Quick X-Pro 1 Trip Report

David_Manning

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I hiked Morro Dois Irmãos in Rio de Janeiro today with the X-Pro 1 and the 35/1.4. My hiking partner carried an M8.

The XP1 handled the heat and humidity like a champ (even my sweaty hands). It was far lighter than any SLR rig I've used. It's shutter was quieter than the Leica.

A very nice thing the XP1 could do which will be nice for M240 shooters (and a usability advantage over the M8 today) is live view. I hate heights (even though I'm a pilot...go figure) and near the sheer granite cliffs, I could use the rear EVF to hold the camera over my head when looking down to frame accurately (I can see the wisdom of image stabilization now...my knees were shaking...maybe XP2?).

I also borrowed my friend's 21mm Elmarit (I use a Kipon LM-FX M-mount adapter), and while on the summit I shot at F16 hyperfocally and activated the finder EVF for perfect framing.

It was a very flexible rig and I'm happy to report the XP1 operated like a professional camera should.

Bonus: since it's M-sized, it disappeared a bit in my hands and didn't draw attention while shooting in the Vidigal favela afterward (it's on a Gordy's wrist strap if not in the bag). I wouldn't have cruised around with a dSLR around my neck there.

I hope someone finds this user feedback useful. I'll post some pictures when I return home this weekend.
 
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Even inverted in a Navy trainer, I knew I couldn't fall out of the cockpit :D

I've decided I really need the XF18/2 lens. Exploring with a 50mm is great, but sometimes you just need a 28.
 
the 18 is a very good lens...i like it anyway...a great compliment to the 35 and a nice small size as a bonus.
it's a good 2 lens kit.
 
Yes, the 18 & the 60 are good lenses and compliment the X-Pro1 & 35 mm. I had a DSLR up to yesterday but its now been traded in for a new 23 mm. It's an odd lens, that 23 mm, as it has a body attached to it too and has some letters on it — X100s?
It takes a while to get used to using the optical viewfinder an the parallax view but with the EVF, it works a treat.
 
Just a bit more "user" information...

I was on Corcovado, where the Christ the Redeemer statue is, for about two hours in the 90-degree heat and humidity, no shade. The camera was physically very warm, but operated flawlessly. Leaving tonight for the U.S. and I hope to have a few pictures up around Monday.
 
Just got home this morning, some shots...

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Thanks guys.

SilverEfex Pro 2 for the b&w conversion. Local dodge and burn, grain, and contrast. No sharpening.

I used the Leica 21mm Elmarit for the shots on top of the mountain (the diving bird).
 
Nice shots.

Btw I am scared of heights as well.. That shot of your friend by the edge.. Man not for me. Nice capture of your friend and the bird.

Gary
 
If you look at the shadows, you can tell the bird passed his face by about three feet. It had just started its dive (talons out). Crazy.

The X-Pro 1 handled well, and felt professional in hand. I didn't secretly regret leaving the 5DmkII at home. I just wish I had that 18mm for the favelas...they're pretty tight.
 
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