Candid wedding with Fuji Xe1

Using a X35mm f1.4 and a Fuji Xe-1. As a guest of the wedding bride, I use as little equipment as possible and still able capture some candid moment using the light weight but serious image output system.

Lower Seletar Reservior

Another early morning shoot with a different result. Shot by EP-1 and 9-18mm. ISO100 with Grad NDs.

Olympus Ep-1 Classic Pen

This Ep-1 was the first mirrorless model from Olympus back in 2008/2009. It is brilliant in design. I felt that the body was nice and confident to hold. The controls are well placed and easy to press or turn. I have used the Olympus OMD EM-5 and felt the button and layouts are not as well thought as the EP-1. EM-5 was not comfortable to hold without the additional grip too.

As I have the FujiFilm system as my main camera, EP-1 is used as a landscape specialist together with the 9-18mm M.zuiko. It is consider a old camera, as it does not have a built-in flash, extra port for EVF and slow AF/frame per sec shots.

 The whole setup is cheap and reliable. I dare to place the whole tripod setup onto the water. As the system is small and easy to handle, it allows me to do minor adjustment without any inconveniences or obstruction compared to a DSLR setup.

EP-1 native ISO100 is a good feature for long exposure shoot. Look at the new models like OMDs EM-5. The native iso is at 200. The built-in lowest shutter is 60secs where nowadays most models ends at 30secs. (the other way is to use BULB mode). There is also a built-in level gauge in EP-1 too.

Seriously, I think this camera although is worthless in Singapore (cost abt  $100-$150 in used market), is still a great camera overall.

Here are some landscape shots with 9-18mm.

20secs shutter speed

Punggol beach 

Well layouts of controls and wheels, access by thumb.No buttons on the left side is a blessing. The useful level gauge mode.

still a beauty in design.

Dry weather in Singapore

Our island country is experiencing one of the worst weather recently. It hasn't been raining for the past 2 months. Leaves, grassed and trees are turning yellow and dry. With the haze problem reaching to new heights in Indonesia, we have to be prepared for water rationing and face masks.

Is the world climate changing due to the earth warming?

Nevertheless, there is still some photo opportunities out there to show case the colours of "Autumn" in Singapore.

Arab Street shoot with Fuji Xe-1, 35mmf1.4 and 55-200mm

With all the buzz about the new XT-1 body and 56mm f1.2 lens, I still prefer to go out to shoot instead of lusting over equipment over the internet and forums.

With the older XE-1 body with all the new firmware and still very good sensor, I went out for a photo shoot around my favorite streets in Singapore. I prefer this place then the Chinatown. Some of the heritage is well kept and I enjoy the peace there.

In this shoot, the 55-200mm was preferred compared to the 35mmf1.4. There are times the 35mm (eq. 50mm on XE-1) is too tight in focal length. I have to move back or use the live view to back off at tight space. The 23mm f1.4 (eq. 35mm) may be a better choice.

Nevertheless the 55-200mm zoom was useful for some sensitive shots like the cat and the street barber. The street barber is not so friendly with photographers as I believe he is a common target in Singapore due to his trade is uncommon sight now.

The XE-1 auto-focus is fast and positive enough for some of the subjects that required quick focus. OM-D EM-5 which I use before is better in AF but the lag in getting the actual shot is still there.The sharpness from the Fuji lenses are great given that the pricing is reasonable. Although I still like the Olympus m4/3 setup, I felt Fujifilm stuff are more value for money given for the quality of their lens. Fuji do not have plasticy lens like the 45mmf1.8 or the 14-42mm lens. Even their cheap 27mmf2.8 is much good in build quality than the Olympus 17mmf2.8. With their willingness to update firmware on old bodies and add new grip to old bodis, plus with the seriousness in them marketing campaign I can see a great future ahead for Fujifilm.

Landscape at Lower Pierce Reservoir

During the weekends, to escape the crowds in Singapore, a good place to relax and enjoy with children is our nature reserves like the Lower Pierce reservoir. This is one of the few beautiful scenic places left in our small island. Fishing is allowed and many kids/adults do prawn catching by the banks. The sunset is directly facing and also a good place to do sunset photography.

My family love to come here to enjoy the peace.

Here are some shots using Olympus Ep-1 and 9-18mm.

iShoot grip for XE-1

After using the original XE-1 grip, I felt that the holding area is much lacking especially with the 55-200mm lens mounted.

I quickly sold the original grip and found this iShoot (china made) grip from Ebay. It is a low cost grip but big in quality. I was pleasantly surprise by the quality. It comes with a cloth bag and a nice box. The finishing and precise machining is great too. It fitted the XE-1 nicely without any gaps (compared to the original).

It can also directly fixed to the grip of the ballhead with the quick release plate.

I understand there is a much branded 3rd party grip available in the market. But I am not sure how does it compare. But I definitely love this low cost ishoot grip.It made my 55-200mm much balanced and better in handling.