A late afternoon visit to a wooded area in the Blue Mountains with the Fuji came up with this handheld shot. I tend to shortcut processes when possible and sometimes regret the decision. In this case I went without a tripod, relying on the IBIS of the camera. Can’t say I’m disappointed with the result. Again, as was my experience with photographing an event, the result has been satisfying even in relatively low light circumstances. I intended this as a black and white but looking at the colour rendering, I’m posting both for comparison. Can’t say for sure how this would compare with the Hasselblad X2D in terms of natural colour but I’m pretty happy with this result. Again, this is the jpg version. BW Conversion was done with Silver FX using the ‘more silver’ option.
Recent experience Fujifilm GFX 100S
I had a chance recently to photograph a big event at the Sydney Opera House with the Fuji GFX 100S. Here’s some of my findings. Firstly (to start at the end), I can say I have never before used jpgs before as my final images. ie, the in camera version of the photos. This time I did. I used a variety of lenses not just GF. Well, a 200mm Pentax 6X7 SMC (manual focus) in addition to the 32-64 mm GF and the 120mm GF. Manual focus with the 200 was fine. Most shots with this lens landed OK. Maybe 95%. Nice and sharp too where it counted. If you don’t mind the manual focus, the Pentax 67 lenses are highly recommended. But I’d say I used the zoom 85% of the time.
I used the jpgs with the Eterna simulation which gave them a slightly warmer, richer tone. Not noticeable really as a ‘look’. Though you might recognize it if you use the system. And I could see the difference obviously comparing it to the RAW file. The only touch-up I did was auto-contrast which brightened up a few of the images. There were also a couple of shots that were underexposed which I then used the RAW version. So the process of PP for me was a breeze, making the choice to use this system where processing such large images can be very time consuming an easy one.
Camera systems being heavy has never bothered me where results are a high priority (and in most cases they are). Although the body has a little heft to it, it’s not excessive. The lenses I find to be very reasonable and I was able to do the 2 hour shoot along with the rehearsal without noticing the weight.
Flash was not allowed, so auto ISO kicked in. I never use use this setting but I have to say, high ISO shots which I varied with the front wheel to get correct exposure, look excellent. If it was not the case that high ISO gave quite good results, I would look to faster lens options. As it is most were f4 and being reasonably sharp at that f stop, subject separation was OK for me.
First outing with Fujifilm GFX 100S
I have to say, I was pretty keen to lay my hands on a Hasselblad X2D 100C though the possibility grew ever more remote. Closing in on $20,000 with a couple of good lenses. No, I didn’t need video capability. I would have been just as happy with the 50 megapixel version if it had IBIS. But alas.. Nevermind, another option presented itself - Fujifilm GFX 100S. Same sensor if not the equal in colour science. Plus three lenses for less than the option of the Hasselblad body alone. An offer too good to refuse. I’m posting a few images from a country trip in the first instance. A little more commentary soon to follow.
I have to say, the image format variants are big plus, especially the pano option. Easy to access and plenty of resolution to go around. A couple of b&w images as well. Notably the dynamic range together with colour rendition makes the file very pleasant to edit. Not much to do at all.
The third image was a pano taken with the Fujifilm 23mm lens. Previous two are with 32-64mm. All handheld with IBIS.
Good bad weather
We all know how photographer’s dislike sunny days - for photography at least. Howling winds and sideways rain are no fun either. But something in between can be quite satisfying. During a break in the rain a trip to the beach turned out some moody textured images.
Stanwell Park
Towradgi beach
Not macro
Whilst I love a detailed eyeball as much as the next guy, I also like to see a little personality thrown in. I pulled out the Olympus (EM5 MKIII with a teleconverter = 420mm) to take some more bird shots. This little fellow was asking to be photographed as well. He was missing some body parts but largely unfazed by my presence.
Noisy Friar bird
In all likelihood I probably would not have got this shot with the manual Pentacon though I will attempt it on another occasion just to compare the images. A slight overcast condition made for more subdued tones.
Rainbow Lorikeet
Troublesome Raven destroying a wagtail nest and being attacked for his efforts.
Red browed finch in Jacaranda tree
Pentacon 300mm f4
I occasionally like to make use of a longer tele lens than the Nikkor 180mm f2.8. So, I bought a Pentacon 300mm f4 which weighs a ton - to capture the occasional bird or other wildlife shot. This came in at under AUD200 so was not a big investment. And I figured I would also take for travel shoots where I had the car available for transport as there’s no way I’m going to carry this with the other lenses in a camera bag. I have previously used both Canon and Nikon teles upto 400mm as well as the 300mm equivalent Olympus. I have to say I love the images this lens produces. That wonderfully soft and somehow still quite sharp result together with beautiful colour rendering makes the images from this lens worth the exercise.
Wattlebird in Grevillea bush - handheld.