The Questions I Get Asked the Most
When setting up my Fujifilm X100VI or other similar cameras, I’ve found a few settings that work well for me. Rather than getting bogged down with the technical details, let’s keep this light and focus on what you really need to know. For the specifics of where to find each setting, your camera manual is your best friend.
How I Nail Focus Every Time
For focusing, I rely on the "SINGLE POINT" mode. It’s straightforward and effective, helping me achieve sharp focus consistently. I’ve found that increasing the focus points to 425 offers better precision, letting me zero in on exactly where I want the sharpest detail in the shot.
My Go-To Exposure Settings
Aperture (F-stop): I usually shoot at f/5.6, which delivers sharp results for most of my photos. When I need a softer, more artistic effect, I open up to f/2 (usually for portraits).
ISO: I prefer to let the camera handle this with auto ISO, adjusting on the fly to the lighting conditions.
Shutter Speed: This is also set to auto, allowing the camera to select the best speed based on the scene.
Exposure Compensation: I tweak this depending on how the light hits the subject, making sure the final image isn’t too dark or too bright.
Why I Use DR400% in My Settings
DR400% is a handy feature that sets the ISO floor at 500, helping the camera balance the highlights and shadows more effectively. It’s a lifesaver on bright, sunny days, but I tend to use other settings when the sky is overcast.
Quick Tip: If you’re shooting wide open at f/2.0 in bright light, be aware that overexposure can happen. Fortunately, the X100VI’s built-in ND filter can help you keep the exposure in check.
Why I Love Using a Mist Filter
I usually shoot with a mist filter that also includes a polarizing effect from PolarPro. It adds a beautiful, cinematic quality to my photos that I really enjoy. The filter helps soften the image just enough to create that dreamy, film-like effect that I’m after. On the rare occasion when I want a bit more sharpness, I’ll remove the filter. But for most of my work, I find that the subtle haze it introduces enhances the overall mood and texture of the shot.
Adding a Clean White Frame to My Photos
If you want to add a white border to your photos, Lightroom Mobile is a great tool. The export settings allow you to create a clean, professional-looking frame around your image. This feature is especially easy to use if you’re on iOS.
My favorite Fujifilm Recipe
This film simulation by Luis Costa has become my favorite for capturing everyday moments, with its warm tones and subtly faded look. It shines on sunny days but performs well in various lighting conditions, including at night and indoors. For more of Luis Costa’s recipes, be sure to check out his blog.
Film simulation: Classic Negative
Dynamic Range: DR400
White Balance: Auto
WB Shift: +2 Red, -5 Blue
Highlights: -1
Shadows: -1
Color: -1
Noise reduction: -4
Clarity: 0
Sharpening: -4
Grain effect: Strong
Grain size: Small
Color chrome Effect: Strong
Color chrome FX blue: Weak
Exposure compensation: usually between +2/3 and +1, adjust as necessary
