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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!

Join me at the NAB Show in New York City!!

Posted on September 3, 2024 by Ritchie Roesch

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

Hey, everyone! I will be at the NAB Show in New York City on October 9th and 10th, leading three photowalks. These photowalks will be small groups, meaning that there will be tons of opportunity for one-on-one conversations. This is a teaching photowalk—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!

*Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 56mm f/1.2 + Cinematic Film Recipe*

I will be leading three photowalks: October 9th at 10:30 AM, October 9th at 2:00 PM, and October 10th at 11:00 AM. The theme of my photowalks are Straight Out of Camera Photography—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. While NAB is not free, if you follow this link (click here), you can get free registration! 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!

I hope to see you in New York City in October!

The Film Simulation Recipes mentioned on Adorama by Victor Ha

Posted on June 23, 2024 by Ritchie Roesch

*Victor Ha – VP, Electronic Imaging & Optical Devices Divisions, Fujifilm North America*

Victor Ha is the Vice President of the Electronic Imaging and Optical Devices Divisions of Fujifilm North America. I met him twice while I was in New York City in May. The first time, I accidentally crashed a Fujifilm lunch meeting (funny story…). I got to introduce myself and not much else. The second time was at a loud and crowded bar. We had a short conversation, but it was a bit difficult due to the environment. Mostly we discussed art and photography in general, and not anything specific about cameras or even Fujifilm. I hope to one day talk about Fujifilm gear with him, as I have a lot of ideas and feedback that I’d love to share; who knows, maybe that opportunity will present itself someday. Anyway, Victor is a really nice guy, and it was a pleasure to speak with him in person.

Victor Ha was recently on a live Adorama YouTube broadcast (Episode 28 of Coffee with Creators) with Seth Miranda (a.k.a. LastXWitness). This is the video that Fujirumors shared indicating that the X-T5’s AF bug would be fixed and Reala Ace would be given to all the fifth-generation X-Trans cameras by the end of June (yea!). Unfortunately, I’ve been really busy over the last week, and I didn’t have a chance to watch it. Someone reached out to me to ask if I’d seen it, stating that I was given a shoutout. I hadn’t, so I watched it. I’ve included the video below, in case you want to view it, too.

If you don’t want to see the whole thing (it’s over an hour long), simply skip ahead to the 6:52 mark. Victor gives a very kind shoutout to Fuji X Weekly and briefly mentions Film Simulation Recipes. Specifically, he brought up the Reala Ace Film Simulation Recipe that I used while in New York City. Actually, I used two. For anyone wondering, I believe the one that he may have been talking about in the video was the Fujicolor PRO 160C Warm Recipe that is a part of my Fujifilm X-T50 Film Dial strategy. The other Recipe that he could have been referring to is PRO Negative 160C. They’re both fairly similar, and can be found in the Fuji X Weekly App (available for Apple and Android). Once the firmware updates are released, which could be any day between now and the end of the week, Reala Ace will be available for the Fujifilm X-H2s, X-H2, X-T5, and X-S20 cameras. If you have one of those cameras, soon you’ll be able to use those Recipes, too.

Below are some photographs—all straight-out-of-camera JPEGs—that I captured while in New York using the Fujicolor PRO 160C Warm Recipe on a Fujifilm X-T50:

Below are some photographs—all straight-out-of-camera JPEGs—that I captured while in New York using the PRO Negative 160C Recipe on a Fujifilm X-T50:

A Controversy Undone

Posted on May 31, 2024 by Ritchie Roesch

*The Camera Bar* – New York City, NY – Fujifilm X-T50 – Pacific Blues Recipe

Panasonic inadvertently created a controversy (actually, two). You’re probably aware of it already, but for those who aren’t, let me briefly explain it to you. Afterwards, I’ll tie it back into Fujifilm and Fuji X Weekly, and by the end it will all make sense why I’m bringing it up on this blog.

It began when Gerald Undone, a popular YouTuber, posted a video lamenting that Panasonic didn’t invite him to the launch event of the Lumix S9, nor did they send him a preproduction model prior to release. Gerald comes across as unnecessarily bothered for the exclusion; however, he goes on to make some extremely valid points that shouldn’t be dismissed. If you haven’t seen the video, I’d rather you watch it and form your own opinions than to read my commentary on it, so I’ll leave it at that.

What is important to note, though, is that—in Gerald’s view—Panasonic punished him for being critical of one of their products (or, really, using the “wrong” word), and they told him they were excluding him from the S9 launch because they were concerned he wouldn’t like the camera. In his opinion, Panasonic’s content-creator inclusion for the event was largely based on who they felt would tow the company’s line, which casts skepticism (fairly or unfairly) across the viewpoints of those who were invited. Again, you can watch the video and form your own opinions, I’m just trying to lay out the controversy for those who are unaware.

*Bus Ride with Tom Baumgaertel* – New York – Fujifilm X100VI – Kodak Tri-X 400 Recipe

Afterwards, people noticed that the camera reviews by those who attended the launch event and/or who had received a preproduction model of the Lumix S9 were largely very positive despite the technical specs and features being surprisingly mediocre. There was an obvious disconnect between the initial reviews and the perception of those who had read the fine details. Did that prove Gerald right?

Important to the controversy is that the Lumix S9, aside from one important aspect, is probably the least interesting full-frame camera released in the last decade (this is my opinion, it’s ok to disagree). Some reviewers—I’m sure at the recommendation of Panasonic—suggested that the S9 is comparable to the Fujifilm X100VI; basically, the S9 is a full-frame interchangeable-lens X100VI alternative. However, the Fujifilm camera that the S9 is most similar to is the X-A5, and not the X100VI. The X-A5 has some advantages (mechanical shutter, hotshoe, grip, size/weight, price, lenses), and the S9 has some advantages (6K video, IBIS, larger dynamic range, better high-ISO, better autofocus); otherwise, those two models are surprisingly similar.

The “important aspect” of the Lumix S9, which is indeed noteworthy, is the ability to wirelessly transfer LUTs (think overlays or presets) from an app to the camera, and apply those to still pictures for straight-out-of-camera photography. Panasonic is trying to create a community around LUTs similar to the Recipe Community for Fujifilm. Interestingly, Panasonic’s slogan for the S9 is: “Shoot. Edit. Share.” It’s a mixed message, for whatever reason; however, Film Simulation Recipes have become so popular for Fujifilm that other brands are trying to figure out how to incorporate something similar, which should not be overlooked or under-appreciated.

*Omar Gonzalez* – New York City, NY – Fujifilm X-T50 – Superia Negative Recipe

Going back to the controversy, there have been a large number of people within the photography world who have commented on a perceived disconnect between what the Lumix S9 actually is and the hype that many YouTubers espoused who were flown to Japan for the launch. The solution suggested by some is to ignore the opinions of those who were given early-access to the S9, and especially to those who attended the launch. But is that fair?

I was recently loaned a preproduction Fujifilm X-T50. I wasn’t invited to the X-Summit launch event in Sydney, but I was flown to a secondary event in New York City. The X-T50 has a contentious design choice that I spoke (mostly) positively about. Do you see a parallel? Was I invited because Fujifilm thought I would hype the camera? Were my opinions influenced by Fujifilm’s generosity towards me? Can Fuji X Weekly still be trusted for unbiased opinions (or at least as unbiased as an unashamed fanboy can get)? I really had to ask myself these questions, and give this whole matter a lot of consideration.

When I arrived in New York, one of the first things I was asked by a Fujifilm representative is what I thought of the new Film Dial. I said that I was unsure about it at first, but once I figured out how to get the most out of it, I really liked it. The representative was surprised, because it was assumed that I wouldn’t like it, since it’s not necessarily designed for use with Recipes.

*Bryan Minear Getting Soaked* – Windham, NY – Fujifilm X-T5 – Kodak Tri-X 400 Recipe

During the trip—and even before—it was stated several times by Fujifilm that what they wanted most was authenticity—those involved shouldn’t be concerned with what they may believe the company wants; Be true to who you are. I was also told that vulnerability is a virtue they appreciate. Looking back, my impression is that they wanted those in attendance to be at ease, and to not feel pressured to think or feel some certain way, or create some certain things. The point seemed to be more about establishing connections between creative people who happen to use Fujifilm products, and much less about the products themselves.

The question is whether or not I was influenced in some way by Fujifilm. I probably would not have picked up an X-T50 had Fujifilm not sent me one; had I not used it, I probably would not have spoken so positively towards it, because I wouldn’t have discovered how to effectively use it. That seems like an obvious one, to me. Maybe more subtly: I met some of the people behind the brand, and gained insights into some inner workings, which adjusted my perception about the company—essentially, some of my preconceived notions about Fujifilm had to be realigned to match reality. That’s a type of influence that I believe is actually positive. Did I come away thinking that if I speak negatively about the brand, I won’t be invited back? I’d be lying if I told you that it didn’t cross my mind, because it did; however, I don’t believe that is true.

This whole controversy has caused me to pause and self-reflect, and evaluate my own motives and actions. I want authenticity and vulnerability to be the gold standard of this website and myself, personally. I hope that I’m a trustworthy voice in the Fujifilm community—both now, and for years to come. I’m highly appreciative that Fujifilm reached out to me, loaned me a camera, and invited me to their event, and I look forward to any other potential opportunities to work with the brand in the future. If I have to leave my ethics at the door to do so, I’m not ok with that. Thankfully, I don’t believe Fujifilm would ask that of me, but it is important to not be complacent of the potential, and to hold onto my personal values tightly at all times.

The Fujifilm X-T50 is really good for Travel Photography

Posted on May 25, 2024 by Ritchie Roesch

Today is National Roadtrip Day in America! Oh, and the Fujifilm X-T50 is a pretty darn good travel camera.

All of the double-digit X-T series models are especially good for travel, thanks to their compactness. What I like about the X-T50 in particular is the slightly larger grip (compared to the X-T30), which helps when using bulkier lenses, the new Film Dial, which adds some SOOC versatility, and IBIS, which is great for low-light situations. While any of the double-digital X-T cameras are good options, including the original X-T10, the X-T50 is my personal favorite.

Fujifilm sent me a preproduction X-T50 to try out for a few weeks, and during that time I was able to take it on a couple of trips. There are a number of excellent travel cameras in the Fujifilm lineup, and you can’t go wrong with any of them—for example, the X100VI is also a personal favorite, and I like my X-E4 for travel, too. If you are in the market for an interchangeable-lens model that is really good for a roadtrip or cross-country adventure, the Fujifilm X-T50 is one to strongly consider. It worked really well for me, anyway.

Below are some photographs that I captured on a Fujifilm X-T50 while traveling. They’re all camera-made JPEGs that are unedited (aside from minor cropping/straightening).

Sedona, Arizona

*Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 23mm f/2 + Velvia Recipe*

*Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 23mm f/2 + Reala Ace Recipe*

*Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 23mm f/2 + Kodak Tri-X 400 Recipe*

*Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 90mm f/2 + Velvia Recipe*

*Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 90mm f/2 + Reala Ace Recipe*

Catskills, New York

*Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 90mm f/2 + Pacific Blues Recipe*

*Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 23mm f/2 + Pacific Blues Recipe*

*Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 23mm f/2 + Astia Summer Recipe*

*Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 23mm f/2 + Superia Negative Recipe*

*Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 23mm f/2 + Velvia Film Recipe*

New York City, New York

*Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 90mm f/2 + Kodak Tri-X 400 Recipe*

*Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 56mm f/1.2 +* Superia Negative Recipe

*Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 23mm f/2 + PRO Negative 160C Recipe*

*Fujifilm X-T50 + Fujinon 56mm f/1.2 + Cinematic Negative Recipe*

Find these Film Simulation Recipes and over 300 more on the Fuji X Weekly App! Consider becoming a Patron subscriber to unlock the best App experience and to support Fuji X Weekly.

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-T50 in black:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-T50 in silver:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex, Nuzira
Fujifilm X-T50 in charcoal:
Amazon, B&H, Moment, Wex

Storytime: Fujifilm sent me to NYC

Posted on May 20, 2024 by Ritchie Roesch

*Dumbo Crowd* – Brooklyn, New York City, NY – Fujifilm X-T50 – Reala Ace Recipe

2024 has been a wild ride so far, but in the best way possible.

I have so much to share with all of you. I’m sure it will take weeks to get it all out via various articles, videos, and social media content. This post is simply to lay out the backstory, and serve as a foundation to build on. There’s so much that I’ve been wanting to tell you but couldn’t; however, now I can!

In January I got a call from Fujifilm North America. They told me that they like what I’m doing and that they want to work with me in the coming year, but they weren’t yet sure what that might look like. This call was more to get the conversation started, and to make sure that I would be willing to work with them. It was a very positive experience, but I took a wait-and-see approach.

*Old Yellow Truck* – Bisbee, AZ – Fujifilm X-T5 – Nostalgic Americana Recipe

I didn’t have to wait very long, as Fujifilm sent an email in March inviting me to be a part of a global film simulation project. Specifically, they wanted me to create some pictures using Nostalgic Neg., Classic Chrome, and Astia that illustrate how those film simulations can look. They encouraged those involved in the project to use Film Simulation Recipes. Of course, for me, that was a good excuse to invent some brand-new Recipes! Nostalgic Americana, Classic Color, and Astia Azure are the three that I created and used for my photographs. Just recently, Fujifilm published a Film Simulation page on their global website, which is the first fruits of the project—you can find two of my Nostalgic Neg. pictures there. I’m sure there is more to come.

Just as soon as that project wrapped up, I received another email from Fujifilm. They wanted to send me an unreleased camera to try out. Whoa! It was such an honor, just to even be asked. Of course I said “yes” and a week later a Fujifilm X-T50 arrived at my door. I had to wait until after the X-Summit announcement before I could talk about the camera.

It took me a few days to warm up to the X-T50, and a few more days to really figure out how to use it. But, once I did, it quickly became a personal favorite camera. I love the Film Dial! Is it the perfect implementation of it? No. Is it a lot of fun and useful? Absolutely! I still have the camera in my possession, but it’s due to be returned. It’s a preproduction loaner, so I can’t keep it. I just hope, if there is a wait list, that it’s not very long.

This isn’t the end of the story in the slightest. Well before the launch, Fujifilm invited me to join them on a creator’s retreat—Camp Fujifilm, as they affectionately nicknamed it—in the Catskill Mountains of New York, followed by a rooftop X-Summit Experience event in New York City. The retreat was a new thing that Fujifilm was trying out. I didn’t know what to expect, but I knew to say yes, no matter what else I may or may not have had going on at that time. It was a drop-everything-and-be-there type of thing.

*Airportscape* – Phoenix, AZ – Fujifilm X100VI – Kodak Portra 400 v2 Recipe

So my wife, Amanda, and I flew out of Phoenix to Newark one week ago today. We stayed a night in Brooklyn, and the next day met up with everyone. Fujifilm chartered a bus; we loaded up, and were quickly off. This was our first time in New York City, so we were incredibly excited and just in awe of everything, trying to soak it all in. But as quickly as we got there, we were out of the city and in the rural greenery of the Catskills.

I don’t want to tell anyone else’s story. But, just real briefly, there were 13 creators (including myself and Amanda), plus three Fujifilm employees, at this retreat. It was a very diverse group. There were X-Photographers, cinematographers, YouTubers, hobbyists, etc.—just a wide range of talents and experiences. There were no real expectations. It was like Fujifilm wanted to know what would happen if they just had us all meet and hang out for a few days.

I was nervous because I didn’t know anyone there. I was unsure if I was going to fit in. Even though I have a popular Fujifilm blog (and some apps), I still often feel like an outsider in the general photographic community. But I had nothing to worry about. Everyone was great and welcoming, and we had such an incredible time. I made some new friends, which alone made the whole trip worthwhile.

I won’t soon forget the early morning hike in the pouring rain with Bryan Minear plus Matt Matkin and Lotta Milde of B&H (you may have seen them on YouTube or B&H’s social channels). Tom Baumgaertel (a.k.a. bewaremyfuji) was super helpful when discussing multiple exposure photography. I feel like everyone brought something to the table, and we all learned things from each other. Amanda was surprised how many questions she was asked about social media video trends, and in turn she was able to ask questions related to recording and editing videos. It was an invaluable experience—I’m sure for everyone there, but definitely for myself and Amanda. I hope that Fujifilm does this regularly moving forward.

*Tunnel Traffic* – New York City, NY – Fujifilm X-T50 – Pacific Blues Recipe – Double Exposure

We returned to New York City from the Catskills on Thursday. The bus dropped us off at our Manhattan hotel, and an hour later Amanda and I strolled over to Foto Care for the X-Summit Experience. The rooftop event was super cool. I got to shake hands with some of you and briefly chat cameras, which was amazing. I met some more talented content creators—photographers and cinematographers—and made some connections.

One highlight was meeting Omar Gonzalez. He was at the event, and we got to talk a little. He had his Fujifilm X-T20 Noir camera with him. I’m a big fan, personally, so it was like meeting a favorite musician or actor or something like that. I kept telling myself to play it cool, just play it cool. Anyway, it was so great to meet him!

Afterwards, I met up with more Fujifilm people, and hung out for awhile. We ate a mustard/sauerkraut pizza at Lions & Tigers & Squares at the suggestion of Shotti—I know it sounds gross (and it’s not something I would normally even try), but it was easily an all-time top-five favorite for me. The whole trip was so surreal, but especially this day. It was like a dream, except that it actually happened. It was so great to meet everyone and make a lot of new connections.

I have a lot more to share, but this is enough for today. I want to give a big “thank you” to Fujifilm North America for loaning me the camera, inviting me out for the retreat and event, and the first-class treatment. I’m so glad that I could meet the team, and I hope that we can work together more in the future.