For my street images, which is typically black & white, and vacation photography, I use very specific gear and different than my landscape gear.
Again, I try to use the same minimalist, but quality approach I use with landscape photography.
You don’t need much, in fact, you want to be as discrete as possible. As it turns out, the camera I use for street is just as much a classic as the Nikon D850. It is the superb Fujifilm X100F. Recently, the X100V (for fifth) was released.
Let’s get into it.
My Top Picks for street and vacation photography
Camera – Fujifilm X100F or X100V
I love these cameras, small, solid, discrete and produce just superb images. The X100F is a classic and even with a fixed lens, you would be amazed at all the different types of images you can capture. It has a 24 f2.0 fixed lens which is equivalent to a 35 lens on a 35 mm camera. It also produces 24.3mp images. This is a 4th generation X100 camera and it shows. Truly a beautiful and classic camera.
The X100V, fifth-generation, is slightly improved but omits some of the features of the X100F. Both are excellent. If you’re just starting out, the V may be the way to go. If you have the F, you may not want to upgrade. The F is still just that great.
By the way, for both this and the Nikon, I’ve switched to CaptureOne for my imaging processing. There is a difference and the Fuji especially processes much better with CaptureOne. I still have Lightroom and Photoshop but CaptureOne is my dominant processor.
- 24.3MP X Trans CMOS III APS C sensor with no low pass filter and X Processor Pro
- 8 way focus lever plus the number of focusing points has been expanded from 49 in previous models to 91 (up to 325 points)
- Built in Iso dial, incorporated into the shutter speed dial and operating temperature is 0 degree Celsius to 40 degree Celsius (+32 degree Fahrenheit to +104 degree Fahrenheit); Operating Humidity: 10 to 80 percent (no condensation)
- AF mode(single / Zone / wide tracking).Hot shoe:Dedicated TTL Flash compatible. Exposure control: TTL 256 zone metering, Multi / Spot / Average / Center Weighted
- New np w126s lithium battery; Focus distance Approx. 10 centimeter Infinity / 3.9 Inches Infinity
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- Great Photography Every Day, Everywhere: X100V features a newly designed, incorporated 23mmF2 lens, ensuring you preserve those special moments at maximum resolution with minimal distortion. It also offers an improved close focusing performance compared to previous X100 models, and, for the first time in the X100 line, you can keep making images even in the toughest conditions when you attach the optional adapter ring with the weather-sealing protection lens (sold separately). This outstanding lens retains the same slimline design as other X100 models, so it retains compatibility with existing WCL and TCL lens attachments.
- Designed for Quality and Speed: From fleeting holiday moments and family celebrations to hard-hitting visual stories and ever-changing city streets, X100V has been designed to always deliver exceptional image and video quality. Creating a tool this capable takes powerful technology; that’s why Fujifilm’s state-of-the-art X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and X-Processor 4 combination sits at this camera’s core. Pairing this exceptional, 26.1MP, back-side illuminated sensor and powerful quad-core CPU results in incredible quality, wide dynamic range, lightning-fast processing, and precision AF performance, right down to -5EV.
- Two ways to See an Image: To truly convey the magic of a scene, you need to be immersed in the moment and X100V’s advanced hybrid viewfinder gives you everything you need to do exactly that. At the flick of a switch, you can change between the X100V’s 0.52x magnification optical viewfinder (OVF), which uses parallax-correcting frame lines to let you see outside the shot, and its 3.69M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF), which gives you a real-time preview of your exposure. You can even get the best of both worlds by using the electric rangefinder function (ERF) to activate a mini EVF display within the OVF window.
- Frame the Perfect Image: X100V has been specifically tailored for photographers who are never without a camera by their side and always ready to frame a moment. The two-way, tilting LCD touchscreen is a perfect example of Fujifilm’s tailored design. This new technology within the X100V offers quick, intuitive controls and makes struggling to frame images from difficult angles a thing of the past. Furthermore, when folded flat it fits seamlessly into the camera’s slimline body, and in doing so, this sophisticated LCD touchscreen finds the perfect balance between functionality and portability.
- Movies on the Move: The X100V allows you to explore a whole new world of image-making with the ability to create stunning 4K video at 30 frames per second. Additionally, super slow-motion footage can be recorded using the camera’s Full HD/120p setting, so you can relive details that would otherwise be missed by the naked eye. This professional-level quality is backed up by Fujifilm’s outstanding color reproduction technology and unique selection of in-camera film simulation modes, while those who need more fidelity can record 10-bit, 4:2:2 color via the HDMI port.
- Lens type: Wide Angle
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All my other street photography gear
Fujifilm Adapter Ring
If you’re going to use a filter, you’ll need this adapter ring. It should come with the camera, but it doesn’t.
- 49mm filter adapter ring for FinePix X100
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Camera Strap
I would never use this camera without a hand strap. The camera is so small that it could easily slip out of your hand. Get a hand strap, it’s cheap, looks great, and you’re protected.
B+W UV Filter
This is the only filter I use and as a result I don’t use a lens cap. This keeps everything simple and protects the glass. You can also use a polarizer but since this is a wide angle the results are often mixed.
- PROTECT YOUR EXPENSIVE CAMERA LENSES - The B + W 49 mm UV haze clear camera filter is here to add 16 multi-resistant nano-coating layers of protection against accidental drops, dust, flying, fingerprints, dirt, scratches sand or seawater spray. Enjoy outdoor photography without worrying about your precious lenses anymore.
- TAKE BLUE CAST OUT OF THE PICTURE - Literally. Whether you are a professional photographer or a beginner, the invisible Ultra-Violet component of light from the sky is a common issue. Our UV-blocking haze protector filter for 77mm lenses will eliminate blue cast and help you snap clearer images.
- XS-PRO MOUNT - Thanks to precise precision manufacturing, B+W sockets fit absolutely accurately and are easy to install. The 49mm narrow XS-PRO mount will eliminate vignetting in most cases, even at high wide-angle shots. The internal thread means that a conventional lens hood can also be fitted.
- CHOOSE YOUR SIZE – To select the appropriate filter size, check your lens. On all lenses from Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Samsung, Fuji and other manufacturers there is a printed diameter symbol that determines the filter size.
- MADE IN GERMANY - Schneider Kreuznach (B + W) – We are proudly your precision mechanics specialists for filters, photography, optics and precision, with more than 100 years of German experience. Schneider products have already been used in NASAs Apollo missions. Thanks to our multi-resistant nano coating lens filter, we are helping photographers everywhere take clearer, crisper images.
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Lensmate Thumb Grip
This is probably the only deficiency on the camera and the thumb grip really helps in firmly holding the X100F. The Thumb Grip just fits into the flash slot.
- We designed the Lensmate Fujifilm X100F Folding Thumbrest to allow easy access to all of the buttons, and to quickly get out of the way when you need to get to the top dials. A light push with the thumb swings the rest 40° out from the camera and a light action ball detent keeps the Thumbrest in the opened or closed position. Weight 9 grams or 1/3 of an ounce. Available in Silver and Black.
- The sculpted thumbrest relaxes your grip on the camera, reduces camera shake and allows slower shutter speeds. Makes one handed operation easier and prevents unintentional button presses.
- Camera specific design retains access to all controls and does not effect operation of built in flash or articulated LCD screen.
- Integrated silicone insert provides both thumb grip and bumper between the rest and camera body and the silicone insert in the hot shoe tab provides resistance to unintentional ejection. Machined out of solid 6061 Aluminum rod, then bead blasted for texture and anodized for a tough finish.
- We suggest using our Lensmate Custom Soft Release Buttons with the Lensmate X100F Thumbrest for a more relaxed and ergonomic index finger position (with the finger draped over the button, usually not using the finger tip). See our other listings.
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MegaGear Neoprene Case
This small case fits the X100F perfectly and is truly a minimal case for street photography. Just put in your pocket when not using it. If I’m not using a flash, this is all I carry for a case.
- Tailored to fit - this MegaGear neoprene camera case is specifically tailored to fit the Fujifilm x100f, x100t, x100s, achieving that desired perfect fit
- Protective - crafted from scratch free, soft, durable and padded neoprene material to provide maximum protection
- Fast and convenient - a durable carabiner lets you clip your camera to your backpack, belt, or waistband for quick and convenient access when needed. The neoprene material is flexible
- Outdoor or travel - protects your camera and lens from dirt, scratches, dust, bumps and moisture while traveling, or outdoors
- Bold, vibrant colors - comes in a variety of fun, unique colors to choose from. Choose the color that expresses your style and passion
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Godox TT350F and Xpro-F Wireless Flash Trigger
- Full TTL Functions, Support HSS(Max.1/8000s), Front & Rear Curtain Sync, FEC, Multi Flash, Manual Flash, etc
- GN36, 22 steps of power output(1/1-1/128); Approx.0.1-2.2s Recycle Time, 210 Full Power Flashes. 24-105mm auto/manual zooming
- Optical transmission with even illuminatin and stable output. 2.4G wireless trnasmission and 100 meters further transimission
- With dot-matrix LCD panel to offer clear and easy operation. Use 4 function buttons to change various settings according to different situations
- Perfectly Compatible with other Godox Flashes. As a master unit, TT350F can control the following slave unit models: AD600 AD600M AD360II-C AD360II-N AD200. As a slave unit, TT350F can be controlled by X1T-F(Sold Separately)
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- 🌿 |TTL Autoflash and Pro Functions|: Support TTL Autoflash, 1/8000s High-Speed Sync, Multi Flash, Manual Flash, Flash Exposure Compensation, TCM Transform Function, Magnfication Function, One-Shoot & Multi- Shoot Setting, Group Modeling Lamp Control, Group Zooming, Adjusting All Groups Output Value Simultaneously, etc
- 🌿 |SMART TCM BUTTON|: Long Press TCM Button can Transform the Flash Value in TTL Mode into the Power Output Value in M Mode; Short Press TCM Button Enables the Groups to be Switched Between the One-Group and Multi-Group Mode
- 🌿 |Versatile Using Methods|: As a wireless Godox Flash Trigger/ Wireless Shutter Release Trigger/ Wireless Fuji Speedlights Trigger/ Flash Trigger with 2.5mm Sync Cord Jack
- 🌿 |01-99 WIRELESS ID|: Only Achieve Triggering when the Channels and Wireless IDs of the Master and Slave unit are Set to the Same, Avoiding Signal Interference effectively
- 🌿 |LARGE LCD Display|: 16 Groups and 32 Channels to Wirelessly Control and Trigger. Full Graphic Display of 5 Groups simultaneously
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The big deal with the Fujifilm X100F is that it is one of the very, very few cameras with a leaf shutter. What that means is that you can sync your flash at, for example, 1/1000 sec. That’s enough to overpower the sun and only with this camera can you capture images that other cameras, not even the D850, can begin to approach. The TT350 also comes as a V350F which has a Li-ion battery, but this is much larger, more expensive, and the smaller AA battery model, the TT, works fine for this camera.
Demb Classic Flip-it
The Demb flash reflector was recommended by another professional photographer who had been using this for years. It’s perfect and I wouldn’t be without it. If you want, you can use a simple shoot-through umbrella and light stand but without going to that, just use the Demb.
- Fits all sizes of clip-on flashes that tilt and swivel, including Profoto A1
- Weddings, candid shots, informal portraits
- Creative control: set the angle of the rear reflector for your best choice of softness and power in areas with or without ceilings to bounce, as well as outdoors
- Creative control: combine reflector bounce and ceiling bounce in any ratio
- Instantly flips back and out of the way for direct flash or ceiling bounce only, without having to be taken off the flash and stored
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Ona Camera Bag
There is no more classic looking bag than the Ona Bowery and it’s available in leather, canvas, and black nylon. The camera, flash, and trigger all fit nicely in this bag and this is the perfect gift for this street system (especially if you can get someone to buy it for you!)
- Detachable, Adjustable Shoulder Strap
- Limited 1-Year Warranty
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