October | 2018 | FUJI X WEEKLY

3 New Features On The Fujifilm X-T3 That I Find Fascinating

Posted on October 30, 2018 by Ritchie Roesch

When Fujifilm announced the X-T3, the first camera to feature an X-Trans IV sensor, I only paid half attention to it because I’m not in the market for a new camera. I read a couple of articles about the differences in image quality between X-Trans III and IV sensors, and also the quickness of the X-T3, and left it at that. However, I failed to notice three new features that are quite fascinating. I stumbled across these new features pretty much by accident, and wondered why they haven’t received more press. Or maybe they did and I just ignored it. Whatever the case, I thought it would be worthwhile to share it with you.

The first new feature on the Fujifilm X-T3 that I find fascinating is the Color Chrome Effect. This is something that you can toggle on or off for any film simulation, and you can choose either weak or strong. What it does is increase the color saturation while also producing deeper colors so as to increase color gradation. They got the inspiration for this feature from the limited-run Fortia film, which was wildly saturated (more so than Velvia) yet maintained great color gradations. To be clear, Color Chrome is not a new film simulation, but something that can be added to any film simulation, which will give it a slightly different look, producing subtly different results. Fujifilm intended Color Chrome to be used in highly saturated scenes. It takes a lot of processing power, so it will slow down your camera a little and drain your battery faster, but I can definitely see the usefulness of it.

The next new feature on the Fujifilm X-T3 that I find fascinating is a monochrome adjustment that allows you to tone your black and white photographs, either warm or cool (+ or – 4). As long as the weakest adjustment is subtle, I would love to use this! I like to tone my monochrome photographs, something that I have done often over the last 20 years, including when I used to print my own pictures in a darkroom. You can infuse an emotional response into a photograph simply by how it’s toned. This is something that I have wished my X-Trans III cameras could do, so it’s great to see Fujifilm include it on the next generation.

The third new feature on the Fujifilm X-T3 that I find fascinating is D-Range Priority, which is a dynamic range setting that is in addition to the traditional Dynamic Range settings (DR100, DR200 and DR400). It flattens the image to retain highlight and shadow detail. It’s not something to be used all of the time, but in ultra high contrast situations it can be useful. I found someone who has had good success using D-Range Priority for sunset pictures. This actually isn’t a new feature, as the X-H1 also has it, but it’s not found on any camera that predates the X-H1.

I imagine that all three of these features will be included on all X-Trans IV cameras. Fujifilm could choose to include the last two in X-Trans III cameras through firmware updates, but they probably won’t. It sure would be nice if they did, though! Still, it’s good to see them on the new models. It definitely gives me camera envy, but it is reassuring to know that my current Fujifilm cameras are capable of capturing great images, and while I may want these new features, I certainly don’t need them.

Current Fujifilm Deals

Posted on October 28, 2018 by Ritchie Roesch

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At Amazon right now the Fujifilm X-T100 (with 15-45mm lens) is $100 off, the Fujifilm X100F is $100 off, the Fujifilm X-E3 (body only) is $100 off, the Fujifilm X-T20 (with 18-55mm lens) is $150 off, the Fujifilm X-Pro2 (body only) is $200 off, the Fujifilm X-H1 (body only) is $250 off, the Fujifilm X-T2 (with 18-55mm lens) is $400 off, and the Fujifilm X-T2 (body only) is $500 off. The X-T2 is heavily discounted thanks to the X-T3, so now is a good time to buy one if you’ve been looking. I think the price drop on the X-H1 can also be attributed to the X-T3. The X-Pro2 and X100F discounts might be an indication that new models are in the works, as Fujifilm doesn’t usually discount these two camera series, but that is just speculation at this point.

Also at Amazon right now the Fujinon XF 16mm f/1.4 lens lens is $150 off, the Fujinon XF 14mm f/2.8 lens is $150 off, the Fujinon XF 80mm f/2.8 lens is $150 off, the Fujinon XF 90mm f/2 lens is $150 off, the Fujinon XF 50-140mm f/2.8 lens is $200 off, and the Fujinon XF 16-55mm f/2.8 lens is $200 off. I used to have the 16mm f/1.4 and it’s pretty darn fantastic.

Needles Eye Night – Custer SP, SD – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & 16mm

Nobody pays me to write the articles that you find on Fuji X Weekly. The advertisements that you see plastered to this blog belong to WordPress, not me. If you click the links above and purchase something, a very small amount of the proceeds come back to me, and I will use that to improve the Fuji X Weekly experience. If you were already going to buy one of those cameras or lenses from Amazon, if you use my link it will support me. If you had no plans to buy anything, please don’t as I would never want to make you feel pressured to do so. I’m hoping that raising the awareness of things that are currently discounted is a service to someone reading this, and as a side effect I can improve this blog. Perhaps it is a win-win, or at least I hope that it is.

As a reminder, in case you missed it, Fuji X Weekly is now on Instagram! Simply search for @fujixweekly on your Instagram app and it should pop right up. I personally invite you to follow me. Thanks to everyone who has already done so!

Salt Lake City Street Photography with Fujifilm X100F & XF10

Posted on October 28, 2018 by Ritchie Roesch

Salt Lake City Workday – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X100F

I had an adventure in Salt Lake City a couple of days ago. My family and I rode the FrontRunner commuter train into the city and then hopped on the TRAX light rail train to traverse downtown. I captured it all on my Fujifilm X100F and XF10 cameras. These two cameras are both great for this type of trip because they’re small and lightweight and yet are capable of fantastic image quality.

Street photography is something that I enjoy, but it’s only been over the last few years that I’ve really gotten into it. Urban landscape photography is something that I’ve done off and on for two decades. While they are two different genres, they’re very closely related and it’s not uncommon to do both simultaneously, which is what you see in this article. If time allowed I’d certainly find myself wandering urban areas more, camera in hand.

Downtown Salt Lake City is one of the nicer urban centers in America. It’s clean, safe, pedestrian friendly and full of shopping, dining, entertainment and educational opportunities. It’s a great place to spend a day! It’s a great place to walk around with a camera or two, capturing the urban life and urban sights. It seems that I always come away with at least a couple of great images. There are a few photographs in this article that I’m particularly happy with. I hope that you enjoy them! Oh, and be sure to check out the video at the end.

B&W:

Upside-Down Frown – SLC, UT – Fujifilm XF10

Urbanhood – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X100F

Boarding Anonymous – SLC, UT – Fujifilm XF10

White Shirt Train Riders – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X100F

Blue Line – SLC, UT – Fujifilm XF10

Joy Rider – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X100F

Uncompromising Photographer – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X100F

Library Basement Stairs – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X100F

Library Interior From Basement – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X100F

Bike By The Fountain – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X100F

Staircase Down – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X100F

Curve Down – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X100F

Salt Lake Urbanscape – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X100F

Light On The Floor – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X100F

Color

M12 M2 – SLC, UT – Fujifilm XF10

Light Rail Curve – SLC, UT – Fujifilm XF10

That I Can’t? – SLC, UT – Fujifilm XF10

Sisters On A Train – SLC, UT – X100F

Coming & Going Passengers – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X100F

Stop, Look & Listen – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X100F

Where The Train Bends – Fujifilm X100F

Overhead Wire – SLC, UT – Fujifilm XF10

Green To The Airport – SLC, UT – Fujifilm XF10

Evening Commuter Train – SLC, UT – Fujifilm XF10

Autumn Downtown – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X100F

Autumn At City-County Building – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X100F

Caution – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X100F

Look Both Ways – Salt Lake City, UT – Fujifilm X100F

Dressed In Red – SLC, UT – Fujifilm X100F

Passerby Strangers – SLC, UT – Fujifilm XF10

FrontRunner Station – SLC, UT – Fujifilm XF10

I’m not a video guy, but I wanted to try out the video features of the XF10, so I recorded some footage and made a short video of this adventure:

Weekly Photo Project, Week 13

Posted on October 27, 2018 by Ritchie Roesch

This week wouldn’t have been successful without the Fujifilm XF10. There were three days that likely would have been passed up without an image if I hadn’t had the little camera in my pocket. For me, the XF10 is an essential tool for this project. This week, which was one of the more difficult weeks for this series, features seven photographs that were captured with the Fujifilm XF10.

Monday, October 15, 2018

Backside of Highway Sign – Kaysville, UT – Fujifilm XF10

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Silver & Black – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm XF10

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Monochrome Succulent – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm XF10

Thursday, October 18, 2018

Jon Holding A Praying Mantis – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm XF10

Friday, October 19, 2018

Anastigmat – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm XF10

Saturday, October 20, 2018

Autumn Over The Red Shed – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm XF10

Sunday, October 21, 2018

Capital Lamp – SLC, UT – Fujifilm XF10

Week 12 Week 14

Fuji X Weekly is now on Instagram

Posted on October 27, 2018 by Ritchie Roesch

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I’ve been on and off Instagram a few times over the years. I think it can be a fun way to share one’s photographs, but there are things about it that I don’t care a whole lot for. There’s a lot that’s fake, such as people buying likes and followers in hopes of reaching fame and fortune. I’ve been away from it for a number of months and it has been nice. If you are ever feeling frustrated with Instagram, I highly recommend stepping away from it for a period of time, perhaps six months or a year. It feels really good, like a social media cleanse. It helps to reaffirm what is and isn’t important in life. And Instagram is most assuredly unimportant.

With the growing popularity of Fuji X Weekly, I get asked frequently what my Instagram handle is. People are interested in seeing my photographs in a different forum than this blog. People also want to share their Instagram feed with me. I figured that it was a good time to jump back in, so I created a Fuji X Weekly Instagram page. Search for @fujixweekly and it should pop right up. I invite you to follow me. If you do, I will check out your feed as well, time permitting. That “time permitting” statement is an important one as I do not intend to spend gobs of time on Instagram. I like social media to take up a very small space in my life. Other things come first, and that’s a priority for me.

If you’d like, follow Fuji X Weekly on Instagram by typing @fujixweekly in the search box on your app. I hope to keep it interesting and fresh so that it’s worth your time and attention, but I also don’t want it to become time-consuming. It will be a balancing act for sure. Hopefully it is one small thing that I can do to improve the experience of this blog.

Fuji X Weekly Merchandise Coming Soon – First Sneak Peek!

Posted on October 23, 2018 by Ritchie Roesch

I’ve been working on some Fujifilm inspired products to make available for sale. The profits will be used to improve the Fuji X Weekly experience. It’s not yet ready to make public, but it’s getting closer, and it will definitely be up and running prior to the Christmas shopping season.

I ordered an item for myself: an iPhone 7 Plus cellphone case. I needed it, as my old case was falling apart. It arrived today in the mail, and it looks great! I’m really pleased with how it turned out. This is one of many items that will be available for purchase soon.

The camera on the case you might recognize as the Fujifilm X100F. It’s such a beautiful camera, one of the most beautiful cameras ever made, so obviously it looks great printed on other things, such as phone cases and shirts. This is just one of many designs that will be found in the Fuji X Weekly store.

As soon as everything is ready to go you will see a special announcement posted on this blog. I hope that you are excited as I am! I know that I will be purchasing several things for myself. This cellphone case is just the beginning.

The Film Simulation That Fujifilm Should Create Next

Posted on October 22, 2018 by Ritchie Roesch

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The last new Film Simulation that Fujifilm created was Eterna, which right now is only found on the X-H1 and the X-T3. My guess is that all future X-Trans IV sensor cameras will include it. I’m a little surprised that some of the X-Trans III cameras were not given Eterna through firmware updates, but Fujifilm elected not to do that. There’s been talk and rumors that Fujifilm has been working on another new Film Simulation. I thought it might be fun to speculate what it might be, which is something I did a little over a year ago prior to Eterna being announced. I’m not sure if this new future film simulation will be made available on a camera next year or sometime later or even at all. It’s all speculation, but it’s amusing to guess.

With the current film simulation offerings that Fujifilm provides, it’s possible to create all sorts of different looks. The settings can be customized to mimic many different aesthetics. I don’t think that there is necessarily a big need for a new film simulation, but I do have some good ideas for looks that can’t be achieved with the current offerings (or, at least, I haven’t figured it out yet). I wouldn’t want them to come up with something that can be made with what’s already there, but instead create something that can’t currently be accomplished.

My first choice for a new film simulation is Fujifilm 400H overexposed. This film, when exposed a little brighter, has a pastel color palette that’s quite unique. While 400H film isn’t anything special when exposed correctly, add a stop to the exposure and watch the magic happen! I think it would be great if Fujifilm figured out how to recreate this look with their digital cameras.

How about color infrared? While it would be cool if Fujifilm cameras had a removable IR filter like Sigma cameras, I think it would be interesting if they offered a convincing faux infrared film simulation. I mean, people spend a lot of money converting their cameras to IR, so why not offer an easier solution?

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While I created a cross-process recipe, I think it would be fun if Fujifilm offered a Velvia cross-process film simulation. This would be bright, bold and funky. I would certainly use it, maybe frequently. I used to cross-process actual Velvia film back in the day. It would be nice to easily achieve the same look in-camera.

I think, lastly, perhaps a Polaroid aesthetic of some sort would make a good film simulation. That would be unexpected, but more useful than it might initially sound. For example, when I used to use Alien Skin Exposure software, one of my go-to looks was a Polaroid film preset. So there’s potential for something great if done right.

There really isn’t a big need for new film simulations, but I would welcome anything that they come up with. Fujifilm has the opportunity to think outside of the box and create something that’s unusual and wonderful, but will they? Acros and Classic Chrome are great examples of what the masterminds at Fujifilm’s lab are capable of, so maybe they will. I suppose we might have an answer in a year or two.

Now it’s your turn! What film would you like to see Fujifilm’s next film simulation based off of? It can be one that I suggested or your own idea. Let me know in the comments. I look forward to hearing your ideas!

Visiting Ree Drummond’s Mercantile & Ranch in Pawhuska, OK

Posted on October 21, 2018 by Ritchie Roesch

Drummond Ranch – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2

This last summer my wife and I had the opportunity to visit Ree Drummond’s mercantile store and ranch in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. Ree Drummond, who is also known as The Pioneer Woman, is a famous television host, cook, author and blogger. She’s practically a household name! Her home, which just happens to be one of the largest ranches in America, is just outside of Pawhuska, which is where you’ll find her restaurant and store.

Pawhuska is a quintessential rural country town in northern Oklahoma. It once boomed, but an oil bust, the Great Depression and Dust Bowl left lasting scars on this small town. Less than 5,000 people call Pawhuska home, but it does have one famous resident that has breathed new life into the area, and it has become a mecca of sorts, a tourist destination for fans of The Pioneer Woman. People travel from all over the county, even the world, to visit The Mercantile.

You might be wondering right now what any of this has to do with photography, as Fuji X Weekly is a photography blog, other than I captured some photographs of this place while visiting. Well, a lesser known fact about Ree Drummond is that she’s a pretty good photographer. She’s captured some amazing photographs of Oklahoma ranch life. In fact, her store and ranch are decorated with her pictures. You’ll find some of her photographs in her different books. I know that she’ll never read this article, but if by chance she ever does, I would strongly urge her to publish a photoessay book showing life on her ranch, which might include 40-50 of her best black-and-white photographs. The art world has yet to recognize Ree’s pictures, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t a talented artist or that she shouldn’t share her pictures with the world. I do believe someday her prints will find their way into an exhibition somewhere, and she’ll receive recognition for what she’s done with a camera.

The Merc – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2

We visited The Mercantile, which is an old brick building in downtown Pawhuska, in the afternoon, browsing the store that’s packed with unique items. Some of these things feature Ree’s designs, while other things fit her style but aren’t designed by her. It’s a fun store to walk through, and my wife found many things that she wanted to purchase. After that we went upstairs to the coffee shop, which includes a great space for sipping hot drinks and eating tasty pastries and just relaxing. The Mercantile was busy, but it didn’t feel overcrowded, and we took our time soaking up the experience.

The Drummond family opens up The Lodge for tours from time-to-time, and it just so happens that it was open for tours while we were there. The Lodge is located on their ranch several miles outside of town and down some dirt roads. This is where the cooking show is filmed, and it serves as a guesthouse for visitors. It’s a beautifully restored and decorated ranch house. Visiting it was an intimate experience, as it felt like stepping into their home, even though this isn’t their main house. My wife pretended to host the show, and we got a good laugh out of that. We were able to pet a few of their dogs, which are seen in the show and books and were just hanging around the building. We even saw some of their horses, and my 10-year-old daughter, who loves horses, got to pat one on the nose. It was a good time and well worth the dusty drive to get there and back.

That night we returned to The Mercantile for dinner in the restaurant. The food was every bit as delicious as we imagined and then some! The atmosphere was just as enjoyable as the food. It was one of the best meals we had on our road trip. Ree’s restaurant really was ridiculously good!

Kitchen Window – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2

We spent the night in Pawhuska. We awoke the next morning to rain, but that didn’t stop us from returning to The Mercantile in the morning for breakfast. As delicious as dinner was the night before, breakfast was even better! I can understand why Ree is a popular television cook, as her recipes are incredibly tasty.

Before coming to Pawhuska we had read on the internet that The Mercantile and restaurant can be extremely crowded with long lines, and that sometimes you have to wait for hours. We didn’t experience any of that, but as we were leaving town we did notice that the line for the restaurant was becoming quite long. I would suspect on weekends or busy travel days, during peak hours, that it can get extraordinarily crowded. My recommendation would be to come during the middle of the week and be there either early near when they first open or late just a little while before closing and you’ll miss the gobs of people.

The Pioneer Woman experience was a highlight of our summer vacation. It felt like we were invited guests and not strangers. We ate delicious food. We toured their guesthouse. We purchased some merchandise. We didn’t want to leave, but it was time to go. We took with us some good memories. Oh, and I captured the photographs you see here.

Color:

Pioneer Woman Table – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2

Singing Cowboys – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2

Headless Three – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2

Chair Shadow – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2

Backwards Gear – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2

Window Seat – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2

Blackberry Lemonade – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2

Berry Creme Brulee – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2

Devil’s Food – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2

Drummond Ranch Horse – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2

Mercantile Treats – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2

The Lodge Porch – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2

Kitchen Flowers – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2

Chairs By The Window – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2

Ranch View – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2

Cowboy Boots – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2

The Lodge Kitchen – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2

Dog & Cow – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2

Drummond Ranch Vista – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2

Foal Shy – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2

Country Horses – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2

B&W:

Mercantile – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X100F

Cafe Flowers – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X100F

Wet Tables – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X100F

Bakery – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2

Light Fixture – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X100F

The Pioneer Woman Store Corner – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2

Pat – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2

Cup of Joe – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X100F

Rural Cows – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2

Two Horses In The Grass – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2

Horse Gate – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2

Horse & Hand – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2

Drummond Ranch Overlook – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2

Drummond Ranch View – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2

Walter – Pawhuska, OK – Fujifilm X-Pro2

Weekly Photo Project, Week 12

Posted on October 20, 2018 by Ritchie Roesch

I used a variety of cameras during this week. You’ll notice that the Fujifilm X-T20 shows up for the first time. That’s my wife’s camera, and it was more convenient to use in that one instance. I haven’t touched it much at all, but in the little that I have handled the X-T20 it seems like a nice, well thought-out camera. The 50-230mm lens that was used for two of these images is also my wife’s, as she was gracious enough to let me borrow it. It’s alright for a cheap zoom, definitely not the sharpest I’ve handled but very lightweight.

Monday, October 8, 2018

Wasatch Orange – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & 50-230mm

Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Super Fujinon – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & 60mm

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

Powder – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X-T20 & 50-230mm

Thursday, October 11, 2018

Pentax Shutter Dial – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X100F

Friday, October 12, 2018

Red Squash – South Ogden, UT – Fujifilm XF10

Saturday, October 13, 2018

Towering – SLC, UT – Fujifilm XF10

Sunday, October 14, 2018

Autumn Forest Trail – Fruit Heights, UT – Fujifilm XF10

Week 11 Week 13

Future Fujifilm X-Trans IV Cameras

Posted on October 19, 2018 by Ritchie Roesch

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I’ve been asked to speculate on when future X-Trans IV cameras will be released. I don’t have any insider information whatsoever, so take whatever I say with a very large grain of salt. It’s just a guess, and just for fun.

The Fujifilm X-T3 is the first and only camera with an X-Trans IV sensor. This new sensor has a tiny bump in resolution (26-megapixels vs. 24-megapixels) and a tiny increase in high-ISO performance. From an image quality point-of-view X-Trans III and X-Trans IV are nearly identical, kind of like X-Trans I and X-Trans II were nearly identical. Where the X-Trans IV sensor shines is speed, made possible by less heat emission. X-Trans IV is significantly faster than any previous X-Trans sensor.

The Fujifilm X-T3 has been out for a month or so and it’s received raving reviews across the web. There is no doubt that it is an excellent camera. But not everyone wants the X-T3, as Fujifilm designs different cameras for different people. The question is, when will Fujifilm update the different models with the new sensor?

My guess is that next spring Fujifilm will release a new X100 series camera with the new sensor (perhaps called X100V), and an X-T30. Later next year an X-Pro3 and an X-H2 will come out. I’m going to speculate that an X80 (replacement for the X70) will be announced in the fall, and it will include an X-Trans IV sensor. Perhaps an X-E4 will be released in 2020 sometime, or maybe an X-E4 will never come out. Don’t be surprised if the X-E line goes dormant for a couple years, and perhaps is revived when the X-Trans V sensor is made. Maybe Fujifilm will even surprise everyone with a brand-new camera series, but I wouldn’t count on that.

I think 2019 will be the year of the X-Trans IV sensor. We’ll see many different models announced throughout the year. The next generation of X-Trans is already being worked on by Fujifilm, and don’t be surprised if in the second half of 2020 or the first half of 2021 the X-Trans V sensor is announced, and with it more new cameras will begin trickling out. There is always some new camera just around the corner.

What X-Trans IV really means for you is deals on X-Trans III cameras. Currently at Amazon the Fujifilm X100F is discounted $100 off, the Fujifilm X-E3 is $100 off, the Fujifilm X-T20 is $150 off, the Fujifilm X-Pro2 is $200 off, the Fujifilm X-H1 is $250 off, and the Fujifilm X-T2 is $500 off. If you use these links to purchase those cameras, you’ll be supporting Fuji X Weekly. Also, as a quick update, Fuji X Weekly merchandise, including T-shirts, coffee mugs, cellphone cases and more, will be available very soon, so be on the lookout for that.

My Fujifilm X100F Cross Process Film Simulation Recipe

Posted on October 15, 2018 by Ritchie Roesch

Silos – Waco, TX – Fujifilm X100F “Cross Process”

Cross processing film is a technique where you develop a film in chemicals intended for another film. For example, the most common cross process is to develop color transparencies, which require the E-6 process, using color negative film chemicals, which is known as the C-41 process. For slide film, the photographs typically increase in contrast and grain and the colors shift dramatically. There are other types of cross processing, as well. I’ve done cross processing before, and the results can be fun. It’s a great experiment if you’ve never done it before!

Different films will look different when they are cross processed. Overexposing or underexposing or even how the development is handled can effect how the image is rendered. The aesthetic can vary significantly, but usually you can spot a cross processed photograph when you see it. Below are a few examples of actual film that I’ve cross processed:

Westbound CA HWY 58 – Tehachapi, CA – Fujifilm Velvia 50 cross process

Flare & Flag – Barstow, CA – Fujifilm Velvia 50 cross process

Old Tractor – Tehachapi, CA – Kodak Gold 400 cross process

Notice how the three photographs are quite a bit different from each other. There is not a singular look that is cross process, but rather an aesthetic spectrum. The images tend to be less literal and more abstract.

There is a significant challenge in developing a film simulation that mimics the look of cross processing. Most notably, which film and process? There are so many, and besides, one film can give many different looks. For example, the two Velvia images above were from the same 36 exposure roll of film, and one has a much more pronounced yellow-green cast than the other. What I decided to do was create something that could conceivably fall within the aesthetic spectrum, while not copying any specific film.

While this film simulation recipe does not copy one specific film, I do think it’s close to Kodak EliteChrome that’s been cross processed, or perhaps Ektachrome 100G. I think it’s close to Fujifilm Sensia sometimes, although I’d emphasis the word sometimes. These settings are never going to produce results that will always match a certain film because one film can vary in look from frame-to-frame. It’s convincing, but should be thought of in generic terms.

Truck Stop Cross Process – Bowie, TX – Fujifilm X100F “Cross Process”

Because the results of actual cross process film can vary so much, it would be fun to change up this recipe as you shoot. Maybe add a little more to the shadows or highlights sometimes and change the white balance shift a little after a few frames. I haven’t tried this, but it sounds like a good idea. I did change the Dynamic Range setting a number of times, going between DR100, DR200 and DR-Auto. After some playing around I settled on DR200, although I think you’d be fine with whichever Dynamic Range setting you’d prefer.

Provia
Dynamic Range: DR200
Highlight: +2
Shadow: +3
Color: +4
Noise Reduction: -3
Sharpening: 0
Grain Effect: Strong
White Balance: Auto, -3 Red & -8 Blue
ISO: Auto up to ISO 6400
Exposure Compensation: +2/3 (typically)

Example photos, all camera-made JPEGs using my Fujifilm X100F Cross Process Film Simulation recipe:

Taos Umbrella – Taos, NM – Fujifilm X100F “Cross Process”

Pentax Shutter Dial – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X100F “Cross Process”

Get 1 Back – Draper, UT – Fujifilm X100F “Cross Process”

Umbrella Tie – Layton, UT – Fujifilm X100F “Cross Process”

Covered Hoppers – Westlake, TX – Fujifilm X100F “Cross Process”

Counters – McKinney, Texas – Fujifilm X100F “Cross Process”

Kitchen Cross Process – Waco, TX – Fujifilm X100F “Cross Process”

Speaker – Riverdale, UT – Fujifilm X100F “Cross Process”

Grain Elevator – Kaysville, UT – Fujifilm X100F “Cross Process”

Two Towers Cross Process – Dallas, TX – Fujifilm X100F “Cross Process”

Weekly Photo Project, Week 11

Posted on October 13, 2018 by Ritchie Roesch

There were two days during this week where I captured many great photographs, specifically Tuesday and Wednesday. I traveled to Heber Valley and into the Wasatch Mountains and made a bunch of exposures that I’m especially happy with. I’ll have to share those pictures with you in an upcoming article. The pickings were slim on all the other days, but I did manage to capture at least one photograph daily, which is the goal of this project.

Monday, October 1, 2018

And Be There – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & 60mm

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Red Leaves In The Forest – Wasatch Mountain SP, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & 60mm

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

Clouds Around Timpanogos – Heber City, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & 50-230mm

Thursday, October 4, 2018

Rain, Rain, Go Away – Lauton, UT – Fujifilm XF10

Friday, October 5, 2018

Window Wasp – Syracuse, UT – Fujifilm XF10

Saturday, October 6, 2018

Coupler Release – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm XF10

Sunday, October 7, 2018

Four Wheel Chair – SLC, UT – Fujifilm XF10

Week 10 Week 12

Using an X70 Leather Case on the Fujifilm XF10

Posted on October 12, 2018 by Ritchie Roesch

I’ve been asked about the leather half case I have on my Fujifilm XF10. Some of you have seen it in my photographs. I’ve had it for a couple of weeks now.

When the XF10 first came out there were no cases available for it. Only recently have a few options shown up on the web, and none are quite like the one on my camera. So how did I get it?Actually, my XF10 leather half case is designed for the Fujifilm X70. The XF10 and X70 are quite similar in size and shape, although there are some differences. The case was less than $10 and came from China. It looks pretty good on the XF10, but it’s not designed for this camera and you can tell in a few places. For example, the USB door opens but just barely as it scrapes the edge of the leather. But it works, even if just, and it looks particularly nice. Most importantly it adds a little protection and hopefully will prevent some damage or wear.

Using an X70 case on the XF10 is a risk because, like mine, it probably won’t fit 100% correctly, but it does open up quite a few more options. Since the XF10 is so new there are only a handful of cases available for it, and I’ve noticed that they aren’t as inexpensive as what you can find for other cameras. I don’t know that I would completely recommend the route that I took for my camera, but it worked for me. The takeaway would be know that using an X70 case on the XF10 is an option, but it might not be the best option.

The Power of White Balance Shift

Posted on October 11, 2018 by Ritchie Roesch

Truck Stop Cross Process – Bowie, TX – Fujifilm X100F

My Fujifilm film simulation recipes often call for a white balance shift. A couple of weeks ago I was thinking that I’ve never explained what a white balance shift is, how it changes an image, and how to use it. Then last week a Fuji X Weekly reader asked if I would write an article on this topic, so I knew it was time to demonstrate what this is.

White balance is the Kelvin temperature of an image. There are different temperatures so that the image color matches the light in the scene. If the white balance temperature is too cool, your photograph will have a blue cast. If the white balance temperature is too warm, your photograph will have a yellow cast. Most people use auto white balance and let the camera figure it out, but you can set it manually. In fact, some photographers purposefully use a “wrong” white balance to make their images have a cool or warm feel. I could write a whole article explaining white balance, but what I want to talk about in this post is white balance shift, which is related but different.

Many cameras, including Fujifilm, have an option to customize the white balance by shifting the color cast. In fact, Fujifilm allows you to choose between over 300 different color casts! You can shift the colors quite subtlety or obviously. White balance shift is a great tool for creating a specific look, and that’s why I rely on it for creating my film simulation recipes.

Different color films had different color casts. Different films showed color differently, and, because of this, some films were better for landscapes and some were better for portraits. Some people preferred one film over another because of how it rendered images. Not every film is for everyone or every purpose, but one can create a variety of looks depending on which films they choose and how they process those films.

Taos Umbrella – Taos, NM – Fujifilm X100F

White balance shift allows one to create a variety of different looks for different purposes and situations, much like one would choose different films for different looks and purposes. It’s simple to give a photograph an orange cast or green cast or blue cast, etc., etc., which will alter how the image renders colors, by using white balance shift. It’s possible to mimic film aesthetics or create something new using the tools that Fujifilm provides on their cameras.

When you change the color cast, you do a couple of different things to your pictures. The first is that you give your image feeling, either warm or cool. A warm image will portray happiness, like an inviting warm light inside a house at dusk. A cool image will portray sadness, like endless grey skies on a lonely winter day. You can change the emotional response from viewers by adjusting the color cast to either a warm or cool color. The side effect of adjusting the color cast is that it changes how different colors are rendered. Blues, reds, greens–every color–changes slightly to a new shade as one shifts the white balance. You may want to pick a certain color cast because of how it shifts the colors in an image.

I created the image above to demonstrate all of this. The middle picture has the white balance shift set directly in the middle: 0 red and 0 blue. Each of the other pictures show what happens when you pick the extremes of white balance shift. Starting at the top-center and moving clockwise around: 0 red & +9 blue, +9 red & +9 blue, +9 red & 0 blue, +9 red & -9 blue, 0 red & -9 blue, -9 red & -9 blue, -9 red & 0 blue, and -9 red & +9 blue. Normally you wouldn’t choose to adjust the white balance shift to the degrees shown here, but choose something a little more subtle instead. Typically you want it to be barely or at most moderately perceivable. However, there might be times that an image would benefit from a wild white balance shift. You have a lot of color cast options, which allows you to be as creative and crazy as you’d like.

White balance shift is a great tool for customizing the look of your photographs by changing the color cast. You can control the emotion and color shade by adding or subtracting blue and red. You can create looks that mimic classic film stock or you could invent something unique. Unfortunately you cannot save anymore than one white balance shift preset. I hope that someday Fujifilm will allow you to make many different ones that can be assigned to the quick recall presets, because white balance shift is a powerful tool that I use frequently.

Good Deals on Fujifilm Cameras & Lenses

Posted on October 7, 2018 by Ritchie Roesch

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I don’t earn any money from Fuji X Weekly. Nobody pays me to write these articles. I do this blog as a service to you and because I love to write. The ads you see are WordPress’ and not mine. I don’t earn a single dime from them. In fact, I’d love if they’d go away! I’m trying to make the experience of this blog better for you. I’m sharing links to Amazon where you can buy Fujifilm products that are on sale. If you follow the links from this blog and purchase something you’ll help support Fuji X Weekly. I would never ask you to go out of your way, but if you happen to be in the market for a certain product and you were already planning to purchase through Amazon, you could use my links and support this website and feel good that you contributed to making it better. I hope that alerting you to the discounts being offered is a service to someone.

Below are some Fujifilm products that are currently (as of the time and date of this publication) on sale at Amazon.

Fujifilm GFX-50R with lens bundle. You can save between about $250 and $750, depending on which lens you include with your camera.

There are many different Fujinon lenses for GFX (medium-format) cameras on sale right now, including the GF 32-64mm ($550 off), GF 23mm ($620 off), GF 120mm ($640 off), GF 110mm ($660 off) and GF 250mm bundle ($1,020 off).

The Fujifilm X-T2 (Body Only) is on sale for $1,099, which is $500 off! Bundle the X-T2 with the kit 18-55mm f/2.8-4 lens and it’s $400 off. The Fujifilm X-E3 with an 18-55mm lens is currently $200 off. The X-T20 with an 18-55mm lens is $150 off. The Fujifilm X100F is currently discounted $100.

Some Fujinon lens deals: XF 16-55mm ($200 off), XF 50-140mm ($200 off) and XF 100-400mm ($300 off).

Weekly Photo Project, Week 10

Posted on October 7, 2018 by Ritchie Roesch

It’s hard to believe that I’m sharing Week 10 of this project already. It’s seems like I just started! While there have been days where I really had to try hard to capture even one or two exposures (such as September 29), for the most part things have become easier. Routine has set in a little. It is what I do now. The Fujifilm XF10 has certainly helped. On most days I’m able to make a number of pictures, perhaps a handful or two. Hopefully as the days become shorter and colder I’ll still be able to keep this up.

Monday, September 24, 2018

Disc 4000 – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & 60mm

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Ghosts of the Past – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm XF10

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Autumn Countryside – Whites Crossing, UT – Fujifilm XF10

Thursday, September 27, 2018

Plastic Fingers – Ogden, UT – Fujifilm XF10

Friday, September 28, 2018

Scattering of Red – Fruit Heights, UT – Fujifilm XF10

Saturday, September 29, 2018

For Professionals – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & 60mm

Sunday, September 30, 2018

Storm Over Ensign Peak – SLC, UT – Fujifilm XF10

Week 9 Week 11

My Favorite Fujifilm Film Simulation Recipes

Posted on October 7, 2018 by Ritchie Roesch

Fujifilm – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & 60mm

I’ve shared many film simulation recipes for Fujifilm X-Trans III cameras, such as the X100F and X-Pro2, and some of them have become quite popular. I’ve been asked a few times to share which ones are my favorites. Which film simulation recipes do I use?

I have used all of them at one time or another, but there are a handful of recipes that I really appreciate and use regularly. I have my favorites! Let me share with you which ones I currently use.

Kodachrome II

Quaker State – Midway, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & 60mm

My favorite film simulation recipe that I created is my Kodachrome II Film Simulation recipe, which I initially made for the X-Pro2 but I also use on the X100F. I really love the way these settings render color images. It gives my exposures a beautiful vintage analog look right out of camera. It takes Classic Chrome to a whole new level of goodness! I use this recipe as much as the scenes allow because I love it so much.

Velvia

Red Leaves In The Forest – Wasatch Mountain SP, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & 60mm

Typically I use my Velvia Film Simulation recipe only occasionally, but with the autumn season I’m currently using it often. However, I’ve modified the original recipe to be Highlight +1, Shadow +2 and color +3 to give it more punch, while also setting Noise Reduction to -3 and Sharpening to +1. This is a better version of the recipe, except when there is a lot of contrast, which is where the original settings will likely produce better results. The great thing about these different recipes is that they can be seasoned to taste.

Upcoming Recipe??

Sundance Chair Lift – Sundance, UT – Fujifilm X100F

I’ve been working on a new film simulation recipe that I’m currently only moderately happy with. It’s a work-in-progress, and right now it only produces good results occasionally. It seems to be very situation specific, and that means it’s difficult to get enough quality example photographs to publish an article. Even if I get everything ironed out and I find the best settings, it may still be awhile before I can share it. I’ve been shooting with this now and then over the last couple of weeks, and I’ll probably continue to do so over the next several weeks or months.

Honorable Mentions

Flat Tire – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & 60mm

There are other recipes that I use for color photography, including PRO Neg. Hi, Ektar 100 and Portra 400, but as I was going over my recent photographs I realized that I haven’t used these much at all lately. It seems that my Kodachrome II recipe has essentially replaced them. That’s not to say that I won’t use them, as I like these recipes and they have their place, but I just haven’t picked them very often lately.

Tri-X Push Process

Disc 4000 – South Weber, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & 60mm

This Tri-X Push Process recipe is my favorite black-and-white film simulation option, but it’s not my invention. I stole it from Luis Costa who published it on his blog. It’s absolute genius, but its limitation is that it doesn’t always work in bright-light situations because it requires a high ISO. Whenever I can use it I do use it. It produces the most film-like results that I’ve ever seen from a digital camera.

Acros Push Process

Clouds Around Timpanogos – Heber City, UT – Fujifilm X-Pro2 & 50-230mm

Whenever I want results that are similar to the Tri-X Push Process settings but I need to use a lower ISO, I choose my Acros Push Process recipe. It’s not quite as good as Tri-X Push Process, but it’s a close second best. It was my favorite monochrome recipe until I discovered Luis Costa’s settings.

Agfa Scala

Epic Zip Line – Sundance, UT – Fujifilm X100F

When I want a black-and-white image with a little less contrast, I use my Agfa Scale Film Simulation recipe. It produces great results in higher-contrast scenes or whenever you need something that’s a little less bold than the two “push process” options. I don’t use it all of the time, but it definitely comes in handy from time-to-time.

Your Turn

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Which film simulation recipes are your favorites? It can be one of mine or your own creation. Please share in the comments what JPEG settings you use on your Fujifilm cameras because I want to know!

Fujifilm Forms & Functions

Posted on October 2, 2018 by Ritchie Roesch

I’m a huge fan of the Fujifilm X-Pro2. It combines form and function beautifully and it makes lovely images. The X-Pro2 and the X100F are the two best cameras that I’ve ever owned. What they have in common are the same X-Trans III sensor and processor. Every X-Trans III camera is capable of the exact same image quality, the difference being the design. Form and function varies slightly from model to model, but the wonderful image quality does not. For example, my wife has an X-T20, and the pictures that come out of it look like what comes out of my X-Pro2.

Fujifilm makes a bunch of different models of similar cameras because different forms and functions are important or unimportant to different people. You get the same images no matter the model, the difference is the experience of using the camera. Your choice of camera is about how you prefer to interact with your camera. Of course budget constraints might play a large role, as well. Different models with different features will cost different amounts.

The Fujifilm X-T2 with the great 18-55mm f/2.8-4 kit lens is on sale at Amazon for $1,499, which is a $400 savings. The reason why this camera is currently discounted so much is because Fujifilm recently released the first X-Trans IV camera, the X-T3. The X-T2 and the X-T3 are 95% the same camera, and there is almost no difference in image quality. The main difference between the two models seems to be in auto focus, specifically as it relates to tracking. There is no doubt that the X-T3 is better than the X-T2, but only by a little. There is also no doubt that the X-T2 is a very fine camera.

If you have been considering an X-T2, it’s a good time to buy one simply because it is currently on sale. If it’s still out of your budget despite the discount, I highly recommend the X-T20, which is not all that much different than the X-T2. My wife loves hers! She’s become a Fujifilm fan quite quickly after I got her an X-T20 for her birthday. It’s also on sale right now (with the 18-55mm lens) for $1,049, which is a $150 discount.

And Now A Word From Our Sponsors…

Posted on October 1, 2018 by Ritchie Roesch

Get One Back – Draper, UT – Fujifilm X100F

I want to apologize right from the start. This post might be a waste of your time, and I’m sorry about that. I know that your time is highly important and I never want to take advantage of it. I want Fuji X Weekly to be filled with quality content so that you’ll return and keep coming back for years to come. I thought that it was important to explain something, so I hope you’ll forgive me.

Fuji X Weekly has been around for one year now. The very first post was on August 21, 2017. This blog has grown significantly during that time, both in content and in popularity. I’m surprised by how many people come here to read what I have to say, and I’m both honored and humbled by it. I’m very appreciative to you for coming and being a part of this! During September over 9,000 people visited Fuji X Weekly, viewing over 25,000 posts. That’s amazing!

I’m embarrassed by something, and it drives me nuts. I use WordPress (as you probably gathered from the web address), and they give me free hosting and tools to create this blog, but there is a trade-off. All of the advertisements that you see plastered to this blog are theirs. I get a free website, they get money from advertisers. It’s fine, except I’d prefer if you weren’t bothered by all of the annoying ads.

WordPress has an option where you can pay them money to disable the ads. I would gladly do this except I’m already investing a significant amount of my time and energy to Fuji X Weekly, and adding a financial burden would surely spell the end of all this. Still, I sometimes think about just paying the money and disabling the ads, perhaps it might be worth it. Besides, an added benefit is that I could drop the .wordpress from the address, which would be slick.

I decided to attempt to raise money through this blog so that I can pay to disable the WordPress ads. I signed up for the Amazon Affiliates program, and I will be posting links where, if you feel so inclined, you could click the link and buy a product. I don’t want this to be a situation where you feel like I’m tricking or pressuring you into buying something because that’s not the intention. The idea is if you were already planning to purchase an item through Amazon, perhaps you could go through my link to do so and I’ll get a very small cut of the profit, which I will then use to make Fuji X Weekly a better experience.

I’m not completely thrilled with this solution, as I’m basically using ads to get rid of ads, which is either hypocritical or ironic or both, but I’m trying it out for awhile to judge how it goes. I might decide against it after seeing it in action, but if it does work out it will be seen regularly on this blog. An example is this: the Fujifilm GFX-50R with a 63mm lens is on sale at this time for $4,999, which is $999 off MSRP, and if you click this link to Amazon you can buy it, and I’ll get a small amount for referring you to them. For someone in the market for that camera this might be a service to them, pointing out that it is currently on sale. The Fujifilm X100F is currently $100 off, which serves as another example of how you might find this in a post. My intentions are to post links to items that are on sale (at the time of publication), that way you have a chance to get what you are looking for at a good price.

Another way that I’m hoping to earn money to improve this blog is a CafePress store. It’s still in the works, but my talented and creative wife, Amanda, is helping me put together some awesome designs for t-shirts and mugs and such. I’m talking about unique graphic designs that you’ll love, all relating to Fujifilm and photography. I’m really excited about this, and it should launch in plenty of time for holiday shopping. I’ll keep you updated on this, but for now just be excited for some upcoming merchandise that’s really cool.

Once I’ve raised enough money to pay WordPress to upgrade the account to ad-free I will do that. I don’t know how long that will take, but I’m looking forward to the opportunity to improve the Fuji X Weekly experience. Please, don’t feel pressured whatsoever to click the links or purchase anything. I don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable, and anytime that you’re discussing money there is a certain level of discomfort. I apologize again if you found this post a waste of time. I appreciate everyone who comes to Fuji X Weekly, and I hope that you’ll continue coming back.

Now back to your regularly schedule program….