Monthly Archives: April 2021

 

Nothing goes un-noticed!  I mentioned on the blog, several days ago, that I was looking for a used Fujifilm X-Pro 2.  I found one and it was essentially new, very little use and I got it at a good price!  The emails started rolling in and I thought I might share the answers with all of you!

 

From David W.  “I’m curious why you didn’t go for the new X-Pro 3?”

 

Fair question David.

The newer model, the X-Pro 3, is a fantastic camera and in most respects it is, as you would expect, an improvement over the X-Pro 2.  However the newer model had two features that I did not like as much and as it turns out they were deal breakers for me. First the newer optical viewfinder does not have a seperate lens that slides into place to magnify the view when using longer lenses.  I love shooting the 50mm f 2 and 56mm f 1.2, and that extra enlargement in the viewfinder makes it much better for my aging eyes!  Also the LCD panel on the newer X-Pro 3 folds down which I never got used to, it just was a pain to fold it down everytime I wanted to look at a resulting image.  I know those are small things, but they were big things in relationsnhip to how I work!

 

From Debbie S.   “Did you not want to take advatage of the new 26 mega pixel X Trans Sensor?

 

I have that sensor in my Fujifilm X100V and the new X-S10 and I like them a lot, but the small amount of added resolution did not offset the other two things I wanted in the previous answer.  To make a big difference in the final image you need to increase the mega pixels by at least one half or 50% more, even better to double them.

 

From Mike T.  “What are the current bodies in your systems?”

 

I have a pair of Fujifilm X-H1 bodies one with the battery grip and one without as my main nature/landscape bodies.  For travel, Americana and people I use the X100V and the new X-Pro 2 the most.  The X-S10 is fast becoming one of my favorite everything bodies, it is a steal for the cost, and very capable!  I still have the X10 and X30, but rarely use them now.

 

From Jessica W.  “Youtube is filled with videos about what different photographers consider their favorite Fujifilm lenses, would you share your 5 favorites?”

 

I’ll try, it’s hard because Fujifilm makes a lot of outstanding lenses, in fact I can’t think of a one I own that isn’t spectacular!  So here goes; My favorite wide angle lens is the 16mm f 1.4 (24mm eqjuiv.) second choice in that focal length is the 16mm f 2.8.  My “normal” lens is the 23mm f 1.4 (35mm equiv.)  I think t he 35mm  focal length is the most verstile for any use.  For longer telephoto work I love the 100-400 (150-600 equiv.)  For close-up or Macro work the 80mm f 2.8 Macro is the best Macro lens I’ve ever shot!  Picking the last lens is a tough order, but the lens I use a great deal on the X-Pro 2 for people and a slightly longer reach is the 50mm f 2 (75mm equiv.)  That leaves out a lot of lenses that I love, but if I had to live with only 5 these would be my picks!  Hope that helps!

 

P.S.  I love all the Fujicrons and use them a lot on the X-Pro 2  (16mm f 2.8 – 23mm

f 2 – 35mm f 2 and the 50mm f 2)

 

Blessings,

 

the pilgrim

 

 

 

First, I’m looking for a Fujifilm X-Pro 2.  First choice Graphite but would except Black,  body only.  Must be Mint to Excellent ++  If you have one for sale please email me at billfortneyphoto@gmail.com with your price.

 

Secondly a dear friend has two used bodies both in Mint condition, low frames listed below, if interested email me at the same email address and I will hook you folks up.

 

 

Blessings,

 

the pilgrim

 

 

 

March 24th thru the 28th a group of dear Christian brothers and sisters met in Cartersville GA to fellowship and enjoy shooting at Old Car City, the Booth Museum of Western Art, Gibbs Garden, and the Southeast Railway Museum, all close to Cartersville, GA.  On the first morning we went out to drive around Cartersville and I found this Coca Cola advertisement painted on the brick wall of a pharmacy.  It’s the olddest Coca Cola advertisement painted on a building in America.  It is repainted each year exactly as it appeared in the early 1900’s.  What is unique about this shot and the ones to follow are that they were all shot with my iPhone 12 Pro Max!

 

The reason for going to this event was to just spend some time with some people I really love!  I simply jumped out of the car and made this shot with my iPhone, when I processed it in the phone, I was shocked at the quality!  The next morning when we went out to Old Car City, I went in with just my iPhone.  I’ve shot Old Car Cilty many times and I really wanted to just visit with our group so I left my bag of Fujifilm cameras and lenses in the car.  I shot a lot of things that struck my eye, and later, when the rain came in, I sat in the car and processed them.  These are few of my favorites;

 

 

 

When visiting the Booth Western Museum of Art, I came across this painting that really struck me, I simply held up my iPhone and made a shot of it, when I cropped out the frame and processed it I was amazed at the quality!!!

 

 

 

So what am I getting at?  For years I have been puzzled by how the young folks have abandoned “real” cameras to use their smart phones to make images.  I understood that the instant gratification of posting images and getting likes was a big appeal to them, but I never really gave the iPhone/smart phones credit for being a serious imaging instrument!  So what does this shocking revalation say to me???

 

 

First, I do not intend to abandon using my “real” cameras, however I do realize, now, that used in the right place and time and treated with respect as an imaging device, the smart phone is a “real camera!”  In a time and place that I want to relax and enjoy the day, and not “work” at imging, the smartphone can be a great carry around camera.  What it lacks in versatility and range of lenses it makes up for with convenience!

 

 

For me the act of photographing has always been about the joy I get from doing it, the process, the act of seeing, and then trying to capture what interests me to then share with others, or simply keep for myself!  Not every image I make is intended to be for profit or a work of art, lots of things I photograph are just things that appeal to me.  In those moments, I get the same joy from shooting with my Fujifilm X-H1 or my iPhone, it doesn’t matter, the act is the same, the result must first be joy!

 

No one is more of a gear hound than me, I own a number of Fujifilm bodies and a couple of dozen lenses and I enjoy using them immensely, but the most joy is from seeing something that I believe, with a little effort, I can turn into a photograph, an image, and use it to tell a story!

 

 

So I hearby apologize to the millenials that only shoot with their phones, go for it young people, and enjoy the process of telling your story!  Dive deep into the joy of seeing, crafting and making your images!  I’m truly sorry I doubted you, you are certainly on to something!

 

 

A guess even old dogs can learn a few new tricks, just don’t ask me to jump too high!

 

 

Blessings,

 

the pilgrim

 

 

 

I’ve just gotten seriously hooked on a fantastic series on the life of Christ!  It is one of the most touching, impressive and entertaining looks into Jesus’ ministry I’ve ever seen produced!  It is free to watch, simply go to your app store and download The Chosen App.  The first season is complete and on the app now, and the first episode of season 2 aired last night and is now up on the app as well.

 

I cannot encourage you enough to go and get the app and watch the series.  I’ve been in tears during each episode.  The acting, character development and filming are all first rate!

 

Please, please, please trust me and give it a viefwing  the first episode is a little slow but after that, it really picks up!  Extremely well done and inspiring.

 

Blessings,

 

the pilgrim