Finding the perfect Fujifilm photography kit....
I, like every other photographer on the planet, am always on the hunt for the "perfect camera kit". On my never ending hunt for this kit, I've cycled through the following Fuji cameras/ lenses in my time:
Cameras: - Fuji x100 (sold) - Fuji x100s (sold) - Fuji x100f (sold) - Fuji XT2 (sold) - Fuji XT3 (recently sold) - Fuji (Xpro 2 - current) Lenses: - Fuji 16mm f1.4 (sold) - Fuji 18mm f2.0 (own) - Fuji 23mm f1.4 (sold)
- Fuji 23mm f2 WR (own) - Fuji 27mm f2.8 WR (own) - Fuji 35mm f1.4 (own)
- Fuji 35mm f2 WR (own)
- Fuji 50mm f2 WR (own) - Fuji 56mm f1.2 (sold) - Fuji 10-24mm f4 (sold) - Fuji 16-55 f2.8 (sold) - Fuji 18-135 f3.5-5 (sold) It's concerning to reflect on this list and know that I'm still cycling through gear in my tyrannical pursuit of the "perfect camera kit". So this is my conclusion: I'm either getting warmer, or, I just have a chronic case of GAS (gear acquisition syndrome) that'll likely send me bankrupt. In my defence (or denial) my library of gear was all purchased, and sold, over a 10 year period. My very first Fuji camera was the original x100 in 2011, and that was sooo long ago, therefore, although the list seems long, I would argue it isn't long enough and I should go out, and buy more, right now...
Acceptance is the first step to recovery and now we've acknowledged the problem that I dare say so many of us struggle with (GAS... lol) lets get into what I think the perfect Fujifilm setup is and why... After trying countless lens and camera combinations over the past decade, I've come to the realisation that the perfect lens or setup for me is simply one that inspires me the most. Now I know that sounds cringe, but let me unpack it a little. I started out in the Fuji eco-system with the x100s and that was an amazing camera that I simply couldn't stop staring at, wanting to pick up and take it EVERYWHERE with me.
This camera and experience was where I well and truly fell in love with Fujifilm and photography in general. However, ...[Hint: the story comes full circle] over time the frustration of the fixed x100 lenses + my susceptibility to be a sucker for marketing hype meant that I was constantly upgrading to the latest and greatest camera and lenses to hit the market. This led to me falling out of love with photography, because it became so calculated and methodical, as I was so focused on the equipment and not the art. I was always thinking about the best lens for each occasion, rather than the occasion itself. Was today going to be a 85mm day, or will I miss too much of the action? Will I need my zoom? Or will I sacrifice too much bokeh by taking the zoom? Although... if I miss a wide-angle shot of my dog in the park, I simply won't be able to live with myself... and this goes on and on and on...you know the drill....
Notwithstanding that fact that all of these decisions and questions are extremely important to ask oneself in a professional environment, but the reality is that I'm simply taking photographs to document my life, so that I have beautiful memories to look back on. I'd daresay if you are reading this blog entry, then you are likely in the same boat, as professional photographers know exactly what they need in a kit bag. In fact, they have it down to a science. So, here I am a decade later and having been through a tonne of Fuji gear and I think I've landed on a formula/ criteria for my "perfect camera kit". It looks a little like this:
1.) The camera body needs to inspire me. I want it to look beautiful, so that I always want to pick it up, hold it, make love to it and take it everywhere with me
2.) It needs to have an interchangeable lens mount (sorry X100v), as I need to get excited all over again to shoot with different lenses
3.) It needs to be weather resistant, so you can take it EVERYWHERE with you (rail, hail or shine)
4.) The lenses I own must be low profile and not too bulky (sorry 16-55), so you don't notice the weight of the camera + lens slung over your shoulder. They also need to be weather resistant.
So, what does this look like in terms of actual gear? I'm glad you asked. I think a combination of any of the following is ideal for me (and perhaps you too):
Camera: Fuji XPro 2 or XPro 3
Lenses: Fuji 16mm f2.8 WR, Fuji 23m f2 WR, Fuji 27mm f2.8 WR, Fuji 35mm f2 WR, Fuji 50mm f2 WR
Looking back on all of my best photos and memories, I noticed that they have been taken with a combination of my Xpro 2 and one of these lenses. Why? Because I ALWAYS had them with me. They are all lightweight, unobtrusive and easy to take out with you. I always have my camera slung over my shoulder whilst having one or two of these lenses in my wife's handbag, or my pocket, so I never miss a moment.
So to round things off and end with another horrific cliche, the perfect camera setup is the one you have on you. ALL THE TIME! On that note, I'll leave you with some of my favourite candid photos from my Xpro 2 and the lenses listed above.
And for all you Instagram inclined... here are some more in grid format, because why not!?
Thanks for reading!
Ty Van Haren - The Film Feel