The Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R lens, introduced in 2012, has established itself as a classic in the realm of photography. Despite the advent of newer lenses with advanced features, this lens continues to captivate me with its unique character, exceptional image quality, and timeless design. Even today, it holds a special place in the hearts of many Fujifilm shooters who value artistic expression over technical perfection, myself included.
The diminutive optic for Fujifilm’s X-System was the very first prime lens I fell truly head-over-heels for, and my love for it was so strong it became the catalyst for an entire ecosystem switch, triggering my jump from Canon full frame to the X-System—one of the best moves I have ever made. Indeed, some of my favorite awards for my portraiture were earned with the help of this beauty, including the lead image for this article, which took first prize in a 2021 statewide portrait competition.
Design and Build Quality
The XF 35mm f/1.4 R boasts a compact and lightweight design, making it a convenient companion for various photography styles, including street, travel, and everyday shooting. Its all-metal construction exudes durability and a premium feel, while the aperture ring provides tactile feedback, allowing photographers to adjust settings intuitively. The design reflects Fujifilm’s commitment to crafting lenses with a retro aesthetic that complements the brand's mirrorless camera bodies.
Weighing just 187 grams and measuring about 65 mm in diameter, the XF 35mm f/1.4 strikes a perfect balance between portability and functionality. The lens feels solid in hand, and its compact size makes it ideal for photographers who prefer to shoot discreetly. However, one notable downside is the lack of weather sealing. This omission may deter photographers who frequently shoot in challenging environmental conditions, such as heavy rain or dusty environments.
Despite the absence of weather-sealing, many users report that the lens has held up well under various conditions with proper care. Its robust build quality has contributed to its longevity, making it a reliable option for long-term use.
Optical Performance
One of the standout features of the XF 35mm f/1.4 R is its optical performance. The lens comprises eight elements in six groups, including one aspherical element, contributing to its impressive image quality. The XF 35mm f/1.4 delivers images with excellent sharpness, especially when stopped down to f/2.8 or smaller apertures. Even when shot wide open at f/1.4, the lens produces a shallow depth of field with pleasing bokeh, rendering backgrounds smoothly and drawing attention to the subject.
At its widest aperture, the lens delivers images with a slightly softer rendering that many photographers find appealing for portraits. This softness is not a drawback but rather a characteristic that adds a sense of depth and mood to images. The bokeh produced by the XF 35mm f/1.4 is creamy and smooth, with circular highlights that enhance the aesthetic quality of out-of-focus areas.
In terms of sharpness, the lens performs admirably across most of the frame. While corner sharpness at f/1.4 can be slightly lacking compared to modern lenses, it improves significantly when stopped down. By f/5.6, the lens achieves excellent edge-to-edge sharpness, making it suitable for landscape and architectural photography.
Autofocus Performance
The autofocus system of the XF 35mm f/1.4 R utilizes an older design, which can be slower and noisier compared to Fujifilm’s newer lens offerings. In well-lit conditions, autofocus is generally reliable and accurate. However, in low-light scenarios, it may hunt or struggle to lock focus promptly, which can be a minor inconvenience for some users.
Despite its slower autofocus, many photographers continue to use the lens for street and portrait photography due to its optical qualities and rendering characteristics. The slightly slower performance can also encourage a more deliberate approach to photography, allowing users to focus on composition and timing rather than rapid-fire shooting.
It’s also worth noting that firmware updates for Fujifilm cameras have improved the autofocus performance of the XF 35mm f/1.4 over the years. When paired with newer camera bodies like the X-T5 or X-Pro3, the lens benefits from faster processing and enhanced autofocus algorithms, making it more viable for modern shooting scenarios.
Comparisons With Newer Lenses
Fujifilm has since released the XF 35mm f/2 R WR, a lens that offers faster and quieter autofocus, weather sealing, and a more compact design. The XF 35mm f/2 is a solid option for photographers seeking a modern, reliable lens with excellent sharpness and portability.
However, the XF 35mm f/1.4 stands out for its wider aperture, providing greater depth of field control and superior low-light performance. The difference between f/1.4 and f/2 may seem minimal on paper, but in practice, the wider aperture of the f/1.4 lens allows for more creative control over background separation and subject isolation.
Another significant difference lies in the rendering. The XF 35mm f/1.4 has a distinctive look that many describe as having a "magical" quality. This rendering, characterized by smooth bokeh and slightly softer edges at wide apertures, gives images a unique aesthetic that is difficult to replicate with more modern lenses.
While the XF 35mm f/2 is a more practical choice for those who prioritize speed and weather resistance, the XF 35mm f/1.4 remains the preferred option for photographers who value image character and artistic expression. It’s not uncommon to find photographers who own both lenses, using the f/2 version for harsh conditions and fast-paced shooting, and the f/1.4 version for more deliberate, artistic work.
In addition to the XF 35mm f/2, Fujifilm has also introduced the XF 33mm f/1.4 R LM WR, a lens that offers a slightly wider field of view and incorporates modern advancements. The XF 33mm f/1.4 features a linear motor autofocus system, providing silent, instant, and reliable performance, making it suitable for capturing action or shooting in a hurry. It also includes weather sealing, enhancing its durability in wet or dusty environments.
While the XF 33mm f/1.4 delivers sharp and clean images, the XF 35mm f/1.4 offers a more characterful rendering. Many photographers describe the images from the XF 35mm f/1.4 as having more depth and a unique warmth that adds an emotional quality to photos. The XF 33mm f/1.4, on the other hand, excels in technical performance, offering superior sharpness, faster autofocus, and better corner-to-corner consistency. However, for those who prioritize mood and artistic flair, the XF 35mm f/1.4 remains a favorite.
Practical Applications
The 35mm focal length (equivalent to 53 mm on a full frame sensor) offers a versatile field of view suitable for a wide range of photography genres. This versatility makes it a go-to lens for many Fujifilm shooters, whether they are capturing street scenes, portraits, landscapes, or events. I have personally found it useful for nearly every genre of photography I practice, except for perhaps macro, wildlife, and sports (and even then, I can make it work okay in a pinch for indoor gym sports).
In portrait photography, the XF 35mm f/1.4 excels at creating images with a natural perspective and pleasing background separation. The wide aperture allows photographers to shoot in low-light conditions without resorting to high ISO settings, preserving image quality and minimizing noise.
For street photographers, the compact size and lightweight design of the lens make it ideal for candid shooting. Its discreet appearance and near-silent operation allow photographers to blend into their surroundings, capturing authentic moments without drawing attention.
Landscape photographers may also appreciate the lens for its sharpness and color rendition. When stopped down to f/5.6 or f/8, the XF 35mm f/1.4 delivers excellent detail and contrast, making it suitable for capturing wide vistas and intricate architectural details.
Moreover, the artistic rendering of the lens makes it a great choice for fine art photography. Photographers who aim to create evocative images with a sense of nostalgia often gravitate toward the XF 35mm f/1.4 because of its distinctive look.
Conclusion
In an era where technological advancements continually push the boundaries of lens design, the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R remains a testament to the enduring appeal of classic optics. Its unique rendering, capable of producing images with a distinctive and pleasing aesthetic, continues to inspire photographers who prioritize character and mood over clinical sharpness.
While it may not boast the fastest autofocus or the most robust build compared to newer lenses, its optical qualities and the character it imparts to images make it a cherished tool in the Fujifilm X-Series lineup. For photographers who value image character and are willing to embrace the quirks of an older design, the XF 35mm f/1.4 R offers a rewarding experience that transcends the pursuit of technical perfection.
Its ability to produce images with depth, warmth, and a touch of nostalgia ensures its place as a classic lens that remains relevant and revered in modern photography. Whether you are a seasoned professional or an aspiring amateur, the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R is a lens that will elevate your photography and inspire you to create stunning images for years to come.
In summary, the Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4 R is more than just a lens; it's a creative companion that encourages photographers to explore the artistic aspects of their craft. Even with the availability of newer, more technologically advanced options, this timeless classic continues to hold its ground, proving that great lenses are not solely defined by their specifications but by the unique qualities they bring to every frame.
TL;DR? This is the one lens I will never get rid of.
