X-system users: Fuji has a road-map, but do you?

[noimmunity]

I figure the XP2 will have better MF implementation, improved AF, improved sensor...

But this thread isn't about the XP2. Rather, I'd like to hear what X series users are planning for long term system strategy?

Of course, those who are committed to the system will be on a program, and more power to them! If you're committed to the X system over the long term, I'd like to hear why, and how you expect to make Fuji's roadmap your own.

Personally, I'm especially interested in how people like me who might be using other systems in tandem with the X are planning their own special future roadmaps?

 

[jsrockit]

Luckily for me, I'm not a user of many focal lengths... just 28mm, 35mm, and 50mm (and anything in-between). Right now, the Fuji X cameras suit my photography well. However, a change in philosophy could bring a change in camera type. I don't think long term because I'll most likely be wrong... though at this point, the X-Pro2 and a 27mm Pancake are part of my "strategy." The X100s has given me a taste of what to expect from the X-Pro2. That said, I also use a Leica M8 and a Sigma DP2m and will most likely use others as well.

 

[Herjulfr]

I am a X-Pro1 owner, with the 35mm lens.

I will just slowly rebuild my set-up as it was when I was using a Canon SLR : in addition to the 35mm, I will buy the 18mm and the 60mm.

I wish they also had a 85mm or 90mm, so in the meantime I will use a 3rd party lens with an adapter.

But that's about it for me. I do not need two bodies, my canon DSLR lasted me 7 years and I changed it because I found it too heavy. So I expect to keep the XP1 at least 10 years. My back-up body is my Canonet.

Is it a long term strategy? 🙂

 

[noimmunity]

For myself, I have to figure out if I want to stay with the M system before I can decide what to do with the X. Zack Arias calling Fuji the new Leica resonated with me, but doesn't totally respond, either.

 

[back alley]

i only have a short term plan...to buy the 27 pancake.
at that point i will have all the lenses that i normally shoot with.

the 2 bodies work for me...i'm ok with the af, ae and i never use manual focus...not sure what else i really might need/use.

 

[NicoM]

I have the Fuji X-E1, 35mm and 18mm. I'm really tempted by the 60mm but I might regret buying it later on if the 56mm turnes out to be a really good lens. I'm almost sure I'm going to get the 10-24 when it comes out as I'm primarily a wide angle shooter. I'm also already saving up for the X-Pro2. If it has better AF, improved EVF and full manual setting for video, I will be a very happy man.

 

[willie_901]

My long term plan is:

1. Get off my butt and sell my X100
2. keep using my X-Pro 1
3. buy the 23/1.4 and 56/1.4 XF lenses
4. buy the next interchangeable lens X body with an OVF
5. use the next oldest X body as a back up
6. sell the oldest X body
7. buy the newest X body
8. repeat 5 through 7 as needed

If another company comes out with a better body with a built in OVF, I would seriously re-evaluate my plan. I realize Leica has such a body now, but I will never buy a Leica (which is irrational, but obviously I am not firing on all cylinders).

I doubt another Nikon, Canon or anyone else will will ever market a reasonably small, light, interchangeable lens, mirrorless APS-C camera with a quality built-in OVF I enjoy using and a diverse, high performance prime lens lineup. This really all I want and Fuji is the only source.

I also think Fuji will be able to stay competitive by focusing on APS-C technology. Excellent fast lenses can provide near equivalent performance to cameras with 24x36 mm sensors. Fast lenses can compensate for the reduced sensor APS-C sensor area without becoming too large or too expensive (or underperforming). The physics indicate FF has no fundamental advantage (when the camera-subject distance is constant) if the smaller sensor camera has better lenses. It is not in Nikon, Canon and others financial interest to sell lenses for APS-C bodies that provide equivalent performance to their FF sensors. Wake me up when Nikon sells a f 1.0 DX 35 mm lens.

However if a competitor, Canon for instance, developed a proprietary, breakthrough, game-changing 24x36 mm sensor technology, Fuji could get left behind.

 

[jsrockit]

I also think Fuji will be able to stay competitive by focusing on APS-C technology. Excellent fast lenses can provide near equivalent performance to cameras with 24x36 mm sensors. Fast lenses can compensate for the reduced sensor APS-C sensor area without becoming too large or too expensive (or underperforming).

I think Fuji's main advantage at this point is its old school ergonomics (and the OVF/EVF combo). I think that is what resonates with people i.e. shutter speed dial, aperture rings, RF shaped body, etc.

 

[LCN]

The problem remains for me... what is the best rangefinder(-alike) compromise. The X-Pro1 is a magnificent machine, capable of producing magnificent pictures. Better then the M9 - but nobody wants to admit it. Better glass than quite a few Leica or Zeiss lenses, but nobody wants to admit, again. But where the X-Pro1 loses the game, is in credibility. Software bugs, AF issues, very poor RAW support in mainstream image software, name it. Had Fuji put a Sony FF sensor with normal Bayer layout in this camera, and designed the lenses accordingly, Leica would have to fear for Fuji. Now they won't even at this ridiculous price setting. At least not now. And so will go my path as well. I won't stay with Fuji if this is the best they can do. Be sure the next Leica bashing will come from a Sony FF with interchangeable Zeiss lenses. A super RX1. No doubt it is in the pipeline.

 

[GaryLH]

It started w/ the x100.. Caught the competitors by surprise.. Everyone watched what happened.. Then Sony surprised everyone w/ the rx100 followed by the rx1. Now everyone has stepped up their game. The result Nikon Coolpix A (I never thought Nikon v1/j1 was it outside of introducing a 1 inch sensor) and the Ricoh gr v.

My only comment is does it matter...?? There now more choice then I can remember seeing for a long time.

The other aspect for me is that once they got to 16mp w/ good enough iso capability (1600 good and 3200 usable), for my type if photography and how big I blow up a print... All the cameras coming out lately are fine. Now it is a matter of lens selection and UI.

For me Fuji was always about the UI and lens selection.. But I have other cameras I like just as much..

Gary

 

[David_Manning]

I'm very happy with the XP1 and the 35/1.4...my strategy is to get the 18/2 as soon as I can.

I *might* get an M-mount MF ultra-wide just to play with...I have a Kipon M-mount adapter.

 

[FranZ]

Strategy: Buy young 2nd hand X-series stuff.

Strategy: Buy young 2nd hand X-series stuff.

I sold off all my Oly digital gear E-5 and a bunch of primes and really good zoom lenses to concentrate on lighter rangefinder-like autofocus X-Series stuff.

Because I like the idea that my hobby gear is not specially manufactured for my pleasure, my strategy is to buy rather new 2nd hand Fuji X-series camera's and lenses.

This started with an X-100 and late last year I stumbled upon a deal with a X-Pro1 and the 18; 35, 60 combo complete with the zoom from a guy who needed the cash to buy a new leica. Recently I found an already used 14mm from a guy who complained it was to sharp and didn't fit in with his other lenses.

I have been very lucky until now and I don't know if my strategy will hold but I really would like to have the 23 and 56mm to complete my primes collection.

When available I will buy the X-Pro2 and convert my current X-Pro1 to IR to start experimenting (Or my current X-100??)

after that, who knows what will happen, so far I am happy with my gear :angel: and I have enough opportunities to hone my Photography skills.

 

[danielsterno]

My strategy is M6/35 cron for film, Fuji x100 for digital and no interest in M digital thus have been waiting for XPII and will use their 35/50 and Im set. Matter of fact if the XPII never happened- I am very happy with what I have but would just add a cron 50 for the M6.......

 

[GaryLH]

Ok to Jon question.

From current lens roadmap perspective after I get the 27 pancake I am done. I would love to c them add a 16 or a 16-xx zoom, but preferable a 16.. I already have the 14 and normally don't go wider than this. The Samyang 8 fisheye is interesting.. At its price point may one may consider adding it.

Longer lenses than the 60 I don't need. I have decided to use an omd to do my long tele work. I also have a canon rf 50f1.2 to cover my needs in the 75.

Just more or less waiting to c what next gen bodies will bring to the table. At min. I would hope the improvements from the x100s, but I would like to c sensor improvements as well.

Gary

 

[GaryLH]

When available I will buy the X-Pro2 and convert my current X-Pro1 to IR to start experimenting (Or my current X-100??)

Same here except I am planning to convert my xe1 and use my xp1 for a second body.

Had not thought about the x100 convert to ir. that is not a bad idea. Did you get any feedback on that from any of the ir conversion houses yet?

Gary

 

[ShinX414]

@FranZ
for IR photography on the X-Pro1 it's enough to use a IR filter (can't remember the specific wave lenght of the light though) since supposely has an already weak IR filter.

my long term strategy:
1. lenses: starting with the 56/1.2(?) and later on it would be great to have sth like a 135/1.8
2. keep the X-pro1 as long as possible until i see the improvements of the Xpro2 or Xpro3.
3. check my financial situation XD

 

[back alley]

seeing as I have started on the ground floor with fuji, so to speak...I hope to add all the primes to my kit, no zooms and buy each successive body...and keep them all...though I would be happy to buy new bodies, sell the older ones and keep all the lenses too!

 

[GaryLH]

@FranZ
for IR photography on the X-Pro1 it's enough to use a IR filter (can't remember the specific wave lenght of the light though) since supposely has an already weak IR filter.

Done that already. A true ir conversion is usually better. Check out the results from Kerry McClain in the Fuji xp1 photo threads.

--------------------- cut and paste from my response to someone else about this ---------------
Some things to think about. Kerry McClain had his Fuji converted to IR at maxmax.com. Check out his results.. Here

http://rangefinderforum.com/forums/s...&postcount=275

They do other types of conversions as well.

Here is the b&w image thread at rff as well

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/foru...d.php?t=127288

I feel it already does pretty well w/o going the full monochrom style treatment. Check out this set of shots from Ezzie in that same thread.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/foru...6&postcount=75

Anyway just some food or thought.

---------------------------- end cut and paste --------------------------------

Gary

 

[NicoM]

Still eyeing the 10-24mm! I think I'll also be picking up the 27mm and the 56mm. The Fuji X-Pro2 will be my next Fuji body!

 

[furcafe]

As a dedicated RF user, the M system will remain my primary platform, digital & film. My is plan is to continue to use the X-system primarily as a backup/supplement to the M(s) but ultimately, assuming the AF improves & they add longer lenses, as a dSLR substitute.