Dialing In: My X100VI Street Photography Settings

Quick and easy settings for your camera so auto focus won't ruin a photo opportunity but you can still use it because manual focus with the lens is to fiddly.

Hey there, Fujifilm family! 😊

It's been a few months since I made the switch to the X100VI, and wow - what a difference! Remember when I wrote about transitioning from the X-T5? Well, let me tell you how this "nice pocket knife" of a camera has transformed my street photography.

The Perfect Fit🎯

The X100VI has become an extension of my vision in a way I never expected. Its size and discretion mean I'm taking it everywhere, and more importantly, I'm actually using it everywhere. The switch from the X-T5 wasn't just about going smaller - it was about finding a tool that truly matches my street photography style.

Color Magic🎨

One of the biggest game-changers has been discovering and fine-tuning my color recipes. I've found a few that just perfectly capture the mood I'm looking for:

* A punchy high-contrast look for bright sunny days

* A more muted, film-like palette for overcast conditions or inside scenarios

* A nice black and white recipe that makes urban scenes pop

These aren't just presets - they're becoming part of my signature style, helping me develop a more consistent look across my work.

My "Kodak 50D" Recipe 🎞️

I've been experimenting with different film simulations, and I've crafted what I call my "Kodak 50D" recipe. The colors have that classic Kodak feel that I absolutely love for street photography. Check out the settings below - and scroll to the bottom of this post to see how these photos turn out, straight out of camera.

I only shoot jpg so if you want RAW files go to image quality and pick Fine +RAW Film Simulation is ASTIA/Soft

White Balance is set to 5200K R: 1 B: -5

If you set Clarity on anything other than 0 you will get a little “STORING” notice when you take a picture. If you want to make faster pictures put clarity on 0 but if you want that real Kodak feel, set it to -3

Streamlined Settings ⚙️

After some trial and error, I've finally refined my setup to make the camera feel truly intuitive.

*Exposure Control Setup:*

* Set the top dial to T (Time) - This lets you use the front scroll wheel to easily change shutter speed

* Lift the ISO dial and set it to C (Custom)

* For quick ISO control:

* Go to Menu > Button/Dial Settings > Command Dial Setting

* Change the third value to ISO

* Now you can adjust ISO with your front dial

Back-Button Focus Setup:

While the X100VI's manual focus isn't the easiest to use, I've found a great workaround using back-button focusing. Here's my setup:

1. First, disable Pre-AF in the AF/MF settings - trust me, this can ruin shots by focusing at the wrong moment

2. Go to the wrench menu > Button Dial Setting > Shutter AF:

* Turn off for AF-C

* Turn off for AF-S

* This prevents the shutter button from changing focus when you take a shot

3. Set up your back focus button:

* Press and hold the DISP.BACK button to enter the button menu

* I use the R-Dial (back dial) as it's perfectly placed for thumb control

* Assign AF-ON to this button

* Now when in auto focus mode, pressing this button activates focus

With this setup, your focus only changes when you explicitly use your assigned back button. It takes some practice, but it's a game-changer for not messing up your focus in critical moments.

*Display Settings (find these under the wrench icon > Screen Set-Up > DISP. Custom Setting > LCD/EVF):*

* Focus frame selection - Essential for quick composition

* MF distance indicator - Helps nail those zone focus shots

* Exposure compensation scale - For quick adjustments

* Aperture/Shutter Speed/ISO - Your fundamental exposure info

* Focus mode - Always know how you're focusing

* White balance - For consistent colors

* Film simulation - Track your creative choices

* Frames remaining - Never miss a shot

* Battery level - Avoid surprises during a shoot

The Learning Curve 📈

Sure, there was an adjustment period. The fixed lens meant rethinking how I approach scenes, but it's made me a better photographer. Instead of relying on zoom or lens changes, I'm:

* Moving more to find the right composition

* Getting closer to subjects with growing confidence

* Making faster decisions about shots

* Spending less time fiddling with gear and more time observing

Looking Forward 🌅

This camera has helped me start 2024 with renewed creative energy. The simplicity of the X100VI doesn't just make street photography easier - it makes it more enjoyable. I'm excited to keep exploring what this camera can do and push my photography further.

Would love to hear from other X100VI users - what settings and recipes are you loving?

Okay, bye! 📷

P.S. Check out the settings for my "Kodak 50D" recipe photos straight out of camera jpg no edits:

Kodak 50D recipe photos taken on holiday