Fuji The itch for Fujifilm, to switch or not.

[Irene McC]

I was thinking maybe the 27mm but I really want an aperture ring

Fuji are now producing a v2 of the 27 *with* an aperture ring

I have the original 27 permanently glued to an X-T20 that live in my bag and go with me wherever I go.
You may notice that the largest part of the images I've uploaded here are made with that combo.

I do have bigger and arguably better lenses as well as more recent Fuji bodies, but this combination wins out as a walkabout carry-everywhere kit for me.

 

[Herbert Hound]

The 27mm is going to be my Christmas present to myself and that, plus my X-T20, will (hopefully) replace my E-M10ii + 20mm f/1.7 as my favourite combo.

 

[Irene McC]

The 27mm is going to be my Christmas present to myself and that, plus my X-T20, will (hopefully) replace my E-M10ii + 20mm f/1.7 as my favourite combo.

I'm right with you there 😊

 

[mnhoj]

As an aside, i feel like there's a bit of a price premium on fuji atm. the X100 series price increases are well known, but it seems to me that even the other 2nd hand bodies have jumped in asking price relative to a year or so ago.

I've noticed this too. X100 hype driven? Or X-E4, etc. shortages? All of it?
I just found an X-Pro2 for what seemed like 2020 pricing, so I jumped on it. I think these have held their value well anyway.
I was looking for an X-E 1-3 and couldn't find one either altogether or for a reasonable price.

On the flip side I've noticed some of the Sony bodies reduced. I remember the A7iii holding its value for years longer than it should have. But then again, it was ahead of its time.

 

[saladin]

I've noticed this too. X100 hype driven? Or X-E4, etc. shortages? All of it?
I just found an X-Pro2 for what seemed like 2020 pricing, so I jumped on it. I think these have held their value well anyway.
I was looking for an X-E 1-3 and couldn't find one either altogether or for a reasonable price.

On the flip side I've noticed some of the Sony bodies reduced. I remember the A7iii holding its value for years longer than it should have. But then again, it was ahead of its time.

Yeah. The X-e3 still seems to be reasonably priced around here (Australia) , I know of a couple that I didn't think were too over inflated. The X-e1 and x-e2(s) seem to have a bit of a cult following right now, the early 16mp x trans sensors are a little sort after, it seems. They seem a bit pricey relative to the E3.


I'd love an Xpro one day, but I find myself wanting a blend of the models - xpro2 variable magnification ovf, pro3 flippy screen etc - so I'm not sure which one I'd buy, and atm they're all a bit expensive imo.


So, I may dip my toe in the water with a T1 and a prime. At least it has some handy "modern" features like wifi and tilty screen, without costing over $1000 by the time I find a lens.

 

[saladin]

Soooo, decision time.

I just looked at a 2nd hand (possibly store display) X-T1 . It looks absolutely mint. Two software program checks appear to suggest it has a shutter count of 14. Yes, 14! Wtf!?


It'll cost me $399 Australian dollars. I don't consider that particularly cheap, but then again this thing looks brand new. I'll also need a lens for it. A 2nd hand 35/2 would probably also run to around $300-350 here.


Hmmm. I need to think on it.

 

[MiguelATF]

Several people have mentioned the "fun" aspect of shooting with certain cameras... for me, the Fujifilm cameras I've had - and still have - possess this quality in spades, and then some. My current favorite Fuji body is an X-T3 - because of how it feels, how it handles, its amazing (to me, at least) EVF, and the literal plethora of rather addictive (to me, again) film simulations available. Its predecessor, an X-Pro3, was equally 'fun' but felt a tad too large for me (I like slightly smaller camera bodies) as opposed to the XT3 which is almost my perfect size. The only M43 camera I had which came close to it in the 'fun factor' department was my late Pen F which I also must confess to really liking (though the Fujis beat it out in terms of their complex and intriguing colour renditions and recipes.

Curiously, the one other negative factor some have mentioned - lack of IBIS - hasn't truly bothered me. In practical shooting it simply means that in low-light or available light situations, I have to take care when shooting at slower shutter speeds - but, honestly, that reminds me of my film shooting days, so it's not a big deal. But (and there's always a "but", isn't there?) for those times when I really feel like I need IBIS, my superb small Olympus - an E-M5.3 - more than covers me.

So my solution is different cameras for different situations. Maybe not ideal for some, but it works for me.
Incidentally in spite of the recent irrational price hikes of the X100 series cameras, many of the earlier X-T cameras - including both the X-T1 and the X-T2 - are still superb cameras in their own right, and possess close to the full functionality of my X-T3 (with the single main difference of what the different sensors can accomplish). I also believe the X-H1 - another Fuji with a truly superb EVF, a compellingly nice in-hand 'feel' - and the one of the first Fujifilm X-series to offer IBIS - can also be found, used, for what seem to me extremely reasonable prices.

Obviously, different strokes for different folks, and we all have different small things which push our personal photography buttons - but in terms of the basic exercise of having a camera which provides a truly enjoyable and somewhat fun shooting experience, for me at least, Fuji delivers.

 

[Stu]

Jason, I've actually gone [well pretty much] from Fuji to M43.
My wife didn't so we are a two system family.
The X-T1, as described would be fine but if you could manage it I'd go for an X-T2 if only for the fantastic multi flip screen and the 24Mp.
One thing to remember: if you have grown accustomed the M43 IBIS a completely un-stabilized kit could be a bit of a shock.
If you are happy to use zooms at all the 18-55 f/2.8-4 is pretty impressive for a 'kit' lens [and is stabilized]
I started with Fuji with the X-E1 and while I like the form factor the EVF was pretty poor and I hurriedly moved on to an X-T10

 

[AndyMcD]

I have owned several Fujis (X-E1&2 plus X-T1-3) and have enjoyed them all. I currently use the X-T2&3 almost interchangeably, the only thing that,T the X-T3 has over the 2 is the 3d level feature, which I foolishly considered a gimmick until I realised how helpful it is when shooting wide angle.

 

[mnhoj]

Very important to me now that I've felt the tradeoffs in chasing pinnacle performance.
I've found that some toys have evolved to be competent tools. And some of the best tools will never be toys.

Several people have mentioned the "fun" aspect of shooting with certain cameras... for me, the Fujifilm cameras I've had - and still have - possess this quality in spades, and then some. My current favorite Fuji body is an X-T3 - because of how it feels, how it handles, its amazing (to me, at least) EVF, and the literal plethora of rather addictive (to me, again) film simulations available. Its predecessor, an X-Pro3, was equally 'fun' but felt a tad too large for me (I like slightly smaller camera bodies) as opposed to the XT3 which is almost my perfect size. The only M43 camera I had which came close to it in the 'fun factor' department was my late Pen F which I also must confess to really liking (though the Fujis beat it out in terms of their complex and intriguing colour renditions and recipes.

I've also found that I really miss processing Fuji files.

 

[Darmok N Jalad]

I actually didn’t find the lack of IBIS on Fuji to be that much of a concern. You get more forgiving higher ISOs, so you can combat low light in a more classic fashion. At UWA, handholding at 1/15s wasn’t a problem with the 10-24 WR.

 

[Stu]

I actually didn’t find the lack of IBIS on Fuji to be that much of a concern. You get more forgiving higher ISOs, so you can combat low light in a more classic fashion. At UWA, handholding at 1/15s wasn’t a problem with the 10-24 WR.

Quite good OIS on the 10-24 and WAs are more forgiving of handshake.
For me, the need for stabilization kicks in around 30mm focal length.

 

[saladin]

Well, I ended up , after changing my mind at least 34 times, buying the X-T1 . It looks and feels brand new. Someone had to give it a home! Now I'm hunting for a lens. Figuring that retro is as retro does, I'm thinking of the crazy cheap TTArtisan 1.4 primes. They don't seem to have much usage on these boards, but the 35/1.4 or 17/1.4 will probably be ordered today. I'm hoping that the early X-trans and sonnar lens formula produce an interesting partnership. I wouldn't mind a bit of swirly bokeh in highlights and softness into the corners wide open. Plus, the 35 seems to sharpen up and change character by f/5.6, as any self respecting sonnar (I'm thinking Zeiss 50/1.5 C here! Lol) should. And for around $100 Australian, it probably doesn't matter greatly if it doesn't really set the world on fire, lol!

Hopefully I can make it work.

 

[ReneBee]

I have the TTArtisan 35mm f1.4 on a X-Pro1, but didn't use it much so far. Placed a few wilde open shots in the wide open thread. I find focussing a bit of a challenge, but that's mostly because the lack of practice on my part.
Good luck with the purchases.

 

[Charzes44]

Well, I ended up , after changing my mind at least 34 times, buying the X-T1 . It looks and feels brand new. Someone had to give it a home! Now I'm hunting for a lens. Figuring that retro is as retro does, I'm thinking of the crazy cheap TTArtisan 1.4 primes. They don't seem to have much usage on these boards, but the 35/1.4 or 17/1.4 will probably be ordered today. I'm hoping that the early X-trans and sonnar lens formula produce an interesting partnership. I wouldn't mind a bit of swirly bokeh in highlights and softness into the corners wide open. Plus, the 35 seems to sharpen up and change character by f/5.6, as any self respecting sonnar (I'm thinking Zeiss 50/1.5 C here! Lol) should. And for around $100 Australian, it probably doesn't matter greatly if it doesn't really set the world on fire, lol!

Hopefully I can make it work.

Congratulations. I had an X-T1, and loved it dearly. Consider also the wonderful XF 18-55. I don't expect you will get one for $100! but it will save you from needing to buy any extra lenses for a while.
I am still posting photos here taken with this combination!

 

[AndyMcD]

I have the 7Artisans 35/1.2 mkII - another you might consider

 

[Simonix]

I have the new Ttartisan 35mm 0.95. That’s a cracking little lens.

Also, the cheapest of cheap Ttartisan 25 & 50mm f2 lenses are really worth every penny of the £60 odd quid too!

 

[saladin]

Yes, I just stumbled across the 25/2 reviews and for the price it may be a better buy than the 23/1.4 !?


I could get both the 35/1.4 and 25/2 combo for relatively little money, giving me a 52 and 38 fov. Interesting.


Down the track I'll probably also check out the 33mm and 23 viltrox / Tok , but if I'm going that way a 2nd hand Fuji 35/1.4 is probably a better bet.

 

[Aviator]

@saladin

When I had Fujifilm cameras my favorite lens was without a doubt the good old XF 35/1.4, focusing is somewhat slow and noisy, but the rendering of the lens is something special.

If you are willing to go with a manual lens, I would look into the 7artisans 35/0.95 or the Mitakon 35/0.95 Mk II, you can read a bit about both lenses here: The 7artisans 35mm f0.95 review

With the X-T1, manual focusing is very easy, since you will have a little magnified image, just next to the main image simultaneously in the viewfinder.

Cheers.

 

[Darmok N Jalad]

I really liked the 35 f2 XF. There’s a non-WR 35 f2 that is really cheap, but I don’t know how it compares to the XF optically. It lacks the aperture ring, but that can be worked around.