What do you recommend, M8 - Fuji x-Pro1

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xavi

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Hi guys,
i'm thinking about sell my M8 (even my M4 ) and move to the new Fuji X-PRO1. What do you think?
thanks
 
keep the M8.

sell me your M4...for cheap! :)

i like the X-Pro 1, but i recently cross shopped the M8 and the X-Pro 1 and just didn't feel anything as inspiring about the Fuji as I did about the M8. the M8 felt more natural and more inspiring to use.
 
xavi said:
Hi guys,
i'm thinking about sell my M8 (even my M4 ) and move to the new Fuji X-PRO1. What do you think?
thanks
Click to expand...

Do what you think will pose the greatest advantage to your photography and don't worry about it.

However, if you plan to use your Leica lenses, note that the Fuji X-pro1 does not work with them as well as the M8 does, and presents a trickier image processing problem when working with raw files in particular.

If you're going to buy a whole Xpro1 kit, lenses included, I'm sure it will perform well.
 
I had both the xpro and m8 in my hands for a month of testing (I owned the M8 for 4 years prior). For me and maybe for you the digital camera is for color use. I keep my m5 and some film SLR's for 35mm B+W. The xpro1 was the clear choice for which camera to keep so I sold the m8. Too many advantages over the m8 in regards to IQ. Cleaner files at all ISO. No IR issues. Lenses of equal IQ to some of the leica counterparts at fractional costs. The build quality of the fuji is good and consistent but in no way equal to the leica which is fantastic IMO. This was the only area the leica was "better". Of course if you want a digital rangefinder the fuji is not even an option. It shoots more like an SLR as I prefer the EVF for most uses. The OVF is also not a Rangefinder experience. All those things said the Fuji output is superior and also superb.
OK, there is my 2c
 
I own and use both. If you want a Leica rangefinder (or a mechnical RF), the X-Pro1 will not do. If you don't care about the mechanical RF, then the X-Pro1 is the more versatile camera. Also, if you are thinking of using your leica lenses on the fuji, there are better options. It does not excel (note, I said excel) at legacy lens use.

As far as the output from the X-Pro1 being better... at low ISOs I'm not so sure. The M8 has a particular look with colors that are very kodak (slide/chrome) in appearance. Also, its files, with all but the oldest or cheapest of lenses, are super sharp.

Honestly...
 
If you allow me to deviate from the question: why not get a D3200 with cheap pre-AI Nikkor lenses?

Pros:
  • Pre-AI lenses are cheap because nobody wants them for their 'big' DSLR
  • You have an optical VF with a focus confirmation dot in the lower left corner. It's not a RF but neither is the X-pro1.
  • ISO and shutter speed are sufficient for almost all situations
  • with the kit lens you get AF too, and VR is also possible
  • Any chipped lens will give you a working exposure meter
  • the 25 MP sensor wipes out both options you asked about
  • It's a fraction of the price of either option you asked about
  • It's new and if the LCD screen fails you can at least get it fixed
  • It's hardly any bigger or heavier than either of the options you asked about

Cons:
  • you will not have aperture priority
  • you will not have a working exposure meter in the camera (could be a pro: more M4 style!)
  • you will not be considered a 'real photographer' unless you mount something obviously antique on the camera, like the Nikkor-S 1.4/58mm :cool: which can be had for about USD 150 in pre-AI and turns into a perfect 1.4/85mm on the D3200 :cool::cool:



Cross-posted from the 'Show your SLR' thread:
attachment.php
 
Johan has good points. but my impression is that non-AI lenses are only little cheaper than AI versions, if in similar condition.

since selling M8, been missing the rangefinder camera with manual focus lenses. if one learns it and adapts to it, no manual focus SLR or autofocus camera give same experience.
 
I would NOT buy X-Pro1 now when we are just 2 weeks from Photokina. Many new cameras will be announced and it may well be that for example the Fuji Ex-1 that should be then announced will top the X-Pro1 in performance for less money (no OF though).
 
Thank you guys. I'll Remember everything you say... Why? I can say that is by having a more agile camera for street photography and reportage. I remember when I went from the M4 (you have) to the Contax G2. Not forgiving image quality and i won in versatility . I think some similar can happen with the M8 and Fuji. In addition to having a newer technology and more resolution (that everytime goes well).
Thanks again
 
xavi said:
Thank you guys. I'll Remember everything you say... Why? I can say that is by having a more agile camera for street photography and reportage. I remember when I went from the M4 (you have) to the Contax G2. Not forgiving image quality and i won in versatility . I think some similar can happen with the M8 and Fuji. In addition to having a newer technology and more resolution (that everytime goes well).
Thanks again
Click to expand...

I would try the Fuji first... the AF may be too slow for you for street work.

AND while the X-Pro1 is not a rangefinder....it is a lot closer than a DSLR is. The body shape is there, the old school shutter speed dials and aperture rings, the OVF, etc.
 
I use an X100 along side the M8 and found the RF focus system is so much better in many situations where I need precision. Manual focus. The Fuji is versatile and clean in ISO, but again the Leica has a unique look and character in the files. They are two totally different cameras. The fuji is fantastic in the dark. I have shot images at 1/6 handheld at F/2 ISO 3200 and had fantastic results. That's hard for me with even the Leica.
 
Matus said:
I would NOT buy X-Pro1 now when we are just 2 weeks from Photokina. Many new cameras will be announced and it may well be that for example the Fuji Ex-1 that should be then announced will top the X-Pro1 in performance for less money (no OF though).
Click to expand...


+1 what I wanted to say exactly. ;)
 
I've owned an M8 for several months, and recently bought an X Pro 1.

As you know, the M8 gives superb files in daylight at base ISO. It's pretty bad in low light. The Fuji is excellent in low light. You can shoot at ISO 3200 at 1/9 second handheld and get great results.

The Fuji autofocus is actually pretty good. I don't really understand the complaints, but then I've been manually focusing rangefinders for the past year and a half. Anyway, it would seem that the next firmware will make AF even better.

The OVF is fantastic. The EVF is more than ok. I understand the XE1 has a better EVF, but I can't imagine that it would compensate for the lack of OVF. The Fuji feels like a very modern camera.

If I were you, I would try an XPRO1. I don't know what the distance selling regulations are like where you live, but in the UK you get 7 days approval. You will soon see if the AF and image quality are good enough for you.

If you like it, sell the M8.

The M8 is a lovely camera, but it's increasingly seeming like the insides don't match the outsides. It's like a suit of armour shielding a knight who has grown a little too old to fight. I imagine you're attached to yours, but let someone else whose curiosity needs satisfying have yours, and treat yourself to some up to date technology. It's Leica like in that it's very instinctual despite the fact that it's crammed full of tech.
 
I recommend you rent. I rented the X100 for a week and took it to photo shoots with me. I use different gear all the time on paid shoots. All of it I send back with no second thought. (including medium format cameras) I couldn't let go of the X100 when it was time to send it back. I ordered one the next day.

You will know for sure if its worth it or not if you spend a few non-committed days living with it.
 
I just did a little walk around in dusk with mine. Looks like I was taking pictures in the middle of the day. The only let down for the xpro at the moment is that I can't process Raw files in Capture One. But actually processing then in camera saves a lot of faffing about.
 
I guess it's important, as proposed before to rent both cameras and to see which one you prefer, both are capable of stunning imaging output.

both have their pro's and cons,

M8
+built
+real rangefinder experience
+less crop factor
+unmatched base iso
+unrivalled lenschoice (LTM-M) with rf coupling
-questionnable servicability?
-weak hi-iso
-for some it might me a problem with the 10mp resolution (not for me though)

X-pro1
+stunning (if not classleading) sensor
+perfect hi iso
+quick enough and 'decided' AF
- plastic (although optically good) lenses with modern rendering
- noises
- adapted lenses only by loupe and display magnification (kills the fun of direct interaction) althoug well implemented, and absolutely feasible for most subjects but for most this is the dealkiller.
- not a rangefinder but a 'rangefinder styled' mirrorless camera.

it's 2 completely different cameras imo, besides the body design they partly share (I'd definitely double think getting rid of the M8 and M4 for one...)

for me it's an M8 every day, all day

the Xpro1 was not for me, rattling noises during focusing, and the plastic lenses killed all the fun, I had with the great sensor.

but all of this is just my humble opinion, best is rent one and shoot, some dealers might give it out to you for a weekend, for a small cash deposit.
 
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