Home is where the X100T is.
There is something special about this camera I can’t quite put my finger on.
- It objectively takes lower quality photos than my X100F.
- The battery life is laughable.
- Part of it is held together with duct tape.
…but all of that just speaks to the ~connection~ I have with this camera.
Fuji is known for having recipes. The newer models are becoming increasingly adept at mimicking film stocks with remarkable accuracy.
However, this model has the simplest form of what the newer cameras offer in terms of customization.
I’ll never forget the feeling of disappointment when I got my X100F and TRIED to love it…but the upgrades kinda took the heart and soul of what I loved about the X100T.
It reminds me of when I was given a BMW rental in Hawaii and I hated it. My 2006 Scion xB rides like a go-kart, and I love it. It actually feels like I’m driving vs. the automated bullshit the lane assist was giving me on the open highways.
The X100 series embraces the analog look and feel of classic bodies; nevertheless, there’s something that the newer features took away after the X100T models…
Speaking from someone who can’t justify dropping 1.5K on a THIRD X100 series camera (I had the original X100, but traded it for an iPad after I got my X100 T), I recognize my attachment is probably due to the nostalgic nature of the memories I’ve captured with this camera.
I sent it in to repair a lens detachment and they quoted me something high, but it was returned repaired. It. was. awesome.
The lens detached after throwing it in my pocket and probably doing some ratchet shit during a Santa Barbara trip.
It was the second time without an X100, and the NEED to make sure I had one was high.
I lost a X100T in Seattle while, of course, doing ratchet shit. I left it in the woman’s restroom and was embarrassed to tell the workers it was last there.
I gave them my number in case they found it.
I flew back home empty-handed and couldn’t stop thinking about my lost camera.
I’m pretty sure I bought the same one on eBay within 48 hours of landing.
Now…here’s where things get hazy.
The bar FOUND my camera and shipped it out to me. I gave them a gift card as a token of my appreciation and felt ecstatic. I’ve never loved humanity, particularly Seattle, more.
But at one point, I may have had two X100Ts???
Or maybe I lost my original x100? The one I traded for an iPad?
RATCHET ACTIVITIES AND CLEAR MEMORIES DON’T MIX.
Either way, I’m happy I have two with purpose now.
—
The X100F does produce some quality photos. I’m comfortable doing client shoots with it for that ~look~.
I’m not quite comfortable with the X100T, knowing its image quality is not on par with the F’s. Clients would be understandably expect more from a paid shoot.
But damn…the x100T just has that FEEL.
The shitty battery life makes it feel like an analog camera where I’m limited to the shots I have at any given moment. I’m VERY thankful for the F’s upgraded battery when I’m traveling or in a shoot. But I’m also thankful that shooting at home means I know there’s a fresh battery waiting for me if need be.
I don’t know why I’m writing this at 5:30 AM with my girlfriend sleeping next to me.
Part of me feels guilty, as this is essentially a love letter that isn’t to my girlfriend.
Sorry, Chy 😘
To your credit, this just means we can shoot together and both find the joy in the X100 series 💃
I’m excited to continue this ~home journey~ with my beloved camera, knowing I’m not quite broadcasting my daily routine on Instagram.
But I don’t mind broadcasting my photography–especially if it's showing my 8-month-old kittens grow up. It’s a nice little creative exercise that allows me to put down the phone and tell stories through stills.
It’s probably that damn Polaroid ad campaign that’s getting a lot of praise but it’s honestly been my approach to advertising since I quit teaching.
