Custom Settings On The Fujifilm X-T2; Is It Possible?

Fujifilm X-T2 with Off/On toggle switch added to the back so a group of "custom settings" can
be enabled or disabled quickly and efficiently with the flick of a thumb. (click to enlarge)

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a post about my wish that Fujifilm would add a feature to help users make the best choices for menu settings when photographing fast moving subjects.  I advocated creating a list of "use cases" that specifically describe situations a photographer may encounter for tracking moving subjects using continuous autofocus and the three adjustable parameters found in the menu.  The list describing specific types of subject movements would be very helpful for those who don't quite understand how to set the tracking parameters called, "Tracking Sensitivity," "Speed Tracking Sensitivity" and "Zone Area Switching."  You can read that post here.  As much as I love using my X-T2, I find there are always some improvements that can be implemented to elevate our ownership experience.  In this post, I have an additional suggestion for Fujifilm that would provide enhanced usability to the X-T2, if not other X-cameras.

On another camera I own and use, there are three custom setting banks labeled on a dial as C1, C2 and C3. Each of these three dial settings allow the user to lock in every menu option and save it.  Those options then can be instantly accessed when needed.

I have C1 programmed to reflect all of my settings for general landscape, travel and nature photography.  In other words, I have it set for aperture priority—f/5.6, ISO 200, single autofocus, etc., etc.  For setting C2, I have it programmed for fast moving subjects, with one turn of the dial this allows me to instantly change all camera settings so I can capture my subjects with a high shutter speed (1/1600th sec.), continuous focus tracking and 10 fps and so on.  For C3, I have it set so the camera will function as a simple, everything automatic, point-and-shoot camera so if my wife was going to use it or I was to hand it to a stranger to take a photo of us when traveling, there is no way the photo won't be in focus as well as properly exposed.  The Fujifilm X-T2 does not have a feature that allows the photographer to program a large group of settings that can be instantly enabled.  A feature such as this can provide much value to enthusiasts as well as pro photographers.

Currently, just as there is no PASM dial, nor "scene settings," there also is no way to set a group of "custom settings" on the X-T2 camera as there are on many other cameras.  I think one reason the camera lacks this ability is the design philosophy of being relatively "old school" with buttons and dials and ease of use through them instead of having to extensively use the menu.  In other words, it would be somewhat contrary to the basic design philosophy of the camera.  Additionally, the apertures are located on the lenses and the shutter speeds are set with a dial on the camera which is different from most cameras.  Third, the X-T2 is primarily designed for enthusiasts, serious photographers and professional photographers, in my opinion, and many cameras that have this feature are designed for those with lower skill levels.  Fujifilm is notorious for designing cameras for what they believe is their target audience and doesn't waiver.  No tilting screen on the X-Pro 2, designed for primarily street photography, is an example.  However, that doesn't mean this type of function would not be welcomed and utilized frequently by all facets of their user base.

The idea of being able to set and save every menu setting according to each photographer's needs, would give a photographer one heck of a tool that could be enabled quickly and efficiently. 

Thinking about this, I thought it would be possible for Fujifilm to implement this by making two changes.  First, by adding to the firmware this feature could be electronically enabled.  Menu options would be added to be able to save global settings.  Second, also adding a physical toggle switch on the back of the camera as illustrated in this post.  It would sit right under the right thumb with the AE-L button in the center and the switch could be thrown with just a flick of the thumb.  Switch it on when needed, then switch it back off.  A simple off/on toggle.

Switch it on and all of your camera settings instantly change to those you previously saved.  Switch it back off and your camera instantly returns to its previous state.

Here is how it would work.  You would first configure all of your menu settings in the manner in you desire, even default shutters speeds, default apertures, etc.  You then would press menu, go to the "Custom Bank Edit/Change" menu item and press the menu item labeled something such as "Custom Bank Save/Update."  That would then save every menu item as you have it now set.

You then could use your camera in any way you want, but when you flick the toggle switch, all of those settings you just made are activated.

For example, if you were out photographing landscapes in RAW + JPEG, aperture priority, f/5.6 at ISO 200 using the Velvia film simulation, S-AF, single frame advance, single autofocus point and all of your other menu settings to your liking, then suddenly a pack of grey wolves appear and are running across the field in front of you!  With the flick of your thumb, you could enable all of the settings you had previously saved in the custom settings bank that would instantly change your settings to continuous autofocus zone tracking, 11 fps, auto ISO, shutter priority at 1/2000th sec., Astia film simulation, RAW only, etc.  No having to change every single setting to get the image in a quickly changing environment.  It all happens instantly.  The fleeting image is not missed.

I have done just that only with ospreys and eagles.  I was out photographing landscapes and, on occasion, an eagle or osprey would appear in the sky.  I was able to instantly move my setting from C1 to C2 and my camera was ready to capture the action.  It is a wonderful feature.

Even though the X-T2 and other features are set with mechanical dials, it is all electronic under the covers, so to speak.  When activated, even though your shutter speed dial may be set for 1/60th sec., enabling the memory bank would, in reality, change it instantly.  Aperture would act the same.  After all, you can change them now by using the command dial so it would be possible.

What do you think?  Would you find value in having the ability to save every camera setting and then access all of those saved settings instantly?  Comment below and let me know.

Thanks for looking. Enjoy! 

Dennis A. Mook 

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