One of my favorite things about shooting with the X100, and now the X100S, is the simplicity that these cameras bring. By embracing the constraints that come with using a single focal length, I can focus completely on subject and composition. This is exactly what I needed this morning when I headed down to Corona del Mar with the X100S and a 10 stop ND filter. Here are three images from today's exercise in simplicity.
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A Morning in La Jolla
During our trip to San Diego last weekend, I took advantage of our proximity to La Jolla by heading out to shoot at sunrise. At around 6:30 Sunday morning, we made our way to Children's Pool Beach where I made a few long exposure photographs of the sea wall and its surrounding areas. Here are a few of the images from our early morning outing that were shot using the X-Pro1 and XF 14mm.
A New 14mm and the Griffith Observatory
I sent my damaged XF 14mm into the Fuji repair center in New Jersey just over three weeks ago. Last week, I received what appears to be a brand new replacement lens. Since the damage was my own fault, I wasn't expecting to get much of a break from Fuji. So you can imagine my surprise when I was offered a 30% discount off a replacement lens. Since I was never in this position with my Canon gear, I can't make any comments on their replacement policy. But this small gesture from Fuji will definitely make me a loyal Fuji user for a long time to come.
Here are a few night time long exposure images shot with my replacement XF 14mm at the Griffith Observatory last weekend.
An Empty Freeway in Downtown LA
I headed to Union Station yesterday without any real idea of what I wanted to photograph. As I wandered around Downtown Los Angeles, I came upon a freeway overpass that I'd driven under countless times. Having never seen the 101 Freeway from this angle, I instantly became mesmerized by the change in perspective. My first instinct (as it usually is these days) was to create some long exposure images of the freeway. With the help of a 10 stop ND filter and several sturdy railings, I was able to create the following images that depict something rarely seen here in Los Angeles; an empty 101 Freeway.
On a side note, I shot all of the images using my new Fujifilm X100S and a Fujinon Wide Conversion Lens I rented from LensRentals. My take on the conversion lens is that it is very solidly built and results in no loss in image quality. The wider angle of view is subtle but noticeable. I'd consider buying one if I didn't own an X-Pro1 and the XF14mm lens. I would definitely rent it again for any trips where I want to leave the X-Pro1 at home.
Oregon Coast Long Exposures with the Fujifilm X100
Due to an unfortunate accident on our trip to the Oregon Coast, my X-Pro1 was out of commission and I ended up shooting primarily with the X100. Luckily, I packed a step up ring that let me use my 10 stop ND filter on the X100 for some long exposure images. Here are a few of my favorites from our trip.
Garibaldi Fishing Pier - 45 seconds at f/16
Yaquina Bay Bridge - 15 seconds at f/16
Oceanside Beach - 58 seconds at f/11