FUJIFILM FinePix X100 (23mm, f/5.6, 1/60 sec, ISO200)
Two years ago I started this blog. The main reason was one very special camera: The Fuji X100. The first “X-camera” Fuji released in 2011.
This little camera changed everything. At least for me. Despite all its quirks and its rather slow operation this is maybe one of the most enjoyable cameras to use. It’s even better than the Fuji X system cameras because of its totally silent central shutter and the hybrid viewfinder that only truly makes sense on a single focal length camera.
Talking about the lens first: a 2.0/23mm on an APS-C sensor means classical 35mm field of view. A focal length that is surprisingly versatile. When I was shooting film with Nikon SLRs my favorite take everywhere camera was the fantastic Contax T2. A super-small camera with an integrated, retractible Zeiss 2.8/38mm T* lens. I was always amazed how easy it was to compose a good shot with this focal length. Fuji’s lens is a littler shorter which makes it even more versatile than the Contax and it’s one stop faster and it can shoot at ISO 3.200. Something I never did with the Contax T2.
The X100 is extremely well made. In some areas it’s better than the X Pro-1. One of its best parts is the aperture dial that only works in full steps and has a fantastic feel to it. Much better than the aperture rings on my XF lenses.
Did I mention the central shutter already? I know I did but it is a fantastic feature. I understand that Fuji did not implement it in their interchangeable lens cameras because every lens would need a shutter and this simply would make them much more expensive but it would make a wonderful system. To me it has still the best auto white balance of all Fuji cameras. It is almost unbelievable. It practicably always gets it right even in mixed light.
Today I don’t shoot it very often because I love the 14mm lens on my Fuji X Pro-1 and when I travel light I don’t want to bring a second camera. But every time I pick it up I immediately feel why this little camera changed everything. It is truly special. It’s hard to describe. You must hold and shoot one to understand. What a camera!
There is only one thing I ask Fuji to change for future versions: Make it all black! Enough words! Here are the pictures. UPDATE: Fuji really seems to listen. The Fuji X100T also comes in black!
My friend Harald shot on the second day with the camera:
FUJIFILM FinePix X100 (23mm, f/2.8, 1/105 sec, ISO200)
In the NHM in Vienna at the same day:
FUJIFILM FinePix X100 (23mm, f/2, 1/60 sec, ISO320)
In the History of Art museum Vienna:
FUJIFILM FinePix X100 (23mm, f/2, 1/40 sec, ISO1600)
Me in the elevator of the Palace of Culture in Warsaw, Poland:
FUJIFILM FinePix X100 (23mm, f/2, 1/30 sec, ISO800)
On a beautiful, cold morning in Riga, Latvia.
FUJIFILM FinePix X100 (23mm, f/8, 1/40 sec, ISO200)
In an elegant coffee house in Praque, Czech Republic:
FUJIFILM FinePix X100 (23mm, f/5.6, 1/30 sec, ISO400)
In front of a prison cell of the concentration camp in Ausschwitz, Poland:
FUJIFILM FinePix X100 (23mm, f/2.8, 1/60 sec, ISO2500)
At the blue hour (11am) in St. Peterborough, Russia.
FUJIFILM FinePix X100 (23mm, f/2.8, 1/60 sec, ISO500)
In front of the famous GUM on the red square in Moscow, Russia:
FUJIFILM FinePix X100 (23mm, f/2.8, 1/60 sec, ISO400)
During a snow storm on the Red Square in Moscow, Russia (-17 degrees Celsius):
FUJIFILM FinePix X100 (23mm, f/2, 1/60 sec, ISO640)
In heavy snowfall in Bayreuth, Germany:
FUJIFILM FinePix X100 (23mm, f/2, 1/60 sec, ISO3200)
On a frosty winters day at home:
FUJIFILM FinePix X100 (23mm, f/5.6, 1/60 sec, ISO400)
Capturing a ghost whale in the Vancouver Aquarium, Canada:
FUJIFILM FinePix X100 (23mm, f/2, 1/240 sec, ISO200)
In front of a marionette shop in Vienna:
FUJIFILM FinePix X100 (23mm, f/2, 1/60 sec, ISO320)
On “a beach” in Slovenia:
FUJIFILM FinePix X100 (23mm, f/5.6, 1/400 sec, ISO200)
Getting into a Fishing net in Croatia:
FUJIFILM FinePix X100 (23mm, f/2.8, 1/640 sec, ISO200)
Almost inside one of the Plitvicer Lakes, Croatia:
FUJIFILM FinePix X100 (23mm, f/11, 1/30 sec, ISO250)
Capturing the Golden Hour in Dubrovnik, Croatia
FUJIFILM FinePix X100 (23mm, f/11, 1/60 sec, ISO640)