URGENT: Fuji Event

[Mike Farley]

If anyone is interested in the new Fuji cameras, expecially the X-T2, Park Cameras is holding a series of events with Wayne Johns today (10 September) in central London and next weekend (17 September) at Burgess Hill. It is probably too late to get to this morning's session in London, but places still seem to be available this afternoon at 2:30. The events are free if you use the discount code WAYNE-FREE.

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/la ... eras-94630

[davidc]

Just signed up for the 10am at Burgess Hill one next week.

[Mike Farley]

Just signed up for the 10am at Burgess Hill one next week.

Tell Wayne Johns that you are a friend of the heckler at last Saturday afternoon's event in London. That should get you off to a good start.

[davidc]

You? Heckle? Surely not!
What did you do/say?

[Mike Farley]

You? Heckle? Surely not!

Yes, I know, hard to credit. What is more, I told Wayne Johns I was going to do it and I don't think he believed me. His response was that I was up against a seasoned pro. Park Cameras overbooked the event and I ended up sitting behind everyone else. He checked that I was OK and I said yes, as it was easier to heckle.

Despite the assurance that he would give as good as he got and saying he was open to questions, I do not think he was entirely happy when he produced some prints to show how sharp images can be from a Fuji and I asked him to explain his workflow. It is not just about the camera. Basically, all I got was Raw files processed in Capture One Pro and his own special (and secret) sharpening. Not very helpful in my view.

There was also the moment when he banged on about working 16 hour days shooting models. He went on a bit too much, so I said that we all felt for him. Not sure that went down well, either.

[Iggy]

Hi Mike,
Is it worth going to see the Fuji X-T2 @ some £1400 for the body alone, to sit in a crowded Park Camera room?
Perhaps one could get almost as much from the DP review, when it comes out.
By the way, the Fuji S7000 camera (£350, 2003) is the best camera that I ever had for aquarium fish photography and would knock the socks of any slr including the Canon 1D in that capacity!
That should get everyone going!
Iggy

[Mike Farley]

Is it worth going to see the Fuji X-T2 @ some £1400 for the body alone, to sit in a crowded Park Camera room?

Well, I did get a free memory card out of it.

Why not look at it the other way? I now have a couple of superseded Fuji bodies with the 16 megapixel X-Trans sensor which is still current in some of the company's cameras, both bought at bargain basement prices due to their age. On Saturday, keen to demonstrate what Fuji cameras can do, Wayne Johns showed us some large prints made with the older sensor as he did not have sufficient prints from the newer models with the 24 MP one. Most people would be challenged to tell the difference, I would suggest.

The X-T1 was/is a well respected camera and there is no doubt that the X-T2 improves on it in the same way that the X-Pro2 is a step up from the X-Pro1. In fact, given the latter's flaws, quite possibly more so. I like the Fuji cameras and lenses, as they give me what I get my DSLR (sometimes more) without the same bulk. Even the X-Pro1 performs well enough for me in most circumstances. Given that the same sensors tend to get used in a range of models, it is perfectly feasible to get good results with a quality lens on an inexpensive body. I have been doing that for years. In the example you yourself give, it is not always necessary to spend top dollar. If I want the new sensor, it will probably be made available in one or more budget models next year.

So was Saturday's event really worth it? I was going up to town anyway, I got to take pictures of an attractive model and heckle a top photographer. I also tried out some Fuji cameras and lenses, plus I came away knowing I do not urgently need the latest gear. Not to mention the free memory card. What's not to like?

[davidc]

Iggy the rooms in Burgess Hill have a maximum capacity of 8 people. I'm going on Saturday morning

[Mike Farley]

Iggy the rooms in Burgess Hill have a maximum capacity of 8 people. I'm going on Saturday morning

Last Saturday's events in London were supposed to be for a maximum of eight people, but that did not stop Park Cameras cramming more in for the afternoon session in what was a confined space. Park Cameras also failed to provide John's with the background and lighting he requested, so the shots I took have a backdrop depicting a brick wall. Not the most sightly.

[Iggy]

Were the audience invited to shoot images?
Just thinking back to the recent problems at the CCC model photo shoot at the club..........
Iggy