Which Fuji for an M9 user?

[nightfly]

Been aware of the Fujis for awhile but never had too much interest. However I'm looking for a lighter, smaller and less expensive alternative for my m9 for travel and the Fuji offerings are so numerous I figured someone here has probably already gone through this.

Basically, want something that will get out of my way as much as possible, that I can use manually like the m9. Don't want to mess around with menus. Will shoot mostly color. Probably RAW but the Chrome setting looks intriguing. I generally like the color quality of the RAW files from the M9 for their film like, Kodachrome look.

I'm not concerned with ridiculously high iso or anything like that. Probably buy 1 or 2 lenses for travel, something on the wider side and something on the longer side. Main goal is light weight, good handling and pleasing color files without a lot of post.

Recommendations? From my initial searching the XE-2and the XT-10 look like the best options although a dedicated ISO dial like the XT1 would be nice. It's the one thing that frustrates me about the M9. I could maybe live with the X100 but find that lately I'm more into lenses a little wider than 35mm equivalent (28) or slightly tele (50 and up).

Used or older models fine too.

 

[ramosa]

I don't think you'll find a Fuji that you "can use manually like the m9." Same goes for Sony and others. That's what special about the Leica. Few controls and easy to use manually. Fuji's approach certainly has another benefits, though.

 

[ruby.monkey]

You won't really be able to mimic the Leica's rangefinder focussing, but other than that an X-T1 will let you do pretty much everything you want using just the manual controls. If you want the option of an optical finder then the X-Pro 2 would be an obvious contender - perhaps the X-Pro 1 if you're trying to save money, although I never liked the uncertainty with that camera as to where it was actually focussing.

With my X-T1, the only time I fire up the menu is to format an SD card.

 

[back alley]

xe2s with 16 and 56 fuji lenses...hard to beat.

 

[ruby.monkey]

(Having said that, you might look at the X100T with the two conversion lenses as a truly minimal kit)

 

[Out to Lunch]

I'd look at the X-T1 and the X-pro2. Also have a look at the prime Fuji lenses which are of a very good quality, lightweight and relatively affordable.

 

[nightfly]

Realize I'm sacrificing the rangefinder focusing and build quality, simplicity etc. Not thinking this is going to become my full time camera.

Would be happy to adjust shooting style somewhat for the Fuji, especially as more of a vacation camera but just get frustrated with menu diving/settings. Like to know how camera is set up without looking at screen, at least aperture and shutter speed.

X-Pros seem like might be too similar in size/weight to M9 to make it worthwhile. Actually looks like it's bigger and not very much lighter (100 grams less).

That XE-2s suggestion look interesting. Thanks, Back Alley.

 

[GaryLH]

I would go w/ xe2 over the xt10. Essentially the same camera now w/ the latest fw update they posted about a month ago. Combine that w/ a 18f2 and 35f2 and u got your 28/50 combo.

It sounds like u intend to only use this for vacation. Your normal camera would be the m9. The xe2 w/ an m to X mount adapter could also be used for a short tele like a 50f2 would be a 75 fov.

Have u also thought about a x100t. The combine it w/ the wide angle and tele converters and u have 28-35-50 setup. The ovf/evf combo of the x100 and xp family will be the closest to the m9 experience of all the Fuji cameras. The converted setup still leaves max at f2 and if I remember correctly, several members use this setup.. But I do not btw.

A totally different tack, are u after the picture or just recording w/ the best camera the experience. For me vacations are about enjoying time w/ family. The Panasonic LX100 is very much like a xe camera but w/ a fixed 24-75 equiv zoom w/ a variable max aperture from 1.8-2.8. It has both shutter speed and expose comp dial as well as an aperture ring. It's drawback is that it is only a 12mp sensor. The size is between 1 inch and m43. It uses a m43 16mp sensor w/ reduced area to keep the zoom size small and still have a fast aperture. Set auto ISO to either 800 or 1600 depending on how picky u are and u are set. This is what I use for the family vacation of situation. Plus it can record 4K video. The only time I shoot video is on vacation w/ the family...

Gary

 

[DNG]

(Having said that, you might look at the X100T with the two conversion lenses as a truly minimal kit)

You do get a Split Image RF type focusing... but with multiple lines.. And with the Picture-in-Picture in the X100T, you get a magnified view (2x I think)
And very easy to focus also

Standard SS dial, and f/stop dials
you can make any number of the 7 custom function button for the ISO... (hint, the one closest to the shutter trigger on the top deck).

With the 28 add-on lens, it will still be about the same length of a Leica 28 on an M camera, but with less girth.

The Sensor is the same as in the XE-2, XT10, XT1, And that Leaf shutter is Soooooooooooo Quiet.......... you'll think you took no photo at all when using the OVF option the first hours of use (lol).

Daylight Flash sync at any shutter speed!!!

My Vote... Though I am biased, 🙂 since I went from an X-E2 to a X100T!!

 

[back alley]

if small is key, the 18 and 27 are tiny...the new 35 is very nice and only a touch bigger...
have you handled any of these bodies? actual controls for aperture on most lenses and rings/knobs to turn for shutter speed, exp comp...
xe is like rf experience and xt10/xt1 are more like slr...i found xt10 cute but uncomfortable in my hand...the xt1 was more comfy for me.

 

[nightfly]

All good points. Will look at the x100t and converters as well as the xe2 and possibly the LX100.

Going to be hiking to Machu Picchu so image quality is a concern. The last time I did it was 20 years ago and I brought along a Yashica t-4 and a lot of Velvia and was pleased with the results.

Might still bring the m9 but trying to cut down on weight and bulk for hiking.

Thanks for all the replies so far.

Will try and get over to B&H and handle a few.

 

[f16sunshine]

Xe2 is great in your position.
It does some things the m9 does not without sacrificing iq.
The built in flash can tilt with a fingertip and become very useful.
The layout is excellent. Iso is one button push and then wheel turn negating the need for a dedicated dial.
I use the xe1 camera but if I was starting in your position, would take the xe2.

The new 2/35 is inexpensive and excellent.
I never got on with the 27mm but the 18mm is really a super lens for street photography.
You could get both lenses and the body for around a grand $.

 

[f16sunshine]

Oh,... I posted while you where writing.
For travel the 18-55 is a brilliant lens.
It's an uncomprimised zoom. Excellent iq throughout and truly effective image stabilizing.

 

[jsrockit]

I'd go X100T if you don't like the X-Pro2.

 

[GaryLH]

All good points. Will look at the x100t and converters as well as the xe2 and possibly the LX100.

Going to be hiking to Machu Picchu so image quality is a concern. The last time I did it was 20 years ago and I brought along a Yashica t-4 and a lot of Velvia and was pleased with the results.

Might still bring the m9 but trying to cut down on weight and bulk for hiking.

Thanks for all the replies so far.

Will try and get over to B&H and handle a few.

Sounds like u are going after the picture then.. I would stick w/ the xe2 or go for the x100t. The main diff between xe2 and xe2s is minor change to externals and the addition of the acros simulation otherwise the new fw update brings it up to everything else that the xe2s has.. Both the x100t and xe2 have split image focusing for manual focusing usage. X100t u are trading off lens variety for peace of mind in terms of dust getting onto sensor while making lens change while getting back the ovf.

I second Andy's comment about the 18-55 kit zoom. It is close to a pro quality zoom from a lot of manufacturers. The 18-55 w/ a f1.4 prime lens and u are set.

Gary

 

[kuzano]

The X-E2 with most recent updates.

Most are suggesting 2-3 lenses...primes of course.

Fascinating to me, considering the range of all the lenses suggested are covered nicely by the 18-55 f2.8-4 Zoom, which for travel can stay on the camera.... is not overly big.... and weighs less than the multiple primes listed. No lens changing while on the run.

I wonder if everybody simply thinks a Leica shooter would never "stoop" to a zoom lens?

Perhaps some of them have never shot the fast 18-55??? Hmmmmm?

 

[nightfly]

Honestly, I've never used a zoom lens aside from picking up someone's camera and playing with it. Mostly shoot street with fixed lenses. Went from a couple of Pentax's with primes to a Leica and a bunch of fixed lens point and shoots (T4, GR-1, GR D) etc.

Not opposed, just a different way of working.

 

[BillBingham2]

Don't own any yet, but what about the X70 with a metal bright line finder atop and a X-T10 or X-E2 with a 90/2 Fuji. You could add something wider but I think you will find the X70 hits what you are looking for.

B2 (;->

 

[GaryLH]

Btw if I made that trip.. I would probably be foolish and take a dp0 and dp2 Quattro for outdoor landscape work plus my Fuji xt1 w/ 18-135 and 35f2...for everything else. For me, I t would not qualify as a family vacation for me, more like a photo destination one....

Probably feel like a pack mule the whole time 🙁. 😛.

Gary

 

[back alley]

Sounds like u are going after the picture then.. I would stick w/ the xe2 or go for the x100t. The main diff between xe2 and xe2s is minor change to externals and the addition of the acros simulation otherwise the new fw update brings it up to everything else that the xe2s has.. Both the x100t and xe2 have split image focusing for manual focusing usage. X100t u are trading off lens variety for peace of mind in terms of dust getting onto sensor while making lens change while getting back the ovf.

I second Andy's comment about the 18-55 kit zoom. It is close to a pro quality zoom from a lot of manufacturers. The 18-55 w/ a f1.4 prime lens and u are set.

Gary

i thought acros was only in the new xp2?