Is all the excitement rational?

[Phantomas]

Here's a thought - looking at the diagram explaining the viewfinder, it shows LCD panel beaming into OVF from the same position as the mirror in RF. Crazy idea - the patch area in OVF mode reflects the image from LCD panel and thus also gives at least faint visual confirmation of focus. Just speculating......
Heh, that would make it almost a real rangefinder!

 

[DNG]

What this doesn't have is rangefinder focusing. So while you have an optical VF and EVF, I don't think you can focus without the EVF, unless scale focus. Or am I missing something?

I have read on other forum that the tech is there to have an "Electronic" two image RF. After all, it does overlay Digital info while using the OVF. But, there would need to be a mask from the EVF sensor to overlay in the center of the OFV.... Could happen..

You MF as on a u4/3... A magnified view in the EVF, BUT, with a sliding DOF scale (as on a MF lens) under the image.

 

[ferider]

Here's a thought - looking at the diagram explaining the viewfinder, it shows LCD panel beaming into OVF from the same position as the mirror in RF. Crazy idea - the patch area in OVF mode reflects the image from LCD panel and thus also gives at least faint visual confirmation of focus. Just speculating......
Heh, that would make it almost a real rangefinder!

Not only almost, it would make it a real rangefinder since lens and vf are apart. Meaning you focus, and the patch would move. If done correctly, when optical and LCD image coincide, you are in focus.

Just a question of firm/software, no additional hardware required. We've asked for this since a couple of years, and now it's there.

 

[BobYIL]

Rational? Certainly... The X100 has contributed as a new concept more than a new camera. A few points:

- Viewfinder: A third and a very effective alternative has been introduced over the conventional optical rangefinder and the available electronic viewfinders like the VF-2 or the one on the GH-2.

- Higher ISO capability than the digital M Leicas, Epsons, etc.

- AF... From now on we can start dreaming of AF with digital RF; a breakthrough.

- Very cost effective design: A lens with such MTF curves plus the camera costs a fraction of a similar lens from Leica or almost the same as a lens by Zeiss. Also, when the X101 is offered with a different FL than 35mm, most probably it will come with a comparable price tag.

- Probably a redefinition of optimal sensor size for the future RF cameras: Yes, the X100 has shown that a digital camera with a fine RF and AF features could well be offered with a body size smaller than the conventional rangefinders and probably lighter than them all. The X100 has opted for a 12MP sensor, most probably for higher ISO capability whereas there could be another option with the 16MP sensor.

I regard the X100 quite revolutionary, suddenly a camera is appearing to be accepted by many as being their dream camera. In the rangefinder kingdom I personally have witnessed only one camera that caused this much excitement: The M9.

 

[tbarker13]

I'd say its pretty rational for this particular group of users - as it really strikes a lot of the right chords for people who frequent this forum.
But I don't think the reaction here is even close to representative of most camera users. This little camera is just too limiting for the vast majority of potential customers - particularly at that price point.
Those used to seeing Leica prices may see it as a bargain. But most people will view it as an expensive toy.

 

[DNG]

I have read on other forum that the tech is there to have an "Electronic" two image RF. After all, it does overlay Digital info while using the OVF. But, there would need to be a mask from the EVF sensor to overlay in the center of the OFV.... Could happen..

You MF as on a u4/3... A magnified view in the EVF, BUT, with a sliding DOF scale (as on a MF lens) under the image.

Not only almost, it would make it a real rangefinder since lens and vf are apart. Meaning you focus, and the patch would move. If done correctly, when optical and LCD image coincide, you are in focus.

Just a question of firm/software, no additional hardware required. We've asked for this since a couple of years, and now it's there.

You have said it much more logically than I, ... That's What I want ....This would be a true break-through in VF technology for sure.

 

[Phantomas]

Not only almost, it would make it a real rangefinder since lens and vf are apart. Meaning you focus, and the patch would move. If done correctly, when optical and LCD image coincide, you are in focus.

Just a question of firm/software, no additional hardware required. We've asked for this since a couple of years, and now it's there.

The patch doesn't behave in the same manner as RF (overlap/align). It would however be a start if it mirrored that small area from LCD and visually make it slightly more contrasty in focusing process. But I have no clue what kind of masking is applied in optical viewfinder to accommodate that. The real RF type focusing would require LCD movement, or at least some kind of simulation of that.
The camera's geared for AF though. In some diagrams I've seen focus squire all over the screen, but on the test model it was permanently central.

 

[DNG]

As far as the OP,
I will sell my Pentax K20d, Pentax Grip, DA 16-45, Sigma EX 105mm f/2.8 DF/DG macro, Sigma APO 70-300 .....
To buy this camera. "Sight-Un-Seen", it should perform at least as well as aging K20d. and, I haven't used the K20d in 3 months anyway, just my M5 or G1. And, I haven't missed any opportunities either.

And, if the speculation of front mounted aux tele or wide pan out....even better!

 

[ferider]

To be honest, on my Hexar AF, with AF pre-focus, focus confirmation and recompose, I never missed a patch.

 

[Paul T.]

To be honest, on my Hexar AF, with AF pre-focus, focus confirmation and recompose, I never missed a patch.

TO be honest, me too.

I don't think the Fuji will have as good autofocus as the Hexar (which uses active IR). There have been odd action shots I've grabbed on the Hexar (a friend leaping between trees to catch a rope, laughing in terror) which would not work, I"m pretty certain, with contract detection autofocus. But if it's better than the GF1, with its other advantages, I can live with it, especially if I can zone focus (more or less impossible with the GF1).

I think if this camera does well, then we might get a follow up with RF focusing (which is simple engineering, now they've developed that VF) and two or three interchangeable lenses, rather like the old G1/G2 or X Pan setup.

 

[johnny9fingers]

I like what I see so far, and the March 11 release date is perfect as it gives me time to save for the purchase. Plus, I'm sure we will learn more and more about the final product as the release date approaches. There is a lot of whining about the fixed lens, but that is a liberating feature, and like most folks, this won't be our only camera. I will continue to use and enjoy my E-PL1 and it's assortment of lenses. And if this is like some have said the first of new breed of camera from Fuji, all the better. To paraphrase Neil Armstrong,
One small step for Fuji, One giant leap for digital photography.

 

[RayPA]

... so no pre-deposit from me ...

That doesn't surprise me one bit, Ted. 😛


/

 

[paulfish4570]

Well, it would really excite me if I knew I'd have a spare K in March.
I am not excited ...

 

[ampguy]

well Ray

well Ray

It's like what my twitter buddy Lilo once told me - "it's never too late to start preparing for abstinence" ...

That doesn't surprise me one bit, Ted. 😛


/

 

[tlitody]

Is all the excitement rational?

c'mon it's photokina week. That means christmas for photographers and we can all behave like big kids (not that we don't normally). It's the silly season and will be over in a week or two and normality will return. In the mean time let's all join in and have a bit of fun. What's to be rational about?

 

[semilog]

Rational? Certainly... The X100 has contributed as a new concept more than a new camera. A few points:

...I regard the X100 quite revolutionary, suddenly a camera is appearing to be accepted by many as being their dream camera. In the rangefinder kingdom I personally have witnessed only one camera that caused this much excitement: The M9.

+1.

And the M9 was never so interesting to me because its price made it – for my purposes – not merely irrational, but absurd.

 

[NIKON KIU]

I regard the X100 quite revolutionary, suddenly a camera is appearing to be accepted by many as being their dream camera. In the rangefinder kingdom I personally have witnessed only one camera that caused this much excitement: The M9.

Bob,
You missed the release of the M8 around here, example:
http://rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27452
http://rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29642
http://rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24418
We had multiple threads with thousands of views. It was by far the most controversal camera ever.

Kiu

 

[NickTrop]

I don't think it's irrational at all. Traditional street shooters have been waiting 10 years for a suitable/affordable digital for this style of photography - a fast 35mm lens + good sensor in a small package with an OVF and dials for key controls instead of menus. Instead, manufactures served up mostly soccer mom silver compacts with slow lenses - digital "point-n-shooters" with slow zooms and terrible low-light performance, large DSLRs designed to be used with a slow zoom, compact super zooms with even worse low light performance... etc. The digital equivalent of a compact fixed (or interchangeable) lens rangefinder with a fast lens and good high ISO capability for street photography has been largely absent and thus far, the few equivalent offerings in this subcategory have either been too expensive (Leica), or arguably have had too many compromises (4/3), or EVLS. There has been some pent up frustration w/in some photographic circles because with the zillion digital cameras that have been put out to market, why hasn't there been one that fits the fairly common bill that's also reasonably priced? It's not too much to ask, really, given the digital deluge of seemingly everything else under the sun except this kind of camera. And - at least from the looks of things, Fuji was the first one to meet this demand. I would categorize all this as "a high level of interest" instead of "irrational excitement" and a collective "FINALLY!!!" from the photographic community. It's exacerbated because Fuji makes great stuff, and to most the camera is quiet a looker - something you'd be proud to carry around.

 

[cam]

I don't think it's irrational at all. Traditional street shooters have been waiting 10 years for a suitable camera for this style of photography - a fast 35mm lens + good sensor in a small package with an OVF and dials for key controls instead of menus. In essence, the digital equivalent of a fixed-lens rangefinder from yesteryear. Thus far, the offerings in this subcategory have either been too expensive (Leica), or arguably have had too many compromises (4/3). There has been some pent up frustration w/in some photographic circles because with the zillion digital cameras that have been put out to market, why hasn't there been one that fits the fairly common bill that's also reasonably priced? It's not too much to ask, really. And - at least from the looks of things, Fuji was the first one to meet this demand. I would categorize all this as "a high level of interest" and a collective "FINALLY!!!" from the photographic community. It's exacerbated because Fuji makes great stuff, and to most the camera is quiet a looker - something you'd be proud to carry around.

if they had an applause smiley, i would use it. as they don't, chapeau!

 

[jsrockit]

The digital equivalent of a compact fixed (or interchangeable) lens rangefinder with a fast lens and good high ISO capability for street photography has been largely absent and thus far, the few equivalent offerings in this subcategory have either been too expensive (Leica), or arguably have had too many compromises (4/3), or EVLS.

Makes me think we are all a smaller niche then we think we are...