz products already, you’ll only pay for what you don’t own – meaning you still get to take advantage of some serious savings and Topaz will extract what you already own.

Check out the Topaz Bundle deal here.

Press Release

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