I haven’t stopped shooting since I’ve been in Guanajuato. The UNESCO Heritage Listed city itself is unbelievably beautiful, with that gorgeous colonial architecture framing an exhilarating assemblage of shapes and colors. It is impossible to ignore and for anyone who is visually inclined, an unending pleasure.
Most of all, it’s impossible to ignore the binary play of light and shadow, where tone is all but lost to the camera’s eye before the long twilight sets in.
A little bit of camera talk: the X-Pro 2
All pictures in this post were made with the pre-production X-Pro 2, now running production firmware. [Original, review and images here]
I’ve been using it continuously since I got to North America in January, to Flemming‘s detriment, as this unit was meant for us both to share. The mildly stricken look on my face when I have to use anything else though, eventually led him to graciously declare that he prefers the EVF of the X-T1 anyway, so I could keep my grubby paws on it.
Compressed RAW
I’ve used compressed RAW exclusively since it was available. I see no practical difference in quality, and it reduces file size by half. Approximately:
X-Pro 2 uncompressed RAW file size: 40 MB
X-Pro 2 compressed RAW: 20 MB
In comparison:
X-T1 uncompressed RAW: 30 MB
Like most digital photographers, storage is a never-ending issue. So innovations that reduce storage needs, without compromising on quality, are manna.
ISO Dial
I got used to the new ISO dial, and then I found myself liking it. I can change the ISO with the same hand that holds the camera. This means that when I use the 27mm pancake lens on it (frequently), I can operate the camera one handed. I don’t honestly do this very often, but it tickles me that I can. So there.
I hear that my very own production X-Pro 2 awaits me at Fujifilm Nordic’s headquarters, with its own personalized serial number (read: my name). My friend Supriya reminds me that 16 years ago, I wrote her a letter with some black and white prints enclosed, despairing of ever comprehending photographic technique. A decade and a half later, a camera rolls out of the factory with my name in its serial field.
Maybe it isn’t much in the larger scheme of my journey as a photographer (or maybe it is, who knows?), but it certainly is one hell of a milestone.
Comments 18
What fun! All of it.
~B
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🙂
Beautiful Pics. Great Ligth .
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It really is magic.
Yay 🙂
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:)))
If they need more names . Great shadowy , make you want to keep looking images Charlene.
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Hehehe, thanks Don 😉
As always love the shadows and night shot. Looks like you are having a good time!
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Cheers Rick. Mexico is magic.
You make magic every day with any camera my dear and these are fantastic – but the best camera belongs with the best photographer! Also, I really do love that big X-T1 viewfinder (old man, old eyes!).
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Your eyes are far better than mine…. hmmm, maybe that’s why I think I shoot award winners everyday!
oh wow! These photos make me want to go there! Amazing colours and light! Thank you for sharing!
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Awww, thanks Eunice 🙂
we want more pics :). n. 1333 & 40169 are fantastic!
best,
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Thank you, walker. I might have one or two more to share down the line. Stay tuned 🙂
That’s pretty awesome to have your name as a serial number. Congratulations for whatever it is worth. I can’t wait to take delivery of my X-Pro2. Been an X100s user for a few years and now moving to the Pro with a 23mm. I enjoy reading your posts. Perhaps in some ways I live vicariously through you. 🙂
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Thank you Jeremy! Despite my trying to be all nonchalant about this serial number, it’s pretty damn cool. For reasons I’ll address in another blog post when I get it. I hope you enjoy your X-Pro 2! It’s a beautiful camera… if I wasn’t getting one from Fuji I’d be considering how to keep the beta copy I have in hand.