A Fuji Revamp (Xpro-1 and 2 lenses)

There is a ongoing promotion both in USA and Singapore. I believed FujiFilm is clearing stocks for the 3 year old X-Pro1 to make way for the new X-pro 2 or similar range.

In Singapore, the offer was a Xpro-1 body with XF35mmf1.4 and XF27mmf2.8 costing only SGD$1399. There is a free Xpro leather set and extra original battery.

I saw it as an opportunity to own this retro style interchangeable camera especially the 2 lenses. The 35mm in used market cost around S$500-550 and the 27mm cost around S$290. If I add up these 2 lenses, the Xpro1 body is about $400 or less as the lenses I am getting are brand new with warranty. The extra free original battery cost around $50. I gave away the leather set as I do not need it and it could cost around $100.

I immediately sold my XE2 which I seldom use and my beloved X100 classic. I use the Xpro-1 w 27mmf2.8 combo as an alternative to X100 23mmf2 lens. So after selling both item, I topped up $400 to have a new body and 2 lenses with 1 full year warranty.


I still find X100 an advantage as it has a build-in ND filter and the macro focal distance is shorter. The silent advantage (due to leaf shutter) of X100 is also a big plus. Nevertheless, as I am not a professional, I can't simply keep too many equipment.

I love my X100 but not too much on the XE2. I find the XE2 although much higher end in term of specs then X100 and Xpro1, I find it lack the OVF option and the body too thin for my liking. I always have a metal grip on XE2. For Xpro1 , the body is just nice for my hands without any grip.

So with the new add-on, I have one body and 4 lenses in my ONA bowery. The 35mmXF is a 2nd attempt I have, I hope I will grow to like it as I personally prefer the 23mm or 27mm.

The Xpro1 has many firmware updates since it's launched in 2012. Many aspects like the AF issues and user interfaces have improved. It does not have the latest spec of Classic chrome film or the latest AF system of XT1 or XT10 or maybe the near future firmware for XE2. But the sensor and performance is still quite in line with the latest.

I still like the look and handling of Xpro1 which is very near the the classic x100.

This promo will end in 10th Aug 2015.

Montigo resort in Batam Island

Some landscape shoot while I was there during a 3days 2 nights company retreat.

Shot by 12mm Zeiss and XE2.

Ona Bowery Bag- Bigger than it looks

I have been eyeing this cool looking bag for months and finally got it during a sale. I had a Thinktank Retrospective 5 bag. The retro 5 is a very practical, built for life quality and value for money camera bag for mirrorless. Lots of compartments are available within the small bag etc However I do not like it's "bulk" look when fully loaded and the Velcro noise it create while opening.

My main concern over this Ona bag is that it may be too small for my equipment. Although my setup is a mirrorless system from FujiFilm, I have a relatively big lens 55-200mmf3.5-4.8. I worried that this lens may not be suitable to be used in the bag. I tried to search for an answer in the web but there is no similar setup like mine using the Ona Bowery. Most users are using either prime lenses on this bag etc.

The below photos shows how much equipment I actually can put in it comfortably. I added a extra divider from my previous bags.

1) x100
2) XE2 with 12mm Zeiss
3) 55-200mm
4) Accessories (cable release, batteries, SD card, ND filter & extension Tube)

However, for this my usual photography style (less choice of lens forces me to be creative), I will either bring a X100 with XE2,55-200mm OR XE2 , 55-200mm and 12mm OR X100 with XE2,12mm. Seldom I will fully load the bag unless it is a long travel trip.

For it's pro and cons or comparison to other bags, I will not got into it as there are many review on this great looking and high quality bag.

Melaka Heritage Town with FujiFilm Setup

I took a short weekend trip with my family to Malaysia's Melaka city. We drove to the city from Singapore and took about 4 hours to reach. Driving on the North-South Highway is smooth and easy.

I packed in my ThinkThank Retro 5 with X100(23mm), XE2 with 12mm and 55-200mm. This is my "full" battle order for photography. I have been to this city for a couple of times and I love the heritage and culture of the place. This city was awarded the world heritage town in 2008.

The history of the town spanned from the old kingdom, Portugal , Dutch and finally British rule till the independence of Malaysia.

I love the streets and took many photos. I visited the wet market the locals go daily. The old city has it's charm which is hard to find in Singapore or even some of other cities in Malaysia.

For this  trip, the 60% of the shots are made by the old X100 in Velvia film mode. The rest are with the XE2 with 12mm and 55-200mm in Classic Chrome film mode. X100 is my preferred choice of camera when I am out with my family. It is light and look like a old film camera. People don't really pay attention to it.

This page has 84 photos ..do enjoy the charm and do visit this place soon.

inside the biscuit shop

The prominent red shop houses- The entrance to the old town. Once you see the rows of houses..the sense of nostalgia will set in.  

Riverside dining

One of the old shop still doing it's trade along the red shop houses

One of the colourful gate and door

Inside the Nonya/Baba Museum 

The narrow road of Melaka

Colourful lanterns

One of the wall separation from the next house

Windows of the shop houses.

Streets food found along Jonker street. These food are reasonable in price and great in taste.

A view from our hotel - The Sterling

View from the window from hotel dining.

Breakfast at The Sterling

Traditional Breakfast 

Entrance to the Old Wet Market

Colourful old bike- 

Art along a stairway well..shows people in Melaka love this place alot.

We chanced upon this old wet market which is very near our Hotel. Nice to witness the locals way of life in Melaka

Fried bean Sprouts with salted fish--Yummy!!

Traditional biscuit 

Friendly fruit juice hawker

shop owner closing - Little India area in Melaka

One of the Old Wanton mee shop in the area.

Came across a new shop selling soap in Jonker Street. Love the decor inside. All shot by 12mm zeiss/

I came across a abandoned house and took some shots in it.

Old streets view of Melaka- The narrow road and run down houses have its charm.

The Night market at Jonker Street. The most famous street there. The traffic will be closed from 6pm at every fri/sat and sunday.

Tourists and locals enjoying the karaoke night by the old folks.Charming.

Melaka river at night. The famous Church in Background.

The hotel we stayed this time round. Another charm.