Author: Benoist

  • Rainy Walk

    It’s been raining non-stop for days here in Tokyo. The city takes on a completely different vibe—streets glisten, umbrellas fill the sidewalks, and the gray skies add a moody touch to the usual bustle. A bit dreary, but there’s always something atmospheric about Tokyo in the rain.

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    Station Agent

    The 56mm f/1.2 APD has become a permanent fixture on my X-T2—it’s just that good! Incredible sharpness, dreamy bokeh, and perfect for portraits or anything with a shallow depth of field. On another note, The Station Agent was the first movie I saw with Peter Dinklage, long before his Game of Thrones fame. Such a…

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    Biogon at Night

    Tried the little 35mm Zeiss Biogon on the Fuji X-T2 for some night shots around Kagurazaka, just a few steps from home. No post-processing aside from a red filter, and I’m loving the result. The lens captures such rich tones and character, with a natural, almost film-like feel. A great match for night photography!

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    Shibuya Rain

    Testing the weather resistance (WR) of the X-T2 on a rainy day in Shibuya—it handled the wet conditions like a champ! Raindrops didn’t faze it, and I was able to capture the vibrant energy of Shibuya in the rain without worrying about the gear. A solid performer for unpredictable weather!

  • Rainy Ebisu

    A rainy Friday night in Ebisu—wet streets reflecting the glow of city lights, umbrellas bobbing through the crowd, and a calm, almost cinematic atmosphere. The sound of raindrops and the gentle buzz of conversations from nearby izakayas make it a perfect mix of cozy and moody vibes. Tokyo at its best in the rain. 🌧️✨

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    Zeiss Biogon 35 ZM

    Ever since I got my X-T2, I’ve been tempted to try some Leica M-mount lenses. While I appreciate the performance of my XF lenses—they’re sharp, distortion-free, and reliable—they sometimes feel too clinical and lack a bit of personality. Plus, I’m not a fan of their handling: the metal coating feels slippery, focus-by-wire can be frustrating,…

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    Shinjuku Station

    Few shots from Shinjuku Station with my 90mm lens. Captured a few shots at Shinjuku Station with my 90mm lens. The sharpness and creamy bokeh made it perfect for isolating details in the bustling crowd and picking out moments of calm amidst the chaos. Shinjuku’s energy and the lens’s performance made for some great urban…

  • Traffic Lights

    Stuck in traffic at night, I passed the time playing with the focus ring. The blur of city lights turning into dreamy bokeh and then snapping back into sharp detail made for a surprisingly relaxing way to kill time. Even traffic jams have their creative moments