Just received my XPro1: Initial thoughts

[filmfan]

So I just got my Xpro1 in the mail w/ 35mm 1.4 and grip.

I really like this camera so far -- it's slightly larger in size than I expected after using the X100, but I think being able to shoot a 50mm equiv lens makes it worth it.

My initial gripes:

1. The 35mm 1.4 lens' aperture ring moves FAR too easily. I found I set it at mid-aperture and a few photos later, the aperture ring moved to 1.4 basically on it's own. Bad design. Any recommendations for ways to stiffen this up (I am doubtful there are any)

2. Fuji seems to have placed a whole lot of buttons right on the grip area of the camera. Bad design. I can't hold the camera without pressing 4-5 different buttons that take me into menu options. Is there a way to make some of these buttons inactive so I can actually hold the camera and shoot it?

3. It's so light that it feels cheap, but I am sure my shoulder will appreciate the lightness after walking with it for a while. I may add lead tape to base to make it feel heavier and more solid (I doubt I will actually do this).

4. The Fuji grip needs to be removed to change battery or SD card.

My initial likes:

A) Love the way it looks... Badass.

B) With use of a shutter release button, the ergonomics of the shutter area are great as it is slightly angled to form the hand.

C) Viewfinder is bright and clear like the X100. Love this.

D) Image quality from lens (sharp at mostly all apertures) and sensor (at high ISO especially).

C) Jpegs look great right out of the camera.

So far, I think I am going to keep this camera around for a while...

 

[shawn]

"1. The 35mm 1.4 lens' aperture ring moves FAR too easily. I found I set it at mid-aperture and a few photos later, the aperture ring moved to 1.4 basically on it's own. Bad design. Any recommendations for ways to stiffen this up (I am doubtful there are any)"

Is this a new lens? Mine doesn't move that easily.

"2. Fuji seems to have placed a whole lot of buttons right on the grip area of the camera."

Your hand should learn the setup and you should be able to avoid these soon. Took me a little while then it becomes natural.

Shawn

 

[Dogman]

1. The aperture rings on several Fuji lenses I have move easily. I've adjusted to it and it's no longer an issue.

2. If I remember right, I think you can turn off the 4-way control by holding the Menu button for a couple of seconds. If I'm wrong there is a way somehow. The best solution I have found to keep my thumb off the controls is a thumb rest/grip. I'm partial to the Lensmate brand.

3. It's light alright. But you will appreciate that while carrying it around. I advise against the lead tape.

4. Grip's not necessary. Thumb rest, yes...grip, not. (My opinion only. YMMV.). I think you'll be very happy with the XP1.

 

[rhl-oregon]

I concur on using a thumbs up to keep your thumb away from the comp dial, which is especially prone to unintended spin.

And: I've had the 35/1.4 since 2012, and my copy doesn't slip on the apertures.

 

[Jdi]

Agree with a thumb grip. It forces my hand up vertically a bit and provides some air between my lower thumb and controls. At first I didn't understand your #2 but I now realize it's my thumb grip.

#1, I have a really loose aperture ring on my 18. It's a rare event if it gets moved with either my e2 or xp1. I'd look at what you're doing that's causing it. Or a rubber band.

New bodies take adjusting to. Give it some time. I also came from an X100 and had similar first impressions. Took about a week to adjust to the xp1's size difference. If you could deal with the X100's cramped ergos, you're certainly not going to have issues with the xp1.

 

[filmfan]

Revisiting my gripes...

#1 - Still feels cheap and plastic-y for the aperture ring to move so easily and lightly.

#2 - I love the thumbs up idea. I'll get one.

#3 - Still feels light but no way will I go through the effort of adding lead tape.

#4 - No longer using hand grip once my thumbs-up arrives. Won't be an issue.

Nice JPEGS for ISO 6400!

1.

2.

3.

 

[rhl-oregon]

The first thing I did when I got my XE/35 in 2012 was shoot wide open at 6400. I loved it.

 

[darya151]

Really soulful images, beautiful

 

[nongfuspring]

My copy of the 35 1.4 also has a fairly loose aperture ring, my 18mm on the other hand is pretty stiff. It's only been an issue for me when taking the camera in and out of my bag.

The main thing that I think makes the X cameras feel cheap is their weight. I initially hated the "hollow" feeling, but while magnesium is very light it's also very tough. My lowly X-E1 has had drops that would seriously dent or warp a brass Leica M and just came away with scratches. It's been accidentally kicked across a room against a marble wall, dropped down stairs etc. - hasn't got a single dent or crack, just paint loss and scratches.

Honestly I would just get used to the weight, it might not feel as "significant" to hold as an M but the weight doesn't come at the expense of strength or durability. Some evidence: http://charlenewinfred.com/2014/02/23/a-camera-build-to-endure-klutzes-the-fuji-x-pro-1/ (my X looks at least as beat up)

 

[Jdi]

When a camera becomes a part of your daily living, as opposed to being used when one specifically goes out to shoot, light weight becomes pretty easy to get used to.

I've also dropped, hard, my X100's and XE1. Dents, scratches, work fine.

 

[Faintandfuzzy]

The light weight takes some getting used to. I was used to carting around heavy DSLRs for a lot of shooting. Carting around the Fuji all day is a breeze.