Stories of creators who love photography and their cameras. A "beloved camera" reflects each person's worldview and values. In this installment, we feature Sui, a devoted user of the FUJIFILM X-M5, who seamlessly transitions between film and digital photography.
With light and color as allies, Sui captures moments that reveal individuality and the softening of hearts. Her perspective, imbued with poetic sensitivity, highlights the unique relationship between film and digital photography. This article explores her shooting style and thoughts.
FUJIFILM X-M5: Key Features
The FUJIFILM X-M5, released in 2023, is an APS-C mirrorless camera equipped with a 26.1-megapixel back-illuminated X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor. Powered by the newly developed X-Processor 5, it delivers high-speed processing performance and exceptional color reproduction.
Harnessing the Power of Light
Since starting photography, I’ve come to appreciate the uniqueness of light. The FUJIFILM X-M5 captures the nuances of light with remarkable precision.
Photo by Sui
It beautifully captures the depth of shadows and the softness of highlights, ensuring stunning results on sunny or cloudy days as long as there’s light.
Engaging with Colors
I’ve always been drawn to colors. Every scene in daily life is filled with colors that excite me. Traveling abroad, I’m often amazed by the unique use of colors that differ from Japan.
It’s fun to wonder, "Why did they choose this color here?" From plates in restaurants to chairs, the world is truly overflowing with colors.
Photo by Sui
The FUJIFILM X-M5 captures these colors with incredible delicacy. Using film simulation, it not only preserves the colors as they appear but also conveys the atmosphere of the scene.
Capturing Authenticity
When photographing people, I aim to capture moments that reveal their true selves. A smile, a fleeting glance, or hair softly moving in the light—these unconscious gestures often reflect a person’s authenticity.
Photo by Sui
The FUJIFILM X-M5 is compact and easy to handle, making it perfect for capturing fleeting moments. Each photo becomes a vivid memory of being there at that moment.
Lessons from Film Photography
I started photography with a film camera. Even now, shooting with film allows me to appreciate the way light enters and the unique texture of the grain. The waiting time for development adds to the charm, as no two photos are ever the same. That’s what I love about film.
Photo by Sui
Taken with a film camera
That’s why I believe it’s difficult to fully replicate film with digital. The irregularity of the grain and its unpredictable fluctuations are unique to film.
Photo by Sui
Taken with the FUJIFILM X-M5
Even so, the FUJIFILM X-M5, with its film simulation, preserves the atmosphere and texture while offering the reliability of digital. The blend of film aesthetics and digital convenience makes this style feel natural and comfortable for me.
Creating Gentle Film Recipes
FUJIFILM users are likely familiar with the FujixWeekly app. Here’s a recipe I often use, based on ‘Classic Chrome,’ which creates a soft and nostalgic atmosphere:
- Film simulation: Classic Chrome
- Dynamic range: DR400
- Grain effect: Strong Small
- Color chrome effect: Strong
- Color chrome effect blue: Strong
- WB: Daylight, +3 Red & −6 Blue
- Highlight: 0 / Shadow: −2
- Color: −4 / Sharpness: −2
- NR: −4 / Clarity: −5
- ISO: Up to ISO 6400
Photos taken with this recipe have a calming effect, making me feel at ease every time I look back at them.
Photo by Sui
The warmth of film and the reliability of digital—enjoying both feels natural and comfortable for me. Moving forward, I want to continue capturing light, color, and those fleeting moments that soften the heart.
