Top 3 Fujifilm X-Pro1 Camera Accessories

Seeing as I've already started pooling together cash from my 'would-be' savings and car fund into the big splurge of the Fujifilm X-Pro1 with the planned release of the 23mm f/1.4 lens next year, you could call me a little insane to be recommending accessories before even owning the camera.

Then again, you probably have no idea how crazy I get once I have my heart set on something. Above: 1) Street Strap ($69), 2) Thumbs Up (TU) EP-7S Ergonomic Adapter ($117), and 3) Match Technical "BOP" Red Soft Release ($18).

Fujifilm X-Pro1 Hack and Slash

I must say, this camera would have been on my must-buy list had it included an external mic stereo connector and better video support. Otherwise, le camera sex must wait.

X100 Fuji Camera Pr0n

I still haven't been convinced that this camera can top my Panny GF-1 in terms of long term support, performance, and reliability, but it's certainly there in terms of looks. Maybe I'll grab one of these instead of a gigantic full frame. You know, until I have a $3000 female model who'll be up for doing a shoot with me in Morocco.

Olympus EP1 x Canon 50mm 0.95

Mmmmmm. Sex on glass. This I can do.

ID This Camera Shoulder Strap

If anyone knows where I can find this strap, let me know and I'd be forever grateful! Found it! $130 here.

Planned Upgrades

So I have decided that I will be documenting the upgrades I'll be adding to my Denver Victorian over the next couple of months. The list so far: 1) a wall shelving system, 2) a wall-mounted bike rack, and 3) a photo studio. 

Disseminated Dreams

Here's this week's grab bag of inspirational junk. Enjoy!

Panasonic GF-1 vs Voigtlander SWH

I guess you can consider this a part 2 of my apparent Voigtlander obsession. Glass drool.

Daily Inspiration: Retro

I loves me some delicious retro-fication.

Oh Hai, It's Bessa

Just to tantalize you for a bit. I feel that is necessary business when you're talkin' lenses with me. Bessa-R3M + Lens VoigtLander 50mm F1.1. Yes, that's a $1000 lens you're looking at there, folks.

The Portrait Photographer

As you can probably tell, I have a slight infatuation with photography. Much like music. Much like technology. Much like a lot of things.

But like most things, there's a trick to mastery in every category. For portrait photography in particular, I've learned a few things. First, it's all about the eyes. You need to make them smile. That is - if you don't have life in them, you're not doing it right. Bounce flash from above, reflectors from below, and controlling the way your subject lights up is key to creating the perfect image.

Another trick is to make use of anything and everything to create the perfect shot. If there's a leaf distracting the image, walk on over and kick it to the curb. Need to climb a tree for a shot? Do it. It's this type of explorative and ballsy dedication to an art that really brings out the creative spirit of photography.

Finally, there's treasure all around us. This takes years to master, but the key is to find those areas around the places you live that seem to have their own special story around them. It could be the morning sun that comes in your window to light your lover doing the Times crossword. It could be the lamppost on the corner that illuminates the people on the sidewalk at dusk. It could be the last bit of sunset light on the wall of your office. Watch for these pockets. Have your snap finger ready.

Eclectic Gifts for the Urban Digital Renewist

I think you should invest in yourself every 5 years or so. If you haven't purchased anything big recently, here's a few to spoil yourself with: 1) GF-1 Add-Ons (Pictured above is a Aki-Asahi case for $100), 2) Jean shirts and leather suspenders, and 3) Understand Rap (a fabulous typographic book explaining a few ghetto-isms in raw, university exposition for $10).

Pimp My Camera: Grips

My cousin Tony's ears perked up when I said I saw a Panasonic GF-1 grip somewhere on the internet. I did a little more research and found it was sold solely at Fujiya Camera in Nakano, Tokyo and here. That'll be $100, please.

Roberu Kamerasutorappu Canvas Camera Straps

I just stumbled on the goldmine. Roberu canvas makes these awesome straps for micro 4/3rd cameras. I just wish they didn't cost $100. Drool.

DIY Panasonic GF-1 Flash Bounce

White card. 45 degrees. Better results, yeah!