5 frames at São Paulo with Fuji XT-1 and Pentax-M 35mm f2.8

Street photography in São Paulo is, at least, an interesting experience. As the largest city in Latin America and one of the largest capitals in the world, São Paulo is a mosaic of cultures and diversity. Very different realities coexist in the city in relatively close spaces, which makes it a kaleidoscope of people, places and habits.

Walking around the city requires a certain knowledge of these realities, whether to be attentive to the possibilities of photographing but, unfortunately, also to issues of safety on the streets. Public transport, especially the subway, works reasonably well: there are very interesting places near the main stations and even inside them there is a great chance of getting good photos.

During a weekend in May I used a Fuji XT-1 and a Pentax-M 35mm f2.8 lens with K&F Concept adapter. Inside train and subway stations, the option for aperture priority offers some interesting results: even with the lens wide open, keeping the maximum ISO at 1600 makes for lower shutter speeds that reinforce the sensation of fluidity and movement, something constant in the chaotic São Paulo.

Wide spaces, tunnels and buildings help to produce images in which geometric elements and people create very interesting spaces of light and shadow. In a way, this is one of the possible translations of São Paulo: a city of light and shadows, of inequalities and opposites that have learned to live together and that manifest themselves in the daily life of the streets.

This camera is lens is a very interesting combination, with a focal length equivalent to approximately 53mm on full frame sensors and with good light gathering capability for both outdoor and indoor environments. Combined, lens and camera are light and unobtrusive, which is important in street photography.

As a game-changer for Fuji in the professional market for the brand’s mirrorless cameras, the XT-1 offers some very interesting possibilities. It is highly customizable with dedicated control dials for ISO, metering, image modes and speed. The body is sealed against water and dust, has a reasonably comfortable grip and even with the K&F adapter and Pentax lens it’s fairly balanced in terms of weight and size.

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