Salt and Pepper

While out for breakfast, I noticed the salt and pepper shakers on my table. Shot with Fuji X-T5 and Voigtlander 27mm f/2 at f/4 and processed in PhotoLab 7.

While out for breakfast a few days ago, I noticed the light on the salt and pepper shakers on my table. This resulted in a grab shot using the X-T5 and the Voigtlander 27mm f/2 lens. I selected an aperture that would give enough depth of field for the shakers but provide a little subject isolation.

For this capture, I used the RAW mode and then post-processed the result in PhotoLab 7. The adjustments were all minor and I used a PhotoLab preset for the black and white conversion.

The little Voigtlander pancake lens can do the job if I do mine.

Breakfast was good. The Girl and I had a nice hike after. She enjoyed the bulk of my bacon.

Life is good.

Signs

The Girl and I have walked past this sign so many times. But, Sunday evening I noticed to late afternoon Sun illuminating them brightly. Shot with Fuji X-T5 and Voigtlander 27mm f/2 at f/8. No post.

The Sunday evening Sun really illuminated the street signs at the corner of my cul-de-sac. I noticed it a little earlier in the day. So, I determined to take The Girl for an evening walk and grab a capture if the lighting remained strong.

Well, it did, so I did. Along the walk, The Girl had a chance to exercise and to do a little training, sans collar. It was good for both of us.

The capture reminds me a bit of some of Alex Kilbee’s work. He likes angles quite a lot.

Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron

This is a daily image of an old deadfall shot with the Fuji X-T5 and the Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron at about f/4. The conversion was done with DXO Photolab 7 with a Tri-X film simulation.

One of my favorite lenses is the Voigtlander 27mm f/2 Ultron. It is a manual focus lens manufactured by Cosina. It also has a chip and contacts to transmit EXIF data about the lens settings to the camera to be recorded in the EXIF image data portion of the digital image.

This lens came to mind a couple of days ago when I was watching a video from a favorite content creator, Chris Orange. He was effluvious about a new TTArtisan manual focus lens in the 27mm focal length that he was using on his X-T5 instead of buying a Fujifilm X100vi.

The X100vi is not a terribly expensive camera — not cheap, but not as expensive as some brands. I have had a few people dismiss my X100v (and now my X100vi) as just an expensive point and shoot. But, it is not that simple. It is a capable camera using the same sensor and IBIS as the X-T5 and offering complete controls if that is what one wants. The fit and finish are top shelf and reminiscent of an older fixed lens rangefinder. The Fujinon 23mm f/2 is very good. It is a good focal length for the camera.

The X100vi (and the X100v before it) is my go-to camera if I do not want to think about what lenses to carry, do not want a large(er) or heavy bag, and do not want to fiddle with which lens to mount. And so, when I want to simply have a camera that is far more capable than a phone camera, this is the one I pick up to carry. It goes into a small Domke bag that was a collaboration between Domke and Fujifilm. There is room for extra batteries and extra SD cards. There is also room for a water bottle.

But, I digress. I have not tested (and probably will not) the TTArtisan 27mm f/2. I have the focal length covered with the Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 and the Voigtlander 27mm f/2. I bought the former before I picked up a used copy of the latter. Although I have not done serious testing of either, the Voigtlander tends to get the nod when I want a simple carry (or that focal length) for my X-T5.

I carried it last Friday on walkies. I need to grab frame and include it. The frame below was captured with the Fuji X-T5 and Voigtlander 27mm f/2 (at f/8) with post processing in PhotoLab 7. The lens is plenty sharp and I like the rendering. I should carry the Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 along with the Voigtlander and make a few captures of the same setting. I might decide to sell the Fujinon.

Life is good!

A shot of Mt. McLelland using the Fujifilm X-T5 and the Voigtlander 27mm f/2 at f/8. Post processing in PhotoLab 7 to render as Ektachrome 100 VS.

Tri-X Film Simulation

Granite found along the trail, Toiyabe National Forest. Shot with Fuji X-T5 and Fujinon 35mm f/1.4 at f/4. In camera conversion to Tri-X 400 film simulation.

I made this capture a year and change ago. We were hiking, probably up near Spooner summit. I came across this bit of granite and decided that the play of light and shadow was interesting. So, I made the capture.

I know that I was playing with some of the film simulations one can readily program into Fuji cameras. I think that the color capture was not what I was looking for.

So, a black and white film simulation it is.

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

Remainders: 19 April 2025

El Charro Avitia is my favorite Mexican restaurant in Carson at the moment. The food is authentic Mexican, best I can tell. The Margaritas are very, very good. Shot with Fuji X-T5 and Fujinon 18mm f/2 at f/8 using in-camera Kodachrome 64 film simulation.
  • SignalStuff is still a go-to for handie-talkie antennas and supporting parts.
  • Because tariffs are now a thing, I am monitoring them.
  • Lorier watches are a microbrand that are made in the U.S. based on a Japanese movement (at least some of them). They are worth a look if one is interested in mechanical watches.
  • Lochby recently posted an interesting look at journaling prompts that is definitely worth a look at.
  • I am a Flying Pig.
  • This list of 100 best SciFi movies was recommended to me. It is good.

Daily Image: Stacked

Captured on walkies with The Girl. Shot with Fuji X-T5 and Fujinon 60mm f/2.4 at f/4, in-camera Velvia film simulation (factory) with light post.

I had The Girl out Sunday morning (as usual) for exercise. She is recovering and seems to be more like herself every day. I still give her a dose of Carprofen at night because she sometimes seems sore.

This stack of pallets caught my eye (hat tip to Wife) and so I paused to make an image. It being Sunday, there was no traffic at the business nor on the street in this industrial area.

Life is good.

Daily Image: Cherry Blossoms

Spring is sprung… Shot with Fuji X-T5 and the Fujinon 60mm f/2.4 at about f/5.6 using an in-camera Kodachome 64 film simulation, SOOC.

Just a couple of days ago I noticed the cherry tree at the corner of the block had blossomed. The Girl and I were out on a beautiful Spring morning. I had the Fujifilm X-T5 with the 60mm f/2.4 macro affixed to the camera, just in case. Although the blossoms were bobbing in the breeze, I still managed a couple of nice captures. I like this one the most.

The 60mm lens is something interesting. Although it is a macro lens, it is also good for general photography. It also has character.

Image SOOC using the in-camera Kodachrome 64 film simulation with no post processing.

Female Mallard

I am enjoying the ducks that currently populate the linear parkway. Shot with Fuji X-T5 and Nikkon 300mm f/4.5 ED-IF. Post processing in DXO PhotoLab 7.

Wednesday I got out to walk shortly after noon. I needed some outside time and some Sun. I carried a small camera kit based on the Fujifilm X-T5, the Fujinon 35mm f/1.4, and a Nikkor 300mm f/4.5 EDIF from my inventory. I have been tracking the mallards that are currently populating the linear parkway that I like to walk between Roop and Saliman. I was hopeful for some Sun on the fowl because of the colors and shimmer that they carry.

It was a bit cold with the northerly wind, but I was warm enough moving. I really do not care for the city noise and should have put in my earpods and then them to quiet. But, I did not and dealt with the background noise until I hit the parkway.

Of course, a cloud popped up and blocked the Sun a good portion of my walk. I also should have set the ISO on the camera to 1,000 or so or should have set the shutter speed to 1,000th of a second as many of my captures were not quite sharp. I will get it next time.

Of the lot, this is my favorite capture. I did a little post-processing in PhotoLab 7 to bring the color up a little and sharpen the image just a little. I was not quite getting the hairy eyeball, but I was definitely being watched.

Life is good. I am grateful.

Cloudy Mt. McLellan

I need to get my geography straight. I do not know if this is McLellan or Scott. In any event, nn walkies, I noticed the between the sky and Mt. McLellan. I made the capture with the Fujifilm X-T5 and the Fujinon 60mm f/2.4 macro lens at f/8. The capture is traight out of camera with Reggie’s HP5 film simulation.

Here is another capture from a couple of days ago. I really like the rendering of the HP-5 film simulation. Shot with Fuji X-T5 and the Fujinon 60mm f/2.4 Macro lens.

Slide Mountain

On walkies, I noticed the clouds over Slide Mountain. I made the capture with the Fujifilm X-T5 and the Fujinon 60mm f/2.4 macro lens at f/8. Later I noticed the fascinating blob of shadow low center. The capture is traight out of camera with Reggie’s HP5 film simulation.

The Girl and I got out of the house about noon yesterday. I worked/puttered much of the morning, never really wanting to make breakfast. Then I decided I needed biscuits and gravy. So I took care of her needs and we headed over to The Red Hut so I could have The Usual (biscuits & gravy and eggs).

We then headed out to Silver Saddle Ranch for a hike. The sky was partly cloudy and I liked the contrast of sky and clouds. I noticed some clouds crawling over the Sierra Ridge and how they hung on Slide Mountain. There was also a bit of snow from the last storm. So, I paused to make a couple of captures.

I like this one. The blob of shadow catches the eye.

The Girl is managing her energy, but just barely. Once she gets through the surgery, it will become more difficult for her as she feels better. It will be alright, though. We will manage.

Despite her faults, she is a good companion. I am grateful. Life is good.