X-Pro1 always bad news ?!

[dee]

It seems that the X-Pro1 takes a beating from many reviewers and users .

I have a long learning curve , especially with adapted 35m Color Scopar , but I guess that , at it's original price , the limitations could be seen as serious . Maybe high expectations which no longer apply to me .

However , I assume that at around £600 for a new body and 35 f2 [ or £300 with Color Scopar ] , it must be a serious proposition on par with my M8 with the same lens . It is about the same size as my 'Kontax' [ Kiev/Arsenal engineers rebuilt Contax bodies with Kiev parts and modifications ] and will somewhat oddly accept my roam Sweeney J3 with Amadeo adapter .
It's just a better proportion than the M8 - with potential autofocus !!

I confess that I am somewhat daunted by the manual and excellent in depth reviews of it's odd limitations .

The M8 was comparatively simple , but much as i love the feel and look of theX-Pro 1 [pre-lens adapter ] I am wondering if it's just gonna be to complicated for a considered snap shooter when visiting Malaysia on a family visit. I won't b taking it back , but it may be offered here for around £300 including postage .
Just gotta get a basic 39mm adapter to explore it !

Thanks

dee

 

[krötenblender]

Don't worry about complexity. Since the X-Pro1 has all the manual controls, that a classic camera has, you can just setup the camera once and afterwards ignore everything else.

If you use auto-iso / aperture-priority with your M8, you can set the X-Pro1 into the same mode and use it just like your M8. Aperture ring on the lens, exposure on the top-wheel. Just like you know it.

And if needed, you can do more, that is the advantage. You can, but you are not required to.

 

[tbhv55]

Just gotta get a basic 39mm adapter to explore it !

If you're going to get an m39 adapter, then I recommend getting one which has built-in adjustment. My first one did not have adjustment, and my m39 lenses, when fitted, would have the 'top' of the lens a long way off the top i.e. the focus scale would be almost directly underneath when viewed from above. This not only looks daft, but is a real nuisance if you wish to zone-focus. Infinity focus can also be a problem, when using non-adjustable adapters.

Then I bought a second adapter - with adjustment - and, once the adjustment had been been made, all these problems are gone. 🙂

 

[dee]

Thanks - I have had problems of that nature with adapters - I assumed that is just how they are .
I guess I can just go my own way with aperture priority !
dee

 

[texchappy]

If you're going to get an m39 adapter, then I recommend getting one which has built-in adjustment. My first one did not have adjustment, and my m39 lenses, when fitted, would have the 'top' of the lens a long way off the top i.e. the focus scale would be almost directly underneath when viewed from above. This not only looks daft, but is a real nuisance if you wish to zone-focus. Infinity focus can also be a problem, when using non-adjustable adapters.

Then I bought a second adapter - with adjustment - and, once the adjustment had been been made, all these problems are gone. 🙂

Which adapter is that?

 

[dee]

I have seen inexpensive m39 adapters which can be revolved with a small screw to change the location , but had not thought about the reason !
dee

 

[willie_901]

I agree with krötenblender's post.

With native lenses the X-Pro 1 does have a significant learning curve. However for minimalistic operation – which I will describe as psuedo-RF operation – the learning curve is not that steep. For focus and recompose using the AF system manually is a viable option. The focus confirmation tools are useful as well. There are two manuals the original manual and the supplement that describes updates relevant to the most recent firmware. The X-Pro one is really two different cameras... an OVF camera and an EVF camera. I suggest starting out using the camera in only in EVF or OVF. Do not use any power saving features and disable as much automation as possible (I don't consider using the AF manually in focus and recompose mode automation). When you are comfortable with this then you can either add more automation or start to learn the other finder mode. There is no need to use all the automated features. I ignore almost all of them. I do use automated aperture exposure bracketing to optimize the raw file exposure.

Adapted lenses are another story. I do not have any experience with adapted lenses.

 

[rscheffler]

I guess it depends on what you want from the camera. If it's a higher resolution, more refined software experience with a more modern sensor than the M8, you'll get that from the Fuji. While the form factor of the two is similar, the experience with rangefinder lenses will be a lot different. Obviously on the M8, such lenses offer a native experience, while on the Fuji, you'll probably be focusing and composing with the EVF, unless you plan to do scale focusing and/or use a suitable optical viewfinder (or the camera's OVF, if it can be manually set to show 35mm frame lines).

My feeling is the Fuji might be more pleasurable combined with Fuji's AF lenses. You will benefit from AF for those times you want/need it, but also that the camera and lens combination will be fully integrated and offer access to every available feature.

However, if you're a fan of rangefinder focusing, I wouldn't expect the Fuji to be a reasonable substitute.

 

[dee]

Thanks for the advise .
It's that traditional layout and the OVF which appeals .
I was hoping that i could sort the OVF with framelines with the native 35mm [ when I can afford it ! ] and let the camera loose on aperture priority .
Later , I would get into manual which I adopt almost exclusively with the Sony A35 /Sony 35 f1.8 .
I like to adjust exposure to suit my preference , but this a from my SRT manual days .

dee

 

[tbhv55]

Which adapter is that?

It's a 'no-name' adapter, purchased on the big auction site. However, I got lucky, in that it worked out Ok.

 

[dee]

I was considering selling the inheritance fuelled M8 to fund X-Pro lenses ... but reacquaintance in mono , with stunning Brian Sweeney 1930s Contax/Amadeo mounted 1959 J3 made this impossible - it's even more of a retro camera now , but I have a back up when it eventually dies .
dee

 

[adamjbonn]

The XP1 has kinda less menu, and less features than a Leica M240 with the multi function grip attached!

And Leica folk are seemingly always promoting simplicity 🙂

There's a ton of stuff on my site about how I use the XP1, there might be something there that helps you find your own ideal settings.

In short, MF & BBF works best for me. YMMV of course

 

[dee]

Thanks Adam - I am awaiting a 27mm f2.8 simply because it is inexpensive , which should help with the leading curve .
Many thanks for your review of the 27 , as you say , approx what the eye sees- perfect for mild ASD and lack of distortion.
I reckon I have a bargain for the entire camera and lens for £308 , even though a Leica II was sacrificed for the lens [ Leica II probably sold cheaply , but lens bought cheaply - £150 , as you said .

dee