I started using FUJIFILM X Series cameras ten years ago, with the FUJIFILM X-Pro1 finding a way to my heart very quickly. I had reached a point in my photography where I wasn’t creating very much, because I hated the weight and size of my kit. So, I purchased the X-Pro1, together with the XF14mmF2.8 R lens, and ditched all my other equipment, choosing to work with the one camera and one lens. It was my goal to relearn photography and rediscover what I enjoyed.
The purchase of this retro-looking camera that produced gorgeous images was a breath of fresh air – it changed my photography completely over the following six months. I loved the intimacy, ease of use, simple menu system and high-quality lens. It wasn’t long before I added an extra couple of XF optics to my bag and really started engaging with the range.
Photo 2022 © Paul Sanders | FUJIFILM GFX100S and GF110mmF2 R LM WR, 240 sec at F9, ISO 100
Fujifilm followed the X-Pro1 with the X-T1. It had the look and feel of a my old analogue SLR, but with a familiar menu and beautiful electronic viewfinder that immediately had me hooked. I exchanged the X-Pro1 and bought two X-T1s. I then started talking to Fujifilm about the cameras and their functionality.
I was amazed when they asked me to join a secret design meeting to talk through the ideas for the development of the FUJIFILM X-Pro2. The fact that this company listened to me was incredible – many features I desperately wanted were included, so when I got the prototype, I was instantly in love. However, while testing, I managed to smash it to pieces on the seafront at Lyme Regis. In high winds, I was holding an umbrella to shield the camera from the sea, but it resulted in a very embarrassing call to FUJIFILM UK to explain my clumsiness. They were very gracious about the accident, but I haven’t been handed the only existing prototype of a new camera since – can’t imagine why!
With the launch of the FUJIFILM X-T2 came bigger files, better focusing, and a mental acknowledgement that I was fully committed to Fujifilm. The only personal drawback was my preference for a square aspect ratio in-camera. This meant that of the 26.1 megapixels available, I was only using 17. I’ve always photographed on medium format of some description, and when the FUJIFILM GFX50S was announced, I knew that I would be leaving my X Series kit behind in favour of its big brother. I now have the even bigger brother, the FUJIFILM GFX100S.
But what is it about the entire range of Fujifilm cameras, from X Series to GFX System, that I am most in love with? Well, firstly, the files that come from the sensors honour Fujifilm’s heritage of colour, celluloid and print media. The cameras create images with a feeling of life – the files have so much soul and energy. This is key, because I always felt that other cameras got in the way of my photography. A camera that allows you to see and feel the image as you compose it is very special. It’s like an extension of my eye and heart.
Photo 2022 © Paul Sanders | FUJIFILM X-T1 and XF10-24mmF4 R OIS, 20 sec at F16, ISO 200
This is how I photograph – with heart. And that’s what Fujifilm has made possible for me, ever since X Series led me to happiness a decade ago.
