FujiFilm’s X series of cameras has made a big impact on the market since its introduction in 2010. Starting with the fixed lens X100, it has since evolved into a full mirrorless interchangeable lens system that meets the requirements of most, if not all, photographers. With the introduction of the X100 it seemed that Fuji were taking on Leica in terms of styling, and further models through to the current X-Pro2 also bear this trait. Back when the X100 was released, I was in the market for a fixed lens camera with 35mm equivalent lens so it naturally made it on to my short list of two – the other being Leica’s X1. The Leica won and the rest is history, as they say.

For this walk, we took a complete departure from our usual Derbyshire haunts and discovered this stunning hike along some of the Amalfi coast’s most spectacular scenery. This is not a walk for those who are afraid of heights as some sections of the path cling perilously to vertiginous cliff walls, so it goes without saying that a certain amount of sure footedness is prerequisite.

We have recently returned from a holiday to Rome and Sorrento, which provided us with a burgeoning amount of photographic material that took several days to process. Part of the reason we chose these locations to holiday was because of the large amount of sightseeing available and that we get restless sitting around relaxing on beaches. As we had never visited either destination before, our list of ‘must sees’ went on and on…so much so that when drawing up a final itinerary it became clear that there were more activities than could be conformably shoehorned into our allotted time. 

We have always liked photographing small things and are particularly interested in macro subjects. Due to this, we found ourselves moving in to small product photography not only out of interest but also due to picking up some work in this field. Initially we used similar methods for photographing these small items that we had deployed for our macro work. And while the results were acceptable it was obvious that something more professional was required. This triggered a search for lighting, stages and backdrops of which there are many. As we did not intend to work with subjects much larger than the size of a DSLR body and a couple of lenses, our attention was drawn to Novoflex’s Magic Studio system. Having used some of Novoflex’s products in the past, and been happy with them, we took a closer look which resulted in a purchase.

I admit, I am a bit slack when it comes to reviewing my equipment, it usually takes me about a year before I even consider reviewing it. But it does give me plenty of time to familiarise myself and give it a bit of a beating before I start singing its praise.

Cheedale…the name given to a narrow section of a carboniferous limestone gorge complex that runs into the more popular Millers and Monsal dales, carved by the waters of a juvenile river Wye. This is an area of stunning natural beauty and interesting geology, feeling a world away from the nearby market towns of Buxton and Bakewell. When viewed from the area around Chee Tor, it can almost be seen as a vertical slice of humanity, underpinned by long dead epochs. At the top are the pastures so important to modern farming, our villages and farms interconnected by modern roads and ancient packhorse trails.