• Camera Equipment,  flowers,  Fujifilm X-E1,  Plants

    … you have to see.

    June 23, 2015
    Dahlia
    Dahlia

    “The camera doesn’t make a bit of difference. All of them can record what you are seeing. But, you have to SEE.” – Ernst Hass

    I have been shooting with the Fujifilm X-E1 almost exclusively since October of 2013. My Nikon gear has sat collecting dust except for a few sunset and sunrise excursions. I find the X-E1 so much easier to grab due to its weight and size. I feel the images (jpeg) meet the standards for my use for posting on the web and any prints I wish to make. So, I sold all the Nikon gear. I intend to add one more lens, either the 23mm f1.4 or the 35mm 1.4, and probably the new X-T10. So, I apologize for the decrease in my quality of postings. 🙂

    Read More
  • 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? 🙂

    Read More
  • architecture,  doors,  quotes

    Happy New Year

    January 1, 2014
    Doors and Latch
    Near one of my hotels

    “Remember the entrance door to the sanctuary is within you.”

    Rumi

    Yes, these doors are hiding a couple of trash dumpsters. Full of garbage. Things discarded by others and considered useless. Yet, I have watched people rummaging through dumpsters finding things of value to repair, fix and reuse. What most of us assumed to be garbage behind those doors has value, to someone.

    I have no new year resolutions. However, this coming year there will be the task of continuing to open doors. I feel that behind the door are gifts and talents I’ve discarded, never used, or even knew about, not trash. Those doors I’ve opened in 2013 have provided for growth as a son, father, grandfather, elder and a photographer. So, I’m looking forward to 2014. Happy New Year!

    Read More
  • 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.

    Read More
  • 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.

    Read More