Return to my Roots

[Tommyboy]

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.

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Edited May 29, 2016 by Tommyboy