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First Trip with X-100s. Seeking advice.

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Jules Winnfield

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I usually go on vacation with a DSLR and a backpack with 3 lenses.

I recently acquired an X100s. I feel envigorated at the prospect of a small fixed lens camera and am looking forward to some environmental portraits and landscapes.

But, I couldn't help myself and bought a TCL-X100 teleconverter, just in case I need a little more focal length. Since my camera came with an EF-X20 flash, I bought a sync cord, just in case I need a little bounce flash.

I bought the X100s because I wanted to go small. But, I'm unsure about the rest of the kit. I'm curious to hear from those who made the switch.
 
Just regular photo stuff like extra batteries, a larger fast SD card, and a zip-lox bag in case you get caught in the rain.

--
www.darngoodphotos.com
 
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MrChristopher said:
MrChristopher said:
Just regular photo stuff like extra batteries, a larger fast SD card, and a zip-lox bag in case you get caught in the rain.
Click to expand...
And a nice bag to carry it all in and the OP is ready for his trip
Click to expand...
Why be invigorated by a small camera if you're hauling a bunch of other stuff? Simplicity is where it's at.
 
Just try it. Try making photos with just one focal length, and don't worry about the "right" focal length. You already have it.
 
MrChristopher said:
MrChristopher said:
MrChristopher said:
MrChristopher said:
Just regular photo stuff like extra batteries, a larger fast SD card, and a zip-lox bag in case you get caught in the rain.
Click to expand...
And a nice bag to carry it all in and the OP is ready for his trip
Click to expand...
Why be invigorated by a small camera if you're hauling a bunch of other stuff? Simplicity is where it's at.
Click to expand...
I have the same set up as the OP. A bag beats pockets every time
Click to expand...
I always have a messenger bag with me so I agree with you. My point was more about the OP trying to carry too much unnecessary stuff.
 
For my X-100 I got a thumbs up grip, a lens hood and a wrist strap. I carry the camera in my hand 95% of the time.

Take the time to get comfortable with it and it's a remarkable camera.

my lens hood is a silver version of this one.

Loading…

www.amazon.com
 
Oh. Extra batteries. I figure that goes without saying for any camera. Running out of battery is like running out of film.
 
DarnGoodPhotos said:
MrChristopher said:
DarnGoodPhotos said:
MrChristopher said:
DarnGoodPhotos said:
Just regular photo stuff like extra batteries, a larger fast SD card, and a zip-lox bag in case you get caught in the rain.
Click to expand...
And a nice bag to carry it all in and the OP is ready for his trip
Click to expand...
Why be invigorated by a small camera if you're hauling a bunch of other stuff? Simplicity is where it's at.
Click to expand...
I have the same set up as the OP. A bag beats pockets every time
Click to expand...
I always have a messenger bag with me so I agree with you. My point was more about the OP trying to carry too much unnecessary stuff.
Click to expand...
 
I'd just take the camera, and the extra batteries.

Leave the external flash and TCL at home. You can always crop to get *exactly* the same effect/view that the TCL gives, so I'd even go as far as to sell that.
 
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The Corrector said:
I'd just take the camera, and the extra batteries.

Leave the external flash and TCL at home. You can always crop to get *exactly* the same effect/view that the TCL gives, so I'd even go as far as to sell that.
Click to expand...
Not necessarily true.

With the subject filling up the same amount of the frame, the TCL gives you shallower depth of field and less distortion.

--
www.darngoodphotos.com
 
Last edited:
DarnGoodPhotos said:
The Corrector said:
I'd just take the camera, and the extra batteries.

Leave the external flash and TCL at home. You can always crop to get *exactly* the same effect/view that the TCL gives, so I'd even go as far as to sell that.
Click to expand...
Not necessarily true.

With the subject filling up the same amount of the frame, the TCL gives you shallower depth of field and less distortion.
Click to expand...
 
The Corrector said:
The Corrector said:
The Corrector said:
I'd just take the camera, and the extra batteries.

Leave the external flash and TCL at home. You can always crop to get *exactly* the same effect/view that the TCL gives, so I'd even go as far as to sell that.
Click to expand...
Not necessarily true.

With the subject filling up the same amount of the frame, the TCL gives you shallower depth of field and less distortion.
Click to expand...
Definitely so though if you are at the same camera to subject distance.
Remain in same place and crop, plenty pixels available, and it saves the cost of a TCL
Click to expand...
Thank you for the correction. :D
 
I suggest you analyze your style of photography and how you’ll want to be photographing when out and about. If you mainly shoot details with longer focal lengths, then the X100 alone probably won’t satisfy your needs. If you mainly take images with lenses in the 35 to 50mm range, you’ll stand a better chance at being satisfied.

As an example: I love to shoot with a 50mm lens on my Canon 5D bodies. Similarly, when taking either my X-T1 or X-Pro1, I mount the 35mm lens. But I’m also quite pleased with a 35mm lens on FF bodies or a 23mm lens on my Fujifilm X-Series. Naturally I’m somewhat limited having only one lens at hand but I tend to switch into a fixed focal length routine and don’t even see other scenarios – as if I’ve mounted a focal length mask to my eyesight. Very enjoyable!

Whatever satisfies your photographic desires will be right (for you). Try to shy away from carrying too much gear. Too many people worry about missing a shot and tend to carry a full rucksack of gear. That will surely also weigh down your pleasure. Traveling light can be very enlightening! And can challenge you to zoom with your legs (to a certain extent). Try to get as close to your subject as possible.
 
Here’s my perspective on the X100T. I bought it precisely because it has a fixed lens with one focal length. When I take it with me, there’s no decision about which lens to take, which to attach. No extra weight, no time changing lenses. This way, my time is spent concentrating on composition, subject and light.I have GAS as much as anyone, and I have been very tempted to purchase the TCL-X100, but I’ve resisted.... to my amazement. In reality, I’ll get a very similar photo (acknowledging not exactly) if I take a few steps forward or back, and in the process I don’t have to carry extra lenses or decide which one to attach. I rarely (emphasize ‘rarely’) regret not having more or less focal length. The X100T is liberating.

I have a Nikon D7100 with several lenses. It's another reason I have avoided buying the TCL-X100 for the X100T, as I have a 35mm/f 1.8 prime for the D7100. Excellent camera but I use it less and less. I use it mostly for nature/landscape excursions.

My everyday camera is the X100T. When I go to China later this year, it will be my primary walk-around camera. If I’m taking photos of Panda’s, I’ll more than likely use my D7100.

Now, the minimum you should take with you on any trip are 3-4 extra batteries, cleaning cloth, and a few high quality SD cards. I have a B+W clear filter attached and a JJC-JX100II lens hood, mostly for protection. Also, a means to backup your photos is a good idea.

However, as long as you have purchased the TCL-X100 and accessories, by all means bring them, use them, and have fun. You'll find out how important they are to have.
 
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