FUJIFILM X‑Photographer Jonas Rask’s work tends to focus on human behavior and how it is influenced and framed by the urban environment. This style relies heavily on being able to observe a moment, without affecting the way it unfolds. With such a unique feature set, FUJIFILM X‑Pro3 proved to be his perfect tool.

 

“Using X‑Pro3 is such a pleasurable and unique experience. It’s unlike any camera on the market today,” says Jonas. “It’s a camera that does so many things right. A camera that’s reduced itself to the essential photographic parameters I need to create my art.”

 

This idea of distilling a camera down to its bare essentials to create the perfect tool has particularly resonated with Jonas, who describes it as a camera that offers an intuitive, no-frills shooting experience while utilizing advanced technology. “Although it retains a classic design concept on the outside, the inside is packed with powerful technology,” he tells us. “On the street, my ability to react within milliseconds of spotting a situation is crucial and using it in these fast-paced situations was as easy as ever – X‑Pro3’s focusing ability is impressive to say the least.”

After testing the camera in his home city of Aarhus in Denmark, Jonas took it with him on a trip to Madrid in Spain where he set out to explore more than just the city’s streets. Jonas was keen to delve into the concept of legacy as, while X‑Pro3 is a modern camera, it honors Fujifilm’s history in the industry.

 

“Madrid is an old city, with a long and proud history and I wanted to use this as a backdrop for capturing situations or scenes that would somehow make the concept of legacy and heritage apparent,” says Jonas. “Both in terms of features, such as the new CLASSIC Neg. Film Simulation mode that closely resembles the look of FUJIFILM Superia 100 film, and the titanium body that takes its cues from the FUJIFILM TX‑1 panoramic film camera, X‑Pro3 is a modern camera with a clear reference to Fujifilm’s strong heritage.”

 

One example of this concept can be seen in Jonas’ favorite image in the set, which is particularly personal to him. “I really like the shot of the two men in similar earth‑colored jackets with their hands folded behind their backs. It was a rainy day, so the sides of all the booths at the El Rastro flea market in downtown Madrid were covered in plastic,” he explains. “A lot of elderly men assume this pose when they wander the city. My grandfather did, and whenever I see other people doing the same it instantly reminds me of him. I guess that is part of his legacy to me.”

For Jonas, street photography is a form of escape, and a way to find order in the hustle and bustle of modern life. “It’s about finding a place of solace, a place of zen. On the streets I can step back and observe in silence, not interrupting,” he reveals. “This is in contrast to my very hectic day job as a doctor where direct communication, action, and interaction are key factors.”

 

This focus on experiencing the moment at hand as it unfolds is exactly the reason why Jonas fell in love with X‑Pro3, particularly its hidden 180° tilting LCD touchscreen. “I love the way it makes me shoot without paying too much attention to what I’ve just shot, but instead making me focus more on what I’m about to shoot,” he explains. “The fold-down mechanism for when you need low-angle shots is incredibly intuitive, fast, and practical,” he adds.

 

The out‑of‑camera results have also struck a chord with Jonas, specifically the new CLASSIC Neg. Film Simulation mode. “I simply have no words to describe how fantastic it is. It gives a look to my images that I love,” he enthuses. “Since using X‑Pro3, I have never spent so little time post‑processing my files.”

 

All this said, it is the way X‑Pro3 makes Jonas feel that matters most. “Picking up a tool that you connect with will make you want to use it more. In turn, it will end up being used in situations where photographic opportunities present themselves. I have been carrying a camera with me everywhere for the past seven years. Even to the supermarket, or to pick up the kids from school,” he chuckles. “You never know when opportunities present themselves, so having a camera with you that you feel good about using makes a world of difference.”

 

Jonas believes this idea of feeling is what makes photography such an enduring medium. “I think what is key is the emotion that you get from a photograph, because emotion is universal and it will always be timeless,” he says. “My primary reason for shooting has always been to escape into a place where I can achieve peace of mind; a place of relaxation from day-to-day stress. But over the years I have heard from an ever-increasing crowd that my images inspire them to go out and photograph. If that is truly the case, then it makes me very proud. I consider it a great achievement.

 

“This is in many ways a dream camera for me,” concludes Jonas. “It’s not a camera for everyone, nor should it be. It’s a camera that emphasizes pure enjoyable photographic experience while oozing quality craftmanship and attention to detail.”

 

He adds: “X‑Pro3 is a camera that I want to carry with me everywhere. It’s a camera that brings me a lot of joy to use and, ultimately, for me, that is what it is all about.”

 

X-Pro3 is now available to buy across the USA. Read the full specifications here, or contact your nearest FUJIFILM Authorized Dealer.

Having a camera with you that you feel good about using makes a world of difference.

About The Photographer


Jonas Rask is an official FUJIFILM X‑Photographer, based in Denmark. His unique style of street and documentary photography focuses particularly on the human form and how it contrasts with the harshness of the urban environment.

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