TAKE TEN: Malan Louw
We are ten years in since Fujifilm released the X-Pro1 as the first X Mount camera. What better way to ask local Fujifilm users for their ten best shots. Today’s turn belongs to Malan Louw, who started out as a press photographer shooting film. He talks about his love for the X-Pro2 and how he came to join the Fujifilm family.
(Photo by Nawawie Mathews)
Why do you love photography?
To me, photography is a world. I dwell in both this world and that, and sometimes you see a moment or an image you simply have to capture. It is simple and it is real. That’s what I love about it.
Tell us a bit more about your photography and what you would like to achieve through it.
I simply love photography and just want to keep going and growing. I love the streets. I love to see, to look and to listen. I could never get enough of taking in good quality images and music. Besides, both of these pair very well with a Pino Noir.
What made you switch to Fujifilm and when did this happen?
It is exactly what I am looking for in a camera. For me, digital cameras always had a void, something missing. By the time I eventually caught up with the overpriced gear, photography became a means to an end. It got the job done but didn’t fulfil my love of beautiful cameras and the feel, passion and life of photography.
A big selling point for me is how solid the camera feels in my hand. I really do appreciate quality and Fujifilm has this covered.
Which Fujifilm camera do you use?
Fujifilm X-Pro2, Fujifilm GFX 50R
What do you love most about the camera?
The X-Pro2 is a solid camera and it’s easy to use with the dials. I love to shoot manually and prefer to change the aperture on the lens and put the mechanics to work. I guess, somehow that is what photography means to me – to be part of it.
I take my X-Pro2 with me everywhere I go. Really, everywhere. I even drive with it between my legs. This is something I haven’t done for years since the days of film cameras.
Another kicker for me is that I use my old lenses on the X-Pro2, and not just as a gimmick, but on a professional and commercial level with great success.
Then there is the optical viewfinder – what is there not to love? It really is something I appreciate about the X-Pro series.
I love how Fujifilm really embraces photography and is not driven by the pushing out of camera models monthly. Their cameras are not just being manufactured, but lovingly and skilfully crafted together.
You become part of a community and the Fujifilm family. I have met amazing Fujifilm shooters and made good friends along the way.
Find more of Malan’s work here:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/malanlouw/
