Everyone’s Favourite Fuji Lens

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35mm f1.4 Blof (first impressions):
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[@snapsbyfox]

I've just published all blogs relating to this and comparing it with the others below 35mm f1.4 - www.snapsbyfox.com/blog/fujifilm-35mm-f14-first-impressions-of-a-fuji-classic 33mm f1.4 - www.snapsbyfox.com/blog/fujifilm-33mm-f14-review 35mm f2 - www.snapsbyfox.com/blog/fujifilm-35mm-f2-review 35mm f1.4 vs 33mm f1.4 - www.snapsbyfox.com/blog/fujifilm-35mm-f14-vs-33mm-f14 35mm f1.4 vs 35mm f2 - www.snapsbyfox.com/blog/fujifilm-35mm-f2-vs-35mm-f14

[@FeralGinger]

7:46 is absolutely phenomenal Roman!

[@peterdavies9166]

I lived in Tokyo 2001-06 and the parade event that you filmed is called a Matsuri. They happen at this time of year and it is when people take the mobile shrine (Mikoshi) out from the local Shinto shrine and parade it around the neighbourhood to ward off evil spirits. Meanwhile, I love the XF 35/1.4 lens. My wife heard that I wanted a 35mm lens and she got it for my birthday a couple of years ago. I would have been happy with the XF 35/2.0 but I must have been a good boy because she splashed our and bought me something special.

[@stayuntilforever]

My favourite lens of all time. I've done 24 years of photography from 35mm film & pinhole to fullframe, micro 4/3, APS-C etc.

[@MikeCampo]

I really like that reflection shot with your shadow revealing the inside space.

[@MrRafalEn]

Special character of this lens comes out when shot wide open. Mix of field curvature, interesting bokeh, softness, some blooming and haze in some scenarios and colors due to low element count in the lens. I shot only with that lens for over 6 years including my two sugar pumped kids so it can be done. Zone AF, erratic movement setting, AF-C, 5 fps burst and I always got some keepers. This lens is my second favourite after legendary Nikkor 58mm f1.4. Similar character I would say.

[@martinphilipps8678]

i got the 35mm 1.4 in august 2023 for my x-t5 and it quickly replaced my sigma 18-50 standard zoom and became my everyday lens. i love it

[@zurgoku]

I have shot with a lot of fuji lenses, but none give me the feel that this one does. Yes the AF is a bit slow, but once you get used to its limitations, you'll absolutely love it. It's also quite small and compact for an f1.4 lens. I think Fuji should invest in more character lenses, rather than ultra sharp ones.

[@obscurelines]

On an x-t5 I can't even fault the focus speed. Used it for a day out yesterday and I don't think I missed a single shot.

[@zurgoku]

@@obscurelines I use an XT3 and an XT20 and I honestly don't have many issues with focusing with this lens on either one. It won't have the super fast AF of the newer lenses, but neither does it have the super high price!

[@lollo6551]

Nice pfp

[@brownwallet942]

What happens when I use this slow lens with XE1? Does the world go in slowmotion

[@Deliveranceaccent3]

just added this back to my list of travel gears and daily use. Amazing look that it delivers. you cant imagine how many smiles and powerful moments we have captured with this lens. Good review once again, Roman!

[@matthalfremmbertohydrate1672]

Since I got the lens, about two years ago, it has been stuck on the camera and used for literally everything I do. Both leisurely and professionally. It's my everything lens. Lovely video Roman!

[@rafalr3007]

I was walking a few days ago in the same areas:) My favorite for shooing is Shibuya shimbashi, Asakusa and Yurakucho, especially at night. Good work.

[@Apachers]

Some really nice shots in this video, Roman. You have a great eye for good light. Keep up the good work!

[@obscurelines]

Took this out yesterday. It's still delightful.

[@XJ1345]

nice video, love the walk around, really great shots. brings back a lot of memories

[@user-ty4yl4ul1p]

Very informative and some really beautiful shots taken.

[@daryljohnson9010]

Have a look at its optical diagram and note that it not only looks like an updated Sonnar design, it renders rather like the 1.5/50 Carl Zeiss Sonnar in M mount. The similarity is so close that I’d have no issue doing a photo story using a Leica M10 with a 1.5/50 Sonnar along with this lens on anything Fujifilm X mount with an X-Trans III or newer sensor.

[@dan.allen.digital]

That lens shot wide open when the subject is 2 meters away is where the magic happens. I haven't used my 33 1.4 at all since buying the 35 1.4. The 35 1.4 just balances perfect on my Xpro3. Nice video Roman.

[@mikelman26]

Cool Video and fantastic shots😎 Well done👍

[@ChasingBarrels]

Really liked the portrait at 11.28. it has the 35 1.4 feels for sure. Would love to see more of your photos with this lens tbh. I think it adds another dimension.

[@dingbat19]

As others have said, this lens shows its "special" character primarily when shot wide open at f1.4. Fuji designers are on record as saying that when they designed this lens they avoided chasing the MTF charts for the very highest stats and instead deliberately ignored charts and tried to create a lens with a characterful and more old school way of drawing the image, particularly in terms of the bokeh and the fall-off from in-focus to out of focus wide open. At f1.4 there is a heavy vignette if you turn off corrections and that also helps to create the aesthetic that many love from images coming out of this lens. I believe these design decisions were linked to the marketing at the time for the X-pro1 and this system, which was pushing the idea that this was a kind of retro system that delivered a "film-like" image. Undoubtedly the AF is the weakness of the lens, but on the newer bodies it is OK for subjects not moving too fast. This is possibly my favourite Fuji lens of all time.

[@StergidisVolvo]

Wonderful walkabout, so inviting and charming, I think the light gets to be interesting in terms of photography at around 12:12 when the famous Tokyo lights and signs start to pop up for beautiful bokeh but I enjoyed the vibrant vibes and lively streets even in daylight, thanks for sharing

[@belivmi]

Probably best Fuji lens for real, so many amazing shots with this gem

[@duschbrauser]

I often find that lenses with less glass elements like this one (or older lenses in general) tend to show more depth or a 3D look in the pictures. It depends on the light, but in certain situations you really see a difference.

[@cindyrosen8170]

Love the food truck shot!

[@EVIL9000]

I would love for Fujifilm to update this amazing lens with better autofocus and weather sealing.

[@JackieDElia]

One of my favorites- I’ve had this lens for 10 years now.

[@MC-hr1py]

I got into fuji not that long ago and got an x100v and an Xe4. Heard a lot about this lens and I can attest to it's brilliance. The photos that come out of it for me almost look like it's a longer length lens with how it renders backgrounds and the superia 400 recipe from fuji x weekly combined with this lens is my go-to.

[@tm_vis-rc]

absolutely love this lens, especially with the xpro 2 :)

[@kingelvis4688]

Had the xpro 2 and sold it last month. Totally regret it.

[@tm_vis-rc]

@@kingelvis4688 :(

[@dccoletrain]

I like the size compared to the newer one.

[@jpadicecoffee9812]

Eren has been my go-to guy for seeing how the XF35mm 1.4 (51mm equiv) is being used. Agreed. I think I will use it in Las Vegas this weekend instead of going to CA after watching your video. This lens has a more nature focal length for me than the XF50mm F2. That lens has been awesome at bokeh and shooting MilkyWay core...

[@ro_botYT]

7:25 I’m so glad I got to see behind the scenes of that photo. Made me get my butt off the sofa and go for a photo walk. Came back with a few keepers

[@geofff6671]

It’s a lens with great character. The bokeh is not exactly smooth but there is something about it that is interesting and helps emphasis the subject. It really is a classic lens.

[@obiwanmartyn]

I havent shot with it, my favourite lens is the 16 1.4 which unfortunately went missing when I was in the Dolomites two years ago along with a memory card I was heading to back up with all my photos from my first time in Rome😭

[@user-lg1hi8le9m]

5:35 The purpose may depending on the region, but that golden one is a "Omikoshi" (portable shrine). "OMikoshi" is a vehicle (like a float) that the god rides on to travel around the area during festivals. Carriers wearing festival attire called "hanten" or "happi" carry the Omikoshi on their shoulders and travel around the area near the shrine. It is said that this is done to purify the area by absorbing disasters and impurities, and to grant people's prayers and wishes for a good harvest. Sorry for my English may no good.

[@snapsbyfox]

Thank you!!

[@iam_nick]

Nice photos. I subscribe.

[@user-sk4dv4kn2m]

So.. nice video again thanks 😊. Lovely shots! But from my experience of the 35mm f1.4, the shots you have here are not really using/exposing the 'character of the lens. For strongest effect, subject 2 or 3m away or closer. With wide aperture and distant background. The non flat focusing plane blurs the background more around rhe center (useful if thats where your subject is. Lovely lens. Not always the best choice. Sometime wont make a difference. 'Gilmer creative' made the very best description of this lens breaking down the effect. Totally brilliant video if you like this lens. Seacrch gilmer creative and character lens review. Ps RF what did ypu think of the lens in the end?

[@damirook8342]

Great review and fantastic shots . Not sure about the guy -standing in the middle of the street @ 05.31 ?

[@kingelvis4688]

Roman, big fan of your channel! Thanks for another good one. The only thing that scares me off from getting a lens like this is the lack of WR. I do like the “imperfect“ lens with character though. btw how do you use your 18f1.4 and 33 f1.4. Bought them recently but not sure what to do with them. What scenarios do you use them in?

[@daryljohnson9010]

I live in the sodden Pacific Northwest and simply leave the lens home on a rainy day.

[@4Kandlez]

Are you being serious?

[@kingelvis4688]

Am i being serious about what? I would like to know how he uses the 18 f1.4 (ff28) and the 33 f1.4 (ff50). I’m looking for ideas so I can get out and frame my shots in a way that best utilizes the said focal lengths. I do have an idea but i’d like to get some clear examples. Also WR is important for me because i’d like to take my lenses out without having to look at a weather forecast beforehand.

[@snapsbyfox]

I use the 18 and 33 almost all the time. My main primes

[@benbunch4159]

This lens works fine with continuous tracking auto focus on newer bodies. Main way I shoot it. You might need to use focus priority instead of release priority, but it works pretty well. Also the 33 didn't replace it the 35 is still in the lineup.

[@ronnymfd]

Can you speak a bit more about your technique? Continuous tracking auto and focus priority. I’m super new to all of this so curious

[@benbunch4159]

@@ronnymfd Continuous autofocus meaning the camera will attempt to continuously focus on the subject as opposed to stopping and locking focus once focus is acquired. Tracking autofocus meaning the autofocus point will automatically attempt to track to the subject, which is the only effective way I’ve seen to be able to acquire focus and then reframe on moving subjects. Focus priority meaning that when you hit the shutter button the camera won’t fire the shutter unless/until it think the subject is in focus.

[@ronnymfd]

@@benbunch4159 ah I see. The latter is on my camera already but i will try continuous af tmrw and see. I have the same lens and sometimes it has trouble focusing

[@RS-Amsterdam]

Nice video. When you explained yor setting at 1.49 you said your aperture was around F8 but F5.6 will also work to get a bigger DoF. This however will get you LESSER DoF. IMO the shot at 12.44 was one of the better ones - hands without the head. Anyways thanks for sharing.

[@snapsbyfox]

yeah I always get mixed up with the DOF description ha

[@raphaelhaefeli1408]

I was looking a long time for a used one. Now I bought a used 35mm F2 for 250 bucks. For the price and size it is the better option. But still looking for it 😊

[@ochuanz]

just something random to point out... the bins beside vending machines are for cans/bottles only.. not trash.. loving almost every shot of it. and I do have to agree that 35mm.. my personal fav.

[@bittiapina]

The shape really should be a clue 😉

[@snapsbyfox]

That’s right. It says so on the bin too. I didn’t say it as most people have enough common sense to read it and realise

[@DarioCanadaPhotography]

Hi Roman. How do you find this lens to perform on the X-H2 as it's one of the "non optimised" lenses fuji is leaving behind? I am expecting my X-H2 and have a few "non optimised" lenses which hopefully will still use happily on the new sensor! Love your work man!

[@snapsbyfox]

Seems fine… but I don’t pixel peep so not sure tbh

[@martingreenberg870]

Thought you’d be talking about the kit 18-55mm lens. I have the 35/1.4. Very nice lens. As you suggest the focus is slow. What can you do? Enjoy your trip to Japan. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@-Mr.Mullet-]

Hi. What type (V60/90, size, etc.) of memory cards are you using for your X-T5? I'm thinking especially on buffer clearing time after bursts or going into video quick after a burst. Can't remember you have said anything about it.

[@JohnDAlmonte]

I love that lens, but I do wish it had the clutch feature.

[@charlieribeiro6343]

Shoot in manual. Much better experience. For me at least. Shot auto for years, but the last year of manual really improved my shots.

[@benbunch4159]

I thought 6:58 was great but then 7:26 was an absolute banger.

[@steve-anderson]

Hey Roman, random question. Are all of your shirts from Uniqlo? and if so which one? Thanks!

[@snapsbyfox]

Yeah I stocked up while here haha. It’s Uniqlo U but the 100% cotton one. Not the Air plastic ones. Can’t remember the exact name without taking it off in the cafe as we speak 😂

[@steve-anderson]

@@snapsbyfox Thank you! I think I found the one you are talking about. Keep up the great work. Love your channel.

[@Jt2241]

It’s most interesting shot at f1.4-f2.8

[@daryljohnson9010]

Agree 100%

[@krzysztofnazar]

When you notice a good composition but wait for something to happen (like a specifically dressed person to show in the frame), how long before you give up?:) 5, 10, 30 minutes?

[@snapsbyfox]

It depends because I also take into account if I’m welcome where I am or not. Usually 10-20 min max. However if I feel I’m in the way, then much less

[@cxns155]

I still have my original X-E1 which also has a "certain quality" to it. Surely if I pair it with this lens I will take the best pictures… IN THE WOOORLD.

[@stayuntilforever]

Strange as it may seem the 35mm1.4 somehow gets better images on X trans 3 than x trans 1. Otherwise I love my XE1

[@ChrisIrelandNJ]

It would be cool if you had stumbled upon Blue Lug bike shop.

[@georges64]

Superb for the photo part, however, just one point the "bin" (2:50) next to the vending machine is ONLY to put the bins of the vending machines, but not any paper garbage, these you keep it and throw it when back at the hotel/home, or sometimes in train station there are bins for that purpose. In Japan, garbage is selective, recycling is important. Please do not advise to use those bins for other garbage, it gives a very bad image of tourists!!

[@snapsbyfox]

That’s right. It says so on the bin too. I didn’t say it as most people have enough common sense to read it and realise

[@williama-d6]

Ok ISO 600 did you say how high your F stop goes on your lens in the video?

[@snapsbyfox]

It depends but usually between 4 and 11

[@williama-d6]

@@snapsbyfox and you shoot at ISO 600? How are you doing that you showed the pictures in the video? Maybe 4 but how 11

[@RaymondLarum]

I can't take off the original 23mm f/1.4 of my Fuji. It's the best for me.

[@spooky_lights]

Ah yes the Fuji 35mm 1.4

[@Needafollower]

Looks like a gang scene from the warriors movie from the 70’s or 80’s

[@Lorenzo_Melocchi]

I think that you get the look of this lens at 1.4

[@energetic17]

Tru

[@mikecarter200]

My favourite out of my 10-24, 55-200 and my 16-50 is the 16-50.

[@lucian8256]

Bro you missed a killer shot at 10:12. edit: also you never shared what you thought about the lens?

[@snapsbyfox]

Yeah I forgot lol. I just published a whole blog on it. Linked in description

[@palamj2]

I must admit I’m one of the ‘cultists’ who loves this lens.

[@arturcharaev1336]

This is something I hate in Fuji: plenty of options but when you look precisely there is no sweet spot and 35mm is a perfect illustration: - XF 35/1.4 at a moment of release it was just perfect, there is very good balance between IQ, size and weight. Number of people wish to see WR and LM update of it. And agree without WR LM it currently overpriced. - XC 35/2 actually not bad as budget lens, but plastic - XF 35/2 this one shouldn't ever exist: it's XC 25/2 rehoused to metal WR body for double of XC 35/2 price. - XF 33/1.4 perfect image quality, but that's not common fuji user looking for except some pro's. Most users hardly can justify it size, weight and price. I guess it should be: updated XF35/1.4 with WR and LM, budget XC 35/2 but metal without WR, ultimate XF 33/1.2 yes f1.2 to somehow justify weight, size and price. After all considered to sell all my Fuji gear and left for me XE2 with 35/1.4 along with old 23/1.4 for fun. I guess Fuji will increase segmentation even more and there is less and less reasonable cameras and lenses..

[@matthasenbrink4888]

The xf33mm/f1.4 should be at least a f1.2 for the asked price. So I went for samyang 35mm/f1.2 MF lens. Not perfect but way better concerning purple fringing, corner sharpness, vignetting and distortion compared to the xf35mm/f1.4.

[@Lentziu]

It's a great lens, I had it for a while... but since I upgraded to 33mm I don't miss it at all.

[@NDakota79]

I find that fast, reliable and silent autofocus is more important to me than f1.4. I prefer the f2.0.

[@omerekici9835]

The autofocus of this lens works great on the newer bodies, I have no issues on the X-T3.

[@vipiriusvt]

Yeah I've never had issues with the AF on my X-T5 either. It's not quiet for sure but that's never bothered me.

[@hellni79]

not only 1.4 but a totally different rendition honestly.. had the f2 twice and both times sold and went back to the 1.4

[@singletrack29349]

I never got the hype. 35wr felt better to me, then the 33 was the one…

[@rogerhampton2844]

I watched this video on KZbin and I think this gives the best explanation of why people think this lens is 'special' kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGLQoXynrNR8oJosi=GQ_axCZ1FU1lKU9O

[@marc6652]

"Everyone’s Favorite Lens" makes no sens. Yours maybe. I personally shoot 50mm only.

[@ChrisThe1]

Saving your jpegs to one card and raws to the other defeats the purpose of having two card slots

[@SteveKleinheider]

Not "everyone's" favorite Fujifilm lens. Secondly...I'm surprised you get any decent shots holding the camera the way you do.

[@snapsbyfox]

I’m surprised myself too

[@SteveKleinheider]

@@snapsbyfox I always enjoy your videos....I'm looking forward to the next one!