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m2usa

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  1. Like
    m2usa got a reaction from claude in Any reviews of the 16-55 (for 18-55 users)?   
    When I am working as a primary wedding photographer, I usually carry two cameras (Nikon.) One with a 24-70 and one with either an 85 or a 105. I find that this combination works well for most of what I want to capture.  When I want a wider perspective, I will attach a 12-24 and replace the 24-70.  So for a Fuji user, this would mean the 16-55 and the 56, or "maybe" the 90.  Really wish there was a 70mm.  For going wide probably the 12mm Samyang.  For those who like zooms, you can go 16-55 and the 50-140, but I usually use a fast prime as a tele.
  2. Like
    m2usa got a reaction from jasdav in Any reviews of the 16-55 (for 18-55 users)?   
    When I am working as a primary wedding photographer, I usually carry two cameras (Nikon.) One with a 24-70 and one with either an 85 or a 105. I find that this combination works well for most of what I want to capture.  When I want a wider perspective, I will attach a 12-24 and replace the 24-70.  So for a Fuji user, this would mean the 16-55 and the 56, or "maybe" the 90.  Really wish there was a 70mm.  For going wide probably the 12mm Samyang.  For those who like zooms, you can go 16-55 and the 50-140, but I usually use a fast prime as a tele.
  3. Like
    m2usa got a reaction from Lbisackson in Sistine Chapel to Tuscany, what would be your 2 lens line up?   
    Nero makes a great suggestion regarding the 10-24 zoom.  I was just in Europe and took five lenses: 12mm Samyang f/2, Fuji 35 f/1.4, 18-55 zoom, 55-200 zoom, and 27mm f/2.8. The ones I used most were the 18-55 and the 35mm. Left the 23mm at home as it was a little big and heavy compared to the 35.  I carried them with me, but it took a bit too much time to get them out and fitted while trying to enjoy my trip with my wife.  The 18-55 was used WAY more than I thought I would use it.  If I had the 18-135, that would have been a great choice.  The 27mm was nice for quick walk arounds and I got a few nice images with it.
     
    If you are committed to only taking two lenses, then my suggestion is to take your 56mm prime for low light, a little focal compression, and size/weight, and then rent the 10-24 zoom.  That would be a great combination, and shouldn't take much to choose which to use.  If you can swing it, and squeeze in the 35mm, then take both primes and the 10-24 and you should be in great shape.
     
    I also brought with me some ND filters, a polarizing filter, and a travel tripod with me.  The best tripod though was a mini Manfrotto 709B that I carried with me everywhere. It is so small it fit in my backpack easily.
     
    Have a great time in those wonderful cities as they are a photographers paradise.
     
    Here is a shot done with the 18-55 zoom:
     
    [[post='_DSF1653.jpg by Michael Muramoto, on Flickr'][/post]
  4. Like
    m2usa reacted to Adam Woodhouse in Making prints from Fuji X-Trans files   
    I have printed a nice sharp image that was approx 8 - 10 megapixel as a 2ft x 3ft stretched canvas.  I have a few of them from yester-year.  They all look excellent.  Canvas is a more forgiving medium to print on.  Remember, viewing distance (optimal) is at least 2x the vertical size of the print.  Its ok for an image to not be perfectly sharp or noise free ... it is the subject matter that people will notice and the large 'wow factor' from it being nice and big.  Only you will be the one to notice and give a care about the technical details.  People can print larger than they think from just listening to others on the web.  I have found from experience that I can print twice as large as what a print shop recommends and still be quite happy with the results. 
     
    What people don't realize is the image needs to be pre-sharpened before printing and the pre-sharpening needs to be stronger than they would think it should be.  It may look oversharpened on your screen, but it will print great.  Your screen and print material (paper, canvas, metal, etc) show the image different, so if it looks oversharpened on the screen, it will probably be just right for print.  But trial and error and experimenting is without a doubt the best approach.  Have fun!
  5. Like
    m2usa reacted to milandro in Making prints from Fuji X-Trans files   
    I think this is a questions with many answers and the possibility of interpreting things is a different way. Much also depends of the printer that you will be using too.
     
    Perhaps this link will help you make up you mind about the output quality and the size that you want to print, the calculator is rather easy to use but the way you interpreter its criteria might not be univocal.
     
    https://photographyicon.com/enlarge/
     
    As you can easily understand, much depends on the definition of “ maximum achievable print quality” that you will be choosing to work with.
     
    Although some folks would immediately go for the maximum possible printing resolution (therefore achieving a comparatively small print size), you will quickly find that the difference with lesser printing resolutions (producing larger prints) will be, to some extent, compensated by the fact that large prints are viewed from afar rather than from close-by and that this will still render an acceptable quality picture to the viewer at that distance rather than one viewed at the same distance where a smaller print would be viewed.
  6. Like
    m2usa reacted to aceflibble in Anyone else is hoping for a 16-80 f4?   
    Since Fuji's lenses are all made with the APS field of view in mind, 16-70 f/4 would be more realistic to match the 24-105 lenses that virtually every other manufacturer has.

    If it was sealed, image stabilised and was plastic enough to keep the weight down, I'd be interested. Focal lengths between 50mm and 100mm at f/4-5 give a very filmic look, which I could see myself getting some use out of. And I am desperate for that 70mm focal length, though really I'd rather have that as an f/2 prime.

    Canon are discontinuing their 24-105mm lens soon, presumably to be replaced by a new lens or a mark II. Sigma's 24-105 f/4 seems to be doing very well. It's been a very popular zoom and aperture combination since the original 5D launched. It would make sense for Fuji to make a 24-105 f/6 equivalent.
  7. Like
    m2usa reacted to TrossThaBoss in New AF zones explained   
    Also a nice looking explanation here
  8. Like
    m2usa reacted to Nero in 18-55 or sell and get the 18-135?   
    I thought that the 18-55 had perfectly good stabilization, but the 18-135 is just astounding in the OIS performace. I took it on a trip down into Mammoth Cave and was shooting 1/2 second handheld shots. I'd do 3 shots for each photo whenever possible and typically get 2 of 3, then just look at the details for deciding which to keep in my editing. Can't say enough good things about the stabilization on that lens. You might be giving up some bokeh over the 18-55, but in terms of low-light performance (if you're not shooting action) it's no contest, the 18-135 is the way to go.
  9. Like
    m2usa reacted to Toon in New AF zones explained   
    Hi All,
     
    In case anyone wants to know what each of the new AF zones are in detail, FUJI created a special site to explain this here. Enjoy the 4.0!! 
  10. Like
    m2usa reacted to Nero in 18-55 or sell and get the 18-135?   
    I use the 18-135 over the 18-55 mostly for the weather sealing, but what really pushed me to move on from the 18-55 were my primes and the 10-24 zoom. The extra weight didn't bother me. If I'm shooting on the wide end I go with the 10-24. If I'm shooting street photos, I use the 27mm. In most everyday situations, I'm choosing between the 23 and 35 in the morning and leaving it on most of the day, zooming with my feet as much as possible. 
     
    So that meant I was essentially holding onto the 18-55 for the sake of the 36-55 range on it. Then you consider that it has an additional 2 stops of stabilization over the 18-55 and that made up my mind. Traded it to a friend for a film camera and 3 vintage Olympus lenses in almost perfect condition, 50mm, 100mm and 135mm. Been shooting with them on my X-T1 every now and then for fun.
  11. Like
    m2usa reacted to Mike B in 18-55 or sell and get the 18-135?   
    Hi m2usa,
     
    I did purchase the 18-135.  My first images disappointed me.  Did some set up test shots and I just wasn't happy with it.  I sent it back and exchanged it for another copy of the same. Test shots were back to what I had expected from Fuji. It is slower and a bit more sluggish on the low light focusing. So far I'm happy. Will post a few images later.
    Mike 
  12. Like
    m2usa got a reaction from CRAusmus in 18-55 or sell and get the 18-135?   
    Sorry for bringing back an old post, but I, like Mike B., have a few Fuji lenses as well but I am being strongly tempted by the 18-135. The 18-55 was a strong performer and used often when I took my last vacation. I also brought the 55-200, but the time and physical space to exchange them seemed to hold me (and mostly my wife) back a bit from enjoying our trip, so it spent most of its time in my backpack. If I get the 18-135, then I would leave the 55-200 at home and lighten my bag.
     
    I wonder if Mike B. ended up getting the 18-135? I have a couple days to decide, but the 18-135 with the $300 USD rebate, is sitting in my cart and my purchase finger is getting a bit itchy. (uh oh!)
  13. Like
    m2usa reacted to Toon in XF56 vs XF90 - Your thoughts apprecaited   
    Yes I did! After carefully reading everyone's comments, I decided on the 56mm for now. I like to get close (not too close) to my subject so (bokeh prefs aside) working with the 56 should be ok. Also, after playing around with my friend's Canon 135mm F2L lens (going back to FF felt...heavy haha), I found it a bit far for me. I kinda felt detached from my subject and that felt a bit off to me so....the 56mm should work out better  .
  14. Like
    m2usa got a reaction from boxlock in Sistine Chapel to Tuscany, what would be your 2 lens line up?   
    Nero makes a great suggestion regarding the 10-24 zoom.  I was just in Europe and took five lenses: 12mm Samyang f/2, Fuji 35 f/1.4, 18-55 zoom, 55-200 zoom, and 27mm f/2.8. The ones I used most were the 18-55 and the 35mm. Left the 23mm at home as it was a little big and heavy compared to the 35.  I carried them with me, but it took a bit too much time to get them out and fitted while trying to enjoy my trip with my wife.  The 18-55 was used WAY more than I thought I would use it.  If I had the 18-135, that would have been a great choice.  The 27mm was nice for quick walk arounds and I got a few nice images with it.
     
    If you are committed to only taking two lenses, then my suggestion is to take your 56mm prime for low light, a little focal compression, and size/weight, and then rent the 10-24 zoom.  That would be a great combination, and shouldn't take much to choose which to use.  If you can swing it, and squeeze in the 35mm, then take both primes and the 10-24 and you should be in great shape.
     
    I also brought with me some ND filters, a polarizing filter, and a travel tripod with me.  The best tripod though was a mini Manfrotto 709B that I carried with me everywhere. It is so small it fit in my backpack easily.
     
    Have a great time in those wonderful cities as they are a photographers paradise.
     
    Here is a shot done with the 18-55 zoom:
     
    [[post='_DSF1653.jpg by Michael Muramoto, on Flickr'][/post]
  15. Like
    m2usa got a reaction from bradleyhanson in Fuji X Wedding Photography Chat   
    Thanks for sharing that well written article and sharing your experience. I started the same way (but with an FM) and was the photographer and editor of my HS yearbook as well. I also had a wedding photography business for over 12 years, and really enjoyed it (the photography but not so much the business.) Great images on your site.  I'll keep checking in on your website to see what else is new.
  16. Like
    m2usa reacted to bradleyhanson in Fuji X Wedding Photography Chat   
    Hello-
     
    I've been using the X-Series only for almost 3 years. I'm a believer in "less is more." This is my current lineup, which has served me well.
     
    Fujifilm X-Pro1 + 56mm f1.2
    Fujifilm X-Pro1 + 14mm f2.8 OR 23mm f1.4 (depending on venue, etc)
    Fujifilm X100s 
    TCL-X100 33mm converter.
     
    Had the EF-42 flash and sold it after using it once.
     
    90mm f2 lens on order. It will not be in heavy rotation, but very nice when needed for it's reach.
     
    This is an article I wrote about my photographic history and why I switched to Fujifilm X-Series for weddings:
    http://www.bradleyhanson.com/blog/2015/5/26/my-25-years-with-the-fujifilm-x-series-cameras-and-lenses
     
    Best,
    Bradley
  17. Like
    m2usa reacted to stefkaz in Your X Lens wishlist   
    That comes quite close to my idea !
    The 35/F2 WR looks promising (I´ll end up having two 35s as I alraedy own the XF35/1,4- a Leica way of getting happier)
    and if I could wish for somethingit would be
     
     - a XF70mmF2 (in a nice and clean shape with super IQ) along the lines of my Nikkor 2,5/105 AI that I still traesure
     
    Come on, make it happen !
  18. Like
    m2usa reacted to valiant in Bokeh Club   
    stormscooter by Yohanes Sanjaya, on Flickr
    X-E2 + XF35mm



    Sandtrooper Cosplay by Yohanes Sanjaya, on Flickr
    X100s with off shoe flash



    bokeh by Yohanes Sanjaya, on Flickr
    x100s

    Morning Stroll by Yohanes Sanjaya, on Flickr
    x100s
  19. Like
    m2usa reacted to Watcher24 in Bokeh Club   
    .
     
     

    Euphemistische Wetterbeobachtung by Christoph, auf Flickr
     
     
    :.
  20. Like
    m2usa reacted to Shiner in Bokeh Club   
    Hi!
     
    Fuji X-E2 + 16-55 F2.8 - 55mm @ 2.8 - Classic Chrome - OOC :-)

  21. Like
    m2usa reacted to NorthernXposure in 18-135mm combined with XE2   
    Thanks Maurice - interesting comparison. I'm not convinced yet - I wanted to have a system that was smaller and lighter than my full frame Nikon and that might be creeping back up in size too much again. I think I need to get to a shop to try it out in the hand.
     
    Comparison with D610 and 28-300mm: http://camerasize.com/compact/#493.359,493.426,486.329,ha,t
  22. Like
    m2usa reacted to Maurice in 18-135mm combined with XE2   
    Don't have it, but let's start with this: http://camerasize.com/compact/#493.359,493.426,ha,t
     
    You might want to get the add-on grip. Or a thumbs-up thingy.
  23. Like
    m2usa got a reaction from marcelo_valente in Sistine Chapel to Tuscany, what would be your 2 lens line up?   
    Well, marcelo, sounds like you'll have the time to take advantage of the various lenses.  The 12mm shot I show above has been corrected for perspective, so keep that in mind when you use it as you will lose quite a bit if you correct it.  The 27mm is a great little lens, but I didn't take advantage of it, and used the 18-55 and the 35 so much more.  I used the Lowepro Hatchback 22L as the bag, and it all fit in there, so if you can fit it, it won't take much room.  In any case, it sounds like you are doing exactly what I wanted to do - a fun photo trip.  Have a great time. 
  24. Like
    m2usa reacted to Antony in Fuji X Wedding Photography Chat   
    I've got the original tilt adaptor which uses a silver chuck around the lens mount to loosen and tighten. When using I set the camera to MF with peaking and use the viewfinder to tell me what's in focus. I'm having a much better success rate than when using the Canon 45mm TS-E that I had with the Canon system.
     
    The original Kipon tilt adapter allows the lens to move freely in any direction when it is loosened. It has the advantage of being compact and less expensive, but the lack of markings etc. mean the results are less replicable, and you have no idea how much you are tilted. That said, it's a vast improvement on freelensing and I've been happy with the results.
     
    Kipon have now released a new model that allows a measured degree of tilt in one direction which can locked in. The mount is rotatable so this tilt can be achieved in any direction. I will likely pick up one of these in due course. A big advantage is that you can set it to zero tilt and have a standard adapter. You're never sure if it's square with the original "silver chuck" adapter.
     
    I'm using the adapters with Nikon Series E manual focus lenses - I chose these because they are cheap and small in size. Sharpness is not really an issue, after all these are for artistic shots and with such a shallow plane of focus there's not a whole lot perfectly sharp anyway. I've found the main difference to be a massive drop in contrast compared to the Fuji lenses. I correct this in Lightroom, but if you shoot JPEG you will need some form of post processing to correct it.
     
    There's a couple of examples on the link I posted earlier http://chasingsummerphoto.com/general/kirsty-and-tims-wedding-echidna-gully-armidale-wedding-photography-nsw/ - the B&W shot of the couple in the field where he is much further away but both are in focus, and the B&W portrait a few shots further down.
     
    Cheers, Antony
  25. Like
    m2usa got a reaction from olli in Going to Europe - 14/2.8 vs 10-24/4?   
    Primes or Zoom
     
    I think that one of the things to consider is whether you will have time to be changing lenses, or if you will be mostly enjoying your trip as a visitor. Since you are making a decision to buy one lens, you should consider its future use as well.
     
    On my recent trip, I did bring primes, but due to circumstances I didn't want to slow down my wife digging through my bag to make lens changes. The 18-55 was used far more than I had planned, but it did get me some photos I really appreciate and enjoy.
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