Fujifilm EF-60 Shoe Mount Flash REVIEW: A Long-Term User’s Perspective

For years, I struggled with inconsistent lighting in my photography. Indoor shots were often too dark, lacking the vibrancy and detail I craved. Outdoor shots, especially in low-light conditions, suffered from similar issues. This lack of control hampered my creativity and the overall quality of my images. While I knew a dedicated flash would improve my results, the choice felt overwhelming. A high-quality flash, such as the Fujifilm EF-60 Shoe Mount Flash, would have significantly improved my workflow back then.

Fujifilm EF-60 Shoe Mount Flash
  • Added versatility for those challenging situations - The EF-60 uses a Xenon flash tube as well as a high-luminance, white LED modeling light to achieve focus in dimly lit areas and help with aiming...
  • Impressive power with multiple professional features to provide absolute creative control over an image - EF-60 is Fujifilm’s first wireless shoe mount flash that is radio-controlled. It provides X...
  • Wirelessly control your creativity - The EF-60 can be optically triggered by the FUJIFILM EF-X500 Shoe Mount Flash (sold separately). When used in combination with the EF-W1 Wireless Commander, (also...

Factors to Ponder Before Purchasing a Shoe Mount Flash

Choosing a shoe mount flash involves understanding your needs and photographic style. These flashes are designed to provide supplemental lighting, improving exposure in challenging situations and enabling creative lighting techniques like bounce flash. The ideal buyer is someone who wants to take their photography beyond the limitations of built-in camera flash. Photographers who rarely use flash or primarily shoot in bright sunlight might find a shoe mount flash unnecessary. They might be better served by focusing on other accessories like lenses or filters. Before buying, consider your camera’s compatibility, the guide number (indicating flash power), wireless capabilities, and any additional features like zoom heads or built-in diffusers. Your budget will also play a significant role.

Bestseller No. 1
Fujifilm 16651497 EF-X8 Shoe Mount Flash
  • Small shoe mounted flash. No additional battery is required to power this flash as it draws power directly from the camera battery.
SaleBestseller No. 2
SmallRig Cold Shoe Mount Adapter Bracket Hot Shoe with 1/4" Thread for Camera Cage Flash LED Moniter...
  • Standard shoe mount Compatible: allow you to attache Micorphone, Flash, LED, Handle, etc. Fit for all the accessories with 1/4"-20 threaded holes.
Bestseller No. 3
Flash Shoe Mount Adapter, 3PCS Flash Cold Shoe Mount Adapter Flash Shoe Mount Flash Stand Adapter...
  • FLASH SUPPORT: This standard hot shoe adapter supports most flashes and is suitable for many brands of flash adapters, with a very high degree of adaptation.

Introducing the Fujifilm EF-60: A Closer Look

The Fujifilm EF-60 Shoe Mount Flash is a versatile and powerful flash unit designed for Fujifilm X Series and GFX System cameras. It boasts a guide number of 60 at 200mm, offering impressive reach and brightness. Unlike many basic flashes, it features both TTL (Through The Lens) and manual modes, giving you complete control over your lighting. The package includes a soft case, mini stand, and diffuser, adding to its value. Compared to its predecessors and competitors, the EF-60 stands out due to its wireless radio control capability, a feature previously lacking in many Fujifilm flashes. This enhances its flexibility and allows for more sophisticated lighting setups. This flash is ideal for photographers who want more control over their lighting and want to experiment with off-camera flash techniques. However, those on a very tight budget might find it slightly expensive compared to simpler models.

* Pros: Powerful output, Wireless radio control, TTL and manual modes, Compact and portable design, Includes useful accessories.
* Cons: Plastic mounting foot (can feel less sturdy), No built-in bounce card, Relatively higher price point compared to basic models.

Exploring the EF-60’s Key Features and Benefits

Wireless Functionality and Control

The wireless radio control is a game-changer. Being able to trigger and control the Fujifilm EF-60 remotely opens a world of creative lighting possibilities. I can position it off-camera to create dramatic lighting effects, avoiding harsh shadows and adding depth to my images. The ability to control power output in fine increments and group multiple flashes for complex lighting schemes is incredibly beneficial for event photography or portraiture. This surpasses basic optical triggering systems. The 2.4 GHz radio frequency ensures reliable communication, even in crowded environments. This feature alone justifies the slightly higher cost compared to basic models.

Power and Performance

The guide number of 60 is exceptionally impressive for such a compact flash. This means it can effectively illuminate subjects at a considerable distance, even in relatively low-light conditions. The recycle time (the time it takes for the flash to recharge) is impressively fast, minimizing interruptions during shooting sessions. The high luminance LED modeling lamp is an excellent addition, allowing precise focusing and composition in dimly lit conditions, which is invaluable when working with off-camera flash. It also acts as a continuous light source for video recording, a feature that sets it apart from many competitors.

Build Quality and Accessories

While the EF-60 is lightweight and portable, its build quality does have some points to note. While the body is largely metal, some parts like the flash foot (the part that attaches to the camera) are plastic, and that felt a bit less sturdy compared to what I’m used to with other flash units. However, this has not affected performance. The included diffuser softens the light, reducing harshness and providing a more pleasing aesthetic, a useful accessory for portrait work or close-ups. The mini stand allows for flexible positioning during off-camera use. The provided soft case is a great bonus for protecting the flash during transport.

What Others Are Saying: User Experiences

Online reviews consistently praise the Fujifilm EF-60 for its power, reliability and wireless capabilities. Many users highlight the impressive performance in low-light situations and the ease of use, even for those new to external flash photography. The inclusion of a modeling light and diffuser has also earned high marks. Some criticisms mention the plastic foot’s build and the relatively high cost compared to simpler models. However, the positive feedback overwhelmingly suggests a high level of user satisfaction. The long battery life has been a constant theme in many reviews.

Final Verdict: Why the Fujifilm EF-60 is a Great Choice

Inconsistent lighting significantly impacts photography, leading to poorly exposed and uninspired images. The Fujifilm EF-60 Shoe Mount Flash effectively addresses this issue. Its robust features, including wireless control, powerful output and versatile modes, provide the means to take control of your lighting. It’s an excellent investment for photographers who wish to improve their image quality and explore creative lighting techniques. To experience the difference firsthand, click here to check out the Fujifilm EF-60 Shoe Mount Flash .ca.

Last update on 2025-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API