Ramblings about which (Fujifilm) camera to buy
Fujifilm XF10 and X-T1
I recently picked up a used Fujifilm X-T1 in the beautiful graphite silver finish for a fantastic price. I’m impressed with how well this camera holds up after all these years. The images are beautiful and the autofocus is faster than I would’ve guessed (based on the fact that YouTube “experts” don’t think even the most modern Fujfilm cameras are fast), but the quality of the build and materials is what impressed me most. Fujifilm does not make them like this anymore, which makes me sad and a little angry.
That camera got me thinking about how many Fujifilm cameras I’ve owned over the years, so I made a list, roughly in order. These are cameras that I owned and used longer than the return period.
X-T10
X100T
X-T2
X100F
X-T5
XF10 (still own)
GFX 50s ii (still own)
And here are the cameras I’ve tried and returned (and one still inside the return period). Usually I return them because they didn’t fill a need well enough to justify the cost, or I decided on a different option.
XF10 (the first time)
GFX 50s ii (the first time)
GFX 50r
X-S10
X-S20
X-H2
X-T1 (just bought, plan on keeping)
If we count the cameras I’ve owned twice, uh, twice, that’s 14 Fujfilm cameras I’ve held in my hands, put lenses on, and walked around with. And they’re all good cameras. I’ve never tried Sony or Canon, and it’s been years since I’ve used Nikon. But the models from those manufacturers that they put on display at Walmart (yes) or Best Buy make the newer, cheaper-feeling Fujifilm models feel downright premium. I like my cameras with some… class. (Aware that Fujifilm has a history with cheap cameras, too. But let me know in the comments, anyway, so I can get some comment action going on this website.)
I tried one old compact Leica (the X1). It was enough to convince me that yes, there’s a bit of a look to the photos and yes, they’re well made. I don’t know if I’ll ever justify the price for a modern digital Leica, but I am intrigued by the M2 or M6 film models. Leica, for my money, definitely makes the most beautiful cameras. But most of us can only afford to look at the art in the museum, not in our hands. Or at least enjoy buying groceries.
Depending on what you plan on using your camera for, I could recommend any of these Fujifilm cameras. By the time you get up to the price of X-H2/s models, sure, maybe Sony would be a better bet. (I find $2,000+ unconscionable for APS-C sensors.) Fujifilm is certainly chasing that market with those cameras. Gone is the retro cool styling. If you’ve already got X-mount lenses, the X-H series are great cameras. If you make money from your camera or are serious about video, maybe that’s what you need.
Notably missing from my lists above are the rangefinder-style models, the X-Pro series and the X-E series. I’ve always been tempted by the idea of an X100 with interchangeable lenses, but always ended up with the X-T SLR-style cameras instead. My wife recently ordered an X-Pro2, though, so maybe I’ll get to sneak a peek at that. Based on my experience with the same sensors, processors, and features, though, I don’t see how you could go wrong with those models (update your firmware!).
The two models I no longer own that caused me some regret are either of the X100’s and the 50r. The latter, especially, really grew on me while I had it, but since the 50s ii had in-body stabilization, eliminated rolling electronic shutter with still subjects, had a much better grip, and included a free 35-70mm lens, it made more sense.
The model that constantly surprises me and can really always be with you is the XF10. Find one, buy it, use it. The results are the most outsized of any camera I’ve used. Using the same equivalent focal length, it’s a Leica Q without the awkward pocket bulge and second mortgage.
I’ve been on the X100V wait list at B&H for a long time (and am perturbed that apparently people can skip the list by calling up and ordering on the phone). But with this new/old X-T1 and a small lens (TBD), I have honestly lost interest in that beautiful hype monster.
There’s a lot of life left in those older cameras. If I were just starting out today, I’d seriously consider one of the older Fujifilm X-mount models that the YouTubers (and thereby, eBayers, followed by MPBers) haven’t (yet) pumped up. The X-T1 is an excellent camera, even by today’s standards. Why pay more?
