50mm / f 1.0

FUJINON XF50/1.0 @f2.5, ISO 640

Sometimes there is just one ‘magical number’ that makes us curious about something. In terms of lenses an open aperture with f=1.0 is such a case for sure. I am using a FUJINON XF56 / 1.2 since a long time for all kind of portrait work and I love the background rendering aka Bokeh, the sharpness also shooting wide open and the compact size and weight of this piece of glass. Looking at the data sheet of the new 1.0 one can see right away it’s anything but light and compact, especially when mounted to a smaller and lightweight camera body.

Not doing the obvious thing - namely taking it for another portrait shoot - I exclusively photographed with it during the last Lost Places Workshop of the year 2020 at Grabowsee, Germany.

It took me a while to get into the 50mm focal length for this kind of location, but once you start seeing your motives in front of you the play with a super shallow depth of field on the one side or tack sharp details from the foreground to infinity is pure photographic pleasure. The lens is heavy but well worth the extra effort.

Please let me know in the comments what’s your favourite shot …

I plan to have a closer look at some more specific lenses, spend some ‘intimate time’ with them and share my feelings about them - So stay tuned !