I know that quite a few photographers criticise Fujifilm for riding the wave of retro-style cameras. Some would even go so far as to say that this is their core business and that they offer a Leica-like look for those who can’t afford a Leica. Just look at the Fujifilm X100 or the X-pro, but that would be a rather facile shortcut. Besides, there’s nothing wrong with taking inspiration from the best, is there? In 2016 I bought myself a Fujifilm X-E2. It was my ticket into the hybrid world. I don’t regret that purchase. If you’ve been following me since I started out, you’ll know that I started out on the street with this camera. It was with this camera that I got to grips with Zone Focusing. Since then I’ve fallen into the Ricoh GR(D) sphere and I use the Fujifilm X-E2 more sporadically. To tell you the truth, I now mainly use it at family gatherings or on holiday.
For a very long time, I only had the XF 18 mm f2. Obviously, I bought this focal length for Street Photography. Since then, I’ve bought myself a 35mm f0.95. I’d been so blown away by John Harper‘s photos with his Noctilux that I decided to invest in this focal length. A mere €160 for a lens that, in my opinion, is really very good. It’s a non-AF lens and we don’t have the aperture information in the EXIFs of the photos either. As a result of using this lens, I’ve become quite quick at manual focus, even at f0.95. This is quite tricky because focusing errors are unforgiving at such large apertures. Until now, I didn’t see the point of closing the aperture, but on our last holiday, I had some fun changing the aperture to gain depth of field. At f8 or f11, focusing is less critical and I even think it’s possible to do street photography with this 35mm. Henri Cartier Bresson photographed well with a 50mm mounted on his Leica M6, didn’t he?
I didn’t tell you, but I just passed the half-century mark last week. Several weeks ago, Gwen was bugging me to suggest some gift ideas for this event. Of course, I had no idea. I have to confess that I’m a very happy man. I have a lovely wife and two endearing little monsters. OK, but I’m not sure that Gwen was thinking of offering me a new wife or a new child… Even materially, I don’t feel like I’m lacking anything. As I couldn’t find anything, I decided to upgrade my Fujifilm X-E2 to a more recent version: the Fujifilm X-E4, released in 2021. A 26MP camera, whereas mine is only 16MP. Over 50% more MP! Well yes, that promises better performance at high ISO. I’m not a guy who fantasises about more and more MP. In fact, I use a Ricoh GRD IV with 10 MP for street photography … But I don’t know why, I’ve started to become fixated on the Fujifilm X-E4. Why the X-E4 instead of another Fujifilm hybrid? Simply because this camera is compact. Not as compact as the Ricoh GRD, but it’s the smallest interchangeable lens camera on offer from Fujifilm.
It’s worth noting that this camera is no longer available for sale. 2 years after its launch, this is quite astonishing. It would appear that sales have not lived up to Fujifilm’s expectations. This camera, initially sold for €900 new, is now being offered for over €1,000 second-hand on leboncoin! If you take a look at Ebay, prices are skyrocketing even for unused cameras. On several occasions I was ready to go for it, but each time a little voice asked me if I really needed it, or if it was just a manifestation of G.A.S. (Gear Acquisition Syndrome).
During my last holiday with Gwen and the children, I realised that the Fujifilm X-E2, although 7 years old, is still a hell of a camera for the use I put it to. Manufacturers are pushing us to consume more and more (useless) features, with ever-increasing MPs. Always more power. But frankly, when I see the photos produced by my old Fujifilm X-E2, I don’t see what 10 extra MP could offer me!
My most sensible purchase in recent years was not a camera body but the 7Artisan 35mm f0.95. I’ve already written a few blogs about this lens and, frankly, I love using it and it’s given me a new taste for manual focusing. Well, I didn’t really have a choice with this non-AF lens … But frankly, I seriously think it’s better to invest in good quality lenses than to rush out and buy the latest cameras with lots of MP. Over the last few holidays, we spent a few days in a beautiful hotel in the south of the island and we also went hiking in one of the most magical places on Réunion: the Bélouve forest. I took the opportunity to take out my Fujifilm X-E2 with the 35mm f0.95. Quite frankly, it made me not want to invest €1,000!
I think the photos are just sublime. I certainly had some beautiful models and the locations were magnificent. But there was also the handling. The Fujifilm X-E2 is pleasant to use and its EVF (Electronic ViewFinder) is very good as long as you have good light. When it’s darker, it pixelates a lot. But even in the forest, with sometimes borderline brightness, I had no problem focusing.
Getting back to Street Photography, 50mm seems too tight a focal length for me. I’ve already tried the 40mm (27mm from Fujifilm) and I also found it a little too narrow. That’s when an idea popped into my head. For the 28mm, I have the Ricoh GRD IV. I went looking for a 35mm. The 23mm would give me a 35mm equivalent (24×36) for my Fujifilm X-E2. And basically turn it into a Fujifilm X100 at a lower cost. OK, I won’t have the OVF (Optical ViewFinder). I found an Artisan 23mm f1.4 lens for €80! That seems a ridiculous price to me, even though the lens isn’t AF. I went to see some tests and they were pretty good. A little vignetting and not quite as sharp at F1. 4. But from f2.8, the lens is very good. So, in the absence of a birthday present, I ordered this lens for myself for Christmas.
Even though I really enjoy using the 35mm (50mm in 24×36 equivalent) on 7Artisan, as I said above, I felt that this focal length was too ‘tight’. A 23mm (35mm 35×36 equivalent) would be more versatile and would mean I wouldn’t have to juggle between the wide angle of the Ricoh GRD IV and the 35mm Fujifilm X-E2 when I’m taking photos of my little family. And I’m also itching to try out the 23mm in the street. I’m sure it’s just the novelty of it, and if it turns out to be the case, I’ll never get used to it. But I’m convinced that it’s the ideal all-round focal length for my family photos.
One thing’s for sure, if I’m still trying out different focal lengths, the Fujifilm X-E2 is still, in 2023, a superb camera with its “only” 16 MP!
All photos were taken with the Fujifilm X-E2 | 7Artisan 35 mm f0.95
Happy belated birthday Jeff! Great shots … very analogue-ish in atmosphere, just lovely.
Thanks Deborah. It’s funny that your say that. Not about my birthday but about that analogue atmosphere. I think that it’s because I make photos differently when I ‘m shooting with the X-E2. Firstly I use the viewfinder and secondly the 50 mm force me to have a more classic composition. Anyway I like this approach
Happy Birthday old boy! You’ve got it all, a beautiful family and a talent for photography whatever tool you choose to do the mechanical bit of rendering what you see.
Lenses are worth investing in, cameras aren’t. That Noctilux is worth more second hand/used than I paid seven years ago. Imagine someone saying “Here’s a lens, it very expensive, but use it for seven years and I’ll give you £500 when you’re done”.
These photos are sublime. Absolutely.
Thanks John !
Judging by my choice to stick with the old Fuji X-E2, I might say that definitely I’m getting wiser. I learnt from the best to document my family’s life. By the way, as I don’t see any blogs from you, I had to hijack Gwen’s smartphone to see that you have a lot of material to write something. Cats, fishermen, stripes men …
Leica are a good investment as you can sell second hand with a high price and Leica users are usualy careful people. Imagine myself with a Leica near a swimming pool getting splashed ! Who would buy a camera and a lens from me ? I’m sure that Leica has banned my name. This guy would make no good to our brand ! Look at what he did to Ricoh ! The brand is sinking since he used the Ricoh GR(D) !
There will be a blog. I’ll try and write it up at the weekend. It’s having the time and inclination.
My Leica is very worn and the lenses are a little worse for wear. Of course, we actually use are cameras Jeff. Lots of Leica people just leave it in the box and look at it occasionally. They’re made to be used, don’t see the point otherwise. It’s just a tool.
Hi Jeff
Thank you for your article and the fantastic photos. I also own an E2 and love it. The only thing I would like with this camera would be a flexibel display.
Hello. thanks ! What do you mean by a flexible display ? an ajustable LCD screen ? I often try to get some weird angles but I get use to the fixed LCD screen. love the X-E2 but my camera is rfeally getting old and has some flaws. Of i had to change it I would go for an X-E4 despite the lack of pop up flash. Apparently the X-E5 is supposed to be relased in 2025, but the only good point is that it will make the X-E4 more affordable on second hand !