Tommyboy

In San Luis Obispo, CA, there is a unique tourist attraction called "Bubblegum Alley." The walls of the alley are 15 ft. (4.6 m) tall and 70 ft. (21 m) long. The gum has accumulated from passers-by over a period of at least 45 years, perhaps as long as 70 years. Merchant complaints led to two cleanings, but always the gum reappears. All shot with XE-2 and 23mm f/1.4.

Shot this yesterday and am pleased with the results. Interested in feedback, pro or con. Buttonwillow, CA XE-2 • 23mm • ISO 200 • f/5.6 • 1/600 • Monochrome Red Filter

Meh.

I would (and did) purchase a 56 1.2. What an amazing lens. I've added the 16 1.4, though I've not shot with it. The 16-55 seems like a workable, effective alternative with a great rep. If it were OIS, I would likely have purchased it instead.

I couldn't agree more. It's popularity, historically, has been related to price. It was the kit lens of generations. I have a Canon 50mm f/1.4. I do use it from time to time, but I prefer a 35, a 28, and even a 24. The beautiful little 35mm Fuji would be much more appealing to me if it were a 23mm. Having said all that, to each his own. If you dig it, shoot it, and more power to you.

I recently acquired an XE-2 with the 18-55, an admirable lens. I have since purchased four lenses: 16mm f/1.4 (24 equivalent) 23mm f/1.4 (35 equivalent) 56mm f/1.2 (85 equivalent) 90mm f/2.0 (135 equivalent) They all fit in one small bag (a Tenba P211) and are a joy to use. I started with the 14mm, but swapped it for the 16's IQ. If I had to pare it down to three, the toss up would be between the teles, I think. I haven't really shot with the 16 yet, just got it, but the other three are really, really impressive. I had a 35mm f/1.4 in the film days, and I still regret selling it. I'm glad to have one in the Fuji system. It's the perfect, "normal" lens.

That's mine.

Should've booted the 35. I know there's a lot of love for this little lens, but I've never had use for a "normal," 50mm equivalent lens.

I recently acquired a used copy of this lens. I haven't noticed problem 1, but I did have problem 2, exactly as you have described. I returned the used lens and purchased another used copy which works great.

I just joined the ranks of Fuji shooters. I bought an XE-2 used and upgraded the firmware, in effect making it all-but an XE-2s. I'm really happy with it. You might think about it. . . .

Hello. I've posted a few things, so I had better introduce myself for those of you who might be interested. Been shooting since 1977, initially because I was recruited to be the school yearbook photographer. After graduating, I went to work in camera shops, which I loved. I purchased Nikon gear (FMs) and mostly prime Nikkor lenses like the 24 f.2.8, 35 f/1.4, and the 105 f/2.5. It was a happy time in my life and I loved learning how to shoot. My friends and I ran around shooting for fun all the time, burning through roll after roll of Kodachrome. After several years, I was hired as a tech rep at the late, great Minolta Corp. That was followed by a stint in sales, first at Minolta then at Nikon, both in Southern California. During that time I had enormous sample accounts comprising all the cameras and most of the lenses that each company offered for sale. I even had expense accounts for film and processing. I loved shooting but I hated selling. I left that field and finally went to college. I shot through that decade, using an FE-2 and Nikkor lenses. I worked in camera shops while going to school and all was great again for a while, but the era of the brick and mortar photo store was coming to a close. When I got married, I went digital when a buddy gave me a Canon P&S as a present. A few years later, when my wife and I went to Australia for asix-week holiday, I reasoned that it was time for a digital SLR. I settled on Canon Rebel because they had the best/most affordable model at the time. I upgraded later to a 40D and then a couple of years ago to a 6D. Most recently, I decided that I had to try a mirrorless camera. As you've heard a thousand times, my equipment was too damned heavy. I agonized over spec sheets for a few months and ultimately decided on a used Fuji XE-2. I was very impressed with the camera and the ease with which I upgraded the firmware resulting in a whole new camera. I got the camera with the 18-55 kit lens. Soon after followed a 35mm f/1.4, a 56mm f/1.2, and a 90mm f/2.0. I dabbled with the 14mm f/2.8 but sent it back in favor of the 16mm f/1.4. Now I'm just trying to decide between the X-Pro 2 and the upcoming XT-?. So with this Fuji camera, the image quality of which blows me a way, I have returned to my roots. Little in the way of zoom, most lenses without OIS, and an honest-to-goodness aperture ring and shutter-speed dial. I love the experience of shooting and am really impressed with the image quality. I've been shooting a FF DSLR, and I like my Fuji images better. Long intro. On the off-chance that you're still reading, thank you. I'm glad to be here and appreciate all the information and great photography. TM Here's a recent shot of my daughter taken with the 56mm.

I really want an X-Pro 2. I really like the rangefinder design; however, I have no use for the optical viewfinder. Mostly I'm interested in the joystick and the 24 mp sensor. I remove my glasses to shoot on my XE-2 and the diopter is maxed. Is the viewfinder on the XT-1 (and presumably on the XT-2) easier for those of us who wear specs? Both models—XE-2 & XT-1—list the eye-point ar 23mm and the dioptric adjustment as -4 to +2…. On paper they look the same. I have to have an extra grip, so the XT design appeals in that regard. I also fail to comprehend why all cameras don't have tilting displays. I'm really resistant to the SLR ethos, but the combination of features (grip, tilting LCD, higher-relief viewfinder) may make me wait to see the XT-2. Hope it's announced sooner rather than later.

1. Clearly, you're an artist. 2. It's yours to do with what you will. 3. Cradling, polishing, preserving your camera is the expected, default behavior. 4. I think it's really cool—definitely unique. I think the notion that dents and scratches are "earned" is amusing.

XE-2 18-55 walking the neighborhood.

This is my daily kit: a Megress adjustable, ceramic scuttle, and brush de jour. I've upgraded to a butterscotch Vie Long brush that's a real favorite. For two days' growth I use this Merkur Slant.

That seems likely—and start shipping in late Oct./early Oct., just in time for the holidays

Beautiful vacation shots. Really impressive.