Traded the Fujifilm X20 for the Fujifilm X30, But why? Read and Find Out.

Picture above Fujifilm X30, Below Fujifilm X20.

I was originally, extremely excited when I received my Fujifilm X20 a couple months ago as it was the first digital camera that wasn't a Sony that I have purchased in a good number of years. I read good reviews about it and was impressed by some of the sample images. But once I got it in my hands and took it out for a few rounds of photos, I was less than pleased with the overall functionality and quirks.

The biggest problem I had with it  was the noticeable parallax error between the optical viewfinder and the captured image. So, for only 50 USD more I was able to trade up and get the Fujifilm X30 which features an outstanding Electronic View Finder in place of the optical one.

Another feature that I like about the Fujifilm X30 vs the X20 is that the X30 offers Classic Chrome as one of the film simulation options, the X20 does not. Yet the X30 maintains all of the features that I DID like in the X20 including a really impressive super macro mode that lets you focus as close as 1 cm from your subject! 

Another feature found in the X30 that the X20 does not have is the ability to shoot remotely using your smartphone as a controller. And finally it has a tiltable LCD screen.

I paid $302 USD for my used X20 and sold it for about the same. I paid only $350 USD for a minty, used X30. An excellent upgrade I think.

My Konica IIIa Back from the Shop... and it Works!

Konica IIIa

I was terribly excited when I first took reception of my vintage Konica IIIa a few months ago. However, as you may or may not have previously read, I discovered, after my first test roll of film, that the range finder was off and therefore, I was unable to focus accurately as attested by the sample photos below. 

One of the great things about living in South Korea, as a photographer, is the abundance of reputable and reasonably-priced camera repair shops. So I wasted no time in taking my Konica IIIa in for some tender loving care.

As you can see, the range finder is off considerably...

Thank goodness for the awesome repair shops here in Seoul!

Below, photos from my test roll AFTER the Konica IIIa came back from the shop. Nice!

As you can see, they did a great job. The camera is now functioning "like new" and the range finder is dead on! Such a relief. Now I can go out and start taking some nice shots with the confidence that the photos will be in focus! Thanks camera repair guy!

The Changing Colors of Mount Soyosan

Even though I've lived literally right next door for more than two years, this past Friday was my first visit to Mount Soyosan, South Korea. The summit overlooks my barracks room at Camp Casey and I've been meaning to visit since I first arrived. With my time running short I made it a point to make my first visit with a new photography friend, Brian Harris, a military veteran who was once stationed in Korea and now makes his home here with his beautiful wife Jumi.

Brian had mentioned (on Facebook) his desire to photograph some of the changing colors as fall has started to set in, so I sent him a friendly invite to Mount Soyosan.

According to the locals, we go a bit of a late start to make a complete ascent to the summit, nonetheless, we enjoy a vigorous hike and snapped a handful of nice photos...

Thanks for coming to visit Brian and Jumi and I'll see you again soon.

Photos shot with Sony A99 and Sony RX100 IV.

Unfortunately, there wasn't much water on the mountain. I plan on going back after a good rain.

Fall is coming!

I also shot with one of my 35mm film cameras. Olympus OM10. I had loaded it with black and white film before I knew I was going to Mount Soyosan. Ugh. Stay tuned for photos.

Brian Harris

Baekjae Culture, Music and Craft Beer Festival

Gongju, South Korea played host to the Baekjae Culture, Music and Craft Beer Festival last weekend complete with live music, DJs, great food and of course, delicious craft beers.

South Korea, in fact, has a thriving micro-brew industry and they need it too because most mainstream Korean beers are awful. So bad that I prefer to mix and drink most Korean beers with a little soju, a concoction called "Somec".

I really enjoy event photography. I guess it's because everyone is always having a good time at evetns and I like to capture people smiling and laughing.

These images were captured with a Sony A6000, Fujifilm X20 and DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus Drone.

The weather was perfect for a festival such as this. Enjoy the photos!

A big thank you and shout out to Michael from Good Times ROK as well as all the bands, DJs and sponsors!