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Yukio Uchida

 

Yukio Uchida is a celebrated Japanese photographer often affiliated with Fujifilm’s X-Photographers, and his gear reflects his passion for capturing emotional, monochrome street and landscape scenes. Here's an in-depth look:

Core Camera Systems

Fujifilm X-Pro3

  • Uchida's primary camera listed on Fujifilm’s official X‑Photographer page.

  • Renowned for its discreet rangefinder-style viewfinder and rugged yet compact build—perfect for expressive street photography.

Fujifilm X-Pro3
see it on Amazon

Fujifilm X100 Series

  • He began shooting with the original X100 in 2011, praising it for image quality and intuitive design.

Fujifilm X100VI
see it on Amazon

  • He expressed a particular attachment to the X-Pro1 paired with the XF56mm lens, valuing the camera-lens "closeness" and creative control.

Fujifilm X-Pro1
see it on Amazon

Preferred Lenses

On the X-Pro3 (and earlier X-Pro1), Uchida favors prime lenses known for their character and sharpness:

  • XF14mm f/2.8 – Ultra-wide, ideal for capturing dramatic street and landscape scenes.

  • XF35mm f/1.4 – Classic standard focal length prized for its pleasing rendering.

  • Additionally, he’s known for working with fast primes like XF50mm f/1.0 R WR, leveraging shallow depth and strong “punctum” in his images.

Additional Compact Tools

  • Ricoh GR III / IIIx pocket camera: Used for spontaneous, lightweight shooting—especially on bike trips or everyday outings.

  • He values the GR for its portability and the ability to develop a personal “Negative-Film” style in JPEGs, emphasizing mood and memory.

Ricoh GRIII HDF
see it on Amazon

Gear Philosophy

  • Uchida was an early collaborator in Fujifilm's X-series development, shaping design through feedback and focus on usability and expressive control.

  • He prioritizes joy of ownership, tactile shooting experience, and emotional resonance over technical specs like megapixels or ISO performance.

  • Prefers JPEG capture with in-camera “Negative-Film” processing to preserve the immediacy and feelings of the moment.

  • He has also been see showcasing Fujifilm's new GFX100RF. See video here.

Ricoh GFX100RF

Want to Try His Style?

  • Modern kit suggestion: X-Pro3 with XF23mm f/2 and XF50mm f/1.0—great balance of portability and artistic control.

  • Pocket companion: Ricoh GR III or GR IIIx—ideal for light travel and spontaneous shooting.

  • JPEG-first mindset: Explore in-camera film simulations like “Negative” or Acros for mood and character.

Books by Yukio Uchida

Itsumo Camera Ga : see it on Amazon



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