Using the X-Pro2 for macro work

At first, the X-Pro2 wouldn’t be the first choice for the macro shooter. Extreme parallax at macro distances renders the optical viewfinder useless, and other users will berate the absence of screen that tilts. But there are a few features in the newest line of fuji cameras that may make you think twice before dismissing the X-Pro2 altogether. 

First up, weather sealing. Have you ever leant on your elbows in the grass to take a photo when it’s over twenty Celsius? It gets hot down there, and humid. That’s transpiration. It’s what you feel when plants breathe out. It’s reassuring to know that none of it will be fogging up your camera’s innards later. And yes, that has happened to me before. 

Then there is the other viewfinder option: EVF. There’s a huge difference in the way the EVF feels in the X-Pro2 to the majority of the models that came before it. It’s slick, it’s crisp, and it feels very responsive, due to a high refresh rate. 

As I’ve stated earlier, you will be using the EVF for macro work, as when you get really close, the parallax will mean that no part of your optical finder will allow you to see what you’re shooting. And since we’re talking about macro, you’re unlikely to be using an autofocus mode. 

I’ve come to the X-Pro2 from an X-E2, and I always struggled with the split prism mode in that camera. The X-Pro2 brings an updated version of that mode, and by comparison, it’s sublime. Not only does it add full colour (black and white is still there as an option), it now covers a much larger area than before. It’s as if my rangefinder body has a secret “vintage SLR mode”. 

X-E2 split screen focus assist

X-Pro2 split screen colour focus assist

So why not go for the DSLR stylings of the X-T series, particularly with the recent announcement of the X-T2? Simply put, it’s all about the handling. Macro requires stability. However, small movements also bring large changes. There’s something to be said for being able to reach every button with the same hand, while your supporting hand stays put. Once you’ve got used to it, you wonder why you haven’t seen it done more often. 

If like me, you prefer not to work with a tripod, then this camera is a delight. There’s a very organic feel to the grain that is produced by Fuji cameras, so it’s really not something to worry about. I may look at ISO ratings as a matter of curiosity, but really, it’s just not something you think about. 

If I’m using a flash, then I’ll set the sync speed and the flash power to suit, pick my aperture and let the camera change the ISO on the fly. And because of the small form factor, I find that I really can work around my subject for the best composition, in a way that wouldn’t be possible on a tripod  or with a large, heavy camera body. If you’re mixing flash with ambient light, the ISO lattitude is so good that high ratings won’t cause you over-scrutinise a shot for grain. 

 It’s also a camera that demands good technique. The fact that it doesn’t have a tilting screen means that more often than not, it’s going to be resting against your face, where it will be nice and stable.

Incidentally, none of these images were taken with a Fuji lens, because I don’t own the Fuji macro. What I do have is a 35 year old 55mm macro lens that used to belong to my grandfather, and a couple of extension tubes. Because another bonus of mirrorless cameras is the ability to stick almost any lens on it. Which means that the legendary Canon MPE-65 may yet find a way into my kit in the future without another system change. 

Now, personally, I think that the recently announced decision to cease production of a 120mm 1:1 macro lens in favour of a modest 80mm is a big mistake, especially given how close it is in focal length to the much maligned 60mm macro, but if anyone at Fuji is reading this, I’ll happily put a sample lens through its paces and would love to be proved wrong. I just think that they found a niche in the market, that they have now chosen to ignore. How bright that decision is, remains to be seen. 

However, as in almost every other situation, no part of this camera is a hindrance to the process of getting the shot, and it’ll get into some pretty incredible positions and come out with the goods. I love shooting with this thing, and that’s what it’s all about. 

Grimm & Co. – bringing some magic to Rotherham

Once in a while, I go out looking for photographic interest, and find something that gets me really excited and restores my faith in people.
Rotherham is undergoing something of a renaissance at the moment. It started with improvements to the Imperial Buildings a couple of years ago, and the introduction of a few artisan antique and craft stores, and had gradually progressed down the High Street. It has seen the renovation of many of the building facades, and given a much – needed face-lift to the centre of the town.
That said, I was not expecting the sudden reawakening of my senses upon walking through the door of Grimm & Co.

A few bizarre bylines of text and an array of glass bottles in the window drew me to have a closer look at the cryptically named “Apothecary to the Magical”. On entering, I was instantly aware of a cocktail of aromatic fragrances. However, there was to be no mistake: this was no Body Shop.

Notices in the window of 2 Doncaster Gate, Rotherham.

The various potions and lotions soon gave way to some other, more obscure items: crocks of gold; disenchanted wood, and even giants’ belly button cleaners.

In blue test tubes, Suspension of Disbelief. You could argue that this is a must when entering Grimm & Co.

If this works as beautifully as it smells, it's a bargain...

Knight peelers are also available.

At first glance, it seemed as though this was a quirky storefront built on the success of a certain successful franchise of books and movies, but they more I looked around, the more I got the sense of a far more ambitious design.

The entrance of the Apothecary. Also pictured are Volunteer Coordinator Siobhan and volunteer Cheryl, who despite being very busy, spared all the time they could to tell me about the work of the charity

The Library of Forgotten Books, where children can find someone else's old favourites and take them home for free

The real magic of Grimm and Co. won’t be found on any of their shelves. It’s found in the passion of its volunteers and upstairs in the hidden Imagination Gymnasium, where classes of children eagerly learn the craft of creative writing.
If you need an example of this, there is none better than the “Devious Dictionary” published by Grimm & Co. in conjunction with local schools, and given pride of place on a lecturn in the entrance. Have you returned to an unattended drink to find less than you left? If so, there’s a good chance you’ve just been bakowed.

Deborah Bullivant, Founding Director of Grimm & Co.

This undeniable catalyst for the love of literacy is the brainchild of Deborah Bullivant, founder of Grimm & Co, and lovingly brought to life by a cast of volunteers (significantly, Sheffield-based production company Side By Side, who apparently created the entire look of the venture for a handful of magic beans). The whole enterprise raises funds to enable free workshops which start with play, and end with each child going home with a book which they themselves have written and printed. It’s all an enchanting concept, which appears to have as many adult fans as children.
Any project which encourages reading and writing is one which should be fully embraced, and if you’re in the area, I’d strongly recommend a visit. It’s truly an immersive experience, and there is something new to be found on every visit.

All text written and images taken by David R. Pritchard, on Fuji X100T and X-E2 cameras.

New 365 Photo project

In case you have missed the first few posts, I have a new blog over at thedayszoompast.wordpress.com
In conjunction with Tamron, ephotozine.com have challenged me to take a photo every day for one year, to test the new Tamron 18-270mm Di II VC PZD f/3.5-6.3 superzoom.
It’s challenging my opinion of compact, go-anywhere lenses, and I’ve suggest having a look to anyone who is in the market for an ideal everyday travel lens.