How to Capture Long Exposure Photographs with the Fujifilm X100V

I am a massive fan of long exposure photography . The only issue I have faced is the challenge of I tried a few 49mm variable filters with little or no success. This article will cover how to capture long exposure photos with the Fujifilm X100V. The Fujifilm X100V system is all about simplicity so the idea of struggling with step-down adaptors just didn’t make sense.

The X100 was my main everyday camera so I had to pack another camera to capture long exposure captures. Welcome the Lee Seven5 Micro System.

Lee are the gold standard for filters. Their recently released Seven5 micro filter system now includes an option for Fujifilm’s X100 and X100S/T/F/V cameras.

I should make it clear at this point the Lee Seven5 micro system isn’t just for the X100V. Various adaptor rings make it suitable for all mirrorless lenses.

The Long Exposure

The eBook covers everything from equipment you to post-production processing in Adobe’s brilliant Lightroom.

This guide has been written with the beginner to the long exposure process in mind; however, the enthusiast and professional alike may find something of relevance also.

The Long Exposure eBook

The Concept

I know a number of photographers who are slightly intimidated by filter holders and pure glass and resin filters. Although the system may look daunting I experienced an easier capture process over my array of screw-on ND filters.

I’ve lost a few screw on filters having not successfully attaching them to the front of the lens.  You can take the Seven5 micro system on and off the front of the camera remarkably easily. The challenge of matching up threads or going near the focus wheel is eliminated.

My Seven5 system came with the attachment ring for the X100 series. I have invested in a 58mm ring so it will work with both the Fujinon 14mm lens and Fujinon 18-55 zoom lens.

With any new piece of gear I make a visit to my regular testing ground, Lough Neagh in County Armagh. I have visited this little jetty (top image) dozens of times with new lenses, tripods and cameras. Each visit I wonder just how much longer it will be there.

Setting up the Fujifilm X100V & Seven5 System

I was shooting with the now famous Lee Big Stopper for the Seven5 system. The system is exceptionally easy to set up. Simply following these four simple steps to capture long Exposure Photos with the Fujifilm X100V

Remove the metal ring around the X100/X100s lens. Screw on the X100s Seven5 ring and attach the holder and nsert the big stopper filter in the slot closest to the camera lens.

This process literally takes seconds and the glass/resin filters slide in and out of the holder easily. One thing to note, if your tripod plate is positional on the camera my advice would be to make sure the X100s is as close to the front of the tripod as possible.

I would also advise removing the Seven5 system before taking the camera off the tripod. This avoids accidentally damaging the filter that naturally overhangs the tripod head.

All images are X100 Series. Photographs featuring the camera in action are the Fujifilm XE-1 and 60mm macro lens.

The Seven5 in Action

As well as the Big Stopper I am using a graduated ND filter with the Seven5 micro system. It was great playing with the different combinations in situations where you wouldn’t necessarily be thinking of a long exposure. For example this shot of Dundrum Castle.

[Note the Big Stopper should always be in the slot closest to the camera lens].

The X100s is able to focus accurately with the Big Stopper attached if you aim for high contrast sections of the scene. I am assuming you are familiar with the process of long exposure photography so won’t go into the detail.

If you haven’t tried long exposure photography before then you should check out the Long exposure ebook for tips and tricks on capturing long Exposure Photos with the Fujifilm X100VThe ebook includes a rule of thumb for exposure durations with various ND filters attached.

Colour Cast

Like any ND filter colour is altered during the long exposure capture process. The Big Stopper produces a blue colour cast which can be easily corrected by shooting RAW and adjusting the white balance in Lightroom. I still correct the colour cast even when planning to convert to black and white with Silver Efex 2.

In Lightroom you can adjust the temperature to correct the cast. Remember it is best to shoot in RAW as this is process is less effective on JPGs. Just remember to consider this when correcting the cast that the aim isn’t to remove all the blue from the image but to get a correctly balanced image. I always take a shot without the Seven5 system attached so I have a colour reference for the image.

Fujifilm X100V : Take Everywhere

I tend to take my X100V everywhere. The Lee ring, holder and glass fit into a nice little envelope and are a perfect addition to my travel kit. I think I have captured more long exposure images in the last two days than I have in the last month. The Lee system has really put the fun back into shooting.

I should say that the images in this post should really be considered as test shots. I have focused (excuse the pun) on getting to know the Seven5 system and the X100V as a long exposure camera. They photos were captured in the worst time of day for taking long exposure images 2pm-5pm).

I have gained a real sense than the Lee system is going to open up a new chapter in experimental photography. I was able to create some new dramatic effects mixing a grad filter with the Big Stopper. The fact I was limited to the 35mm view point meant I experimented more in composing the shot.

For example, in this shot I placed the camera so the sun was directly behind the lighthouse. There was a surreal look to the image and the walkers along the front of St John’s point. I added a bleach bypass and a little vignette in Lightroom.

As I mentioned early the big problem I faced today was the amount of light. It was remarkably sunny so my long exposure captures were anything from 8 seconds to just twenty. I highly recommend using the start and end of the day for long exposure work, although a ten stop filter technically means you can shoot at the height of the sun in my opinion it simply isn’t worth it.

What about the WCL-X100?

The X100s ring isn’t compatible with the WCL-X100 wide angle lens. If you want to use the system with the WCL-X100 you will need to purchase an additional ring at just under £20. The good news though is the ring will work with any 49mm threaded lens.

After a few days at my local photography locations it is clear (as expected) the X100s is a powerful landscape camera. Some may be put off by the 35mm static lens but it forces you to consider composition, I moved around my locations much more that with the X-Pro1 but creativity comes from challenge.

In Conclusion

I love long exposure photography and the Lee Seven5 renews the excitement of capturing at any time of the day. If you want to explore long exposure photography the Lee Filter Seven5 system is without doubt the way to go.

Some photographers may be put off by the initial cost of the system. I consider it to be more cost effective to run than my previous screw on ND filters.

In the past I was having to purchase separate ND filters for each lens or camera. With the Seven5 system you only need to buy the holder and filters once. This means if I get a new lens in stead of £60 for an ND filter I just need a new adaptor at around £19. For example, the 58mm ring I purchased at £18.50 fits both the Fujinon 14mm lens and 15-55mm zoom lens.

I can’t wait to master the Seven5 system. The Seven5 is really going to open up a whole new chapter in X100V long exposure photography. I suspect additional filters will be my favoured birthday and christmas presents for some year to come.

Links

Lee Filters Seven5
The Long Exposure eBook
Fujifilm X100 Camera Tips and Tricks