Fujifilm has released some incredible lenses over the years, but this one, in particular, had an unusual aim, and one I hope to see more of with lenses: magic. But did they manage it?
The 35mm focal length is somewhat of a king in street photography, whether it's on a full frame or an APS-C sensor, where it is around the other popular prime focal length of 50mm. It is one of the staple prime focal lengths and regularly seen across many manufacturers and their lens line-ups. While f/2.8 to f/1.8 are typically the widest apertures of this particular focal length, one of Fujifilm's oldest X series lenses is still revered today and loved for street photography.
The Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R is an incredibly fast prime for APS-C format cameras and was designed without pixel peeping as an express intention. In fact, one of the eye-catching goals of its production was to recapture some of the magic of vintage lenses, which it has arguably done with great success. The lens is still revered today, with many accomplished photographers regarding it as a gem. What's most impressive is, despite its wide maximum aperture and fanbase, it is still only $599 brand new.
As you can see in this video by street photographer from my neck of the woods, Eren Sarigul, the results are beautiful. Yes, Sarigul has post-processed his images to play into that vintage, film aesthetic, but the lens all but asks for that treatment. The video is an interesting review, but even more engrossing is the spread of superb street photography.
it's an "old" lens. it's very slow at focusing and misses a bit. And yet, it still is my favourite ever lens! such a special lens! When it produces, it just gives you a different render!
It hunts and misses occasionally, and the contrast is pretty low, it's not weather resistant, I don't care much for the rendition compared to the f2 line, but I love the focal length and aperture speed so much, I can't see myself selling it. Especially because Fuji made the new weather resistant update a 33mm. 🙄
no
...... No.....