Behind the X Gear: Meet Barry Wetcher, the X-shooter, Who Brings Fujifilm to Hollywood
Behind the X Gear
Fujifilm and Hollywood have a special feeling.
Not only because the gorgeous looking Fujifilm cameras seem to be very telegenic and hence are often used in movies, as we documented several times here on FR (and more will come), but also because Fujifilm X gear is actually used by professional photographers to capture the behind the scenes of big blockbusters, such as the X-Pro2 and XF 18-135 used to snap the official images of the highly awarded Dunkirk movie, as we reported here.
In today’s “Behind the X Gear” episode, we would like to meet one of those photographers, who work with Fujifilm gear on the biggest Hollywood sets: Barry Wetcher.
Before we start with the interview, here is a short bio of Barry Wetcher:
“Have been shooting unit stills on feature films since 1981. I have shot stills on over 100 films. Some of my film credits include: Good Fellas, Die Hard With A Vengeance, I Am Legend, The Girl On The Train, Creed, Oceans 8. I am Currently shooting stills on Creed II.
2014 recipient of the SOC Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2014 International Cinematographers Guild Billy Bitzer Award, the 2016 recipient of the Publicists Guild Award for Excellence in Feature Film Still Photography. I am also the East Coast VP of the SMPSP (Society of Motion Picture Still Photographers), and I’m a member of the International Cinematographers Guild. Our work is used for promotional,publicity and marketing. (posters, magazines, etc.).”
Just a curiosity. Have you ever been approached by somebody working at the set, who asked you about your Fujifilm cameras?
Definitely, especially when I first began using the Fuji X-T1 in late 2015. Actors, Directors and crew were used to seeing me with a Nikon that was in a blimp, and then I am on set with at the time what some called a “toy camera”. Many were curious about this new small camera that was absolutely silent in electronic shutter mode. Even today 3 years later, some actors and crew members still ask me about the camera.
When did you buy your first Fujifilm X series camera and which camera was it?
In September of 2015 I bought a couple of X-T1 bodies and a few lenses.
Did you buy it for private use or was your intent to replace your Nikon DSLR for your work
I bought it to work alongside my Nikons. I thought of it as another tool in my camera bag. It had been recommended to me by another still photographer who I highly respect. He was really impressed not only with the camera but the lenses. I had originally considered the Sony A7 but ultimately it was the lenses and the old school feeling of the body that sold me on the Fuji. The cropped sensor didn’t deter me as I’m usually striving to “get closer” with my work on a film set. Being wide wasn’t an issue for me.
How much of your work today is done with with Fujifilm cameras and how much with Nikon?
It’s difficult to answer that as it depends on certain lighting and action factors that may or may not exist on a particular film but if I must answer then I would say probably 85% Fuji and 15% Nikon.
What is your kind of photography, motives, approach
When shooting stills I’m looking for a composition that is strong that tells the story of that particular scene in 1 image. I’m always thinking of the 1-sheet, the poster, always wanting to capture an image that “says it all” about that film. Hopefully it’s an iconic image that forever is associated with that film.
Where can we find more about you on the web?
Instagram @Barrywetcher website: BarryWetcher.com
What’s the main reason for you to own a Fuji
I initially bought the Fuji X-T1 for it’s capability to shoot completely silent, which is essential on a film set. For well over 30 yrs I had been limited to using a sound blimp with my Nikons. Sound blimps are limited in that they do not provide 100% silence, also they added extra weight and one doesn’t have full access to all the controls needed. Fuji offered me relief for my back and shoulders as well as an old school camera that allowed me full control of every aspect of the camera while shooting. I love that the opening and closing the aperture can be done on the lens and not the body, it feels like a film camera, something I’d missed for many years.
Is there something you miss from your Nikon System
Yes, I miss the auto focus capabilities when shooting action or sports. I miss the range of lenses offered. I miss the pro services (NPS) that Nikon offered me. Fuji does not have that level of support for professionals, although I recently made some great contacts within Fuji and now they do loan me any equipment I might want.
What’s your favorite lens?
I love all the Fuji lenses. There isn’t any one favorite. The 56mm F1.2 is pretty incredible.
What’s your favorite camera bag?
On set I use a rolling pelican case. My gear is shipped and stored in pelican cases of various sizes. If I’m shooting a film that is mostly on a stage I have a custom built Calzone road box on wheels that I use as camera bag and as an office. It’s not something one can use on the streets of NY, it’s a beast and I only use it when on a stage for an extended period of time.
What’s absolutely in your bag when you go out to photograph on a feature film.
Right now I’m shooting stills on Creed II and in my rolling pelican case which is on set I have a Fuji X-T2 and a Fuji X-H1, 56mm 1.2, 16mm 1.4, 90mm F2, 16-55mm 2.8, and 50-140mm 2.8. Recently Fuji loaned me the 100-400mm lens which I absolutely loved. I absolutely love the X-H1, it’s slightly bigger than the X-T2, but it is so quiet even when using the mechanical shutter, oftentimes I don’t need to use the electronic shutter even in a scene with dialogue.
Which lens, that is not yet in the roadmap, would you like Fuji to make?
I would like to see a 2.8 wide zoom, their current wide zoom only opens to a f4, I would also like to see a 56mm 1.2 lens that is weather sealed that has no noise when focusing.
Tell FujiFilm what’s the main thing they should still improve.
Longer battery life, more dynamic range, faster and improved focusing in low light are some of things I would like to see.
OVF, EVF, or display
It took awhile to get used to the electronic viewfinder but I’ve adapted to it quite well. I do use the display for certain situations that would be much more difficult for me to achieve looking thru the viewfinder, it’s proved to be invaluable especially for very low angles.
RAW or JPEG
Always RAW
Rangefinder style or DSLR shape
I have always used a SLR body be it film or digital, that’s most comfortable for me.
Your favorite photography quote
“The decisive moment” (Henri Cartier-Bresson)