Camera Equipment,  landscape,  natural areas,  Photography,  Plants,  Reservoir Ridge Natural Area,  sunsets

Laughing at Myself

Fujifilm X-T10 and XF 18-55mm f2.8-4.0

I decided to go on a walk to reservoir Ridge Natural Area with my older Fujifilm kit, taking the X-T10 and the XF 18-55mm f2.8-4.0. I needed to get in my steps and wanted to enjoy the beautiful evening. I chose the lighter kit because I wanted to carry less. I was surprised at the experience I had using my older camera. Embarrassingly, I’d forgotten how to use it and at times I was quite awkward, clumsy and confused. Found myself talking to myself, saying things like: Now why is it doing that? That’s not what I wanted. Dammit! Okay what did I do now? Sh*t! Spent way too much time fiddling with and talking to the camera. But so enjoyed laughing at and with myself. 😳

Anyway, I became aware of just how much progress had been made with the technology in the three and a half years from the introduction of the X-T10 to the X-T3. I quickly noticed how much slower the X-T10 turn-on time was. Then I noticed how much improvement there was in the focusing ability. The X-T10 was way behind in that area. Another surprise was the weight difference. For me the six ounce difference and overall physical size were much more comfortable using the X-T3. That, or maybe I’ve just gotten used to it. Anyway the X-T10 still does a good job taking images as long as the photographer does their part. Well, it will remain my backup and I got my steps in while laughing at myself.

Retired. Having fun with photography. Journal daily. Meditate daily. Learning haiku/poetry. Have a love for fountain pens.

10 Comments

  • Faye

    I can relate to your experience. I pick up my D700 and it’s like a foreign object. 😆 You captured a beautiful golden image.

  • Earl

    Sure appears you figured it back out, Monte. Beautiful photo!
    I’m sure your struggles would have made for an interesting video if there’d been someone to capture it. 😃

  • Tom Dills

    Too funny! I had that problem going back to my X-E2 after not having used it for a while. It was a much more menu-driven interface and I forgot how to do something simple. Once I figured it out I just had to laugh at it.

    Yes, I can see where you would notice a big difference in weight between those two cameras, and especially the lenses. That’s part of the reason I’ve been (sort of) looking at the X-E4 with a 18-55 as a lighter camera to carry around when I don’t want to carry the X-T4. While lighter than my old Canon gear, the X-T4 is a beast compared to even the X-T1. But the whole idea of getting down to one camera was to (somewhat – I still have lots of lenses 😉 ) simplify my choices. Decisions, decisions!

    • Monte Stevens

      I also have the Fujifilm gear because of the smaller footprint to carry around. I am glad I upgraded because the X-T3 is a much better camera. Laughing is one way we make do with a trying situation. 😂

  • Mark

    Great photograph Monte.

    I can fully relate to the experience, although mine is usually when I switch between my Fuji XT-2 and my Nikon. All different menus, etc. The Fuji is definitely a preferred light-weight, walking around camera – I just don’t have all the lens selection – which sometimes is better anyway. But I am pretty sure I have probably messed up more than a few opportunities in lower reaction speed.

    • Monte Stevens

      Yes, we all have wondered what we missed when looking at our cameras trying to figure out what and how it works. In our case it’s trying to remember. Glad you relate, my friend!

  • Joe

    I’m in Mark’s boat. On our cross-country trip I had my Fujis and my Nikon and muscle memory was always off a bit regardless of which camera I picked up. It’s nice to be somewhat settled in and reading of you daily appreciations, Monte.

    • Monte Stevens

      Glad you’re moving went well. I’ll want to read about the adventure so expecting a post or two on it. I saw that you have a post up but I haven’t read it yet.

      I like how you say “a bit off” cuz I so relate to that and not just with my camera gear. Those periods of time when I would carry a camera and one fixed lens like Henri Cartier-Besson it was so much simpler. I laugh because that’s what I’ve done this morning. In Old Town at the Bean Cycle with just my X-T3 and the 35mm f2.0 lens.