X-Pro1: stay or go?

[Dante_Stella]

And... the lime pit is dug again. And... despite having all of the boxes, packaging, and everything assembled to show this stuff the door, I marvel at how brilliant the images are. If it weren't for the fact that there are 2 and 5 year old children in the house who can outrun the focusing ability of the camera...

Dante

 

[jsrockit]

It's really too bad that Fuji has waited so long to introduce a more-responsive X-Pro1 update. It's such a nice camera... just tweaked a little bit in a few key areas and I think it would sell very well again.

 

[burancap]

^ Either I am getting more patient with age, or the XP1 is so good ... that I am OK waiting for the 2. I will be first in line though!

 

[charlesholland]

Based on this thread I decided to buy a used x-pro1 as my re-entry in the digital world. Thanks a lot to all that gave me this push......

 

[Jim Evidon]

Given that I am always so attentive to the advice of others , here is a quick poll. I've had my X-Pro1 for almost 2-1/2 years, and it has served me well.

As to plusses, the camera has had:
- Superlative image quality
- Fantastic lenses, esp. the 14mm and 35mm
- Excellent build quality
- Pretty much bulletproof operation

As to the minuses, they primarily relate to the needs of shooting the small children ("gremlins") in my house, I'm not sure that any has been addressed by Fuji yet in any body:

- Extremely slow TTL flash system with limited flash choices and no HSS
- Relatively low battery capacity
- AF that is not quite what it needs to be (for small children; it's fine for grownups)

One aspect of toying with whether to sell off this set is that I bought it when I despaired of an M10 - and eventually, that M typ 240 arrived, and it is quite good (even the SF 58 works well). Oddly, for the kids, I find it easier to use the manual focus on the Leica (probably because it stays put between shots).

There's no real financial consideration (other than that I might put the proceeds toward the mythical MF Fuji digital). It's just that the camera gets relatively little use and had a lot of cluttery bits and bobs. I'm also getting tired of all of the disparate Li-Ion batteries inhabiting my drawer.

So is this a good time to cut the cord? I pulled out all the factory packaging and found that I had everything except the oddball USB cable (for which I ordered a replacement).

Dante

To take your complaints in order:

1. I use the very compact EF-X20 Fuji flash and I do not find it slow at all. And it has great light output considering that it is so small.

2. I get very good battery life because I turn off the automatic LCD review. I don't need to look at every image I take. If I want to review the image, at the push of a button, I have it. The battery lasts a lot longer.

3. I can't agree with you on autofocus speed. I find it fast enough, but then I no longer have small active children. If fast focus is your problem, then buy a new or certified used X100 or x100s, and keep the XPr0-1.
I picked up an excellent used X100 for under $600, installed all the latest firmware (makes it very close to the X100s) and have a really fast high quality backup camera.

Finally, I have to ask if you have been diligent in checking for XPro-1 firmware updates to keep your camera up to date? Fuji is very good about updating to improve camera performance. If not, then that may be your problem.

 

[Jim Evidon]

Given that I am always so attentive to the advice of others , here is a quick poll. I've had my X-Pro1 for almost 2-1/2 years, and it has served me well.

As to plusses, the camera has had:
- Superlative image quality
- Fantastic lenses, esp. the 14mm and 35mm
- Excellent build quality
- Pretty much bulletproof operation

As to the minuses, they primarily relate to the needs of shooting the small children ("gremlins") in my house, I'm not sure that any has been addressed by Fuji yet in any body:

- Extremely slow TTL flash system with limited flash choices and no HSS
- Relatively low battery capacity
- AF that is not quite what it needs to be (for small children; it's fine for grownups)

One aspect of toying with whether to sell off this set is that I bought it when I despaired of an M10 - and eventually, that M typ 240 arrived, and it is quite good (even the SF 58 works well). Oddly, for the kids, I find it easier to use the manual focus on the Leica (probably because it stays put between shots).

There's no real financial consideration (other than that I might put the proceeds toward the mythical MF Fuji digital). It's just that the camera gets relatively little use and had a lot of cluttery bits and bobs. I'm also getting tired of all of the disparate Li-Ion batteries inhabiting my drawer.

So is this a good time to cut the cord? I pulled out all the factory packaging and found that I had everything except the oddball USB cable (for which I ordered a replacement).

Dante

To take your complaints in order:

1. I use the very compact EF-X20 Fuji flash and I do not find it slow at all. And it has great light output considering that it is so small.

2. I get very good battery life because I turn off the automatic LCD review. I don't need to look at every image I take. If I want to review the image, at the push of a button, I have it. The battery lasts a lot longer.

3. I can't agree with you on autofocus speed. I find it fast enough, but then I no longer have small active children. If fast focus is your problem, then buy a new or certified used X100 or x100s, and keep the XPr0-1.
I picked up an excellent used X100 for under $600, installed all the latest firmware (makes it very close to the X100s) and have a really fast high quality backup camera.

Finally, I have to ask if you have been diligent in checking for XPro-1 firmware updates to keep your camera up to date? Fuji is very good about updating to improve camera performance. If not, then that may be your problem.

 

[Darthfeeble]

I've had too many occasions of regret in selling a camera. Now I just keep adding to the pile. It doesn't cost a penny to keep it and it won't sell for enough to make a big difference in the next purchase. Just remember to take the battery out of it when it sits.

 

[Dante_Stella]

For people who have used both the X100T and the X-T1, is the AF comparable? I just got an X100T, and the focusing works very well. I may off the X-Pro body, but whether I keep the lenses (14, 35, 18-55) might depend (roughly) on the expected capabilities of the X-Pro2.

Thanks!

 

[ruby.monkey]

The only noticeable difference I've seen (bearing in mind that my X-T1 is wearing only the older lenses, even if it's with the latest firmware version) is that the X-T1 removes that slight parallax-related uncertainty as to what the A/F system is locking on; and that using the eye sensor to switch between EVF and rear screen on the X-T1 is pretty much instantaneous whereas the X100T has a slight delay.

A/F-speed-wise they're both plenty quick.

 

[NickTrop]

I buy everything (cars, computers, cameras, other toys) used, nearly fully depreciated. I don't concern myself with upgrade cycles, which I regard as folly on the part of the buyer -- and an obvious tactic of planned obsolesce and flagrant and exploitative marketeering (not to mention wasteful) on the part of the consumer market supplier . Incremental improvement in some spec rarely improves the quality of output. I am the antithesis of an "early adapter". I say keep this camera, since you've already sunk the funds into it. It appears you already have the tools to use for your intended purpose. The Fuji was not designed for this but can be repurposed for tasks better suited to its design specs.

We need to return to a "needs based society" from our current "wants based society" and stop being such suckers for Edward Bernays' awful axiom -- our planet and our collective psyche might not withstand it.

 

[Darthfeeble]

Battery life

Battery life

To take your complaints in order:

1. I use the very compact EF-X20 Fuji flash and I do not find it slow at all. And it has great light output considering that it is so small.

2. I get very good battery life because I turn off the automatic LCD review. I don't need to look at every image I take. If I want to review the image, at the push of a button, I have it. The battery lasts a lot longer.

3. I can't agree with you on autofocus speed. I find it fast enough, but then I no longer have small active children. If fast focus is your problem, then buy a new or certified used X100 or x100s, and keep the XPr0-1.
I picked up an excellent used X100 for under $600, installed all the latest firmware (makes it very close to the X100s) and have a really fast high quality backup camera.



Finally, I have to ask if you have been diligent in checking for XPro-1 firmware updates to keep your camera up to date? Fuji is very good about updating to improve camera performance. If not, then that may be your problem.

I find the criticism of battery life interesting. We were happy as clams to replace a roll of film every 24 to 36 exposures but are peaved when we haver to replace a battery after a lousy 250 to 300 exposures. Interesting.

 

[Dante_Stella]

I buy everything (cars, computers, cameras, other toys) used, nearly fully depreciated. I don't concern myself with upgrade cycles, which I regard as folly on the part of the buyer -- and an obvious tactic of planned obsolesce and flagrant and exploitative marketeering (not to mention wasteful) on the part of the consumer market supplier . Incremental improvement in some spec rarely improves the quality of output. I am the antithesis of an "early adapter". I say keep this camera, since you've already sunk the funds into it. It appears you already have the tools to use for your intended purpose. The Fuji was not designed for this but can be repurposed for tasks better suited to its design specs.

We need to return to a "needs based society" from our current "wants based society" and stop being such suckers for Edward Bernays' awful axiom -- our planet and our collective psyche might not withstand it.

Good points, Nick. It's actually been rare that I've kept a new digital camera for fewer than five years or a car or a computer for less than 8. I probably would have kept my Saab longer than that had there remained a parts network, and my Mac Pro wouldn't have been donated if it could run Yosemite (nor would it support USB 3.0, nor are Firewire 800 drives in current production). Some changes and upgrades are driven by extrinsic things like support limitations and costs - at which point you might as well change the product to something that performs well by today's standards.

And I certainly have repurposed old cameras - like the X100 that I changed over to IR operation, the now-chrome G690BL, and the like.

This camera in particular will probably survive... I have dug this particular lime pit many times. Not sure why this camera body engenders such love and frustration simultaneously. It's been like that from the beginning.

Dante

 

[_lou_]

I buy everything (cars, computers, cameras, other toys) used, nearly fully depreciated.
[...]I am the antithesis of an "early adapter".

In that same approach here, I just bought my second ever digital camera : an X-pro1. I figured it was good enough for my needs, an now comes with very decent prices, not to mention mature firmware, and instant Lightroom compatibility. I shall keep the first one (a Sony A900) because it feels indestructible as opposed to the Fuji. Different tools for different purposes.

And I shall take this opportunity to thank Dante for the very insightful reviews. They make a lot of sens to me, as a classic camera user.

 

[NickTrop]

Good points, Nick. It's actually been rare that I've kept a new digital camera for fewer than five years or a car or a computer for less than 8. I probably would have kept my Saab longer than that had there remained a parts network, and my Mac Pro wouldn't have been donated if it could run Yosemite (nor would it support USB 3.0, nor are Firewire 800 drives in current production). Some changes and upgrades are driven by extrinsic things like support limitations and costs - at which point you might as well change the product to something that performs well by today's standards.

And I certainly have repurposed old cameras - like the X100 that I changed over to IR operation, the now-chrome G690BL, and the like.

This camera in particular will probably survive... I have dug this particular lime pit many times. Not sure why this camera body engenders such love and frustration simultaneously. It's been like that from the beginning.

Dante

Good points and "well played". Don't mind my provocateering nature.

 

[NickTrop]

In that same approach here, I just bought my second ever digital camera : an X-pro1. I figured it was good enough for my needs, an now comes with very decent prices, not to mention mature firmware, and instant Lightroom compatibility. I shall keep the first one (a Sony A900) because it feels indestructible as opposed to the Fuji. Different tools for different purposes.

And I shall take this opportunity to thank Dante for the very insightful reviews. They make a lot of sens to me, as a classic camera user.

Ditto on Dante -- me and his site go ways back.

 

[kuzano]

Interesting terminology,,,, lime pit.

Interesting terminology,,,, lime pit.

I have dug this particular lime pit many times. Not sure why this camera body engenders such love and frustration simultaneously. It's been like that from the beginning.Dante

Interesting ..... does lime really dissolve a camera completely so that there is only a memory.

Or, can you dig the camera from a lime pit, dust it off, charge the battery, or load film and use it again?

I can't help you with your problem. I've been using Fuji film cameras for a long time. Your site convinced me to get my first G690, and Frank Marshman has benefited immensely over the years, because I buy "beat up and fix". He's done three bellows on G645's and a ton of other fixing on the big rangefinders. Still using them, one at a time.

Then there was a Lull, and a surprise when Fuji re-entered the new market with the Bessa III. However they priced that camera way above my "Buy beat up and fix", and then they never backed off on the price.

So, I made do with a string of S 1,2,3 and 5 Pros. Had one with 254,000 shutter counts and still working for the guy I sold it to.

So, now X series cameras and I have jumped in again. The X series cameras are perfect for "buy beat up and fix", although they are moving so fast and depreciating rapidly which works well for me. Bought an XE-1 with low count and with the 18-55 lens for $600 a few months ago. Sold it recently and got my money back.

However, in keeping with your concern about original buyers getting "gut punched" I agree and find it despicable.

But for me it's entirely predictable. I know I will never be the original owner taking the hit on any of these X cameras. Right now I am looking at either and XE-2 OR even an XT-1 and seeing them both for near half price for the bodies.

Add to that the fact that I have never lost any money by getting a bad camera used.

So for me, there is no bond with any camera I own. I will sell and ship it as soon as two things happen:

1) I find the new body I want to play with.
2) I can find a buyer who readily buys, because I bought right, NOT New!

I decided a very long time ago (I bought a New 1968 Firebird convertible) that buying anything new is a "Sucker Bet". I traded the Firebird for a 1968 Plymouth GTX 440 hardtop coupe within the first year. What a Bath I took.

I manage to find excellent, low count, cosmetically good examples.

I think it boils down to the "plays". So far, my program has worked for me quite well, and I am sure I will have a good price on a good XE-2 or XT-1 soon.

It may seem like I am taking advantage of the original buyers, but hey, I'm not making their decision to sell, or the price they choose to sell for.

Me, I'd sell the Xpro 1. It clearly has some money and I don't sit on depreciating merchandise, since it's so easy to replace with better equipment for very good prices.

The reality is that there is WAAAAAAAAAAAAY too much product out there, and a good percentage of it is sold at a loss by original owners, who made their own decisions.

Fuji has no ethics or morality in this system, but that's not my problem.

The problem is lust and easy money on those original purchases.

 

[robert blu]

This is an interesting thread, and tempting as well...now about 10 months after the starting of the thread I ask my self if is there any realistic rumor about a possible XP2 ? I know, behind the corner...but this was mentioned many times already and nothing happened...
Prices for Body only where I live, by a reputable shop are: XP1 used 1 year warranty 500 EUR - XP1 new 800 EUR - XT1 new 1200 EUR .
robert, not yet decided photographer

Edit: I should have done it earlier, sorry but I found this link about Fuji XP2, not sure if reliable or not. Perhaps...

 

[Kwesi]

I think at this point it's safe to say that Fuji has essentially sidelined the xpro 1.
In fairness to them, they were busy building a brand new system.
I do agree with Kuzano that fuji's pricing strategy is a bit unsavory and is designed to increase market share at the expense of creating a stable value for its products and customers.

 

[agricola]

the Hexar Af is still a ripper with that fuji 400H stuff - thanks for the articles on that one Dante ....

 

[willie_901]

While I have not used the X100T, I can say the AF on the X-T1 clearly outperforms the X-Pro 1. The speed and functionality are both improved. Of course there is a learning curve, especially for using the motion tracking PDAF mode.

With the X-T1 the AF limitations are more a function of XF lens technology. Even the slowest XF lens is quicker on the X-T1.