Fujifilm X-T5
Love this little camera. Yes, I said little because despite all the incredible technology it packs, it is still smaller than lot of similarly-spec’d full frame cameras. I’m a sucker for more tactile experiences and the exposure dials on top of the X-T5 provide that in spades. People tend to say cameras are just tools but I ask “why can’t they be fun and good-looking too?" Can’t complain about the 40MP either!
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Minolta X570
A more recent purchase. While the X-T5 is my primary body, if I could bring just one camera, this 1983 film camera is my go-to for casual photography - think outing with friends, hike, or family activities. I use it for more artsy pursuits from time to time. With the current cost of film and the delayed gratification of receiving scans, shooting with the X570 has been such a rewarding experience.
Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2
This ‘Fujicron’ - Fuji family of lenses with f/2 aperture - was the first lens I threw on my X-T5 upon purchase and it stayed on there for the subsequent two months. I truly began to see the world in this 50mm full frame equivalent field of view. I guess there’s a reason they call the 50mm ‘nifty’. The small size of this lens is ridiculous for just how well it performs. If you held a gun to my head and asked my favorite lens, it would be this.
Best Buy: https://shorturl.at/dtLPX
Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2
Occasionally, I will be too close to capture a scene with the 35mmf2 above. It is in these times I am grateful for the compact size of these Fujicrons as I am able to reach into my sling and grab this equally impressive 23mm lens. It has now become the lens I throw on if I can only have one and I am unsure of what my subjects would be. It is so versatile. Combined with the highly ‘crop-able’ 40MP sensor on the X-T5 I tend not to miss the its larger brother as much as I fear I will. Did I mention that they are both weather-sealed?!
Best Buy: https://shorturl.at/nDIWX
Sigma 56mm F1.4 DC DN
One big reason I switched to Fuji from Canon was the availability of affordable third-party ‘fast’ prime lenses. This lens is technically proficient. I use it the least out of the three I own for my X-T5 but it has taken some truly stunning portraits in its limited time. I would attempt to use it for more candid street shots had it not been for its hideously large lens hood. No, really! This lens surprisingly small for being 56mm and f/1.4 but that hood defeats all the benefits of the compact size.
Minolta MD 50mm f/1.7
The only lens I own on the Minolta. And honestly it has been such a fun time shooting with this old-school manual focus lens. I’ve even begun to consider the prospect of adapting it to my X-T5. It is quite amazing that a company that no longer makes cameras or lenses made these MD lenses forty years ago that are still so magnificent to this day. At f/1.7 I have been able to create those desirable ‘bokeh-licious’ portraits.