u/High_Tide89

Captured this photo yesterday at the German Coast, close to Cuxhaven.

Got a favorite?

I always loved my minimal leather case setup for the x100vi but I wanted to have the squarehood lens hood attached for weather sealing and style points while still being able to use the same case. A couple of weeks ago I had the idea to visit my local shoemaker shop to ask for an extension for the tube of the case, he added about 2 cm to it and now I have the same setup for the camera with the squarehood lens hood attached. I love it.
In my opinion, this case setup is ideal to throw in any bag at any situation. Just uncover the top leather case and the camera is ready for shooting plus it adds a little bit of grip for bigger hands because you always have the half case attached as well. Never had any problems. The thick leather seems to protect the camera perfectly.
Never seen this idea anywhere, what do you think?

Hey everyone,
I wanted to share a recent Camera Gear journey that I just wrapped up, mostly because I think a lot of us might fall into the same mental trap and maybe my experience saves someone a bit of time and money.

TL;DR at the end.

Setup:
I am taking photos for over 20 years now. For the past couple of years, my Fujifilm X100V was my daily driver. I loved it, but as time went on, the "Medium Format Siren Song" got louder. Digital medium format was always something look up to for me and to eventually get there one day. So the GfX 50R got cheaper to a point where it was actually affordable and justifiable for me. I kept looking at GFX sample images online - that three-dimensional pop, the absurd dynamic range, the rendering, the sheer detail. I started convincing myself that my photography was being bottlenecked by an APS-C sensor. Especially after coming from full frame before the x100v.
So, two months ago, I made the jump. I sold my X100V and picked up a clean, used GFX 50R. On paper and in my head it felt like the ultimate upgrade decision.

The Reality Check (1.5 Months In):
There is no denying it: the files coming out of the GFX 50R are absolute magic. The medium format look is real, and when you slow down and compose a shot carefully, it’s incredible.
But here is what I didn't anticipate: it completely killed my photographic spontaneity.
The 50R is compact for a medium format camera, but it’s still a heavy brick compared to an X100. Suddenly, taking a camera with me wasn't a frictionless decision anymore.

With the X100, I just threw it in any bag or over my shoulder without thinking. It was an extension of my daily life. With the GFX, I found myself asking: "Do I really need to carry this today?"

That subtle mental friction changed my entire mindset. I stopped being an active observer of my everyday surroundings and turned into a heavy-equipment operator who only took the camera out for "dedicated photo sessions." I missed dozens of spontaneous, unplannable moments simply because the camera was left at home.

The Pivot
After 6 weeks, I had to be radically honest with myself: High dynamic range and 50 megapixels mean nothing if the camera stays on the shelf. I cut my losses, sold the GFX 50R, and picked up the new X100VI.
Holding the X100VI now feels like coming home again and also completely different than holding my old X100V for the first time. I’m not using it because of hype anymore. I’m using it because I tested the alternative and learned what actually matters for my creative process. I traded ultimate technical perfection for creative freedom and zero friction.

TL;DR:
Don't let the pursuit of image quality ruin your actual shooting experience. The best camera isn't the one with the biggest sensor or highest resolution; it’s the one that eliminates the barrier between seeing a moment and capturing it.
Curious to hear from you guys: Have you ever made an "upgrade" on paper that totally wrecked your actual shooting workflow? Did you stick it out or double back?

Actually quite amazed about how much you can crop and still get a decent image. Cropped files are still about 5 to 28MP. Nothing special, just playing around a bit. Edited the colors and sharpness a bit + minimal grain added. All pictures at ss200 // ISO400 // f5.8.

Son visiting another alien planet.
//
Gotta love the light (daylight through green water in aquarium).
Really appreciating my Setup. Taking photos for over 20 years now and this camera is like a dream come true to me.
Fujifilms color handling is like a revelation.

Gotta love the swirl! Maybe my favorite vintage lens for portraits besides the Minolta MC 58mm F1.4.

ISO 100 - F 2 - 1/100 SS - no post, JPG, minimal use of personal film simulation. Love this camera! Absolute dream come true.

Would love to hear different opinions about this camera, as it seems like people are quite divided about speed of the camera and also about buying an 8 year old camera in general.
I think the autofocus is absolutely usable, fast enough and not as slow as everybody says it is. Yes - it is quite big and heavy (Setup with grip and the GF 50mm F3.5 lens weights about 1230g) but therefore produces stunning pictures. I do have a couple of vintage lenses, mostly MD Rokkor ones and a Helios 44-4, which need further testing, but they do seem very interesting from what I read.