Lacking A Manual
In late 2014, right before Christmas, I gave myself a well-earned Christmas gift – a Fujifilm X100T. I remember excitedly opening the small box the camera came in and then frantically looking for instructions on how to set it up and how to operate it.
Honestly, I was frustrated. After shooting with a Nikon D700 for almost five years, I was expecting this new Fujifilm X100T to be easier to use. In some respects, it was. But I was reading other photographers on online forums discuss how one could program the Function button in a variety of ways or that it was possible to completely silence the camera.
I was lost. Like all new tools, I experienced a learning curve. Thank God for Eric Francis and Patrick Downs of the Fujinistas forum on Facebook. At every turn they patiently explained the nuances of the new camera (which by the way includes a fixed 23mm f/2 lens). But I knew I couldn't keep pestering them (well, I still do), so I went on a quest to find a resource that explained the intricacies of using the Fujifilm X100T.
The included manual was quite useless and it made me wonder why Fujifilm would almost intentionally leave photographers in the cold with all that this camera was supposed to be able to do. I was imagining myself photographing people in the middle of a bright day, using an off-camera flash or the built in ND filters. But every time I poked around the camera, clicking on buttons and menus, I just got more lost.
Another Resource
So, Google to the rescue. I stumbled upon a forthcoming book by German photographer, Peter Fauland called Mastering The Fujifilm X100T & X100S. It's published by Rocky Nook and you can also order the book from Amazon.
I tracked Peter Fauland down in Berlin, to chat with him about his new book and to ask him a few pressing questions about my current challenges using the phenomenal Fujifilm X100T camera.
My Experience With The X100T
As I said, I've been photographing with the Fujifilm X100T since November 2014. I could have given up and sent the camera back to B&H Photo Video, but I chose to stick with it and simply use the camera as often as possible. If you see me walking around town, you probably have seen me stop and photograph whatever it is that I am experiencing in front of me. The Fujifilm X100T is the perfect “about-town” camera, but it also performs well in professional settings as well. Due to its quiet shutter option, I can photograph in situations where my Nikon D700 would otherwise raise eye brows. About a month back, I bought a used Nissin i40 flash from Neil van Niekerk and have started using it on the Fujifilm X100T.
Yes, the photograph above was shot using my Fujifilm X100T. Could I have used my Nikon D700 and a Sigma 35 f/1.4. Yes! But … the X100T allowed me to work quickly and without causing the kid to take notice. It was also on silent mode. Even the shopkeeper didn't realize I had made about 10 images. For more Fujifilm X100T photographs, visit my website – Seshu Photography – in about 10 days or less, I will have a new section celebrating my success in creating documentary family portraits and other images.
Other Books To Consider
Fujifilm X100S: From Snapshots to Great Shots, by Kevin Mullins
A Short Course In The Classic Art of FujiFilm X100T Photography, by Dennis P. Curtin
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I’m glad you’re feeling more at home with the camera, as it’s such a great tool. Don’t forget to use the motor drive when shooting action candids … silent, nice for nailing the moment.
Thank you for that tip, Patrick. I have been using it to great effect. Keep your tips coming!