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TTartisan’s New AF 14mm f/3.5 Lens For Fuji X-Mount

TTArtisan just dropped a compact new option for Fujifilm X shooters: the AF 14mm f/3.5 lens, an ultra-wide prime designed specifically for APS-C cameras. With a full-frame equivalent focal length of 21mm and a 92° field of view, this lens is aimed at creators who like dramatic perspectives, tight interiors and immersive street shots.

Weighing 98 grams, the lens is quite lightweight, yet it sports a full metal build made from aviation-grade aluminum, giving it a rugged, high-quality feel that fits with the X-series body. The design also includes a built-in lens hood and a Type-C USB port hidden in the rear lens cap for firmware updates.

Optically, the AF 14mm f/3.5 features 8 elements in 7 groups and a 7-blade diaphragm. Minimum focus distance comes in at just 0.25 meters, allowing you to get close to your subject for creative foreground emphasis. And yes, it takes filters, the front accepts 39mm threaded filters, which are surprisingly rare in this focal length class. Autofocus is handled by a quiet STM (stepping motor) system, which TTArtisan says is tuned for stable, accurate performance. The lens supports subject recognition for human eyes, animals, and even cars. Pricing for the lens is at $129.

You can see full details on TTArtisan’s website here

Panasonic’s Latest Firmware Updates

Panasonic rolled out a big firmware update for its full-frame Lumix S series, and the S1R II is the star of the show. With version 1.2, the S1R II now supports 8.1K and 7.2K open gate recording in 3:2 format, unlocking high-resolution video ideal for flexible cropping or vertical edits. It also gains RAW video output over HDMI and (with a $199 upgrade key) access to Arri’s LogC3 profile, making it easier to match footage with high-end Arri cinema cameras in post.

There’s also plenty here for still shooters. The update adds focus stacking for deeper depth of field, plus a new Urban Sports autofocus mode that improves subject tracking for fast, unpredictable movement like skating or breakdancing. Panasonic also improved the camera’s workflow features: users can now transfer files from internal cards directly to SSDs, record proxy files during RAW output, and tether to Capture One via Wi-Fi or wired LAN.

The S1 II and S1 IIE aren’t left out either. Their version 1.1 updates include focus stacking, seven new aspect ratios, more AF frame color options, and the same Capture One tethering features. Both also support the optional Arri LogC3 upgrade for better pro-level color matching. These firmware updates are available starting June 24 (so today) for free, with the LogC3 key as a paid add-on.

You can see full details/download the updates on Panasonic’s website here

Weekly Photo Technique Exploration

Welcome to a new section of the magazine where every week we will explore a new photography technique from across various photography genres.

This week’s technique: Spot Colour Photography

What Is Spot Colour Photography?

Spot colour is about keeping most of your image in black and white while leaving one subject or element in colour. The goal is to draw the viewer’s eye to a specific part of the image. You can almost look at it like a storytelling shortcut, you're basically saying, “Hey, look here. This is what matters.”

When and Why to Use It

Spot colour works best when:

• You want to highlight a subject (a person, object, or detail)

• There’s a strong colour that contrasts well with black and white

• You want to simplify a busy scene by removing distraction

• You’re aiming for something graphic/stylised

It’s especially great for street/urban, portraits, fashion, and still life.

How to Shoot for Spot Colour

You can technically create the effect with any photo, but it does helps to plan ahead:

1. Find a Strong Colour Element

Look for bold, saturated colours (like red, yellow, blue) that stand out on their own. Think phone booths, neon signs, fruit, painted walls, flowers, umbrellas, bright clothing etc.

2. Simplify the Scene

Less is more. A cluttered photo with a lot of potential colours competing for attention won’t work as well. Try to isolate the colourful subject.

3. Get the Composition Right

Place your colour element where the viewer’s eye naturally lands, the rule of thirds, leading lines etc. work great here.

4. Shoot in Colour (RAW if possible)

Always shoot in full colour, you will desaturate everything else in post.

How to Do Spot Colour in Editing

There are a few easy ways to create the effect using photo editing software. Here's the basic idea:

In Lightroom (a bit of a workaround):

• Convert your photo to black & white

• Use a radial filter or brush tool to bring back colour just in the area you want

• Feather the edges to make it look smooth and natural

• You can also desaturate individual colour channels in the HSL panel if you want to go the slower route

In Photoshop:

• Duplicate your colour photo

• Convert the top layer to black & white

• Add a layer mask and use a soft black brush to paint over the part where you want the colour to show through

• This gives you full control over how precise or dramatic the spot colour is

Mobile Apps:

There are apps like Snapseed (with the “Selective” tool) or Color Pop that make this super quick on your phone.

Bonus Tips

• Less is more: too many colours or too many spots, and the effect loses impact

• Be precise: rough masks or sloppy brushing can make the effect look gimmicky

• Match the mood: spot colour works best when it supports the story or feeling of the image

• Avoid using it just because you can: make sure it adds something to the shot, not just because it is a cool effect

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