Character Review - XF35mm f1.4

[@btasko]

I watched ALOT reviews about this lens, but non of them explained what is so magical about this lens. But now I get it why is it magical, you explained and showed which flaws contribute to magic! :) Best review, thank you! Keep up the good work!

[@GilmerCreative]

Great to hear!

[@pinatacolada7986]

Me too. I didn't know this. I bought this lens last year. It's amazing.

[@drchtct]

This was the clearest someone explained to me what "character" actually means on a lens. So many channels reviewed older or cheaper lenses and they said it has character yada yada yada, but right here for the first time I was properly shown the imperfections of this lens that make it special, good video

[@Rexyspride]

Dude, this is the best lens review I've ever seen. There's SO many photos to back up what you're saying plus you actually explain what is meant when people say it has a certain look. Finally! I'm looking forward to anything else you upload.

[@GilmerCreative]

Thanks man! That’s encouraging.

[@timsep1]

I fully agree with a lot of the comments here, really really love your review style, calming and friendly, you're not trying to sell me anything, just show the fun side of the lens. Personally I adore seeing examples that aren't just weddings and models constantly and you delivered, kudos to you on this journey and I'll be watching, Subscribed

[@zenniszarkov2271]

I don't think there are enough comments about how incredible your photos are. So much story and character to each image, colours are magnificent too. Bravo.

[@lijoraj3879]

I was really skeptical when I purchased this lens last week due to it’s downsides, but I love it when I start using it. Every review I watched in youtube says it’s magical!! No one explained why it’s magical. Thanks dude!! Very well done.

[@GilmerCreative]

Totally agree!

[@matthewryan9935]

I've been watching reviews for this lens for several years, since getting the 35 f2 and wondering if i made the right choice, and your review is the most useful to me! Much appreciated.

[@saschasorbo8258]

Sold after 5 Minutes. Finally someone who knows what he’s talking about and shows actual photography. Thank you so much.

[@joelk.3917]

I've purchased a mint second-hand one because of this review! Receiving it tomorrow. Can't wait 🎉

[@jfleysh]

You should do more videos man. This was a great thorough description of why you love this lens and very unique in the YT space

[@jonathan4940]

After watching probably hundreds of lens reviews, this one is a highlight. Great, relevant details, thank you!

[@brochg]

Your images just blew my mind! I just ordered this lens, then started looking at what others are thinking about it. Thanks for your review style, and for the great info!

[@GilmerCreative]

Wow, thank you!

[@Craigusized]

This is much more interesting than the typical lens reviews. Lovely photos too, great job man!

[@zacharyf.9936]

Been looking at a lot of 35 1.4 videos and this is my favorite one. Never realized the 'bubble' before and no one has explained it the way you have. Also your photos are stunning and the ones from 2012 transcend to 2023 in character and style. Great job and keep up the great work.

[@GilmerCreative]

That is really sweet of you. Thank you!

[@nathan-clark]

This kind of stuff is what makes KZbin do great. So well explained.

[@DmitrijPaskevic]

Wow. Instant subscribe. That's what I want from a lens review. Tech side matters, but the "emotional" side of it gets neglected more often than not. And it's THE side that makes photography what it is.

[@icpark]

You put into words some of what I love about the 23mm from the same generation. I just picked up the 35mm, partly thanks to your video. Thanks for the great info and I'm a subscriber!

[@diminati8659]

Really enjoyed this video. I love the large amount of sample pictures and the explanations, keep it up.

[@GilmerCreative]

Thanks, will do!

[@McClurePhotography]

One of the best reviews of this lens I’ve watched great work.

[@paulomateusguerra]

There are numerous reasons why this video is excellent. Your photographs are impressive, and your observation about the bokeh transition from sharp to soft is a unique insight that I have not encountered before. Well done! I will subscribe to your channel immediately.

[@HVRIS]

I think you are the first person who I have watched that has finally explained why this lens is “magical”. This is my favourite lens for products and lifestyle and I couldn’t put my finger on as to why!

[@GilmerCreative]

Such a good lifestyle lens.

[@sophsaund304]

This lens was my first fuji lens, I got it with the xt1, and it is still my most used/fave lens to date, there is just something about it!

[@GilmerCreative]

It's so good!

[@jamiefenner9443]

I bought an X-Pro2 and 35mm 1.4 in 2016 and fell in love with the images. I never knew about the "bubble" but wow, it has always been magic for me. The music you chose is beautiful and complements amazing photos.

[@brucesorrell3647]

Extremely well done, Nathan ! Concise, to the point, with conclusions backed up by real life examples. The first review I've seen that does a good job of explaining the character of this very interesting lens. Thanks for sharing your insights. Slainte !

[@harshnama5168]

This is the best lens review I have ever seen. You actually explain the characteristics of this lens with robust examples. Thank you so much. I have fuji 35 f2 + xpro2 and trying to make decision to buy or not 35 1.4

[@yccmo]

MAN, YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS ARE STUNNING. YOU ARE TRULY AN ARTIST WITH SOUL IN THEIR WORK. THANKS FOR THIS GREAT LENS VIDEO AS WELL. I HAVE AND LOVE THIS LENS AND YOU EXPLAINING WHY WE LOVE IT MADE ME LOVE IT EVEN MORE. BUT YOUR WORK... I'M SPEECHLESS. SO MUCH AMAZING STUFF ON YOUR WEBSITE. KEEP CREATING, KEEP PUBLISHING AND ALL THE BEST WITH YOUR COMMERCIAL WORK AS WELL AND ALL THE BEST FOR YOUR FAMILY. THANK YOU!

[@nycgeo18]

In there with one of the best 35 1.4 videos I ever saw. Great explanation of the field curvature with examples. This is also my favorite fuji lens of all time, and I currently have 13 of them. It's also the very first one I bought, which is crazy. Its also sharp as a tack on my XT5 all the way down (in the center).

[@benlikethecolor]

Chiming in as well to say that after watching many lens reviews for this lens, now I finally get what makes this lens “magical”. Thanks so much for all of the examples and explanations!

[@GilmerCreative]

Great to hear!

[@thepickyreviewer]

Your review and illustration about how this lens behaves was just amazing

[@swisshoumi]

Very refreshing to see a "gear review" that focues more on the expirience than the technical stuff. Also the production quality is top notch, it's hard to believe that this is your first video! May the algorithm be kind and I hope to see some more videos from you :)

[@GilmerCreative]

Thanks so much!

[@rorymcgibbon7533]

Great review. People talk about the magical character of this lens but none have explained what it actually is. Well done for clearly showing why its faults are actually its strongest points. I'm subscribing to your channel. Looking forward to more from you.

[@donho6523]

Very cool video, you are the first to define the character of this lens in a manner that makes sense to me. I always knew it was "Special" but I never could put my finger on it. Thank you.

[@GilmerCreative]

Thank you!

[@thekushinator]

So finally someone explained what is the so called character with this lens. Well done mate. Loved the video and the images are stunning. Subbed.

[@GilmerCreative]

Thank you!

[@rogerhampton2844]

Best photography video I've watched. Explained the magic of this lense better than 20 other reviews. Didn't try to sell me anything and did it calmly. Followed!

[@steliosthemelakis9899]

best review I have seen for this lens by far, thank you.

[@mgscheue]

Great explanation of what makes this lens so loved. Mine comes today!

[@homecareful]

I liked it a lot. I've got the lens and it is a favorite. You take very warm images, not in color temperature, but in human emotion. Good work, Gilmer.

[@aj37ful]

Please keep this up. You're a fantastic communicator and have a very easy to follow voice. Brilliant video.

[@GilmerCreative]

Wow! Thank you!

[@edencalgie1996]

By the time I’d finished watching this video I immediately subscribed, you have a really chill energy that I like watching, looking forward to seeing what you put out next

[@tknson]

Nice, clear and concise! Learned a lot of things I didn't know about this lens, which I own; Thanks, and great images as well!

[@GilmerCreative]

Thank you!

[@fotokozlowski]

Man.. Your review, is hands down best and most honest I've seen in this year (maybe even years). You just open my eyes to way that XF 35/1.4 is rendering and what makes it so special (field curvature). Big thanks! And Im rally hoping for Your next videos! Take care ;)

[@412foto]

as long as I have a Fujifilm camera, this lens will never get sold! It does need to come out my bag more often though for sure! great images too btw!

[@almostkinda]

Great review. Absolutely incredible photos. So impressed

[@max.zelinski]

Nathan, this is the best review for XF35 1.4 or any other character lens. Thank you!

[@bnxsy]

This is a delightful review! I've always been fascinated about really what makes a lens "stand out" and this did a great job of that. So much so, that I have been considering selling off some old Canon gear and moving toward an X-T5. With that move I was settled on the 33 f/1.4, but started to see / read more about the 35 f/1.4 and how it had some truly interesting images. Your examples have swayed me to go toward the 35 instead of the 33 and I'm excited to try it out. Thanks for the quality content!

[@eliasberglund7991]

Nice photos and as many said before, THIS is what a lens review should be like! Please do more!

[@JoshSherrill]

Amazing review with lots of samples and great explanations. This is the type of review you can only make after actually using a lens for a long period of time and not just shooting with it on loan for a week then returning it. Was disappointed to see you only have a couple videos but subscribed in case you drop another gem like this one!

[@Endr29]

Fantastic video! A combination of awesome photos backed up by someone that knows what he is talking about. One of the better reviews. I eat lens reviews for breakfast so I’ve seen them all 😅

[@GilmerCreative]

Wow, thanks!

[@AaronFerenc]

wow, gorgeous pictures! Thanks for this kind of review.

[@ruff1draft]

Absolutely beautiful photographs. Love them.

[@dentReviews]

i always noticed the characteristic of the field curvature but never realized that is exactly what is was. this is my all time favorite lens. it's amazing how it enhances/isolates subjects, but yet stopped down it is super sharp all over.

[@jimgallaher458]

I've owned this lens for almost 10 years and I never knew about the field/focus curvature, but now I've seen it I can't unseen it ! It's kind of awesome, explains now why I love this lens, but I could never put my finger on why ! Thanks.

[@rodrigouresti3119]

Hey, great video! This is an actual review of someone that has use the lens and really knows it well. Your comment about the intentional design of shooting medium distance from the subject caught my attention. Do you have any reference for further reading regarding this lens, I did a google search; but with no lock on the topic as you mentioned. Thanks for the video!

[@casualviewer2950]

Would love to see more of these! There are too many youtubers just doing technical stuff, without any characteristics of a lens!

[@parmanduke]

You photos are amazing. I have the 35 f1.4 as well. One of my faves.

[@GilmerCreative]

Thank you!

[@Lu-sj6ni]

just subscribed. excited to see the direction this channel goes! best of luck on your youtube journey!

[@GilmerCreative]

Thank you so much!!

[@bananasandbass]

Just wanted to add, I now have this lens! And I'm loving it :D I was just going to buy a second hand Fuji X-E1 and an Contax C/Y adapter, but I had the chance to also buy a mint 35mm 1.4, so I went for it. Mainly because of your video (and the one from GX ACE). Thanks dude. You explained the magic/character with examples.❤

[@GilmerCreative]

Awesome! I hope you are loving it!

[@luissandoval6780]

"Vintage lens thrown into a modern system" that's exactly what Fuji intended (or eventually achieved) with this lens, at least that's what I've learned after some interviews that I've read. But above all you got some really, really good images there which is what's really important. Nice.

[@GilmerCreative]

Thank you so much!

[@FSharp357]

If a picture says a thousand words, then you just gave a whole symposium on this lens. Beautiful work.

[@filipazor606]

I wish you did more reviews like this. I love it.

[@ChrisBrogan]

I'm here a year late. I'm sure KZbin wanted me to see your review after I saw GxAce say great things about the lens. I've already bought it now (like a few hours ago). But what made me push "Subscribe" was when you said you preferred things with character and quirks. New subscriber because that sums me up, too.

[@davewagner980]

This review right here has sold me on this lens! Your shooting style seems very similar to mine and as you said, not a ton of other reviews show what I was looking for; actual photos, and this has solidified that this is the lens I want to invest in next! Thanks so much!!

[@HoangLe-om3id]

man, your shots feel so emotional, in a good way. Thanks so much for sharing. btw, did you post process the photos or just Fuji film simulations?

[@BenjaminKanarek]

Of all of my Fujifilm lenses and I have 15 of them, it is one of my favourites!

[@craig_cunha]

Great review - really like the breakdown of the character and performance. And excellent images captured over your time with it. Well done.

[@GilmerCreative]

Thank you kindly!

[@niceyesplease]

The flare of this lens is a beauty! I have also taken some of my favorite photos with this lens. Great review, beautiful images you showed us.

[@GilmerCreative]

It does flare great! I am not sure I talked about that enough.

[@Endurancegeorge06]

Those sample photos were so so nice, you have a really good eye man! I’ve got a similar set up coming soon and I’m so excited after watching this :)

[@matthadenmusic]

You're a great photographer man. I'm getting this lens and im pumped to have found your work.

[@torb-no]

Dee Rosa have done a great job in describing the character of this lens by the way! But it's cool to hear your take as well!

[@GilmerCreative]

He has a great channel! I need to check out that review.

[@kbmats]

Very good explanation and first time I heard someone explaining the out of focus transition curvature on this lens 👌🏻

[@elmoqbobo]

Agreed. The 35mm f1.4 was the best 35mm lens i ever used on fuji cameras until i tried the kipon-iberit 35mm f2.4 manual focus

[@JeffreyHauser]

Nice review with specific examples of the Fuji 35mm f1.4 lens “character.” I have the Fuji 33mm f1.4 & the Viltrox 27mm f1.2 lenses in this focal range & I am pleased with both of these & the image quality produced by each of them. Maybe at some point I may look for a used Fuji 35mm f1.4. I agree with your comment that it is more important what you are placing in front of your lens than what lens you use. Best wishes.😊

[@akunosenshi]

One of the better Fujifilm lens reviews. I also like lenses with character, so this info is more important to me than specs. Love the character of my old d series Nikon glass (why i cant give up my dslr), and would like lenses like that for my XT30. Looking forward to more of your videos.

[@GilmerCreative]

You might consider a Z camera from Nikon and you can keep using those old lenses! I have a Z6 ii and really love it.

[@Johnatlanticism]

Brilliant review, dude. I've been shooting with Fuji since the original X100 came out and when I eventually got the XT-4 coupled with this lens, I truly saw the magic everyone was talking about. Camera bodies will come and go in my life, but this lens will never leave. To say it has some magic is an understatement. Love you work and portraits. Will definitely look you up on IG!

[@GilmerCreative]

Thank you so much! I agree. Mine isn't goning anywhere.

[@markowenwardgongs]

Great review and I’d love you to do the same with the xf18mm f2 and xf60mm f2.4 both quirky, unloved, “imperfect” lenses but released at a similar time to the xf35mm f1.4

[@Lensesandgadgets]

Great video and nice to see someone focusing on more and than just specifications. First video to me also that explain why this lens is special. Thank you! You have a new subscriber.

[@GilmerCreative]

Specs don't really tell the story at all. Thank you!

[@henlolneh]

This is the lens that absolutely reinvigorated my love for photography during the pandemic. I've purchased a couple more x-mount lenses for my xe4 over the years but regardless of what i'm doing or where i'm travelling to, my 35 1.4 seems to always be attached to my xe4!

[@GilmerCreative]

Oan XE body is such a good combo!

[@torb-no]

Absolutely incredible review. Love this style, looking forward to more! One thing: I don't like how people describe a lens as ”having character”, that makes about as much sense as ”having a hair color”, but I do like (like you do here) when you describe the character. It's not like resolving power for lenes which is either have more or less of it, it's… *qualitative*, not quantitative. I love my XF35mm f2, and it's character is that it's rendering is very consistent across the frame, has high contrast and strong colors and smooth out-of-focus area. I do agree however, that it's very unfortunate that we value a single kind of character (kinda like I described, except with super wide aperture) in the photo space these days. I'd love to see your take on the Zeiss Touit 32mm 1.8. Some people like it's character better than this lens (and some seem to love both), but they have in common that the character they're going for is not one that is super smooth, but that there's something to it. In particular, some people seem to love the Zeiss bokeh, and the way it falls off. Either way, thanks for making the video. Absolutely loved it!

[@GilmerCreative]

Yeah that is an interesting point and I mostly agree with you. I think what they mean by character is the antithesis of sterile. I am not sure there is a better word to describe it.

[@torb-no]

@@GilmerCreativeUpdate: watching this review and having used the XF18mm f2 (which shares some of the characteristics) has pretty much made me decide to eventually get the XF35mm f1.4. Dee Rosa have mentioned in some of his videos that the 35mm 1.4 (and the 18 I think) seem to have this slight varm tint, esp. in skin tones which is really nice, esp. considering that Fuji sensors often skews towards cooler tones. Speaking of the 18mm f2, I’d love to see a character review of that. Obviously you should only do videos of lenses you want to cover. And yes: I just rewatched this lens review, and I honestly think this is my favorite lens review on youtube of all time. You do such a good job of not only talking about the characteristics of the rendering, but you explain what drives a lot of it (instead of vaguely just calling it magic). So thanks so much for making it!

[@Frank-yb9hf]

Awesome pictures. Really great work! ⚡ I love this lens too. What aperture do you use more often, when shooting with this lens?

[@JackieDElia]

I’ve had this lens since 2014 and it is still my favorite to shoot with. Even on my X-T5 - it looks magical.

[@gp6885]

Really enjoyed your review👍 you described the magic of the 35 1.4 to a T. One of my favorite lenses. 👌 Don't know if you have the 16mm 1.4 but it is another splendid piece of glass.

[@studiojege287]

Great explaining "the caracter" with those examples! Well done, thanks

[@GilmerCreative]

Glad it was helpful!

[@HaiTomVlog]

This is a lens I’ve been wanting for a while. I really liked your review and presentation 🤙🏼

[@jacktaylorphotos]

Best review of this lens and goodness some of your photos are fine. Really enjoyed it

[@GilmerCreative]

That is so sweet! Thank you!

[@johnleftwich650]

Great video. I really like the compositions in the images you showed.

[@GilmerCreative]

Thank you very much!

[@Spencer_Bikes]

Love your style brother! Looking forward to more content from you. Thank you for taking the time to share your process with us! Spencer Ross Aspiring Photographer

[@Hunders1984]

Dude! I bought this lens waaaay back when the original X-Pro1 had its price slashed and always knew that it was special. I knew it was special but didn't know why. I sold that lens ages ago but as time goes by I feel like I want that older glass again! I'm so bored of these sterile lenses with no character that keep being produced, with their extra weight and bulk. As photographers, we don't need optically perfect glass. We aren't scientists critically measuring light, we are artists looking to make beautiful images and this lens does just that. It also looks as beautiful as the pictures it produces which is a bonus.

[@bananasandbass]

Well. You pointed out what exactly makes a lens pop, you lifted the veil off of some of that magic people usually can’t put their finger on. I immediately started going through all the photos I’ve taken with my Zeiss lenses to see what some of those unique characteristics are. What this Fuji 35mm does with that soft middle OOF area is quite unique, you don’t see it in many.

[@GilmerCreative]

Definitely. Especially in modern lenses. There are a lot of great 50mm SLR lenses with a similar vibe. but it's nice to have a modern(ish) autofocus lens with a similar vibe.

[@johnsull34]

great review-I loved your demonstration of character. I have this lens and I love it, but I don't know why

[@MyJeanf]

Bro love your review. I am not particularly interested in to much technical data as I love seeing images taken with the lens. Your review did this in spades and what a breath of fresh air. Thank you and have subscribed. HVe just sold my video kit and will be going back to photography with the fuji XH2 so will really enjoy your videos. 👍

[@douglasrobson4624]

Awesome pictures and great going into detail about the feel of the lens. Would love to hear your thoughts on the 23 1.4 or 23 2.0. Looking forward to your next video, subscribed!

[@ChristianEriksson83]

Awesome format! Really genuine personality and great real world review. Love it! Sub from me 👍🏻

[@nojustno8468]

Appreciate your review. Your photos are “kind” and “humble”. I like you are not trying to impress or sell me anything. Just subscribed and liked.

[@GilmerCreative]

That is a wonderful comment. Thank you so much!

[@mashudali8482]

Hey man - subscribed - love this video - I have this lens on an Fuji XPro 2 body. I walk around London a lot, snapping.

[@GilmerCreative]

That is my favorite combo.

[@mashudali8482]

@@GilmerCreative Nice! I do want to try it with the Fujicron lenses, it feels so much lighter!

[@nativestrong7253]

The old 16mm 1.4 and 35mm 1.4 definitely have that character look that brought us all over to Fujifilm, but they dont keep up as well as the WR counterparts when it comes to the auto-focus the market is evolving towards.

[@BIOSHOCKFOXX]

Regarding in the intro. There is one video on youtube that hyped it a lot for me, and it was talking about character. It wasn't review per-se, but it talked about the lens as if it was a movie, a documentary... It's a video by GxAce "There is something special about this lens...". Really great video if you want to be hyped up by this lens.

[@august8541]

I really enjoy this format of lens review! I too care more about the characteristics of a lens more than the technical specs and really enjoy what you got going on here :)

[@august8541]

Would love to see a character review of the 18-55 as I feel it gets a lot of praise however lacks some character

[@GilmerCreative]

Yeah I agree. It’s very useful when you need a zoom, but it is somewhat sterile.

[@alexelton-wall3119]

Great video. Many thanks. Really helpful. Love the photos in the video!

[@Heath_Herring]

You should make a video about your editing process. You have a nice neutral editing style that addresses Fujifilm's colors very well. Your photos pop just enough, but retain a calm, natural look and don't point to any particular editing trend or time period. Modern timeless feel. I would be interested to see what editing choices you made to some of the photos you shared in this video.

[@GilmerCreative]

Thanks! I might do that, it’s really not that interesting honestly. I mostly just use clean film emulation presets. The older images were mostly all edited with the old VSCO presets and for the last few years I have used mostly Mastin Labs. The stuff from The Classic Presets is also pretty good.

[@gigaonline77]

@@GilmerCreative Amazing video, what Mastin Labs presets do you use ? I really like the colors - Thanks

[@GilmerCreative]

@@gigaonline77 I think I have all of them, but the Portra ones are my most used for sure.

[@gigaonline77]

@@GilmerCreative Thank you

[@Tehsniiikiiininjaa]

Really awesome review, I also love this lens. You have helped me understand why it looks so great, thanks. I also really like your work! How do you color grade your pictures, if I may ask.