B&H Bild Expo | FUJI X WEEKLY

B&H BILD Expo Recap

*B&H Store* – NYC, NY – Fujifilm X100VI – Kodak Portra 400 v2

I just got back from the B&H BILD Expo in New York City late last night. I’ve been traveling almost the entire month of June. Today is only the third day so far that I’m actually home. There’s a lot that I need to get caught up on, and I apologize for being slow to respond. If you’ve sent me an email and I haven’t yet answered back, I’ll try to do so before the end of next week.

This was my first BILD Expo. Last year I led some photowalks at the NAB Show in New York, which was held in the same building (Javits Center). While both events were large, BILD was bigger and had a larger attendance in my estimation. I don’t know how many came out, but I heard it was over 10,000! It seemed like a huge success.

Fujifilm brought me out to help with their Fujifilm X-E5 touch-and-try station; specifically, I was in charge of the Recipe podium. My purpose was to talk about Film Simulation Recipes, and how those can be used with the X-E5. It was an honor to have my photo (created with the Classic Color Recipe) printed on the top of the Classic Chrome podium. There were five podiums—each with an X-E5 on top—and a Lego display in the middle. The Legos were just as big of an attraction as the new camera, so kudos to whoever had the idea to do that.

It was so great to meet lots of you in person. I have no idea how many stopped by to say hello, but it was a large number. I shook a lot of hands. I wish I could have talked longer with each of you, but it wasn’t an ideal situation for that, unfortunately. I spoke with Omar Gonzalez, Jason Vong and Vivienne (she showed me an incredible picture that she captured of the cherry blossoms in Japan using a Fujifilm X100VI and Recipe), Cam Mackey, Jared Polin (Fro Knows), and more. I have a lot of stories that I could tell, but my favorite is stumbling across someone from Ohio who was on my photowalk in Scottsdale last year at a chicken restaurant in Manhattan.

Because I was tethered to the Recipe podium, I didn’t get a chance to see very much of the BILD Expo. Even though I was there from before the doors opened until after the doors closed, I only experienced a tiny bit of it, so I cannot say much. Omar Gonzalez and Cam Mackey both have good recaps (I’m in Cam’s video, actually). Unfortunately, I didn’t take very many photos of the event because I was so busy. Now that I’m back home, I wish that I had made a bigger effort to use my camera more.

What I can say is that the Fujifilm X-E5 got a lot of attention—there was constantly a crowd. Thousands of people gave it a try, and the feedback was mostly positive. For every “it’s too expensive” there were ten “it’s priced right” or “that’s a bargain,” which I think is because of the build quality. There’s a notable difference in how the X-E5 looks and feels compared to the X-E4. Holding the X-E5 is more like holding the X100VI. There’s no denying that the X-E5 isn’t cheap, though. Because my podium was right next to the X half station, I got a close look at the interest in that camera, which was massive. I had nearly as many questions about the X half as I did the X-E5, and at least a handful of people told me that it’s the only Fujifilm camera they have an interest in. There were a few lulls in X half crowds on Day 2, while the X-E5 station remained consistently busy on both days. I also got to see the new GFX Eterna camera in person, which was cool. I think it will be a pretty unique cinematic tool.

That’s it for BILD. My wife and I walked around New York City a few times (the photos above were captured on my Fujifilm X100VI using the Kodak Tri-X 400 Recipe). Photographically, it’s probably the best city in America, just because there are picture opportunities literally everywhere. You can’t help but be a great photographer. Just walk around with your camera and you’ll find something incredible. I would have loved to have stayed longer, but I’m also so glad to be home—it was amazing to sleep in my own bed for a change.

I’m hoping to finish my review of the Fujifilm X half in the next few days, and right after that I’ll have a writeup on the Fujifilm X-E5. I actually have an X-E5 right in front of me, but I only get to use it for a few days (I better hurry this up!). Then, next week, on Saturday, June 28th, I’ll be in Colorado Springs for a photowalk (click here to register). I hope to see you there!

Don’t Miss: News & Events — See You in NYC & Colorado!!

Posted on June 8 by Ritchie Roesch

*Discount Cigs* – St. George, SC – Fujifilm X-HF1

It has been quiet on this website over the last handful of days. I’m traveling up the east coast of America in an RV right now with my wife and four kids. We rented a motorhome, and are driving it from Miami to Boston. The trip is a little over halfway complete. We’ve seen so much, and had wonderful experiences, even though it has rained every single day. It’s been a great opportunity to try out the Fujifilm X half, and I’ll have a full review soon, which you can expect probably next week. Even though I’ve been on the road, I’ve still be busy behind-the-scenes with all sorts of projects.

First up is a surprise that I’ll announce in six days, on June 14th. It’s something that has been in the works for quite some time, and I’m really excited to share. I’m not going to say what it is just yet, so this paragraph stands as the first teaser. I’ll have the full reveal this coming Saturday—stay tuned!

Right after that, on June 17th and 18th, I’ll be in New York City for the B&H BILD Expo. Fujifilm is flying me out to help man their booth, which is where you’ll find me. If you go, be sure to stop by and say hi, as I’d love to meet you in person. The event is free (you do have to register), so if you are anywhere near the New York City area, be sure to join in on the fun.

On Saturday, June 28th, I will be leading a photowalk in Manitou Springs, Colorado, with Mike’s Camera and Fujifilm. We will meet at Mike’s Camera in Colorado Springs at 11:30 AM for a meet-and-greet, and to help with gear questions and setup Recipes. Around 12:00 noon we’ll caravan to Manitou Springs, and regroup at the Pikes Peak Library District. We’ll explore the scenic and quirky mountain town of Manitou Springs with our cameras for about two hours, before departing back to Mike’s Camera, where we’ll finish the event with some light refreshments. The cost is $25 per person; however, at the end of the event, each registrant will receive a $25 off coupon for use at Mike’s Camera, which basically makes the photowalk free. You must register (click here), and spaces are limited, so be sure to sign up today. If you live in Colorado or will be visiting that weekend, I hope you can come out for what will surely be an epic photowalk!

Mike’s Camera is doing so much for the photography community near their various stores. Not everyone lives in a place that has a store like this; those that do are quite lucky, so be sure to take full advantage of it: attend a class or join a photowalk. It’s an incredible honor to be a part of this community-building with Mike’s Camera, even though I don’t live anywhere near one of their locations.

There are a number of other exciting things in the works—these are just the ones coming up within the next three weeks. Hopefully soon I’ll be able to share even more news. There’s a ton to look forward to, including a camera announcement on the 12th. It will be great to see some of you in New York City and Colorado Springs this month!

Next Fujifilm X Summit is June 12th

Posted on May 24 by Ritchie Roesch

One thing that might have been missed with the Fujifilm X half announcement is that the next X Summit will be in Shanghai on June 12th, which is less than three weeks away. I’m not sure what time, but most likely it will be in the early morning hours in the United States, or maybe late PM on the 11th for those on the west coast.

What gear will be announced? I don’t have any inside information—I find out the same way that you all do. I’m guessing a camera and lens, but that’s only a guess. Fujifilm will unveil it soon enough, though, so we won’t have to speculate for much longer.

It’s a bit unusual for Fujifilm to release two cameras so close together. It’s exciting times, even if one or both models are not all that interesting to you, personally. I’ve been saving up for a GFX100RF (still have a ways to go), but I might just divert those funds to what Fujifilm just released and is about to release.

Not very long after this X Summit is the B&H BILD Expo at the Javits Center in Manhattan on June 17th and 18th. Fujifilm invited me to come out to be a part of it, although I’m not sure yet what my role will be. This is a big event that you won’t want to miss! Peter McKinnon is one of the headline speakers, but there are many others, too. David Geffin, Kyler Steele, and Jasmine Quiñones are three that I personally recommend. It’s a free event (but you have to register), so if you are in the NYC area, be sure to attend—come say “hi” and chat a little.

I’m sure that Fujifilm will have on display a GFX100RF, X half, and whatever gear is upcoming. You can probably hold them, and it’s an opportunity to ask any questions you might have about these items from people who have personally used them and know them inside and out. Even if you don’t have any interest in that, be sure to stop by anyway—this is going to be a great time, and well worth the effort to get to.

Peak to Peek — Mountains & Manhattan — Looking Back & Forward

Posted on May 13 by Ritchie Roesch

*Flowers & Flatirons* – Boulder, CO – Fujifilm X100VI – Kodak Tri-X 400

Mike’s Camera held a three-day photo and video expo at their Boulder location this last weekend. They invited me out to teach a class and lead a photowalk on Sunday. It was a quick trip (I got back home yesterday), but I had a wonderful time, and it was so great to meet some of you in-person.

According to a few store employees, the first two days of the annual expo were very, very busy. The final day was on Mother’s Day, and apparently it was much slower. Only six people came out for the class and photowalk on Pearl Street, which allowed for lots of one-on-one opportunities. Last year when I co-lead a photowalk with Mike’s Camera, the turnout was large (more than 60!), which was great, but it didn’t allow for longer conversations—some people wanted to ask questions or get help or advice, and they just couldn’t, which was unfortunate. While large group numbers are more impressive, I personally prefer smaller groups—I believe they’re more helpful and enjoyable.

Last year Fujifilm invited me to lead a series of photowalks at the NAB Show in New York City. It was an incredible opportunity, and really thrilling. Fujifilm capped the groups at five people per walk (although there were more than five on all three of my walks). It’s much more casual, and really about connections, conversations, and counsel (I was looking for a synonym for help that started with a “c”…), which are a bit difficult with larger crowds. It’s my favorite photowalk that I’ve been a part of. The Boulder photowalk reminded me of that, and is also one of my top favorites. I think everyone had a great time, and I’m really honored to have been a part of it. I want to give a special thank you to those who took time on Mother’s Day to come out, and express my appreciation to Mike’s Camera and Fujifilm for facilitating it.

Above: Photos from the photowalk – Fujifilm X100VI – Fujicolor PRO 160C Warm, Superia Negative, Kodak Portra 400 v2, Universal Provia, Retro Negative & Fujicolor Superia 200 Recipes

Something that I’m really excited to announce is that I’ll be in New York City next month. Fujifilm has invited me to the B&H Bild Expo, which will be at the Javits Center in Manhattan (the same location as the NAB Show) on June 17th and 18th. This is a big event that you won’t want to miss. Peter McKinnon is one of the headline speakers, but there are many others, too. David Geffin, Kyler Steele, and Jasmine Quiñones are three that I personally recommend.

I met David at a Fujifilm X-T50 launch event last summer. He’s a super talented photographer and cinematographer. You’ve likely seen his work before, even if you don’t realize it. I’m not sure when he will be speaking, but it will be well worth your time to attend. Just before the X-T50 launch, Fujifilm held a creator’s retreat in the Catskills, and that’s where I met Kyler. I got to spend a few days hanging out with him and others. He’s quite skilled, and you will not want to miss his presentation, which I’m certain will be great. I met Jasmine at Fujifilm’s Create With Us event last year in Austin. We didn’t get to talk very much, unfortunately, because we were both quite busy. Her videos are topnotch. There’s a good chance you’ve seen her work before, especially if you follow Fujifilm’s social media accounts. Definitely make sure you catch one of their talks, if not all three.

*Fujifilm Booth at NAB Show* – New York City, NY – Fujifilm X100VI – Kodak Tri-X 400

If you live in New York City or the surrounding areas, or if you happen to be visiting Manhattan in the third week of June, be sure to stop by the B&H Bild Expo. I’d love to meet you. It’s going to be epic, and I can’t wait! Stay tuned for more details.

There’s a lot of really awesome things in the works, which I’ll share with you as soon as I can. If you don’t already, be sure to follow this website (“Follow via email” at the bottom of this page) and/or my social media accounts (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube) so that you don’t miss out. It was great meeting some of you in Boulder, and I look forward to meeting more of you in Manhattan!