Why do my Fujifilm X100F test shots look soft, especially at f/2?
Asked 8/16/2018
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2 answers
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I tested a Fujifilm X100F by photographing a detailed target at about 3 feet, ISO 200, focused in the center, and comparing frames across apertures. My first results looked much softer than expected, especially at f/2, and even the sharpest frame around f/5.6 seemed disappointing.
I later repeated the test with the camera placed on a solid countertop instead of using the tripod setup, and I also removed a UV filter from the lens. The new images looked much better and more acceptable.
Is this kind of softness usually caused by testing setup issues or a poor filter rather than a bad copy of the camera? Should I still consider exchanging it?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
8y ago
2 Answers
4
Okay, I tried this again. But this time I didn't use my tripod, I placed it on my counter-top (it didn't budge one bit when I shot the images, much easier to guarantee this). But I also removed my UV filter, which I believe was also making my images blurry.
Look at these new images, these in my opinion are acceptable. Do you agree?
Original image:
100% crop at f2 and f5.6:
Originally by user77153. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user77153
8y ago
0
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Based on the follow-up, this does not sound like a defective X100F. The big clues are that image quality improved when you changed the setup and removed the UV filter.
A low-quality, damaged, or poorly seated UV filter can noticeably reduce sharpness and contrast, especially when you are judging 100% crops. Test results can also be affected by support issues: some tripod setups, shutter vibration, or slight focus inconsistencies can make images look softer than expected.
It is also normal for many lenses to be a bit softer wide open and improve stopped down, with a sweet spot often around mid apertures such as f/4–f/5.6.
So the best conclusion is: retest without the UV filter, using a very stable support, good light, and careful focus. If your new results look acceptable, there is probably no reason to exchange the camera. Only consider returning it if you still get consistently soft images after removing the filter and ruling out setup-related issues.
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