I replaced the Hoya UV filter I had on the X100T with a new B+W 49mm XS-Pro filter. The B+W seems to be a lot less reflective than the Hoya – at some angles, you can’t even tell there is a filter over the lens. It’s very nice!
My preferred way to carry the X100T around is to not use a lens cap. However, I am worried about scratches and having to wipe the lens element so I have a filter on it for protection. Plus I worry less about wiping or scratching the filter. The reason I had the Hoya UV on there was that it was a leftover filter from another lens that I had. But I really wanted to get the best filter possible (and I don’t care about UV). On my DSLR lenses, I preferred to use a lens cap, and no filter, but the X100T is different in that I carry it around with me almost all the time and don’t want the hassle of dealing with the lens cap if I want to take a quick snap. So I got the highest-rated protective filter as to reduce as much distortion/flare as possible. Plus, knowing I got the filter I really wanted, and did not compromise, gives me peace of mind and no regrets!
I’ve been enjoying my new camera for two-and-a-half months now and I finally settled into a good system… so I present my Fujifilm X100T set-up. (I don’t cover my software settings here, but will in the future)
When looking for a new camera, I wanted something fast and discreet. The X100T fit the bill and when I had to choose between the silver/black version or the all-black, it was easy. Of course both versions are beautiful but I was aiming to make mine ‘invisible’ and the all-black was closest. To make it even more nondescript I cut some gaffers tape to cover up all the white lettering on the top. I also covered the T mark on the front and the LED light on the back. Lastly, I took black paint pen to the white lettering on the lens filter and hood. As you can see, it’s quite stealthy! And also a bit shabby, which makes it unattractive to thieves. (In addition, I keep the camera in ‘silent mode’ which disables audio beeps, flash, and AF assist lamp)
Photo info: SONY SLT-A77V, 50mm, f/3.5, 1/90 sec, ISO1250 Front of the X100T
On the rear of the camera, I added a little frog sticker that I put on just about all of my personal electronics. It’s there to remind me that I should be having fun in whatever I do. You can also see a small question mark sticker. That is to remind myself to ask some simple photo-related questions before I take photos: “Is there a clear subject? Is there fore-, mid-, and background? High or low angle?”
Photo info: SONY SLT-A77V, 50mm, f/3.5, 1/90 sec, ISO1250 Rear of the X100T
For my accessories, I have a convex soft-shutter release which screws into the shutter button. I added a little Loctite so that it doesn’t unscrew. I love this little accessory! It makes snapping photos a much more enjoyable experience, and also I believe it reduces camera shake. I highly recommend getting one!
I used to have a Thumbs Up Grip that attached to the hot-shoe and adds a nice stable place to rest your thumb. It made carrying and operating the camera with one hand much more secure. But I removed it because when I carry the camera across by body using the neck/shoulder strap (which is just about always), that thumbgrip just digs into my side. It’s just too annoying.
Speaking of the strap, I don’t use the one that came with the camera because it has a white logo on it (trying to be discreet, right?) and also because it is too uncomfortable. The edges are a bit sharp. So I am using a simple fake leather strap that came with a half-case I bought for my XF1. I am keeping my eye out for a cheap leather strap, but nothing perfect has come along yet. I adjusted the strap’s length so that it can be slung across my body.
Lastly, I put B+W 49mm XS-Pro Clear filter on the front of the lens for protection. When I am walking around with my camera, I don’t use a lens cap but simply keep the UV filter on there. It’s much faster that way. And for the record, I do have a lens shade/hood that came with the filter adapter, but I don’t use it. It’s too big. (I use a lens cap when I put the camera in a bag though)
So that’s it! My everyday set-up. The X100T is already a great platform for quick and discreet shooting but the customizations make it even better!
I haven’t gone for a run for about a month now. There’s nothing wrong with me physically; I haven’t had the motivation or desire. Sunday, though, I found some motivation and had time, but instead of running I decided to just walk. And also I left my phone at home and took my camera. I’ve run this same route around the neighborhood many times so everything is familiar to me and I wondered if I would find anything of interest to photograph. My initial thought was that I wouldn’t take any pictures but surprisingly, I did see a few things that I wanted to preserve to pixels. Here are three of the photos I made:
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/8, 1/160 sec, ISO200 USA. Texas. Cedar Park. 2015
There’s a neighborhood pond and fountain that some people fish at but because of the drought, it has been pretty low. Still, there was enough water to support all the plant life there.
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/8, 1/60 sec, ISO250 USA. Texas. Cedar Park. 2015
The most interesting part of this route is a path that runs through a wooded area. The late-afternoon light filtering through the leaves was pretty nice.
Photo info: FUJIFILM X100T, 23mm, f/8, 1/60 sec, ISO640 USA. Texas. Cedar Park. 2015
My first walk while taking the camera was a positive experience. I guess it was kind of an experiment too… would I be able to convert this exercise-focused running route into a photo-walk route? The answer is yes! It’s exciting because it kind of opens up more possibilities for photo-walks. And I also benefit with a bit of exercise, fresh air, and sunshine!
