I’m a huge fan of Zack Arias’s work and his philosophy on photography. I’ve watched his One Light series dvd a number times and I still learn every time I watch it. I don’t remember exactly where I heard Zack says the following quote (paraphrased) but he said “every time I get a new lens I shoot hell out of it to learn it in and out,” and that’s exactly what I’ve been doing with the XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS. This lens has been quite fulfilling, its great on the short, middle, and long end and has truly become a jack of all trade. If I could only afford one lens from the XF series the 18-55mm would have to be it, but I still yearn for a pancake like experience reminiscing on my old days with the GF1/20mm combo.
Recently I’ve been pondering which Fujinon XF lens to add my kit and I’m on the fence as to which one to choose. Do I get the XF 35mm 1.4, the jewel of the XF lenses, or do I get the XF 27mm 2.8, the pancake, to get an X100/s experience on the Fuji XE1. Patrick Laroque, a Canadian Fuji X Photographer said it best on a recent post:
The telephoto lens has kept me confined the entire morning, boxing me in with my enclosed subjects. At lunch I take the X100 out of the bag and look around me …. I’ve rejoined the collective.
I think Patrick nailed it with this very simple observation. The X100/s is the kind of camera that just mixes in the crowds unnoticed and has become an extremely versatile documentary tool. When Patrick mentioned in the last part of his statement “I’ve rejoined the collective,” he was making a reference to his Kage Collective, the site Patrick founded comprised of an international group of independent photographers, which is focused on visual storytelling and documentary photography with the premise of “kage.” Kage is the japanese word for shadow and I believe the Kage Manifesto explains it all.
“This is not about forced reality. It is not about pure reportage without intent. It is about resolute interpretations of the moment. The eye as ghost and poet and translator. We believe in interaction without interference, in rogue infiltrations borne out of respect. The image as truth and as point of view. We vow to be shadows.
We vow to search for light.”
To conclude, I think I’ve made my decision already and my next lens will be the Fujinon XF 27mm 2.8 with a focal length of 41mm in order for my Fuji XE1 to become more like an X100/s (image credit by Simon). I’ll probably end up getting the silver version of the lens.
All images shot with the Fuji XE1 and XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS
Ledesma Photography 
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I have an XE1 and Xpro1. Lenses include 14mm, 18mm, 35mm, 60mm 18-55 & 55-200. My favourite and go to lens for the XE1 is the 18mm. The Xpro usually has the 35mm attached. If I had a choice of only two Fuji lenses these are what I would have.
Thanks for chiming. You have a complete fuji collection which is very sweet that affords you a lot of opportunities. I must say I’m loving the 18-55mm and often wonder if the the 55-200mm is as nice as the 18-55mm. I should be getting the 35mm soon so I’ll have my own opinion shortly but from what I’ve seen “its the jewel of the fujinion xf series.”
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Great images nice post
Thanks for the Fuji love Simon!
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Jorge,
Great pics!
I want to like the XE-1, but I’m afraid about the AF speed and processing the RAW files in Lightroom.
Any issues on processing Fuji RAW in lightroom or photoshop?
I heard that for some reason there are issues, because Fuji uses a non-standard sensor.
Appreciate your thoughts.
Eric
Hi Jorge,
I’ve only had a chance to check out the XE-1 at the store. I wanted to like it; however, I had some concerns about a few points.
1) Lightroom or Photoshop Processing – Some complain that the unconventional sensor causes some processing issues;
2) Focus Speed;
3) EVF quality (there seemed to be some lag).
Appreciate your thoughts.
I want to like the camera, but it seems like it needs one or two more generations to correct some issues.
It is surprising that most of these camera companies only get it partially right.
Micro Four Thirds – plenty of good lenses, too expensive, so so low light.
NEX – excellent sensor, few lenses, some lenses pricey.
Fuji – excellent (unconventional) sensor, decent lenses, slow AF, a little pricey.
Tks!
Hello Eric, nice of you to chime to the conversation. Excellent points you bring up and I think I’ll use your questions to develop a post that will answer all your questions to the best of my abilities point by point ok. I’ll publish it tonight so stay tuned. Cheers!
I generally use Minolta Rokkor 28mm lens on my X-E1 and like the coverage. It is a good lens too. And it is always a pleasure to listen to Zack Arias. His story is inspiring.
Yes, I hear good things on the Rokkor lenses. I have a Vivitar 28mm by Komine Optics that’s stellar but to be honest, I have not given it the time it deserves. In m experience with legacy lenses, and this is strictly my opinion, I like legacy lenses for portraits under more controlled environments. I’m on the hunt for a small, either 135mm or 90mm, portrait lens.
Zack is the man, very inspiring indeed! Cheers.
Consider a Nikkon 100mm f/2.8 Series E lens. It is small and a great performer.
Nice, thanks, I’ll look into for sure.
Hi there Jorge:
First time that I came to your site your photography was mostly B/W. Now, I’m enjoying your colour pics, the texture… They look warm…Funny, I was reading an interview in TGD with Zack last night and he is genius, so down to earth, so authentic…
anyways, Jorge, it’s always a pleasure to read your blog…
cheers from Lima Peru.
Thanks Pedro, I always appreciate your insights. Yes, Zack a stand up guy indeed. Color is a new phase and something I’m enjoying very much. I’m seeing things with a different eye although black and white is never to far behind. Cheers amigo!