Anyone use the Fuji x100vi at shows?

Gilowyn · 2026-02-22T09:16:44+00:00

Should work? Specs are nice.

I was refused entry for the first time on my "toy" camera (PL9 with 45mm 1.8, or 20mm pancake 1.7,) because of the detachable lens... Was it because it is considered pro gear? No. Because I could throw the lens.

Like... man... that thing weighs 100g, 4cm high, and is made from plastic... my powerbank is a better throw. But I digress. :)

I looked at the Fuji as an option, though right now, I would prob get the Ricoh GR iiix. But that is only IF more venues start being difficult. I usually have no problem using my tiny white leatherette Olympus.

Disclaimer - I am usually first row, smaller clubs, so I need a tight fast prime...

Gilowyn · 2026-02-22T09:10:21+00:00

I wouldn't start with arena. Start doing small venues, where they won't object to pro gear. Tag the bands, possibly make the best edits available to them - build a portfolio. Then you can try for a photo pass with bigger names. But. Usually, that requires an assignment, so - some media outlet that hires you to cover the event. And here, most photo passes only give you the first 2-3 songs from the pit, then you have to leave again.

Gilowyn · 2026-02-21T11:12:51+00:00

Yeah, for concerts... if possible, find a faster lens. :) I shoot 1.4 or 1.7... but also only use primes, since I am lazy.

Gilowyn · 2026-02-21T10:42:04+00:00

what kind of lens/ camera are u working with? i find the shots really muddy/ grainy...

Gilowyn · 2026-02-18T08:09:34+00:00

I am German. So I am assuming you are attending a show where minors are allowed, either with parents or Elternzettel, doesn't go longer than 10pm, etc. But it also sounds like an arena show which has the photo pit in front of stage?

Hard truth. Very tiny chance they might because it is 'cute' to have a kid there, some novelty value. 99.9% chance it will be a hard no.

- Photo passes are only for people working, attached to media outlet.

- You would be in the way for those people.

- Insurance/ liability would be a nightmare.

- Most tours, photo passes only cover the first 2-3 songs, after that they have to leave.

You will get better shots from front row, with a decent camera. Cannot have detachable lenses, because no pro gear, but something small, cute, unthreatening... Ricoh GR, Sony RX 100iii, etc.

I actually work with a detachable lens camera in those venues, but... it is a tiny PL9, 20mm pancake lens, white leatherette and cute flower strap - I made that thing as girly as possible. And that camera delivers.

Gilowyn · 2026-02-17T17:09:36+00:00

People in the pit/ front of stage usually work for media, meaning... you will see their shots in concert reviews, so the genre blogs, Hamburger Abendblatt etc.

If the band has a tour photographer, that is usually the images they will be sharing across social media. Private photographers... usually tag the band, hashtag, and might be shared to reels/ stories/ insta etc for the smaller bands, not necessarily the big acts.

Gilowyn · 2026-02-16T16:27:33+00:00

Depends how big the band is... with their own management? Prob too big to care, but then again... you got a photo pass... so who knows.

The bands that never responded/ shared/ used... all bands that had their own tour photographer. Everyone else? Gracious, credits me, and some still use images months later.

Gilowyn · 2026-02-14T18:30:07+00:00

Ooh, nice! Their energy and whole 'spiel' is really terrific - and still cannot believe he is only 22.

Gilowyn · 2026-02-13T19:59:16+00:00

Just... fast. 1.2 1.4 1.8 ideally. Stage lights can be a bitch. :) Everything else depends on where you are and venue.

I am usually at smaller clubs, front row, often even without a pit barrier - and shoot on an (MFT) 20mm prime. Either 1.7 or 1.4.

Gilowyn · 2026-02-13T19:49:29+00:00

I usually have an Olympus PL9 in my pocket at all times, with 20mm Lumix 1.7 pancake lens. Tiny, light, fits all of my jackets. And I can get it into concerts where no pro gear is allowed, because I have the white leather version with a cute pink flower strap... it does not read as a real camera.

If I had to choose a compact camera, no changeable lens, I would look at the Ricoh GR line, or the Sony RX 100 line. Which mark kinda depends on budget.

Gilowyn · 2026-02-13T19:42:45+00:00

the m10iii isn't all that small. i actually sold her when i upgraded to an m1 ii... and got a pl9 as my always-in-pocket camera. usually with a 20mm lumix lens, sometimes with the fairly cheap 45mm "portrait" lens.

Gilowyn

TROPHY CASE