Fuji’s hidden gem.

[@timsep1]

It's beyond rare for youtube video releases to make me feel excited, yet consistently, you do this time and time again. Pure talent all around, bravo.

[@melwin99]

Stop D riding 🙏🏻

[@arian_rauscht]

Couldn't agree more!

[@AKREEFGUY]

Same. I wait until I get home so I can watch these videos on my TV with surround sound and kids asleep! Please keep up this most excellent work!

[@SquirrelHybrid]

I think a benefit of the old "softer" lenses is that your attention isn't immediately drawn to the plane of focus, which allows you to take in the scene as a whole.

[@3h33am]

Spot on

[@victorkreig6089]

That was the general idea yes, there were definitely lenses crafted that could make you question if they were sharper than your own eyes however the softer lenses were always superior in tone

[@AdrianLobodzinski]

Also, maybe you don't need to set the sharpness to -2 with this lens as it's already there

[@bryanbeckett869]

@@AdrianLobodzinskithis is what I do with the same lens. The size and weight outweigh the negatives. I love it.

[@VOByRobbins]

The anticipation for your videos are like waiting for an album from my favorite artist or sequel to a favorite film series--- just so well put together! Thanks GXAce!

[@AhHerPadi]

Every episodes the sound design and visuals are just getting crazier and I'm all in for it! Yes old ginger is spicier!

[@totetsu3752]

There are no word in our vocab yet to descripe the visual satisfaction that your videos gives one.

[@-grey]

I was desperate for this lens to work for me. I joined Fujifilm just for it. I love the colour rendition of the glass, the focal length, and the size. I've had 3 copies all stop focusing randomly when using them only to focus again months later. The QA on these lenses is horrific.
The time I finally gave up on it was when I went to Angkor Wat. The first day of my three day trip the lens decided it would recieved no focus data from any of my cameras. I couldn't even manual focus because it was by wire. It was my only wide. 😢
Since then I have switched to the XF16f2.8 and it's just incredible. Fully recommend if you're looking for this but reliable. ✨

[@thedp]

the 16 2.8 is even nicer with a 1/8th black mist filter ;) . fast compact and not excessively sharp, but wish is was 2.0

[@Paulo_das_Neves]

I have 18F2, 35F1.4 and 90F2. Very happy with this 3 lenses setup. Nice video as always, cheers dude!

[@steffen_a]

The Ricoh GR looking like a stupid early 2000s digicam is actually one of its most important advantages for street photography. It’s just so inconspicuous while at the same time having amazing image quality that you can take shots you otherwise couldn’t. But I totally agree that an XPro with the 18mm is the much sexier camera. 😅

[@GxAce]

sure, I just don’t like it. ;)

[@benbunch4159]

@@GxAce “This camera….is in disguise. I had always dismissed the Ricoh GR. But this, the GRX…is a street photography NINJA.”

[@neerajnongmaithem392]

My only problem being that it does not inspire to go and take photograph seriously. What I am trying to say it does not drive my creative juices crazy. It's an excellent camera for parties and hanging out with friends though. But when I am alone on the streets for the sheer purpose to click something amazing, I need a xpro in my hand.

[@benbunch4159]

@@neerajnongmaithem392
I haven’t shot a digital GR but after shooting the GR1v film camera the digital GR starts to make a lot more sense to me.

[@DEADPEDAL]

Some of these images remind me of "Fallen Angels." And that image of the FamilyMart monolith gave me such an ominous feeling. Stellar work as always.

[@IshiLancelotDiniega]

Ah yes, fallen angels, they using a weird BUT surely a wonderful RARE ASS lens that is gone in media, just descriptions of it

[@stevencrabtree1409]

All three of the original XF lenses (18mm f2, 35mm f1.4, and 60mm f2.4) have a special quality to them that keeps me using them despite newer "better" versions being developed.

[@fotografalexandernikolis]

I've read people say that the old 35mm 1.4 is not sharp, but I think they must have had bad samples, because mine is dangerously sharp even on 40mp (just less so towards the edges) and with great microcontrast, and I have the new 23 1.4 LM WR to compare to. Other than the sometimes too obvious chromatic aberration it's just stellar. I'm never selling mine, especially considering that it might be an unusually good sample.

[@SamTaylors]

I so agree. And the 60mm is perhaps the most underrated of all. It’s flawed but the the way it flares is exquisite and allows for genuinely unique images

[@sssnrrr]

How is the autofocus speed on the 18mm f2 and what body are you using it on? Cheers

[@SamTaylors]

@@sssnrrrcompared to most other lenses it’s slow and noisy irrespective of the camera body (I shoot an X-T5). That said, it is fast enough for stills photography purposes in most situations. The point of this video is that it’s a great lens, even though it’s a long way from being a perfect lens.

[@Searchingk9]

@@SamTaylors agreed

[@stubifox]

I bought this lens new last year in Japan and got it for around 400$. It's one of those lenses that just look incredible on the Fuji X PRO3 and the images have character. This is my go to lens alongside the 27mm f 2.8

[@pocholo151299]

Hi mate, I have just read your comment and I wanted to ask you...right now I was thinking to buy a more compact lens, and I am not able to decide which one of the two that you've got. The 27mm is a little bit cheaper where I live.
Do you have any recomendation about it?
Thank you in advance! :D

[@venom2k2]

​@@pocholo151299I own and like both lenses. Having to pick one is hard! The 27mm works better with my x pro3 and the optical viewfinder and it has weather resistance. These are big plusses for me! I like both focal ranges and both lenses are fun to use :)

[@molibianco]

@@pocholo151299 I have the 27 and it's a great lens. Sharp and great color rendition

[@stubifox]

@@pocholo151299 TH-cam deleted my comment to this I think. I love the 27mm, its very sharp and tiny. Therefore the best travel companion. Make sure to get the Mark II since it does have an apperture ring :)

[@elmaregner4002]

One of my favorite lenses ever and the reason to partially come back to Fuji. I used to argue with some Fuji photographers in favor of the 32 Touit and the 18mm f2 XF lens in the last few years. So I always smile and nod knowingly when you present exactly these here. The most underrated Fuji gem is, in my opinion, the 14mm f2.8 XF. It is in its rendering the closest to the original X100 lens. Not as contrasty as most Fuji lenses.
Anyway, keep up the good work and many greetings from Germany! Elmar from Qimago Photography

[@torb-no]

Since you've had both: how is the color and rendering of XF18mm f2 and Touit 32mm? Are they easy to match?

[@elmaregner4002]

@@torb-no They are well matched, the touit is a little on the cooler side, though. I think the out-of-focus parts are better matched between these two than between the 18 and the old fuji 35 1.4.

[@torb-no]

@@elmaregner4002 The 18 f2 really seem to skew warm compared to almost everything then. I don't dislike it's color, but I find it hard to get consistent colors with other optics.
Anyway, thanks so much for answering! You kinda answered what I maybe suspected!
Hope you have a great weekend.

[@joeallam]

Have yet to try the 18mmF2, but your videos give me confidence in attempting wider focal lengths which I've traditionally not been drawn to - thanks as always!

[@SamTaylors]

I love this. Please, please, please one day share your thoughts on the 60mm. It’s another original lens - flawed but magnificent precisely because of those flaws. The way it flares is incredible and allows for genuinely unique results.

[@thegreatcolini4037]

First Fuji lense I got and I couldn’t be happier with it, it’s treated me well for years

[@OITW]

I like the 18mm f2 for its character and it's physical design. As for character, I really think shots 00:42, 1:57, 3:45, and 3:49 demonstrate that. The physical design is also super nice--on one hand, the lens hood combination makes it feel like a "cool" lens, a similar sentiment to your "cool" camera video. On the other hand, I love the size as it really makes for a conversation starter, or it doesn't impede on candid moments. Keep up the videos man.

[@SiskaWidyaningsih-bq8mo]

Its glued on my XE4

[@sonpois]

just ordered the xe4 for the exact same reason. A 28mm x100v ;)

[@AmalEzell]

Every one of these videos feels like a movie, I can't help but watch.

[@Malick333]

One of my all-time favorite combos = Fuji XE4 + this 18/F2. It's super minimal, compact, feels good, looks good, images are great (same sensor as the XT4/XPro3/X100V). My $7K+ Canon RF setup doesn't produce soul like this.

[@amralgohary]

This channel deserves a million subscribers. You are a talented director.

[@DwayneFuhlhage]

Thanks for highlighting this great little lens. I purchased mine along with the 35mm and a X-E1 body back when they were new. As you note, it can take a lot of abuse. Mine is pretty battered, but it keeps on making great images.

[@MicaelWidell]

We love you gx. Keep em coming!

[@MrGoldbaum]

The 18 f2 and the 60 f2.4 macro are all I use with the xpro3. Love this lens

[@hikarii_flow]

Man i really love how you color graded the city shot at 4:30 I’d love to see a movie shot and color graded by you

[@OrangeBrick8]

I’ve been wondering why no one talks about this lens. Amazing video as always!

[@scottrgarland]

I felt this way about the first gen fujifilm 23mm f1.4 - it blew me away how perfect every image felt.

[@marcoams6239]

Quality is always present with each video released, I deeply love your work man and your artistic direction is something so inspiring. I say it now and I'll say it again, keep up the great work brother. Congratulations on your growth btw, I discovered your channel when you were around 30.5k subs you can be proud of your work !

[@robbe4711]

I loved this lens. Small, light and so versatile. In conjunction with the 60 and 35 a perfect setup.

[@jlee104]

Ive been using it alot and Im surprised bobody talks about it more often. For indoor food photography, sitting at a table its been a great way to capture scenes of dining out with its wide focal setting and theres definitely an appealing character to the shots I cant seem to pinpoint

[@torb-no]

Character: sharper in centre than puter edges, slightly soft rollup to highlights. Both shared with the 35mm f1.4. Also: quite warm colors (though, you generally don't see that in this vid due to how GX edits).

[@Bernatchly]

Every time. Your videos are just a phenomena to behold, and quite frankly I feel like I should be watching them in a theatre with Dolby Atmos or something. Especially love the very Blade-Runner-y sound of the latter track. Another wonderful piece of work!

[@BenjahMedia]

Your talking head backdrop is killer!!!! Another inspiring video dude. 👊

[@ccoppola82]

Amazing video as always. I may buy a preset pack just to support your efforts.
I never understood why anyone WANTS perfection. It’s an odd human condition that we strive for “perfect” yet we become quickly bored with it. Glad to see someone of your ability recognize that beauty LIVES in the flaws and is what keeps a viewers gaze longer. We have a unique ability to recognize when something is slightly different on a subconscious level. For example…human faces are all mostly the same but these micro arrangements and imperfections of the individual are what create our attraction to them. Walter Mandler knew this in his years of developing Leica lenses. My 35mm v2 summilux makes more enjoyable images than my 35mm FLE.
Perfect example of this is go to an art gallery and watch most people walk right past the earlier ultra realistic paintings yet they come to an impressionist piece or a tonalist representation and it will drag them in from across the room.

[@cward2986]

Thanks for giving this lens some love. It was the first one I purchased and I still enjoy using it.

[@Handy75]

Its videos like this that makes me want to pick up my camera, any camera, and get out and shoot. Reminds me of my skateboarding days, after watching a killer skate video.

[@cullenmarriott1864]

I still pull out this lens with an OG X-Pro 1. It’s not the fastest or sharpest, but the character it can give you is so special-even all these years later.

[@TorkBjork]

the hologram cinematics always manage to blow me away, i hope to be at that level one day

[@Lonnie.G]

To date it’s still my favorite Fuji lens ever and this is the best presentation of all the things I love about it. Bravo sir

[@FeralGinger]

man, this lens is still the one I crave the most... another amazing, inspiring video, thank you

[@tjschmal]

I don’t care that i repeat myself, but your style is so dark and so apocalyptic … i love it !

[@oscarg.5561]

Wake up babe, new dystopian Gxace video dropped

[@MRFY]

Yes Please! Your Videos are the fine art I can reach out on my phone! Thank you so much GXace!

[@-grey]

😮 Oh damn, I wasn't expecting the Ricoh GR shade from this channel of all places.
I've got one and also recommend it. The intelligent features are revolutionary. Some really cool ways of think about the mode dial and what modes are, as well as focus. Check it out.
✌

[@AdrianScoffham]

@GxAce you've knocked it out of the park again, the way to look at things is a refreshing alternative that is truly holistic and seeks out the certain je-ne-sais-quois of what makes an image great by evaluating the qualities of the eye (lens) used. I use the Zeiss Touit 32 of XPRO 1 because of the soul of the aesthetic created (thanks in part to your analysis) - I was always impressed by the 18 F2 when I used her on the XT1, not the brightest or the sharpest but nonetheless has a certain something the others don't. It's only some 12 years later that we can truly appreciate the genius of the engineers at Fujifilm in creating the X system, bodies, sensors, lenses, design, output, function and aesthetic. These are the cameras and lenses destined to be future classics and you are the head curator of the museum of GxAce.

[@Sjorezz]

Amazing video! I know most of the common fuji TH-camrs but this is something else!

[@YouSnoozeYouNooze]

This is a great one on my x-e2. The wideness and F2 aperture make up for the camera not being stabilized. It's my pocket combo for indoor/night, then I switch to the even more pancake 27mm F2.8 for daytime.
I get way more keepers than I can use with the Fuji. I did not feel that way with my Panasonic MFT cameras

[@nicolasbernacchia7184]

I bought this lens last year in Japan along with the amazing XF35 1.4 and an X-T4. Originally, I planned to buy the 35mm and the Sigma 18-50 f2.8 for more versatility in shooting video, but it was out of stock everywhere. So, I went with the 18mm, and I love it. I knew that the lens had a lot of haters, but I didn't care; I always wanted to get into Fuji because of color, character, and the possibility of having a compact setup. Also, it complements perfectly with the 35, and I don't think I will be buying another prime lens anytime soon.

[@weiyang6417]

Still kept the original 35 and 18 lenses even though I sold almost everything moving to another system. Love using these on my XE2.

[@arturcharaev1336]

Same, keeping my old 23 and 35 1.4 lens with my XE2

[@yummygaming9292]

Just in time for my lunch break

[@zajka00]

I'm speechless, what am I even watching? Thought it was just some random vid about a lens, incredible stuff 👽

[@ChrisWilmshurst]

Everything about this video is beautiful! Damn I love everything you put out.

[@TrendyWhistle]

this was the first lens i got with my x-pro3, it's come with me on many trips and captured many memories, I'm so golad to see it here and the kind of photos you can take with it.

[@harryom3497]

Norm pics backed by extraordinary sound design.

[@GxAce]

Got eeem

[@drumandbassonvinyl]

I got this lens in a deal with my X-T4 and I was always wanting the 35mm variant. But after spending so much more time with it, I’ve been able to really appreciate the magic it brings to images and its versatility. Mine is super quiet and sharp… so I think I lucked out! Don’t get me wrong… video focus is noisy, but photo focus is almost unnoticeable. This was a great video!

[@woj3pl668]

tested it out recently and while the form factor and images it produces are fantastic, the hardware just doesn't cut it, it feels much cheaper than the new f2 primes and it's noisy ass hell. maybe if it was cheaper I'd be a good deal but considering that for the same price you can get something like the 23f2, you really have to value the focal length difference. Hope fuji remakes it as a WR this year

[@sophiaisabelle0227]

A forgotten gem never loses its shine. Its value will never decrease.

[@szabomark8693]

I disagree completely, it was going for about 550!!! euros new. Now you can get a decent used example for ~70 euros in my country, that is a loss of 87% of its original value already. It's not a good lens, prone to sucking up dust, the AF is very unsure and loud, and everyone knows it's soft as hell. I love mine but let's be real here, those who paid full price for this glass were majorly ripped off - and only through their initial sacrifice can we now appreciate it truly.

[@xBenjourx]

@@szabomark8693 Where on earth can I get one for EUR70?! Even with shipping and import tax to the UK that'd be cheaper than examples in the UK...

[@wheathy167]

Im a simple man I see GX I click. Was great watching this on my break from editing. again thank you GX for the amazing content you provide for us

[@IlariaeAndrea]

Perfection! my favorite lens in a video made by one of my favorite TH-camrs

[@CallMeEsteban]

I’m honestly always excited when I see a GxAce video

[@bryanbeckett869]

Didn’t even see this video and mine arrived today. God the autofocus is loud, but this weekend will mess with it properly. Got mine with minor damage (just a ding) in the hood, and other than that, in its original box in great condition, $75.

[@erikjohnson4876]

Damn. The street shots at night are beyond good. Incredible.

[@prouzakmx]

Great lens, but also the most amazing thing here is that EVERY video you create, is amazing

[@lflat01]

First and foremost, excellent video!!!!
Your production is top notch 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
I have these lens also and it is seriously in my top 3 Fuji lenses that i have ever used.
This lens has helped me tell stories with my photos. I shoot weddings and events in a documentary style. I couldn't ask for a better lens.
Most importantly, my paying clients enjoy the photos that it produces. 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@choilive]

One of my favorite Fuji lenses and hard to find nowadays is the Fuji XM-F. Fixed focus, fixed aperture, built in effect filters. Objectively a bad lens, subjectively tons of fun.

[@BinderDan]

Love your style of reviewing camera gear!!

[@Bobsmithabc]

Dude lives in a dystopian nightmare.

[@grantshi5051]

I like this lens a lot. Paired with the old 35 1.4. Basically those are all the lenses I need for my day to day photography. I use this lens at f8 most of the time and have no complaints about anything.

[@6884]

oh boy, it was hard to find a cheap one before, now it's going to be impossible :(

[@AD-zo5vp]

Simply from a physics perspective this lens is spectacular. 18 physical mm at f2!!! Sure you can make a 28mm f2.8, but wide angle+aperture apsc lenses are a challenge if you want to stay compact. I totally love that XF lens too. That plus 35 f1.4, all I need ❤

[@SteffenSchellhaas]

Before your channel, I never would have watched a video about a lens...

[@kairademacher8302]

Have mine for abot three years now. It's an absolute perfect match with my pro2. The Video is just awesome and can relate every word you said. Cheers!

[@cvandonderen]

As someone who got the 18/2 & 35/1.4 in 2012 with an X-Pro1: Both of them are still amazing. Got an X-T4 body later, different feeling, but them images are still amazing.

[@bryanbeckett869]

3:29 is better then any of the pictures of the Family Mart with Fuji above it that any of the people are taking now due to the popularity right now. Dripping with atmosphere.

[@lessteza]

I just got an xt30ii which I love as a small little film-like camera and besides the orange ttartisan lens, you convinced me this is the second lens❤

[@torb-no]

I actually got the Squarebood for this, to make it smaller in the OVF (theirs is a bit more compact).
I just got this lens last year simply because I wanted a small lens in that focal length. Quality is just fine, tonality is nice. My only issue is the colors being warmer compared to other Fuji lenses (tho, maybe it matches the 35mm 1.4?). It's a nice lens.
That said. I'd by lying if I wouldn't be super happy about a moden Fujicron (the modern WR f2s) update. I like pretty much everything about those lenses and I'd love that style of take on that focal length.

[@williamcurwen7428]

I have a collection of lenses amassed over a lifetime of working with optics. Some are incredibly sharp, colour and rectilinear correct, others are soft, low contrast with wobbly bokeh. All are used accordingly. I don’t have a problem with any of them. If you like a lens that doesn’t have a stellar spec - so what? A very nice video, I especially like the music as well as the imagery.

[@SamuraiSal-mk6tx]

I was planning to buy a 23mm 1.4 and now I'm confused again. Thanks GxAce. Amazing video btw, Im always happy to see your notification!

[@daveleo7248]

I have the 18/f2, 27f2.8, the 35f1.4, 15-45Xc, 18-55XF. The 35 is supreme, the 18-55 is great, won't say anything bad about the 15-45 or the 27. (I also have 26 vintage lenses I use as the mood arises.) The 18 was made for me. It is my first choice for recording my life's events. In fact I often add a Tiffen diffuser #2 filter to sweeten the highlights with this lens - for car shows (with all those reflective surfaces), this is the setup!. I bought it used for $200 about 5 years ago, and would replace it immediately if somehow I lost it.

[@abolfazlgdimi]

I've been using TH-cam for years & I've never bothered myself commenting! I'm not proud of it , in fact I'm even a bit embarrassed but this video has made me comment!! Wow , great content I've almost felt like I'm watching new Blade Runer movie directed by Spielberg or Nolan instead of scout!!

[@pietrofilippo]

Please, make those presets for capture one too!

[@sethiphotography]

the production value of your videos is very inspiring to say the least. I would love to know where yo shoot your B-roll, on an unused submarine perhaps, or a derelict factory with WWII machinery. either way, i love watching your videos. Great work! keep it up!

[@tedvitale8978]

I’ve had this lens since I bought my xe1 and it’s by far my favorite lens I’ve ever used. It’s ten years old and I only just recently had to send it in for a service.

[@SamiPaju]

Xpro3 really feels best with small lenses. I had the 18mm f1.4 but it was just too cumbersome to use, so I rarely did, and then I sold it.
Also, hilarious that you mentioned Leica Q and Ricoh GR :D I bought a used Leica Q to have a fast 28mm, and I’ve owned a second hand GR for years. I still think it’s one of the most ergonomic and well thought-out fixed lens cameras out there. With the cold winters here, I rarely want to carry a big camera with me, but GR fits well in the pocket, and is easy enough to grab for a quick shot before putting gloves back on.

[@jooyoonchung3593]

The 18 f/1.4 also suffers from an absolutely awful, large hood.

[@janoschjung5029]

You make me wanna buy so much lenses! 😂 Love your work!

[@madtias_]

you should do a house tour, your sets look wild dude

[@oheey8161]

真的很“够姜”！（够姜=“having enough ginger; brave; courageous; having guts”）

[@benbunch4159]

Wow the Ricoh GR hate haha. INB4 “This camera….is in disguise. I had always dismissed the Ricoh GR. But this, the GRX…is a street photography NINJA.”

[@moderngentlemanschool]

Your videos are on a whole different level......wow.

[@bertraminc9412]

Wow. One of the best videos on TH-cam. You need to make a movie like an Asian Blade Runner!

[@jooyoonchung3593]

I bought the 18 f/2, used it for awhile, then sold it for the 18 f/1.4. I regret that sale and plan to pick up the f/2 lens again soon. It’s quite the little powerhouse.

[@FourIntoOne]

Goddam. I have been making images for over 40 years. Nothing I have done is even remotely close to this perfection. I am not worthy.

[@yashinisuki]

I used to have one of those back in the day and I love it. Thanks to the fact that everyone was hating it you were able to get it used for less than £150. I really regret selling it and thinking about re-buying it. I might have to do it ASAP before people will see this video and prices will go up 😂

[@luigsfilms]

Loving your videos.
I watched all of them but for me personally the last 4 videos are not reaching the level of your videos before, but it could be only my taste.
Every way... keep up the good work really love your refreshing content.

[@watsup199]

YOU NEED TO BE STOPPED! I CANNOT AFFORD ANOTHER LENSE RIGHT NOW, GRXACE!!

[@jimhofman3179]

I've been watching your channel for a couple years and it appears you either visit or live in Ningbo. I spend a lot of time there and will be permanently moving there in March. There is a good-sized film community in NB and maybe we can organize a meetup sometime. Let me know your situation. Love the videos. Keep 'em coming.

[@cosmosaic8117]

The Legend is back with another epic video. I want CANDY!!!!!!!

[@oneshotrally]

Admit it, you are Ridley Scotts' love child.
Awesome vid.

[@danielhoulemarde]

I have this lens....and it's basically glued to my XE-4

[@larrydiaz7156]

Wonderful presentation Gx. Subscribed!

[@aawonnewton]

love this lens. needs an update tho. sounds design is on point in this one!

[@SoowDeJu]

I think this mainly is underrated because the 18-55 already covers the 18mm range with a good enough aperture!