Fuji (RF?) thoughts

[Bill Pierce]

Because the Fuji X Pro and X100 series have built-in bright line finders they get referred to as rangefinder style cameras. (Of course they do not have a true rangefinder; they have a focusing system that can actually be more accurate in certain situations.) And those Fuji cameras with their bright line finders are effective tools in situations where that bright line finder with everything sharp and the ability to see what is just out of frame are very useful - the street, news events, any situation where the photographer is not in control of subject or the situation itself (grandchildren and dogs).

I wondered what Rangefinder Forum members thought of the just introduced Fuji X Pro 2. There has been a huge outpouring of web articles. The most informative one that I have found is http://www.fujirumors.com/first-look-fujifilm-x-pro2/

I have always slipped accessory Leica bright line finders into the accessory shoes of almost every non rangefinder “35mm” camera I’ve ever owned; so, I don’t have to buy an X Pro 2 because of the built-in bright line finder, a complex mechanism that is going to add to the price of the camera. But I am tempted by the myriad of other improvements that Fuji has added from bigger sensor to improved and more versatile auto focus. Some of you who are Fuji users may be facing the same problem. Your thoughts??

 

[Jamie Pillers]

Bill, here's a link to The Fuji Guy's very good video about the X-Pro2. It starts off a little slow, but then soon gets into the real substantive upgrades:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8S19U_eoa5Y

As far as thinking of upgrading to the X-Pro2 goes, I can't decide. I currently have the X-T1, the X100T, and the X-Pro1. The X-Pro2 upgrades I find attractive are the increase in Mp (16 to 24), the improved grip, and the eyepiece diopter adjustment (I wear glasses).

But the issues I think will keep me from moving to the X-Pro2 are:
- I like having the same Mp sized sensors across all the cameras I use;
- I like the compact size and noiseless shutter of the X100T;
- I have diopter adjustment on two of my cameras; and
- I'm not sure my PP software, Aperture, will process X-Pro2 RAW data.

This last point is probably the most important. I've tried Photoshop and Lightroom over the years and find them to be much too laborious to use, compared to Aperture. I know I'm going to have to switch to some other software sometime in the future... maybe then I'll think about getting an old, used X-Pro2. 🙂

 

[shawn]

I have an X Pro 1 that I love and am strongly considering the XP2 if funds allow. Increased resolution, overall speed increases, better EVF w/ faster refresh rate and the addition of phase detect autofocus are all playing a part in that. I'm also really interested in the ability for the XP2 to show the OVF (with frame lines up to 140mm) while at the same time showing a small EVF in the corner of the frame. That will allow adapted lenses to be focused while still using the OVF. I used some Nikon and Olympus lenses on the XP1 pretty regularly.

Shawn

 

[GaryLH]

Bill, here's a link to The Fuji Guy's very good video about the X-Pro2. It starts off a little slow, but then soon gets into the real substantive upgrades:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8S19U_eoa5Y

As far as thinking of upgrading to the X-Pro2 goes, I can't decide. I currently have the X-T1, the X100T, and the X-Pro1. The X-Pro2 upgrades I find attractive are the increase in Mp (16 to 24), the improved grip, and the eyepiece diopter adjustment (I wear glasses).

But the issues I think will keep me from moving to the X-Pro2 are:
- I like having the same Mp sized sensors across all the cameras I use;
- I like the compact size and noiseless shutter of the X100T;
- I have diopter adjustment on two of my cameras; and
- I'm not sure my PP software, Aperture, will process X-Pro2 RAW data.

This last point is probably the most important. I've tried Photoshop and Lightroom over the years and find them to be much too laborious to use, compared to Aperture. I know I'm going to have to switch to some other software sometime in the future... maybe then I'll think about getting an old, used X-Pro2. 🙂

Aperture raw support is in the Mac system files. When Mac updates their raw support for their new photo app, that same system update is used by their old preview, iPhoto and Aperture app as well. So that one less to worry about 😛

For me, I don't need bleeding edge.. I like the new changed but I can wait until the price drops down.

I am also interested in seeing if they ever get that organic sensor tech done that they have been working w/ Panasonic in a joint venture or give up on the whole thing and stick w/ Sony.

Gary

 

[Ko.Fe.]

I opened page and my computer downloaded the file on HDD...

This one is troubles free:

http://www.fujifilm.com/news/n160115_01.html

 

[Jamie Pillers]

Aperture raw support is in the Mac system files. When Mac updates their raw support for their new photo app, that same system update is used by their old preview, iPhoto and Aperture app as well. So that one less to worry about 😛

Gary

Gary, thanks a lot. Nice to know I can hold onto my workflow for a few more years. 🙂

 

[jsrockit]

I've given up on rangefinders and now prefer AF. The X-Pro2 looks like the upgrade I've been waiting for. I pre-ordered.

 

[Trius]

Gary, thanks a lot. Nice to know I can hold onto my workflow for a few more years. 🙂

Gary beat me to it; I was going to comment that Apple has native RAW support that gets updated when new file formats arrive.

Does anyone know if Fuji is releasing an update to SilkyPix with the X-Pro2 distribution? I know that for 99% of the user base it is not a substitute for Lightroom or other full packages, but at least it can be used for RAW conversion, albeit one more step.

 

[willie_901]

Even though it was clear the X-Pro 2 would appear in 2016 and that it would be a significant improvement, in November I decided to downsize to a two camera system: the X-T1 and the X100T. The former is versatile and the AF is splendid. The tilt-LCD screen is useful for studio work, The Camera Remote App is even more useful. The X100T is my every-day take-with-me-wherever I go camera. Its AF is also excellent. Both cameras produce printable color images up to ISO 1600 and (unlike the X-Pro 1 and my older Nikon DSLRs) they deliver excellent IQ for color work at ISO 800. The AF systems are similar (except for the obvious OVF mode of the X100T) which makes switching between bodies facile.

When I was working clients liked the XTrans images. I could rely on 12 X 18 prints for shows or personal use. I would not hesitate investing in a 18 X 24 print from either camera.

If I had to start from scratch I would definitely buy the X-Pro 2. The X-pro 2 is better. But I don't regret skipping that camera given how well my current X-Series system meets my needs.

 

[kbb]

I've had a nice but slow XE1 for 2.5 years. I held off getting an XT1 despite it's obvious improvements in operability, because I strongly favor the left-side positioned finder.
I'll be taking a long look at the XPro 2.

 

[Spanik]

Having the X-Pro1 put me off to try any new Fuji. Compared to their old medium format stuff that camera is a toy: viewfinder is way off, exposure is hit and miss, controls are badly placed etc.

 

[MCTuomey]

I overspent late in 2015 on X lenses, so I won't be looking at either the XP2 or the XT2 this year unless one of my cams breaks. Still, it looks like a very attractive upgrade.

 

[Oscuro]

I am soldiering on with my D3 and an X100.

However.

Our little group of madwomen and madmen have pre-ordered a pair of X-Pro 2s. I am a full member of that initiative so I suppose I'll find out what they're like.