X100: To Buy or Not To Buy, that is the Q

[anthony_semone]

So what's the current day status of folks' X100's going belly-up with sticky aperture blades? Just when I thought it might be safe to buy one of these puppies, I read on www.x100forum of a "Leica M9" poll detailing the travail.
Have Fuji still not figured out WTF is going on here?

 

[clicker]

Just spoke with Fuji NJ yesterday. They said latest serial numbers 14+should have no problem and that the older ones will be replaced with new shutter assembly free of charge.

 

[gavinlg]

Yeah mine had the lens unit replaced and seems to be 100% 500 actuations on. it developed around 200 actuations in, and showed signs of problems early on. I think this replacement unit is 100%

 

[rbelyell]

traded my much loved 5d for one of these puppies a month ago--it was BNIB. no regrets at all. have had nothing but great performance from it, not one problem. best low light high iso performance ive ever seen from any camera any price. all pix have that 'pop' we associate with zeiss lenses--makes the ordinary special. take the plunge!

 

[gavinlg]

I'll just add that IMO it's the best digital camera to come out in the last 5-6 years. If you really like the 35mm focal length it's probably the best camera available at the moment. It's right up there in IQ with 5d/d700's and complements them perfectly. I'd be happy to use just an X100 by itself though.

 

[jbf]

I loved the camera while I owned it but ultimately with the prospect of a new fuji around the corner with the option for other lenses I opted to sell it while I could still get a reasonable offer for it. I liked it but I hated manual focus and the AF sucked for low light which is primarily how I like to shoot. I got some great images with it though.

 

[celluloidprop]

I haven't had the issue with my X100 - serial 13A - I guess Fuji isn't issuing a recall or encouraging you to send it in unless the issue makes an appearance?

I love mine.

 

[stompyq]

God i miss mine. As soon as i get my tax return i'am running to get mine.

 

[anthony_semone]

thanks, folks, for your replies. I expect that with all things, there's always a risk involved, eh? 🙂 I've got a D700 for stuff where I really need high ISO, and my Contax G2 for film work. I really like the 35mm FL, but I'm not concerned about interchangeable lens capability since I've got that already covered with my Nikon gear.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Not.

Next question please.

Seriously, as long as it does what you want, and you can afford it, why not buy it? And if it doesn't do what you want, or if you have some existential dread about its being replaced by something newer or going wrong, why buy it? The mere fact that you're asking suggests that you don't really want one all that much.

Cheers,

R.

 

[gavinlg]

...if you have some existential dread about its being replaced by something newer...

Important to note that it's not being replaced - they're bringing out a new camera with interchangeable lenses to sell alongside the x100. The x100 will most likely be significantly cheaper, smaller, and more tuned to the 35mm focal length. Fujifilm also said there will be a great surprise for all x100 owners in early 2012 - which translates as a big firmware update/improvement to me.

Honestly the camera is already good enough to last the next 10 years if all you need is a 35mm lens. The IQ is better than most cameras under 2K.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Important to note that it's not being replaced - they're bringing out a new camera with interchangeable lenses to sell alongside the x100. The x100 will most likely be significantly cheaper, smaller, and more tuned to the 35mm focal length. Fujifilm also said there will be a great surprise for all x100 owners in early 2012 - which translates as a big firmware update/improvement to me.

Honestly the camera is already good enough to last the next 10 years if all you need is a 35mm lens. The IQ is better than most cameras under 2K.

Dear Gavin,

First highlight: Have you a source for this? I'm afraid I've not been paying attention.

Second highlight: You must surely be right.

Cheers,

R.

 

[gavinlg]

Dear Gavin,

First highlight: Have you a source for this? I'm afraid I've not been paying attention.

Second highlight: You must surely be right.

Cheers,

R.

Roger - here is the announcement on the dpreview news feed: http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/10/05/fujifilm

 

[Roger Hicks]

Roger - here is the announcement on the dpreview news feed: http://www.dpreview.com/news/2011/10/05/fujifilm

Dear Gavin,

Thanks.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Pablito]

Not.

Next question please.

Seriously, as long as it does what you want, and you can afford it, why not buy it? And if it doesn't do what you want, or if you have some existential dread about its being replaced by something newer or going wrong, why buy it? The mere fact that you're asking suggests that you don't really want one all that much.

Cheers,

R.

You're SUPPOSED to want it...

 

[anthony_semone]

Lol

Lol

Not.

Next question please.

Seriously, as long as it does what you want, and you can afford it, why not buy it? And if it doesn't do what you want, or if you have some existential dread about its being replaced by something newer or going wrong, why buy it? The mere fact that you're asking suggests that you don't really want one all that much.

Cheers,

R.

Gee, Roger, I had no idea that, amongst your many talents, you also have the capability of reading the mind of a person whom you've never met 😀 LOL Hmmm, and asking for input is the indicia thereof??? Excellent!!

May I respectfully suggest you stay within the arena of your competence.

to all of you who have provided helpful responses, thanks, and I apologize for the commercial interruption 😱

 

[nebraska]

Buy it. I had the shutter problem. It got fixed by replacing the lens within two weeks. The picture taking ability of this camera is outstanding in terms of quality. I don't think it is particularly easy to use if you have big hands or fat fingers since several functions are set by "smallish" buttons. But then it is a camera that is light and quite "pocket-able." It is not a speedy but a quality picture taker. It reminds me of the Contax G2 camera.

 

[Leigh Youdale]

Gee, Roger, I had no idea that, amongst your many talents, you also have the capability of reading the mind of a person whom you've never met 😀 LOL Hmmm, and asking for input is the indicia thereof??? Excellent!!
May I respectfully suggest you stay within the arena of your competence.
to all of you who have provided helpful responses, thanks, and I apologize for the commercial interruption 😱

The Golden Rules of RFF
Rule No. 1 - No "Flaming"
1) You will not post any messages to the forum or send by PM (private messages) that harass, insult, belittle, threaten or flame another member or guest.

Attempts at sarcasm also count.

 

[umcelinho]

I loved the camera while I owned it but ultimately with the prospect of a new fuji around the corner with the option for other lenses I opted to sell it while I could still get a reasonable offer for it. I liked it but I hated manual focus and the AF sucked for low light which is primarily how I like to shoot. I got some great images with it though.

likewise. for casual snaps with enough light it's superb, but when it gets too dark it sometimes can struggle to focus. i got it already knowing that and for taking it around to a bar with friends, or a birthday or whatever else is great. for concerts it should be also fantastic, since the focus can be set manually and wont likely change (unless you're close to the stage and moving around, which most likely would be the case of taking a different camera). but to me, for low light street shooting a rangefinder still is a more adequate tool.

ps: i just got home from a gathering with friends from college, it's been a decade we're all friends. the x100 was the perfect camera for registering that.

 

[Turtle]

The images this camera produces are genuinely astonishing. Not good, or 'really impressive for such a small camera' but tremendous for ANY 35mm sized camera and simply unbelievable for a small non-SLR camera. They are much, much better than quality pro DSLRs generations back (like a D2XS) and very, very close to the 5DII on noise at high ISO. Now that I have put some time into learning how to use the thing it operates very simply and is a wonderful carry everywhere camera. The video is v good too!

I love mine and know I made the right purchase decision. If they do bring out an interchangeable lens version it may become my solution in place of digital Leica M. We shall see.