A Used-Lens Bargain: First Light with the Fujifilm 23mm f/1.4 R at Ruifeng Night Market
I’ve got a soft spot for buying used gear—especially in Taiwan, where the second-hand camera market can be surprisingly good if you’re patient.
This week I picked up a used Fujifilm 23mm f/1.4 R from a 3C store in Kaohsiung that specialises in used cameras, lenses, and other electrical goods. The price? TWD 8,500 (roughly $270 USD) and it came with a 90‑day warranty.
青蘋果3C(高雄巨蛋旗艦店)/二手手機相機專賣店/僅此一家
No. 638號, Bo-ai 2nd Rd, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City, 813
Naturally, I couldn’t go right home, and I still needed my image of the day for Project 365. I took it straight out for a first proper shoot at Ruifeng Night Market—one of my favourite places in Kaohsiung for fast-moving street scenes, strong light sources, and that constant mix of people, colour, and chaos.
Why the 23mm f/1.4 Still Makes Sense
On Fujifilm APS‑C, 23mm gives you that classic “walkaround” field of view—wide enough to tell a story, but not so wide that everything feels distant. It’s a focal length that works brilliantly for night markets: you can shoot close, include context, and still isolate a subject when you need to.
And the f/1.4 aperture is the real reason this lens is still so loved. In a night market you’re constantly dealing with:
Mixed lighting (LED, tungsten, neon, signage)
Quick moments that don’t wait
Tight spaces where you can’t always step back
Being able to open up to f/1.4 gives you flexibility—both for shutter speed and for separating your subject from a busy background.
First Impressions: Ruifeng Night Market Results
I’ll keep this simple: I was really impressed.
The images have that crispness and clarity you notice immediately, especially when you zoom in later and realise the details held up even in messy lighting. The lens felt confident in the way it rendered faces, food stalls, signage, and those little slices of night-market life that happen between the obvious “tourist shots.”
I’ve included a 52‑image gallery in this post so you can see exactly what I mean.
The X‑Pro2 Is 10 Years Old… and Still Brilliant
It’s easy to get caught up in the new‑gear cycle, but nights like this are a reminder that a camera doesn’t suddenly stop being capable just because time passes.
The Fujifilm X‑Pro2 might be around ten years old, but it still produces amazing photos—especially when you pair it with a lens that can really deliver. If you’re shooting street, documentary, travel, or everyday life, it’s still a seriously enjoyable camera to use.
Should You Buy This Lens Used?
Honestly: yes—if you can find a clean copy.
This is exactly the kind of lens I’d recommend watching for on the used market. Prices can be all over the place, and if you’re willing to wait (and check carefully), real bargains can be found.
If you’re not interested in the used hunt and you’d rather buy the latest version new, here’s an affiliate link to B&H:
Fujifilm 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR (new): https://bhpho.to/4jGFvpL
How to Check a Lens Before You Buy (Quick, Practical Checklist)
Buying used is great—right up until it isn’t. Here’s the quick routine I use (and recommend) before handing over money.
1) Inspect the glass (front and rear)
Hold the lens under a bright light and tilt it slowly
Look for scratches, cleaning marks, or coating damage
A little dust is normal; deep marks are not
2) Check for fungus and haze
Shine a phone flashlight through the lens from different angles
Fungus often looks like fine branching threads or webs
Haze can look like a foggy film that reduces contrast
3) Test the aperture blades
Set the lens to different apertures and confirm the blades move cleanly
Look for oil or sluggish movement
4) Focus ring feel and noise
Rotate the focus ring and check for rough spots or uneven resistance
If possible, mount it on a camera and confirm autofocus doesn’t hunt excessively in decent light
5) Mount and contacts
Check the lens mount for heavy wear, dents, or wobble
Make sure electronic contacts look clean (no corrosion)
6) Take a few real test shots
If the store allows it, take a few quick photos:
Wide open at f/1.4 (to check sharpness and any weird glow)
A flat surface (to check for decentering or one-sided softness)
A bright light source (to see flare behaviour)
7) Ask about return policy or warranty
Even a short warranty is worth a lot for peace of mind—mine came with 90 days, which made the decision much easier.
Final Thoughts
Ruifeng Night Market was the perfect first test: busy, unpredictable, and full of mixed light. The Fujifilm 23mm f/1.4 R handled it beautifully, and it reminded me why buying used can be such a smart move.
If you’re shooting Fujifilm and you want a fast, classic focal length for street and travel, I’d absolutely say: keep an eye on the used market. You might find the same kind of deal I did.
If you want, tell me what vibe you want for the intro (more practical gear review vs. more story-driven night market walk), and I’ll tailor the opening paragraph to match your usual voice.