• Fujifilm X-E1

    Camera Repairs

    March 21, 2014
    Red Coat
    Red Coat

    “You just have to live and life will give you pictures.” – Henri Cartier-Bresson

    We all know a new camera or lens should improve our photography, right? Well, that did not happen after purchasing the Fujifilm X-E1. It seemed somethings were missing on some of my images. The image above is an example. I’m not sure what happened with this young (or old) ladies head. It’s gone! So, I called up Fujifilm customer service and talked to a rep. We tried reseting the camera. That didn’t help. It didn’t happen very often but as you can see it presents a problem. We both agreed the new updated software was probably not the problem. Since it was still under warranty I boxed it up and sent it to the service center in New Jersey.

    I really needed to post this on April 1st but couldn’t wait. I did have to send in my X-E1 in for repairs but not because of composition. The EVF quit. Blank. Composition does become a challenge when the EVF is blank. I’ve been carrying the camera in a Fluid 18 backpack wrapped inside my rain jacket and that’s not enough protection. I’ve heard it thunk a couple of times. So, I now carry it in a Lowepro Photo Hatchback 16L This camera does not feel as hefty as my D300 so I think I need to handle it more delicately. However, I was impressed with Fujifilm’s service and turn around time. Had it back for a week now and it looks like my images still need some work. Maybe it’s the lens. Battery? SD card? Photographer? 🙂

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  • Cityscapes/Urban,  Fujifilm X-E1,  quotes

    It’s Good News

    March 19, 2014
    Afternoon Walk
    Afternoon Walk

    “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

    C. S. Lewis

    On March 10th I gave my two week notice at work. I’m hanging up my wings. Moving more into my retirement years. Going to avoid airports and airplanes while keeping my feet on the ground as I take my time driving, anywhere. I may never wear another tie for the rest of my life. I found my uniform pants kept shrinking due to decompression cycles or the altitude. No more checking for unbuckled seat belts, telling people to turn off their cellular service. No more telling them the cannot have that purse between their feet and properly stow their bags. I do not have to hear a passenger ask if I’ll call and see if the airlines will hold their plane for them because we’re late. No more crying babies during descent. It’s all good news.

    But, just like any job loss there will be things I’ll miss. The unique life style of visiting cities, finding those mom-and-pop coffee shops and restaurants. Conversations with total strangers. A paycheck. And, last but not least, cleavage in 17C. On to new adventures.

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  • Fujifilm X-E1

    Starburst

    February 26, 2014
    Windmill
    Windmill

    This was taken on a walk near my hotel in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It’s sort of a strange perspective as I was trying to crop out a banner tied to the bottom of the windmill and stay out of traffic. I do like the starburst effect the Fujifilm 18-55mm f2.8-4.0 lens. It is a sweet lens for me.

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  • Fujifilm X-E1,  Holiday Seasons

    A quick post….

    December 28, 2013

    Tree Decorations
    Tree Decorations

    … then off to meet a friend for coffee and conversation. I will be taking down the tree today or tomorrow, so I thought I’d pst at least one image of the tree decorations. It seemed like the gift giving this year had a special meaning. My youngest daughter helped pick out gifts for my grandchildren so they were happy with what they received. I also did not spend much money this year as I did not have much money to spend on them. Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends.

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  • coffee shops,  Fujifilm X-E1

    One of the Regulars

    December 20, 2013
    One of Regulars
    One of the Regulars

    On early morning trips to any one of my favorite coffee shops you will find a few regulars and I’m not talking about regular coffee. John is one the regulars. The baristas always greet him when he walks in the door carrying the morning paper under his arm and sharing his inviting smile. The baristas know him, the customers know him. It’s people like John that make the world a good place to call home.

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  • Fujifilm X-E1,  Plants,  quotes

    A Walk Along the Ponds

    December 7, 2013

    Boka
    Riverbend Ponds

    “Suddenly I came out of my thoughts to notice everything around me again-the catkins on the willows, the lapping of the water, the leafy patterns of the shadows across the path. And then myself, walking with the alignment that only comes after miles, the loose diagonal rhythm of arms swinging in synchronization with legs in a body that felt long and stretched out, almost as sinuous as a snake…when you give yourself to places, they give you yourself back; the more one comes to know them, the more one seeds them with the invisible crop of memories and associations that will be waiting for when you come back, while new places offer up new thoughts, new possibilities. Exploring the world is one the best ways of exploring the mind, and walking travels both terrains.”  ― Rebecca Solnit, Wanderlust: A History of Walking

    This image was taken about a week ago while on a walk at Riverbend Ponds. It’s a jpeg file straight out of the camera. We have been dipping below zero the past few nights so walking has not been on my list of things to do. Way to cold for me. Hope everyone enjoys their weekend.

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  • Fujifilm X-E1

    Dr. Pepper

    December 2, 2013

    Dr. Pepper
    Dr. Pepper

    Found this on a walk along Spring Creek trail. Straight out the camera. This is not a rant about the people who leave their trash wherever they are done with it. However, I will share a bit more about the Fujifilm X-E1.

    I am still finding myself accidently rotating the exposure compensation knob with my right thumb. It’s taking me longer than I expected to adjust to it’s location. I am a slow learner, ya know.

    So far the 18-55mm f2.8-4.0 lens has been a surprise. Not sure what my expectations of the lens were as I bought it in the kit. It’s heavier than expected but that is more than compensated with it’s optics. I do not find it uncomfortable to hang around my neck for a 2-3 hours on a walk. It’s sharpness meets my needs and beyond. I’ve experienced some focus wandering with low light and low contrast scenes. Moving the focus point by pressing the AF button and moving the focus point with my thumb is time consuming and awkward. Right now, I prefer to keep my focus point in the middle then press the shutter to focus on my subject and reframe the scene. I will keep playing with it as there will be those times when I need to change that focus point.

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  • Fujifilm X-E1,  landscape,  sunsets

    Thanksgiving Sunset

    November 29, 2013

    Thanksgiving Sunset
    Thanksgiving Sunset

    We had Thanksgiving yesterday at my oldest daughter and her husbands new home. I say new but what they purchased was an old country school house built in 1926. They have started converting into a home, all 6500 square feet of it. What a project but one they are looking forward to. They have already had the hardwood floors worked on and the contractor did an awesome job.  This image was shot through the trees of the playground and facing west. Oh, and dinner was awesome. After grazing on appetizers I still managed to eat a plate full of turkey and yams and green beans. Even indulged in a piece of pecan pie. I hate when I eat too much.

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