The internet got me. I’ve seen one too many Youtube videos on how you must use some fast manual primes to be a photographer worth their salt and gave in. I tried out the TT Artisan 50mm f1.2 during lunchtime walk to see if I am any good.
I was worried I won’t be able to focus on any of my shots, but was pleasantly surprised. There were definitely more shots with missed focus – maybe 20% more than usual. It was quite fun until the weather packed in. Unfortunately neither the Fuji X-T30ii nor the lens were weather sealed, and I had to call it quits.
What did I learn? You have to slow down when using a manual lens. Finding a composition, focusing initially and waiting for something interesting works better than seeing something and reacting. Also, using a black and white simulation through the viewfinder and using focus peaking gives you clear indication of what is in focus. RAW files ignore the JPEG simulations. This is only a Fuji thing as far as I’m aware. So this approach may not work on other cameras.
All the photos are from RAW files with tone curves adjusted. All photos taken at f1.2. I’m now on the hunt for an f0.95 lens so I can see in the dark.
Introvert Diaries 
I think you’ve actually discovered something even more valuable than using a manual lens. It isn’t just the lens that slows you down, it’s the change in mindset. Once you stop reacting and start anticipating, you begin seeing the photograph before it happens, and that’s a skill that carries over to autofocus lenses as well.
One small point: I don’t think that’s unique to Fuji. As far as I know, RAW files are always recorded independently of the camera’s JPEG simulations. The film simulation is incredibly useful in the viewfinder because it helps you visualize the final image, but the RAW itself remains unchanged. That’s one of the nice things about shooting RAW, you get the creative preview without committing the file to it.
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Good points, especially on taking the approach back to AF lenses. On your point on the RAW, I probably didn’t explain well trying to be brief. I meant what is Fuji only is the ability to use a B&W JPEG simulation through the viewfinder.
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