Create With Us | FUJI X WEEKLY

The Fujifilm Charm — Create With Us Recap

Posted on September 30 by Ritchie Roesch

*Me, at Create With Us, During Setup* – Minneapolis, MN – Fujifilm X-E5 – 1970’s Summer

I returned home late last night from Fujifilm’s Create With Us event in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This was their third annual Create With Us—I was fortunate to be at the last one, too, which was in Austin, Texas. It was a very quick trip: I flew out Saturday evening, and the returning flight landed just before midnight on Sunday. It was a whirlwind, but I’m so glad that I got to be a part of it.

Fujifilm assigned me three jobs: assist with a Fujifilm X-E5 and X-T50 touch-and-try station, cohost a Tech Talk with Christopher Gilbert, and lead a photowalk. The topic of the Tech Talk was straight-out-of-camera photography. Christopher and I discussed the various Film Simulations, how to set up a Film Simulation Recipe in the camera, and how to reprocess a RAW file using the in-camera RAW converter. It was a fun experience, and hopefully educational for those in the audience (the next Tech Talk is on Wednesday, October 1st).

*Rooftop View* – Minneapolis, MN – Fujifilm X-E5 – Kodak Vericolor VPS

The photowalk was great. It was supposed to be limited to 15 attendees, plus myself and two assistants (someone from Fujifilm, and a local photographer), and two models. We ended up with over 25 people in total (including myself, the two assistants, and the two models). The new Fujifilm North America CEO Ryuichi “Richie” Matoba (forgive me if his official title is not exactly that) also attended. He was the CEO of Fujifilm Australia, but as of a month ago Richie was given the reins of the North America office. It was an incredible honor to have him join the photowalk! I didn’t get a chance to talk much with him, but I would love an opportunity for a longer conversation (I have a lot of feedback and ideas), should he happen to read this.

It was an honor to photograph with and meet in-person all those who attended the photowalk. The two models were great, too. I’m grateful for those who stopped by the touch-and-try booth to say hello. It was a really good event, and I’m sure all who attended can attest to that. If there’s ever a Create With Us event near you in the future, be sure to attend—it’s well worth whatever effort it takes to get there.

*Eterna 55* – Minneapolis, MN – Fujifilm X-E5 – Kodak Pro 400

The only camera I brought with me was my Fujifilm X-E5. This is such a great travel camera, and for a quick there-and-back adventure, I really didn’t need anything else. I especially appreciate that you can program up to 11 Recipes into the X-E5. I attached the new Fujinon 23mm f/2.8 pancake lens to the camera, and also brought along a Pentax-110 50mm f/2.8 lens and adapter for a second option. One spare battery, which I didn’t even use, rounded out the kit.

Probably the most interesting thing that I learned at Create With Us was from a somewhat off-handed comment from a Fujifilm employee. It would have been really easy to overlook what was said. I don’t think it was intended to be interpreted as an official statement, but I was fascinated by it, so I want to share it with you: “Each sensor generation has its own unique charm. Some people like the Provia rendering of X-Trans I, some people like the Velvia rendering of X-Trans II—each one is different.” I might not have the quote 100% correct, but that’s the gist of it.

*Eterna Demo* – Minneapolis, MN – Fujifilm X-E5 – Cinematic Film

The insinuation was (at least as I understood it when it was said) is that the small differences in image rendering between sensor generations, and even the much more subtle differences camera-to-camera within the same sensor generation, is intentional and even a feature. It’s kind of like when an emulsion is updated, it looks slightly different than it used to; one person might prefer the “old” version of the film, while another might prefer the updated iteration. For example, when Kodak went from the second to third generation of Kodachome in 1974, some photographers liked the change, and some (like William Eggleston) didn’t. If you preferred the old version of Kodachrome, you were soon out of luck once it sold out. Fujifilm cameras are a different story because you can still buy the old models on the second-hand market. You can find and use the one with the charm that you most prefer. Maybe that’s the X-Pro1. Perhaps it’s the X-T1. It could be the X100F. Possibly it’s the X-E4. Maybe it’s the X-T50. Or some other camera. It’s up to you to find the one that you especially love, and the intention is that you’ll continue making photographs with it for a long time, and not just for a couple of years until the next iteration is released.

The specific hardware and software in the camera plays a role in the image rendering. It would be extraordinarily difficult to 100% match the output of various sensors and processors. You can get very, very close, though; however, 100% exactly matching is not quite possible. That’s certainly a part of it. Maybe you don’t want to perfectly match the output anyway, if it would require ignoring a benefit of the updated technology. It could be that the new technology allows the programmers to better achieve the intended results, which were less possible with the older technology. Perhaps the vision of what those results should be has been tweaked a little over time. All of that is a factor. But that’s not the point that was made: each Fujifilm camera generation has its own unique quality, which was purposefully crafted, and you might especially like the particular charm of one more than the others. Since they’re not all perfectly identical, you get to decide which is your favorite.

Above: Fujifilm X-E5 — Kodak Tri-X 400 — Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, Arizona

My personal favorite is the fourth generation. I think the JPEG output of the X100V, X-T4, and X-E4 (I own those specific models) is special. The fifth generation, which has the advantage of Nostalgic Neg. and Reala Ace, is a very close second-favorite for me. There’s an obvious difference in output between those two generations, most notable (but not limited to) how deeply blue is rendered on some film simulations. Whether you prefer either of those two generations—or a different one entirely—is up to you; I really like the output from the Fujifilm X-Pro2, for example.

We’re all unique. Each of us have our own unique styles. We all have our own tastes. As the saying goes: Different strokes for different folks. The beauty of Fujifilm’s approach is that no X-series camera generation is objectively better than another. Each one might be considered subjectively better, just depending on who you ask, but they each have their own charm. You might even prefer certain aspects of one and certain aspects of another, and use both.

Above: Fujifilm X-E5 — Superia Negative — Minneapolis, Minnesota

When it comes to other brands, for the most part you really don’t hear people talk about the picture charm of various models. People don’t discuss the image quality magic of (say) the Canon Rebel T7i or debate which Sony A6000 series model has the best picture profile rendering. This seems more exclusive to Fujifilm, and it’s because Fujifilm intended each iteration to have a unique allure, which sparks the discussions and debates, but more importantly it provides an avenue to connect with and really love the gear you use.

Below are the photographs that I captured on the Create With Us photowalk in Minneapolis with my Fujifilm X-E5.

*Fujifilm X-E5 & Fujinon 23mm f/2.8 — Kodak Portra 400 v2*

*Fujifilm X-E5 & Fujinon 23mm f/2.8 — Superia Negative*

*Fujifilm X-E5 & Fujinon 23mm f/2.8 — Kodachrome 64*

*Fujifilm X-E5 & Fujinon 23mm f/2.8 — Nostalgic Film*

*Fujifilm X-E5 & Pentax-110 50mm f/2.8 — Superia Negative*

*Fujifilm X-E5 & Pentax-110 50mm f/2.8 — Kodak Portra 400 v2*

*Fujifilm X-E5 & Fujinon 23mm f/2.8 — Xpro ’62*

*Fujifilm X-E5 & Fujinon 23mm f/2.8 — Kodak Tri-X 400*

This post contains affiliate links, and if you make a purchase using my links I’ll be compensated a small amount for it.

Fujifilm X-E5 in black:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-E5 in silver:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Nuzira

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Join me THIS Sunday in Minneapolis

Posted on September 25 by Ritchie Roesch

If you live in or near Minneapolis, Minnesota, please join me at Fujifilm’s Create With Us event on Sunday, September 28th. This is going to be super fun, with a lot of different things going on. Bring your camera—have a spare SD Card just in case—and wear some comfortable walking shoes.

I’ll be cohosting a Live Fujifilm Tech Talk with Christopher Gilbert from 12:30 to 1:15. I’ll also be leading a photowalk from 2:00 to 4:00. At other times, I’ll be at the Fujifilm X-E5 touch-and-try station. If you go, be sure to find me at one of those spots, and say hello. Also, my friend Tom Baumgaertel (bewaremyfuji) will be leading a photowalk from 4:00 to 6:00, and you won’t want to miss it. There are other photowalks, too, that will also be excellent, so be sure to join at least one of them.

You have to register to attend, which costs $5. There are also some workshops on the 27th that cost extra. Hope to see you in Minneapolis!

Fujifilm Create With Us 2025 — September 28th — Minneapolis, MN

Posted on September 15 by Ritchie Roesch

Fujifilm’s annual Create With Us event will be in Minneapolis, MN, on September 28th, from 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM at the Walker Art Center. It’s going to be epic! There will be photowalks, presentations, touch-and-try, and more. I’ll be leading one of the photowalks, at 2:00 PM. I’ll also be hanging around the Fujifilm X-E5 touch-and-try station. If you are in Minnesota, be sure to stop by and say hello, and join me on the photowalk if you can. You must register for the event, which cost $5. There are also some workshops on the 27th that cost extra. Hope to see you there!

Traveling Light with the Fujifilm X100VI + WCL-X100 II & TCL-X100 II Conversion Lenses

Posted on October 30, 2024 by Ritchie Roesch

The Fujifilm X100VI—the most in-demand camera of 2024—has a fixed 23mm (35mm full-frame equivalent) f/2 lens. It’s not an interchangeable-lens camera, which limits its versatility; however, Fujifilm has provided a couple of options to increase its flexibility. First is the built-in Digital Teleconverter, which is a zoom-by-cropping. Second, Fujifilm offers two conversion lenses—a wide-angle and telephoto—that screw onto the end of the fixed-lens. We’ll talk a bit about both of these solutions in this article, but mostly we’ll focus on the two conversion lenses. Specifically, I will answer this question: is the Fujifilm X100VI combined with the WCL-X100 II and TCL-X100 II conversion lenses a practical small kit for travel photography?

MPB is the sponsor of this article. They loaned me a Fujinon WCL-X100 II Wide Conversion Lens and Fujinon TCL-X100 II Tele Conversion Lens to try out for a couple of weeks. For those who don’t know, MPB is an online platform where you can buy, sell, or trade used photo and video gear. “At MPB, there’s something for everyone who wants to try something new, hone their skills, or pursue their passion—and it won’t cost the earth.” If you’re in the market for used camera gear, be sure to check out their platform—you can learn more about MPB here. Thank you, MPB, for making this article possible!

One thing that I love about the Fujifilm X100VI is its compactness. The camera is small enough to fit into a large pocket, and its lightweight enough to carry around all day without being burdensome. The photographs that the X100VI produces straight-out-of-camera are incredible, and can be very film-like. I’ve said many times that this is my desert-island camera—if I could only ever have one for the rest of my life, it would be the X100VI. But, the fixed-focal-length lens is somewhat limiting, so I often suggest that it pairs well with an interchangeable-lens body. I will always bring the X100VI along with me when I travel, but I will almost always have another camera, too.

The Digital Teleconverter helps to make the X100VI more versatile. The 50mm (full-frame equivalent) Digital Teleconverter produces a very usable 20mp image, while the 70mm (full-frame equivalent) Digital Teleconverter produces a much less usable (but still usable for social media) 10mp image. I use the 50mm option somewhat regularly and don’t think twice about it, but I rarely use the 70mm Digital Teleconverter because it is more for emergency-use-only. This does add some versatility, but only a little.

By screwing one of the two conversion lenses—WCL-X100 II and TCL-X100 II—onto the end of the fixed-lens (where the filter adapter attaches), you essentially turn the X100VI (and the older X100 series models, too) into an interchangeable-lens camera. The WCL-X100 II has 0.8x magnification, turning the 23mm lens into 18mm (28mm full-frame equivalent). The TCL-X100 II has 1.4x magnification, turning the 23mm lens into 50mm (full-frame equivalent). Interestingly, there is actually a small focal-length difference between the TCL-X100 II and the Digital Teleconverter, despite that they are both supposedly 50mm equivalent—the TCL-X100 II is actually slightly more telephoto than using the 50mm Digital Teleconverter. I didn’t notice any reduction in image quality when using either conversion lens (amazing!); however, the distortion can do some weird things, which you are likely to only notice when photographing brick or tile walls.

Probably the largest drawback to the two conversion lenses is that they add noticeable size and weight to the camera. The WCL-X100 II is 1.5″ (long) x 2.2″ (diameter), and weighs 0.33 pounds, which isn’t terrible. The TCL-X100 II is a little larger and heavier: 1.8″ (long) x 2.8″ (diameter), and weighs 0.39 pounds. While the WCL-X100 II is a little less inconvenient to have attached, I personally liked the TCL-X100 II a little more. I feel like the conversion lenses contradict the camera’s philosophy (one-camera-one-lens; small/lightweight) to a degree, but at the same time, they do make for an extremely small and lightweight kit. I carried both conversion lenses and the X100VI in a Peak Design Sling, which was an amazingly compact kit for travel!

*Fujifilm X100VI + WCL-X100 II (28mm full-frame equivalent)*

*Fujifilm X100VI (35mm full-frame equivalent)*

*Fujifilm X100VI + WCL-X100 II + Digital Teleconverter (40mm full-frame equivalent)*

*Fujifilm X100VI + Digital Teleconverter (50mm full-frame equivalent)*

*Fujifilm X100VI + TCL-X100 II (50mm full-frame equivalent)*

*Fujifilm X100VI + TCL-X100 II + Digital Teleconverter (70mm full-frame equivalent)*

You can combine the Digital Teleconverter with the conversion lenses to increase the versatility even further, achieving 28mm, 35mm, 40mm, 50mm, and 70mm (full-frame equivalent) focal-lengths without resorting to the 10mp crop. I didn’t find the Digital Teleconverter combined with the WCL-X100 II lens particularly useful, personally; however, I did utilize the Digital Teleconverter a handful of times with the TCL-X100 II lens. I think it would be interesting if Fujifilm offered a 0.7x magnification (24mm full-frame equivalent) WCL option and a 2x magnification (70mm full-frame equivalent) TCL option in addition to the two they already have—I think this four lens (plus the 23mm fixed lens) kit would be extremely compelling for travel photography, if it were available.

I was invited to be a part of Fujifilm’s Create With Us event in Austin, Texas, last month. It was such a great time, and it was wonderful to meet many of you in-person. The only camera that I brought along with me was my Fujifilm X100VI, plus I had the WCL-X100 II and TCL-X100 II conversion lenses. I left the interchangeable-lens models at home. It was so nice to have a compact three lens kit—which stretched into a faux four lens kit utilizing the Digital Teleconverter—that all fit into a small sling bag. When you travel, oftentimes less is more, as space is a premium.

*Fujifilm X100VI + PRO Negative 160C Recipe*

It was good to have three lens options available: the fixed lens (23mm), WCL-X100 II (18mm), and TCL-X100 II (32mm). There were definitely times when each came in handy. While the WCL-X100 II was a little less detrimental to the X100VI experience than the TCL-X100 II, I found myself using the TCL-X100 II more. I don’t know that either of the two are essential. For the most part, one can take a couple steps backwards instead of using WCL-X100 II, and one can take a few steps forward (or utilize the Digital Teleconverter) instead of using the TCL-X100 II. Obviously that’s not always practical (or the same result), so having the conversion lenses available was appreciated.

I think the conversion lenses are an interesting concept. Having used them on this one trip, I was left both impressed and confused simultaneously. I utilized them a lot more than I think I would have if I had not been testing them out for this article. If someday I did buy them, they’d likely only get occasional use; however, for those occasions when they do come in handy, it’s great to have them available, as they’re pretty darn good. More than anything, I think if you’re a bit nervous to pack light for fear that you’ll miss out due to not having the “right” lenses available, the two conversion lenses will give you a bit more confidence. Even if they’re largely left unused in your sling, it’s probably still better than lugging around a bigger and heavier bag with a larger body and a couple lenses to go with it. In that sense, the two conversion lenses are completely worthwhile accessories to go along with your X100VI camera.

*Fujifilm X100VI + *Kodak T-Max 100 Soft Tone* Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + *Kodak T-Max 100 Hard Tone* Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + TCL-X100 II + *Kodak T-Max 100 Hard Tone* Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + TCL-X100 II + Velvia Film Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + Fujicolor Blue Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + TCL-X100 II + Kodak Portra 400 v2 Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + WCL-X100 II + Fujicolor Blue Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + TCL-X100 II + Digital Teleconverter + Fujicolor Blue Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + TCL-X100 II + Fujicolor Blue Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + WCL-X100 II + Kodak Portra 400 v2 Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + WCL-X100 II + 1976 Kodak Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + TCL-X100 II + Nostalgic Film Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + WCL-X100 II + Eterna Summer Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + Eterna Summer Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + TCL-X100 II + Nostalgic Americana Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + TCL-X100 II + Kodak Tri-X 400 Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + TCL-X100 II + Digital Teleconverter + Kodak Tri-X 400 Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + WCL-X100 II + PRO Negative 160C Recipe*

*Fujifilm X100VI + WCL-X100 II + Nostalgic Americana Recipe*

The above photographs are all camera-made JPEGs captured using my Fujifilm X100VI, utilizing a Fujinon WCL-X100 II Wide Conversion Lens and Fujinon TCL-X100 II Tele Conversion Lens for many, while traveling to Austin, TX, last month.

Previously in this series:
Fujifilm X-Pro2 — The camera that got away (again)
Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 23mm F/2 = Interchangeable-Lens Fujifilm X100VI??
Leica Q2 from the perspective of a Fujifilm photographer
Fujifilm X30 — Fujifilm’s Forgotten Retro Compact Zoom
Close Up with the Fujinon XF 30mm F/2.8 R LM WR Macro

FREE Photowalks in Texas and New York City!!

Posted on September 22, 2024 by Ritchie Roesch

*Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 + Pushed Analog Recipe*

This is going to be a busy fall! I have a lot of upcoming things in the works, and I cannot wait to share them all with you. Hopefully within the next couple of weeks I can announce everything. As soon as I can, I’ll be sure to post about it on Fuji X Weekly.

There are two very exciting events that are just around the corner. Both are don’t-miss opportunities for you. If you live in Texas, I hope to see you at Fujifilm’s Create With Us next week in Austin. If you live anywhere near New York City, be sure to come to the NAB Show in October. Both will be epic! You need to be registered, so be sure to sign up ASAP, because space is limited.

Fujifilm Create With Us in Austin — September 28th

Join me in Austin, Texas, on September 28th—that’s next week! I will be co-leading two photowalks with Fred Agho, one at 1:30 PM and the other at 4:30 PM, as a part of Fujifilm’s Create With Us event. If you live in Austin—or are within driving distance of Austin—this is an event that you won’t want to miss!

This will be an epic day of learning, creating, networking, and more! You must be registered to attend. Space is limited, so don’t procrastinate—sign up today! I believe that the photowalks have been fully booked, but you can be placed on a backup list in case someone doesn’t show. I hope to see you in Austin next week!

NAB Show NYC — October 9th & 10th

*Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 + Superia Negative Recipe*

I will be at the NAB Show in New York City on October 9th and 10th, leading three free photowalks. These photowalks will be small groups, meaning that there will be tons of opportunity for one-on-one conversations. This is a teaching opportunity—I’m there to help you—so bring whatever questions you might have, and I’ll make it as informative and educational as I can. The photowalks will take place in the vicinity of the Jacob Javits Convention Center in Midtown West Manhattan.

Fujifilm will be offering “an immersive journey into the world of photography and videography.” As a part of this, there will be 24 photowalks hosted by a variety of extraordinarily talented creators. Seriously, I would love to attend all of these photowalks myself—this is a don’t-miss opportunity!

I will be leading three photowalks: October 9th at 11:15 AM, October 9th at 2:45 PM, and October 10th at 11:45 AM (note: these were pushed out 45 minutes from their original times). The theme of my photowalks are Straight Out of Camera—we’re going to “put the legendary Fujifilm colors to the test and learn to craft polished images in-camera to streamline your process.” Basically, we’re going to use various Film Simulation Recipes to photograph New York City. Bring your favorite Fujifilm camera; also, this will be an opportunity to get hands-on with some of the latest X-series gear, so bring a spare SD card.

The themes of the other photowalks are Video Visuals, Camera-to-Cloud, Film Simulations, Couples Portraiture, Street Photography, and Social Reels. These photowalks are free; however, you must preregister for the photowalk that you want to attend, and also be registered for NAB. Those of you who live in the NYC area will want to come for certain. Spaces are very limited, so don’t procrastinate—sign up today!

Join me at Fujifilm Create With Us in Austin

Posted on September 6, 2024 by Ritchie Roesch

Join me in Austin, Texas, on September 28th! I will be co-leading two photowalks with Fred Agho, one at 1:30 PM and the other at 4:30 PM, as a part of Fujifilm’s Create With Us event. If you live in Austin (or are within driving distance of Austin), this is an event that you won’t want to miss!

What is Create With Us, you ask?

Create With Us is an opportunity for passionate image makers (that’s you!) to create, learn, and network with industry professionals. Take the chance to meet fellow creators who also see the world through a lens.

Photo and video bays give you the chance to test out Fujifilm’s latest X Series and GFX System cameras and lenses. But don’t worry, all brands are welcome! If you’re a stills photographer or videographer, you’re in. 

Join like-minded individuals throughout the day, learning from top industry professionals, in workshops and immersive photowalks around the area. With so much talent under one roof, it’ll be hard not to get inspired. 

When your feet get tired, sit in on demos and short film screenings. You can also treat your camera gear to a complimentary Check and Clean service.

This will be an epic day of learning, creating, networking, and more! You must be registered to attend. Space is limited, so don’t procrastinate—sign up today! I hope to see you in Austin!