On set with the FujiFilm X-H1 and Vintage Motorcycles Part One

On set with the

FujiFilm X-H1 & Vintage Motorcycles

Part One – The Film  Precision Tools

Working as a visual storyteller, both in stills and video, for nearly two decades, every day has been a new adventure. I enjoy the challenges of taking on a new and different subject matter at each shoot.

I recently partnered up with the “Clube Português de Motos Antigas” (CPMA), the Portuguese Antique Motorcycle Club and we had as our subjects 5 awesome classic motorcycles (1972 Moto-Guzzi V7 850 GT; 1981 Suzuki GSX 1100 S Katana; 1982 Laverda 1000 Jota 120; 1984 Ducati 900 MHR Mike Hailwood Replica; 1989 BMW K1), together with a member of the club, the gorgeous model Marina Oliveira .

This short film is a result of this  partnership . A short film shot entirely on the Fujifilm XH-1 using Fuji standard X mount lenses . This gave me the perfect opportunity to film with the new Fujifilm X-H1  camera  giving me the chance to really test its versatility in a real-world working environment.

Take a  behind the scenes look into  Precision Tools .

Here  notice the Fuji Logo is taped up so that no one would find out what camera  I  was shooting with. Look how tiny the X100F looks next to the X-H1, also notice I have the BLACKRAPID  Cross Shot Lightweight Series.

…”In these situations, it’s crucial to have a fast and responsive camera.”…

That was definitely my first impression of the Fujifilm X-H1. I usually have a dedicated video and separate stills,  At first glance, the Fujifilm X-H1 looks like a cross between the X-T2 and GFX 50S cameras, and in practice, it handles a lot like that too.

The X- H1 is a serious bit of kit, especially with the VPB-X- H1 grip attached, being physically larger and heavier than the X-T2, and tougher too thanks to a newly reinforced body with a ribbed frame that’s 25% thicker than the X-T2.

It’s also weather sealed with 94 points, freeze-proof down to -10 degrees, has a larger heat-sink plate, and a more durable top coating than previous X series cameras.

 ETERNA Film simulation and Flog

 

 

Pictured below is the  X-H1 with, MKX50-135mm T2.9 it is the first full manual cinema lens to be compatible with the X Series interchangeable camera.

In the 35mm format equivalent, MKX50-135mmT2.9 covers a focal distance from 76mm to 206mm and achieves a constant T2.9^* aperture across the entire zoom range, enabling a shallow depth of field as well as a beautiful bokeh effect.

The lens design is optimized for shooting videos as it minimizes focus shift and optical axis shift while zooming, and reduces lens breathing (the change of angle of view during focusing). The lens also features three rings to enable manual and independent operation of focus, zoom, and iris (aperture), all with the gear pitch^** of 0.8M (module).

The focus rings can rotate fully up to 200 degrees to facilitate precise focusing. These features make the lens very comfortable and convenient to operate.

Notes

• * T-stop value is an index that indicates the brightness of a lens based on its F-stop value and transmission rate. The smaller the value, the greater amount of light the lens transmits.
• ** Distance between gear teeth.F

We mounted the Fujifilm X-H1 camera on a number of  Stabilizers like the  DJI Ronin M  and the MOZA Air 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal , I shot  some  handheld footage and also shot with the camera mounted on a Tripod.

The natural light was constantly changing and we added some extra  ARRI projectors to create the wanted look and mood,  In these situations, it’s important that your camera is fast and responsive.

I regularly have dedicated film and stills camera but in this behind the scenes still you can see we are shooting 4 K promo with the Fujifilm X-H1   a behind the scenes camera with the Fujifilm XT-2  and hi-resolution stills with the Fujifilm GFX 50 S is on 3 Legged Things Tripod.

You can also see how I position the flash and continuous light in almost the same position.

Side note I will cover the stills part of the shoot in a second dedicated post.

…”were using a relatively minimal amount of gear”…

As you can see from this behind the scene pictures  were using a relatively minimal amount of gear for the results obtained,  but we’re  Lighting  video with Ari continuous lighting we had about six 1000w heads   and  two LED Ice lights from Westcott you can see them hidden behind armchair  beside a hidden   ProFoto B2  portable Strobe I also have another set of B2  and B1X with  combining both lighting situations to create more interesting final results for my photography and at the Same time shoot separate video content with the reasonable smaller kit.

The Location  –  “Hub Criativo do Beato”

Credits

Director  – Executive Producer  – DOP – Photographer  –  João Carlos  yeah I do allot around here, I think I need a secretary

Camera dop assist – Video editor- Color-Grading – Graphics  – Pedro Davim he does a lot of other stuff also, he needs a vacation.

Photo Assistance –  Still  Post  Processing  – Antonio Jose Almeida
Camera assistant  Behind the scenes Camera – Joao Abel Ges

Photo Assistance –   Production Manager     – Paulo Goulardt he was also the convertible driver in the moving footage scenes.

Model – Club Member  Marina Oliveira she is cool and beautiful and bad ass.

Intern    – João Brás good luck scout out in the world,.

 The motorcycle  Driver  Pedro Melo Pereira, Tomás Couto, Tiago Pedro

Thanks To

Clube Português de Motos Antigas  for loaning uhe cool   Bikes   1972 Moto-Guzzi V7 850 GT 1981 Suzuki GSX 1100 S Katana; 1982 Laverda 1000 Jota 120; 1984 Ducati 900 MHR Mike Hailwood Replica; 1989 BMW K1

Related posts:

On set with the FujiFilm X-H1 and Vintage Motorcycles Part Two – STILLS and the Fujifilm GFX 50S Hands on First Impressions of the new Fujifilm X-H1 – Filming Horses in Golega Portugal