First hands on experience Fuji PRO......

[dougdarter]

When I had my Leica and lenses stolen last year, I thought it was the end of any serious photography for me. I am retired, and £6000 worth of camera equipment was never going to be replaced - no insurance - they were all on the way to Solms for mods

However, one way or another, I've scraped together sufficient funds to buy a new Fuji S3 pro and a lens or two. I specifically wanted the S3, because of it's Wide Dynamic range feature, which I hoped would emulate the smooth film like captures of the Leica M8, and because it had the film simulation modes.

Well, using a Nikkor 28 - 80 that I had found in the bottom of an old bag, I've taken a few 'snaps' with the camera, which arrived today. Still waiting for the Tamron VC lens to arrive

These are merely 'snaps', unmolested Jpegs straight from the Fuji shot in Medium dynamic range mode, with 'Fuji Velvia' colour space, taken in my back garden. The light was awful. All shot in Aperture priority at f16.

I think I like the IQ - it'll get better with better glass, and a little more experience with the camera.

 

[dougdarter]

Bug*er!! I've just noticed a dust bunny near the top of the frame, right of centre- new camera too

 

[dazzajl]

Doug, if you posted on here about your stolen gear I must have missed it. I'm so sorry to hear about that.

I do love a happy ending though and from what you can tell from a small web image, that camera looks mightily impressive. Your pond looks good too, I've not seen it since the last test shots.

 

[dougdarter]

Doug, if you posted on here about your stolen gear I must have missed it. I'm so sorry to hear about that.

I do love a happy ending though and from what you can tell from a small web image, that camera looks mightily impressive. Your pond looks good too, I've not seen it since the last test shots.

It's funny, the pond never get's photographed unless I'm testing a camera or a lens. It's not particularly interesting, or good looking, but it's a great subject for testing - lot's of difficult contrasts!

I never did make a fuss about the loss of the gear. One or two individuals members knew, I was just so sade and p*ssed off, that I really didn't want to talk about photography at all.

 

[PsiFox]

Bug*er!! I've just noticed a dust bunny near the top of the frame, right of centre- new camera too

There is one on the top right too just a wee bit down from the top edge.

Nice shots though.

 

[Slapo]

I didn't think the S3 Pros were still available in shops.

Anyway, that Nikkor can't be too bad, the shots have very appealing colours and gradients.
Is the Tamron VC lens a 28-300 VC?

 

[dcash29]

I think I like the IQ - it'll get better with better glass, and a little more experience with the camera.

Hey Doug, Didnt know you was a comedian with a line like that.

Great detail

 

[percymon]

Nothing wrong with those - and only going to get better !

 

[dougdarter]

I didn't think the S3 Pros were still available in shops.

Anyway, that Nikkor can't be too bad, the shots have very appealing colours and gradients.
Is the Tamron VC lens a 28-300 VC?

They aren't. I bought this from a friend, who had one that had never been opened!

 

[dougdarter]

Is the Tamron VC lens a 28-300 VC?

Yes, it is. For a third party lens, it has had some excellent reviews (as well as a few bad ones it has to be said). It's small size, and the fact that I got it new (same friend), for less than half price, tipped the balance in it's
favour.

that Nikkor can't be too bad

It's an AF Nikkor 28-80mm f/3.3-5.6G, one of the early ones. I've always thought that the IQ from this little lens has been much better than it should be. It has other fans too:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/28-80mm-g.htm#spex

 

[dazzajl]

I really do get the value and the joy of owning the leica but looking at the old pond shot and the new one, I reckon you've chosen wisely with that Fuji.

I know the light is totally different and the colours may need winding over a tad on that fuji image but the quality and depth of colour looks top notch.

 

[dougdarter]

I really do get the value and the joy of owning the leica but looking at the old pond shot and the new one, I reckon you've chosen wisely with that Fuji.

I know the light is totally different and the colours may need winding over a tad on that fuji image but the quality and depth of colour looks top notch.

I'm pretty certain that the 'old shot' was taken with an old uncoated f1.4 Summarit which is renowned for sharpness, and it's somewhat muted colours.

The newer fully coated Summicron would give punchier colours more akin to the Fuji/Nikon combo.

I have deleted that old image - nice to see it back again

 

[puddleduck]

The lower image is really nice, typical Fuji, great colours, and tonality.

 

[photostar_1]

Sorry to hear about your gear loss, but the new toy looks as though it's going to be your best friend pretty quickly. I've heard lots of good things about its performance.

(Hope it's insured )