Recently I have been captivated with long exposure photography. I have had little experience doing long exposures, most of which I have done in the past were done with smaller apertures and lower ISOs. Recognizing that I needed a neutral density filter, I recently acquired the B+W N D 3.0 1000x for my Fujifilm Finepix X100. The filter reduces exposures by 10X, meaning that one can do very long exposures with little trouble.
Focus is an issue. It is best done without the filter, and using the focus lock button which can be set to lock focus only. Once set, then add the filter.
And, this morning, despite heavy winds over Tampa Bay, I ventured down to the pier in Safety Harbor and made several long exposures. The sky wasn’t the best but I made do with what light there was.
Just prior to sunrise, I made the following three minute exposure, shooting at f/5.6 and ISO 200.
180s @ f/5.6 ISO200 Click to See a Larger Version
Just at sunrise, I tried this shot at f/16, 125 seconds, ISO 200. It is a tad hot, perhaps too much so, but this is about learning.
125s @ f/16 ISO200 Click to see a Larger Version
And, this shot, just as the sun broke through the clouds at 25 seconds, f/16, ISO 200. I could probably have used about another five seconds in this shot. Grumble.
25s @ f/16 ISO200 Click to see a Larger Version
Well, I have much to learn, and shooting long exposures in the wind isn’t a good idea. But, frankly, the Fujifilm Finepix X100 does long exposures very well. One will need a cable release to keep the shutter open while in Bulb mode and really sturdy tripod. The little camera will do the rest. When in Bulb mode, the camera opens a timer on the rear LCD panel, so one does not need a stop watch to keep track of how long the exposure is taking. This is a fabulous feature on the camera, one that is not mentioned in the manual.
I recommend that one enable noise reduction when shooting long exposures. My shots are virtually noise free even at three minutes.
BTW, did I say that I simply think the Fujifilm Finepix x100 is a great camera? What a joy to use it.
Just purchased a new, lightish tripod (my old pod weighed in at 11 pounds with head), a new Giotto ball and socket head, and the veritable 49mm B+W 10 stop ND and a good make cable release, all to suit my black version of the X100. Now I am raring to go with long exposures. Not had time to try them yet what with Christmas coming up, but the New Year promises plenty of free time to test this out.
Hi Keith,
Good luck with the setup. You will love the B+W ND. And the weight of your rig will make a big difference when wondering around in the UK.
Best regards,
Bill
Hello Bill! Another Bill here..
I live in Spring Hill, Fl and also shoot with the X100. I wanted to see how your long exposures with the camera are progressing. I’m going to use a pistol grip ball head and manual cable release on mine and see how it goes. Ive been inspired not only by your images, but of Philip Mckays work with long exposure as well. I’m thinking the built in ND filter and 3 minute exposure might create some nice captures.
At least on paper it looks good. I’ve not tried it in the field yet
Keep up the great work!
Bill Blanchard
Hi Bill,
I have not had the opportunity to do more long exposures with the x100, but plan to do so.
Yes, the built in ND filter helps, but the key is the filter. So far I love the one I have.
The key is to get out and shoot. Try lots of different times. You will be surprised how the images appear.
Best regards,
Bill
How about if you use the bw filter plus the nd filter on the camera? Have you tried? thanks
Hi Mikee,
I have not tried that, but it should work.
Bill
The bw is a film simulation and unlike the built-in ND filter it has no exposure factor.
Rubbish. You know you need the medium format camera, digital back, bigger tripod, lots of gubbins and a trolley to carry it in. But then a timer on the LCD screen is a rather cool feature, and your shots are, as usual, first rate.
Regards
Neil
Hi Neil,
YUP, I wanna Medium Format camera and three lenses. – 80MP back, lots of filters, and a truck to hall it in. I figure about $80,000 would do it.
Grumble.
Bill