Thoughts From My Camera: March 2015

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Fujifilm XF56mm F1.2 APD Lens Aperture Range #2

XF50-140 Lens

I briefly took a look at the APD lens in an earlier post here -
http://brandonremler.blogspot.com/2014/12/fujinon-xf56mm-f12-r-apd.html
This lens is a specialty optic which gives a super creamy bokeh when used at wide open apertures.
A great pairing for the lens is the X-T1 since it allows super high shutter speeds up to 1/32,000 which is needed at F1.2 when in bright light. Of course an ND filter is included with the lens should you prefer that option. Here on the beach this week I tried a quick series of aperture runs. The temp was about 30 degrees F, but the sun was bright so the shutter speed eventually reached 1/13,000th in the series. Previously not possible with most standard cameras. The use of the electronic shutter option allows this type of super high exposure.
Here is a quick three shot range of F1.2 & 6.4 & 16. Of course the lighting wasn't ideal for a portrait - but the effect is there. The background is much less distracting (to me) on the wide open version.

I also did a full range look so you can see how the background drops out and the subject is isolated.
Here the range is full stops -
F - 1.2 - 2.0 - 2.8 - 4.0 - 5.6 - 8.0 - 11 - 16
Click to enlarge.

See the lens full details at www.fujifilmusa.com
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I am an employee of FUJIFILM North America Corporation.

The statements, comments and opinions expressed here represent my own, personal views and are not endorsed by, or affiliated in any way with, FUJIFILM North America Corporation or its affiliates.
bremler@fujifilm.com

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Travel to Las Vegas WPPI - Part Two

Heading out to the desert and Lake Mead is a great ride! Wide open spaces and beautiful blue sky country. On the way Hector grabbed this highway shot of us enjoying the convertible.

Getting to the edge of the water you can see the ultra clear lake water.

After the lake we headed back up to Nelson. A great spot which can only be explained as a shooting mega for photographers. Old town style set up with lots of neat scenery.

I am an employee of FUJIFILM North America Corporation.

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Travel to Delray Florida via the Centurion Club

Many of us know airports are not usually a place we look forward to visiting. Sure they are the go-between for vacations and work travel - but usually not a pleasant place to hang out. That has changed now! Well at least for a few airports where American Express has opened the Centurion Clubs.

http://thecenturionlounge.com

These clubs make the arrival to the airport a joy. Amazing food, great beverages and a comfortable place to kick back and enjoy that time before your flight. Fill up and relax before the crazy boarding process with a smile! The clubs I visit are in LGA and Vegas. On the way to and from these places you can partake in the comfort they offer. For this visit - next stop was PBI for a quick weekend in Delray Beach Florida. A nice town with a vibrant winter community and hopping downtown scene for snowbirds seeking some warmth.

The morning flight to Florida took us up and to the west over the Hudson and in the distance you can see the George Washington Bridge. This is a similar route that the folks took in the famous landing on the Hudson years earlier....

Landing in Florida early led to a lunch time walk downtown where the area shows vibrant artful chairs - classic old architecture and plenty of new buildings replacing old.

The beach had some of these interesting yet dangerous jellyfish washed up. These are Man O'War jellies who are not to be messed with! A fascinating animal.
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/portuguese-man-of-war/