Fuji X-T2, A Second Very Useful Feature That Has Largely Gone Unnoticed

Jordan Pond in Early Morning Light, Acadia National Park, Maine (click to enlarge)

X-T2, 16-55mm f/2.8 lens @ 16mm + 10 stop ND filter + polarizing filter; 30 sec. @ f/16; ISO 200

I was able to see, compose and autofocus this image in the EVF, which required 30 seconds of exposure, quite well.

I've discovered another feature in my X-T2 that will prove very useful for landscape photographers, astro photographers and those who may wish to make images over time with very dark neutral density filters.

Try this.  Attach a 10-stop neutral density filter to your lens then turn on the camera and look through it.  You will see your subject.  Not only will you see your subject, the camera will autofocus quite well.  Amazing!

As I was out making landscape exposures on my recent New England road trip, I was using a 10 stop neutral density filter, and sometimes that filter in conjunction with a polarizing filer, giving 11.5 stops of light reduction and, surprise, I could see my image in the viewfinder AND autofocus the image!  That is something I could never do with my digital SLR.  I remember having to set up the camera and compose the image, then attach the ND filter as I couldn't see my subject through it.

With the X-T2, due to the amplification of the incoming light by the EVF, although somewhat dark, I could easily compose, focus and press the shutter with the filters attached rather than compose and focus, then attach the filters, as I had to do with my Nikons.  The beauty is that there is no danger of accidentally changing focus or composition when trying to attach the filters before exposing the image.

Surprisingly, the camera autofocused quite well and accurately without hunting and hesitation.  It wasn't as fast as in bright daylight, but it autofocused in far less than a second.  A nice bonus.

Another great function of mirrorless cameras with large, well made electronic viewfinders.

This camera keeps getting better and better...

Thanks for looking. Enjoy! 

Dennis A. Mook 

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