Talk about a marketing sensation; the 2010 release of the Fujifilm X100 camera brought about a seismic explosion in the previously staid point-and-shoot camera category. Derivative Canon, Nikon, and Olympus cameras were shocked by this new, affluently-priced digital camera that bore a striking resemblance to a film-era rangefinder camera.
Astonishingly enough, every subsequent iteration of the popular little rangefinder has risen to a cult status for ownership: from the first model, X100, to the number two X100S, the third X100T, the fourth X100F, the fifth X100V, and, finally, the current and sixth model, X100VI. Camera stores, suppliers, and, even Fujifilm, can’t keep enough of these cameras in stock to meet the demand. It’s crazy!
Flex a rangefinder’s creed
Still, at the heart (and soul) of the Fujifilm X100: it IS a rangefinder (please ignore the rear panel LCD). If you’re interested in making your rangefinder act like a rangefinder, there is no better way to achieve this goal than to shoot a roll of Kodak Tri-X film with it. [Please note: scroll down on the Kodak Tri-X link to – The Favorite Film of the Leica M-A: Kodak Tri-X 400] Huh? How can you shoot film with a digital camera? It’s simple, just crank up your film simulation mode.
Although, in the case of Fuji cameras, we will have to change that Kodak Tri-X roll to a Neopan 100 Acros II roll of film. Activating this delicious film simulation is just a matter of following the Fujifilm menu system:
Film Simulation -> Acros
[Please note: on the Fujifilm X100, the film simulation is called Monochrome.]
But, wait there’s more. In addition to selecting the Acros film simulation, you will have to make two more stops inside the on-camera menu system. Your next task for completing that rangefinder “look” is to enhance the film grain appearance of the film simulation. This step will increase the film grain on your photographs. Just use this menu:
Image Quality Setting -> Grain Effect (increase film grain roughness and size)
[Please note: this setting is unavailable on the Fujifilm X100.]
Now you’re almost ready to complete your rangefinder fulfilling transformation. This final offering enables you to add one of three black & white filters to your film simulation. You have an option for Green (Acros+G), Yellow (Acros+Ye), and Red (Acros+R).
Film Simulation -> Acros+G, or Acros+Ye, or Acros+R
[Please note: on the Fujifilm X100 these simulations are: Monochrome+G, or Monochrome+Ye, or Monochrome+R.]
The green filter is typically used for portraits. Although it lightens foliage it is also a freckle maker. Both lips and freckles will darken with this filter effect. Using the yellow filter, however, will make Caucasian skin look more natural, but tends to mix it up with foliage and add a slightly darker tinge to an azure sky. Finally, the red filter is the big bad boy of the lot. This filter will add a dramatic darkening to sky and foliage, while messing around with skin tones and shadows–it’s delightfully devilish.
Just using these three simple steps and you’ll instill rangefinder prowess back into your X100. Now you’ll be able to talk the talk, while you walk the walk using your rangefinder to hone your tone.
Enjoy.
