Welcome to the May/June edition of FUJIFILM Focus, your guide to all things Fujifilm! In this issue we’re putting equipment through its paces – you’ll find the FUJIFILM X-E5 being tested in Tokyo and the instax mini Evo Cinema™ seeing action in Antarctica! We’re also discussing some of the best lenses for travel and landscape photography, so you’re all covered if you’re planning to head outside and make the most of the summer sunshine. On top of that, there are custom Film Simulation recipes, a gallery of reader photos in Life As You See It and much more!
Life As You See It
May/June 2026
Also inside… ● Guide to
landscape lenses ● Reader gallery ● Simulation Spotlight
Mini test Street photographer Graeme Youngson puts the compact FUJIFILM X-M5 through its paces
Cool off X-Photographer Oliver Wheeldon takes the new instax mini Evo Cinema™ into frozen Antarctica
Makes you wander Add two travel-focused Film Simulation recipes to your collection
Plus tips, techniques, interviews and images to get you motivated INSIDE: Advice, inspiration & ideas for everyone who likes picture taking and making GOING SOMEWHERE? Discover the best compact kit for travel and street photography
Welcome
This Is FUJIFILM Focus! Welcome to the May/June edition of FUJIFILM Focus : a magazine dedicated solely to the wonderful world of Fujifilm. Available six times a year from the FUJIFILM House of Photography and select retailers, each issue brings you all the key information on our latest releases, alongside seasonal tips and tricks to help you get more out of your photography. We fully intend to make the most of the summer months this year, which is why this issue delves deep into the discussion of what the best equipment is for travel, street and landscape photography. There’s a lot of crossover in the needs of street and travel practitioners – kit needs to be compact, lightweight, discreet and versatile. Go to page 8 to learn what to look for when choosing a street photography camera, and don’t miss our travel lens guide on page 30. For lovers of landscapes, our in-depth lens guide on page 12 talks you through some excellent X Series choices. Want to see some of the equipment we talk about put to the test? We spoke to community contributor Graeme Youngson about using the FUJIFILM X-M5 for street photography on page 24. Straight after that, on page 26, adventure and travel photographer Luke Davis talks about his time in Japan with the FUJIFILM X-E5. Don’t miss a summer-themed community gallery – starting on page 18. Thanks to everyone who sent their photos in! If you’d like to get involved in a future issue, find out how on those pages. All that, and so much more, lies ahead in the magazine. We hope you enjoy, and look forward to seeing you again in July!
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18
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What’s in This Issue
30 LENS HIGHLIGHT: TRAVEL OPTICS
12 LANDSCAPE LENSES
03 TRY THIS!
Learn about five optics that can give you a new view of the natural world
Check out these imaging suggestions to inspire your photographic projects 06 WHAT’S NEW: TESTED instax mini Evo Cinema™ X-Photographer and globetrotting pro Oliver Wheeldon brings the new instax™ to Antarctica 08 WHAT MAKES A GREAT STREET CAMERA? Things to look for when choosing a daily carry for street photography
Discover the four best lightweight lenses to take your travel photography to the next level
18 LIFE AS YOU SEE IT
Our summer-themed community gallery
On the Cover Luke Davis On page 26, adventure and travel creator Luke Davis tries out the FUJIFILM X-E5 in Japan.
34 SIMULATION RECIPE BOOK Two travel-inspired Film Simulation recipes from pro creators 36 SIMULATION SPOTLIGHT Learn the history and discover the best uses for ETERNA, our most cinematic Film Simulation
24 COMMUNITY FOCUS Contributor Graeme
Youngson tries the X-M5
26 CHŌWA: SEARCHING FOR BALANCE
X-Photographer Luke Davis’ X-E5 experience in Tokyo
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Ideas
Searching for imaging inspiration? Look no further…
Ever walk out with your camera, ready to create, but simply can’t settle on a subject? It’s a common issue for creatives of all walks – being struck with the urge to make something yet struggling to feel inspired. Sometimes what’s needed is a creative limitation to help you filter out the endless potential that comes with photography. For street photos, a colour walk is a great option. Pick a colour, then search your surroundings for compositions that incorporate this in some way. This gives your outing a bit more intention, and can even result in a group of photos that work beautifully when presented as a series. Another option is to pick a selection of colours – the colours of the rainbow, for example – and try to make one photograph that centres around each hue. To give your images a consistent look, try using the same Film Simulation throughout. Velvia can deliver a boost in saturation to draw out the colours of your subjects, while an all-rounder like REALA ACE offers more realistic colour depictions and deep shadows. Looking for more street photography inspiration? This issue of FUJIFILM Focus is overflowing with it – head to page 24 to see community contributor Graeme Youngson putting the FUJIFILM X-M5 through its paces in his native Aberdeen, while page 26 features X-Photographer Luke Davis test driving the FUJIFILM X-E5 in and around Tokyo. STREET PHOTOGRAPHY Give Direction to Your Snaps Take your camera on a colour walk
Remember, photography is meant to be fun! Try bringing your friends on a wholesome walk around your local area to seek out some splashes of colour for your instax™ selfies. Once printed, a colour-matched collection of photos makes for a great way to brighten up your space – give it a try! Share the fun with instax™
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May/June 2026
Ideas
While it can seem impenetrable if you’ve never done it before, astrophotography is surprisingly easy to get started with. All you really need is a camera, tripod and a clear night sky. Clouds are one of astrophotography’s greatest foes, which is why the summer months are such a busy period for committed stargazers. With the best part of the year for astrophotography coming up, what could be a better time to give it a try? A core tenet of astrophotography is making the most of what little light is hitting your camera’s sensor. A lens with a wide aperture makes for a good start – an F1.4 or F2.8 setting will maximise the starlight that makes it through your optic. Shutter speed and ISO are a little more complicated. For shutter speed, there’s a sweet spot to be found. You want a setting long enough to give you a high exposure value, but not so long that the stars in your images blur due to the rotation of the earth. Astrophotographers have a calculation for this called the ‘500 rule’. Divide 500 by the full-frame equivalent focal length of your lens to find a starting point for your shutter speed. For example, a 16mm X Series lens (24mm full-frame equivalent) would be 500÷24=20.8 – so a 20-second shutter speed. Due to the varying speeds of star movement in the night sky, this is just a rule of thumb – do a test exposure and adjust accordingly. ISO is another balancing act. A higher setting will give a brighter exposure but also introduces noise. The latest X Series and GFX System cameras offer excellent noise performance at high ISOs, but this is ultimately a matter of taste, so some experimentation is recommended. ASTROPHOTOGRAPHY Explore the Night Sky Get starstruck by astrophotography this summer
Discover star trails
What seems like an advanced technique is actually a great starting point for budding astrophotographers. Using the rotation of the Earth, a star trail is a multiple-exposure technique that doesn’t require advanced equipment like a star-
tracking tripod head. Scan the QR code to read a FUJIFILM Learning Centre article that will take you through the entire process.
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Ideas
Perfect Astro Primes
PHOTO GIFTS Say it with a Photo Looking for gift inspiration this Father’s Day? Try these ideas
Here’s the headline – Father’s Day falls on 21 June this year. Of course you hadn’t forgotten. If you still have time, here are some great gift ideas that are worth a thousand words, not to mention being a shade more imaginative than socks. Scan the QR code to find your nearest Fujifilm photo service.
FUJINON XF16mmF1.4 R WR
Framed Prints Turn a memory into an elegant gift by creating something your dad will look at every day. Printed on high-quality Fujifilm photographic paper, these framed prints come in a variety of styles and sizes, from an 8x6in frame that’s ideal as a desk ornament to a large format 20x16in option to take pride of place on a shelf or wall.
Wall Art From poster prints to canvas prints, there are myriad options to zhuzh up your dad’s home with a piece of wall art that makes him smile every time he sees it. If he’s a photographer himself, perhaps you’d like to give one of his photographs the presentation it deserves. If not, a family memory always looks good when printed and mounted using high-quality materials.
FUJINON XF18mmF1.4 R LM WR
Customised Gifts For something a bit more low- key that still incorporates a treasured image, explore the range of photo gifts available from your local PHOTO by Fujifilm retailer, from fridge magnets to jigsaw puzzles to photo mugs – best served up with a Father’s Day cup of tea in bed.
Make Your Own Prints If you want to add a personal touch to all future gifts and cards, an instax™ smartphone printer gives you the ability to create characterful retro-style prints from the photos and files on your phone. Simply connect via Bluetooth and let loose your creativity. Printers are available in instax™ mini, WIDE and SQUARE formats.
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May/June 2026
What’s New… With a sixties-inspired design and suite of retro looks, how does the instax mini Evo Cinema™ fare in Antarctic conditions?
instax mini Evo Cinema™: TESTED X-Photographer and intrepid explorer Oliver Wheeldon on taking the genre-bending instax™ video camera with him to Antarctica instax™
a dedicated button for a single purpose is something that’s been lost in recent years. It helps to make the process more instinctive but also brings back a sense of purpose when taking or printing an image. Even though the camera is digital, there’s still a
Last issue, we covered the release of the first-ever instax™ video camera, which takes its design cues from the 1965 FUJICA Single-8. The instax mini Evo Cinema™ lets you travel through time with its Eras Dial™ and packs in a range of other innovative features. This issue, we’re catching up with X-Photographer and adventure photographer Oliver Wheeldon, who is almost certainly the first person to take the new camera to the Antarctic continent. Q. What were your first impressions of the instax mini Evo Cinema™? A . I was intrigued by the build. I’ve always been wistful for that period of design – it’s so iconic, and it’s nice shooting things differently in a way that still feels natural. I love the tactile aspect of instax™ cameras. Instead of using menus, having
Oliver Wheeldon Oliver Wheeldon travels the world with a camera in hand, creating photos and videos with a focus on environmental and cultural themes. Website: parhelion.media Instagram: @oliwheeldontravels
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What’s New
Combining stills, video and on- the-go printing in a retro-inspired body that’s built around a Single- 8-style vertical grip, the instax mini Evo Cinema™ lets you explore ten decades of style with its unique Eras Dial™ and Degree Control Dial. What Is the instax mini Evo Cinema™?
● Film: instax™ mini ● Focal length: 28mm Specifications
(full-frame equivalent) ● Sensor: 1/5-inch CMOS ● Focus range: 0.1m-∞ ● Dimensions (DxL): 100.1x132.5x39.4mm ● Weight: 270g
Q. What did you think of video printing? A. I think it would make for a really cool creative archive of memories. I’m very excited to see how other people come up with creative uses for it. I think it could work as an interesting business card or party invite. And because it’s an instax™ Evo camera, you can print and share as many as you like. Q. Were there any other standout features that surprised you? A. I found myself really enjoying recording in clips. Because you’re filming short bursts, the camera asks if you want to save each clip. This gives you a chance to review and reshoot in the moment, but also means you end the day without a cluttered card as you only save the hits. I also want to give a shoutout to the sound. I’m very grateful instax™ put in the effort to create sound effects for each Era. Not only a camera noise, but if people are talking in the video it sounds accurate to the Era. That adds to this being a creative tool, reducing huge amounts of work to access these effects. Q. Who would you recommend it to? A. Anyone with a love for old film looks, old film sounds and people who have stories to tell – whether it be their lives at college, building a family or travelling. This camera offers a great way to capture and share life.
level of intentionality required, engaging the creative brain more than a quick snapshot.
Q. Tell us about the project. A. I brought the camera down to Antarctica to explore the Ross Sea and Ross Island. There, we visited Scott’s Hut, which has been standing for more than 100 years, frozen in time. I was keen to explore this historic place with the historic feel from the instax mini Evo Cinema™. I was curious to see how it would fare in the cold conditions, using it with gloves on. It worked absolutely fine, including shooting videos from Cape Evans and even printing a frame (bottom left) of a walker on the snow right there on the beach, which I could then hand straight to them. Q. What were your favourite Eras Dial™ and Degree Control Dial combinations? A. I love the variety of choices, especially because the Degree Control Dial sometimes offers degrees of intensity, but other times variants. The sixties has different colour palettes, while the nineties provides the increasing intensity of the home VHS look – which is incidentally my favourite. I’m not sure if it’s because it’s the most nostalgic for me. As a child of the nineties, my early life on video looks like that, and I think instax™ has nailed the look completely.
Scan the QR codes to explore the instax mini Evo Cinema™’s video print feature!
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May/June 2026
Equipment
What Makes a Great Street Photography Camera? We reveal what you should look for in a street photography camera, and why the FUJIFILM X-E5 delivers on every front F or street photographers, a certain
of street photographers haven’t. Discreet, compact bodies remain the order of the day for those looking to explore this style of image making. In this article, we break down everything else a street photographer should look for when choosing their daily camera. And we show how and why the FUJIFILM X-E5 fits the bill in every regard.
archetype of camera reigns supreme: small, lightweight models that deliver great images at a moment’s notice. In fact, the emergence of more compact film cameras even precipitated the rise of the street genre in the mid-20th century. While imaging technology has changed a lot since those early cameras, the needs
It Has Great Image Quality
Camera technology is now at the point where brilliant quality is a requirement for any style of imaging. But in the time- sensitive world of street photography, having more information in your pictures will always be a benefit. Equipped with a 40.2-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor, the X-E5 provides astonishing quality for such a small camera. When photographers need to respond in an instant to fleeting moments, this level of resolution will help clarify the visual storytelling by letting you crop into an image and retrospectively reframe it. The X-E5 also features an in-body image stabilisation system that grants up to 7.0 stops of compensation in the centre of the frame. All but eliminating handheld camera shake, this makes sure every photograph is as crisp as possible, while offering more latitude for when an image maker might work at lower shutter speeds to engage in low-light storytelling and other creative techniques. Combine this with a base ISO of 125 for beautifully noise-free images, and the X-E5 becomes capable of producing pristine-looking photos in a wide variety of conditions.
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Equipment
w
It’s Compact and Discreet
To make it even less apparent you are taking photos, you can use the X-E5’s tilting LCD monitor to frame up at waist level and switch to the silent electronic shutter. The X-E5 is also available as a kit with the FUJINON XF23mmF2.8 R WR, a powerful yet subtle combination that’s ideally suited to photographers who want to remain inconspicuous. Only 23mm long, this 90g pancake lens forms a potent pairing with the X-E5 that weighs 535g in total – including battery and card – great for long days of walking and waiting.
Generally speaking, a street photographer seeks out candid, spontaneous moments of everyday life. Fundamental to this goal is the need to not stand out, so using a smaller camera that flies under the radar is a great starting point. Measuring only 124.9x72.9x39.1mm (WxHxD), the X-E5’s design is based on vintage, compact rangefinder cameras. It’s small enough to fit in a jacket pocket and, when paired with the right lens, is unobtrusive enough to let you create authentic, unposed images.
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Equipment
It Offers Creative Flexibility
your work. The X-E5 also introduces a dedicated Film Simulation dial, making it simple to change styles on the fly. It stores custom recipes too, perfect for image makers who want quick, tactile access to their own preferred looks in the field. Since the X-E5 is part of the X Series, it benefits from compatibility with the entire FUJINON XF Lens lineup. Whether you prefer the discretion of a compact prime or the versatility of a zoom, this opens up a vast range of focal lengths and creative techniques, so your street photography evolves with your vision.
A great street photography camera should give you room to express your own style – whether through colour, tone or composition. One of Fujifilm’s biggest strengths lies in its decades of experience with colour science, honed through the production of iconic analogue film stocks. This heritage lives on in the X-E5, which offers 20 unique Film Simulations that recreate the look and feel of classic emulsions. From the balanced renderings of REALA ACE to the softly muted tones of CLASSIC CHROME, each profile brings new character to
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Equipment
Street photographers target the decisive moment when a series of independently moving parts come together to create the perfect frame. That’s why the very best street photography cameras should feel like an extension of your own arm – with quick handling, rapid AF and the ability to make a sequence of frames without delay. The X-E5 excels in all these respects thanks to the X-Processor 5 that drives the camera’s advanced AF system. Its AI-powered subject detection, with face and eye tracking, is invaluable for street portraits. It can also identify other subjects, guaranteeing reliable focus even in dark and unpredictable scenes. The X-E5 can make images at up to 20 frames-per- second using its silent electronic shutter at a 1.29x crop, or 13 frames-per-second at the sensor’s full width. Combined with virtually lag-free operation, photographers can respond to a compelling moment confident their camera will keep up. It’s Fast and Responsive
It Has Intuitive Handling
For an uncluttered view, a Classic Display mode offers an analogue-inspired interface in the electronic viewfinder. By stripping away unnecessary overlays, this lets you focus on composition and timing, which is exactly what matters most on the street.
Street photography is about seizing opportunities. When studying a constantly changing environment, you need to be able to respond immediately and make each frame count. The ideal camera lets you work instinctively, without slowing you down with complex menus or hidden settings. The X-E5 embraces this with a control layout that manages to be both ergonomic and tactile. Its traditional dials make it easy to set key exposure parameters by feel alone, while a dedicated front lever provides instant access to a range of features, including the camera’s digital teleconverter – enabling 1.4x and 2x magnification without changing lenses.
For a first-hand account of how the X-E5 handles in street settings, flip over to page 26, where we interview FUJIFILM X-Photographer Luke Davis about his recent project that made use of the diminutive rangefinder camera. Luke’s just got back from putting the X-E5 through its paces on a trip to Japan, and has returned with an assortment of street- and travel- style photographs to share with us. It’s fair to say the proof is in the pudding concerning a camera with this much of a focus on handling. So if you’re interested, head to your nearest Fujifilm retailer and get hands-on with the X-E5. See the FUJIFILM X-E5 in Action
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Equipment
Discover a New View of the Natural
World Venturing into the great
outdoors this summer? Here are five outstanding X Series lenses that will have you covered for landscape photography If you’re a landscape lover who’s been weighing up an addition to your X Series lens collection, you’re in luck! Over the next few pages, we’ll run through five fantastic optical options for photographing the natural world. Wide-angle lenses are the classic choice for landscapes, offering expansive coverage that lets you condense an entire vista onto your sensor. However, there’s a balance to be found between how wide and how natural your framing is – the human eye is most used to full-frame equivalent focal lengths of around 40-50mm, meaning optics significantly wider than this can feel subconsciously unnatural to viewers, with distortion becoming more noticeable at the bottom end of the focal range. Narrower fields of view come in handy for picking out finer details within the landscape or focusing in on aspects you can’t get physically close enough to photograph otherwise – so we’ve included a couple of telephoto options in this list as well. Other crucial considerations for any lovers of the great outdoors are the weight, dimensions and weather-resistance of your lenses. For the most up-to-date offers on everything listed, contact your local Fujifilm dealer.
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Equipment
FUJINON XF14mmF2.8 R The FUJINON XF14mmF2.8 R is a versatile wide-angle prime suited to everything from architecture and landscapes to vlogging. Offering a classic 21mm full-frame equivalent perspective, its wide field of view delivers strong subject context without the exaggerated distortion associated with ultra wide lenses, making it an effective storytelling tool across a range of genres. Built with a robust all-metal construction, yet weighing just 235g, the lens balances durability with portability. Its party trick is a distinctive pull-back focus ring, allowing instant switching between autofocus and manual focus and revealing etched distance markings and a depth-of-field scale for precise, tactile control. This is particularly appealing to filmmakers and photographers who enjoy working manually. With a close focusing distance of 18cm and a compact front element that accepts standard 58mm filters, the XF14mmF2.8 is both practical and creatively flexible. Great for: Landscapes, architecture, cityscapes, filmmaking, astrophotography, interiors and events
Specifications
● Lens construction: 10 elements in 7 groups (includes 2 aspherical and 3 ED elements) ● Focal length: 14mm (21mm full-frame equivalent) ● Angle of view: 90.8° ● Aperture: F2.8-22 ● Number of blades: 7 ● Focus range: 18cm-∞ ● Max. magnification: 0.12x ● Dimensions (DxL): 65x58.4mm ● Weight: 235g ● Filter size: 58mm
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Equipment
FUJINON XF16mmF1.4 R WR The FUJINON XF16mmF1.4 R WR is a
professional wide-angle prime that delivers a 24mm full-frame equivalent field of view with a fast F1.4 maximum aperture that makes it highly effective in low-light situations such as astrophotography. Offering a perspective slightly wider than that of the human eye, this is a perfect choice for photographing expansive views – such as landscapes, architecture, interiors and environmental street and travel scenes. Advanced Nano GI coating is applied to reduce ghosting and flare, helping maintain contrast and clarity in challenging lighting conditions, and the lens focuses as close as 15cm, encouraging creative compositions. The same focus selector clutch as the one found on the XF14mmF2.8 reveals engraved depth-of-field markings for precise manual control, making the XF16mmF1.4 especially appealing to filmmakers, while a weather- resistant construction facilitates confident use outdoors and on location. Great for: Landscapes, cityscapes, architecture, filmmaking, astrophotography, low light, street, travel, interiors and events
Specifications
● Lens construction: 13 elements in 11 groups (includes 2 aspherical and 2 ED elements) ● Focal length: 16mm (24mm full-frame equivalent) ● Angle of view: 83.2° ● Aperture: F1.4-16 ● Number of blades: 9 ● Focus range: 15cm-∞ ● Max. magnification: 0.21x ● Dimensions (DxL): 73.4x73mm ● Weight: 375g ● Filter size: 67mm
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Equipment
FUJINON XF10- 24mmF4 R OIS WR A highly versatile wide-angle zoom that’s suited to landscapes, architecture, travel and video, the FUJINON XF10-24mmF4 R OIS WR covers perspectives from an ultra wide 15mm equivalent to a more standard 36mm equivalent. A fixed F4 maximum aperture maintains consistent exposure while zooming – a particularly useful feature for filmmakers – while a close focusing distance of 24cm allows for creative compositions with a fairly strong foreground emphasis. Built for confident everyday use, the lens is incredibly lightweight at 385g, balancing comfortably on smaller X Series cameras, while an internal zoom mechanism means that the lens remains at the same physical length while making focal length adjustments. Weather-resistant construction ensures dependable performance when working outdoors, as well as in more changeable conditions. Additionally, up to 3.5 stops of Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) supports sharp handheld results for both stills and video. Great for: Landscapes, cityscapes, environmental portraits, architecture, filmmaking, street, travel, interiors and events
Specifications
● Lens construction: 14 elements in 10 groups (includes 4 aspherical and 4 ED elements) ● Focal length: 10-24mm (15- 36mm full-frame equivalent) ● Angle of view: 110-61.2° ● Aperture: F4-22 ● Number of blades: 7 ● Focus range: 24cm-∞ ● Max. magnification: 0.16x ● Dimensions (DxL): 77.6x87mm ● Weight: 385g ● Filter size: 72mm
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Equipment
FUJINON XF70-300mmF4-5.6 R LM OIS WR The FUJINON XF70-300mmF4-5.6 R LM OIS WR is a fantastically robust, portable and versatile telephoto zoom. Its full-frame equivalent maximum focal length of 457mm is extendable to 640 or 914mm with the Specifications Great for: Landscapes, wildlife, sports, photojournalism, events, video and portraits
● Lens construction: 17 elements in 12 groups (includes 1 aspherical and 2 ED elements) ● Focal length: 70-300mm (107-457mm full-frame equivalent) ● Angle of view: 22.9-5.4° ● Aperture: F4-5.6
XF1.4X TC WR or XF2X TC WR teleconverters, so it can provide astonishing close-ups of distant subjects. For nearer subjects, a close focusing distance of 83cm across all focal lengths gives a credible maximum magnification of 0.33x at the telephoto end. And a powerful OIS system delivers up to 5.5 stops of compensation, for crisp handheld images even at maximum zoom. Meanwhile, its 580g weight makes it a far less onerous optic to lug around than most telephotos. With a dust- and moisture-resistant build that can operate in temperatures as low as -10°C, this is a sure pick for any adventure.
● Number of blades: 9 ● Focus range: 0.83m-∞ ● Max. magnification: 0.33x ● Dimensions (DxL): 75x205.5mm ● Weight: 580g ● Filter size: 67mm
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Equipment
FUJINON XF50-140mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR
Offering excellent handling for confident use in a broad range of settings and scenarios, the FUJINON XF50-140mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR is an extremely capable lens that grants an equivalent full-frame focal range of 76- 213mm. It’s well suited to everything from studio portraiture to rugged adventures thanks to its supreme optical quality and high-utility focal range. Particularly good for on-the-move photography, it has an internal zoom mechanism – meaning the lens stays the same physical length when changing focal length – and the entire construction is dust- and moisture-resistant for confident use in changeable conditions. A fixed maximum aperture of F2.8 grants incredible utility in lower light, an astonishingly narrow depth-of-field at the telephoto end and the ability to maintain a consistent exposure while zooming in and out. This is combined with an OIS system that can grant up to 5.0 stops of stabilisation, culminating in a feature- packed lens with enormous utility across most image-making genres.
Specifications
● Lens construction: 23 elements in 16 groups (includes 5 ED elements and 1 Super ED element) ● Focal length: 50-140mm (76-213mm full-frame equivalent) ● Angle of view: 31.7-11.6° ● Aperture: F2.8-22 ● Number of blades: 7 ● Focus range: 1m-∞ ● Max. magnification: 0.12x ● Dimensions (DxL): 82.9x175.9mm ● Weight: 995g ● Filter size: 72mm
Great for: Landscapes, wildlife, sports, street, photojournalism, video, events and portraits
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May/June 2026
Community
LIFE AS YOU SEE IT Enjoy this summer-themed gallery from our readers. Want your photo in a future issue? Scan the QR!
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Community
Ana Serro Instagram: @stills.by.ana Made with: FUJIFILM X-T5 and third-party lens
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Community
Shane Tregale Instagram: @shanetregale Made with: FUJIFILM X-Pro3 and FUJINON XF35mmF2 R WR
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Community
Ste Alderson Instagram: @ste_alderson Made with: FUJIFILM X-S20 and FUJINON XC15- 45mmF3.5-5.6 OIS PZ
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Community
Jessica Park Instagram: @jessrosepark Made with: FUJIFILM X100VI
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Community
Alfie Perkins Instagram: @blue_ram_photography Made with: FUJIFILM X-Pro2 and FUJINON XF23mmF2 R WR
Emily Bundock Instagram: @ emsweirdworld Made with: FUJIFILM X100T
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Community
Community Spotlight: Graeme Youngson on the FUJIFILM X-M5 A ward-winning street photographer and regular FUJIFILM Focus community Read Graeme’s thoughts on using the tiny X-M5 for everyday street stills
XF Lens range. I found I was taking it to all sorts of places I wouldn’t normally carry a camera: my daily ten-kilometre walk in the countryside, going to the pub, shopping with my wife, attending football matches and much more. Never having been a fan of phone photography myself, I think the beauty of the X-M5 is that, in terms of length and breadth, it’s actually smaller than most smartphones! Secondly, it’s the perfect backup body to have when you’re venturing away from home with your full Fujifilm set-up. I wanted to share this story with FUJIFILM Focus because my experience tells me the X-M5 would be enjoyed by a much wider range of Fujifilm users than I’d initially imagined! See more of Graeme’s photography at photocrowd.com/photographer- community/62880 . Do you have a similar experience you’d like to share with FUJIFILM Focus ? Scan the QR on page 18 to get in touch!
contributor Graeme Youngson got in touch with this look at the diminutive FUJIFILM X-M5. It’s a model that’s proved particularly popular among vloggers for its small form factor and impressive video specs. Graeme put it through its paces as a stills camera and had the following to say about how this experience went… Last year, I had the opportunity to borrow the FUJIFILM X-M5 for a few months. As much as I love the X Series, the X-M5 was not a camera that immediately jumped out at me. No EVF and limited exposure control felt like deal breakers. Besides, the audience for the camera seemed to centre around photographers and vloggers much younger than myself – everyday storytellers and content creators who were stepping up from smartphones for the first time. Still, nothing ventured, nothing gained – so I took to the street with the X-M5 in hand. I initially found the camera was deciding what settings were best for me! However, after looking at the instruction manual, I realised just how simple it was to customise the camera in exactly the way I wanted and take back full control. For instance, it was easy to increase the screen brightness by a factor of five, thus ensuring that exact compositions could be made even in the brightest of conditions. This way, I didn’t miss having a viewfinder. I then customised the command dials in such a way that I had full control over aperture, shutter speed, ISO settings and exposure compensation. Perfect! What followed was a eureka moment – I realised this was a really fun camera to use. Primarily, it’s the perfect take-anywhere camera in terms of size (111.9mm across) and weight (355g), especially when it’s coupled with the compact FUJINON
FUJIFILM X-M5 ● Sensor: 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 ● Processor: X-Processor 5 ● Shutter speed: 1/32,000 sec to 60 mins ● Continuous mode: 30fps (1.25x crop); 20fps (no crop) ● Film Simulations: 20 ● Video: 6.2K/29.97p open gate ● Dimensions: 111.9x66.6x38mm ● Weight: 355g (including battery and card)
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Graeme Youngson found the FUJIFILM X-M5 a welcome surprise for his creativity, owing to how easily it can fit in a pocket when heading out
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Searching for Balance with Luke Davis We spoke to the FUJIFILM X-Photographer about his experiences with the FUJIFILM X-E5 in Japan
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L ate last year, Luke Davis to Fujifilm’s country of origin, Japan. Equipped with the compact FUJIFILM X-E5, he was tasked with finding compositions that evoked a sense of balance in Tokyo and its surrounding countryside areas. was one among a group of photographers who travelled “We were each given a Japanese word, and our aim was to document Tokyo and Japan using it,” Luke says. “Mine was chōwa. It means finding harmony between people and nature – looking at how things interconnect and sit alongside one another. “In the city, a lot of what I was doing was seeking out the pieces of greenery that were dotted around, and drawing out that juxtaposition. When we got to the countryside, it became about finding the man- made structures among the forests.” Thrust straight into the bustle of Tokyo, Luke was expecting a certain amount of culture shock. “It was my first time in Japan. I was overwhelmed in the best possible way by the lights, the sounds and all the people. But I was also pleasantly surprised by how similar interactions with people were. I was expecting a big change in the cultural norms and etiquette – and there obviously was – but it was a lot less prominent than I expected. “I’ve rarely been outside Europe, so it was nice to experience a culture so far removed from what I’m used to.” Inundated with new sights and experiences, having a creative brief helped Luke maintain a level of focus while acclimatising. “It reminds me of Superman ,” he laughs. “When he first gets his powers, he’s overwhelmed by everything and has to learn how to tune things out. That’s kind of how I felt at first. “Once I started taking photos, having that word – chōwa – to focus on helped me avoid distractions and work with a bit more purpose. Tokyo is a playground for photography, and especially for street-style work. It is somewhere I could have wandered around aimlessly for weeks, and there would not have been a shortage of photographs to take.” Keeping Compact “For this project, I used the FUJIFILM X-E5 along with the FUJINON XF16- 55mmF2.8 R LM WR II and my trusty FUJINON XF33mmF1.4 R LM WR. That was basically all I used,” Luke notes. “I brought my whole equipment bag because it was a bucket-list location, and I knew I would regret not having a super telephoto with me – just in case I really needed it. But truthfully, I stuck to the XF16-
55mmF2.8 II and X-E5 combo for 95% of the trip.” Weighing only 445g with a battery and card, the X-E5 pairs nicely with a couple of compact X Series lenses for a highly capable travel kit. “As I’m on this photography journey, I am learning to be more minimal with my kit. I suppose that comes with experience, once you learn what you like to look for and your style starts to dictate certain focal length choices,” Luke suggests. “Most of my work sits around that 35-50mm full-frame equivalent range. The zoom lens is perfect for that – it’s so sharp, I really cannot fault it in any way. It meant I could turn my brain off from the kit side of things and so avoid the choice paralysis I’ve had in the past.
Luke Davis was tasked with taking photos of Japan, where Fujifilm originates, through the lens of the word chōwa, or balance
Luke Davis An adventure, lifestyle and travel photographer based in Dorset, Luke Davis’ photos perfectly soak up the heady warmth and atmosphere of each location he visits. Website: lukeckdavis.com Instagram: @lukeckdavis
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“That ended up being the ethos for this trip. I didn’t want to slow down to keep changing lenses,” Luke adds. “And it was hardly a sacrifice not having an F1.4 aperture most of the time. Even for night photographs, I was quite happy at F2.8. The ISO capability on the X-E5’s sensor is just crazy – there are a couple of shots I did at really high settings, but the images came out looking amazing. “The IBIS on the X-E5 also lets you quite easily get down to about 1/5 sec for a static night scene. And for the video clips I got, I could get that locked-off tripod-style shot just working handheld. The camera’s nice and stable in that way.” Working Intentionally “A lot of the final images from the trip were edited from RAW,” notes Luke. “That said, something I really love about Film Simulations, even if I’m not using them for the final image, is getting a preview in the viewfinder. It means I can give myself a good approximation of what the final image is going to look like.” Speeding up this process, the X-E5’s recessed Film Simulation dial
lets users quickly switch between analogue-inspired colour profiles. “There were certain scenes I knew would require a bit more vibrance, so I would switch to a Film Simulation that provides it. If I was in a forest, for example, and wanted to see really deep greens, I’d switch to CLASSIC Neg. On a cloudy day, it was nice to be able to use ACROS to provide a monochrome preview, knowing the intention is to edit the image like that eventually. “A lot of the time, I stuck to a Film Simulation recipe I developed. It is as close as I can get with a recipe to the result of editing from RAW myself. I use that recipe basically every day – a lot of work I shoot straight out of camera uses it. Of course, the X-E5 has the ability to save custom recipes onto the Film Simulation dial, which is really helpful for my photography.” A Change in Style “A lot of the photographs I am most fond of from the trip are the least similar to my usual style,” Luke muses. “Nighttime street photography is quite a departure from what I usually do. The silhouette of the security guard
After seeing a few low-shutter-speed drag shots, Luke was inspired to try
to create one himself (right)
(pictured left) was taken towards the end of our time in Tokyo. We walked past him multiple times – he was on guard around Tokyo Tower every single day and we always locked eyes, but I never saw him from this angle until the day I took the photo. I could not believe how ominous and cool it looked.” Typically a user of the larger FUJIFILM X-T5 camera, Luke ponders over whether it was the change of environment or equipment that pushed him into a different imaging style. “I could tell from people in the street’s reactions that they had their guard up a lot less. I suppose the X-E5 is a more disarming camera,
“I NEVER SAW HIM FROM THIS ANGLE UNTIL THE DAY I TOOK THE PHOTO. I COULD NOT BELIEVE HOW OMINOUS AND COOL IT LOOKED”
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class as the X Series’ most powerful cameras. “I use the X-T5 day in, day out because having the latest sensor and processor is so important for my professional work. A lot of my travel photos get licensed out, and the demands in terms of resolution are increasing. It’s nice something like the X-E5 is a viable option for that work now – having 40 megapixels in such a tiny body is phenomenal. I think it will open up a lot of opportunities for people who think the likes of the X-T5 or FUJIFILM X-H2 are a bit too big. “I think having this processor and sensor in this kind of body is a street photographer’s dream. I love a rangefinder-style body as well, so from a looks perspective, the X-E5 is my favourite camera that Fujifilm has ever released.” Combining retro styling and tactile handling with playful features like the Classic Display mode, Luke notes that one of the X-E5’s best assets is simply how fun it makes photography.
even though the overall footprint with the XF16-55mmF2.8 II isn’t that different to the X-T5. But even that 10% reduction disarms people so much more. It doesn’t feel like you’re a stranger putting a big camera in someone’s face. “Another photo I’m really pleased with is one of a tree with a spinning effect (above). That was such an off- the-cuff thing. I’d seen a couple of images like that – low-shutter-speed drag shots – and just wanted to try it myself. It took dozens of attempts to get it right and get the centre point sharp, but now it’s one of my favourite photos of the year, let alone from the trip. It kind of transports me when I look at it, even though it could have been taken anywhere in the world.” Enjoying the Experience While a departure from his usual everyday camera, Luke notes the combination of the X-E5’s sensor and processor put it in the same
FUJIFILM X-E5 ● Sensor: 40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR ● Processor: X-Processor 5 ● IBIS: Up to 7.0 stops ● Shutter speed: 1/180,000 sec to 60 mins ● Film Simulations: 20 ● Dimensions: 124.9x72.9x39.1mm ● Weight: 445g (including card and battery) “I would really love that EVF feature on my X-T5. I hope Fujifilm brings it to all its future cameras!” he enthuses. “It leans into a fun crank-the-nostalgia- to-11 feeling. That might be Fujifilm’s greatest strength, embracing the fun side of photography. The cameras are really capable, but what makes them stand out is how enjoyable they are to use.”
The silhouette of a guard in Tokyo (far left) proved serendipitous, and was one of Luke’s favourite images from Japan
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Travel Lenses Your optical guide to exploring the world of travel photography
A s if optimising your carry-on luggage wasn’t hard enough already, you’ve now decided to bring your camera on holiday. If you’re an X Series user, you’re off to a good start – lightweight bodies such as the FUJIFILM X-E5 and X-T30 III are perfect travel companions, packing plenty of performance into compact builds. However, there’s still the small matter of deciding which lens to bring along. For travel photographers, it’s a good idea to consider the kinds of subjects and settings you might expect to photograph and plan accordingly. If you’re confident in your style, a single prime lens might be sufficient. But,
if you’re unsure what you’ll be running into, versatility is the name of the game. Other key considerations for travelling image makers are the weight and footprint of your lens, as well as its robustness. Look for the WR (weather-resistance) designation at the end of Fujinon lens names to be assured of your optic’s ability to handle unexpected changes in unpredictable conditions. And if you still don’t know quite where to start, read on as we talk through some of the lens types we think are worth the suitcase space, as well as highlighting a few example optics to go alongside your X Series camera.
FUJINON XF23 mm F1.4 R LM WR
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Bridging the gap between a wide- angle and standard lens, this optic profile provides a somewhat broad perspective. This can be helpful for working in cramped alleyways or fitting towering buildings and expansive landscapes into frame as you explore different settings. A full-frame equivalent focal length of 35mm has long been favoured by street photographers for its natural look and the ability it gives users to work close to subjects. In fact, this is the focal length of the fixed lens on the iconic FUJIFILM X100 camera series, so packing a prime of a similar perspective is a great choice if you want to incorporate street style into your travel images. Standard Wide- Angle Prime Try this: FUJINON XF23mmF1.4 R LM WR A versatile prime with a 35mm full- frame equivalent perspective, the FUJINON XF23mmF1.4 R LM WR is prized for its combination of optical excellence and practical usability. Its bright F1.4 maximum aperture opens creative possibilities in low light, while the high-performance linear motor ensures autofocus is both fast and precise. Users can get as close as 19cm to subjects, letting foreground details pop without compromising the natural sense of space. The weather-resistant design is built to withstand challenging conditions, protecting against dust, moisture and freezing -10°C temperatures. At just 375g and measuring 77.8mm in length, this professional-quality prime lens punches well above its weight.
FUJINON XF35 mm F2 R WR
Standard Prime
Try this: FUJINON XF35mmF2 R WR
Commonly referred to as the ‘nifty fifty’ for its full-frame equivalent focal length, the standard prime is a must-have tool in any photographer’s kitbag. It delivers a strong, reliable performance and a natural-looking field of view similar to that of the human eye. The benefits of a prime lens – larger apertures at a reduced weight – match the needs of a travelling photographer, provided you’re happy to forego the ability to zoom in and out. But working with a fixed focal length can prove an extremely rewarding endeavour. It trains your eye and encourages you to physically explore your surroundings to find the best composition. Doesn’t that sound exactly like what travel photography should be all about?
At only 170g in weight and 45.9mm in length, the FUJINON XF35mmF2 R WR is a travel-sized standard prime that you’d be set to simply leave on your camera for the duration of your trip – as long as a 53mm full-frame equivalent focal length suits your creative vision. A wide maximum aperture of F2 lets you achieve bokeh-rich close-ups and portraits, with a good level of light gathering that can help you keep making photos late into the evening. Helpfully for on the road, the XF35mmF2 is also housed in a weather- and dust-resistant all-metal construction that’s rated for temperatures as low as -10°C, so you can travel with complete confidence.
FUJINON XF23 mm F1.4 R LM WR
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Wide-Angle Prime
Ideal for travel photographers with an interest in architecture, landscapes and cityscapes, the wide-angle prime is capable of delivering some truly dramatic perspectives. With an optical construction refined for one specific focal length, a dedicated wide-angle prime tends to trump the wide end of a standard zoom when it comes to distortion and edge-to-edge sharpness. That’s not to mention the potential a fixed-focal-length lens has for a lighter or wider-aperture design. If you constantly find yourself wanting to zoom out or back up when framing a photo, this is one lens you should prioritise packing.
Try this: FUJINON XF18mmF1.4 R LM WR
The FUJINON XF18mmF1.4 R LM WR is another full- featured prime that balances impressive portability with exceptional optical performance. Weighing only 370g, it offers a versatile 27mm full-frame equivalent perspective that adapts effortlessly to environmental portraits, cityscapes, landscapes and architecture, providing a natural sense of space without feeling too exaggerated. The bright F1.4 maximum aperture excels in low light and creates beautifully smooth bokeh, which is helped by its nine rounded aperture blades. Autofocus performance is equally impressive – driven by a linear motor, focus can be achieved in as little as 0.04 sec, while a close focusing distance of just 20cm encourages expressive framing. Optically, the lens delivers outstanding sharpness from corner to corner, with minimal edge distortion thanks to a sophisticated design. Eight weather-resistant seals help guarantee dependable performance down to -10°C temperatures, as well as in dusty and damp conditions.
FUJINON XF16-80 mm F4 R OIS WR
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Standard Zoom
Combining all the focal lengths of the other three options into a single lens, the versatility of a standard zoom is arguably unmatched, making it an incredibly strong choice for a travel lens. However, despite their name, there’s almost nothing standard about these optics, with countless examples offering different combinations of additional features and improved specifications. What makes it into your travel bag? It’s up to you to decide what is most important for your needs!
Try this: FUJINON XF16-80mmF4 R OIS WR
An extended 5x optical zoom range that spans from a wide 27mm to a mid-telephoto 122mm full-frame equivalent focal length offers the FUJINON XF16-80mmF4 R OIS WR enviable coverage that’s well suited to a wide range of travel subjects. This lens adds a fixed F4 maximum aperture to the mix, facilitating consistent exposure control throughout the zoom range – an excellent feature for creatives who dabble in video alongside stills. Up to 6.0 stops of OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation) further bolsters that filmmaking capability, improving a user’s ability to work handheld at long focal lengths and slow shutter speeds. All of this comes packaged in a relatively lightweight 440g build that’s fully weather sealed and rated for temperatures down to -10°C – a formidable option for travellers.
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