X-E5 x Haruki Fujimoto
When taking photos, what I care most about is whether I realized something in that moment.
In most cases, I shoot photos based on my own “realizations.”
Rather than consciously aiming for something,
I naturally press the shutter button when my heart responds.
This time, I traveled to Paris with the X-E5 camera.
I wanted to see how this classically designed camera would harmonize
with the French cityscape and decided to use this camera to capture the streets of Paris.
Since I usually use the X-Pro3 and GFX50R for both work and personal purposes, the X-E5, which shares the same rangefinder style, felt immediately familiar in my hands.
I first enjoyed a simple Paris breakfast.
Thanks to the compact camera, I was able to take photos of my meal without disturbing people around me.
I primarily work as an advertising photographer.
While my regular work involves commercial photography in a “staged” world,
street photography allows me to capture a place’s true character and people without any direction.
I enjoy capturing the energy created by the history of a place and its people.
Every corner of Paris is captivating.
Although the quintessential Paris streets are so popular and difficult to photograph
due to crowds, stepping into the back streets reveals many beautiful alleyways.
Thanks to Paris’ low buildings, the dappled sunlight and the way light enters these spaces are particularly beautiful.
Even small streets in Paris have names, and each road has its own story, making it fascinating.
One reason I use FUJIFILM cameras is their excellent reproduction of colors and tones without editing.
Being able to confirm images close to my desired final tone on the monitor increases my motivation while shooting, whether editing them on my computer or not.
With the Film Simulation feature, I can make it close to the ideal color tone on the camera and check it on the screen.
This is a major advantage of using FUJIFILM cameras.
My favorite Film Simulation is “PRO Neg. Hi,” which is especially suitable for portrait photography.
During this Paris trip, I experimented with FS1-FS3 assigned, for example, to “NOSTALGIC Neg.” and “CLASSIC Neg.” while shooting.
When photographing the traditional Parisian streetscapes, I felt that the “NOSTALGIC Neg.” was particularly well-suited.
Since the Film Simulation dial is located on top of the camera, I could smoothly change settings and focus on shooting.
My goal as a photographer
is to take pictures that move people.
This goal also applies to my advertising photography work.
In the long run, I hope to engage in activities
that convey the joy and depth of photography.
For me, photography is my life’s work and something I will continue doing throughout my life.
While cameras need advanced features and excellent image quality, it’s rare to find one like the X-E5 that has a film camera-like feel and shape, with a design that honors the essence of photography. I believe the philosophy of FUJIFILM’s X-E series has been faithfully carried forward in this X-E5.
The X-E5 will be a great partner for people who incorporate photography into their daily lives.
