M. Köster

A Decade-Long Love Story: X100 Series & Kevin Mullins

by M. Köster March 1, 2024 Comments0

The sixth generation, the FUJIFILM X100VI, has recently caught the attention of a renowned documentary wedding and family photographer Kevin Mullins. Having used every X100 camera for over a decade, Kevin shares his insights into the evolution of this iconic series and the remarkable features that make the X100VI a game-changer for photographers of all genres.

The FinePix X100: How It Started

At a trade show in Germany, Kevin Mullins recalls his first encounter with the X100 series. It was the compact yet powerful FinePix X100 that caught his eye, leading to a pre-order and an instant connection. The small form factor allowed him to fit seamlessly into the environment of the wedding and to capture intimate moments without being intrusive. This was the beginning of a transformative journey. He moved from bulky DSLRs to a camera that not only delivered exceptional images but also improved the overall photography experience.

“The FUJIFILM X100VI is just fun to pick up, use, and experience…”

Kevin highlights the consistent emphasis on look and feel throughout the development of the X100 series. The aesthetic design has been a constant, contributing to the overall enjoyment and passion photographers derive from their tools. Kevin believes that having equipment you enjoy using is an integral part of the creative process, and the X100VI continues this tradition of functional and beautiful design.

“When working weddings, I will use the X100VI hand in hand with an X-T5 or other X Series body – it’s all manageable for me,”
Kevin Mullins.

The FUJIFILM X100VI is a camera that makes the creative process enjoyable, and Kevin encapsulates this perfectly. The X100VI has fun qualities in addition to its technical prowess. The appeal of the camera lies in its seamless integration into the photographer’s workflow, allowing the creative process to be pure and pleasurable without any unnecessary complications.

The X100VI introduces a number of upgrades, but Kevin is particularly excited about the 40.2-megapixel X-Trans CMOS 5 HR sensor and the inclusion of up to six stops of IBIS. The increase in megapixels will allow photographers to get closer to their subjects while maintaining exceptional image quality. In Kevin’s view, the X100VI is not just a professional-standard camera. It is a compact powerhouse that is accessible to everyday users.

“(…) the X100VI is a real opportunity. They’re getting incredible image quality and cohesion thanks to the fixed lens – all in a camera they can pop into a pocket. Street photographers, commercial photographers, landscape photographers – the millions of people with those shared needs – should be paying attention to the X100VI,“
Kevin Mullins.

Check here for more Kevin’s insights about the FUJIFILM X100VI.

Kevin Mullins

A documentary wedding photographer based in Malmesburry, Wiltshire, UK. He captures weddings across the UK, Europe and overseas. Apart of weddings, you can find him running workshops, mentoring, and presenting his work across the globe. You may be interested in Kevin’s personal monochrome project and his education offerings.

Photography Stripped Down To Its Essence: X100VI & Thomas B. Jones

by M. Köster February 21, 2024 Comments0

In a world that’s constantly changing, it’s important to pause and appreciate the little moments that make us happy, astonished, and inspired. For a professional photographer Thomas B. Jones, the X100VI digital camera has become an excellent tool of choice to capture and preserve these precious moments.

As a professional photographer, Thomas has worked with a wide range of cameras and lenses, but his search for a camera he could always carry with him led him to the X100 series. The minimalist design and understated aesthetics of the X100VI allow him to focus entirely on the moment, capturing unposed, authentic moments with no distractions.

Filed under Blog Photography

Fujifilm Takes the Top Award at the British Book Design & Production Awards

by M. Köster February 7, 2024 Comments0

They say: “Don’t judge a book by its cover”. However, who could deny there’s a certain joy in holding a well-printed one, with high-quality sheets and vibrant colors, crafted with precision and commitment to quality. Print aesthetics play an important role in shaping our initial perceptions and, indeed, influencing our reading experience.

Last week, on January 24th, the BPIF once again celebrated the achievements of the print industry, highlighting the most remarkable examples of quality and creativity at the British Book Design and Production (BBD&P) Awards. Themed ‘Storytellers’, the event gathered around 200 guests at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London, presenting the best in British book production across 18 categories – from design to sustainability. And we were proud to be a part of it, showcasing the excellence of our cutting-edge printing technologies.

This year, we took the top award in the Trade Illustrated category, with the book “Realise Your Vision”. Designed by Milestone Creative and printed by a true printing mastermind Henning Rose (Wegner GmbH), it tells a story of our journey from the 1930s roots to becoming a print industry leader, combining customer stories, product details, and historical milestones, demonstrating precision and quality provided by the leading digital print technology.

Beyond Pages

The book has been printed using our two different presses – the Jet Press 750S and the Revoria Press PC1120 – presenting the wide color gamut of the machines. The Revoria Press PC1120, with its six-color palette, including metallics and pinks, was used to print the complex book jacket details, while the Jet Press 750S showcased its wide color gamut, accurately reproducing spot colors and vibrant images.

Check here to see the designs and find out more about the book.

The success of “Realize Your Vision” underscores our commitment to innovation and printing excellence. And it inspires us to move forward, opening new opportunities for the printing industry. Join us on the journey and stay tuned!

Filed under Awards Blog Business Spotlight

Fujifilm Manufacturing Europe: Pioneering the Future of Ion Exchange Membranes

by M. Köster January 15, 2024 Comments0

In the dynamic world of membrane technology, Fujifilm Manufacturing Europe has been making remarkable strides that deserve a closer look. With a sharp focus on high-volume membrane supply, they are not only a manufacturer but a catalyst for transformative membrane processes. We believe in celebrating the achievements of our industry colleagues, especially when their innovations are at the forefront of shaping the future.

In this blog post, we’re excited to delve into the fascinating realm of ion exchange membranes (IEM) and how our relentless commitment to excellence is driving us further. If you’re passionate about cutting-edge membrane technology, this is a journey you won’t want to miss.

Drive for Incomparable Quality

The heart of these thin, anion and cation ion exchange membranes lies in the cutting-edge coating and polymer technology, which allows to precisely engineer the composition and structure of the membrane materials and produce membranes with exceptional functionality and durability. Years of experience in working with sensitive photo films have honed our understanding of the coating process slightest specifics. Just the same way, we’ve perfected the art of applying uniform and precise layers of active materials onto the polymer membranes, which lets us ensure consistent, exceptional quality and performance, eliminating variations that could impact product quality.

Applications Beyond Imagination

The world of electro-separation technologies is broad and diverse, with unique requirements for each application. Whether it’s fresh water production or wastewater concentration, Fujifilm Manufacturing Europe has engineered a membrane portfolio designed to cater to the specific needs of our customers. The portfolio boasts a wide spectrum of ion exchange membranes, including those with low electrical resistance, broad pH range suitability, and low water permeation capabilities.

Membrane Production

Situated on a sprawling 61-hectare site in Tilburg, Netherlands, Fujifilm Manufacturing Europe B.V. is a powerhouse of production. The diverse range of products, including photo paper, offset plates, membranes (ion exchange and gas separation), and cell culture media, underscores the magnitude of their operations. With a workforce exceeding 700 employees, this facility stands tall as one of Fujifilm’s largest production centres, serving the photographic products, membranes, and bio materials industries.

Our dedication to research and development is a cornerstone of our success. We have two cutting-edge R&D laboratories dedicated to membranes:

Advanced Research Laboratory in Kanagawa, Japan

This laboratory specializes in Synthetic Organic Chemistry, focusing on high-performance polymer technology, and Highly Functional Materials Research, dedicated to innovations in coating technology.

Tilburg Research Laboratory

Located at the production site of Fujifilm Manufacturing Europe B.V., this lab houses an exceptional analytical laboratory. It plays a pivotal role in supporting customer and application activities related to ion exchange membranes and gas separation membranes.

In the quest for perfection, the laboratory is equipped with an extensive set of validated test methods. These methods include perm selectivity, electrical resistance, ion exchange capacity, water permeation, and burst strength, ensuring the evaluation of membrane properties and performance is held to the highest standards.

Paving the Way Forward

Fujifilm Manufacturing Europe’s journey is a testament to the remarkable advancements that can be achieved when a company relentlessly pursues excellence. Our team is excited to spotlight such achievements in the industry and share them with our dedicated readers. We encourage you to explore Fujifilm Manufacturing Europe’s website to learn more about their pioneering work in ion exchange membranes. It’s a step toward not only celebrating success but also drawing inspiration from the remarkable progress made by our colleagues. We look forward to seeing how their work continues to shape the landscape of membrane technology in the years to come.

Filed under Blog Business Innovation

1000 trees in Ratingen: Growing a Change

by M. Köster November 24, 2023 Comments0

Each day, 42 million trees in the world are cut down. That is more than 15 billion trees per year. Humans have already destroyed more than 40% of all the trees on the planet, and speed and intensity of the destruction leaves no space for optimism. Deforestation is beginning to take its toll as global temperatures rise and the effects of climate change become noticeable.

Only two years ago, at the UN Climate Change Conference, over 130 countries representing 85% of the world’s forests made pledges to stop and reverse deforestation by 2030. And now, the WWF publishes its fresh Forest Pathways 2023 report, claiming that the world is already off track to reach the goal in time. Reforestation is struggling to catch up, and the lack of progress on commitments clearly puts the world at risk of missing key targets.

Taking a Stand for Nature

During the month of COP28, we launched a reforestation project in collaboration with the PLANT-MY-TREE®. After the 1000 trees planted last year in Düsseldorf, one more thousand of trees were planted in Ratingen on November 9^th, aiming to reduce our environmental impact and contribute to biodiversity. This project also supports our Sustainable Value Plan 2030 which aims to eliminate CO2 emissions by FY2040 and reflects our ongoing commitment to protect nature and safeguard the planet. To ensure the long-term impact and strong and healthy tree growth while preserving the area, we will put our newborn mixed forest under the regular monitoring.

Why is it important?

Trees are what makes this planet “breathe”. They soak up carbon dioxide and generate clean air, helping reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases and being the devoted partner in a fight against global warming. Apart of that, a single tree can be a home for hundreds of plants, insects, moss, and mammals. Bringing back trees through reforestation supports their natural habitats and creates a safe environment for plants, insects, birds, and other creatures. It preserves biodiversity and helps stop the extinction of species.

“Planting trees is not only about creating a carbon reserve, but also about reducing the risk of flooding and erosion, improving the water cycle and air quality, and providing valuable resources to local communities, such as the one in Ratingen where we operate our European headquarters,”
Luana Porfido, European Head of Corporate Communication and ESG Management FUJIFILM Europe GmbH.

Through this collaborative effort, we aim to contribute to a safer future for new generations, and we encourage you to join. You can help directly by planting or purchasing trees, or you can also promote the initiative among friends and family, fostering the awareness. Step by step toward a change!

Filed under Be Inspired Blog

2225 Years of Company Loyalty Celebrated!

by M. Köster November 10, 2023 Comments0

The long-awaited jubilee celebration at Fujifilm came place after an astonishing four-year pause due to the challenges created by the epidemic. 107 jubilarians from FUJIFILM Europe GmbH and FUJIFILM Imaging Systems GmbH & Co. KG gathered in Ratingen to celebrate their extraordinary 10, 25, 30, 35, and even 40 years of committed service to the firm. A remarkable 2225 years of business loyalty!

The evening began with a pleasant champagne welcome, during which Yoshiki Kimura, Managing Director of Fujifilm Europe, and Bernd Gansohr, Managing Director of FUJIFILM Imaging Systems, personally honored the staff for their long-standing dedication to the company. An expression of gratitude that emphasized Fujifilm’s familial spirit.

Filed under Blog

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