X-E1 to X100s?

[NicoM]

I had the X-E1 for a few months and although I loved the IQ, I didn't like the EVF and AF. I have since sold the camera but I'l currently thinking of purchasing an X100s. Does this move make sense?

I'd love to hear the thoughts of people who've made this transition.

 

[Jamie Pillers]

If you think you're likely going to stick with the Fuji XF lenses, then I highly recommend the X-Pro1. Its optical viewfinder is excellent, but truly useful only with the Fuji lenses that're electronically connected to the camera's frame lines. When using any other lens with the X-Pro1, (other than maybe zone-focused wide angle lenses), you're only real option is the EVF, which is then basically the same as the X-E1.

I can also vouch for the X100s. Viewfinder is superb, auto-focus is quick, and frame lines are pretty accurate and adjust themselves for parallax. BUT… only one lens available. :-o

 

[Stuart John]

I basically did the same thing. I didn't like viewfinder of the X-E1 so in the end I picked up an X100 when my local store had a digi week and cheep prices on the older X100. I much prefer the X100 in every way. I do wonder sometimes if I should have ponied up the cash for the X100s though.

 

[shadesofgris]

As long as you don't mind the fixed lens you will get a better experience as far as auto focus goes with an X100S.

Like Jamie said, if you're still in the XF lens ecosystem, you can also consider the X-Pro1. You can buy one probably cheaper than an X100S nowadays. You could pick up an M adapter and use your Leica lenses as well.

I own both an X-Pro1 (with a 35 1.4 and a couple of M lenses) and a first gen X100. If I could only own one, I'd probably go with the X100S.

 

[back alley]

after buying and using the 16-50 zoom on my x-e1 i sold my x100.
if i'm going to carry a single camera with lens then the short zoom is it!

 

[nongfuspring]

I own an x-e1 and I have an x100s I've been playing with at home for the past couple of months.

Body wise I actually prefer the x-e1, I like the sunken EV comp dial, the rear buttons (I really dislike circular control wheels) and the rear thumb scroll wheel (as opposed to the x100s' tilt lever). The optical viewfinder really is pretty amazing, but I often find myself switching to EVF mode for accuracy both in framing and exposure to the point where I feel like the OVF isn't really that important for me.

Autofocus on the x100s is better, but not to the point where I'd pick up the x100s in the morning over the x-e1 based purely on focus speed (though I might have different priorities to most since I often use manual lenses with peaking or zone focus).

I think if you're really committed to the 35mm equiv. FL and want something smaller/cheaper than a 23mm 1.4 with x-e1 combo it makes a good choice.

 

[Panther]

X-e1 and x100s here. I use most of the time the X100s, but I like 35 equivalent and feel fine with it. AF is much faster and more reliable, the camera also is more responsive in overall handling and function. OVF is great, but I recommend using EVF for critical moments.
I use the X-E1 almost only for trips abroad when higher versatility is demanded. Then with 18-55 zoom. When I'm home again, I lovehandle the X100s... Highly recommended when you feel fine with the fixel focal lens. Another aspect would be the leaf shutter, but thats a different story.

 

[FranZ]

99% OVF for me

99% OVF for me

While I can't comment on the X-E1 (never owned one) with my shooting style I use the OVF for 99% of the time, using the EVF only if I can't get by it (Macro on both my X100s and the XP1 and using the 55-200 on latter)

If you can live with just 35mm equivelent, the X100s gives you a very fine shooting experience:
great IQ, stealth and fine handling.
Otherwise the XP1 with latest firmware is a brilliant camera.
Since people dump their gear very fast nowadays, picking up a 2nd hand XP1 might be your best option.

 

[Kent]

If you're fine with a "35mm" only, you will be fine with the X100s.
For me exchangeable lenses are pretty important, so I would always go for the X-E1 again.
The expensive compromise would be the X-Pro1.

 

[willie_901]

If you didn't like the AF before the most recent firmware upgrades, then you may like the AF of the X100S.

If all of your lens(es) and your body had the current recent firmware installed, then I do not think the X100S AF is fundamentally different than the XE-1. Of course the X100S AF is improved. Phase detection AF is available for the center of the frame. There is a psudo-patch alignment option too. But operationally it is similar.

Some people just can't adjust to focusing Fujifilm APS-C X cameras. Others can.