Random Shots from a Time When I was in Toronto

All photos were shot with the Fujifilm X-Pro1 at ISO ratings between 800 and 6400. Shots were done with the Fujinon 35mm f1.4, Voigtlander 25mm f4 Color Skopar, Leica (Leitz) 50mm f2 Summacron and the Leica (Leitz) 90mm f2.8 Tele-Elmarit. My entire kit can fit in a jacket pocket. That is liberation!

Green Application - In-Camera Black and White

When I think about what I want with the Fujifilm X-Pro1 I feel like a spoiled brat wanting more, more, more. The camera does so much and I am more satisfied than I sound.                                                                                                                                  
    In this case, it has to do with the red, yellow and green channels for the black and white applications. These applications are wonderful and in .jpg format I prefer the in camera application over other post camera processes. Even the Gorman Process gives more of a digital look to the pictures rather than the in-camera black and white.

The photo above is a snapshot of model Ayesha Eckert. Using the red application I managed to get a channel that reveals all of her facial details.  Skin detail is is made even on darker skin complexions, something that Ayesha never has to worry about. her skin is flawless. The red filter is great for bold skies, reminiscent of when I used red glass filters on my film camera. But it also lightens lips, as we can see with Ayesha. 

    The green filter is great for blanching out skin on fair complexions. It is also great for darkening lipstick. This way Goths can either look almost like they were photographed on Kodalith (Google that one, you young whipper snappers) or any regular orthochromatic film. I told the woman in the picture below hat I could have  her look like an actress from the '40s. The result is more '20s or '30s, the heyday of ortho film.

Another woman with marvelous makeup sensibilities was shot in green mode...

I shot this in RAW on the X-Pro1 using the green channel black and white application. Of course, when it goes to the RAW conversion interface (Silkypix in this case) it returns to colour. So I converted it in Photoshop as a .jpg. Again, contrast and detail stand well. Much can be done with this camera in black and white. The Leica Monochrom`s main competitor is the X-Pro1.
    I can't wait for Photoshop to accept the X-Pro1's RAW settings. The Lightroom update is here but it seems a tad buggy from what I have read in Fuji Rumors and Mirrorless Rumors. It will work itself out eventually, but until then the X-Pro1 remains the best .jpg camera on the planet.
    Another wish is that Fujifilm gives the X-Pro1 a blue B&W app. Then the ortho effect will be done far easier. And I know that Fujifilm is reading this. Fujifilm listens.

Bone Yard

1954 Buick Roadmaster

1954 Buick Roadmaster

1963 Mercury S55 Marauder

Bone Yard, Cardinal, Ontario. 11 May, 2012

Demonstration

The torture test of any hand sized camera is in the field of conflict. We saw how the Leica covered the Depression, the Spanish Civil War, World War Two and the Korean Conflict.  We saw how Vietnam was covered with the Leica, Nikon F and the Pentax Spotmatic. The new Fujifilm X-Pro1 is a great camera. How does it handle a demonstration where opposing factions come face to face?

It handles well. It is a strong metal bodied camera that can take its share of jostling. I was downtown in Ottawa on May 10th, 2012, and I was witness to a demonstration of anti-abortion activists. Along the path that the marchers were assigned was a gauntlet of pro-choice supporters. At this point of the path, there was a perfect opportunity to observe an exchange of ideas...or conflict if you wish.

For this demonstration, I used the black and white application. I also used my Voigtlander 25mm f4 M mount Color Skopar lens. With this lens I was compelled to focus manually. Nothing auto. It was a fantastic, albeit scary, experience.

Do Not Enter

Check this out: http://www.thesmokingcamera.com/fuji_x-pro_1_photographs Joe Marquez uses the X-Pro1 as a street camera. And does it superbly!

REST

Old abandoned restaurant sign taken with the Fujifilm X-Pro1, Voigtlander 25mm f4 Color Skopar, and a Leica polarizer. Alfred Ontario. 6th May, 2012.

Below are shots using the X-Pro1 and its 35mm 1.4 Fuji lens, all in Alfred.

Again, the X-Pro1 shows its worth. The sharpness and contrast of the pictures are sensational from such a small camera. And for the first time on any camera, the in-camera black and white applications are filmlike. After using LAB conversion and the Gorman B&W conversion systems, it is a real treat to see images that look like real black and white film. At high ISOs during daytime the results are like soft grain 125 or 400 ISO black and white film. Again, the focusing and the post-shot lag is a real concern, but try to find a camera that gives images this clean. Period!

Check out Todd Bennett's site http://tbgold.aminus3.com/ . First rate portraiture on his portfolio page!

X-Pro1 + Voigtlander f4 25mm Color Skopar = Heaven

The Voigtlander lenses are probably the most underrated lenses on the market. Anyone who has used them agrees that they are professional level and they never disappoint. I fixed my 25mm Color Skopar onto my Fujifilm X-Pro1 and I took to the street.

First, I have to tell you that this lens works beautifully on the X-Pro1. Being a 25mm, or a 38mm equivalent, it has tremendous depth of field. Manual focus is smooth and easy. It is unobtrusive and looks cute, sexy and businesslike all at the same time. I shot using the X-Pro1's black and white application. The results were fantastic.

Next week Leica will announce a black and white digital camera. For the life of me, I can't see how they will improve over the X-Pro1. With this Voigtlander lens, and the Fuji 35mm f1.4 lens, the black and white looks like it was shot on film. I am almost tempted to just shoot in black and white with the X-Pro1. Almost, that is. The colour rendition on this camera is far too good to be neglected.

 

At 1,000 ISO there is very little noise in any picture shot with the X-Pro1. I found that shooting at 3,200 or 6,400 ISO rears a slight noise that resembles film grain. This gives the black and white pictures a look of the thirties, forties or fifties through a Leica. Composing is easy on this camera due to its low profile. Once the auto focus is fixed, you have the perfect camera. it's probably the first digital camera with a soul.