One lens and one camera

Is it possible to shoot a complete portrait session with just one lens and one camera, such as the Fujifilm X-Pro2 and 35mm f/1.4 that I used in this session? Well, the answer seems to be yes.

I love simplification. “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication,” said Leonardo da Vinci. With this mantra in mind, I have tried to make my technical camera equipment more efficient and lighter in the past years.

The process started with switching from Canon reflex cameras to the more versatile (and lighter) Fujifilm mirrorless X-series. Furthermore, in recent years, I’ve shot many commissioned photo sessions with a smartphone camera.

I love the Fujifilm X-Pro2. I have to say that this camera is even higher on my list of preferences than the other Fujifilm I own, the X-T2. So when I have to travel light and bring just one camera, my choice goes to the X-Pro2.

Seems odd, since the X-T2 offers, on paper, more features: a larger EVF with a higher refresh rate, slightly faster focusing, better ergonomics with the dials, and so on.

But even with this feature set, the Fujifilm X-Pro2 has a unique look and feel for me. And I feel the camera is perfectly balanced with the Fujifilm 35mm f/1.4. I even like the shutter sound of the X-Pro2 more than the X-T2. So, in the end, the X-T2 is the camera I use with the larger, heavier Fujinon lenses I own.

This portrait session was planned mainly for the OnePlus launch campaign (one image is featured on their website), so it was meant to be shot with a smartphone.

At the time, I decided to bring only the Fujifilm X-Pro2 with the 35mm f/1.4 lens to shoot some backstage photos. But in the end, I used the camera to shoot a set of portrait photos as well, with the idea of comparing the results with the smartphone shots.

What is there to say about the Fujifilm 35 f/1.4 that hasn’t been written already? It is an excellent lens. It’s small and light, and it gives excellent sharpness and contrast already at the maximum aperture. I almost always use it at f/1.4. So what more would I ask for?

If I had a little dream, it would be the much-rumored Fujinon 33mm f/1.0 that, unfortunately, seems to be no longer on the Fujifilm roadmap. Let’s hope the Japanese company will change its mind and bring us that lens with the same quality and sharpness as the 35mm f/1.4 but with faster focusing and the weather resistance from the 35mm f/2.

The photos were shot at an iconic architectural location in Milan. I used the only natural light available without any reflector. I have to thank the model, Kitrisha, and the talented makeup artist, Serena. In the next post, I will share more photos from this session, along with editing notes.