I can see what you are saying NicoM, but all cameras have deficiencies. Every single one.
noimmunity
scratch my niche
By the time the XP1 hit the market, Fuji's approach to firmware updates was already well-documented.
Contrast that with Leica, who still leave M9 users hankering after updates more than four years after the initial release (not to mention the M8).
Or again contrast with Sony, who just push all updates into new models.
I will also say that the XP1 design itself showed from the get-go that Fuji was incorporating some key user demands (hard dials, OVF, excellent fast primes).
Contrast that with Leica, who still leave M9 users hankering after updates more than four years after the initial release (not to mention the M8).
Or again contrast with Sony, who just push all updates into new models.
I will also say that the XP1 design itself showed from the get-go that Fuji was incorporating some key user demands (hard dials, OVF, excellent fast primes).
cidereye
Film Freak
Totally agree!
Things like firmware updates are no minor consideration. After a number of years of buying/using digital cameras I would say that should be a major consideration before parting with your cash.
And bravo to Fuji, Ricoh too are another company that also provide long & lasting care to their customers. Just had a very nice f/w upgrade that now makes my fixed lens GR a 28/35 and 47mm camera.
GaryLH
Veteran
If your reference is to Nikon or canon or anyone else that have their camera line as long, these companies had a heck of a lot more time to get their issues resolved. Just look at the oringal d100 vs even a d300 let alone the latest and greatest. Yes u can argue that Fuji should have learned the other lessons but I kind of think they were only looking at a small target photographic community and did not realize until too late that their product would catch so much attention. Xe2 shows what they figured out, just like the difference between the original d100 vs the d200... They have only started their journey compared to some other companies.
Anyway just MHO on what may have happened.
Gary
willie_901
Veteran
It turns out manufacturers also make a profit on lenses.
I own five XF lenses.
If Fuji's business model of constantly improving their firmware sells lenses and build brand loyalty.
I own five XF lenses.
If Fuji's business model of constantly improving their firmware sells lenses and build brand loyalty.
goamules
Well-known
NicoM, Are you comparing Apples to Apples? I will be, I just ordered an X-E1 to replace a Panasonic G1 I've had for 4 or 5 years. My G1 body cost about $200, used. The X-E1s have the next step up in sensor size, for about $599 The full frame mirrorless start at $2300 and continue up to Leica land. People complain about some of the Leica M9's problems too....and I'd say they've been around longer than anyone. Exactly which camera are you saying is better than the Fujifims?
gavinlg
Veteran
Like the d600 that had the oily shutter and nikon just brought out a whole new model instead of fixing it?
Or like the canon 1dmkIII that never focussed correctly…
Or like the pentax k5/k7 whose AF was extremely inconsistent in tungsten light.
Or like the leicas with cracked sensors?
The X cameras were never deficient in the first place. The x-pro1s viewfinder is no less accurate than an M9s. It is more about people having unrealistic expectations in a moderately inexpensive camera.
It makes you wonder how, those of us who were early adopters, even made photos with the X Cameras... from some of the BS in this thread, you'd think that Fuji gave us cameras that didn't work at all.
gavinlg
Veteran
I had one of the first x100 in Australia and it was no less wonderful than it is today. A little slower but not slow by any means.
I was using the M8/M9 and the Leica X1 when the X100 was released (I had one of the first ones in the US). The X100 was faster than the X1, so that was a plus for me. I'm not a zone focuser either, so the X100 was faster than my manual focusing too.
gavinlg
Veteran
noimmunity
scratch my niche
I had one of the first XP1s outside of Japan (in fact it came from Japan), and used it to take many thousands of photos in all kinds of light in the first month I had it way before any updates.
Yeah, there was a learning curve and frustration, but plenty of reward and satisfaction.
Yeah, there was a learning curve and frustration, but plenty of reward and satisfaction.
burancap
Veteran
Thanks everybody ^up^ there.
Avotius
Some guy
Wait....I can take pictures with my XE1? Since when? Did they issue a new firmware update that makes the shutter button do something now?
Spyro
Well-known
to be fair, I know two people who returned their d600 to australian retailers and got a 610 for free.
anyway I *sort of* understand where people are coming from complaining about fuji releasing unpolished cameras, but the thing is, nobody forced anybody to buy them. We all knew from the reviews, or simply walking into a shop and trying one, that the first fuji-x were pretty much the slowest focusing mirrorless in the market, and some of us chose to ignore it. Nobody has to pre-order a camera sight unseen based on marketing hype. And, once bought, fuji could have simply left them unsupported, which seems to be pretty much the industry standard. Which they didnt.
The other thing is, these cameras were the first window finder AF cameras in the digital world, which is something some of us were begging for, for years. Contax G and Hexar AF replacements. Would we prefer to wait another, I dont know, 6 months because the camera did not focus as fast as it potentially could? I dont think so. Personally those first few months all I remember was taking thousands of photos with a big grin on my face
The FWs were just the icing on the cake.
Jamie Pillers
Skeptic
Yes, it releases the shutter now. Or you can program it to log onto Instagram instead. But you have to remove the battery after each push of the button.
semilog
curmudgeonly optimist
Fuji continues to impress.
gavinlg
Veteran
The other thing is, these cameras were the first window finder AF cameras in the digital world, which is something some of us were begging for, for years. Contax G and Hexar AF replacements. Would we prefer to wait another, I dont know, 6 months because the camera did not focus as fast as it potentially could? I dont think so. Personally those first few months all I remember was taking thousands of photos with a big grin on my face
The FWs were just the icing on the cake.
Yeah this is the main point. Like people saying Oh my E-p3 focusses twice as fast as the x-pro1 - Cool bro, your e-p3 is like a 5th generation product and is a little brick with a screen on the back and nothing else. The xpro1 is a pretty marvelous piece of engineering with its hybrid viewfinder - a world first in the digital world. Not only that, Fujifilm has dedicated resources to making it better than it already was!
shiro_kuro
Charles Bowen
My two year old has a brilliant idea to be included in a future update ....... He prefers the viewfinder for composing images but thinks the screen on the back of the camera is for watching Porco Rossi and An Pan Man ....... if this were to happen my son would forgive Fuji for all and forever be loyal....... He loves the X pro 1
GaryLH
Veteran
My x100 and xp1 are first week buys.. First week they hit streets in US.
I really have to agree there are people who really expect first gen products to be perfect day one, that there are no growing pains. As it is the xe2 is the start of the second generation products (the xe1 was like a 1.5 type of release).
I have taken tons of shots w/ my x100, xp1 and xe1. I don't plan to get rid of them until they give up the ghost.
And I will buy other Fuji cameras.
Gary
I really have to agree there are people who really expect first gen products to be perfect day one, that there are no growing pains. As it is the xe2 is the start of the second generation products (the xe1 was like a 1.5 type of release).
I have taken tons of shots w/ my x100, xp1 and xe1. I don't plan to get rid of them until they give up the ghost.
And I will buy other Fuji cameras.
Gary