The Fujifilm X100F: 101 X-Pert Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Camera

Rico Pfirstinger studied communications and has been working as a journalist, publicist, and photographer since the mid-’80s. He has written numerous books on a diverse range of topics, from computing technology to digital desktop publishing to sled dog racing. He worked as the department head of special assignments for Hubert Burda Media in Munich, Germany, and he also served as chief editor for a winter sports website.

After eight years as a freelance film critic in Los Angeles, Rico now lives in Germany and devotes his time to digital photography and compact camera systems.

Rico writes the popular X-Pert Corner blog and leads workshops called Fuji X Secrets where he offers insights, tips, and tricks on using the Fujifilm X-series cameras.

Rico Pfirstinger

The Fujifilm X100F

101 X-Pert Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Camera

The Fujifilm X100F: 101 X-Pert Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Camera

Rico Pfirstinger

www.fuji-x-secrets.net

Project editor: Maggie Yates

Project manager: Lisa Brazieal

Marketing manager: Mercedes Murray

Copyeditor: Maggie Yates

Translation: Rico Pfirstinger

Layout and type: Petra Strauch

Cover design: Rebecca Cowlin

Indexer: Maggie Yates

ISBN: 978-1-68198-314-1

1st Edition (1st printing, January 2018)

© 2018 Rico Pfirstinger

All images © Rico Pfirstinger unless otherwise noted

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Table of Contents

1.YOUR FUJIFILM X100F

TIP 1:RTFM! Read The Fuji Manual!

TIP 2:Spare batteries, chargers, travel adapters, and memory cards

TIP 3:How to obtain and install the latest firmware

TIP 4:Your camera is automatically numbering your images. With a little trick, you can reset the frame counter and even assign a new starting number

TIP 5:Use high performance mode!

TIP 6:Things you should know about digital lens corrections

TIP 7:Wide-angle and tele conversion lenses

TIP 8:Use a lens hood!

TIP 9:Lens protection filters—yes or no?

TIP 10:Off-camera TTL flash with a Canon OC-E3 TTL extension cord

TIP 11:Remote shutter release: three options for the X100F

2.USING THE FUJIFILM X100F

2.1READY, SET, GO!

TIP 12:Recommended settings for your X100F

TIP 13:Avoiding the camera menus: practical shortcuts for your X100F

TIP 14:Suggested Fn button assignments

TIP 15:Recommended My Menu and Quick menu configurations

TIP 16:Always shoot FINE+RAW!

TIP 17:Compressed or uncompressed RAW files?

TIP 18:Pick a suitable image format!

TIP 19:The magical half-press

2.2MONITOR AND VIEWFINDER

TIP 20:Use of the eye sensor!

TIP 21:Instant review

TIP 22:The DISP/BACK button can be tricky!

TIP 23:WYSIWYG–What You See Is What You Get!

TIP 24:Using the Natural Live View

TIP 25:Using the OVF

TIP 26:Using the ERF

2.3EXPOSING CORRECTLY

Exposing correctly—how does this work?

TIP 27:Choosing the right metering method

TIP 28:Linking spot metering to AF frames

TIP 29:Using the live view and live histogram

TIP 30:Auto exposure (AE) with modes P, A, and S

TIP 31:Using manual exposure M

TIP 32:Using aperture priority A

TIP 33:Using shutter priority S

TIP 34:Using program AE P and program shift

TIP 35:Playing it safe with auto exposure bracketing

TIP 36:Long exposures

TIP 37:Long exposures in bright daylight

TIP 38:ISO settings—what’s the deal?

TIP 39:What you should know about extended ISO

TIP 40:Auto-ISO and minimum shutter speed

TIP 41:Auto-ISO in manual mode M: the misomatic

TIP 42:ISO-Bracketing: it’s just a gimmick!

TIP 43:Extending the dynamic range

TIP 44:Extending the dynamic range for RAW shooters

TIP 45:JPEG settings for RAW shooters

TIP 46:Extending the dynamic range for JPEG shooters

TIP 47:Using the DR function for high-key and portrait photography

TIP 48:Creating HDR images with the X100F

TIP 49:HDR: the handheld way

TIP 50:Using the electronic shutter

TIP 51:The leaf shutter: pros and cons

2.4FOCUSING WITH THE X100F

TIP 52:CDAF and PDAF: what’s the difference?

TIP 53:AF-S or AF-C?

TIP 54:AF modes: Single Point AF vs. Zone AF vs. Wide/Tracking AF

TIP 55:Selecting an AF frame or AF zone

TIP 56:Choosing a suitable AF frame or AF zone size

TIP 57:Manual focus and DOF zone focusing

TIP 58:Manual focus assistants: focus peaking and digital split image

TIP 59:Focus check: use the magnifier tool!

TIP 60:One-Touch-AF (Instant AF)

TIP 61:Using AF+MF

TIP 62:Pre-AF: a relic of the past

TIP 63:Using face detection and eye detection

TIP 64:Using AF Lock

TIP 65:Focusing in poor light

TIP 66:Macro: focusing at close distances

TIP 67:Focusing on moving subjects (1): the autofocus trick

TIP 68:Focusing on moving subjects (2): the focus trap

TIP 69:Focusing on moving subjects (3): AF-C tracking using Single Point AF, Zone AF, or Wide/Tracking AF

TIP 70:Focus priority vs. Release priority

2.5WHITE BALANCE AND JPEG PARAMETERS

TIP 71:Custom white balance: a little effort can go a long way

TIP 72:Infrared photography

TIP 73:Changing color tints with WB SHIFT

TIP 74:Film simulations: it’s all about the look

TIP 75:Using the Grain Effect

TIP 76:Contrast settings: working with highlights and shadows

TIP 77:Skin tones: smooth or with texture?

TIP 78:Color saturation

TIP 79:Choosing a color space: sRGB or Adobe RGB?

TIP 80:Using custom settings (usage profiles)

TIP 81:Working with the built-in RAW converter

TIP 82:Comparing RAW converters

Fujifilm film simulations

Extended dynamic range (DR200%, DR400%)

Digital lens corrections

TIP 83:Displaying EXIF metadata

2.6BURST MODE, MOTION PANORAMA, MOVIES, AND THE SELF-TIMER

TIP 84:Using burst mode

TIP 85:Shooting motion panoramas

TIP 86:Shooting video with the X100F

TIP 87:Using the self-timer

2.7FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY

TIP 88:Flash photography in modes P and A: slow shutter speed limits

TIP 89:Controlling the surrounding-light component of flash photography

TIP 90:Controlling the flash-light component

TIP 91:Rear-curtain flash synchronization: what’s the deal?

TIP 92:Flash synchronization: where’s the limit?

TIP 93:Red-eye removal: a two-step affair

TIP 94:Using TTL-Lock

TIP 95:Little slave: the Fujifilm EF-X20

TIP 96:Big master: the Fujifilm EF-X500

TIP 97:Great alternative: the Metz M400

TIP 98:Generic third-party flash units

2.8REMOTE CONTROL

TIP 99:Using the Camera Remote App

TIP 100:Streaming the live view via HDMI

2.9ANYTHING ELSE?

TIP 101:Forums, blogs, and workshops: be a part of it!

ONLINE REFERENCES

1. YOUR FUJIFILM X100F

To start off, here’s a brief overview of the buttons and controls on your Fujifilm X100F:

Fig. 1: X100F frontal view: front command dial with integrated button (1), viewfinder selector with integrated Fn button (2), AF assist lamp/self-timer indicator lamp (3), hybrid viewfinder (4), 23mmF2 lens (5), focus selector at the side of the body (6)

Fig. 2: X100F top view: on/off switch (1), shutter release button (2), Fn button (3), exposure compensation dial (4), shutter speed dial with integrated ISO dial (5), hot shoe (6), aperture ring (7), focus ring (8)

Fig. 3: X100F rear view: diopter adjustment dial (1), hybrid viewfinder (2), eye sensor (3), VIEW MODE button (4), AE-L/AF-L button (5), rear command dial with integrated button (6), focus stick with integrated button (7), Q button for Quick menu (8), playback button (9), delete (trash) button (10), DISP/BACK button (11), upper selector/DRIVE button (12), left selector/Fn button (13), right selector/Fn button (14), lower selector/Fn button (15), MENU/OK button (16), status indicator lamp (17), LCD monitor (18)

In this first chapter, we will cover basics you should know about your camera, lens, and accessories.

In case you have misplaced your user manual, or you want to update to a newer edition of a manual, you can obtain downloadable PDF versions [1] in various supported languages. You will also find supplementary material that covers new features and changes based on firmware updates.

Please do yourself a big favor and thoroughly study this manual in order to get acquainted with the different functions of your X100F. This book doesn’t replace the X100F camera manual; it serves as an enhancement to the existing manual, and offers valuable tips and background information about how to use the various features and functions of the X100F and make the most of your equipment.

The X100F is quite a compact camera, which means that the rechargeable battery is also rather small. Depending on how you use your camera, a fully charged battery will last for 250 to 400 shots.

I recommend always setting the camera to high performance mode (SET UP > POWER MANAGEMENT > PERFORMANCE > HIGH PERFORMANCE) in order to secure the best autofocus and overall performance.

Please note:

Unlike previous models, the X100F features an accurate battery indicator with five bars and a percentage display.

In shooting mode, the percentage display is only available in the INFO display. To activate the INFO display, (repeatedly) press the DISP/BACK button until the INFO display appears. In playback mode, the percentage indicator is also available in the INFO display, which can be accessed with the DISP/BACK button or by pressing the upper selector key (DRIVE button) to cycle through two extended image information pages.

When the battery indicator shows one remaining red bar, it’s almost time to replace the battery.

Fig. 4: In concert with original Fujifilm NP-W126S or NP-W126 batteries, the INFO display of your X100F features an accurate remaining-battery power indicator. It can be accessed by repeatedly pressing the DISP/BACK button.

Your X100F is using NP-W126S rechargeable batteries. This type of battery is also used in Fujifilm’s X-Pro1, X-Pro2, X-E1, X-E2, X-E2S, X-E3, X-T1, X-T2, X-T10, X-T20, X-M1, X-A1, X-A2, X-A3, and X-A10 cameras, and can be interchanged between these models.

You can also use older NP-W126-type batteries (without the S). The difference between the regular and the S-type batteries is their ability to manage heat. For high-performance applications such as long 4K video recordings in a hot environment, the newer NP-W126S type may be preferable. Since the X100F doesn’t even offer 4K video, there’s no reason not to use your older, NP-W126 batteries.

Please keep in mind that the NP-W126S is different from the batteries used in the X100, X100S, and X100T, so if you are upgrading from one of the three older X100 models, you cannot use their batteries in your new camera.

You can obtain NP-W126S batteries from Fujifilm, or you can use compatible products from a variety of third-party vendors. Sadly, not all aftermarket batteries offer the same quality, safety, and capacity as the more expensive Fujifilm batteries. You are likely to experience inaccurate battery life displays with third-party offerings, and the camera may unexpectedly switch off with an empty battery even though the indicator shows there was some power left. To avoid such trouble, use original Fujifilm NP-W126 or NP-W126S batteries.

If you store your camera for several days (or longer) without a charged battery, the X100F’s built-in emergency power source may run out of juice, and all camera and user settings will reset to factory conditions.

Along with spare batteries, the aftermarket also offers chargers that work with regular power outlets, USB ports, or a car’s cigarette lighter jack. This way, you can charge your batteries not only at home or in your hotel room, but also on your computer’s USB port or when you are traveling in a car or plane.

While traveling, don’t forget that different countries use different formats for power outlets, so you may want to carry a suitable travel adapter. A particularly small and practical solution is the Apple World Travel Adapter Kit [2]. It contains adapters for North America, Japan, China, the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Korea, Australia, and Hong Kong. The adapters connect directly to the charger that comes with your X100F (no cable required). You can also use them with chargers for your Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, MacBook, etc.).

Fig. 5: Some third-party chargers can get their power from more than one source, such as power outlets, USB ports, and car cigarette lighter jacks.

Turbo-charge your camera and its built-in buffer memory by using the fastest UHS-I memory cards available. SanDisk offers cards with a very good write speed of approximately 90 MB/s.

Fast memory cards give your camera an overall speed boost in shooting mode and playback mode. Almost everything becomes snappier and more reactive.

Fig. 6: Fast