Fujifilm FinePix X100 USA Delivery Update

From Fujifilm North America Corporation

We would like to thank you for your kind thoughts and support as we deal with the affects of the
earthquake and tsunami that struck the northeastern region of Japan.  This has been
a difficult time for the people and manufacturers in Japan, and we will continue to work through the challenges and keep you apprised of issues that may affect your business.

We want to take this opportunity to provide you with up-to-date information about Fujifilm.  Fortunately, no employees were injured, but our six major factories sustained minimal damage.  A number of smaller factories had minor damage as well.  Also, due to the general conditions in the country, some distribution issues have been encountered.

The digital imaging business, except for the FinePix X100, remains unaffected.  Due to the safety concerns after the earthquake of Northeast Japan, the factory responsible for production of the new Fujifilm FinePix X100 digital camera was temporarily shut down, but has now resumed production.  FUJIFILM will start supplying the overseas market at the end of April.

The Tokyo Electric Power Company continues rolling black-outs and some risk from the nuclear power plant remains. Fujifilm is currently assessing if there are any other issues that could impact our manufacturing and domestic logistics in the future. Again, FUJIFILM appreciates your patience, and we will try our best to provide uninterrupted service and delivery.  

In addition, to help assist those who have been affected by this disaster, FUJIFILM Corporation announced a relief package to aid in the recovery efforts.  FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation will make a donation of approximately 300 million yen ($3.7M), and an additional 470 million yen ($5.7M) worth of relief supplies.  In North America, Fujifilm has identified AmeriCares ® and the Canadian Red Cross to receive donations for relief.  I know you join us in extending heartfelt wishes for the swift recovery and restoration of the affected communities

Fujifilm FinePix X100 Shipping Update and Images

I've been shooting the X100 and so far I am very pleased with the production model performance.  The only issue we will all be waiting on is the RAW conversion in Aperture, Photoshop and other programs.  Right now I have to work with Silkypix and the software included with the camera.  Not ideal but it works well - just not my current workflow.  So for now I'm shooting RAW+JPEG.

I just found out that the X100 will ship in the USA in about 4 weeks.  So the end of April they will hit the stores.  I know there is a great anticipation and I'm looking forward to the USA launch.  If you have any requests please sign in and post them and I'll do my best to answer them.

The below images are done at ISO 320 - 2500 & 1600 - in that order.

Fujifilm FinePix X100 Un-Boxing

The X100 arrives - here are the details.

Weekly Email 3-25-11 Super Moon Over NYC

This week we all probably heard about the Super Moon.  A time when the Moon is closest to the Earth in its orbit.  I grabbed a little info from the web on it and here's the blurb -

"On March 19, 2011 the Moon will pass by Earth at a distance of 356,577 kilometers (221,567 miles) – the closest pass in 18 years . In my world, this is known as lunar perigee and a normal lunar perigee averaging a distance of 364,397 kilometers (226,425 miles) happens.   According to astrologer, Richard Nolle, this month’s closer than average pass is called an Extreme SuperMoon" Tammy Plotner http://www.universetoday.com/83960/march-19-2011-supermoon-or-superhype/

I figured this would be a good photo op if the skies were clear, and they were very clear - so I headed over to Hoboken to catch the NYC skyline.  The main issue many know when shooting the moon is that it is lit by the sun and we are entering the night sky.  Thus the exposures of the two don't match up.  So back in the day photogs would double expose the image - or in the digital age perhaps cut and paste.

These images show how the moon was shining bright and overexposed and properly exposed.

Have a great weekend.

Brandon

FinePix S200EXR
Moon over water - F/7.1 @ 13 seconds
Moon alone - F/5.6 @ 1/30
Empire alone - F/5.3 @ 1.0 second

Sharpness is an issue when shooting for long exposures (in the wind) and a 436mm focal length.

Fujifilm FinePix X100 Bulb Shooting Counter

I'm looking forward to getting my production sample tomorrow and will post more info as I unpack and get the new camera rocking!

Fujifilm FinePix X100 AF Assist in Manual Focus

The AF assist function in the X100 Manual focus mode is a good item to know about when you are in tough focusing situations or want a quick grab shot in manual focus mode.

Fujifilm FinePix X100 ISO 5000

Yesterday I was shooting some images of a friend's baby and what was nice to try was the high ISO of the X100, as well as the silence of the camera.   I shot this image only a few inches from her head as you can see - no flash and virtually no shutter sound ( f/3.6 @ 1/200).  This is from a jpeg image and I haven't done any work except a touch of brightening.  I'm excited to shoot more images at high ISO.

Weekly Email 3-18-11 Night Curves

This week while walking around the piers on the west side highway I noticed a nice pattern of twilight between the overhead highway ramps.
The beauty of the new FinePix X100 camera I am using is that due to its size and ability I am able to shoot this image at 1/7th of a second at f/2.0 @ ISO 1600 handheld.  Not a normal exposure for a point 'n shoot style camera, so having a steady hand can be key for a sharp image.

Fujifilm FinePix X100 Night Shots F/2.0

Last night I decided to only use the X100 at F/2.  I varied my ISO from 1000-2000 and mostly shot at 2000.
You can see in the names of the files which ISO they are shot at.  These are grab shots which I get asked about - can the camera work under that situation....

TheX100 is proving to be a fun camera to shoot and is an easy camera to fall for.  I am still using a beta unit, so there are a few tweaks needed and these are all unadjusted jpegs.  No (un)sharpening in any program applied.

I expect to have my final version unit next week and look forward to working with it and sharing some info.  Click for larger image if you like.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 7s Close-Up Lens

Good news for folks who wanted a close-up lens for their Instax Mini 7s camera.  Fujifilm (USA) now has the close-up adapter in stock.  List price is $14.95 and I expect it should show up in dealers soon.  This has been a great accessory who's arrival is overdue.
Instax Mini 7S Close-Up lens Part # 15999996

Weekly Email 3-12-11 Looking up in Vegas

My travels took me back to Vegas this week and no matter where you go in Vegas the senses are always alive with activity.

A couple of my favorite indoor and outdoor scenes are here for you to take in.  The theme was look up since I always find myself doing that there.

Shot with the FinePix X100 at  iso 800 for the Aria water and iso 1000 for the other two.