NickTrop
Veteran
A while ago I posted about using a Fuji F30 along with some SW to emulate film photography - specifically bokeh and "the film look". The SW is both made by Alien Skin - "Bokeh" and "Exposure 2". I ended up not with the 30 (had it, gave it away, long story) ended up with the F20.
Gotta tellya... not bad for a cheap used digicam. Cost me $80 (plus ship) used (VG condition) US on the auction site - a CCD that really does shoot ISO 800 no problem - goes up to 2000. 36-100 (something) zoom, f2.8-5 zoom lens.
Lots of talk about digital RFs out there that cost $1000's. If you don't have that kind of dough, this camera is a compelling alternative, if you get what you lose in post. To me the advantage of an RF is that it's quite, unobtrusive, smaller that an SLR and better in low light. (It literally costs 1/37.5ths of a $3000 digital RF.) If you want that privilege in the digital world but don't have 1000's to blow and are willing to make some sacrifices (like not shooting with a RF) this camera line (F30 and 31 are the best but too many bidders... F10, 20 is good enough) is definitely something to consider. In fact, it has some advantages over the more expensive M8s and Epsons of the world - it's tiny, and actually might have a better sensor (though smaller). A little PS, good black and white conversion SW, some time (getting realistic looking bokeh takes time and skill...) and you come pretty close, imo. Shut off the fake shutter noise and infernal beeping and the camera is literally completely silent. Also has terrific battery life.
Bottom line - If you shoot a RF mostly because they're the best natural light tools and they're unobtrusive and quite, and if want the advantages of digital, getting one of these little gems used is a no-brainer.
I purchased mine because I wanted to shoot more unconstrained by processing costs or time to develop. I doesn't replace a film camera but ya know what? It doesn't suck.
Gotta tellya... not bad for a cheap used digicam. Cost me $80 (plus ship) used (VG condition) US on the auction site - a CCD that really does shoot ISO 800 no problem - goes up to 2000. 36-100 (something) zoom, f2.8-5 zoom lens.
Lots of talk about digital RFs out there that cost $1000's. If you don't have that kind of dough, this camera is a compelling alternative, if you get what you lose in post. To me the advantage of an RF is that it's quite, unobtrusive, smaller that an SLR and better in low light. (It literally costs 1/37.5ths of a $3000 digital RF.) If you want that privilege in the digital world but don't have 1000's to blow and are willing to make some sacrifices (like not shooting with a RF) this camera line (F30 and 31 are the best but too many bidders... F10, 20 is good enough) is definitely something to consider. In fact, it has some advantages over the more expensive M8s and Epsons of the world - it's tiny, and actually might have a better sensor (though smaller). A little PS, good black and white conversion SW, some time (getting realistic looking bokeh takes time and skill...) and you come pretty close, imo. Shut off the fake shutter noise and infernal beeping and the camera is literally completely silent. Also has terrific battery life.
Bottom line - If you shoot a RF mostly because they're the best natural light tools and they're unobtrusive and quite, and if want the advantages of digital, getting one of these little gems used is a no-brainer.
I purchased mine because I wanted to shoot more unconstrained by processing costs or time to develop. I doesn't replace a film camera but ya know what? It doesn't suck.
