Fuji X-pro or Sony A7c: which one?

[Evergreen States]

X-Pro 3 is no IBIS and OVF framelines were cut next to useless.
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4438752

I've been aware of the claim that 23mm frame lines disappearing at distances longer than 10m since the initial DPReview review. The thread you linked added some nuance: the original reviewer claims that the 1.4/23 frame lines do not disappear but the frame lines for the 2/23 do, as the coverage of that lens is slightly wider. However, I got to handle a standard black model in person at Kenmore Camera two days ago on a trip to the Seattle area. I had the salesperson hand me a 2/23. I racked the focus as far out as it would go, assuredly beyond infinity. The frame lines remained. I switched it to autofocus mode and focused on the far end of the store and checked the distance scale to make sure it was past 10m. The frame lines remained.

I have no idea what to make of this. Do the frame lines disappear only on models with the standard finish but remain intact on the Duratect coated models? Was this something that appeared initially but was quietly fixed in firmware? Did they quietly change the hardware at some point in production so that this only applied to the early batches? I believe DPReview's reporting is accurate to their sample but it did not match up with my experience. I have no idea what is causing the discrepancy but am at least glad it does not affect all models.

I will say that, as someone who mostly shoots 35-50-90mm equivalents with his Fujis, the larger viewfinder is a noticeable improvement over my X-Pro1 but not earth-shattering. Certainly it does not come close to the immersiveness of an M mount Voigtlander or Leica.

I will say that my experience with the 2/23 has been very positive, so I have to take issue with your claim that there is no good 35mm equivalent in the X mount. The lens does vignette heavily and I don't imagine that it comes anywhere close to T2.0 This vignetting results in high contrast that makes for lovely black and white pictures, particularly on overcast days. I think it has a similar rendering to the pre-ASPH 35mm Summilux, especially stopped down.

 

[jsrockit]

Actual use is better most of the time Judge... as you’ve seen for yourself.

 

[sevres_babylone]

I’ve decided that I have too much redundant Fuji gear... so I’m going to sell some and get an A7c. I will pair it with the Sigma 45mm 2.8 (need that aperture ring) which I just bought. ...

How are you liking the Sigma 45mm? I’m thinking of getting one, and have read/watched a number of reviews. I’m not bothered about the lack of sharpness at really close distances wide open, nor so much about the lack of complete weather sealing. I really like the rendering I’ve seen (and I like small lenses, and can’t afford the largish FE50mm 1.2 now anyway). Is there anything that disappointed you about it? I would use it on my A7C.

 

[jsrockit]

How are you liking the Sigma 45mm? I’m thinking of getting one, and have read/watched a number of reviews. I’m not bothered about the lack of sharpness at really close distances wide open, nor so much about the lack of complete weather sealing. I really like the rendering I’ve seen (and I like small lenses, and can’t afford the largish FE50mm 1.2 now anyway). Is there anything that disappointed you about it? I would use it on my A7C.

I think it’s a pretty good lens and I hadn’t noticed up close softness. There are a lot of lens corrections via a lens profile in Lightroom, but that’s quite typical these days. It’s perfect on the a7C. Have you looked at the new 40 and 50mm Sony G lenses? Similar size and also with aperture rings.

 

[sevres_babylone]

I think it’s a pretty good lens and I hadn’t noticed up close softness. There are a lot of lens corrections via a lens profile in Lightroom, but that’s quite typical these days. It’s perfect on the a7C. Have you looked at the new 40 and 50mm Sony G lenses? Similar size and also with aperture rings.

Thanks for the reply. From photographs I’ve seen online, I like the look from the Sigma better. The Sony lenses have better weatherproofing, I believe, but I bought the kit lens for that. This is more of a want than a need; on my A7SII, the ZM50 has been the lens I’ve used most since I bought that camera 4 years ago. Wouldn’t mind an autofocus relatively fast lens in that range though.

 

[Evergreen States]

Actual use is better most of the time Judge... as you’ve seen for yourself.

Since I made that comment, I went on vacation, got home and pulled the trigger on a Dura Black X-Pro3. Handling it in person was the confidence I needed. I've had it for I think two weeks now and I've yet to take a good picture with it, which is entirely on me. I'm relieved that the files aren't terribly different in feel from my X-Pro1s. But the performance of the camera is far better. Everything feels tighter and more assured and I feel like I can finally rely on the autofocus. There are no longer grounds for anyone to complain about the autofocus of the 60mm macro, and having a focus limiter is icing on the cake.