Nojy's Web Log: May 2015

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Fujifilm XT-1 Third Party AC - Adapter

About six months ago In preparation for some Astrophotography I purchased a third party AC adapter. I was being pre-emptive as my XT-1 was yet to be delivered.
Turns out it wasn’t needed as the exposure times required by this camera allowed the use of the internal battery, and a couple of spares.

Third Party AC Adapter for Fujifilm XT-1. Power Lead removed for clarity

With my old Pentax camera the long exposure required, 40 seconds plus, demanded external power as the shutter being held open for such a period would flatten the internal battery in no time.

I have to report though that upon testing it, it didn't work properly. Although the the box that emulates the battery looks to be the perfect size, it's not and as a result doesn’t make proper contact with the camera.
I fixed this simply with two small pieces of electrical tape placed in the corner where the battery door catch contacts the battery. After this it seems to work just fine.


Tapes a bit Crooked

On a tripod in a studio is a situation you may need one of these. If this problem happens to you, it's a simple fix.
Remember any kind of AC Adapter for the XT-1 will require that the battery door is left open so the cable can pass out, just make sure that this will work in your situation.

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Snorkelling Port Phillip Bay. Rye & Blairgowrie Piers

A few more Snorkelling pictures that have been waiting around to be posted.
Not sure exactly which one is where, the diver is definitely under Rye Pier though.

We didn't see a lot of fish on the day, but the colours were amazing. We are slowly getting used to our wet suits, you are so much more buoyant that you bob around like a cork.

All taken with the Sony TX 210.

You see the funniest Fish at Rye

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Fujifilm MCEX - 11 Extension Tube

I have just received my Fujifilm MCEX - 11 Extension Tube.

I'm no stranger to the world of macro photography having a pair of vintage Macro lenses in the shape of the Pentax M 100mm and 50mm F4.
I wanted to see how my Fuji 35mm f1.4 lens would work in conjunction with an extension tube. It makes sense if you want to travel light and only carry one lens, also auto focus is back in the game and all the EXIF data as well.

There are some third party tubes available through sellers on Ebay, I have read some comments about the "pass through contacts" damaging the lens or camera and I'm so in love with this camera and lens I didn't want to risk it. The Genuine one was "on special" so the difference in price was only about A$40.
This one is made in China, the build quality is the same as my Fujinon 35mm lens, so, excellent.
I've only had a quick go with it and I’m not disappointed, the 35mm is still as crisp as ever and everything works fine, it mounts perfectly as you would expect.
The focus range is very small with the XF 35mm. Min = 5cm Max = 10cm from the lens nose, that's it.
Just tried it with my 55mm f1.8 with M42 adapter and it works well Min = 15cm Max = 28cm.

It's not intended to replace a dedicated Macro lens, as a macro lens will focus "close" and all the way to infinity, so keep that in mind.

I think it's pretty good.

Edit: Dec 2016
I've been using the little flash unit that came with the XT1, in conjunction with the extension tube. It works really well, as this little spider demonstrates.