Slowing down is fun
Hello all. My name is Mustafa Bastaki and I’m a street and freelance photographer based in and from Bahrain, also an Engineer-to-be and a Fujifilm X-Photographer and Official Brand Ambassador. I started my journey into photography back in 2011 using just an iPhone 3GS, chasing and shooting sunsets almost every week. I’ve used several mediums and brands from Nikon to Sony, until settling down with Mirrorless systems in 2014, specifically with Fujifilm.
I first fell in love with Fujifilm after the release of X-Pro1, back in 2012, which is the main subject of this article. I’ve always had a thing for the X-Pro1, but couldn’t afford it for a first camera purchase.
My first Fujifilm camera was the X-T1, bought in 2014, and the last camera is the X-Pro3, which is my main workhorse camera.
I started street photography back in 2013, which my main genre in photography. Before trying it out, I always got anxious about holding my camera (which was a Nikon DSLR and a 50mm lens) and pointing it at random people, knowing they would notice me in the streets and react negatively. So, I finally tried it out and let go of my fear and have been enjoying it ever since.
Being inspired by the photography greats, such as Henri Cartier-Bresson, Fan Ho (Who’s my greatest influence and inspiration on street photography) and Robert Capa, I tried to go out and shoot very often and try to see the world around me the same way they did and failed initially because of lack of practice.
The X-Pro1 is a camera that was always on my mind, even though I owned cameras that were technically much superior in terms of features and performance, but that never stopped me of owning one because it has always been a camera I wanted to own and shoot with. It slowed me down a lot, and again, that never gave me second thoughts about using it.
Around 2 years back, I was going through the used camera’s options on eBay and coincidentally found an X-Pro1 being sold for a very reasonable price. Never have I tapped on my mobile screen so quickly.
It arrived in the mail after that by two weeks and seemed like a brand new camera, so I directly attached my 7artisans lens and went out to test it out.
I’ve used it with several Legacy and vintage lenses, such as: Carl Zeiss 35mm F2, Helios 44-4 58mm F2, Canon FD 17mm &85mm 1.4, and Minolta Rokkor 58mm F1.4 and have fallen in love the quality I’ve been getting from the first-gen sensor.
Because of it being slow, I used it just like how I use my film cameras: fully manually!!!
After purchasing the X-Pro3, the latest and most advanced of the X-Pro lineup, the X-Pro1 still is on my mind, and I always have a smile on my face when looking at it now, knowing I couldn’t afford it when it was released around 8 years ago.
I have always had G.A.S. (Gear Acquisition Syndrome), which basically means you get the urge of purchasing more and more gear. I used to carry around a bag full of lenses and end up using just the lens on the camera, something that my friends usually laugh at. I’ve learned the hard way that all you need is just a one camera one lens setup and be as minimal as possible.
So, I have sold off all my previous gear and remain with just the X-Pro3 (with a 23mm F2) and X-Pro1 (with 7artisans 35mm F1.2), and it has been such a relief not thinking about other lenses.
So, for those of you that aren’t bothered with the new advanced features, AF speed accuracy and megapixels, I 1000% would recommend you to try it out and enjoying it.
In September 2016, I was approached by Fujifilm Middle East and given the opportunity to become their Bahrain-based Official Fujifilm X-Photographer. Ever since, I’ve often get asked by curious followers on Instagram direct on why I use Fujifilm cameras, or what camera I suggest to them. Nothing makes me happier as a Brand Ambassador for a camera company I have so much respect and admiration for.
The thing is, Fujifilm makes some of the most beautiful cameras ever made. Cameras that inspire you to go out and shoot, stunning colors, and dials that make photography much easier.
Yes, I may be biased, but hold a Fujifilm camera in your hand and tell me otherwise.
I DARE YOU!!
I have done landscapes, street life, portraits, products, architecture, macro and even a wedding and paid jobs with it, but it’s street and documentary photography that I enjoy using it most for, which are the best genres best fit for the X-Pro cameras.
Fujifilm JPEG files are amazing on whichever film simulation you use, but I usually end up editing in RAW. Capture One is the best software made for Fujifilm files, but I mostly use Lightroom Classic on my Macbook Pro because I’ve been used to its interface and simplicity for many years. The ease of use while editing in RAW is what stopped from jumping ship to a new software.
Since I’m a lover of black and white, the first step in editing I do is usually de-saturating my photos just to see how they look like in B&W, and then it’s all based on my mood.
Personally, I have a thing for the low-key style of editing. Highlights and shadows are my most two sliders being used while editing.
The reason why I love the low key style is because I feel they add mystery to the photos, something that I’ve been inspired by after being influenced by Fan Ho’s works.
As of recent, I’ve become more interested in documentary photography. I usually go out on a photo walk with a friend or two and have a specific aim each time. Recently it has been about documenting people and their professions, which is now unfortunately been postponed due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Hopefully, I can get to complete it and share it with you all soon 🙂
“I’m a street and freelance photographer based in and from Bahrain, also an Engineer-to-be and a Fujifilm X-Photographer and Official Brand Ambassador.”
Albert Smith
July 7, 2020 @ 5:53 pm
Quoted from article: “I’ve learned the hard way that all you need is just a one camera one lens setup and be as minimal as possible.”
I wish I learned this sooner. The money I’ve spent on cameras and lenses over the years just to return to a basic body and either a 35mm or 50mm (full frame equivalent) would depressing if I ever tried to calculate the amount.
I’m happily shooting away now with my Xpro2 and 23mm or 35mm… and it only cost me tens of thousands of dollars and 50 years to return to the beginning.
Nice images… thanks for posting.
Mustafa Bastaki
July 7, 2020 @ 8:05 pm
Doesn’t it feel great to have minimal gear with you while shooting? 😅
Karol T
July 8, 2020 @ 9:22 am
Hi Mustapha
Your photographic way is similar to many photographers, including me.
I my Nikon DLSR times (from 2003 to 2013) i owned 9 lenses shooting mainly landscape and family pictures.
Then I move to Fuji X100 in 2013 and from this time I use just one camera and two lenses 23mm f2 and somettimes WCL convertor 19mm for interior and architecture shots.
Here is my slideshow from Istanbul trip in 2014:
Regards from Slovakia.
Karol
Denis
July 8, 2020 @ 10:51 pm
hi Mustapha,
nice story and lessons learned.
Love the pictures also.
I also have the xp1 with 35 f2 + x100v (sold the T..)
cheers from Montreal.
Mlondolozi Mbolo
July 27, 2020 @ 10:10 am
Yes, nice article and nice images indeed. I would like to comment to the same: Quoted from article: “I’ve learned the hard way that all you need is just a one camera one lens setup and be as minimal as possible.”
It really depends what kid of photography you doing. I am doing photojournalist and commercial events. Well for that kind of jobs you will need your wide, prime, telephoto lenses. But I only own two lenses 70-200mm 2.8 and 16-55mm 2.8. and two bodies only. That is only what I need.
Darren
July 28, 2020 @ 2:06 pm
great images, just got the x-pro1 and really like it so far. Not been using my x-t3 since I got it. What preset did you use for the black and white photos, they look fab!
Mustafa Bastaki
September 7, 2020 @ 9:56 pm
Hey Darren, thank you so much 🙏🏻
I just set my film simulation on the standard Provia, and then edit separately on Lightroom with different treatment to every shot.
Darren
July 30, 2020 @ 6:53 pm
Capture one doesn’t support x-pro1 film simulations?
Miche
November 11, 2020 @ 9:23 pm
Hey Mustafa, how are things? I came upon your article cause I am torn between getting an x pro 1 or the XT1.
I have an X100T that brought me back to photography, I use the EVF mostly, love that I see what I get. Rarely use the OVF. I love the rangefinder look.
Now I got a Nikon FE Film camera and got into Film again. And I find to love the handle an SLR camera. That is why all a sudden the XT1 is also a valid option. I think it is a bit of an heart and head affair. I truly love the design of the XPro, (but I must admit the old Nikon FE has really got me as well, such a gerwat design, looks fab!).
The XT1 looks nice, is better to handle. Big plus is the big and bright EVF. Great really.
Price wise there about the same here in switzerland. On the local used market now there is a XPro1 for 250.- and a few XT1 for below 300.
I don‘t neex speed etc….I like to take my time. Love the whole process of taking pictures.
If the XPro had the Viefinder of the XT line, I wouldn‘t think twice about getting it.
There is a used xpro2 for 650 also.
Also I would like to manually focuss and use the lenses on my Nikon FE as well.
One should listen to their hearts right?
Cheers from Switzerland
Michel
Mustafa Bastaki
November 27, 2020 @ 11:01 pm
Hello Michel, thank you 🙂
Both the X-Pro1 and X-T1 are fantastic options, if you like to take it slow.
I personally have a “love in first sight” thing with the X-Pro lineup, but my actual first Fuji was the X-T1.
I personally would suggest the X-Pro1, but since you’re an SLR style lover, than the X-T1 would be the better choice.
The FE is a great camera, I use the FM2 🙂
Michel
December 7, 2020 @ 3:33 pm
Ciao Mustafa
Bery nice of you to come back, much appreciated!
I actually ordered a Xpro1 and it should arrive any day. I got a great deal and it cones with the xf23/f2. Not my first choice as I own the x100t as well with the 23/f2 lens. But couldn‘t pass on the offer. I will start with that lens until I know that the Xpro1 is for me. Down the road I might reconsider about that lens. Might trade for the legendary 35/f1.4 or the newer f2 version. Think I will have a native lens going with it plus the plan us to adopt the Nikkor I have on my Nikon FE (arent those Nikon Film cameras just great, I like the size, the shape, the all metall built, the dials, just perfect for me), sometimes I feel a bit cramped using the x100t, it is a great always on me camera, but a bit larger would certainly suit me better. I have two Nikkors, will use the 50/f1.8 pancake with the adapter and still have a compact solution. Nice for portraits, a 75mm eqv on the fuji. No point buying a mirrorless documentary camera and then attaching a telescope 😉
If I really struggle with the Xpro1, there are lots of Xt1/2 locally for a great price.
Actually there is a guy just a few KM‘s from me selling ghe Xpro1 + xf 35/1.4 for 400.- (man couldn‘t he just posted a week ago 🙁
Was even thinking of getting it as the lens alone goes for that price used.
Cheers from snowy Switzerland
Take care, stay safe