Takeoff T-33 Jet
I will admit that I get to do some awesome stuff. Taking off in the backseat of the T-33 “Shooting Star” jet with the Palm Springs Air Museum. The pilot is my good friend and respected warbird flyer, Michael Pfleger.
Been Busy Flying
Have not been updating my blog here much recently. Will get back to it soon. Been busy flying and photographing and doing lots of video with the Palm Springs Air Museum. Thanks!
Fujifilm X-T3 & XF200mmF2 Lens
Since the introduction of the X-T1, I have been a Fujifilm fan. The smaller physical size and light weight was just what I wanted. And the completely silent mode made it ideal for shooting on motion pictures etc. But I have other needs too and that includes aviation photography.
Many camera systems brag about how their fast operating systems are great by showing you photos taken of kids on skateboards or even race cars going by at 150+ mph. Well for aviation those capabilities don’t cut it. An airplane going by at 250+ mph and changing direction is entirely different. Then push it out to 400mph and well, forget these other systems.
I had skipped over the X-T2, it did not look like it was going to give me what I needed and I still had my Canon camera systems for shooting fast. But the Canons did not give me the ability to shoot video through the viewfinder. That is an absolute necessity. Then came the Fujifilm X-H1 which is a big improvement. And for shooting stills and video with the built in 5 axis stabilization for air to air shooting, the X-H1 is superb. The improved focus speed, bigger buffer and faster viewfinder made the X-H1 work for me.
Now came the announcement of the X-T3 and this looked like it was really going to meet my needs. Much faster autofocus, 30fps, bigger buffer, faster tracking and blackout free continuous shooting. I have been lucky to have known the reps at Fujifilm for a number of years and as soon as an X-T3 was available they offered to send one out to me. They also wanted my opinion of the camera for my aviation needs.
The time came and also there was a new development, the Fujinon XF200mmF2 lens. It also comes equipped with the 1.4 extender. The reps at Fujifilm pointed out that not only was this an optically magnificent lens but it was a fast focusing speed demon. So shortly thereafter I had in my hands both the X-T3 with booster and this XF200F2 lens.
The lens itself looks huge but half that length is lens hood. Certainly a huge hunk of glass up-front but actually not heavy and balances out well with the XT-3 with the booster. Quite readily handheld even when using the 1.4 extender bringing it to 420mm with the sensor 1.5 multiplier. Now off to use it!
At the Palm Springs Air Museum we had just finished restoring a T-33 Shooting Star jet trainer. At the Air Museum, I am photographer, social media manager, content producer for projects and also work in flight operations. Anyway I was really excited to use this Fujifilm system with the first flight of the restored T-33.
Next up was the Palm Springs Air Museum very famous P-51 Mustang “Bunny”. Dedicated to the famed Tuskegee Airmen of World War II, this “Red Tail” has also now twice successfully raced in the prestigious National Championship Air Races at Reno.
Then some video and photos of the launch of a Bell 407 helicopter from our ramp for special visitors.
So let me cut right to the results… The X-T3 does the job! It keeps up with fast moving aircraft and let’s me shoot 4K video through the viewfinder. Image quality is superb. I would expect nothing less. As for that lens… WOW! There is a quality of the images both video and photos from that lens that I find hard to describe, look closely a few times. Perhaps what I have expected from medium format digital or perhaps cinematic. And fast focusing for sure. From what I can see, yes faster than my other Fujifilm lenses. I fully expected that I was going to say that this lens was just redundant for me, but the image quality and use makes me say otherwise.
I am not going to go into all of the tech features about the body and lens. I am not that much of a tech geek. You can read all about it on the Fujifilm dedicated X-Series website. For me I am more interested in actually using the gear and the results. Most of the time when I get loaner gear, rental gear or even my own new gear, I am putting it into service the next day and seldom if ever get to do more than charge the batteries and go through the menus. I just usually do not have the time.
I will tell you why I have gone Fujifilm. First off is the form factor, smaller and lighter and tough build. Most of you when you fly somewhere are looking for the right roller bags or Pelican type cases. I am often trying to jam what I can in the smallest bag possible to go into the ammo compartment in the wing of a P-51 Mustang. The Fujifilm bodies and lenses are just smaller compared to the competition.
Something else I like is the film situation modes. I was still shooting film for much of my studio work and other projects when others were on the many generations of models numbers down the digital road. I was getting the urge to shoot film again when I remembered these film simulations. Tried it and love it!
Another very big and perhaps the most important to me is customer support and service. Fujifilm is among the best. Other companies who have in the last five years or so just come into the “professional” market still have not gotten away from treating photographers like they are bringing their television in for service. I have known sponsored photographers who have waited months to get their gear back from service. Well we depend on our gear and must depend on the company. And I have been able to put my trust in Fujifilm for that support.
So I guess this is not your typical geek gear report. That is not what I do. I am a photographer and I need gear that works for me. Fujifilm does. Any questions, just send me a note to Ian@SecondFocus.com. And Thanks!
Monster Glass
I do not get excited about gear very much but this is really cool. Trying out the new Fujifilm X-T3 body w/booster and the amazing Fujinon XF 200mm F2 lens. Fujifilm calls it “Monster Glass”. However it is much lighter than I expected and easy to handle. It also comes with the 1.4 extender.
This photo was shot with just the lens at 200mm (equivalent to approx 300mm). A Bell 407 helicopter leaving the Palm Springs Air Museum yesterday.
Here is the setup I am using when I am shooting video or not handholding the camera. Balance and salt much improved with the camera strap on the lens. Smart idea! I use a really sturdy strap designed for aviation and other intense applications from Vulture Equipment Works. If you would like to order from Vulture, send me an e-mail and I have a discount code for you. Ian@SecondFocus.com
Aircraft & Fujifilm Camera Gear
Really love video shot with the Fujifilm XF 100-400mm lens on the X-H1 body. This is pilot Michael Pfleger arriving in his World War II F4F Wildcat at the Palm Springs Air Museum. And then taking out the T-33 jet trainer for a taxi text run. Recently restored and getting it ready for it’s flying debut on Saturday November 10th for the Air Museum’s 22nd Anniversary and Veterans Day celebration.
T-33 Run Up
Simple videos are such great fun. Here with the Palm Springs Air Museum for the start up of a T-33 jet trainer. Come on out and see her fly November 10th.
Fujifilm X-H1 camera with he Fujifilm XF 50-140mm f/2.8 lens. On a tripod. My strap from Vulture Equipment Works still attached. Best camera strap ever.
Kingman AirFest & Fly-In
Next week, Saturday Oct 6th find me at the Kingman AirFest and Fly-In with the Palm Springs Air Museum. If you are in the area stop by, it’s free admission. And for my photographer friends, looks like many a great photo op too. Thanks!
So much fun! Come join us at the Kingman AirFest and Fly-In October 6th! This is your opportunity to fly too! Our Red Tail P-51 Mustang “Bunny”, just back from the Reno Air Races, and our C-47 D-Day “What’s Up Doc?” are ready to take you on an incredible flight experience of history!
There will be all kinds of aircraft on display and flying in. Outstanding cars coming around, lots of food and lots to see. Warbird and glider demonstrations, aircraft from the unique Red Star Pilots and the Mohave County Military Vehicle Group.
Give us a call to book your own flight and for more info at 760-778-6262. These will book up fast so please call.
Our C-47 flights are only $225.00 per person. Great for a fun group experience too. P-51 Mustang flights are $1895.00 and this is truly an experience of a lifetime. A flight int he most iconic of all fighter aircraft. Give us a call for more info at 760-778-6262. Thanks!
Reno Air Races Recap
Again I am honored to be part of the Palm Springs Air Museum. Here as photographer, content creator, social media manager and even in flight operations at the 55th National Championship Air Races in Reno for 2018. Thanks!
The Palm Springs Air Museum again became the standout at the 55th National Championship Air Races in Reno this September. The most prestigious race in the fastest motorsport in the world saw our Red Tail P-51 Mustang “Bunny” and our P-63 Kingcobra “Pretty Polly” fly around the pylons in front of crowds estimated to be 150,000+. “Bunny” flown by pilot Mark Moodie took a Third Place “on the podium” win in the Silver Unlimited Race with a speed of 333.562, less than one mile per hour away from first place! “Pretty Polly” flown by pilot Jim “JD” Dale made for a crowd favorite in 7th Place in the Silver Unlimited Race with a speed of 307.781. We finished with both aircraft “in the money”!
We were most honored for the second year in a row to be joined by a man who is indeed a very special friend to the Air Museum, 98 year old Tuskegee Airman, Lt. Col. Bob Friend. With us everyday at the Races to meet people and sign autographs, we were most proud to have him start our airplanes and watch as they taxi’d out for the Finals. The honor even extended further as the Colonel joined us on stage for the Awards Dinner to accept our trophies as he was given an extended standing ovation by a hangar filled with 1,000 racers and crew and family and friends. A moment in time that brought many to tears as cameras and cellphones saved the moment for history.
Certainly “Bunny” stole the show in so very many ways. A Red Tail dedicated to the famed Tuskegee Airmen of World War II and specifically to the aircraft flown by Lt. Col. Bob Friend, many would say she is the most beautiful of all P-51 Mustangs. But we had another very special girl with us, “Pretty Polly”. One of perhaps only four P-63 Kingcobras still flying, it has been forty years since a Kingcobra raced at Reno. Race fans, aviation fans, aviation photographers all greeted the news of “Pretty Polly” at Reno and her arrival and racing with huge enthusiasm and appreciation. Our Race Pit was continually visited by Kingcobra fans who specifically came to see her. Even a fan from Japan came by wearing one of our Air Museum ‘Pretty Polly” shirts! Pilot Jim “JD” Dale was on hand to talk with so very many and they were in luck because “JD” is a tremendously knowledgeable Kingcobra historian and of course one of the very few Kingcobra pilots.
The National Championship Air Races Reno gives the Palm Springs Air Museum the opportunity to bring our message of living history to expanding audiences around the world. Millions of people online will share in our adventure being there. We have endless numbers of people to Thank in getting us to Reno. Mechanics, pilots, the people who loaded the trailers, and so very many volunteers. And of course the individuals and sponsors who donated to funding our being able to make it happen. Everyone has their own reasons for being part of Reno with us. But to a person, it is unselfish and giving, whether through their money or labor. To everyone a huge and heartfelt Thank You! And an excited; see you in Reno for 2019!
Back From The Reno Air Races
Back from the Reno Air Races Monday morning September 17th, flying back with Tom Nightingale in the Palm Springs Air Museum P-51 Mustang to Palm Springs. Then jumped in this superb T-6 with Tom to make the flight back to Chino Airport to pick up our cars.
From Windy Point to Chino Tom put the airplane on “auto pilot”… translated that means he let me fly. Very Cool! Thanks Tom and Thanks Mark Moodie (it is Mark’s airplane).
Reno Race Start P-51
In the cockpit with GoPro in the Palm Springs Air Museum P-51 Mustang “Bunny” yesterday at the Reno Air Races. Mounted with mounts from Nflightcam.
Reno Air Races Team
So very cool, I was on the team racing these two historic aircraft at the 55th Annual National Championship Air Races in Reno. With the Palm Springs Air Museum.
Kingcobra From The Cockpit
In the cockpit with GoPro in the Palm Springs Air Museum P-63 Kingcobra at the Reno Air Races. Mounted with mounts from Nflightcam.
A Reno Air Race Birthday
So here we were at the 55th Annual National Championship Air Races Reno. The most prestigious race of the fastest motorsport in the world. Racing two aircraft with the Palm Springs Air Museum. And yes we find out that one of our team, Ryan Goss, is celebrating their birthday lol.
Was Headed To Reno
Saturday morning, Sept 8th I was en route to the 55th Annual National Championship Air Races in Reno! Flying in a P-51 Mustang along with the Palm Springs Air Museum P-51 Mustang “Bunny” and this P-63 Kingcobra “Pretty Polly”.
Shooting air to air photos and video on A Fujifilm X-H1 camera secured to me with a very solid camera strap from Vulture Equipment. Watch for it! Thanks!
Flying By With the Sigma 150-600mm Lens
Some more photos working with the Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | S lens. On my Canon 1DMkIV. The flying photos were shot at 600mm and only 1/200th shutter speed. It was mounted on an Induro monopod and a Foba ball head.
The slower shutter speed is to capture the prop blur. It is indeed a beast of lens and mounted to a I series Canon body makes for a big heavy package. Panning with this at 600mm will take some more practice. Also I will try it handheld. Right now I am thinking this has some real possibilities. Love the color fidelity and reach of this lens. At 600mm on that body it is the equivalent of 780mm.
The aircraft at the Palm Springs Air Museum; a Red Tail P-51 Mustang “Bunny” dedicated to the famed Tuskegee Airmen of World War II. And the C-47 “What’s Up Doc?”.
Sigma 150-600mm Lens
I have been trying out the the Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | S lens. On my Canon 1DMkIV. And a no fail serious camera strap from Vulture Equipment Works.
Just worked with it for the 2nd time. Yes it is sharp and the color fidelity is beautiful! You might look at the lettering on the prop and say it is blurry. Actually that is exactly how it is on the prop. This was at 150mm. The aircraft is at the Palm Springs Air Museum; a Red Tail P-51 Mustang “Bunny” dedicated to the famed Tuskegee Airmen of World War II.
The Fastest Motorsport In The World
Hey everyone! This is for me… Off to the Reno Air Races very soon with the Palm Springs Air Museum. We are racing our “Red Tail” P-51 Mustang “Bunny” dedicated to the famed and heroic Tuskegee Airmen of World War II. And… the very rare P-63 Kingcobra “Pretty Polly”, one of only four flying in the entire world!
This is the big one, the Indy 500 of air racing, the fastest motorsport in the world. And this is the last few days of my crowdfunding for it. Yes I am asking you for money. This has been really successful so far and I am very grateful. To be honest, it makes me look good too! But I am asking your help to make this finish with a big bang.
Thanks to so many of you who have jumped in so far. If you add on in, that would be wonderful too. For those of you who have been just watching, come on in! Join with me! There are great perks from team T-Shirts to actually flying!
We have group and business sponsorships too. Don’t see something that exactly fits what you might like for your company; just send me a note and we can chat. Ian@PalmSpringsAirMuseum.org
Anyway this is the last few days, so please jump on in. We are preserving a great part of history and it is fun! Or if anything else, do it for me! Thanks! Here is the link, check it out… https://igg.me/at/RedTailsReno2018
Flight Of Two
Yesterday shooting photos and video on board the Palm Springs Air Museum C-47 “What’s Up Doc?”. Fujifilm X-H1 camera.
August 19th is National Aviation Day in celebration of the development of aviation. We celebrated with a “Flight OF Two” on August 19th returning from the Wings Over Camarillo Air Show. Aircraft that were pivotal in the history of aviation. Flying in our own World War II C-47 “What’s Up Doc?” and across from us, the CAF Inland Empire C-53 “D-Day Doll”. Take a minute to watch and listen and enjoy some the experience of flying in these amazing 75 year old Warbirds.
The holiday was established in 1939 by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt with the Presidential Proclamation designating the anniversary of Orville Wright’s birthday to be National Aviation Day. Orville Wright, born in 1871, was still alive when the proclamation was first issued.
Kingcobra And Bunny
Hey everyone! I am part of the team with the Palm Springs Air Museum going to the National Championship Air Races in Reno in September. We will be racing two significant and historic aircraft.
First is our P-63 Kingcobra right here in my photo. “Pretty Polly” will be the first Kingcobra to race at Reno in decades! Alongside will be our iconic Red Tail P-51 Mustang “Bunny” dedicated to the famed Tuskegee Airmen of World War II.
We are on our way but still need you to join our Red Tails Kingcobra Race Team. There are great perks and rewards from our team Shirts to actually flying. Our sponsorship levels gives you significant signage too in front of a huge audience in the most prestigious Air Race of the fastest motorsport in the world!
So please check it out. It will be great fun and excitement. Thanks and click right here… https://igg.me/at/RedTailsReno2018
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