Embracing imperfection with the Fujifilm X100V: A photo walk at Dusk
We purchase cameras for many reasons.
Sometimes it’s because we need more megapixels to fulfill a job requirement. Other times it’s because our old cameras just can’t keep up with us any longer, and the lure of new technology makes sense. Some photographers just want a new addition to their kit because… well, why not?
RIGHT: Fuji X100V . f/2.0 . 1/125″ . ISO 200
RIGHT: Fuji X100V . f/2.0 . 1/125″ . ISO 1000
For me, the X100V was a re-purchase. I had it once before but sold it when I found the utility and ability to change lenses on the Fuji X-E4 so appealing. With the X-E4, I found a camera that is nearly the size of the X100 range of cameras, but with the ability to change lenses! I became enthralled with the prospect of taking the 27mm f.2.8 with me along with the Fuji F/2 trilogy of lenses (the 23, 35 and 50) in a very small bag.
RIGHT: Fuji X100V . f/2.0 . 1/180″ . ISO 160
I thought I was in heaven camera wise… until I wasn’t. I may not have thought of it before, but the ability to change lenses actually made me grab my camera less. I loved the form factor of the X-E4, and of course, the images that came out of it with the Fujicrons were amazing, but there was always a slight moment of hesitation when I grabbed the camera. “Is this the right lens,” I’d ask myself?” And sometimes, I’d agonize over which lens to take with me.
This is a stupid problem. I’ll admit it’s one born of a luxury of options, and someone could very likely just tell me to grow up and focus on the positives. I get it!
But our lives are full of so much complexity already, aren’t they? We live in complicated times, and with all that’s going on, I crave the freedom of simplicity.
Photography is my escape. It’s my peace and serenity among the blaring alarms raised by a million issues we should be aware of in life. Duties to perform. Causes to champion.
RIGHT: Fuji X100V . f/2.0 . 1/125″ . ISO 1250
I realized that the X100V was a camera that was so brilliant precisely because of its main limitation. One lens. One perspective.
Limits can bring out the best of us. I think about some of the greats in photography, and the wealth of art they created with limited technology. So I promptly sold the X-E4 and picked up an X100V when one became available at my local camera shop.
I’m happy I did.
RIGHT: Fuji X100V . f/2.0 . 1/125″ . ISO 2500
I reach for the camera without a second thought, never worried about what lens to use. I know exactly what it’s capable of, and I use that to speak to the world.
What a voice it allows me to use!
The 35mm equivalent lens focuses incredibly close. I can get scenes like the one you see below by pushing in, getting into the scene and becoming one with it.
The f/2 lens is sharp enough for me. It’s not perfectly sharp up close, but it’s also totally acceptable, especially in the spirit of embracing the camera’s limitations and the nature of a camera that allows me to do so much with so little.
I’ve also found a happy way to embrace high ISO photographs in nature images. There was a time when I wouldn’t be caught outside if I had to boost my ISO above 1600 or so. What a waste of time.
RIGHT: Fuji X100V . f/2.0 . 1/480″ . ISO 160
The photos I took on this night are just a few examples of the joy found in allowing low-light, high ISO imperfection into my life. Each photo is gritty and real: the story of fading light, shifting wind and the sound of cicadas in the trees.
In a busy life, a camera like this one is a welcome slice of simplicity. While I still have my other Fuji cameras for portraits, weddings and other paid jobs that might need other options, the X100V is the camera I take with me to the gas station or for a quick walk in nature.
RIGHT: Fuji X100V . f/2.0 . 1/125″ . ISO 2000
RIGHT: Fuji X100V . f/2.0 . 1/125″ . ISO 5000
“When people ask me where I get my inspiration from, I point to these amazing humans. They have taught me this truth: every story is worth telling. We just need to be brave enough to speak. I’ve been teaching for more than 17 years and I want my students to find their voice just as my family has helped me find mine. I’ve been photographing for just as long, and I believe my photos capture slivers of hope, joy and truth in this world.”
Albert Smith
September 22, 2021 @ 3:18 pm
” …a slight moment of hesitation when I grabbed the camera. “Is this the right lens,” I’d ask myself?” And sometimes, I’d agonize over which lens to take with me….”
Paralysis by analysis.
I did an exercise last year during the lockdown because my subject matter was unchanging, just a few blocks in my small town. I also have too many choices for lenses, so I threw in a variable that took the lens choice decision out of my overthinking brain. I rolled a dice. The number one through six corresponded to the first number of the focal length. One was the 16mm, two the 23mm, etc… I had all the numbers represented by a lens except four, so if I rolled a 4, the 18-55mm zoom was mounted. This forced me to be productive often with a lens that I might not have gone out with (looking at you, 60mm).
That said, the limitations of a single lens can be offset by your mastery of its strengths, so your choice of the X100 variant is a great way to go.
JerredZ
September 23, 2021 @ 3:49 pm
Hey, Albert – thanks for your comments! I LOVE the idea of rolling a dice and seeing what lens to use – a great idea for a video and article, perhaps! I’ll make sure to credit you! Thanks for checking out my work and I’m glad you enjoyed the article.
Randy
September 23, 2021 @ 1:15 pm
An article that many of us can relate too… thanks for the story and the images.
Jerred
September 23, 2021 @ 3:49 pm
Thanks, Randy. I’m glad you enjoyed!
DougMac
September 23, 2021 @ 3:27 pm
Very nice story Jerred! As you said in the video, “it’s all good”. You did end up with some very nice images.
Like you, I find taking photographs therapeutic. I also like doing exercises, like limiting myself to just one lens or experimenting with a film simulation recipe. Getting out and creating is sure better than sitting in front of a computer or TV screen.
Happy shooting!
Jerred
September 23, 2021 @ 3:51 pm
Heck yes, Doug! I love it. I used to play so many video games and watch a lot of sports, but my life has shifted. I once complained about having “no time” to pursue my passions and had to really look at my life: was my passion looking at a screen, or going out to take photos? I found that I definitely had time if I arranged my life in a little better way. Thanks – I’m glad you enjoyed the article!
Roberto Ruberti
October 2, 2021 @ 1:58 pm
Ciao Jerred, l’articolo è certamente interessante e sono convinto che uno strumento più semplice faccia emergere meglio la creatività del fotografo tuttavia, di fronte al dilemma x-pro o x100, alla fine ho scelto la x-pro. E’ vero che scatto la maggior parte delle mie foto con il 23mm f2 ma esistono momenti particolari in cui un tele o un grandangolo fanno comodo o addirittura diventano indispensabili. Ho comunque in progetto di acquistare una x100f come secondo corpo, chissà che le mie foto non migliorino.