Phil

Different strokes. I find buttons a lot more satisfying to press and it makes the whole experience more enjoyable for me. I like being able to shoot without ever going into the menu, and rarely having to open the Q menu. It puts me in a different space, and I can still work fast enough that way that I can do it on jobs.
 
I feel the same about everyone saying it needs a touch screen. I'm fine with that, as long as I have the option to turn it off. 
 
It would be cool if someone other than Leica had the balls to release a camera with minimal buttons, but personally I'm glad it's not Fuji, because I wouldn't buy it then.

This isn't anything super serious, but I was doing some location scouting today and got one of my wife I really like.
 
DSCF0902 by Phil Babbey, on Flickr

There are a few times where I'd enjoy a higher MP count (mostly product photos and headshots) but for most of what I'd shoot (personal stuff and weddings/events), I'd actually do better with a lower MP count, especially if it meant better high ISO performance and faster write speeds.
 
I know everyone has different needs and preferences, but I get a bit confused when people demand 24+ MP on an APS-C camera. That's like the equivalent of 50+ MP on a full frame, which isn't a practical pixel pitch at all. ISO performance drops pretty quickly, and diffraction and camera shake kick in a stop or two earlier. More resolution isn't always the answer.
 
I've said it before, but I'd like to see them split it two ways, and offer cameras with say 24 MP and 8 or 12 MP. It doesn't have to be every model, but if 24 MP becomes the new standard, I'd like to see at least one or two models (maybe an X-T variant and an X-E variant) offer a lower MP count. For what a lot of Fuji users shoot (street photography) you'd think the lower MP count would suit their shooting style better.
 
 
 
I definitely prefer the battery grip with heavier lenses, but I'd love it if I could use a regular extended grip along with the battery grip, like the OM-D E-M5ii. Or make the stock grip on the X-T1 more like the battery grip.

Xt1+56/1.2
 
DSCF3080 by Kirill Sokolov, on Flickr

Hi, everybody!
Got some free time and went to studio for a series of shots. 
XF 50-140/2.8 @ 1/125, f-8, ISO 200 + 2 studio strobe lights

I don't know if this is possible via firmware, but I'd like to see an update to the flash system (mostly just support for the speed light's AF assist beam). HSS would be nice, and some triggers that will allow HSS, second curtain, etc.
 
I wouldn't mind seeing a more specific B&W film stock, too. Even punching up the contrast a bit, I find the Monochrome a bit flat and awkward. I'd love to see something like Tri-X.
 
Last for me, I wish you could choose to make the AF-L/Instant AF button work like the AF-On that DSLRs have. AF-S is fine as is, but I don't like how with AF-C, you have to use the shutter button for continuous focus. I find I can't shoot and keep focusing, I have to pick my finger up and re initiate focus. With back button AF, you can keep focusing and shoot when you want.

I observed that in certain parts of the world, the "rangefinder" format is still considered the grand daddy of more compact camera formats.
 
Asian culture places more emphasis on "honoring" the elders. A cultural hierarchy still observed today in most Asian countries. I'm assuming that could be why the X-Pro is still the flagship.
 
Strategically, the X-Pro may not be better technically than the X-T range but it does cater somewhat towards a group who don't mind a "slower" pace of photography especially with equal or better picture IQ.
 
I enjoy the challenge of photography with the X-Pro tremendously. Even though I can take more keepers with the 5D3.

With all the flagship talk, it makes me wonder... Does the X-Pro really have to be the flagship model? Can't it be part of the flagship lineup with the top X-T model?
 
It's not like the X-Pro is all-around better, like comparing the 1DX to the 5D. The X-T is obviously popular enough that many people prefer it over the X-Pro, and they're two completely different cameras geared towards different types of photographer.

I'm only a human being. by Begi Nabara, on Flickr

Here's a headshot of my wife, taken with the 23mm at 1.4. Man, this thing is so sharp.
 
DSCF0240 by Phil Babbey, on Flickr
 
Screen Shot 2015-08-14 at 10.57.01 PM by Phil Babbey, on Flickr

I'm happy to report good news, too.
 
I got my camera back today. I shipped it out Friday Oct 31 and it arrived at the repair centre Monday Nov 2, so it was pretty much exactly one week's time. Something I found interesting is that Fuji's arranged pickup was through Purolator, but they shipped it back to me via Canada Post. 
 
So far it seems like this was a great experience. They didn't explicitly mention the hot pixels or sensors in the repair log, but they had listed it in the description of the camera upon arrival, so I'm guessing that means they addressed it. They gave it a "Pro Service Level 2" (whatever that is ), replaced the accessory port door, and to my surprise, replaced all the grip. If it weren't for a couple scuffs on the metal, I would have thought they'd given me an entirely new camera. I didn't realize how faded the rubber had gotten on mine.
 
I was nervous, but I shot a couple frames with the lens cap on and couldn't find any hot pixels. The accessory port door doesn't seem any different, but it's flat and sits flush, so hopefully it doesn't warp on me again. It feels great to have a camera again. That was a long week.
 
edit: Forgot to mention Canon. I sent my 70D out twice for autofocus issues (I couldn't get the micro adjustment to calibrate properly), had to wait two weeks each time, only have Canon send the camera back to me stating that it appeared to be in working order. That's mainly why I was so nervous about sending this one off to Fuji, but thankfully it was an entirely different experience.

I figured I'd lump food in with product photography. This is one from a job I shot for Burger's Priest in Toronto last week.
 
Shot in a foam board light box with the 35mm at f/8 and ISO 200.
 
DSCF0066 by Phil Babbey, on Flickr

I'm excited to follow this. I'll need a second body by summer, and I'd prefer the X-T2 because it suits my style of shooting better, but if it's not out in time, I'll have to decde whether to get the X-Pro2 or just grab an X-T10 for now until both new flagships are out. I'd prefer the X-T2 because of the battery grip, but I could probably live without it if the release date is too late for my needs.
 
I'd like to see higher ISO available in raw, better AF in low light (consistency's more important than speed to me), higher flash sync speed, and faster shot-to-shot time. I'm assuming the X-Pro2 will have similar features, so if the T2 release date is too late, I'll definitely be considering the Pro.

And I forgot, here are a couple from a job I did last week. I was reshooting the menu for Burger's Priest, based out of Toronto. It was mostly shooting food, but I did some staff portraits, too.
 
DSCF0380 by Phil Babbey, on Flickr
 
DSCF0447 by Phil Babbey, on Flickr

I did a job today shooting portraits for a local financial group. There's some staged stuff indoors that looks like stock photography but for the nicer portraits I shot them outside - it was too cramped in the building and I couldn't find a nice background. It was beautifully overcast today, so I didn't have to light them.
 
All shot with the 35mm. The outdoor stuff is I believe f/4 for the group and 2.8 for the rest.
 
DSCF0042 by Phil Babbey, on Flickr
 
DSCF0107 by Phil Babbey, on Flickr
 
DSCF0148 by Phil Babbey, on Flickr
 
And this is what the indoor stuff was like. Not sure if this counts as portraiture or not.
 
DSCF0195 by Phil Babbey, on Flickr

Writings on the wall

I'm happy to report good news, too.
 
I got my camera back today. I shipped it out Friday Oct 31 and it arrived at the repair centre Monday Nov 2, so it was pretty much exactly one week's time. Something I found interesting is that Fuji's arranged pickup was through Purolator, but they shipped it back to me via Canada Post. 
 
So far it seems like this was a great experience. They didn't explicitly mention the hot pixels or sensors in the repair log, but they had listed it in the description of the camera upon arrival, so I'm guessing that means they addressed it. They gave it a "Pro Service Level 2" (whatever that is ), replaced the accessory port door, and to my surprise, replaced all the grip. If it weren't for a couple scuffs on the metal, I would have thought they'd given me an entirely new camera. I didn't realize how faded the rubber had gotten on mine.
 
I was nervous, but I shot a couple frames with the lens cap on and couldn't find any hot pixels. The accessory port door doesn't seem any different, but it's flat and sits flush, so hopefully it doesn't warp on me again. It feels great to have a camera again. That was a long week.
 
edit: Forgot to mention Canon. I sent my 70D out twice for autofocus issues (I couldn't get the micro adjustment to calibrate properly), had to wait two weeks each time, only have Canon send the camera back to me stating that it appeared to be in working order. That's mainly why I was so nervous about sending this one off to Fuji, but thankfully it was an entirely different experience.

Location scouting with an old friend and classmate.
 
All shot on the X-T1, using the 56 1.2 APD, 16 1.4 and some generic speedlights.

X-E1 + 35 + 56
 
0030 by Kirill Sokolov, on Flickr
 
0029 by Kirill Sokolov, on Flickr
 
0028 by Kirill Sokolov, on Flickr
 
0027 by Kirill Sokolov, on Flickr
 
0018 by Kirill Sokolov, on Flickr
 
0017 by Kirill Sokolov, on Flickr
 
0016 by Kirill Sokolov, on Flickr
 
0011 by Kirill Sokolov, on Flickr
 
0008 by Kirill Sokolov, on Flickr

I used a YN-460 on my X-T1 (with the grip) on Saturday and got pretty good results. For on-camera with Fujis, though, the Nissin i40 is the best choice right now. I'm trying to decide between picking up a Nissin and waiting to see what Fuji releases, if it ever happens.
 
If the ceiling is even and white enough, I like using an on-camera bounce, but normally I just do direct flash and go for that specific look, instead. It's not very versatile, but it's consistent and predictable.
 
DSCF0607 by Phil Babbey, on Flickr

Here's a headshot of my wife, taken with the 23mm at 1.4. Man, this thing is so sharp.
 
DSCF0240 by Phil Babbey, on Flickr
 
Screen Shot 2015-08-14 at 10.57.01 PM by Phil Babbey, on Flickr

Between that and the hot pixels, I finally sucked it up and shipped my camera out to them today. I was having trouble with their customer service for the last little while, and just realized they have a separate customer service department for the "pro" X series cameras. I found that out this morning and everything has been so much smoother - the replies were so much faster and the guy was helpful and straight forward. I got more accomplished in two or three emails this morning than I had in a dozen or so emails over the last couple months. 
 
I'm not sure if I listed too much, but I made note of the pixels, the warped door, and the rubber grip starting to come loose. I'm pretty sure I have an early copy of the camera, so I'm hoping they'll just replace it. We'll see how it goes.

I definitely agree about the responsiveness. Little things like hitting the playback button to check a shot seems a bit slower on my X-T1. Interestingly, though, I found the AF accuracy to be phenomenal compared to my Canons, and noticed a bit of an issue with the speed (the last wedding I shot with a DSLR was with a D750, and I noticed the 85 1.4G to be similarly slow in lower light, though). 
 
Personally, I find the X-T1 a bit light. For taking out and about with my wife or friends I don't mind it, but I'd still prefer it to be a bit heavier. If I could have my way, I'd like the X-T1 body only to weigh as much as the body + grip do now, and it would be nice if the grip was a bit heavier than it is now. I love the small size (easier to take around every day, less intimidating, etc) but I find it a bit awkwardly light, and find I can hold it steadier with a bit of extra weight.
 
Here are some from the last wedding I shot. It was almost entirely the 23mm + 35mm. I used the 35mm more than I thought I would. Looking to get the 56 ASAP.
 
DSCF0064 by Phil Babbey, on Flickr
 
DSCF0345 by Phil Babbey, on Flickr
 
DSCF0184-3 by Phil Babbey, on Flickr
 
DSCF0217 by Phil Babbey, on Flickr
 
DSCF0227 by Phil Babbey, on Flickr
 
DSCF0459 by Phil Babbey, on Flickr

I upload the full res JPG to Flickr, and post from there using the Share arrow. For posting on forums you want to use the BBCode.
 
I like Flickr because most forums don't have a hard time resizing it, the mobile app makes it easy to download a photo to my phone to share on Instagram, and on the computer you can download multiple resolutions (small, medium, large, and full res). I use that as a quick fix for when I need to resize a photo to meet upload limits.
 
I have the 18mm and have never had an issue with its sharpness, other than when looking at the entire frame for a landscape (I really need to get a better landscape lens ). To me it seems more or less as sharp as the 35 in the centre - definitely at normal viewing sizes.

I don't know if this is possible via firmware, but I'd like to see an update to the flash system (mostly just support for the speed light's AF assist beam). HSS would be nice, and some triggers that will allow HSS, second curtain, etc.
 
I wouldn't mind seeing a more specific B&W film stock, too. Even punching up the contrast a bit, I find the Monochrome a bit flat and awkward. I'd love to see something like Tri-X.
 
Last for me, I wish you could choose to make the AF-L/Instant AF button work like the AF-On that DSLRs have. AF-S is fine as is, but I don't like how with AF-C, you have to use the shutter button for continuous focus. I find I can't shoot and keep focusing, I have to pick my finger up and re initiate focus. With back button AF, you can keep focusing and shoot when you want.