I remembered I had Sleeping by the Mississippi and decided to take another look due to knowing Alec Soth shoots (very) large format. A lot of his photos employ the classic large format bokeh but in a very good way, it never looks busy or detracts from the photo, might be worth for people to take a look if you have never seen it. A good example is ‘Charles, Vasa, Minnesota’, probably one of his most popular pics.
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Great photo, but I don’t call that bokeh.
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After my last joke post, I did find the image in question, and it is indeed a spectacular photo and a great use of bokeh. It still provides a sense of place without being too distracting, and the subject is isolated without that cheesy graduation photo look that really fast lenses can sometimes provide.
I’m no expert, but I wouldn’t necessarily think this is a large-format photo though.
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It is, he shot that whole book in 8x10
I believe you, but there’s nothing about the photo that makes me think it can’t be done with a smaller sensor. Obviously, if I went to that exact location and tried to take a similar shot, it might not be possible, but there’s nothing immediately obvious about the photo that screams large-format to me.
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Ah yes. I misunderstood you and I agree. The only benefit of large format here seems to be the method. Composition, making your expensive film worth it, etc. Nothing that couldn’t be done with a regular mirrorless camera of course but it forces you in a way.
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Well, does anyone have any thoughts on the new Fujifilm X-E5?
I haven’t watched any reviews on it yet, but it looks pretty much how I was expecting: an ILC version of the X100VI.
I don’t think that’s a bad thing, although I’ve read lots of angry comments already, saying it’s only going to boost sales of the X100VI.
I think the main sticking point for many is the price. I guess the hope was that it would be cheaper and less premium than the X100VI.
If I didn’t have an X-T5, I would definitely be very interested in this camera. Although, it still isn’t as compact as I would like it. I’m still thinking that the GRIV will be a better bet for me when it’s released.
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Fuji really cranks out the APC-C cameras. I guess their marketing strategy is “keep the hype cycle going” and “something for everyone!” The price I found to be a little unfortunate, but I’d guess the price is mainly due to this having a 40mpix sensor. All of their 40mpix sensor seems to start around this price.
I love the look of it. I’m not sure why I’d choose this over an X-T5 unless size was extremely important, but the size doesn’t seem to be that much different. Fuji’s market segmentation is really confusing to me.
But everything the put out seems to be immediately gobbled up and on back order quickly, so obviously something is working for them.
I don’t under stand this… If you already own Fuji lenses, this is a great little range finder. If you don’t own any fuji lenses and don’t want to, then the X100VI is great.
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I think they simply look so much cooler than most other brands, and so they’ve become sought after for their accessorizing looks as much as anything. They’re also fun to use as well as being competitive in technical quality. Although expensive, there’s a case to be made that they still offer good value when compared to many 35mm cameras. You can get a similar feature set but with a smaller sensor, so the price compares quite well. Most people don’t need the marginal bump in quality that 35mm offers.
I agree. Their argument is that the X-E5 is more expensive (with lens) while offering no real benefit, so the X100VI will almost always be the superior choice. But I think people are really downplaying the fact that the X-E5 is an ILC. That’s a huge difference. So, unless you only want to shoot 23mm, then the X-E5 is a very compelling choice.
Up until recently, it’s pretty much exactly what I wanted: an X100VI but with interchangeable lenses. I never previously wanted a fixed lens camera, but I have come round to the idea since lusting after the GR series and its true pocketability. Size has become my primary consideration now, especially because I already have an X-T5.
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you both forgot the way more important annoucement. XF23mm F2.8R WR 
also with one of the F2 lenses or now that new pancake the xt5 is still pretty small.
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Indeed! I guess that was not a big announcement for me because I already own the 27mm F2.8 pancake. It’s probably my most used lens these days, and I would definitely enjoy this new 23mm too, but I’m not sure 4mm wider is really worth splashing the cash for 
Also, apparently it won’t be available without the X-E5 body until late 2025.
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It looks nice. If I wasn’t interested in shooting some wildlife when I can, and had to buy a new camera, it would be it. It seems that it’s also not weather sealed, so it’s a hard buy vs the X-T5 for those that like the rain. And I’ve been reading some stories and it seems like the new cameras are not as weather resistant as the older Fuji ones… Maybe X-H2?
This is definitely true. I’ve joined a photowalk in London twice with a specifically street photography-focused group and if I turn up with a non-rangefinder style body, it feels quite out-of-place among all the Fujis and Leicas. Also, I do think they somehow look less intrusive to subjects on the street than something with a big grip and “mirror box”
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I do think this is a shame considering the price. I don’t actually go out in bad weather very often, but at a certain price point, you just want to know that your camera can handle some adverse conditions quite well. I think this should one of the selling points about a proper camera over a smartphone.
so see it positively @europlatus now you can save the money and wait for the x-pro5!
also almost all modern smartphones have water resistence nowadays.
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Does this just refer to the models that don’t claim to be weather resistant, or the ones that do as well?
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That’s the plan! Although by the time it comes out, I might need 11-axis IBIS and a 13 million dot EVF for my failing body and eyes.
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I am surprised that not a single review I have read compares it to the OM-3, which is now cheaper, weather sealed, equally stylish (though not rangefinder), has a stacked sensor, tons of computational features, etc.
Sure, it is a nice camera, and for someone invested in Fuji lenses, it is worth considering. The price is, unfortunately, the new normal. Cameras with this feature set will not be available much cheaper.
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The ones that do. The X-T5 claims weather resistance to light rain, drizzle, etc, and you can read stories of cameras that didn’t last 5 minutes in those environments and needed to go for repair, even with a WR lens on. My X-T3 has been in torrential rain multiple times and it survived without issues. Of course this is all anecdotal evidence… I may have an exceptionally tight x-t3 and people from those stories may have had some duds
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