Daddy Got a Brand New Lens

Yes. I deserved it. I decided to dive in and get the lens I had been waiting for for the last six months - ever since Fuji announced that they were releasing it.

It was the Fujinon 23 f1.4 for my X-Pro1. An X mount lens which on the camera would translate to 35 mm. The length I always wanted. The X100 cane with that as standard, but only recently that Fuji announced the X mount version.

Getting hold of one was a challenge. I had to put in an order and last week, I got the call that it was finally in. Went to pick it up after work yesterday, but still didn't have the chance to put it through its paces. Was hoping to be able to do that this afternoon but my boys wanted to stay indoors.

The lens was heavier than the other two I have - the 17mm f2.0 and 35mm f1.4. It also had two features which I had only found out.

First, it came with a neat and eye-catching flower-shaped hood. Due the size, I could see the hood obstructing my field of view if I peer through the optical viewfinder. Although I could just switch to electronic viewfinder, I still prefer the optical. It was one of the main reasons I upgraded from the X100.

The second feature was the MF-AF mechanism - switching between auto and manual focus. It was built into the focusing ring. You pull it in to activate manual focus, and tug it out to go automatic. It was surprisingly sturdy and reassuring. In fact, the whole lens was well-built.

With the three prime lenses, I got the 24mm, 35mm and 50mm (although closer to 53mm) covered. The f1.4 allows for some proper bokeh although it would be more prominent on the 35mm.

Can't wait to try it out on my next outing .... which may be later tonight ...

Such Nice Sunshine

Wednesday morning meant that I would be doing a round at Subang before driving across to Park City after the traffic subside. I was expecting the traffic to be light this morning but it wasn't to be. Maybe the bulk of the city dwellers would only be leaving for their hometown tomorrow rather than today.

Anyhow, I was delighted with the great weather we had after the last few days of gloom and haze. I wished that I could just cancel the clinic, pick up my camera - with the brand new lens - and go out in town.

So, after the Park City clinic, I stopped by at the apartment for lunch with Anita and the boys before the afternoon clinic. Finished things early, after seeing a few referrals. The plan was to take the boys out to the park.

Unfortunately the gloom had returned by then. Heavy clouds threatening to rain. And the boys had already settled down for a spot of Minecraft. An afternoon in then...

Weekend of Nights

I ended up being called in again last night. That made it four nights in a row. Fortunately, they were all for emergencies and we managed to sort things out. And I was able to get back home into bed before midnight. So, all in all, it could've been worse.

Tonight was better. Only a few phone calls, and I was able to go out with Anita and the boys for a quick dinner. I had to bank in some cheques as well, and I wasn't able to do that during working hours.

The boys were getting used to their long holidays. They spent all morning in their rooms while Anita caught the Grammy. Daddy? He got to go work....

Post Call Sunday

Nothing beats having the time to do a proper post-take. But being on call on a holiday was never nice.

So, after the rounds was done, we went to my Mum's place at Bukit Antarabangsa, as my auntie came from Penang to attend a wedding yesterday would be leaving this afternoon. We had a nice lunch, although I must say right after the meal, I could hardly open my eyes.

The boys asked to go to a park this afternoon for a run around. Judging from the weather I thought we might be OK. It had hardly rained in the last week. Hopefully there would be sun when we venture out...

Big Match Later

I was not able to catch up with much tennis until this morning, when I was at the lounge waiting for patients in clinic. The results came by a bit slower than expected. So, more time for tennis.

They were showing the match from yesterday when Wawrinka got through. The real big one would be this afternoon when Federer plays his nemesis Nadal.

You know who in would be rooting for.... it would be Lendl versus Edberg once again, and there could only be one winner...