Fujifilm X100T (Part Two)
It seems a century has passed, since I took in my hands the Fujifilm X100 for the first time. But, it was only in November of 2011. I was asked to test the new camera for the first event made by Fujifilm Italy to launch its "New Course" (I did not know yet that I would become, as Max Angeloni, one of the first three Italian X-Photographers). I remember the feelings (a mix of pleasant surprise, incredulity and positive expectations) that the compact camera aroused in me at first sight. It seemed to have in my hands a camera of another era (the shape, the size, the rangefinder) but, at the same time, I felt that inside the vintage looking body... something was happening. But didn't yet know what...
1/4sec. - f/16 - Iso 800 - Elab from Jpeg
I started my test shot in the streets of Rome, at first not very confident about the success with just a fixed 35mm lens. I felt that the field of view was a bit narrow, compared to the lenses (24/28mm) I was used to when shooting in the streets. Moreover, I had to learn the layout of controls and to get used to the viewfinder in a "not” dslr camera. But after few minutes everything went right and I got a good number of interesting shots. When at home, I unloaded the card in a hurry and finally, began to understand...
14sec. - f/11 - Iso 200 - Elab. from Jpeg
Until that day, when shooting Street around the world I had always had only two possible options: a heavy, bulky, noisy and flashy reflex, or a handy, lightweight, almost invisible, compact camera. In both cases, it was a compromise. I had to choose: either the image quality or handling and discretion. It was impossible to have it both ways .... Well, that day I realized that it became possible, because Fujifilm did the miracle! The X100 was not just a nice, nostalgic looking "toy" but also made spectacular photographs, with a high picture quality, especially when compared to the size of the body. The results surprisingly, remained high even at high ISO. Jpeg files that came straight out of the camera had incredible colors, high definition and a size (12 Mpixels) that allowed large prints without any compromise. The limits and "defects" described by Max Angeloni, virtually disappeared to my eyes, in front of the immense possibilities offered by that new jewel.
1/400sec. - f/2,2 - Iso 200 - Curves
Without fear of exaggeration, I realized that a new era had begun. And time elapsed since then proved it. Fujifilm had hit the mark! A philosophy that has brought a kind of revolution in the world of photography. We can see it everyday along the streets or whenever people talks about photographic gears. How many amateurs (and professionals too) sold their bulky and prestigious dslr kits to enjoy the lightness and quality of Fujifilm's X cameras? Time has passed by since the autumn of 2011 and three years after Fujifilm unveiled the latest evolution of the X100, i.e. the X100T. After the most incisive change of the previous series (X100S) where the 12 Mpixel sensor was replaced by the 16 Mpixel X-Trans one, this time it is more a refinement of the performance and easy of use. A further evolved EVF, a faster autofocus, the addition of "Classic Chrome" film simulation and a new improved firmware. I had the opportunity to test the "new born" during a short reportage in the village of Posta Fibreno (Fr), some days before last Christmas. So I got to experience the 100T in different photographic situations, from landscapes to people, inside and outside, in sunlight such as in artificial lights or at night. Of course, the practical results matched expectations, since both the sensor and the lens remained unchanged. This last sentence imposes a reflection. After three years and three successive models, the X100 project has reached full maturity and it's hard to further improve the camera, if not changing the lens or the sensor.
1/680sec - f/5 - Iso 200 - EV-0,7 - SOOC
The X100 is a special one, since it has a fixed focal length. It does not have the need to cover all the possible ranges of use as in the case of system cameras. It has a very specific target: i.e. people which prefers reportage, street photography, generic landscapes and especially prefers "move their feet" instead of the zoom dial. With the increasing use of the product even though this audience starts to ask for something more from this camera. As mentioned before, the latest updates have completed all that was perfectible... except the lens and the sensor. Personally I have no idea about what they're "plotting" over there in Japan regarding the sensor but, assuming that it should remain an APSC, it would be nice to have a new lens. The current one does very well his job but, for example, a lens with more “character” and faster would not hurt. An equivalent 35mm f/1.4 would be ideal or even it could be possible to choose between it and an equivalent 50mm (always f/1.4) for those who prefer it. Of course, the laws of optics are inflexible and this would result in somewhat less compact than now but, as we have seen, this is no longer the only request that is made by the users. Maybe Fujifilm is already thinking about it... Who knows...? Reportage "Posta Fibreno (Fr)" A short "generic" reportage, made last December just before Christmas. An example of the typical range of use of the X-100T. A true all-rounder, capable of photographing the landscape, as well as people. From early morning to late at night. In fact, except the first one, the images are arranged in chronological order of release. As can happen to any user who decides to bring a single camera in a simple day trip..... being sure that the camera is an X-100T!
1/120sec - f/11 - Iso 200 - Elab from Jpeg
1/340sec - f/5,6 - Iso 200
1/220sec - f/10 - Iso 200 - EV+0,3 - SOOC
1/550sec - f/7,1 - Iso 200 - EV+0,3 - Curves
1/680sec - f/5 - Iso 200 - Crop - SOOC
1/350sec - f/5 - ISo 200 - Crop - SOOC
1/80sec - f/5 - ISo 200 - SOOC
1/2000sec - f/4,5 - Iso 200 - Crop - Curves
1/400sec - f/10 - Iso 200 - EV-0,7 - Curves
1/280sec - f/10 - Iso 200 - EV-0,3 - Curves
1/320sec - f/8 - Iso 200 - Curves
1/200sec - f/8 - Iso 200 - Curves
1/210 sec - f/11 - Iso 200 - EV-0,3 - Curves
1/100sec - f/11 - Iso 200 - Elab from Jpeg
1/150sec - f/11 - Iso 200 - Elab from Jpeg
1/680sec - f/8 - Iso 200 - Curves
1/320sec - f/6,4 - Iso 200 - EV-0,3 - Elab from Jpeg
1/160sec - f/11 - Iso 200 - EV-0,3 - Curves
1/210sec - f/7,1 - Iso 200 - Curves
1/170sec - f/7,1 - Iso 200 - Curves
1/100sec - f/7,1 - ISo 200 - Curves
1/80sec - f/2,8 - Iso 2000 - Curves
1/42sec - f/2,8 - ISo 6400 - SOOC
1/80sec - f/2,8 - Iso 4000 - Curves
1/60sec - f/2,8 - Iso 5000 - SOOC
1/50sec - f/2,8 - Iso 6400 - Curves
1/60sec - f/2,8 - Iso 1250 - SOOC
1/60sec - f/2,8 - ISo 6400 - SOOC
1/60sec - f/2,8 - Iso 6400 - Elab from Jpeg
25sec - f/8 - ISo 400 - EV+0,3 - Crop - SOOC
26sec - f/8 - Iso 400 - Crop - SOOC (Velvia)
Note: All images were taken in Jpeg mode, with Colour, Contrast and Sharpness set to zero. Files were slightly processed in post-production for the following indications (Curves: slight adjustments of contrast curve - Crop: slight croppping to better center the subjects – Elab from jpeg : minor adjustment of the contrast curve, minor localized dodging or burning or minor straightening of the image), or not processed at all (SOOC files). All made using Classic Chrome, except the last one (Velvia).