Tag: Fuji X100vi

Fujifilm X-Pro 3

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I rented a Fujifilm X-Pro3 to play with. There is quite a lot of hubbub over the X-Pro Fujifilm cameras, mostly because of the hybrid optical viewfinder. So, I decided to find out what it is all about. Captured with NIKON D750, 2026-01-23 16:38:45, Vivitar Series 1 90mm macro, 1/15sec, f/5.6, ISO-6400, SOOC.

A few weeks ago (months?), my buddy was busting my chops a bit about my Fujifilm X100vi. He was giving me a hard time because I usually use an interchangeable lens camera and the X100 series is decidedly a fixed-lens camera. That is, it is not a system camera but “an expensive point-and-shoot.”

My argument is that sometimes I do not want to take a system with me; I want a camera at hand though. I do not want my camera work to be fiddly, though.

By fiddly, I mean that I do not want to have to make decisions about what lens to use in the field. I want to have a purpose-built machine (a camera and lens) that is more than my phone.

Aside: I decided the last couple-three years that I think computational photography is cool, but it has some limits as implemented in current mobile phone technology. Furthermore, I want to use my mobile phone less and I want a simpler (less expensive) mobile phone as well because I do not want to spend all of my time looking at my phone.

His pushback was that I could simply fit a prime lens to my (very nice) Fujifilm X-T5 and carry that. There is truth in that. But, I really like my X100vi. It has an elegance in its simplicity that is different from the other system cameras in Fujifilm’s stable. It has a bit of that classic rangefinder look that all the kids chase (and that made the X100v nearly impossible to buy because they were always out of stock).

The conversation made me think a little about my [ahem] rationalization to justify ownership of a X100vi. On my last roadtrip, I elected to take the X-T5 and a small kit along. I chose the Fujinon 18-55mm, f/2.8-4 kit zoom, the Fujinon 70-300mm zoom (in case I needed a telephoto lens), and the Fujinon 35mm f/1.4 (original standard prime). I found the kit zoom to be the lens I used most on that trip. It gave me a nice range of focal lengths that work in a lot of (most?) circumstances, is relatively small and light, and is optically better than almost all other kit lenses. (The exception likely being the classic nifty-fifties that came on film bodies.)

I was able to get some subject/background separation with the kit zoom, particularly at the long end of the zoom range. I had a fast standard lens in the kit if I wanted more. (I did use it a little, but consciously chose to stick with the zoom most of the time.)

All of this, spare batteries, and spare SD cards all fit into the Fujifilm/Domke collaboration messenger bag that I have in my inventory. There was even a little room for my computer glasses, my Kindle (in the back slash pocket), and a Clif bar (emergency ration). I could swap out the glasses/Kindle for a small water bottle if I wanted.

That made for the lightest, most powerful kit I have constructed to date. In retrospect, I did wish I had the Fujinon 60mm f/2.4 macro with me. There were a few times that the close-focusing capability of that lens and the slightly larger maximum aperture would have been used. But, I learned.

That brings me back to the Fujifilm X-Pro3 that is in a small kit. It is a rental camera. I checked the shutter count and it has 15K actuations according to Exiftool. It was made in 2021, also according to Exiftool. I rented it as an experiment and I really like the camera.

It is similar to the X100vi and probably more similar to the X100v that preceded my X100vi. I think that the underlying sensor technology and processor are the same as the X100v. The viewfinder is slightly different because The X-Pro3 has to accommodate the interchangeable lenses. In the hybrid OVF, the frame lines change with the focal length of the lens. It is usable from pretty wide (18mm is the widest I have used to date) through 50mm. With a press of a small lever, I can switch to the EVF, which uses the sensor instead of the optical viewfinder and use lenses outside the effective range of the OVF for composition.

I also love the sound of the mechanical shutter in the X-Pro3. It has the same solid thunk of my original Fujifilm camera, the X-T1.

Would it replace my X100vi? No, I think not. It is last-generation technology and the primary reason I bought the X100vi is to have a simple, rangefinder-style camera *with* the fifth-generation IBIS. I really do not care about pixel count (there was a significant bump in that specification) as much as the image stabilization.

I could have a similar experience and aesthetic with a silver/chrome X-Pro3 and one of Fujifilm’s small primes (what I call the f/2 line). But again, none of those lenses have OIS. It adds bulk (and cost). However, I would give up the IBIS that I find useful in some of my shooting situations.

There are rumors that Fujifilm is preparing to release an updated X-Pro camera this year. It will have either the fifth generation X-Trans sensor (and IBIS) or there will be a sixth generation system released.

That is my analysis of how an X-Pro Series camera could fit into what I do with photography. One could supplant the X100vi if, and only if, the next generation adds IBIS. That will probably make the X-Pro camera slightly larger (to accommodate the mechanism), which is not a deal killer. I like the hybrid OVF. It works. The X-Pro also has an EVF with the press of a lever for focal lengths that do not work with the OVF. It has that classic rangefinder look that I have come to like.

I will continue to enjoy my X-Pro3 rental. I will have a it a few more days. I remain on the fence about whether or not I will keep it.

The Girl and I will hike with it again today. I am looking forward to that. I remain grateful on a daily basis. Life is good.

A Winter’s Solstice Recovered

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Mount McLellan north from Carson City from our favorite winter hike. Captured with X100VI, 2026-01-07 12:26:31, 23mm, 1/6400sec, f/8, ISO-2500, in-camera Tri-X Film Recipe.

Between Thanksgiving and Christmas (and actually to about the New Year) I like to play some holiday-themed music. One of my main go-to selections is the Windham Hill collections called A Winter’s Solstice. There are six collections in that series, most of them completed when Windham Hill was independent.

This year, when I got into my Apple Music application, I found these recordings missing. I was shocked and still do not know how that happened. It upset me sufficiently that I abandoned the idea of celebrating in music. I was busy and the CDs are in a box in the garage somewhere. I was not going to go track them down and re-rip them.

I got to thinking about this early this morning and did a little research to determine how to transfer the recordings from my old iPhone (they were still on it) to my Mac. I found a piece of software (paid) that will actually copy them directly into Music and preserve the tags and album art. It was worth the price of admission so I paid for a year’s subscription.

This saved me a bit of work. I plan on listening to these recordings over the next or so and pick up my missed celebration in music.

Although I was a bit disconcerted by this train of events, I remain grateful. Life is good.

Fallen

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I do not know if this USFS property boundary marker fell or was knocked over. Captured with X100VI, 2025-09-15 11:29:25, 23mm, 1/9000sec, f/4, ISO-4000, in-camera Classic Chrome film simulation.

I am really enjoying our Fall hikes up near Spooner Summit. The weather has turned a bit cooler, especially when we are out hiking. The Sun is taking on its Fall look, less harsh than the Summer rays, as the Earth’s tilt changes the angle of incidence during the Fall days.

A few days ago we passed this fallen sign, just as we have dozens of times before. There are a few of the USFS property markers along the way, some of them erect; others tipped over. I wonder if it was the weight of winter snow, maybe a slippage, or if some miscreant vandalized them. I suppose I will never know.

In any event, on this particular day I paused, noticing the play of sunlight over the bright yellow of the marker. While The Girl sniffed about, I made a few captures. I like this one.

I enjoyed the rest of the hike and came away with decent capture. I am grateful for another day with The Girl and in the outdoors. Life is good.

I Remember

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Another Acros with red filter capture up near Spooner Summit. Captured with X100VI, 2025-09-10 10:57:02, 23mm, 1/28000sec, f/8, ISO-4000, in-camera Arcos Red Filter conversion.

We are clearly entering our Fall weather season. The mid-90F temperatures left a week ago (although they might return) and we are having a few more clouds. On our Spooner hike a couple of days ago, I looked over my left shoulder and noticed the Sun and clouds. On the way back from the turn-around, I paused because I liked the scene even more than I did on the way out. I made this capture, using the in-camera Acros/R film simulation.

I also will spend a little time today reflecting on that day in 2001 when we were attacked by enemies who despise our way of life. They want us to be afraid. I am not.

I am also reflecting on a heinous act perpetrated, most likely, by either an agent of the far left or by a maniac inspired by same. I am unconvinced that it does not matter if it is the latter because the horrendous tone taken by the far left is responsible for this evil.

I never saw Mr. Kirk be disrespectful or mean-spirited to anyone he engaged. It was part of his approach that I genuinely admired. What happened to him was evil and the perpetrator and his/her motivators are responsible for that evil.

It is a sad day for our nation, when we have come to the point that intelligent voices are silenced by violence.

This is not good; it is evil. Nonetheless, life is good.

Last Couple Weeks

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While sheltering from the wind and rain of a pop-up thundershower, I noticed the rain on the front glass of the rig. So, I made the capture. Captured with X-T5, 2025-08-23 14:41:13, 35mm, 1/170sec, f/2.8, ISO-125, post in PhotoLab with HP5+ conversion.

I am quite busy right now with work and taking care of The Girl and myself. I did manage to get out for a couple of weekends, first to Weber Reservoir with friends. There was no radio play, but lots of conversation, a shared meal, and a pop-up thunderstorm that provided plenty of excitement. Hence, I offer the abstract above.

For the Labor Day weekend, I was invited with friends to active Bald Mountain, just north from Topaz Lake. We decided to make a part of it and took the vehicles up to the summit. There we grilled burgers, had a great time of fellowship, and I played some radio.

I did violate the First Rule, thinking I had brought the Yaesu FT-897D and instead finding the Elecraft KX3 in the black Apache case I picked up. That meant I was limited to 15w of output power, which is stingy for phone operations.

It turned out OK because I was the only operator who activated. The 15w output is plenty for code operations, especially at altitude.

Although the vista is wonderful, the air quality is not. Shot from Bald Mountain during my SOTA activation. Captured with X-T5, 2025-08-31 13:19:02, 35mm, 1/400sec, f/8, ISO-125, SOOC.

I did manage to get out Labor Day Monday for a POTA activation, which is already documented previous. That provided some needed recreation, some additional Morse Code practice, and a enjoyable Eastern Sierra outing with The Girl.

I like the combination of bright cloud and dark sky, shot on walkies up near Spooner Summit. Captured with X100VI, 2025-09-04 11:18:32, 23mm, 1/7500sec, f/8, ISO-4000, in-camera Acros-Red film simulation.
The Girl and I are hiking the Eastern Sierra again, after the bear-scare kept me in-town for a few days. I really thought I lost her when I saw her broad ass disappear over the rise downhill from me.

Fortunately, she responded to my calls after she ran out of gas on the chase. She returned completely gassed, but unharmed. I, however, was worthless for the remainder of the day.

On our way up the trail from the staging area, I noticed this cloud peeking through the pines. I thought it might make a nice image in black and white with a red filter. So, I set the camera to simulate Fujifilm Acros with a red filter and made the capture. I rather like the output.

We finished our hike without incident, although I maintain a watchful attitude and work at staying present while hiking that trail now. The first bear I saw on the hike was last year, but at quite a distance. This time, the bear bombed the hill not ten feet in front of me. I was unable to react before The Girl clicked on and bolted in hot pursuit.

I have also seen a coyote a number of times (although not the last couple of summers), but always in the distance. She had a coyote encounter that left her with lacerations (she has earned the “F*()%#ed-up Face” appellation as a result) and the final rupture of the port-aft CCL. The latter required surgery for repair.

The Girl is a beacon for trouble, it seems.

Work kept me busy the remainder of the week. What this weekend will be is yet to be determined.

Life is busy at the moment. I am grateful for God’s gifts in general, and for the work in particular. Life is good.

The Comstock Casino has earned a few visits because of Juan’s Mexican Restaurant housed therein. The tacos and salsa are top-shelf. Captured with X-T5, 2025-08-28 17:44:53, 35mm, 1/480sec, f/8, ISO-125, Fujifilm Classic Chrome in-camera film simulation, SOOC.

Fuji Acros Film Simulation

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I carried the Fuji X100vi up the hill at our Spooner Summit trail this morning. I paused to shoot this scene using the in-camera Acros-Red film simulation. Captured with X100VI, 2025-08-03 10:43:37, 23mm, 1/400sec, f/16, ISO-800, mild post in PhotoLab 7.

After a very slow start, The Girl and I got out to hike about 1000h. We stopped at the Subway store on the way for a breakfast sandwich, but they were out of eggs. So, a Spicy Italian had to do. (It did.)

I ate my sandwich while listening to a talk radio station in Reno, with The Girl looking on (at my sandwich, not talk radio).

When we arrived at the staging area, about 20 off-road motorcycles were gathered. Fortunately, they were about to head out and vacated the spot I intended to use for parking. It was in the shade.

I got The Girl out to start doggie stuff while I gather up my pack, hat, and sunglasses. I put the Fuji X100vi around my neck and called her to head out. I did pause for a moment to catch this view of the Carson Range using the in-camera Acros with a red filter film simulation.

I elected to go up the hill rather than the old fire road. This was a significant challenge for my legs, which is fine. I paused a couple of times up the hill and made a couple of captures.

Near the top of the first hill, I turned and side-hilled to where The Girl was hunting. There I found an interesting rock formation, so we paused to catch breath (at least for me) and I made a couple of captures. Then we headed on down to the first saddle on the old fire road.

I paused there for a minute, then decided to go up the adjacent hill to get in some more climb and maybe find a couple more captures. Near the top, The Girl gave me a couple of opportunities and I took them. Then we moved on.

we side-hilled some more and then dropped back down to the fire road. The walking was much easier and we paused after another couple hundred meters for some water and some shade. We then hiked on to the turn-around, where we paused for another water break.

I elected to take the fire road back to the rig and not explore more. I had a report to get out and need to write some July invoices to pad my receivables. I like having billing out because sometimes it takes months to be paid for my work.

When we arrived back at the rig, The Girl was spent. She is snoozing on the floor next to my chair as I write on Sunday afternoon. I am also thinking a nap might be in order for a Sunday afternoon.

I created a gallery of these images and posted them to my Photo Album here.

It was a good hike. It was a good day. Life is good.

Do you see The Girl? She is there. Captured with X100VI, 2025-08-03 10:59:10, 23mm, 1/640sec, f/8, ISO-800.

Fairview Avenue Grab Shot

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While walking The Girl one evening, I paused for this grab shot. Captured with X100VI, 2025-05-21 20:21:50, 23mm, 1/30sec, f/8, ISO-640, SOOC.

We have taken to a short walk about dusk most evenings. The little loop is about a half-mile long and gives The Girl an opportunity to purge a little energy and mark her usual spots along the path.

I usually carry a camera because I like this time of the day and often the light offers something. It did a few nights ago.

Life is good.

Desert Peach

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The Desert Peach is in full bloom. Shot with Fuji X100vi using the in camera Velvia film simulation. I did some light post-processing using PhotoLab 7.

After a full day of work, yesterday, The Girl and I finally headed out for a hike at Silver Saddle Ranch about 1715h. This is late for us, but the Sun was really warm yesterday and I did not want The Girl to overheat. I noticed some heavy clouds to the south and paused at the rig to check the weather before we left. Light rain was forecast for the next hour.

“I guess we’ll get wet,” I said to The Girl.

Sure enough, as we drove to the upper staging area, the sprinkles started. I made her contain her excitement while I retrieved a packable puffy I keep in the back of the rig. It was not particularly cold, but I knew the light jacket would shed most of the rain.

Prepared, I got her out, grabbed my camera, and we headed out. We had the place to ourselves. No one else wanted to hike in the rain.

The Girl chuffed and sniffed (on lead, of course) as we walked south. I did not really expect any critters, but I simply do not trust her to stay out of trouble.

The rain came a little harder for a bit. She paused to shake now and again, but did not ask to return to the rig. Neither of us minded a little rain to close out the week. The jacket kept me mostly dry.

The Fuji X100vi is waterproof with a filter affixed to the lens. I have had a filter affixed to the lens since I got the camera. I often use a light diffusion filter at night or indoors, but use a UV filter during daylight hours. A diffusion filter can really drop contrast if the sun shines on the glass.

As we neared the end of the hike, the shower passed off to the north and a bit of Sun peeked through the clouds. That lit up the vegetation wonderfully. So, I took advantage of the serendipity (the moment, not The Girl) and paused for a few images. I think some of them are decent.

We then hiked the couple-hundred feet back to the rig and mounted up. I decided to go by DQ for a bite of supper (cheeseburger, fries, and small Blizzard), all of which were shared with The Girl. She was a little grabby with the fries, so I had to correct her.

We then headed back toward the house, with a stop at Costco to refuel the rig. It was a good day. I am grateful.

Life is good.

Purple

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While working my way over to the Re-Signed site, these purple flowers jumped out at me. Captured with the Fujifilm X100vi and the in-camera Velvia film simulation, with minor adjustments in post.

It was a very cloudy morning here in Carson City, Nevada. But, The Girl and I had to get out for morning walkies and I had a short break between morning meetings. So, we walked one of our local circuits so she (and me) could get a little exercise.

Along the path I came across this flowering tree. With the overcast, the colors really pop. The Velvia film simulation just increases the pop.

So, I paused and made the capture.

We then finished our walk and I made my next meeting. There is another new project for me to work on this year.

I am grateful. Life is so very good.

Busy, Busy, Busy

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One of many ponds on the Mason Valley WMA site. Shot with Fuji X100vi with some post-processing in PhotoLab 7.

Goodness, I have been busy the last few weeks. I have project work plus the markets are giving me fits.

Saturday I just could not stand to stay in the house. So, I took Sera back down to Yerington to the Mason Valley WMA and activated the park. We had a nice walk and came across this pond that had quite a bit of activity. I made a few images with the Fuji X100vi and wished I had brought the Sony A7iii and the 400mm lens. There might have been a few more nice captures.

Still, I am satisfied with this one.

After the park, we drove over to the northeast side of Yerington to look at a property. It is a manufactured home on a five-acre lot. I am unsure about the condition of the home. The storage building looks fine and there is a small metal shed workshop that would be lovely, but awful hot in the summer.

It was good to take a look. I would like to have room for some wire antennas and be away from the noise of the mains behind my duplex. It looks like there could be some grass in a fenced front yard for The Girl.

I will have to think on it some more. I think the price is much too high for what it is.

Life is good.