Fuji X-T1 Short Trip Report

[David_Manning]

I just returned from Hawaii, and I climbed the Haiku Steps ("Stairway to Heaven") with my X-T1.

I thought about taking the Leica M9 at first, but the ascent was made in the dark (summit push at 3AM), and it's moist, rainy, hot, cold, and misty very frequently (basically, it's climbing successively higher ridge lines in a rain forest until you get to the top).

I chose the X-T1 and 23/1.4 combo, and since the 23mm isn't weather sealed, didn't take any other lenses in order to avoid moisture on the sensor.

Shooting at high ISO at the summit was a lifesaver, impossible with the M9 and many smaller-sensor cameras. ISO 3200 or 6400 and f1.4 just absorbs light and makes usable images. The weather was awful for at least half the hike...misty and rainy, 82F (28C) at the bottom 59F (15C) at the top. I kept the camera inside my pack until I was at the top, where I began to make images. The wind was blowing about 25 knots with light rain, but the camera held tight. The lens got wet, even fogged a bit (as did the EVF), but I used my dry T-shirt under my rain shell (t-shirt...!!!) and it worked to clear the glass. The camera rode bandoleer-style across my body during the descent after daybreak, and got bumped quite a bit. The lens hit the railing a few times, no damage or scratches even, but the dials on the top plate moved around a bit.

Result...terrific images. Lots of faith now in the X-T1, both for low-light real-world usability, and it's ability to live in a harsh environment and work.

Thanks Fujifilm. Nice job for a real-world camera.

[/url]Stairway to Heaven, Hawaii by David's_silvershots, on Flickr[/IMG]

 

[David_Manning]

Link to other images on my Dropbox:

Stairway to Heaven images

 

[David_Manning]

Kinda surprised there isn't more love for the X-T1. I think it's a terrific camera.

 

[TXForester]

Just catching this thread. The camera is appealing. Very nice images.

 

[robert blu]

Good to know from real life experience the xt-1 can work in difficult wet situation.
robert

 

[Jamie Pillers]

David,
What do you think of the X-T1's EVF in bright daylight? So far I've been somewhat disappointed using EVFs in daylight… they all seem to lack enough dynamic range to see into the shadows when bright daylight is the overall scene.

 

[David_Manning]

Jamie, I think the EVF is a bit contrasty, especially since it actually shows a live-view of the film emulation that you've selected in the menu. In practice, the EVF is more contrasty than the RAW file that gets uploaded into my computer. So, I just know the image will have more dynamic range than the EVF is showing. More important to me is EVF refresh rate, and it's really fast...

I ordered a third-party VF shade/cup that helps keep stray light from reaching my eye when I'm framing. THAT should be included!

 

[jsrockit]

Fuji doesn't make junk...

http://petapixel.com/2014/10/29/fuji-x20-survives-3-months-rain-snow-bear-bites-wild-still-works/

 

[rybolt]

I just got an XT1 yesterday and have spent several hours with it. I'm coming from the X Pro 1 cameras which I still have. I found that I was sometimes missing focus in close up shots on the X Pro 1. I love the camera for everything else so I picked up the XT 1's to add to the arsenal. My first impression is that the EVF is so much sharper that I can now see exactly where my point of focus is. Also, I shoot all manual exposure and use the Preview Exposure in Manual setting. I find that the XT1, like the X Pro 1, is very close to accurate in judging the correct exposure by monitoring the image in the EVF. I rarely use the +- bar and never use the histogram. The only gripe I have with the body is that it's too small. I have the RRS-style grips on order and I think that will solve that problem.

 

[MCTuomey]

David, great pics! I'm trialing the X-T1 myself and so far very impressed with IQ, handling, carryability. I bought the accessory wide eye-cup when they became available, and find it helps with the EVF contrast issue.

 

[Ming The Merciless]

I've had my Fuji X-T1 since April. It is a splendid camera. I also have the battery grip which makes the camera more substantial and easier to grip.

 

[David_Manning]

I'm anxiously awaiting the XF 16-55 f2.8 lens, and the firmware update to allow high-speed shutter and more flexible video recording. Even though I'm really a prime kinda shooter, that zoom is so usable for travel...and it's so much smaller and lighter than ANY other 24-85 2.8 equivalent lens.

Once those two or three things are here, it's bye bye to my Canon FF gear.

 

[burancap]

I missed this thread the first time around. Breathtaking climb and wonderful images. I am going back to look again. The only thing holding me back on the XT, is the hope of an XP2.

 

[lxmike]

I have a 50th birthday next year and my parents want to treat me, they bought me my first SLR (Christmas 1980) and now they want to treat me again, so I intend to ask for a bit of help(financial) towards an XT1, I already have a x100, X Pro 1 and 18/2 and 35/1.4 lenses, the XT1 looks to be a very very good camera