FujiFilm X100F for Daily Use

[tbhv55]

I still use my original X100. I've never felt the need to upgrade to the newer models. It really is a joy to use. Aperture on the lens, ISO set to the function button. I have my jpegs set to black and white and if I want colour I work with the RAW image or do an in-camera conversion.

I used to have an original Sony RX100 as well and I loved that camera. I had that before I bought my X100. It came into contact with water and stopped working but I really miss that Sony so I think I'm going to get another one. My only complaint with the Fuji is that it doesn't shoot square. An RX100 and an X100 would cover pretty much all of my photographic needs. I'm not fond of carrying extra lenses and changing them when I am out shooting.

Likewise, I have the x100 (original) and an RX100 (original) - both somewhat ancient, in digicam terms.


I find them both excellent, and you're right - they cover *most* shooting requirements (when I'm not shooting film 🙂).

 

[Darthfeeble]

My original X100 was my go everywhere camera until I got the X-E3. I now have converted it to IR and it and the 3 share space in a small Domke bag that goes everywhere with me. I did find the 35mm FOV a bit restrictive so I have the wide angle converter on it all the time.

 

[willie_901]

Fuji's menus and settings (and lack of "save all") are a bit of a disappointment - just a bit - as I really do like the camera and I like Fuji's support of the X system.

Yes, it is a mystery that FUJIFILM does not support saving Menu configurations. Even if they requires one to use their mobile phone/tablet app to do the save would be an acceptable slution for many of us.

I have an X-Pro1, new from 2012, and aside from dealing with its menu quirkiness, my only other complaint is how easy it is to press a random button on the back inadvertently and not know what I changed or how to undo what I just did.

This is a real issue. A solution is to use the button lock function. Pressing and Menu/OK button for 2-3 seconds will lock many of the control buttons and display and can on the camera back and finder screens. Repeatig a 2-3 second press unlocks the buttons.

 

[willie_901]

@Magnus919 - very intriguing colours and compositions. How do you process your X100F images? What program do you use? I've long thought about a X100F but I'm wary of using Lightroom for X-Trans files.

Lightroom Classic CC has eliminated these issues. The X100F's increased pixel density is also plays a role in minimizing demoasicking artifacts.

I have been using XTrans cameras since 2012. In 2019 the Xtrans demosaicking differences are no longer an issue.

• Lightroom (and other platforms) are improved. With LR, the Enhance Details option can improve difficult regions. Enhance Details rendering is slower, so it's fortunate very XTrans few images require Enhance Details.
• When you make a large print you will never see the differences between Bayer and XTrans. What you observe during pixel peerping does not appear in print. A rare exception could be oif you maje a large print out of a highly cropped image.

However with LR it is important to use different rendering parameters than you use for Bayer sensors. Sharpening parameters are one important example but there are others. So there is a learning curve.

I will also say when I did pixel peeing comparisons between Nikon NEF and XTrans RAF I did see some advantages to XTrans renderings. I doubt these woukd ever be visible in prints.

Download some RAF files form sources I dare not link to on RFF and try them out for yourself.

 

[Requin]

What about the Fuji user interface? It seems to be an issue on other Websites.

 

[Pál_K]

What about the Fuji user interface? It seems to be an issue on other Websites.

Perhaps it has improved over the X-Pro1 - I'm not sure (I'm on firmware update 3.40).

Anyway, I found a few things totally confusing and not explained well in the manual. For example, I've assigned the Fn button to select different exposure settings - but it was not clear how to configure those settings. What I wanted was when I press Fn, a pop-up appears in the viewfinder that let's me choose from eight selections, So I have something like:

Fn1 = ISO 200, daylight,...
Fn2 = ISO 400, daylight,...
Fn3 = ISO 800, daylight,...
Fn4 = ISO 400, incandescent,...
Fn5 = ISO 800, incandescent,...
Fn6 = ISO 800, fluorescent,...

It took me a long time to figure out how to assign all the settings I wanted to a particular Fn selection.

Another thing I didn't realize with the X-Pro1, is that you have ***4*** possible views through the viewfinder:

1. A default optical view where you cannot add or remove what's in the display.
2. A default electronic view where you cannot add or remove what's in the display.
3. A custom optical view where you can choose what's in the display.
4. A custom electronic view where you can choose what's in the display.

You toggle between these by using both the front OVF/EVF selector and also the rear DISP button.

For about a year I thought only #3 and #4 existed and got confused when "somehow" my changes seemed to disappear and reappear at random (I didn't realize I'd hit the DISP button).

... A solution is to use the button lock function. Pressing and Menu/OK button for 2-3 seconds will lock many of the control buttons and display and can on the camera back and finder screens. Repeatig a 2-3 second press unlocks the buttons.

Willie - thanks for info on locking the buttons.

 

[ktmrider]

Well, the FujiX100F, Leica MP240, and I left on a six month round the world trip about five days ago. My starting point is the Philippines and it is still rainy season here. I have carried either the MP240 or X100F equally over the last few days. My only complaint about the X100F is its lack of weatherproofing. However, either camera fits nicely in a Hadley Small which is weatherproof.

I like to think of it as the modern version of the M2 which is my favorite film body. I have often said an M2 with 35mm is all you need. It is easy to shoot the X100F manual but even better is set everything to auto and the jpegs to either classic chrome or acros.

If I want interchangeable lenses, I shoot with the MP240. I ended up taking a Zeiss 25 Biogon, a new 50f1.2 Nokton (amazing lens) and the 90f2.8 Tele Elmarit. I left the 35 at home figuring the X100F had that focal length covered. So far, no complaints about the travel kit.

 

[Rob-F]

I still use my original X100. I've never felt the need to upgrade to the newer models. It really is a joy to use. Aperture on the lens, ISO set to the function button.

It is the same for me. I really like my X100! The viewfinder is one of the great things about it, along with its image quality and fairly small size. I don't use conversion lenses. When I'm shooting with the X100, I simply make its 35mm equivalent view work. Having only the one focal length keeps things simple.

 

[Yokosuka Mike]

...along with tits image quality and fairly small size.

I'm sold!

Thanks for what I'm guessing is a typo, best laugh I've had all week.

All the best,
Mike

 

[Rob-F]

Yep, and I think I had better fix it! 😱

 

[twopointeight]

You have to get to know the strengths and weaknesses of that 23mm lens. Sure, wide open, especially close, is soft and can flare, but it is a useful aperture for the right subject. Still, I back off a half click to 2.5 and avoid absolute close focus.

 

[ktmrider]

Well, if you compare the performance of the 23mm lens it certainly beats anything Leica markets. Close focus is 2cm while any Leica is 70cm? Don't get me wrong I have been shooting Leica since 1974 but I find it amusing when Leica fans start throwing stones at other systems.

 

[michaelwj]

Well, if you compare the performance of the 23mm lens it certainly beats anything Leica markets. Close focus is 2cm while any Leica is 70cm? Don't get me wrong I have been shooting Leica since 1974 but I find it amusing when Leica fans start throwing stones at other systems.

I agree. As a former Leica user I’d much prefer a slightly soft in focus close up than being stuck 50cm back focused. It was and still is my biggest issue with Leica, 70cm MFD. It turns the perfect intimate camera into taking a step back and out of the action. The X100 kills it in that regard. And it’s quieter too.

 

[Archlich]

Well, if you compare the performance of the 23mm lens it certainly beats anything Leica markets. Close focus is 2cm while any Leica is 70cm? Don't get me wrong I have been shooting Leica since 1974 but I find it amusing when Leica fans start throwing stones at other systems.

The X100 lens is often bashed for being soft (heavy spherical aberration) when shooting close up wide open. Yet It's quite curious that the similarly spec'd Leica X Typ 113, boasting a f/1.7 lens, is hardwired to begin stopping down when you focus closer than 1.2 metres (to f/2.8 at 0.2m) for "consistent high-quality output", regardless of user settings. Hmm.

Imagine the criticism if Fuji ever does that...

 

[EddieJ]

The x100 series, for me has been the camera that makes me want to shoot personally again.

I have used my X100S as my daily driver, since 2013.

A talisman. I have been round the roundabout with gear as a photo student, a photographer’s assistant for 7+ years (still learning), a professional 20+ years using Nikon & Hasselblad and now after 20 years as an academic. I still carry a camera out and about.

As a professional my Hassy kit 2x 500 CM bodies, 50mm, 80mm, 120 Makro, 180mm, Pola, PME, 2x 12a mags was *stolen. The fcukers took the Hassy kit but left the Rolleiflex. Go figure. I limped along with my Nikon FM + basic 20, 50 & 80-200. Pro Insurance allowed me to get the D3 & additional lenses.


*For those of you that have the misfortune of having your livelihood stolen or for that matter had anything stolen ..... that feeling deep down in your stomach is something that never goes away.


Some 10+ year later. In April 2017 - traded all my Nikon D3 + 6 lenses for a Leica M4 BP + Summilux 50. Great camera (bought me back to my student days of 35mm and one lens). However after shooting and processing (yet to scan). In the end I still prefer to shoot with my Rolleiflex 2.8E. My years of 35mm as a student then shooting with 120 6x6.

That Sq was really where my decision to pursue my career came about.

April 2018 and an opportunity to adopt a user M6 and my perchance *maybe an itch for a 35 Summicron Asph came my way. Funny thing is I still prefer to shoot with the Rolleiflex. I think I’m crazy, however I am a photographer.

So for now, I still carry my x100s shoot B&W Yellow RAW + JPG it has for me a filmic look. 400 ISO, WB Auto, NR -2, L -3:2, H +1, S -0, Sharp +2, ND assigned to FN, EV -1/3 -2/3. BTL shutter gives me a Hassy fuzzy feeling 🙂

As for the battery.
I carry a spare.
I do not use the rear LCD.
Only OVF.
I simply shoot 2/3 frames.
I take the SD card out and view images via my 2011 MacBook Air.
Thinking about getting a SD dongle for the iPad Air 2.


**The best part about my Leica gear is the following:
1. The equipment has appreciated in value.
2. Should I decide to sell/trade I’ll always be ahead. I plan to leave with my kids and work it out with them as who gets the Rolleiflex 2.8E, M4 BP Summilux 50 &/or M6 Summicron 35 Asph.
3. Same cannot be said for the Nikon.


Finally, I know digital will always depreciate faster and newer sensors will supersede. However the x100 series back in 2012 heralded a new way of seeing. I am still seeing.

 

[Archiver]

I have mixed feelings about the X100 (original). The form factor, hybrid VF, everything about its handling is great. The files are pretty decent, too. But I still have issues with the colour, even after years of owning it and attempting to tweak a decent Lightroom preset for the raws. Sometimes I love the colours, other times not, and I am still figuring out how to make them 'right' for me. I'll be going on an annual photowalk next weekend, and my normal camera for that is the M9, Ricoh GXR, or Sigma DP1 (original), but I'm considering taking my X100 because it feels so good to shoot. If I can get the colour right, then I'd be very happy.

 

[willie_901]

What about the Fuji user interface? It seems to be an issue on other Websites.

The "Fuji user interface" relies on outdated user interface technology. This is frustrating. It is especially frustrating for people who are familiar and comfortable using outdated user interface technologies with Nikon, Canon, SONY, etc, etc. products. It is especially frustrating to try and use an inflexible user interface in a manner the assembly language programmers didn't intend it to be used.

Years ago I spent a week trying to set my X-Pro 1 as I set up my Nikon D700. I finally realized my time should be spent learning how to set up the X-Pro 1 to make the most out of it's capabilities instead of trying to emulate the Nikon experience.

 

[kshapero]

Fuji X100f in the rain. How does it hold up? I know it is not weather sealed but having a permanent lens attached has to be of some help. Any experiences?

 

[tbhv55]

Fuji X100f in the rain. How does it hold up? I know it is not weather sealed but having a permanent lens attached has to be of some help. Any experiences?

I don't have much in the way of experience to offer on this, except to say that my x100 (first version) has been used a few times in light rain, and has never suffered a problem from that. I don't think I'd want to take the risk of using it in heavy rain.

FWIW, I've seen anecdotal evidence of x100 series cameras surviving fairly extreme conditions. The trouble is that there's no way to prove the point, other than by trying it - and, of course, that has the attendant risk of expensive problems. 😱

 

[jjcha]

A friend has had to have his x100f serviced twice due to shooting in the rain. Apparently water leaks in through the dials and the like. He’s not the type to abuse it (ie he had an umbrella but it still got somewhat wet) so it’s not like he dunked it or anything.

Me on the other hand, I sometimes shoot the same way and never had an issue. I don’t know if he’s unlucky or i’m lucky.

But the camera is not weather resistant so I’d be careful if you’re concerned.