55-200mm XF Fuji going to the zoo

This lens is still one of my favorite lenses in the Fuji X system. It is light and sharp. The background separation is decent for a relatively cheap zoom. Mounted on the Fuji XE2, it is a light weight and portable setup.Here are some of the shots I took with the setup. Lighting was bad but the Fuji combo pull it off quite well.

Classic Chrome on Fuji XE2

With the latest firmware update from FujiFilm , my Fuji XE2 camera has some new features which are available on the latest fuji camera like the XT1 Chrome, X100T and X30.

Although the 3 main updates are great , I felt the most helpful is the new film simulation Classic Chrome. The wireless shooting capability from handphone and the time-lapsed capability are good to have but I will not be using much.

Here are some of the example of the Classic Chrome film. It has a less saturated colour and a cool tone effect.

Updated in Feb 2016- More examples for Classic Chrome from Fuji XA-2.
As of now, the old XE-2 has a latest firmware update from FujiFilm and the camera now is very close in term of performance with the newer XT10. Well done Fuji!

XA2

XA2

XA2

XA2

Changi Shoot with Fuji Xe2

It has been a while since I have use my Zeiss 12mm and XF-55-200mm. I went out for a spin and capture some of the below shots. All shots are set to Velvia Film simulation. 

Yesterday, FujiFilm announced that the XE-2 will have a firmware upgrade in 18th Dec 2014. I am happy and excited as the new firmware will allow my XE-2 to have the new film Classic Chrome. Others new features like the remote trigger by handphone and timelapse function are added too. It was featured in the latest X cameras like the XT-1 (silver) and X30. Fujifilm has once again show the world they are a company that take cares of the customers and allows the older cameras to have new feature. Well Done!

DIY (do-it-yourself) camera bag for mirrorless system

After the liberation from the weight and big size of DSLR systems, I am always on a look-out for suitable bags for my mini interchangeable camera systems. I have bought various Domke bags (f803, f6 anf F5b) and Lowepro (passport sling II). They are not cheap and at times I find they are too spacious for a mirrorless system especially if I am going for a single lens set up. No point having so many bags too.

My current and most expensive (but best of quality) is the Billingham Hadley Pro. No doubt , it is a great bag. But it is still too big for my system if I am not packing to my maximum. The Hadley Pro can hold Ipad or Imac, 2 mirrorless bodies and probably 3-5 mirroless lenses. If I am to pack for a serious photography trip, this will be the bag I will use.

However, for simple trip or outings, I need a smaller bag. I also do not want to spent much after getting the Billingham.

So I started a DIY bag. I went to the army market in Singapore's beach road to get a small recce sling bag that cost SGD$8. I search the web and found a $20 camera inner sleeve bag. With that I have a small camera bag that can protect my gear reasonably.

Cheap vs Billingham Pro

inner Camera sleeve bag bought from Qo10

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Indonesia, Padang with XE-2 and 18-55mm

Over the weekend, I flew to Indonesia with my parents to attend my cousin's wedding. He is married to his Indonesian wife in Mercure Hotel located in Padang Indonesia. We stayed there for 2 nights and the main event was the wedding dinner in the ballroom.

The next day morning, I found myself a 1hr window period before going to the airport. Taking advantage of the 1hr, I took the XE2 and 18-55mm for a quick spin around the hotel neighborhood.

The people around the town were friendly and is fine for me to shoot. This time due to limited time, I took out my shoulder strap from the camera for fast action and set my camera to full auto exposure while I focus on getting the subjects, composition and zoom. Here are the results of a Sunday in Padang ...

Fujifilm Singapore Event 2014

Today I turned up to the Fujifilm event which was held at Rochester One near Buona Vista MRT. (5 mins walk from MRT)

This event main products focus were the new XT-1 Silver version and the X100t. However there were some new lenses available for hands-on experience. I got to try out the new 56mmf1.2 and the 40-150mmf2.8.

The 40-150mmf2.8 lens is a lens to lookout for. It much lighter than the other FF 70-200f2.8. Focus speed and image quality are great too.

The X100t has so much improvement compared to my first X camera - x100. The focus is so much more faster and positive. The handling really reminds me when I have the first x100 but with much refinements done.

Overall, after handling the equipment, I can say Fuji's products are really elegant in nature. The camera and lens are design for photographers who love the mechanical movement handling rather than just a plain electronic stuff.

Overall, this is a very well done event.

Hands on on the new XT1 from a DSLR user

Proton type lens- the new 90mmf2, 16-40mmf2.8, the 400mm zoom

by 40-150mmf2.8

by new 40-150mm

Shot by the new 56mmf1.2

Shot with a 23mmf1.4

Model

testing the new 56mmf1.2

New Silver XT-1

One of the invited speakers sharing his experience with X system

free door gift from Fuji SG