The use of flash with Fujifilm X-series cameras has always been a topic that has interested many users. While the native Fujifilm speed-lights lack some advanced functionalities you can usually find on those from other brands like Canon or Nikon, there are multiples solutions to get great results with Fuji X cameras too. This often involves learning to use flash in manual mode, which shouldn’t be a limitation once you know how to master light.
The best online resource when it comes to the use of flash is definitely Fuji X-Photographer David Hobby’s blog Strobist but there are many other good resources out there as well. Documentary photographer Derek Clark wrote a comprehensive and in-depth article divided into three parts about using flash units with Fujifilm cameras, starting from the native units and working up to Off Camera TTL and Radio Trigger solutions. You can also follow the work of other X-Photographers such as Damien Lovegrove who often publish articles and video tutorials.
Today we share yet another interesting resource about the Fuji X series and flash, this time written by adventure photographer Dan Bailey. For the article, he used the Fujifilm X-T1 along with Nikon SB-900 and SB-700 flash, a Photoflex softbox and PocketWizard triggers. Dan lists his favourite wireless radio triggers and shows interesting examples taken in the wintery woods. He shares a few tricks, from getting the right white balance to using continuous autofocus to frame a moving subject in the perfect light. Additionally, he shows examples taken with multiple flash units and explains how one flash can trigger the second.
Dan concludes that the result is equal to what he used to get with his Nikon gear before switching to the X series:
Your flash options using the Fuji X-T1, or any of the Fuji X Series cameras, is pretty much wide open. Although you lack the precise remote control of the Nikon CLS system, you can do a lot with Manual flash. Really, the limitation of manual is that you have to walk around and change each light by hand, so basically, we’re just talking time. Once you’ve got it all dialed in, the light quality is exactly the same.
You can check out Dan Bailey’s article by clicking on the image below.
