Fujifilm cameras sometimes may look trendy or even lack some high-tech features to other brands but after sometime using an amazing Fujifilm camera (X-Pro3), here's what I've found out about my photography genre and my reasons for this path.

My Fujifilm journey may not be different from others: I wondered about the hype and loyalty for this brand or why did people remain for so long with this brand?

In our fast-paced world, many Fujifilm cameras from 5 to 10 years ago just remain popular (along all the X line). Why do people keep them for so long when new models with impressive features are released, and why do those cameras retain such high value over time aside amazing built quality?

At the time, as a Canon and Sony user, I wanted to try a lighter gear setup and rediscover the joy or explore full manual mode photography.

I wasn't sure if I'd be willing to give up my Canon camera and fine lenses but my back was in pain from carrying them all that time too.

So I bought a Fujifilm X-Pro3 camera giving it a try to a new experience and maybe change a bit my photography style and focus more on deeper connections with my subjects. My aim was to not worry so much about getting perfect shots or using fancy features, so this camera indeed helps me capture emotions and atmosphere with its analog feel. It's like driving a manual gear car on a mountain road, where the driver's judgment matters more than following empiric rules.

I wanted to enjoy the act of photographing rather than be obsessed over results. This camera made me want to go out and take photos, have fun, but also allowed me to discovered other interesting aspects of photography too: I could simulate old film trough film “recipes” (and that’s Fujifilm core), I started to use manual and vintage lenses on it, I started to enjoy more black and white photography alongside with color.

I shifted to a more dynamic style, exploring more urban life and cultures. I was in the pursuit of more real and organic images, not so clinical ones. My journey led me to a deeper purpose and more authentic results (or at least felt like it to me). A camera transformed me as a photographer and person, allowing me to see the world differently, to enjoy the present moment more, or just look to capture unique expressions. It's the Fujifilm character,  that  look and feel. Some may say is the hardware or the X-Trans sensor. I do believe it’s the sum of many aspects that turn to a concept; a product usability that changes you, a tool that inspires you to go out and be creative.

Do I get bad photos this way? Sure! Sometimes I don't set up my camera correctly on time; I may get wrongly exposed or unfocused results. But I also capture unique photos I couldn't get with any other method or camera, I would miss those for sure while searching for perfection, or I would be going too fast and those opportunities would be out of my scope. Or maybe having that images, those wouldn't have that look and feel if they were shot with clinical intention and processed to perfection.

Is my camera versatile for travel, portrait, events, other?

The X-Pro3 can attach (i.e) a Fujifilm zoom lens (XF 16-80F4 OIS WR) with 24-120mm coverage, 6 stops of image stabilisation, weather sealed (body and lens) and I do have a perfect auto-focus setup for travel, I just focus on my family and enjoy the trip. I do also setup my camera with a Godox TT350 speedlite flash and/or Godox X1 remote flash trigger. That allows me to be confident and shoot an event if needed (just switch from hybrid analog to fast digital). So yes, my camera is amazingly versatile and capable out of manual/semi-manual modes too. I just go full tech mode with single shoot mode or tracking, use continuous focus or face recognition, setup focus zone points, use dual card slot (JPG/RAW, Dual backup), use burst shooting when needed or when travelling I use GPS info on photos. I can use any other top functions that Sony, Canon or Nikon would promote on their flagships.

Without being much more technical, is there where the setup ends?

No, Fujifilm has a lot more to offer: We do also have a line of prime lenses that are amazingly light and small. Knowned as “fujicrons”: 16, 18, 23, 35, 50mm with auto-focus and weather sealed most of them with apertures between f/2 and f/2.8 and decently good for lowlight (fast) and sharp. Also if you want to go lightweight, inconspicuous, and want to be one man lens, I could suggest the Fujifilm 27mm 2.8 WR and there we are with a small walk-around pancake lens on a work horse camera.

So what’s about that manual focus story?

I’m tracing the manual focus path to develop personal knowledge and have fun on street and documentary photography. I do not consider myself adept of any particular style. I’m enjoying this moment while challenge myself mostly with brands such as TTArtisan where we can get amazing lenses for a fraction of the price of other brands and allowing lots of fun with consistent results (manual focus lenses are cheeper anyway).

As conclusion, a Fujifilm camera is not necessarily superior to other cameras and is not alone on this genre as brand (or yes, if price wise), but it allows you to manually adjust settings like no other camera and that by itself encourages and pushes you for creative freedom and that's when some magic starts to happen.

And all that just makes my journey imperfectly fun 📸