Are you a Fuji X shooter?

[Risto]

Well, I am and have been since 2013.

At the moment I use Fuji X-T4.
Sometimes I stick with the SOOC JPG files from the camera when I really have nailed the light.
But, I prefer shots after some tweaking in Capture One.

I have been using Laowa 65mm 2,5X macro lens for a year now and really happy.
But, even Fuji's 18-55 kit lens is superb. I don't do image stacking but definitely will try to find time for that.
I have also used 16-55 and some old M42 lenses like Takumar 85/1.8.

Anyway, I shall post some of my best shots here.

Are you are Fuji shooter?

 

[Jwit]

Fuji XT20 since 2017. Primarily use a Zeiss Touit 32mm f1.8 and occasion a vintage Minolta 50mm f2 Macro

 

[cristianotom]

Yeah
Some shots from my Fuji XT1
Straps are from https://www.hdstraps.com/

 

[Jayrock26v2]

anyone have pictures made with the x100v?

 

[Risto]

Shot a watch by a local brand - Estonia. Model name: Arhitekt.
The case is finished by WatchesSpa. And the hands have Zaratsu!
https://www.estonia1918.com/arhitekt

 

[Jayrock26v2]

Risto

Shot a watch by a local brand - Estonia. Model name: Arhitekt.
The case is finished by WatchesSpa. And the hands have Zaratsu!
https://www.estonia1918.com/arhitekt

wow. how does it look on the first?? I LOVE the dial

 

[Risto]

Jayrock26v2

wow. how does it look on the first?? I LOVE the dial

The dial comes in different colors.

 

[Chachi]

Risto

Shot a watch by a local brand - Estonia. Model name: Arhitekt.
The case is finished by WatchesSpa. And the hands have Zaratsu!
https://www.estonia1918.com/arhitekt

I haven't heard of the brand before, but there is something definitely cool and fresh about that watch.

 

[Jayrock26v2]

Risto

The dial comes in different colors.

I think I like the way it is more than anything. looks elegant and textured. very interesting watch

 

[mbp]

I have an X100V and need to start dabbling with it again. Fuji has been doing wonderful things and the X100V is a fantastic travel camera. Your pictures are excellent, OP. Does your camera have "recipes" settings for certain film? If so, do you have any favorites?

 

[bombaywalla]

Wow! The photos here are really very good.

I used to have a Nikon D7000 with their kit lenses but I sold it off as it was catching dust…
Now these photos are tempting me to get a Fuji…

 

[Risto]

Thanks, guys!

Of course, I do post-processing with my photos, but not much really.
When I shoot my family, I 99% use JPGs, unless I screwed up white balance or exposure.

First, for watch shots, the best is to use a longer lens - less distortion. With Fuji's 18-55 kit lens (ca 250€ used) + macro extension you can get great photos at 55mm. The details and resolution are good enough. But, I think a manual macro lens like Laowa 65mm is better.

With my watch photos, my process in Capture One Express (free for Fuji X) is quite simple.
Of course, I could dial all the settings in the camera and set up the scene, so I could actually just use JPG.

FUJI X CAMERA SETTINGS

Always use Manual settings
Set ISO to the lowest possible and shutter speed the fastest. When shooting from a handheld depending on the light and aperture you probably can't use ISO 160 and 1/100s or faster speed.

1. White balance Daylight or Kelvin 5600. Of course, when shooting JPGs only, then you need to set the correct WB for the scene.
2. Noise reduction -4
3. Set Highlights -1
4. Set Shadows +1
5. Sharpness -1
6. Color +1
7. Classic Chrome or Pro Neg. Std film simulation (this does not affect RAW files)

* Expose the image at least 1 stop brighter, so there's less noise in the shadows.
* Because watch crystals are reflective, I sometimes cover the light that shines on the dial with some dark cardboard or whatever. This can be simple or complicated.
* Shoot from a tripod when you can!
* Use some white reflective cardboard or blank paper to reflect the light on the watch's case.


POST-PROCESSING RAW files

1. First I adjust exposure to my liking. I also use the calibrated display (DELL Ultrasharp 10-bit 32"). I prefer rather neutral exposure.
2. To bring out case structure I always decrease highlights. Sometimes -100
3. Increase the shadows, but not always and mostly like +30 max
4. Color + or - depending on a scene and watch. The outcome should look as close to the reality.
5. I like to add vignette to my shots. This emphasizes the watch more because the corners are darker. Matter of taste.
6. Add little sharpness if needed. The shot must be in focus first!
7. Export the result as a maximum quality JPG file (normally 25MB).

Edited: Apr 20, 2022

 

[mbp]

Thank you for these tips. They’re golden. By the way, which Speedmaster is that against the green background in your post?

 

[Risto]

mbp

Thank you for these tips. They’re golden. By the way, which Speedmaster is that against the green background in your post?

You're welcome.
The Speedmaster in the 2nd photo? That is 145.022-69 "Straight Writing" on the Uncleseiko flat link bracelet.

 

[CameronD]

I am a GFX Fuji shooter and also occasionally shoot with an x100v and an XT-4.

 

[Risto]

CameronD

I am a GFX Fuji shooter and also occasionally shoot with an x100v and an XT-4.

GFX is so cool. Any macro shots to share? The details must be much better than X-T4?

 

[stonestone]

Risto

At the moment I use Fuji X-T4.

Beautiful shots. Would you recommend the Fuji X-T4 to someone relatively new to mirrorless cameras and proper photography generally? I have used a Sony Alpha A7R iii in the past and liked some aspects of it but found the menus baffling. Having done a bit of research I'm very inclined to buy the Fuji X-T4.

 

[Risto]

Thanks @stonestone !

The reason why I don't use Sony is also the poor user experience. The menus are inconvenient.
Also, Fuji film simulations are so nice. I shoot mostly JPGs when it comes to street and family photos.
Fuji has slower autofocus. But, that is not a big problem even when you shoot sports.
Also, the lenses are very good.
I love my 56/1.2 that I mostly use for family portraits.
So, definitely, I can recommend X-T4. I have also had X-T1/2/3 and X-H1.

 

[stonestone]

Risto

Thanks @stonestone !

The reason why I don't use Sony is also the poor user experience. The menus are inconvenient.
Also, Fuji film simulations are so nice. I shoot mostly JPGs when it comes to street and family photos.
Fuji has slower autofocus. But, that is not a big problem even when you shoot sports.
Also, the lenses are very good.
I love my 56/1.2 that I mostly use for family portraits.
So, definitely, I can recommend X-T4. I have also had X-T1/2/3 and X-H1.

Thanks, great to know. The greater variety of lenses to choose from also appealed to me as well.

 

[CameronD]

New xH2s on a drone plus BTS imagery. Looks like an amazing little machine.