Fujifilm X-Pro1


Hmmm... body's gotten bigger than x100, no more leaf shutter, rather large primes, no 35mm eqv ... at this point only the sensor really attracts me...

IF I'm not wrong, the 35mm equivalent will be out next year, read it some where....
 

Hmmm... body's gotten bigger than x100, no more leaf shutter, rather large primes, no 35mm eqv ... at this point only the sensor really attracts me...

Review sites needs to start showcase the sensor iQ. So far theres only fuji released images. Will need independent testing.
Fuji has always been creative with sensor layouts and trying out different array arrangements but it has been short of coming with one that is conventionally good for mass application. The success of Xpro-1 largely hinges on this, if not it may go down the route of Sigma SD-1....

The latest video from Fuji lady seems to indicate that the Xpro-1 is close to DSLR height and width minus the thickness =S.
 

The XPro-1 styles like a rangefinder, shoots almost like one except for the RF focusing but it has lenses as big as SLRs.. 52mm filter threads? Tats the filter size of a Nikon 50 afd 1.8... The 3 lenses announced are akin to small primes for slrs, not close to the minute sizes of RF lenses, which takes alot away from XPro-1 for me.

Well, looking at the various videos of the XPro-1 on Youtube, the 18 f2 looks rather flat, and certainly not as big as the 50 f1.8.
Also, it's a 28mm f2 equivalent - there are no SLR lenses (that I know, and I'll admit my knowledge may be lacking) that has a 52mm thread and gives a field of view of 28mm at a large aperture of f2, and also has auto focus motor built in for AF operations. And made of metal.

Ditto for the 35 f1.4 X-lens.

These lenses will never be as small as true rangefinder lenses - simply because they need to perform AF operations and thus need to house the AF motors and mechanisms. But they are small enough for me. :)

Besides, I remembered my 28mm Summicron ASPH (sold sadly in a fit of madness :( ) had a filter size of 46mm, and it has no AF whatsoever....
 

Hi

It seems the AF speed of the XPro-1 is possibly quite similar to the X100 (i.e., not fantastic), and while I understand that this is a concern, I have found that in reality, it has worked quite well for me.

I bought my X100 in early December after fighting the temptation for months (mostly due to the various reviews calling out its various perceived flaws) and found out to my pleasant surprise, that even though the various reviews are mostly accurate, I was able to adapt and overcome the various shortcomings of the camera to the extent I've relegated my D700 + 35mm lens to the dry case far too often in favor of bringing out the X100.

It's true the AF speed is slow, and it's almost hopeless tracking a moving subject, but these are not things I do with my Leica M6 in the past too. With a traditional rangefinder, I would preset the focus distance, or prefocus and wait for the decisive moment to occur, or for subjects to walk into my frame (again, a feature of the window finder you will not find in a SLR), and I was able to continue observing the subject even after the moment of exposure for more possible pictures because I experienced no viewfinder blackout with the clear window viewfinder of the M6.

I was able to inherit this very valuable shooting experience entirely to my X100. Yes, the focus is slow like molasses compared to my D700, and sometimes not accurate, but it has a wonderful distance scale in the finder, and with the X100 set to manual focus, one press of the AFL button will activate the auto focus system of the camera to my selected distance or subject, and thereafter it's a matter of releasing the shutter at the right time while observing the subject through the window viewfinder.

It is foolhardy to try to follow focus a moving subject with the Leica M rangefinder, and it's the same with trying to AF on a moving target. For me, my best pictures were never a result of me seeing a subject, and rushing the camera to my eye while auto-focusing at the same time to shoot. My best pictures come when I observe a scene, select the background, choose a focus point and let the action come to me, releasing the shutter until the definite moment.

Actually, I do the same thing above even with the fast focusing demon that is the D700....

What I love about my X100 is that it brings to my mind so vividly the experience of shooting with a film rangefinder, and it offers advantages that a SLR does not.

I regretted waiting so long to get one due to the negative press and reviews. Which is why this time I'm eager to get my hands on the XPro-1, even if the AF has not been improved. Even if the write speed is the same as the X100. (I don't shoot continuous with any rangefinder, and with single shot, this is NOT a problem with the X100).

I guess these X series cameras are not for people who buy with their heads (thinking in terms of specs and value for money) but are more for people who buy with the heart, who are after a particular shooting experience which is different. (of course I do wish these cameras will be cheaper too!!!)
 

Hi

It seems the AF speed of the XPro-1 is possibly quite similar to the X100 (i.e., not fantastic), and while I understand that this is a concern, I have found that in reality, it has worked quite well for me.

I bought my X100 in early December after fighting the temptation for months (mostly due to the various reviews calling out its various perceived flaws) and found out to my pleasant surprise, that even though the various reviews are mostly accurate, I was able to adapt and overcome the various shortcomings of the camera to the extent I've relegated my D700 + 35mm lens to the dry case far too often in favor of bringing out the X100.

It's true the AF speed is slow, and it's almost hopeless tracking a moving subject, but these are not things I do with my Leica M6 in the past too. With a traditional rangefinder, I would preset the focus distance, or prefocus and wait for the decisive moment to occur, or for subjects to walk into my frame (again, a feature of the window finder you will not find in a SLR), and I was able to continue observing the subject even after the moment of exposure for more possible pictures because I experienced no viewfinder blackout with the clear window viewfinder of the M6.

I was able to inherit this very valuable shooting experience entirely to my X100. Yes, the focus is slow like molasses compared to my D700, and sometimes not accurate, but it has a wonderful distance scale in the finder, and with the X100 set to manual focus, one press of the AFL button will activate the auto focus system of the camera to my selected distance or subject, and thereafter it's a matter of releasing the shutter at the right time while observing the subject through the window viewfinder.

It is foolhardy to try to follow focus a moving subject with the Leica M rangefinder, and it's the same with trying to AF on a moving target. For me, my best pictures were never a result of me seeing a subject, and rushing the camera to my eye while auto-focusing at the same time to shoot. My best pictures come when I observe a scene, select the background, choose a focus point and let the action come to me, releasing the shutter until the definite moment.

Actually, I do the same thing above even with the fast focusing demon that is the D700....

What I love about my X100 is that it brings to my mind so vividly the experience of shooting with a film rangefinder, and it offers advantages that a SLR does not.

I regretted waiting so long to get one due to the negative press and reviews. Which is why this time I'm eager to get my hands on the XPro-1, even if the AF has not been improved. Even if the write speed is the same as the X100. (I don't shoot continuous with any rangefinder, and with single shot, this is NOT a problem with the X100).

I guess these X series cameras are not for people who buy with their heads (thinking in terms of specs and value for money) but are more for people who buy with the heart, who are after a particular shooting experience which is different. (of course I do wish these cameras will be cheaper too!!!)

Silly me, i forgot abt the af motor in the lenses as well. That was really a sweet description, despite me still sticking to my m2 and bulk rolls of tri-X, i muz say u really make the Fuji x100 sound really tempting, haha.. no matter what the camera, ultimately dies down to what works for each individual.
 

Silly me, i forgot abt the af motor in the lenses as well. That was really a sweet description, despite me still sticking to my m2 and bulk rolls of tri-X, i muz say u really make the Fuji x100 sound really tempting, haha.. no matter what the camera, ultimately dies down to what works for each individual.

The M2 is a very sweet camera. I used to own a M3 and cameras of that class / time period are the best made!!! And nothing is better than Tri-X - as much as I hope Fuji will do well in their resurgence with their new cameras, I hope Kodak survives too and continues making Tri-X!
 

Review sites needs to start showcase the sensor iQ. So far theres only fuji released images. Will need independent testing.
Fuji has always been creative with sensor layouts and trying out different array arrangements but it has been short of coming with one that is conventionally good for mass application. The success of Xpro-1 largely hinges on this, if not it may go down the route of Sigma SD-1....

The latest video from Fuji lady seems to indicate that the Xpro-1 is close to DSLR height and width minus the thickness =S.

It's about the size of the old film SLRs, which are smaller than the newer DSLRs anyway.
 

Also, it's a 28mm f2 equivalent - there are no SLR lenses (that I know, and I'll admit my knowledge may be lacking) that has a 52mm thread and gives a field of view of 28mm at a large aperture of f2, and also has auto focus motor built in for AF operations. And made of metal.

Actually Canon has a EF 28 1.8 USM with a 58mm thread and it's metal.
Bit soft though (I have one).
 

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It's about the size of the old film SLRs, which are smaller than the newer DSLRs anyway.

I wonder why with digital, SLRs have gotten bigger instead of smaller.
 

I wonder why with digital, SLRs have gotten bigger instead of smaller.

Simple, with film, a camera was essentially a box, with a shutter, a mirror, and a winder for the film.

Now with digital, you have the sensor, which is blockier, the circuits, the sensor cleaner, the image stabilizer, the LCD screen and circuits, the AF motor etc, AND a big battery to power everything.
 

Simple, with film, a camera was essentially a box, with a shutter, a mirror, and a winder for the film.

Now with digital, you have the sensor, which is blockier, the circuits, the sensor cleaner, the image stabilizer, the LCD screen and circuits, the AF motor etc, AND a big battery to power everything.

As with computers, I believe that the circuits should reduce in size, and only time will tell... However, optically (i.e. lenses), I dont see it as going too small, as common knowledge dictates, sensor size preference is the bigger, the better and will require bigger lenses to fill the sensor with the light it needs to capture the whole image. Therefore, the lenses on a full frame camera is bigger than, say the micro 4/3rds... However, the motor's size, and its circuitry inside can be reduced as technology improves, but the reduction in size of the lens shouldnt be overly dramatic... As for the size of the body, there is a thin line between convenience and comfort... smaller is more convenient to bring around and carry all day, but too small, and the dials and buttons get too close to each other and ergonomics is sacrificed. In my opinion, the current generation of cameras, in terms of size is in its sweet spot...

For those who want a smaller body, for APS-C, there is the NEX by sony, for Micro4/3rds, theres the GF3 by panny... It all boils down to preferrence, and budget.
 

Simple, with film, a camera was essentially a box, with a shutter, a mirror, and a winder for the film.

Now with digital, you have the sensor, which is blockier, the circuits, the sensor cleaner, the image stabilizer, the LCD screen and circuits, the AF motor etc, AND a big battery to power everything.

Most DSLRs don't have AF motor anymore, and Canikon image stabilizer is on the lens. The electronics can be further shrunk but then that's expensive.
 

As with computers, I believe that the circuits should reduce in size, and only time will tell... However, optically (i.e. lenses), I dont see it as going too small, as common knowledge dictates, sensor size preference is the bigger, the better and will require bigger lenses to fill the sensor with the light it needs to capture the whole image. Therefore, the lenses on a full frame camera is bigger than, say the micro 4/3rds... However, the motor's size, and its circuitry inside can be reduced as technology improves, but the reduction in size of the lens shouldnt be overly dramatic... As for the size of the body, there is a thin line between convenience and comfort... smaller is more convenient to bring around and carry all day, but too small, and the dials and buttons get too close to each other and ergonomics is sacrificed. In my opinion, the current generation of cameras, in terms of size is in its sweet spot...

For those who want a smaller body, for APS-C, there is the NEX by sony, for Micro4/3rds, theres the GF3 by panny... It all boils down to preferrence, and budget.


When the camera becomes small, people will complain again on its handling not as good as DSLR/SLR, lens big ... etc. . it never ends ... the search for the perfect camera.
 

When the camera becomes small, people will complain again on its handling not as good as DSLR/SLR, lens big ... etc. . it never ends ... the search for the perfect camera.

exactly. That is the thin line between comfort and convenience... For those who are looking for something comfortable in their hands, DSLR sizes at this time, I believe, are in the sweet spot... If they need something smaller for their convenience, there are also some choices available on the market. Everybody wins. I dont think there will ever be a perfect sized camera because we all have different sizes of hands, and our own physical bodies have different builds...

I remember a time before when the phones became smaller and smaller and everyone liked it... Now with the advent of smartphones, everybody wants a bigger screen, but also wants a smaller phone. Theres that cycle over again. I guess its human nature to never be contented. :)
 

Simple, with film, a camera was essentially a box, with a shutter, a mirror, and a winder for the film.

Now with digital, you have the sensor, which is blockier, the circuits, the sensor cleaner, the image stabilizer, the LCD screen and circuits, the AF motor etc, AND a big battery to power everything.
The NEX cameras and the GH2 have proven that it is possible for the electronics to be incredibly miniaturised.

The trouble in part is because some of the camera professionals like big cameras because it feels good on the hand. Throw in a heavy metal chassis etc., things just ballooned in size.
 

Been scouring for initial impressions from people who handled the X Pro 1. It is actually pretty disappointing to hear the AF has not been improved much from the X100.

This could be a major deal breaker for me. I was hoping at least NEX focusing speed.

I guess my idea of a grail camera will have to wait for another couple more years. Or, will Leica finally introduce a good AF system in their mirrorless offering? Fuji has been such a tease on the X Pro 1, so much and yet falling off the mark significantly.

I adapted to X100's focus idiosyncrasies but at the price the X Pro 1 is suggested at, I expected a lot more.
 

The NEX cameras and the GH2 have proven that it is possible for the electronics to be incredibly miniaturised.

The trouble in part is because some of the camera professionals like big cameras because it feels good on the hand. Throw in a heavy metal chassis etc., things just ballooned in size.

Honestly I thought X Pro 1 reached a good balance of size of body and size of lenses. I found the image comparison of the mounted NEX-7 against the mounted X Pro 1 hilarious. It really shows an extra slim body defeats the purpose if your prime lenses are so friggin huge.
 

Honestly I thought X Pro 1 reached a good balance of size of body and size of lenses. I found the image comparison of the mounted NEX-7 against the mounted X Pro 1 hilarious. It really shows an extra slim body defeats the purpose if your prime lenses are so friggin huge.

As I said, while some marvels at the slim body of the NEX, there will be others who isnt happy about it. Same with the Xpro-1.

THe analogy on the phones size is spot on. From the water bottle phones, to the Ericssons to the downsizing of Nokia and now the insurgence of larges screen SMART phones.

Lets hope theres proper review on the XPRO-1 , so that we can see what the sensor can do to blow its competition away as what Fuji said it will do.
 

At the end of the day, there really isnt a perfect camera... afterall, it is made by humans, and no human is perfect. There is only the best camera for your needs and budget. For me, I found it on the X100 and D7000, neither cameras would be ideal for everyone, but for me, it works and im happy with it.

I guess it really boils down to going down to the shop, trying out as much cameras as possible, then find out which, for you, has the best balance of size, weight, ergonomics, and most important of all, price.
 

if they make an adapter that can fit Nikon Lenses, I would seriously consider getting one as a backup to my nikon. As I already have quite alot of lenses, hard to switch :(

ofcourse the lenses might not look good on a retro body like that, but ei if it is compatible, that would be a great bonus.

Same here, have some investment in some Canon lenses as well. Will wait for it to come out and see how the market respond to this new kids on the block before I make this important decision.
 

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