The Fujifilm X-Pro 1 - A Leica M Alternative - For PEANUTS!
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- Опубликовано: 5 июн 2021
- This rangefinder style digital camera from Fujifilm is quickly gathering a cult following, and it's now very affordable indeed!
Its rangefinder styling makes it a very beautiful camera to use, and it's an effective alternative to a Leica M digital body, for much less cost! It also makes unique and beautiful images that few other digital cameras can match!
Check out the episode to see how I got on with it! Go on, you know you want to!
Support this channel at www.patreon.com/Zenography?fa...
Thanks for watching!
#camera asmr #camera chat #photography asmr #photography chat
My only digital camera is the Xpro-1 and I love it. Bought it new over 5 years ago and have never had any regrets. Thanks for the excellent and informative video Mr Z.
Hi Nigel, I’ve been counting down the Sundays for years for your review on this very special tool of choice.
Thank you 😊
I hope you enjoyed it!
You got nothing to do on Sundays🤷
Macaulay Culkin aged really well. 😁
:)
More park based putting glasses on please
I can't unsee 😭
Until I turned the sound on, I thought, let's see what Steve Buscemi's on about...
You really take your time for trying this amazing camera's features on a personal level beyond the already widely known specs. Nice approach. I just got mine on 2022 and this is a really exciting camera for me.
Love the XPRO 1! The viewfinder is always disappointing when you preview the pics, but the actual pic quality is amazing. I use a Turbo II speedbooster with m42 lenses and it's a great combination
It really is!
This sensor is the most organic Fuji have made and it's actually based on film. There's something unique about it that you can't forget or replace. The way it captures texture makes it shine in black and white especially with the Acros film simulation. The shooting experience with the X-Pro1 is very special too. That's why it's not as cheap as other Fuji cameras which came out later, it has become a bit of a cult camera. I have the X-Pro3 too but I keep shooting with the X-Pro1, especially for black and white portraiture. Anyway, thanks for sharing, I appreciate it!
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Well Nigel I have two of these as love them so much, reminded me of my old Zorki too!. Have other cameras but can’t bear to part with my Xpro1’s, both mint and with minimal shutter actuations. The JPG’s are phenomenal out of them! They make you slow down and make a more considered approach. Glad you are revisiting some of the older cameras as so many get caught up with GAS.😎🇦🇺👍
Those x-pro 1s are definitely worth keeping!
Despite having, due to GAS, a quite extensive collection of even newer cameras, the x-pro1 with the 35mm f2 is the one I always have with me. Thanks for sharing.
I know exactly what you mean - surprisingly, I found it rather nicer to shoot than my x-t2!
Same hier, though own pro-2 and 3 there is something special with xpro-1.It slows me down.
Hi I like the xpro 1 with the 27mm pancake lens, small and neat
Good to see you out and about 👍 thoroughly enjoyed this episode thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks!
Hi Nigel, bought one 1/2 year ago. Really like it. Rather then a tool it feels like a good old companion you like to travel or hang out with. I have the XF18/2 and XF35/1.4 and they are a bit slow and noisy, still workable. Same as the EVF. Tried the XF23/2 and wow, different camera, way faster, near silent. Worth trying one of the newer fuji lenses. I use a 7Artisan 35/1.2 as well, love the combo. Whish the focuss peaking was a diff color though and using the OVF (zone focussing with the indications on the lens) the framelines are dimm, hard to see in daylight (not so with the fuji lenses, couldn‘t make out why….if someone knows how to fix it?
Cheers from Switzerland
Mitch
Thanks for this. Great shots and well conveyed feelings of using an older classic digital camera to re-live the traditional 'analogue' shooting experience. I guess some of us are soon destined to become 'Digital Hipsters' ;-)
I bought mine around two years back. I love it and I agree with evert syllable you said. I do use film cameras including old Leica rangefinders. This camera is lije using a film camera that's being converted to digital, I use it fully manually for the 'film experience' I think the peaking might have been a firmware update as being white isn't that good. I'm 71vand my eyesight isn't good except with my specs on but I'm ytsining myself to use manual focus when using my mane old lenses but it can be a bit of a challenge. I paid just under £300 for an immaculate one two years back with the intention of just using vintage glass on it but disappointingly the peaking let it down so for about the same money as the body I bought the 18-55 zoom and that covers all my requirements. With that lens and usind autofocusvI often use the hybrid finder as all the data I need, likebtge metering is there. Of course manual lenses need the EVF, and with practice I think my focusing ois getting better but oh for some blue peaking....... I'm really pleased you reviewed my favourite digital, at the momen it is and have made the same conclusions as I have.
I bought one new in 2013 and cant part with it mainly due to the fact that it's worth peanuts in trade in which I am so pleased now, I agree you really do have to take your time with this beast, auto focus I think it might have a clockwork mechanism lol but the images it produces in my opinion are the best I have ever had that creamy look to the images I just cannot achieve with anything else, and this just comes out natural time after time, like you my eyesight is not what it used to be and I find in bright sunlight I feel I am shooting blind half the time, a good tip you gave turn off the auto review of images ..I am definitely going to go with that ..thanks for the video well interesting
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
I bought one of these just over a year ago with a 35 1.4 fuji lens.. and have bought Viltrox 23 1.4 and 85 1.4 . These lenses are electronically compatible with the fuji. With this camera I have found you can be quite casual with your composition and you can compose taking your time both methods are equally lapped up by the X-pro and I never look at my shots before I download. My recommendation to anyone thinking of purchasing this camera is... buy it, it's liberating and you'll become your own photographer, its limitations are its pure gold. Put a 23mm on, get wrist strap and be relaxed and spontaneous, you'll be really surprised how good you will become.
A case of less is more, for sure!
Forget tripods and pan heads, the X-Pro1 aligns the images automatically when hand-held.
Point the X-Pro1 up or down by a constant amount during the pan and it magically corrects! If you wiggle, no problem: the X-Pro1 automatically fixes it all.
The X-Pro1's huge dynamic range is a huge help taming the huge variations in lighting encountered in panoramas. The X-Pro1's viewfinder system is the world's first combined optical and electronic hybrid finder on an interchangeable-lens camera. (The fixed-lens Fuji X100 is the first.) This unique viewfinder system sets the X-Pro1 in a class by itself. If LEICA could do this, it would bring LEICA 60 years ahead of where it is today.
The X-Pro1's eye control selects the rear LCD or viewfinder automatically.
The front lever switches between optical (OVF) and electronic (EVF) viewfinders. The EVF has a very high-resolution LCD with sharp optics. Unlike Sony's sequential-color EVFs, the X-Pro1's EVF image is stable no matter how fast you move your eye, and never shows any residual color fringes.
One can operate the entire menu system, playback and zoom, through the electronic finder. One never needs to look at the back of a camera in public, and the EVF lets one work in dark theaters without disturbing others. When it gets dark, the EVF is brighter than reality making it easy to see, focus and compose in any light. It's like night vision, but in color! The rear 3" LCD is sharp, and is well color-matched to the images as seen on a calibrated monitor.
Like every camera in 2012, I had no problem seeing it in daylight. The X-Pro1's LCD is more accurate than the colors on Nikon D800 and D4's LCD, It's small, light, and handles like a dream. It sounds smooth and quiet, and the grip works and feels very good. It's easy to set the Fuji X-Pro1 purely by feel. The exposure modes are easy to set without looking. If either shutter or aperture is set to A, that value is controlled automatically based on the other. If both are set to A, both are set automatically, giving the professional, or "Program," exposure mode.
Once learned in a few days, the X-Pro1 handles faster than a DSLR because of direct shutter, aperture, compensation and focus and exposure mode dials.
It's easy to set even manually-set custom white balances without taking the camera away from your eye! Auto ISO uses 1/(equivalent focal length) as its slowest shutter speed. It's perfectly normal to see ISO 800 come up in daylight. It's not because it's dark, it's because the highlights are so harsh that the ISO 800 setting is needed to retain the highlights.
Nikon and Canon do the same things with the effective ISO when their dynamic-range optimization systems are enabled, but their software is designed not to scare anyone and conceal the fact that they've also bumped-up their effective ISOs.
Don't worry if you see ISO 400 and ISO 800 popping up with Auto DR and Auto ISO enabled in broad daylight; it means the system is working. Auto DR works great. I leave it on all the time. It kicks-in automatically only as needed, and always makes photos look better.
Auto DR knows the dynamic range of the image from the sensor, and alters exposure and region-by-region sensitivity to optimize every part of the image.
It really works, works well, and is completely automatic. Highlights are astounding with AUTO DR active. Highlights simply can't blow out. If you're shooting for black-and-white, this gives a great film-look.
The X-Pro1 has an uncanny ability to control any highlight, even looking directly into the sun. Instead of a big white circle as we get from DSLRs, extreme highlights always look natural, presuming you activate this feature. The highlight rendition of the X-Pro1 is better than DSLRs, gracefully and naturally rendering difficult highlights.
The Fuji X-Pro1 quietly packs every image-processing trick Fuji learned in making DSLRs into a compact body, instead of another me-too DSLR. Fuji is changing the game, making cameras for photographers while Canon and Nikon are too busy chasing vidiots and computer hobbyists. Given a few more years Fuji might send Nikon and Canon back to where LEICA is today: a fond memory for most of us, but no longer relevant. The X-Pro1 is half the price of a Canon 5D Mark III or Nikon D800, so if you already have a 5D Mark II or D700, you might want to step all the way up to the X-Pro1 for half the price of the 5D Mark III or D800, each of which are mostly the same as the older models, while there is nothing like the X-Pro1. Even the LEICA M9 handles like a pig with it's all-manual focusing and no way to see what you've really got in your image until after you look at the rear LCD, compared to the X-Pro1. You can't get better than Fuji's lenses, and other lenses, even awesome LEICA lenses, won't autofocus or open and close their diaphragms for you as you shoot and focus.
With other lenses, manual focus might not be that much of a problem, but you'll have to open and close the aperture by hand every time you want to focus or shoot or focus. Forget other lenses except for the 12mm Voigtländer for ultrawide, or longer lenses from LEICA. LEICA's 35mm f/1.4 ASPH FAG isn't better than Fuji's 35mm f/1.4.
Before you go hog-wild and buy all three lenses, ask yourself why are you buying the X-Pro1 in the first place? Isn't it to simplify things? Hold off and get just the 35/1.4 (50mm equivalent), and you'll probably never miss the other lenses - or any shots while you were off changing lenses. We expect Fuji to come up with more lenses, so chill-out and maybe in a few months there will be some other lens you want even more, like a 14mm f/2.8 (21mm equivalent) and 23mm f/1.2 (35mm equivalent). www.kenrockwell.com/fuji/x-pro1.htm
That's a pretty cool feature!
Ah the almost camera, when I upgraded from my T1 to T3 I was going to sell the former and buy one of these. Never got around to it but still, great to see the old Fuji’s still getting love
It's a really nice camera - showing its age a little now for sure, but still lovely to use!
Thanks for this, it has really opened my eyes to this marvelous camera. Its on my must have list now. Cheers
Glad it was helpful!
Helpful and entertaining, love you stuff
i like your approach to exam x-pro 1, not much review got your points, totally agree !
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for this video, Nigel.
As you may know, I am a huge fan of the modern Fujifilm cameras, the X-E series in particular.
I looked at the X-Pro 1 a while ago and found it a good camera, but missing some of the features found in the "cut down" X-E series. My current camera of choice, the X-E3, will probably be my favourite for some time to come. I have compared it to it's younger sibling, the X-E4, but for my money the 3 is a much better camera,
In fact, I'd put my neck on the block and say that it's almost the perfect camera, at least for me.
If you ever get the chance to try one out I'd be interested if you came to the same conclusion.
I like the new format of your videos too, with the images tagged on at the end. I could recognise some of those shot with the CZ lens, but it might be a good idea to have some onscreen information as to which lens is being used?
Just a minor point - the Zenography remains the same.
Regards
George
I'll do that next time George, thanks for the suggestion!
I had the X-E3, which I replaced with the X-E4, and I must say I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would and it's arguably a 'better' camera, technically, than the X-Pro1 but what you get with this sensor is unique and irreplaceable especially if you shoot in black and white
One of my favourite Fuji camera's for personal work and combines nicely with the Konica Hexanon 40mm 1.8. Nice review. Thank you
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
I was using an X-Pro1 and X-Pro2 until I could purchase a Leica M10. After I finally purchased the M10, I discovered that I really preferred the performance of my Fuji cameras.
There's a lot to recommend these Fujis, no doubt about it!
Hello! First, I would like to thank you for your videos. You have a great approach to photography. I love the fact of the retro/hybrid philosophy in utilizing vintage and modern photo gear. I left photography for many years when digital really started to get hold. It just seemed too overwhelming to me. Well, I decided to jump into it again.
Based primarily on your channel, you have convinced me that I can, at least utilize my old lenses as well, on a digital camera. I made the plunge today and bought a used Fugifilm X-T2. I researched some, and decided that I don't need all the latest and greatest for the simple photography that I will be doing. Thank you for being an influence for this decision.
I do have a question. What adapter(s) do you use for your vintage lenses? Pardon me if you have mentioned it in another video. I probably haven't seen it yet.
Again, thanks for your videos and keep them coming! Take care.
I bought 1 used for less than $300. And i love it!! Planning to adapt vintage lenses on it
That sounds like a very nice combination! Enjoy!
@@zenography7923 yup, i already have minolta 55mm f1.7 on it. Next one might be an m42 lense
@Mike Zielinski I buy inexpensive ($20US) adapters for my 30+ vintage lenses. One adapter per mount design (M42, Canon, MD/MC, L39, etc etc) is needed. Don't need one per lens. The only problem I ever had was when I bought a more expensive adapter ($100US or so) that was extremely tight and I sent it back.
Great vid as always! Those pictures in the last part of the video, are they taken with a vintage lens or Fujinon 1545 or a mix?
They're mostly vintage, shot with a Zeiss Jena Pancolar 50mm, plus a sprinkling of Fuji 15-45.
Good review. I love my xpro1, the image quality is so good that you forgive the low res screen / EVF and clunky autofocus! Personally I use save my vintage lenses for using on a newer Fuji where the focus peaking so much more reliable. I recently posted of short video of xpro1 images shot in the studio on my channel if you're interested to see what it can do on a portrait shoot. Thanks for sharing your experience
I just checked out your video with Victoria - those are some fantastic shots!
I think that the Xpro1 will be a classic still 20 years in the future
I think you're right!
Best get a XPro2 then. The XPro1 is quirky and slow.
I never forget the day sometime late 2014, when I returned from a business trip from London to Germany. At the airport shop I saw an offer of the X-Pro 1 together with two lenses - I think it was the 18mm and 35mm f 2 - for a price of 499 pounds. I didn't buy it. Regret it to this day.
Oh gosh, you missed a trick there!
Hi, Earlier this year I bought a X-Pro1. Like you my eyesight is not great and I had exactly the same problems with the the EVF that you describe. I contacted Fujifilm and they suggested fitting a Voightlander Diopter Correction Lens to the eyepiece, these cost roughly £24.00, and it has made all the difference as far as getting sharp focus with the EVF. The EVF is still not great in bright sunlight. I much prefer using the OVF. Inicidently you are right the camera only has a mechanical shutter. I also own a X-Pro2, the EVF on the X-Pro2 is miles better than the X-Pro1. But even for a second hand X-Pro2 you are paying a relatively high price. For me the main advantages of the X-Pro1 is price, image quality and the fact that it is a lighter body than the X-Pro2. Really enjoyed what you had to say.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed the video!
Nigel, thank you for your thoughts on the Fuji XP1 & beautiful images from it. I have agreed that it’s very close to film-like quality & experience for a digital 📷. I enjoyed shooting with it so much, I purchased another one ( about $400 in the US & climbing)! I paired them with vintage, cheap or modern Fuji lenses & get very subtle IQ differences from each. The color rendering is far more palatable & analog-like, IQ is soft(these 2 qualities reminds me of Andei Tarkovsky movies) the 📷 is slow(I 📸 manually & don’t mind it), the b&w images are simply sumptuous (I preferred this over Acros)...overall, one of my favorite 📷. Also, try X-E1 or the X-M1(no viewfinder ) for a little less 💵 but with very similar quality & experience. My favorite digital 📷 is the Epson RD-1-the first digital rangefinder 📷 from ~14years ago. It has analog gauges, frame advance crank lever(!), M mount... a dedicated photography 📷 that produces film-like IQ. It’s expensive for an outdated 📷, but the 📸 experience is well worth the money spent-much cheaper than a Leica or therapy. ✌🏼& 📸.
Indeed, I know exactly what you mean! The Epson RD1 is now quite a legendary machine, with prices to match! I almost think it's worth it, just for those dials!
Thank you for another excellent video. I have the XPRO1, XE1, XA1 and XT10 and more lenses (mostly vintage) than I can list. Anyway . . the XPro construction is "pro grade" while the others I own are built "consumer grade". I don't use the XPro's OVF so an XE model (rangefinder shape, no OVF) built "pro grade" would be a dream.
Indeed it would - but even so, it's pretty nice as it is!
Very nice video. I always turn of the automatic review, and turn on constant preview.
Never use the back lcd! Like the surprises when i review the images at home!
Keep on the good work. / Regards Ulf
Indeed, some of those surprises are quite nice!
Hi!
That was another nice video, another nice camera it is always nice to see You. However it was cool idea to come whit the camera out and do it outside!
See You next week!!
Take care!!
Many thanks, very glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for sharing. One small hint: if you have a hard time determining if your picture is in sharp focus when reviewing - push the rear dial and you will immediately jump to maximum magnification for the actual focus point. A nice and useful feature.
That being said, no diopter adjustment as such, only glass of different diopter strengths was (is???) available for special order for the viewfinder... which does not work all that well for BOTH the ovf AND the evf, so not ideal, but possible. But rear screen is Okay, image quality is outstanding, and the shutter sound is to die for. Ciao from Portugal. Jan.
It's a very likeable camera in many ways, and its image quality is superb. But the lack of diopter adjustment is a real oversight! A lovely camera overall though.
I use a Nikon FE screw in diopter adapter, which is an exact fit. Mind you, they are not easy to find now either. I'd never sell my Xpro1. Love it
Super vidéo, merci
I picked up a Fuji XE1 body a few months ago from MPB to use with my vintage lenses but have not tried it yet. I was just wondering what you would recommend as a standard Fuji zoom for it as my eyes are not so good at the moment for manual focusing. I am due an operation shortly to remove a cataract and fix a stuck iris in my dominant eye but I still will be left with a macular oedema on my optic nerve so auto focus is my only option.
Sorry to hear you're having problems Tony, in such a situation autofocus is the way to go. I've heard the Fujifilm 18-55 f2.8-f4 is a very nice lens indeed - I haven't used it but all reviews are positive. Seems to go for around 250 - 300 pounds used. In a similar situation, that's the lens I'd go for.
@@zenography7923 thanks for the advice it’s much appreciated. Both eyes seem to be getting worse but I am due a hospital appointment in a couple of weeks, it’s a cruel situation for someone who has been a passionate photographer for 50 years.
@@tonyjedioftheforest1364 hope you get well soon 👍
Had one from new. Still love it
Lovely camera. I used it for 3 years now with fully satisfaction.
It's a lovely piece of kit, no doubt about it!
When I bought mine, well used years ago I had been using various M43 cameras and the difference was shocking. Really the first time I saw the images on my computer screen I was stunned. And that was with the “worst” lens (which I love) the 27mm.
The image quality from this camera really are second to none!
Despite the internet mindset, the XF 27mm is a very very nice lens. I sold my first one too quickly for not having an aperture ring, but immediately bought another one and took some time to bond with it. GREAT carry-around lens for going about town with the XA, XM or XE models.
@@daveleo7248 Same here, I bought one and sent it back because it felt like a piece of junk. After looking more closely at the pictures, I bought another. It’s become my most used lens.
@@jonlouis2582 I have a friend in London who recently (I think) acquired the 27 and the results (he uses the X-Pro3) I’ve seen are very, very nice. The thing about that focal length is that the equivalent field of view is ˜40mm, which for me is the “perfect” normal. I have a Hexanon-AR 40, some Olympus fixed lens rangefiders with 40-42mm lenses and the Summicron-C 40/2. 40mm never lets me down for situations that call for “normal”- it seems to “brreathe”easier while maintaining a natural feel and doesn’t have the slight “wideness” of a 35mm FOV lens.
Apparently the 2nd one is a massive improvement: 4 color focus peaking, no lag on EVF, LCD and shutter. Much faster autofocus....
I would only get a 1 for the nice JPGs, using only modern Fuji lenses or manual lenses with zone focusing.
Xtrans 1 and Xtrans 4 are my faves for JPGs and very different: one smooth/filmic, one crunchy (contrast and sharp) with real pop.
I've heard the 2nd one is technically rather better - would love to try one someday!
@@zenography7923 just got one recently, it is beautiful. I really think you would fall in love with it, assuming you are right eye dominant. I haven't tried the 1, but the XE1 was too slow and the 1 is apparently similar.
The 2 is perfectly fast enough and gets some nice tech bumps like 50% more megapixels and Acros film simulation - the only one I have consistently used without feeling the need to do some post processing. It really feels like a solid camera (as I am sure the 1 does to a slughtly lesser extent), like the classic rangefinders you have. With it's improvements on the 1 I think it and the XE2 will be my forever cameras. I just don't see any reason to upgrade, especially now I have figured out how to get Nostalgic Negative and Classic Negative on Lightroom Desktop and at least Classic Neg on the free Capture One for Fuji. Which means more money for lenses. 🤠 I have had an XT3 which was a marvel, but didn't need all that tech for photography (I got it for video). The X Pro 2 specs are a sweet spot imo.
Like you said, it takes you back a bit with the OVF. I dont miss my Canonet QL17 rangefinder or Olympus XA2 as much now. I have always had showing the image off on Fuji cameras and never want to chimp, unless doing something serious like a careful landscape. Looking forward to seeing my Super Takumar 50mm f1.4 on the X Pro 2. The OVF focusing is a bit weird but only tried on the Industar 69 so far, which isn't ideal. If I don't "get it" Fuji's red focus peaking hits the spot almost every time.
I think I may also have a 135mm f3.5 Pentax PK mount which I will check if you want when back in UK. Although you probably have it or similar ones already, but I don't use it so may as well send it you. I don't like or use my Helios 44-M4 either, but thats such a classic I may regret sending it if I ever get into portraits and you have or have at least already used that lens I think. There is also an Auto Chinon 50mm I don't use, but that was my Dad's, so maybe I could send that on the condition that if I ever get sentimental, like when he dies, I can have it back. Happy to collect as I am from Altrincham.
Actually, I don't think you have tried the Industar 69 or Lomo T43 40mm f4, so I could lend you those two to try. Both bargains worth keeping. Might order another Industar 69 as my current version feels a bit more hazy than my last one. The 69 is bad but tiny and has unique quirks, the Lomo is actually a really good sharp lens which someone modified to L39 mount. The Olympus XA2 is sat in a box too in case you haven't tried one of those (with some expired film). I let the Canonet go as it was so heavy, but the XA2 is worth keeping as it's so small and lightweight. Might be quite a while before I get back to visit though.
It's my today Leica M👌
Love my X-pro1...and my others Fuji's😎
Enjoy!
X-T10 also has great colors but much faster processor and better phase autofocus! However I still prefer X-Pro1, it's so unique and inspiring.
If the Contax G2 ever had a digital version the X-Pro series would be it. I wish there were an adjustable diopter on the X-pro 1 having to buy a separate adjustment lens is an annoyance, but I still can't bring myself to sell it, it has such a nice feel to it and that style of camera makes you move closer when shooting people and that alone makes an improvement for me. Very nice images. I am not sure why the DKW Academy is so deadly, perhaps it is some updated theatrical version of Arsenic and Old Lace using electricity, perhaps atomically generated for extra effect, I am sure the coal fired version must move more slowly and be more friendly while inducing a cough.
Nice images, good work, thanks for the effort you made. Best wishes!
Oh, a digital G2, how nice would that be! Come to think of it, a film G2 would be pretty nice too!
My G2 with 4 beautiful CZ lenses was the bees knees. My X100 was reminiscent of those days, but the X Pro 1 is closer. I have had my XP1 since 2014.
Hello there, you commented on your difficulty with the evf as being not very clear. It possibly doesn't match up to the evf's found on more recent cameras in terms of resolution but one major thing to bear in mind is that there is no diopter adjuster! I noticed that you wear spectacles when indoors so if, like me, you need glasses to see close up then you need to use them for looking through the viewfinder. It's a bit clunky but, like everything else, you can get used to it. I have used an X-Pro 1 for years and, believe me, it is a mother-beautiful camera as well as being a serious piece of kit. The jpegs straight out of camera (colour or B&W) are stunning. Much enjoy your videos. All the best, Philip Alvy.
It's a fantastic little machine - but would be even nicer with a diopter adjuster!
Good mention about not electric lenses not playing nice with the evf .
Really like the hybrid viewfinders .
Me too, quite a revelation!
I am in the same camp as you. I have disabled the instant preview on all my digital cameras and try to slow down the process, think and explore, then get the image as good as I can on location. And I also use the cameras exclusively in single shot mode, except for birding.
It's a technique we've forgotten, with rapid fire digital cameras, but it certainly works!
Hello Chief of Zenography,
thanks for your different sort of review on the X-Pro 1. These cameras are hard to find and prices seem to increase. If you've got one, keep it!
Btw, you could improve the feeling of film like shooting by applying very small SD cards or one that is fomatted down to 512 MB. It's a thrill to leave the house knowing that there are only 40 images left this day... Well, this procedure is not limited to the X-Pro 1.
Best regards
ZvB
An excellent idea, thanks for the tip!
The best digital camera of all time.
It's certainly a nice one, no doubt about it!
I have one I picked up 6 months ago, mint condition for £290 & the SOOC Jpegs are insanely good! Also have an XT1 and can't see me upgrading anytime soon.
These early Fujis make beautiful images, no doubt about it!
So, they are a step up from the X100 Series. I'm still trying to wrap my head around my X100S and might eventually settle on an X-Pro Series, if the price is right.
If you get a chance, try the XPRO 2. Have upgraded to the 3 and loving it and as you say it really takes you back to the film days if that's how you like to do things. Great channel.
No doubt the day will come when an x pro 2 is in my hands!
@@zenography7923 Where the 3 really comes into it's own (for me anyway) is if you wear glasses. The optical, I feel, is better on the 2 because it kept the varying focal lengths frame lines, either way, as you say, not looking at the screen after every shot and waiting until you get them on the computer (and if they work) gives great satisfaction.
Great video. I have an XT30 and I want to adapt my OM zuiko lenses on it. Any recommendations? (Not looking for speedboosters)
If you don't mind the crop factor (as I don't), then any cheap, so called 'dumb' adaptor (no electronics or focus confirmation) will work fine - in fact, they're all I ever use! The camera's focus peaking feature is very effective and ensures sharp shots. Good luck!
@@zenography7923 I do not mind the crop factor, on the contrary, i have 4 OM lenses and they will fill the some empty slots in my fuji lens lineup. But i was asking for brand recommendation for the adapter.
My first Fuji was the X-M1,only a little over a year ago. 16-50 kit lens. I like that lens. Very fast autofocusing, and crazy fast on a T-2. Macro also, and amusingly, you go to macro by selecting it on the back wheel, like a pocket camera. No viewfinder, so I bought one of those Russian turret finders with 4 focal lengths that fit in the hot shoe, and a cone style magnifier to flip down and over the back screen. It certainly gives this humble X-M1 a beast quality. It ain't no video camera. But the way the sensor was handing black and white just floored me. Not quite sure why you shot video on your walk with yours. Or did you use something else? I like that jacket...
I used my osmo pocket for the exterior video on this one - I don't think the x pro 1 would have kept up in that department! Just thought I'd take advantage of a sunny day to try a different approach!
I needed to replace a Panasonic LX5 due to that I liked a bigger sensor and I have an 18-55mm lens on it. It have not work as well I had expected due to it’s a bigger camera, but I will use it more. I'm looking for a FF rangefinder camera that I can print up to A2 with. I have the Fuji X-T1 also with a 55-200mmF3.5-5.6 but I hate to use that camera. My usual camera system is Nikon D700 and D800E and I slowly update that system with two VR zooms and I will get a 2nd hand 400mmF2.8 lens to it. I will update to a used D850 also.I still use MF analouge cameras
I'm surprised you didn't get on with the X-T1 - it's one of my favourite cameras! Not everyone's cup of tea though. Thanks for looking in!
@@zenography7923 The menu system on the Fuji X-T1 is confusing and I cannot use the camera with gloves in the winter due to small buttons. I can use the D300/D700 with a vertical grip with gloves. I have not tested D800E with gloves yet and I have no vertical grip to it. I use the Fuji X-T1 during Sunday walks to take pictures on the wildlife so I slowly learning that camera. The X-Pro 1 was easy to learn. My favourite camera is the Fuji CW690III but I have the HB 503CW and Mamiya 7iii also.
Hello, I too have an Fuji XPro1 as I know were up to XPro4 in 2019 but when I got the first version and use this version first model that I was very please, and I do not think that it is slower to use the camera, I rather do the thinking when shooting Manual, and I could not afford the lenses that Fuji stock, so what I did is get a Fuji to Nikon F adapter and I use my line of Nikon Nikkor Manual focus Lenses as I was very please in the sharpness, and contrast, and the clarity of the Nikkor optics even though that my lenses are 50 years old and shooting tons of film as they are still as good when they were release then. Ok So I cannot use the Auto, and Program Feature on the XPro1 as I am happy when using it on Manual setting, and I am happy in using it along with my Fuji XE1 as I can use the lenses as for a Still, and Video camera, and the same for my Fuji DSLR S3Pro, and S5Pro as I used my old Nikkors on them too. Bravo....
I very rarely use modern lenses on mirrorless cameras - like you, I use almost entirely vintage. Glad you enjoyed the video!
I watched this “old” video because I once had an X-Pro1 which I really liked, but traded for an X-100F because I wanted a fixed lens camera and something a bit more compact. I regretted that - the 100F is a really nice camera, but I didn’t get on with the controls. That was partly my fault, though. I traded the X-100F for a Fujinon 240A/9 for my 4x5 setup - the 240A is a legendary lens and I had been seeking one for years at a good price. Those lenses can go for a lot of money, much more than I wanted to spend. So when I found one at a good price and in good condition, I jumped.
But now I’m contemplating buying a used X-Pro1 body again. Why? Well, l think I now know enough more about the controls and interface that I can make them “get out of the way” so the camera operates more like a film rangefinder. More importantly, the black and white photos I could get with my Olympus OM Zuiko lenses mounted with adapters, were just beautiful. Especially my Zuiko 21/2 and 28/2.8 lenses performed very, very well. I now have a Summicron-C 40/2 and Rokkor 28/2.8 which I use on my Leica CL, so along with other legacy glass from other brands, I have a really wide choice of lenses.
I never found the X-Pro 1 peaking to be problematic for me, but then I tend to work a bit slowly and with the wider lenses zone focusing accommodates faster shooting. I had taken my X-Pro1 to Paris in 2016, and the resulting photos (I also had the Fuji 18/2) bring me a lot of pleasure. So I think now, when I want to shoot digital, the X-Pro1 would be a great choice at a very reasonable price, especially since I think, as I said, I can make the controls “get out of the way and just shoot. As you said, the sensor is VERY nice, and more than adequate for my needs. The image quality seems to top out at 1600, much below newer sensors, but I rarely have the need to boost ISO beyond that.
Thanks for this video!
Best of this vid is the Fujifilm XC 15-45 lens. The best for street.
This camera is a class of its own. I like it very much, I would never spend money for a Leica. The Fuji is really wonderful.
Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love both my X-Pro1 and 3, but I have in the past (and will in future) also shoot Leica. Both are excellent cameras, and the Fuji is the better bang/buck, but the Leica shooting experience is still miles better. The finder is tons bigger, the shutter dial so much better tuned to turn with just a finger, etc. of course you’d hope it would be for like 15x the price, but there is definitely a difference
@@HH60gPaveHawk It is an experience that you can get in most cases. It is always possible to made some features a little bit better, but the effort you need for that is not linear. In the low end a little bit better is not the problem, in the range of high end, yes you can always make it a degree even better, but you have to spend very much for that improvement. So a ratio of 1 to 15 in money is really worth taking into account. Oscar Wilde s answer was "simply the best". That might be a solution, but not for many people. But for the enthusiast In totally agree - nothing compares with the best solution.
I'd love to shoot a digital Leica, for comparison!
Brilliant video, you’ve convinced me to beg, borrow or steal an X-Pro 1, a lot of those black & whites blew me away during the end montage - by the way what’s the lovely, haunting music that accompanied the montage, I’d love hear that again..
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
The photos you shoot are pretty impressive. Same as the review part.
That's very kind, glad you enjoyed them!
Steve Buscemi knows his shit :O)
I found a used X-pro1 for $400 with a 7artisans lens and the images from it are just so film like.
That was a lucky find indeed - enjoy!
what about the x100 series as a near film rangefinder experience? I bought one 8 years ago and still my favourite digital camera. and I got some Kiev 4A's and some zorki 3's and 4's. long live film .... thanks for another excellent episode.
Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
How about a look at polarising filters (maybe linear v circular?) on odd / diff digi cams?
Thanks for the suggestion!
I sold most of my cameras recently! I am now left with an Xpro 1 and a contax g1 and I can’t think of 2 cameras I would enjoy shooting with more :)
It sounds like you've kept the perfect pair - enjoy!
Took my xpro1 on my honeymoon a few years back. Most sublime pics ever. Wife is stunning in them. Will never part with it.
It's a fantastic camera, which you've been wise enough to keep!
The X-Pro1 is a lovely camera, but for me, it lacks a couple of key features. It does not have a diopter adjustment on the viewfinder, and as you pointed out, the focus peaking is weak. I have an X-Pro2 that has diopter adjustment plus very effective focus peaking which makes it a much more attractive camera. The X-Pro2 has the X-Trans 3 24MP sensor which is great, but quite different from the X-Trans 1. The X-Trans 1 sensor does produce lovely, very distinctive images, so my choice is an X-E1 that lacks the OVF, but does have diopter adjustment.
Lack of diopter adjustment strikes me as quite a large oversight - the xe1 sounds better in this respect!
Try the Nikon FE diopter that screws in. Perfect fit
Just curious- Did the camera's diopter help much with your vision? I have had pretty good success with it on other cameras.
The XPro1 viewfinder diopter has the same thread diameter as vintage Nikon diopters, so you can tweak as necessary.
Finally you are there.One small correction, X-pro line up is actually replica of Contax G and not Leica.
I didn't realise that, thanks for the info!
@@zenography7923 Yep, G1 and G2 with AF Zeiss lenses from beginning of the 90's.
i checked the prices for a pro1 recently and its all around 350-500eu average, up tp 800 with a kit lens or else, for the body only. and its not like there are many offers too.
Asking prices have gone up recently - best to stick to auction I think.
Hi there! I’ve got a rather unusual 35mm rangefinder that’s sitting in a cupboard gathering dust. I’d be more than happy to post it to you for a review or even just to know it’s being used and appreciated. If you’re interested, what’s the best way to contact you?
Hi Jesse, that's a very kind offer, thanks! You can contact me at zenography11@gmail.com
Sorry forgot, the weather and You made a superb sunday / Ulf
Hi Ulf, hope all's well! Very glad you enjoyed the video!
Full frame camera good for using vintage lenses of all sorts?
Any mirrorless camera, whether micro four thirds, aps-c or full frame, will be able to shoot pretty much any lens ever made (with one or two exceptions). The X-Pro 1 on test in this video has an aps-c sensor - full frame cameras include the Sony A7/A9 series, the Nikon Z5 and the Canon RP. All will shoot pretty much any vintage lens.
@@zenography7923 yes I was not sure what size sensor your mirror less camera in this video had. Thank you, your answer to my obscure question.
Best camera I’ve ever had. Simply because I enjoy using it so much. You seem to be missing the diopter on your copy. That could explain you missing a few shots. You can get the Fuji ones, but they’re getting harder to come by. You best bet is a Nikon one. You just need to work out which one you need for your prescription.
I didn't realise diopters could be fitted - shame there's no adjustment!
@@zenography7923 You missing one on your body but you can fit diopter from Nikon (d19 or something like that) on it.It cost few pounds.
@@zenography7923 Yes, not adjustable, but they do make a difference. If I buy a cheap pair of off the shelf glasses from somewhere like Wilko, I'm usually a +1 strength on the glasses. The Fuji's own diopter at +1 is fine for me, everything is reasonably clear, it's not the best glass however. By comparison the Nikon +1 equivalent, the EVF detail is crystal clear, much much better better than the Fuji. However, when using the OVF, the on screen detail is crystal clear as the EVF, the frame-lines etc, but the optional detail through the frame-lines is a bit fuzzy. I've just ordered a Nikon +0 to see if that helps. The +2 was way too strong for my needs. You can pick them up anywhere from £12 - £20. If you prefer the EVF, the diopter will make a massive difference if you can work out your correct strength. In fact, it will probably help with your experience of the OVF too. I have a spare +2 you can try out if you wish. Just PM me.... :)
@@clivecotton9320 I've seen a similar one on Ebay www.ebay.co.uk/itm/203481898503?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649 The thread size would be 19mm .. Is it the same size as yours ?
@@clivecotton9320 Cheers Clive... I've bought the one I mentioned. See what happens !
as much as i want to have my hands on xpro1. unfortunately, a used xpro1 in my country here isn't cheap or low budget at all. but thanks for your review!
Can you not import or would that also not be cheap?
@@KC2Lucky it would cost more. a used xpro 1 cost more than xt10 used, and twice the price of a used xe2. a used xpro1 only cost a little less than a used xt20.
@@ftk-alt Fair enough, the X-Pro line hold their value extraordinarly well. I have a X-Pro 2 and they sell for £650. The XT2 sells from as low as £300 so get the point. The X-Pro and X-TX lines have weather sealing, something I value highly but not everyone else does
Prices do differ quite a bit between countries, still, hope you enjoyed the video!
@@zenography7923 it’s true. I occasionally pursue EBay UK and prices are definitely lower. Odd.
Eight years ago, I bought an X-E1 which is similar to the X-Pro1, and I enjoy it as much today as I did back then. It lacks some features but has the same sensor.
Is that slice of watermelon at 22:55 really £4.90?
I'm afraid so - it must be a jolly good slice of melon!
@@zenography7923 Here in Thailand it would be approximately £0.45
I dont think an OVF is better then an EVF. Its just for a different purpose: if i want to exactly know my exposure (e.g. with backlighting) then EVF. if i want to have a clean view of my composition (no hinderance of metering en exposure flickering) i like the ovf better. I feel more engaged. I know that IS subjective. PS: i like the x100 series better then the x-pro series. I like to use the OVF a lot. with the x-pro series this ovf works best between 28eq and 70 eq. i mostly end up shooting 35 eq or 50 eq so an x100 makes more sense for me
I haven't used an x100 yet - now there's a thought!
Careful!! Those Zombie leaves are on a tear this year.😂
So it would seem!
@@zenography7923 😂stay well
"Its usually easy to see..." walks into overhanging tree branch. oops. Sounds like ANOTHER camera to experiment with but it'll have to wait whilst I'm learning how to get the best out of my film rangefinders. "Unless I'm particularly daft": welcome to the club!
Thanks! :)
Another great video. Are you giving up on film.
Not at all - there's a film oriented video coming very soon! Stay tuned!
So you found one for the right price?
I did!
The X-Pro1 did not have an electronic shutter. That was introduced on the X-Pro2 and has a 1/32000 sec shutter. That isn’t a typo!!!
More than enough for anyone I would think!
I sold the x-pro 1 and kept the x-t1.
You cant adjust your eyesight on the x-pro 1, you have to keep your glasses on.
I know what you mean - not having a diopter adjustment on the x pro 1 is somewhat less than ideal!
X pro1 x ever
Unless your eyesight is perfect, the OVF and EVF require different dioptres. In practice it means using the EVF *or* the OVF as there's no adjustable correction in camera. The optical viewfinder works best with Fuji lenses (or at least third party lenses with electronic contacts), while the EVF can be used with dumb adapters and any lenses. As you found, the EVF lacks the resolution of more modern cameras, but manual focus is okay with wider apertures, and smaller apertures have enough depth of field anyway.
Make sure you have the last available firmware, which made AF significantly better and had correction for focus parallax and other improvements. There's quite a lot of viewing options in the menu, and they can be optimised for your preferences. Prior to the X-Pro2 being released Fuji UK sold "refurbished" X-Pro1 cameras for £250. Most of these seemed to be barely used shop returns with warranty.
Oh my goodness, I wish I could have got one of those!
Xpro 1 ovf framelines arent very bright as a leica m, but overall a cheaper alternative
Indeed, much cheaper! I'd still like to shoot a Leica M at some point though!
Zen...🙏🏽📷🙂
I really enjoyed the photography at the end of the video. There were many images which spoke to me. Many more invoked a feeling.🙏🏽📷
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Oh thanks man, very pleased you liked them!
These have jumped up in price lately. I bought one in really good condition 2 years ago for £220, I sold it 6 months after. I just re-bought one with good mechanicals but ok body for £350….shouldn’t have sold it
Prices do seem to have jumped recently - unfortunately!
@@zenography7923 Its a shame. Glad I re-bought it though. I have the XT2, its amazing, but since I stopped using film the Xpro 1 has filled a Leica M2 void
I love salted Peanuts
Have you tried salt and vinegar?
@@zenography7923 indeed I love both, fantastic
Where I live the number of X-Pro1 cameras offered for sale as used is ZERO.
Sorry to hear that - might still be worth keeping an eye on our favourite auction site though?
And now, in these rip-off times, these XPro1's are around £500.00, used. :/
fabulous camera in lots of ways but autofocus is far too slow sadly.
It got quicker with the update, but I must admit it is a bit slow.
It’s quickest with the F2 lenses like the 23 and 35. A lot slower with the 35 1.4.
Too bad the X-Pro1 doesn’t have ACROS, then it would be closer to perfect.
Indeed it would!
I don't wanna play the smart guy here but I actually apply the Acros film simulation to my X-Pro1 files and it's a perfect combination
@@boris.dupont, yeah there are ways around it for Raw but only Jpegs show the real ACROS that can only be done by Fuji’s in-camera processors.
Nice to be able to go sans mask
Indeed it is!
The X-Pro 1 is no Leica M alternative because it simply is no rangefinder camera. It is filled up with too much electronic nonsense stuff that distracts from the process.