cameras

Using the Fuji X Pro 1 still viable in 2020

cameras, Fujichrome, Lenses, Travel
Fujifilm X Pro 1 with an 18mm f2 attached.

The Fuji X Pro 1 is the first of the generation of X Pro’s to be introduced in 2011/12 following the X100. It was considered at the time as a beefed-up version of the X100 but with interchangeable lenses. The X-Pro1 is overall very much like the X100 but with some welcome tweaks and refinements. The essence of the control layout is unchanged, with top-plate shutter speed and exposure compensation dials, a front-mounted lever for viewfinder mode selection, and a shutter button threaded for a traditional cable release. 

It did have a few initial problems, slow focusing being the major one (pretty much fixed in following firmware updates) but it will never be a speed demon. I have been using it for several years now and have never found this to be a problem that I cannot workaround. Not a camera to be used for sport or fast-moving subjects. The camera does make you think a little.

Is it capable of getting the images that I want, and in high quality, that is mainly what I am concerned with, and the answer is resoundingly yes (with a little brainpower from the photographer. The sensor is astounding and gives wonderful, film-like, quality. I like the retro design of the camera with its external controls, but it is still configurable to my way of working. This is what I like most about this little box.

My camera is used to make images of things that I find of interest and should be able to produce ”still” images that meet my standards and with care be usable straight from the camera. I rarely find the need with this camera to use RAW images as it gives very satisfying results with its in-camera JPEGS and film simulations. Used with the high-quality FUJICRON lenses the results can be phenomenal.

My Home Town

cameras, Fujichrome, Lenses, Travel, Uncategorized

I originally come from a town in the United Kingdom, called Warrington in Cheshire between Liverpool and Manchester. Warrington Museum & Art Gallery displays artefacts from around the world, plus archaeological finds and paintings. Gulliver’s World theme park offers children’s rides. Nearby, a canal runs through leafy Sankey Valley Park, with wildlife, paths and sculpture. South, imposing Walton Hall has parkland, formal gardens and a children’s zoo.

The Wonders of Fujifilm

cameras, Fujichrome, Lenses

I have used Canon and Nikon cameras and lenses for many years and love there reliability and sturdiness. I have recently (over the last 2 years) become a real fan of Fujifilm cameras along with their superb range of lenses.

I have taken a real fancy to the X Pro range (1 and 2) and also have an AE2 which is cheaper but just as effective. The lenses are what make the cameras so good, the retro design of the cameras, the lightweight is complimented by some superbly sharp and contrasty glass and great prices.

X Pro 2 with 23mm f2 lens

I am not a technical photographer, I make pictures that I enjoy and the Fuji’s have helped me do this in a number of ways. They have a number of in built feates that I appreciate and are not available in other cameras. The cameras have their on set of fujifilm like camera profiles that I find most useful, enabling me to change from Fuji Vevia, Provia and others, in camera. You can ebven shoot three different profile at the same time, plus monochrome if you like (which I do often).

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/tips-and-solutions/introduction-fujifilm%E2%80%99s-film-simulation-modes

This ability to do the processing (of JPEGS) in the camera has saved me much time in post processing and I have all but stopped using RAW as I can tune the cameras to give me the images I want in JPEG.

 (PROVIA/STANDARD)Standard color reproduction. Suited to a wide range of subjects, from portraits to landscapes

 (Velvia/VIVID)A high-contrast palette of saturated colors, suited to nature photos

 (ASTIA/SOFT)Enhances the range of hues available for skin tones in portraits while preserving the bright blues of daylight skies. Recommended for outdoor portrait photography

 (CLASSIC CHROME)Soft color and enhanced shadow contrast for a calm look

 (PRO Neg. Hi)Offers slightly more contrast than

  (PRO Neg. Std). Recommended for outdoor portrait photography

 (PRO Neg. Std)A soft-toned palette. The range of hues available for skin tones is enhanced, making this a good choice for studio portrait photography

 (ACROS) *Take black-and-white photos with rich gradation and outstanding sharpness. Available with yellow (Ye), red (R), and green (G) filters

 (MONOCHROME) *Take pictures in standard black and white. Available with yellow (Ye), red (R), and green (G) filters

 (SEPIA)Take pictures in sepia.

*** Filters deepen shades of gray corresponding to hues complementary to the selected color. The yellow (Ye) filter deepens purples and blues and the red (R) filter blues and greens. The green (G) filter deepens reds and browns, including skin tones, making it a good choice for portraits.

My Fujifilm X-Pro2 Kodachrome II Film Simulation Recipe

FUJICHROME CAMERAS

Probably my favourite Fuji camera would be the X Pro 2. As seen in the main picture above. I like the simple design and functionality. It looks like an old rangefindger camera but function and punches above it weight.

  • Newly-developed 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III APS-C sensor reduces moiré and false colors to dramatically improve image quality and X-Processor Pro engine increases response times, achieves faster AF, lower noise and better color reproduction
  • Advanced Hybrid Multi Viewfinder featuring a Multi-Magnification function that automatically switches view-finder magnification according to the lens and simultaneous EVF over OVF display
  • Electronic shutter maximum speed of 1/32000 sec and a focal plane shutter with a top speed of 1/8000 sec. with flash synchronization of up to 1/250 sec.
  • Intelligent Hybrid Phase detection AF with 273 selectable AF points, Dual SD Slots. Operating temperature is minus 10 degree Celsius to plus 40 degree Celsius
  • 16 Film simulation modes including the new ACROS monochrome mode and Grainy effect

Using the knowledge gained from accurately reproducing color in film manufacturing, Film Simulation allows the user to change color and tone settings to match the subject, scene and creative intent, just as if shooting with a roll of film. There are a total of 15 modes including PROVIA / Standard, Velvia / Vivid and ASTIA / Soft.

The Fujifilm X-Pro2 features the new ACROS Film Simulation mode. Its features include smoother gradation, deep blacks and beautiful textures. Ultra high-quality monochrome images are possible, adding extra creativity to the general monochrome mode.

Dual SD Card Slots

The Fujifilm X-Pro2 is the first mirrorless camera to offer dual SD card slots for highly reliable data storage. Slot 1 is compatible with UHS-II standards for excellent write speeds. One of three recording methods can be selected: sequential, backup and Raw / JPEG sorting.

Images can be copied between SD cards within the camera, making image data backup possible without a PC.

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/fujifilm-x-pro2

Fujifilm X-E2 16.3 MP Mirrorless Digital Camera

This camera is tiny but it reminds me of a mini X Pro 1. It lacks a few of the features of the X Pro cameras but it is capable of damned fine images.16MP APS-C X-Trans II CMOS sensor

  • 16MP APS-C X-Trans II CMOS sensor
  • 7 frames per second continuous shooting
  • Phase detect AF
  • ISO200 – 6400 (expandable ISO 100, 12800, 25600)
  • 1080/60p, 30p HD video
  • 3 inch LCD with 1,040,000 dots
  • Electronic viewfinder with 2,360,000 dots and digital split image focus aid
  • Raw and Raw + JPEG shooting
  • Pop-up flash with hot shoe
  • SD/SDHC/SDXC
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

X-Trans CMOS II sensor incorporates an original color filter array with a highly random pattern, eliminating the need for an optical low-pass filter (OLPF). These filters are used in conventional systems to inhibit moiré at the expense of resolution. The X-Trans CMOS II sensor array lets the sensor capture unfiltered light from the lens, achieving an unprecedented level of resolution.

And cheap as chips now as it is ”obsolete” by whoevers standards. I have two. LOL

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/fujifilm-x-e2

FUJICHROME LENSES

The ‘FUJINON XF 35mmF2 R WR’ offers a focal length equivalent to 53 millimeter* with the angle of view similar to that of the human eye and a maximum aperture of F2.0. It delivers sharp images with rich bokeh. The optical construction of 9 elements in 6 groups (including two aspherical elements) achieves the perfect balance of high image quality and compact size. The lens features the smallest diameter of the line-up and thanks to the inner focus system and stepping motor, it achieves an autofocus time of just 0.08 sec**.

The exterior of the lens is weather and dust-resistant and can work in temperatures as low as -10 degree Celsius.

This probably my most used lens of the bunch that I own, and a great price.

The lens exterior uses all metal parts to ensure it is durable enough for a wide variety of shooting situations. The fine texture of the metal parts further enhance the shooting experience and ensure it can be operated easily and accurately with wet or gloved hands. The lens features a weather- and dust-resistant structure with eight seals on the lens barrel keeping the lens protected from rain, dust and splashes of water when shooting outdoors.

An inner focus system, which moves the small and lightweight lens elements, is combined with a stepping motor to produce quiet, accurate and fast autofocus – a must for all snap shooters that need to capture a spontaneous moment.

Fujinon XF23mmF2 R WR

My second favorite lens.

  • Advanced image quality – ten elements in six groups, including two aspherical elements for edge-to-edge sharpness
  • Angle of view: 63.4°.At just 180g, the XF23mmF2 R WR is compact, lightweight, and stylish for great operability
  • Weather and dust resistant, capable of operating at temperatures as low as -10 Degree. Maximum magnification: 0.13x
  • Fast and silent autofocus: when combined with the phase detection AF system of FUJIFILM X-Pro2 or X-T2, the lens can focus in an astonishing .005 seconds

The XF23mmF2 R WR is a wide-angle lens with advanced image resolution, capable of drawing out the full performance of Fujifilm’s proprietary X-Trans CMOS sensor. It has a similar size and design flair of the existing XF35mmF2 R WR, to make up a stylish collection of compact lenses. The inner-focus AF system uses a stepping motor* to drive the focusing group of lens elements for silent and fast autofocus.

The metal exterior gives a sense of premium quality and robustness, and the aperture ring and focus ring have been designed for optimum operability. The lens is also weather and dust resistant and operates at temperatures as low as -10°C, making it an ideal choice for outdoor photography.

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/buying-guide-best-lenses-for-fujifilm-mirrorless-cameras

Fujichrome XF50mmF2 R WR

The XF50mmF2 R WR is a mid-telephoto lens with a focal length equivalent to 76mm*1 that delivers the very best results from Fujifilm’s unique X-Trans CMOS sensor. Its compact and lightweight design features 9 elements in 7 groups, including one aspherical ED lens, and has an inner focusing system*2, driven by a stepping motor*3 for fast and silent autofocusing. Metal parts are used extensively on the exterior for a stylish, robust design with a premium feel, while the aperture and focusing rings have been designed to be comfortable and easy to use. The lens is also weather and dust resistant, and operates in temperatures as low as -10°C, making it ideal for shooting in a variety of conditions.

The XF50mmF2 R WR will add to Fujifilm’s lineup of compact, lightweight and stylish lenses.

A great little lens for walking the streets …

TO BE CONTINUED