Why Dan Milner Prefers Fuji Cameras Over Other Equipment?

To start with

Before detailing as to why he chooses Fuji cameras over the others, Dan decided to take us through the list of cameras and gears he has used since 1988.

Dan mentioned that Ricoh XR-P, Nikon N2020, Nikon FE2, Nikon FM2, Nikon FM3T, Nikon F3, Nikon F4, Nikon F5, and Nikon F6 are the cameras that he has used at one point in his life.

Out of these, the Nikon FE2 with a screw mount was the first camera that Dan used on an assignment.

Furthermore, Canon A2E, Canon Eos1, Canon Eos 1V, Leica M4-P, Leica M6 times 1, times 2, and Leica M4 are some of the other cameras that he has also used.

Dan still possesses the Leica M4. Out of the other cameras he has used, Dan feels Leica R6 times 2 has the best glass.

In the Fuji category, Dan has used Fuji 6*9 and Fuji 6*6/6*7 folding range finder. Dan feels the latter is an unbelievable camera but fragile.

Other cameras used in his career

Dan has Hasselblad 500CM to shoot commercially for ten years. He paid $65 for back, body, lens, the finder with this camera. Also, he bought a second Hasselblad FO3CW for $500 and put a digital back on it. Dan mentioned that it was pre-hipster, which was basically about finding how good Hasselblad is.

Dan has also used Olympus Olym4TI, which he thinks is a smoking little camera system. He also has two void lenders, range finders with an underwater housing system.

Dan feels Zeiss Rangefinder is an excellent camera. However, the only problem he faced with this camera was he had to carry screwdrivers on him because it fell apart all the time. Other cameras Dan has used are 4*5 crown graphic, Pentax 645, Pentax 6*7, Yoshika half-frame camera, Holga, Polaroid, and a Pentax K1000.

Dan also mentioned how, in the Pentax category, he always wanted to use the Pentax LX.

Why Fuji cameras?

It is interesting to note the different variety of equipment Dan has used before understanding why he prefers the Fuji cameras. To make things simple for photographers who are new to Fuji cameras, Dan specifies six points as to what caused his mind incline towards Fuji cameras.

Size – Starting with size, Dan mentioned that the Fuji cameras are very much similar to the Leica cameras that he used, specifically the M4 and M6. Dan said that M4 is a little bit heavier than the Fuji cameras because they are made of brass, whereas M6 is made of zinc alloy, so it is a lighter camera.

Weight – Secondly, Dan spoke about how he can carry this system all day, every day without thinking about it. Since when he is out for shooting, he tends to stay in the field for an extensive period. Hence, he prefers Fuji, which is even lighter than Leica, which he is used to carrying, and this is an essential factor for choosing Fuji.

Capability – Dan feels this is a critical point to decide on a camera. Dan discussed how prior generations of digital cameras were a hindrance to taking photos. The reason was they had shutter lags, and they had bad viewfinders, hence weren’t good cameras. However, he feels this is a very capable camera. He would not have bought it if it didn’t work.

Dan also discussed how this camera is useful for the current project that he is working on as it is an incredibly difficult project, camera-wise. Currently, he is using Fuji 50-140, the 2A Fuji lens, and a 2x converter, and he feels that they are the best combination of that he has ever had in any system.

Menus – The fourth point Dan discussed is how he never uses menus in a camera. However, he had to use once because of settings adjustments for a Chinese lens called the Speed master on his X-T2. But the Fuji menus are simple and basic, which made his work easier.

Ergonomics – The fifth point Dan discussed was ergonomics and how easy and simple it is in the Fuji cameras. These cameras have dials on top for exposure comp and shutter speed adjustments. Additionally, ASA, film speed settings are on the left, and the dials that go from a single exposure, continuous, high, low, movies, and many more are easy to use and change even in the fields, with gloves and also in the dark. On a funny note, Dan says how he would have quit photography if he had to go menus every time for adjustments.

Cost – The last and final point that Dan talked about was cost. Dan found two bodies, three lenses, a booster, and some other things in Fuji equipment to be inexpensive and affordable. You can get some aspects to your camera equipment, which is superior to what the Fuji has, says Dan. However, up until now, Dan hasn’t run into a situation where the Fuji doesn’t work, or he would wish for a different camera.

On a final note

On a final note, Dan mentioned how Fuji cameras have never given him any problems like the others he possessed. He had his Leicas, Canons, Olympuses malfunction. However, he hasn’t seen his Fuji cameras malfunction in hostile weather, whether in the cold or hot. Dan suggests trying out the Fuji equipment.

The final piece of advice Dan had for the photographers was, “Go use your camera.”