I’m Going All In On The Fuji X100V
As background — I’ll tell you I have written three previous articles about the Fuji X100V here on my Medium page. For full context, I suggest you read these first — Here are some links…
Why a fourth article on the X100V? This one is special. I have decided to go all in on the X100V.
From Oct 2021 to October 2022, I did a project where I used my iPhone 13 Pro as my main camera. It was a fun project. I love that camera for all the things it can do that a BIG camera cannot. After that project finished, I decided the iPhone 13 Pro was the best VIDEO camera I owned (and I own some very expensive, high-end, professional video cameras.) Its ability to capture footage in 4K ProRes HQ was the deciding factor.
But let’s face it. The photographic capability of ANY smartphone is limited when compared with dedicated cameras like the X100V. The X100V has a MUCH bigger sensor, better dynamic range, better low-light performance, better glass, more features, more precise autofocus, leaf shutter, etc. etc. etc.
But can the Fuji X100V be my ONLY camera — my MAIN camera?
We will find out.
I plan to use nothing but my Fuji X100V for every day of 2023. I will not use my iPhone or my Olympus or my Sony cameras. I will only use the Fuji X100V and whatever accessories I can affix to it.
Since I am dedicating my time to toy photography, I don’t see this as a problem. I don’t need a long lens. The one thing I wasn’t sure about was macro but I did a test with some good quality macro diopters and the results are great. They are as good or better than macro on the iPhone so it’s not a problem.
My Sony a7C with the Sony 90mm G lens is my current dedicated macro setup but I am going to forego that for one year because — well I think I can. Besides, it’s big and clunky and heavy and the Sony macro lenses aren’t exactly great at autofocus.
I love the smaller, lighter, no muss — no fuss form factor of the X100V and I am committed to it. For toy photography it has a special application that is similar to the iPhone. It’s SO small it can get into places big cameras cannot. And when working with miniature subjects (like toys) that can be huge.
But there’s more to my decision than just convenience. As I’ve written before about photography — sometimes putting self-imposed limits on gear can spur creativity. I’ve experienced this many times throughout my 50 years of photography and I am going to experience it again.
I want to use a camera that simply disappears from my hand and allows me to concentrate 100% of my skill, heart, dedication, energy, enthusiasm, desire, craft, experience and practice on telling stories. The camera is the tool but my mind is the engine and my mind needs to be as clear as possible to get the best result. That means making the camera as invisible as possible. In other words, gear is good — vision is better.
So think me a fool if you must. I am going all in on the Fuji X100V. And before you ask — no — I am not now — nor have I ever been — nor will I likely ever be — sponsored by Fuji. I have no relationship with Fuji WHATSOEVER. I am not paid to use their gear. They didn’t provide me with the camera. I bought it with my own money so this is all me saying — I want to see what I can accomplish with nothing but the X100V.
Also, in case you think my goal is to convince YOU to buy an X100V, don’t think that. Because that is NOT my goal. In fact if it was, it wouldn’t matter. The camera is so popular it’s on perpetual backorder. In order to buy one you’ll have to get VERY lucky to find a new one or pay a very high markup for a used version on Ebay.
As for using the X100V as my regular camera — I am already most of the way there. A great many of the toy photos I have been publishing already come from the X100V so I’m not exactly jumping across the Grand Canyon here.
The most common question I get when I tell photographers I am just using my X100V is: “Don’t you miss changing lenses?” And the answer is a simple “no.” There are pros and cons to every equipment decision. No matter what camera and/or lens you choose you will be giving up SOMETHING. And that right there is (at least for me) one of the most sexy, attractive, desirable things about photography. The Yin and Yang of it is really cool to me. NO MATTER WHAT you will ALWAYS be giving up SOMETHING no matter what you decide. And the problem (especially with younger people) is that too many of them focus on what they are giving up instead of what they are getting. Come to think of it, life in general can be like that.
I see having only one lens as a feature, not a bug. It forces me to think more creatively about my composition choices. It forces me to think more creatively about everything.
Having a fixed lens means I am locked into that focal length — in this case, an equivalent focal length (EFL) of 35mm. Not being able to switch lenses means that I end up focusing on making good photos with what I have instead of wasting time thinking about which lens I want to use. As I’ve said, it frees up brain power to concentrate on EVERYTHING else, including the boring stuff like the point of focus, depth of field or composition, perspective and of course STORY! I find that liberating. I find that empowering. I find that exhilarating!
So follow along if you like. I am already using the camera most days. Starting January 1, it will be the only camera I use.
I believe my toy photography will improve as a result.
Remember, toys are joy.
