Potential Fuji XT-2 purchase

[kxl]

After owning and using it for some time, I just could not connect with my Sony A7R and sold it. However, I would like to have a reasonably affordable digital body for my M-mount lenses (21-25-35-50). I thought about the newer Sony bodies primarily because they were full frame, but the more I read about the Fuji bodies, the more they seem like a better fit for me.

With a $500 instant rebate for a new XT-2, the price is certainly right. For now, I’ll probably just get a Fuji adapter and later a separate adapter for the CV 35/1.2 (which I hear is not compatible with the Fuji adapter). Then at some later date, possibly get the 23mm and 56mm.

I did think about the X-Pro2 as well but for the same price, I’d rather have a brand new body rather than a used one.

I do have a whole slew of Nikon DSLR gear so the Fuji purchase will be complementary rather than my only system.

Any thoughts - pros or cons?

Any gotchas that I should be aware of?

Thanks,
Keith

 

[BillBingham2]

Interesting, FF on the Sony vs APs on the Fuji. Very different layout/feel. Aggressive price on the Fuji, wonder why.....

B2 (;->

 

[kxl]

Interesting, FF on the Sony vs APs on the Fuji. Very different layout/feel. Aggressive price on the Fuji, wonder why.....

B2 (;->

For my intended complementary use, the prices on the Sony bodies are difficult to justify. Also, two of my favorite lenses are the 21mm and 25mm Biogons, which do not perform well on the A7 bodies (edge smearing). While I would prefer a full frame body, I would have to get the Kolari mod of I got another Sony body. I’m hoping an APS-C body would mitigate the edge smearing. Lastly, try as I might, I just could not connect with the Sony handling and with the A7R, that nailgun shutter sound.

 

[gavinlg]

Thought about getting an m9 or even m8 for your M lenses? I've used a few manual lenses on all sorts of digital bodies and have never found it particularly satisfying.

I do have a few adapters for my x-t1 but barely use my manual lenses on it because the Fuji lenses just work so much better.

If you stick with the 23/56 fujinons, the xt/xp cameras are definitely one of the best setups in the digital AF world - I'd love a full 35mm sensor but the control layout on these cams is worth the smaller sensor size - Just so nice to use.

 

[Darthfeeble]

Take a look at the X-E3, it's a dream with my M mount lenses.

 

[helen.HH]

I have used the Xpro1,XE2, XT1, XE3
and by far the XT1 for me had the BEST BIGGEST BRIGHTEST VF
so i would think the XT2 would be even better

 

[jordan.dickinson]

I was resistant to the Fuji X series because I was a huge advocate of full frame cameras and always felt I’d be missing out if I went for a crop sensor for some reason. In the last 10 years though, mirrorless has changed so much and the offerings from Nikon/Canon have become dull, and companies like Fuji and Sony have excelled to an incredible level. Ive owned an M8, M9 and had a Nikon D700 for years. Eventually I got rid of all of my digital gear and was shooting and buying a lot of Leica gear and other film equipment. In the last year, however, I did my research and finally pulled the trigger on an XT-2 after months of deliberation. I have to say that I’m immensely impressed in the color, ease of use, build quality and the LENSES. I have the 23 f2, 35 f2, 2 f2.8, the 56 f1.2 and the 16mm 1.4. They are all fantastic in my opinion and am really enjoying digital again, for the first time in a long time. With that said, I just yesterday got a second XT-2 as a backup because of the discount and on a trade in I had at my local shop. If you like the few of the camera, either the XT-2 or the Xpro2, i think you’ll be very happy. My only issue with the XT-2 so far is just the grip. I bought the external battery grip and the stand alone grip. They both help a ton for my average hand size but felt it was hard to hold comfortably without them. I don’t know if this helps but I am definitely enjoying the Fuji X cameras so far.

 

[kxl]

Thought about getting an m9 or even m8 for your M lenses?

I thought about that too, but I'd like to have an AF option along with M-mount lenses.

I have used the Xpro1,XE2, XT1, XE3
and by far the XT1 for me had the BEST BIGGEST BRIGHTEST VF
so i would think the XT2 would be even better

Thanks Helen. I'm looking forward to it.

I did my research and finally pulled the trigger on an XT-2 after months of deliberation. I have to say that I’m immensely impressed in the color, ease of use, build quality and the LENSES I don’t know if this helps but I am definitely enjoying the Fuji X cameras so far.

That does help. I actually just pulled the trigger on the body plus a grip. The $500 discount was too difficult to resist. I also ordered a Metabones adapter and extra batteries.

I'm holding off on the Fuji AF lenses for now, but I do expect that I will be purchasing them soon. I'm really looking forward to shooting this!

Thanks all!
-Keith

 

[ruby.monkey]

Having just updated from an X-T1 to an X-T2, I'd say that although the X-T2's finder doesn't seem really any brighter than the X-T1's, it does seem much crisper and clearer.

As for native Fuji lenses, it's hard to go wrong with the 35mm f/1.4. It renders beautifully and they're cheap as chips nowadays.

 

[FranZ]

Funny, I just did the opposite, and moved from an X-T2 to an A7R3.
Although I like the shooting experience of the fuji's much and much better (have owned an XP1 and XT1 also and the A73R is more like a computer) The sony line has a few - for me - very relevant features over the fuji's:
- better sensor with higher DR
- IBIS and OIS
- very good EVF
- amazing Eye AF
Sizewise the XT-2 with my 16-55 and the A7R3 with the 24-105 are practically equal, although the latter is a bit heavier.
XP2 with the fujicrons and the newly announces 16mm would be fine, but I enjoy the freedom of the 24-105. (The 23 f 1.4 and the 56 1.2 block the OVF on the XP1 and 2)
Both lines are amazing in their own right and I wish you luck with this tough decsicion

 

[bushwick1234]

Fuji's images and film simulations are undoubtedly great. I have the X100S and just purchased last week the T-X1 with the 28mm f2 lens, however, the camera is tiny as a toy, I don't know where to put my fingers and the thumb always hits unintentionally a button and changes a critical setting. I think I will pull out of my pelican case my ragged Leica M8 and my 'cron again! Fuji X-system lens selection isn't terrific anyway...

 

[willie_901]

kxl

Buying the grip is a good idea. I used one all the time on my X-T1.

If you use raw files it's likely optimum results will require very different image rendering parameters due to differences in the XTrans demosaicking process. Once you get them dialed in to your taste, everything will be fine. Sharpening parameters differences are the most important. I start with the LR CC FUJIFILM film simulation Profiles. The B&W FUJFILM profiles are also useful starting points.

The XF primes go on sale now and then. I really like the 18/2, 23/2 and 35/2 reportage lenses for my projects.

I never use/used adapted lenses. But the X-T2 MF focus aids will be useful. It could take some experimentation to optimize the AF menu parameters for how you work. Here's a link for the FUJIFILM web site dedicated to their AF technology and how to use it. There's a MF section.

 

[cz23]

I was resistant to the Fuji X series because I was a huge advocate of full frame cameras and always felt I’d be missing out if I went for a crop sensor for some reason....

I recently went from digital M to X100F, mainly for AF, but I'm disappointed in the files. I shoot 90% BW, and while I love the X100F usage experience, the APS-C files just don't have the depth, richness, and smoothness of tonal transitions. Maybe with color the difference isn't as apparent, but with BW it's pretty obvious to me.

I'm not sure what to do about it, but wanted to share my experience, since the OP is considering a similar move.

John

 

[kxl]

kxl

Buying the grip is a good idea. I used one all the time on my X-T1.

If you use raw files it's likely optimum results will require very different image rendering parameters due to differences in the XTrans demosaicking process. Once you get them dialed in to your taste, everything will be fine. Sharpening parameters differences are the most important. I start with the LR CC FUJIFILM film simulation Profiles. The B&W FUJFILM profiles are also useful starting points.

The XF primes go on sale now and then. I really like the 18/2, 23/2 and 35/2 reportage lenses for my projects.

I never use/used adapted lenses. But the X-T2 MF focus aids will be useful. It could take some experimentation to optimize the AF menu parameters for how you work. Here's a link for the FUJIFILM web site dedicated to their AF technology and how to use it. There's a MF section.

Thanks for the tips. I do have a workflow in Adobe CC for color and B&W (Silver EFEX) but I would like to try the Fuji profiles and compare.

I’ll check out the Fuji website and as for AF lenses, I will probably stay tuned for more aggressive pricing from Fuji.

Thanks everyone!

 

[helen.HH]

I recently went from digital M to X100F, mainly for AF, but I'm disappointed in the files. I shoot 90% BW, and while I love the X100F usage experience, the APS-C files just don't have the depth, richness, and smoothness of tonal transitions. Maybe with color the difference isn't as apparent, but with BW it's pretty obvious to me.

I'm not sure what to do about it, but wanted to share my experience, since the OP is considering a similar move.

John

hmmm John,
I beg to differ... the latest Fuji Sensor coupled with 24mp & acros film simulation is just Wonderful ~ I really dig it

not great shots below, but what I love is the 3D pop, punch and the rich inky blacks with gradations of tones , pretty much straight out of camera




something fishy ... by Helen Hill, on Flickr








Demolition Man ... by Helen Hill, on Flickr

 

[helen.HH]

though I do not shoot much Color
I very much like the latest Fuji palatte ... bright crisp reds




waiting for the next move by Helen Hill, on Flickr

 

[helen.HH]

my only gripe with Fuji is sometimes things seem a tad fuzzy , not as refined sharp but that could be my 'EYES' more than the way the sensor /lens draws

 

[kxl]

Helen - love the images! Reds are reds but the overall color palette seems muted, which is appropriate for the image. I like the 3D pop and the ACROS film simulation. I want to compare that with my B&W workflow using Silver EFEX.

Thanks,
Keith

 

[Mark A. Fisher]

Great work Helen. I've always admired your sensibilities and your talent, and I have to agree with your assessment of the Fujis for b/w. I seem to have pretty consistent tonal range throughout, and I use mine almost exclusively in b/w - not with your skills, certainly, but I am happy with my results.

 

[cz23]

hmmm John,
I beg to differ... the latest Fuji Sensor coupled with 24mp & acros film simulation is just Wonderful ~ I really dig it

not great shots below, but what I love is the 3D pop, punch and the rich inky blacks with gradations of tones , pretty much straight out of camera

Sure, those look fine. I don't want to sound like a FF bigot, but to my eye X-Trans doesn't match digital M BW richness. And I suspect that would also hold for the A7R series, which the OP uses.

John