Just a reminder to Fuji X100V users... You can now update your camera via new firmware. As of Feb. 17th.

 

Look at these weird things that grew on my bench. Will they come off?

The Fuji X100V just became an even better camera than it was on Tuesday. That's because Fuji provided a firmware update to 2.0. The two things that I wanted and now have in the camera are:

1. You can now use the digital tele-converter feature, which gives you an interpolated 50mm and 70mm set of focal lengths in addition to your basic 35mm (equivalent to ff)  in Jpeg, when shooting in Raw + Jpeg. When setting the controls to Jpeg+Raw you'll get the cropped and interpolated Jpeg file as well as the full size raw file. If the Jpeg works you can forget the Raw. If you decide to change your mind after the fact --- there's the raw file.  I thought the feature worked great in Jpeg but now I'm shooting in Raw+Jpeg and loving the "safety net" of the Raw file; just in case. (updated at 4:17 pm. Trial and error). The teleconverter mode is not available with the camera set to manual focus because you have to choose whether the lens ring will give you focusing (MF) or focal lengths (S, C, AF).

2. When Fuji launched the camera they included an internal, four stop neutral density filter. We all cheered. Then we found out that you could only use it for photographs and we boo'ed a bit. NDs are great for video but not as useful for stills. Now we can cheer again because the ND is enabled for video. Yay!

(added at 4:21 pm CST). One more feature that I forgot to mention when I first uploaded this is that the camera will now work as a web camera for things like Zoom. Much better than the camera in my laptop.

These additions make the X100V an even better, all around travel and street camera for those who want to travel light but still shoot big. 

I'm heading out to shoot samples now. 

Fuji owners, it's here: https://fujifilm-x.com/en-us/support/download/

OT: Conditions at VSL H.Q. this morning.

 The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and it was 21° when I got up. 

Last night all the water ran out. The water district reported that they'd had an electrical failure at their distribution point and that we should shut off our main valves and drain all the pipes. I did that and also kept the outside faucets wrapped and covered with Styrofoam covers (after draining). 

This morning I checked in with the water folks and they said they were back on and pumping. They cautioned that it would take a while for full pressure to resume and that we should continue to boil water intended for drinking until notified.

I did an "eyes on" check of every faucet and pipe and then turned on the main connection. We have good pressure everywhere. Toilets flushing and refilling normally and no odd sounds or leaks; inside or out.

My last task of the morning was to turn the water heater back on. I followed written instructions to the letter and succeeded in reviving the hot water without blowing up the house. In about an hour we'll have a bout of gladiatorial combat to see who will be first in line for the first hot shower in days. Even though Belinda is the smallest of us she is a fierce warrior and the force is strong with her. We fear crossing her and will probably default. Then it comes down to Ben and me...

Looking forward, we're forecast to crest 41° today with bright sun all day. I can already see the ice melting where the sun hits it. I'm anxious to have the roads clear so I can see if I remember how to drive. I've been starting the cars every other day and letting them idle for 20 minutes to keep the batteries charged. I go through the gears to keep them lubricated. All the tires seem to be in good shape. 

My hope is that tomorrow will be clearer, warmer and drivable and that I'll be able to grab the Leica SL2 and go for a long, long walk. 

It's been uncomfortable at times but we seem to have made it through the worst of this weather catastrophe largely unscathed; unlike so many people in Central Texas. It looks like my volunteer activities are just about to get started. 

Thanks for all the great advice and all the "check-ins." You all made me really feel like part of a community and it was a source of comfort. Stay safe and stay warm. 

Thank you.