ruby.monkey
Veteran
Well, most of those pages can safely be ignored. I have an X100T and all I've really had to worry about is how to format a memory card, how to set ISO, how to switch between EVF and OVF, and how to lock the various functions I don't need to change (which is most of them). Everything else I need has been pretty easy to work out because the controls (like with all the interesting Fujis) are right there in front of me and their functions are obvious.
ptpdprinter
Veteran
I think your friend would have had the same experience with any digital camera today as with the X100F - lots of menu choices. The good news is you really only have to set the camera up once. I rarely need to access the menus of my XE2 and XT2.
stompyq
Well-known
You liked the original X100 and not the X100F?? I had the original X100 and tried John's X100T before buying a X100F. Every single thing that annoyed me about the original camera has been resolved in the F. I don't understand why you think the F is drastically different? Seriously, if you guys think the X100F is complicated, stay far away from a Sony or olympus body
willie_901
Veteran
It is true there is a learning curve for new FUJIFILM X series users. This is especially so for the EVF/OF cameras because you have two different systems in one camera.
I must say I felt the same way when I started using my new D700. It took a long time to figure out how to set the AF up for sports photography, vs event photography vs MF lenses, understanding metering modes and AF fine-tuning parameters.
Fortunately the newest FUJIFILM cameras with the most recent firmware can save all the menu parameters on a PC/Mac. Eventually people will swap parameter sets.
I would advise your friend to:
o avoid the temptation set up initially the FUJIFILM system to mimic the Canon system
o turn off all automated functions and options.
start with only one finder mode, (probably the EVF)
o disable all power saving options
o decide whether they want WYSIWYG viewing brightness for the finder or automated viewing brightnesss compensation
o understand how the finder and LCD viewing options work
o initially invoke the button lock function to eliminate confusion from accidentally hitting buttons; eventually muscle memory will prevail and control locking won't be necessary
o initially turn the AF audio can formation beep on; this immediate feedback speeds up learning the AF systems
The most complicated initial decisions involve focusing. FUJIFILM has an on-line PDF that covers X-Series focusing. Even though this was published before the X100F, she will find most, if not all of the X-Pro 2 information applies. The early S-Series cameras were criticized contrast detection AF speed limitations. The incorporation of phase-detection AF improved performance but increased complexity. The X100F uses both.
Here is a link to useful setup guide for the X100F.
There are valuable resources on other forums.
Once she gains experience, taking advantage of the OVF, switching focusing modes for different situations and deciding how much automation to use – and when to use it will become easier. If she doesn't have RF experience you can explain parallax and frame line estimates. She may also benefit from learning about the in-lens ND filter and the high flash sync speeds possible with the leaf shutter.
It is not that difficult to use the X Series dual-finder cameras as one uses a film RF cameras. This is what I do.
I rarely change my X100T or X-Pro 2 menus from a virtual RF minimalistic mode.
My default OVF focusing method is focus and recompose.
Also, I use raw files, only worry about the shutter speed and, or aperture. I ignore the light meter. With the X-100F or X-Pro 2 (for raw) you only need to use one of two ISO settings, 200 or 800. The former for bright scenes where dynamic range is important and the latter for low light scenes where sensitivity is important. It doesn't get simpler than this.
But there is a learning curve.
[/list]
I must say I felt the same way when I started using my new D700. It took a long time to figure out how to set the AF up for sports photography, vs event photography vs MF lenses, understanding metering modes and AF fine-tuning parameters.
Fortunately the newest FUJIFILM cameras with the most recent firmware can save all the menu parameters on a PC/Mac. Eventually people will swap parameter sets.
I would advise your friend to:
o avoid the temptation set up initially the FUJIFILM system to mimic the Canon system
o turn off all automated functions and options.
start with only one finder mode, (probably the EVF)
o disable all power saving options
o decide whether they want WYSIWYG viewing brightness for the finder or automated viewing brightnesss compensation
o understand how the finder and LCD viewing options work
o initially invoke the button lock function to eliminate confusion from accidentally hitting buttons; eventually muscle memory will prevail and control locking won't be necessary
o initially turn the AF audio can formation beep on; this immediate feedback speeds up learning the AF systems
The most complicated initial decisions involve focusing. FUJIFILM has an on-line PDF that covers X-Series focusing. Even though this was published before the X100F, she will find most, if not all of the X-Pro 2 information applies. The early S-Series cameras were criticized contrast detection AF speed limitations. The incorporation of phase-detection AF improved performance but increased complexity. The X100F uses both.
Here is a link to useful setup guide for the X100F.
There are valuable resources on other forums.
Once she gains experience, taking advantage of the OVF, switching focusing modes for different situations and deciding how much automation to use – and when to use it will become easier. If she doesn't have RF experience you can explain parallax and frame line estimates. She may also benefit from learning about the in-lens ND filter and the high flash sync speeds possible with the leaf shutter.
It is not that difficult to use the X Series dual-finder cameras as one uses a film RF cameras. This is what I do.
I rarely change my X100T or X-Pro 2 menus from a virtual RF minimalistic mode.
My default OVF focusing method is focus and recompose.
Also, I use raw files, only worry about the shutter speed and, or aperture. I ignore the light meter. With the X-100F or X-Pro 2 (for raw) you only need to use one of two ISO settings, 200 or 800. The former for bright scenes where dynamic range is important and the latter for low light scenes where sensitivity is important. It doesn't get simpler than this.
But there is a learning curve.
[/list]
benlees
Well-known
I had the X100 but didn't get along with it. This was disappointing at the time as I was a big fan of their film MF cameras- I've had 4 of those. I have only played with the X100F but it seems to have addressed what i didn't like about the original. The only thing that keeps me away is the price! Fuji's have become very expensive. I would probably get a Sony instead
f16sunshine
Moderator
There x100f is pretty much singular. It’s going to have a learning curve.
It’s just not like any other camera out there. Maybe the xpro2 is similar also having the ovf/evf hybrid.
One can set the camera up for very basic operation.
I bet once your friend becomes familiar with setting it up, it’s going to seem much less complex.
It’s like a Windows user shifting to Mac.
Seems weird at first and then like old hat.
The Fuji ovf/evf cameras are the same sort of adjustment.
It’s just not like any other camera out there. Maybe the xpro2 is similar also having the ovf/evf hybrid.
One can set the camera up for very basic operation.
I bet once your friend becomes familiar with setting it up, it’s going to seem much less complex.
It’s like a Windows user shifting to Mac.
Seems weird at first and then like old hat.
The Fuji ovf/evf cameras are the same sort of adjustment.
lxmike
M2 fan.
l have an x pro1, and and xe1, both set up with just the basics enabled. l used them in aperture priority mode with no bells or whistles. l have no experience of the later variants of the x100, (i.e f and t). My x100 was bought off a very nice gentleman from this forum. l was happy with the way he had set it up, in full silent stealth mode and have not fiddled with any of the menus since. It effectively is my carry everywhere point and shoot. If l can pick up a camera and shoot straight away with it l am happy. l hate large instruction manuals.
Dogman
Veteran
Bingo!
And this is even more frustrating early on in the ownership. Makes for some disgruntled new owners, I would think.
I do agree with Keith. It looks to me that Fuji has started to load the X100 with too many features. I never owned the original X100 but I still own two X100S models. For my use, the "S" improved on the original but stopped just shy of overburdening the camera with unnecessary features that came in later models. And, really, I don't have to have nor do I need any better performance out of the little cameras.
Don't misunderstand, I would very likely love having a new X100F but only because I love the X100 design, not because of new features and performance improvements.
David Hughes
David Hughes
Hi,
FWIW, I like the photo's I get out of the X100 but I started my P&S days with the Olympus XA and would like to return to it or the Contax Tix, Leica mini, Olympus µ-I and µ-II and all the others in that long and neat line of film, sensible P&S's; only digital.
Reading about the X100 I thought it would be ideal but it irritates. Too many buttons and too few places for your fingers and thumb when you pick it up or take it out of your pocket. I've had it some time now and still get baffled when I touch something by mistake; I just don't think I should have to carry the manual around to use the thing easily.
Regards, David
FWIW, I like the photo's I get out of the X100 but I started my P&S days with the Olympus XA and would like to return to it or the Contax Tix, Leica mini, Olympus µ-I and µ-II and all the others in that long and neat line of film, sensible P&S's; only digital.
Reading about the X100 I thought it would be ideal but it irritates. Too many buttons and too few places for your fingers and thumb when you pick it up or take it out of your pocket. I've had it some time now and still get baffled when I touch something by mistake; I just don't think I should have to carry the manual around to use the thing easily.
Regards, David
ptpdprinter
Veteran
If I am not mistaken, if you hold the Menu OK button down for two seconds, a padlock will appear and the buttons will remain locked. Press the Menu OK button down for two seconds to unlock the buttons. If you want to use the X100F like a film P&S, there is no reason to go into the menus.
nightfly
Well-known
Besides the ISO which requires a back button press, you can use an M9 exactly as you'd expect. I bought mine used, sans manual and never needed it.
The Ricoh GR can be used in a simple fashion but there's a thick book that comes with it as there is a ton of customization available. I use mine basically on aperture priority like I used the GR 1 film camera but it is is more complicated.
Briefly had a Fuji XE-2 but didn't get along with it.
I think the current version of the point and shoot is called a cell phone. Unfortunately there is no digital Yashica T4.
The Ricoh GR can be used in a simple fashion but there's a thick book that comes with it as there is a ton of customization available. I use mine basically on aperture priority like I used the GR 1 film camera but it is is more complicated.
Briefly had a Fuji XE-2 but didn't get along with it.
I think the current version of the point and shoot is called a cell phone. Unfortunately there is no digital Yashica T4.
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
Don't get me wrong here ... I still think the Fuji is a fantastic camera but I think they have gone overboard with controls and setting options. And while it's easy to say it can just be set to basic requirements and used effectively as such my friend was confronted by the available choices and was frantically scanning the manual ... which I have to say wasn't helping her confusion and was really causing her to overthink the situation. lol
ptpdprinter
Veteran
The alternative is to not give choices, and just hard wire the default settings. Sometimes I think that would be a good idea. But can you imagine the whining (except from Leica users)?Don't get me wrong here ... I still think the Fuji is a fantastic camera but I think they have gone overboard with controls and setting options. And while it's easy to say it can just be set to basic requirements and used effectively as such my friend was confronted by the available choices and was frantically scanning the manual ... which I have to say wasn't helping her confusion and was really causing her to overthink the situation. lol
shawn
Veteran
Pull the battery, the Fuji will go back to the settings it saved the last time you turned it off. (Or at least it does on the XP2)
Shawn
shawn
Veteran
A thumb grip works well on the X100 or XE2 bodies to help locate it in your hand. The Fuji base/grip is nice too but does make it a big larger.
Shawn
shawn
Veteran
Also worth pointing out is you don't really even need to dive into the menus to set it up. If you know what functions you want just press and hold a button and after a few seconds the options you can assign to the button pop up. Select which you want and move on. Once those are done you have direct access for changes. You can also disable the button
Shawn
BillBingham2
Registered User
I think you should be able to export/import setting/configuration files for all digital cameras.
A while back, when Nikonians was free for everyone there were a couple of spread sheets that folks had their configurations for the D200 on. I loved the idea that folks shared.
B2 (;->
A while back, when Nikonians was free for everyone there were a couple of spread sheets that folks had their configurations for the D200 on. I loved the idea that folks shared.
B2 (;->
fireblade
Vincenzo.
With all digital cameras you just want to access the SS, A and ISO. From there it is just a matter aesthetics for each individual. I have not accessed 95% of the menu. No need.
I set my ISO, and then everything else is controlled externally, the SS, A and Ev.
I set my ISO, and then everything else is controlled externally, the SS, A and Ev.
Archlich
Well-known
Indeed, the X100F leaves you like 10 buttons and 5 dials plus 2 rings and a joystick, all customizable. It takes lots of energy to learn and map all the controls. Once sorted out the camera runs nicely, but I can't let go of the feeling that there should be a "master switch" like the physical "U1/U2/U3-ish" user preset controls we have on more conventional cameras to harness all the mess.
On the other hand, cameras like the Leica Q (which I decided to sell in the end!) are often touted as simple "no frills" tools, but IMO it's just too darn simplistic to the point of being unusable. It seriously LACKS (USEFUL) physical controls. Wanna change AF mode? Dive into the menu. Wanna turn the OIS on? The menu. Wanna alter your file size? Menu Again. If you prefer the EVF Only mode like I do, then good luck adjusting anything without peeping into the EVF, as the camera doesn't have a switch to toggle between EVF and LCD - for the later you have to dive into the menu, which itself is (unlike the Fuji) only visible in the EVF...
Sure you can set the camera as single point AF-S and DNG only, forget about ever changing any of the perimeters and just shoot away. But with the completely useless video mode button and the half useless digital zoom button at hand, you cannot stop thinking it's the camera itself, not you, lacks some more tinkering.
Guess I have yet to find the digital autofocus camera that strikes the balance between usability and simplicity.
On the other hand, cameras like the Leica Q (which I decided to sell in the end!) are often touted as simple "no frills" tools, but IMO it's just too darn simplistic to the point of being unusable. It seriously LACKS (USEFUL) physical controls. Wanna change AF mode? Dive into the menu. Wanna turn the OIS on? The menu. Wanna alter your file size? Menu Again. If you prefer the EVF Only mode like I do, then good luck adjusting anything without peeping into the EVF, as the camera doesn't have a switch to toggle between EVF and LCD - for the later you have to dive into the menu, which itself is (unlike the Fuji) only visible in the EVF...
Sure you can set the camera as single point AF-S and DNG only, forget about ever changing any of the perimeters and just shoot away. But with the completely useless video mode button and the half useless digital zoom button at hand, you cannot stop thinking it's the camera itself, not you, lacks some more tinkering.
Guess I have yet to find the digital autofocus camera that strikes the balance between usability and simplicity.
robert blu
quiet photographer
what if...
what if...
We are still in the marketing phase "we give you more, buy our product which has more options than competition"
Soon or later it will change, the new paradigm will be "less is more, simplicity is our keyword" buy our simple product with an high image quality.
robert
what if...
We are still in the marketing phase "we give you more, buy our product which has more options than competition"
Soon or later it will change, the new paradigm will be "less is more, simplicity is our keyword" buy our simple product with an high image quality.
robert