I Failed...
I am a rational guy with strong principles. I love taking photos, and my Fujifilm gear is still excellent, even though it is some years old. I am not interested in new photo equipment. I don’t need new gear, although my photos could be much better. But that’s my fault, not my camera’s fault. I am sure, I don’t suffer from G.A.S.*
I am still in love with my 7 year old Fujifilm X-Pro 1. I mean, I still love my X100, too (which I have given to my daughter recently). And my X100F, I love it too. And, of course, my old analog Contax ST. And all the glass, Zeiss and Fuji… I am an engineer, and being informed about new, fascinating technical gear is always very interesting, it is a must - but I don’t need to buy new equipment, I am well supplied.
On the other hand… nothing is wrong with having reliable gear, new gear, any camera could fail anytime, so a spare camera is absolutely vital! I did not look into the X-Pro 2 or any X-E or X-T model lately … but… the new X-Pro 3 is such a lovely camera, isn’t it? And this beautiful video from Patrick LaRoque is so convincing in every aspect: emotionally, technically and… the camera is so beautiful… and technically top-notch: fast autofocus, a new sensor with some more megapixels, a much better electronic viewfinder, a hidden fold down display on the back, usable for waist-level street shooting, a small rear status panel, and so much more new technical stuff! I am sure, the camera would let me re-open my eyes and senses for colors, details, feelings…would help me to get better as a photographer, to feel better… Did I mention that my X-Pro 1 is 7 years old now and may fail ANYtime?
Recently, something really unexpected happened. A lovely black X-Pro 3 sitting all alone in the window of a small camera shop, directly looking at me, when I strolled by aimlessly, just accidentially. So I had to get in, my heart pounding, just to take a closer look, just for technical reasons and just to remain confident that my gear is good enough…
After some seconds, the new camera in my hand, I could not resist. I failed. I failed completely, but I am happy :-)
The X-Pro 3 is so much better in every aspect than the X-Pro 1 - with one exception: the decision of Fujifilm to use a single magnification optical viewfinder (OVF) means you can't properly judge your framing though the OVF if you use a lens wider than 23mm. This isn't an issue for me, since the new EVF is excellent, and I have always been a lover of the EVF, but anyway, the new OVF is on the negative side.
Last week I have spent some time playing with the extended tone curve settings of the b/w Acros film simulation. With my other cameras I often use softer highlights (-2) and deeper shadows (+2). Finally I came up with a new favorite setting: highlights +2 or +3, shadows +4. I really like it…. All pictures are jpegs OOC, size adjusted, shot with the 2.4 60mm.
*) For those who don’t know G.A.S: Gear Aquisition Syndrome, wanting to buy new cameras, because you feel like your photos aren’t good enough, because your camera isn’t good enough. For those who really suffer: How To Conquer G.A.S.
Bad Kreuznach
“Whether you’re looking for wellness, hiking, cycling, good local wines, a health holiday, spa treatments or simply want to explore the magnificent natural landscape of this area, Bad Kreuznach offers it all… Shoppers can find everything here, from food, textiles and shoes, to electrical goods and DIY stores… There is a lot to see and discover in Bad Kreuznach: buildings and churches steeped in history, monuments, museums, works of art, and also the beauty of the landscape…”
The claims of the tourist information webpages of Bad Kreuznach (a small spa town near Frankfurt) seem bright and appealing. And I have seen it all, at least a small part of it :-) the famous old houses on the beautiful bridge over the river Nahe, the natural landscape, the historical walls, the nice cafés, friendly people. Except… What I have felt roaming through the streets was completely different. Maybe you can blame it on the grey, cloudy and cold German wheather, on my desire for shadows and black color, or you can imagine me in doomsday mood - my pictures do neither look like the pictures of the Bad Kreuznach website nor like the photos my friends brought back from the same day.
Sorry… I am sure I have been unfair to Bad Kreuznach…
