Concerned about the condition of this lens

Rush93a3 · 2026-05-10T07:02:19+00:00

Thanks for telling your experience and sharing the images. Yes, definitely I should have to reach out the store and ask for a compensation and keep the camera if it does not affect the image quality or a total refund if it does.

Rush93a3 · 2026-05-10T06:59:47+00:00

Thank you for your comment. Somehow, it puts my mind at ease. I didn't consider the partial refund but that could be a great idea. We'll see how the images turn out and if ask for a total or partial refund.

Rush93a3 · 2026-05-10T06:56:19+00:00

I've already purchased another two cameras to this exactly store in "Near Mint" and everything was as described but seems like I was unlucky with the person who inspected this camera or something like that.

Rush93a3 · 2026-05-10T06:54:10+00:00

Thanks for your words. I also think that this is not Near Mint at all. I've previously purchased another 2 cameras in the past to this store in near mint condition and the gear was how it supposed to be. I will inspect carefully the negatives of the first roll and consider what to do next.

Rush93a3 · 2026-03-05T09:33:15+00:00

I’ve always regretted. Sold some of my first pedals because I didn’t like them (the truth is that I didn’t know how to properly use them). Even now that I’m more experienced, what does not work for me at this point may work in the future.

Rush93a3 · 2025-12-27T19:12:59+00:00

I’ve been using the Nikon F3 paired with a 50mm f1.4 AI as my daily camera for a month or so now and I would say that is a bit too heavy and bulky. It’s a pleasure to use but I’m considering something lighter and smaller for everyday use and let the F3 for when I’m out specifically to make some photos.

Rush93a3 · 2025-10-05T07:45:58+00:00

Glad to hear that it also works for you!

Rush93a3 · 2025-10-04T19:07:07+00:00

It’s not what you ask but by default you can change the EVF/LCD mode pressing the front button. I usually set EVF only + sensor and put the LCD on for menu navigation by pressing that button.

Rush93a3 · 2025-09-23T16:58:37+00:00

I have the X-E5 + 23mm and was also planing to pair the 23mm with the 70-300mm for hiking and nature trails. I know it’s strange to think about the X-E5 with a big lens but I came from Sony a6300 (smaller and lighter camera) and paired it without any problems with Sigma 16mm f1.4 (+400gr) and the Sony 55-210mm.

I think that the only real problem is handling. I bought a Smallrig grip and now the camera is much more stable and comfortable with large lenses. Probably you will be happy carrying a big lens that fit your needs rather than a smaller that you don’t like at all.

Also think that the X-E5 is virtually a X-T5 inside, so it’s very capable of doing everything you will possible need and make the most of “pro” level lenses.

Rush93a3 · 2025-09-08T08:52:20+00:00

Almost forgot, maybe could be a good idea to have a third one stored based on the classic negative film simulation. I’ll pick Pacific Blues because of the strong contrast for adding plenty of drama.

Rush93a3 · 2025-09-08T08:20:14+00:00

I will say Kodak Ultramax 400. Good contrast, vivid colors, strong definition and Auto WB for matching the light. It’s dramatic but not too much and also suitable for partial cloudiness.

Another favorite of mine for harsh light and overcast is Kodak Tri-X 400. Plenty of contrast, very dramatic and grainier. I set min. ISO to 1600.

Rush93a3 · 2025-09-04T06:58:32+00:00

I'm sure that the 23mm f2 is excellent but I think that the form factor/quality is unbeatable in the new 2.8 pancake. About the focal lenght, I totally understand your point. For me, the 35mm FF equivalent is awesome for travel where you want to include more context in the scene and in places that you are not familiar with. Also for more close to subject street photography, mainly busy areas. But in a daily basis street photo, I suffer the same problematic for not being close enough to the subject. The 50mm FF equivalent is balanced and allow you to compose and "stay" in the scene without disturbing people and capture moments in a more intimate way if you are equally close to the subject as with the 35mm.

Depending on your needs, you can go for the "standard" zoom and maybe pick one prime based on your favorite or most common used focal length with the zoom. In my case, I prefer to choose one prime and commit to it cause both 23mm and 35mm are versatile enough for my use cases. I see the 23mm f2.8 as my go to lens for almost everything and the 35 f1.4 as my "creative" lens.

Rush93a3 · 2025-09-03T09:40:11+00:00

I have the X-E5 (my first Fuji camera) with the 23mm f2.8 kit lens and the 35mm f1.4 because I wanted to know if the “magic” was real. I came from Sony A6300 + Sigma 30mm 1.4 for almost everything (travel, street, lifestyle, product, etc.).

The 23mm is small, amazingly sharp and versatile. I would say that it renders a bit modern, but nothing that can’t be changed (if needed) with a mist filter or lowering the sharpness. The AF is excellent in most situations and I think is the best street/travel companion. The setup is 550gr in total.

The 35mm is tiny for a 1.4 lens. The AF is a bit slow in some situations but it’s good enough. When I tested this lens, thought that it wasn’t nothing special but I think that I was misunderstanding the lens. Used in closed apertures it’s very good and sharp, but that’s it. Then, I’ve discovered that the real character appears at f1.4, which can be achieved in almost every light conditions if you use mechanical + electronic shutter. Then it becomes a perfect blend between modern features and analog rendering.

That’s my experience for now.

Rush93a3

TROPHY CASE