fujifilm Archives - Tiffinbox

Mastering The Fujifilm X100T With Peter Fauland

February 17, 2016 by Seshu | Editor & Publisher 2 Comments

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

X Marks The Spot With Fujifilm’s New X-Pro2 Camera Launched Today

January 15, 2016 by Seshu | Editor & Publisher 1 Comment

The Fujifilm X-Pro 2 is finally out. After years of speculation and lust, photographers can rejoice today. As a Fujifilm X100T user (scratch that, devotee), I was on the fence about buying a new Fujifilm camera.

At Photo Plus Expo, I tried the Fujifilm XT-1 but wasn't taken to it like I had with the X100T.

Form factor and the way the camera simply blends in the way I work made me wonder about a camera similar to the X100T but with the ability to change lenses. That camera may just be the Fujifilm X-Pro2.

There are a lot of reasons to own this new camera body. But first a few videos that set the tone.

Find a whole slew of other videos on Fujifilm's YouTube channel.

The reviews are out too for this new Fujifilm camera.

If you poked through the videos and reviews above, I am sure you want order a Fujifilm X-Pro2 like I do. If you are in the US, you have at least 3 options when it comes to buying it online:

B&H Photo Video

Adorama

Amazon

So, what's going to be? Are you convinced this new camera may be just the thing for you and your photography business? Does your approach to photography lend itself to using a camera in an unobtrusive way? Can you see yourself photographing without those heavy DSLR cameras?

I for one am looking to divest myself from my Nikon D700. It's a matter of time when I swap that system out for the Fujifilm X-Pro2 and its slew of sharp, fast lenses.

Which lenses will they be? I'll follow up in another blog post with my choices. Until then, think about how your gear should get out of your way of making art.

If my experience with the Fujifilm X100T is any indication, the Fujifilm X-Pro2 carries forth that same feeling or culture with it; it's a silent but equal partner in the art of image making.

I want to hear from you. Share your thoughts below in the comments section. What do you like or do not like about the Fujifilm X-Pro2?

Fuji FinePix X100: The Street Photog’s Dream Camera

November 15, 2010 by Seshu | Editor & Publisher 4 Comments

This isn't a plug for the Fuji FinePix X100 camera. I am just posting this video clip up here just in case you are a street photographer like I was back in the day. This camera will quite likely be THE camera to have with you at all times. No, it doesn't look like it will fit in your pocket, but then again, what camera would you want at the ready – one that is slung over your shoulder or the one tucked into your pant pocket – to capture your next great image?

Tell me this doesn't look like an early Leica rangefinder camera. Yes, it's all digital. How I wish Fuji will come out with an all-black version of it. That would really bring back memories of my Leica M6.

So, what do you think? Will you consider buying this camera? Word is it won't be out till Spring 2011. As I told my friend Jigar on Twitter – I want it NOW! Brace yourself, though, as the retail price is likely to be close to $1000 or more.