It's wild when you consider that the Klasse S/W were launched just 3 years before the original X100 was revealed at Photokina. For years they sort of flew under the radar but the last 18-24 months the prices have gone way up. Great stuff Benj.
I've been trying to find the perfect film point-and-shoot. I've spend days going down rabbit holes on ebay, researching new cool looking cameras it suggests. Anyway, at the end of all that research and getting this camera and the klasse s, I agree it truly is the best option. You really are sacrificing something with most of the others, whether it be slow/missed auto focus, less than ideal aperture, light leaks etc. Thanks!
Really good review that pushed me over the edge to pay dearly for one of these. The ability to manually set ISO was the winner for me as I do like to push and pull films. This is the same reason I bought the Ricoh GR1V but the lens on this Fuji appears to be much better. Not that I will give up the Ricoh as the size is just ridiculously small. Thanks for this review!
Yeh man! Let's see the comparison between the Contax and Klasse. I was also thinking, would it be fair to compare between Voigtlander Bessa R and the Fujifilm Klasse?
The Bessa is a manual rangefinder, though, not really something you could really compare? But... I have the Bessa and it's great! I prefer using it to the Leica M6 even though the rangefinder focusing goes out of sync way too easily. I've had it four months and already had to manually fix it twice. As far as shooting is concerned, it's so nice. Size, weight, sound... all pretty much perfect.
I have the Rollei AFM 35 which is really the Fuji Klasse with 38mm f/2.6 lens. I have have it since 2004. It is a beautiful camera. The best compact I have ever owned. Better than Contax in my opinion.
Just bought this camera off the strength of this video. Thanks so much for the help 🙏🏼 Was a close tie between getting this or the Contax T2. Would like to see a comparison video you spoke of. Thanks again
excellent camera, I was big fan of your photography more than 10 years ago, I left behind photography for years and now that I am back I see you on youtube, thats very nice. Just a thought, I would like to see more of you taking pictures, and the pictures itself, rather than so much talking. Something like Willem Verbeek videos or Corey Wolftenbarger outside taking photos. Keep up the good work, your photography is amazing, I still can't forget your pictures in asia on 2005 with the simple Fuji E550
Just picked up a Klasse W. The shutter speeds in the VF and focus confirmation are impossible to see in daylight/sunshine. Kinda bummed that I only found out about this after I bought it (online). In P mode it's not a big deal, but when you select the aperture it is because you cannot see the shutter speeds.
Hey benj i have a question almost no other youtuber seems to awnser. When watching thru the fujifilm klasse series viewfinder the 4 sqaures marking (something?) are kind of off? my question is "are the actual 4 sqaures you see *inside* the viewfinder the actual final image?
Yeah, they're more like guidelines than actual perfect framing tools. The framing will differ depending on your distance to your subject due to parallax.
Great video. I had a similar point and shoot trajectory: used the T2 for two years or so and ended up buying a Klasse W. Took it with me EVERYWHERE: different states, on holiday out of the country...I really loved it for all the points you mention. At a certain point I stopped carrying it and instead started to roll with a Nikon L35AF. I don't know why, particularly? I was and still am an avid 28mm photographer. But I sort of feel the L35AF has more "gravity" to the photos it takes? Hard to explain...But in any case, thanks for the vid. And I'll likely never part with my Klasse W.
Do you generally shoot film 1 stop over since highlights hold so well? I've done a few shoots with 2 stops over and then pulled 2 stops and the results were really nice, a lot more shadow detail.
Hope it's not too late but, you should go with the klasse W. I love my TC-1 but the image quality is not the best. The build quality is so good and I love how small it is, but the F3.5 is challenging to use at night.
You’re intro b roll for camera reviews makes me instantly want every camera you review 🤣🤣🤣 Did you ever look into the Ricohs film/digital for daily carries ?
@@benjhaisch ahhh I gotcha. Yes the lack of a view finder on the digital does take some adjusting to. But the IQ of the griii I must say is amazing for the size.
I haven’t used the Minolta so I can’t give it a direct comparison, but the Fuji seems to be a much more modern camera, but the build quality of the Minolta and size probably is the advantage.
I am cautious with any old film camera that has electronic displays, got burned with a Fujifilm GA 645zi not displaying Iso. There are workarounds but it is annoying.
That's more to do with the flawed design of the camera; the lcd display cable ran through the door hinge and would flex when opened, over time the cable would break
I have so badly been wanting one of these and also have a saved eBay search. One thing that turned me off from the Contax T2 was the risk of it turning into an expensive paperweight... Is the FujiFilm able to be repaired if needed? Or would it go the same route and become a paperweight?
I travelled around South East Asia with one of these last year! Great little compact camera. However it felt so dainty and delicate, and seemed to pick up scratches and marks at will. Because it was so pricy I for the build quality I sold it off when I got back to London. Great image quality though!
Hey Benj. I ended up getting this camera from the helpful info from this video. Do I remember hearing that you can do double exposures on it? I was looking at the manual and didn’t see anything about it but wondering if there’s a hack?
how to storage all electronic film camera? I bought a konica hexar af and dead in 3months. now I am deciding buy this one but i am afraid another easy dead electronic toy😂
@@benjhaisch yeah thats wierd, maybe your shot is borderline pitchblack around the edges? i know youtube compresses the heck out of blacks and especially gradients like that, maybe try a color grade that offsets the black abit, to a mor gray tone? idk
comparison would be nice, as the T2 is my all time favorite point and shoot. for some odd reason 28mm is not for me , tried that two times owning a Leica Q. so i would probably settle for the 35mm version of the Fuji
Wow awesome video 👍 Never heard of this camera but glad to know there is an alternative to a contax t2 I’ll just have to rob a bank in order to buy one of these lol 💰
I was in a photo walk with other photographers. This one guy dropped this Fuji camera in the bay. Strap it up, my friends. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone
Why yes, I did. The majority of people in my life are much more familiar with digital camera technology, so it makes the most sense to that demographic in that way.
@@benjhaisch Well, us film photographers don't have a lot to cling onto these days. We toil in anonymity at best or ridicule at worst. If we call our cameras "full frame", our photos "captures" and our printing "post" what's left?
Alastair Royston Lickbottom IV haha I get it, I actually usually try to work on my lexicon in that way as well, but I do feel like it makes sense for most people in this case. But yeah, I don’t refer to my photographs as “snaps” or “content” or “pics”
A Klasse W vs. Contax T2 would be great! Your photos are gorgeous....
It's wild when you consider that the Klasse S/W were launched just 3 years before the original X100 was revealed at Photokina. For years they sort of flew under the radar but the last 18-24 months the prices have gone way up. Great stuff Benj.
What are they worth about now?
I've been trying to find the perfect film point-and-shoot. I've spend days going down rabbit holes on ebay, researching new cool looking cameras it suggests. Anyway, at the end of all that research and getting this camera and the klasse s, I agree it truly is the best option. You really are sacrificing something with most of the others, whether it be slow/missed auto focus, less than ideal aperture, light leaks etc. Thanks!
Really good review that pushed me over the edge to pay dearly for one of these. The ability to manually set ISO was the winner for me as I do like to push and pull films. This is the same reason I bought the Ricoh GR1V but the lens on this Fuji appears to be much better. Not that I will give up the Ricoh as the size is just ridiculously small. Thanks for this review!
Great to hear! it's so so so good
I am so interested to see a comparison between the klasse & the contax t2
Yeh man! Let's see the comparison between the Contax and Klasse. I was also thinking, would it be fair to compare between Voigtlander Bessa R and the Fujifilm Klasse?
The Bessa is a manual rangefinder, though, not really something you could really compare? But... I have the Bessa and it's great! I prefer using it to the Leica M6 even though the rangefinder focusing goes out of sync way too easily. I've had it four months and already had to manually fix it twice. As far as shooting is concerned, it's so nice. Size, weight, sound... all pretty much perfect.
I have the Rollei AFM 35 which is really the Fuji Klasse with 38mm f/2.6 lens. I have have it since 2004. It is a beautiful camera. The best compact I have ever owned. Better than Contax in my opinion.
Hey Benj, did you ever get a Klasse S? I would love to see a comparison of the two cameras.
This was extremely helpful. I’ve been looking at this camera for a minute and the 28 is a focal length much fun to work with
Yessss let’s see the comparison! Love those Star Wars land shots! And HB!
Just bought this camera off the strength of this video. Thanks so much for the help 🙏🏼
Was a close tie between getting this or the Contax T2. Would like to see a comparison video you spoke of.
Thanks again
Could uoh please do a comparison with the Contax t2
excellent camera, I was big fan of your photography more than 10 years ago, I left behind photography for years and now that I am back I see you on youtube, thats very nice. Just a thought, I would like to see more of you taking pictures, and the pictures itself, rather than so much talking. Something like Willem Verbeek videos or Corey Wolftenbarger outside taking photos. Keep up the good work, your photography is amazing,
I still can't forget your pictures in asia on 2005 with the simple Fuji E550
2 yrs later I finally bought one. Damn these things are $800 (Oct '22). Glad this review is on point.
$800 is actually what I paid for mine, so not too bad considering how most other things have doubled in price!
Just picked up a Klasse W. The shutter speeds in the VF and focus confirmation are impossible to see in daylight/sunshine. Kinda bummed that I only found out about this after I bought it (online). In P mode it's not a big deal, but when you select the aperture it is because you cannot see the shutter speeds.
where do you get your camera at?
Hey benj i have a question almost no other youtuber seems to awnser.
When watching thru the fujifilm klasse series viewfinder the 4 sqaures marking (something?) are kind of off?
my question is "are the actual 4 sqaures you see *inside* the viewfinder the actual final image?
Yeah, they're more like guidelines than actual perfect framing tools. The framing will differ depending on your distance to your subject due to parallax.
@@benjhaisch so it should be somewhere around those sqaures.
Those images are damn SHARP. I have a T2 so buying this from Japan (or paying 2x as much in Europe) seems a bit silly but it's tempting...
sample photos make this look so goooooooooood. Great breakdown.
Great video. I had a similar point and shoot trajectory: used the T2 for two years or so and ended up buying a Klasse W. Took it with me EVERYWHERE: different states, on holiday out of the country...I really loved it for all the points you mention. At a certain point I stopped carrying it and instead started to roll with a Nikon L35AF. I don't know why, particularly? I was and still am an avid 28mm photographer. But I sort of feel the L35AF has more "gravity" to the photos it takes? Hard to explain...But in any case, thanks for the vid. And I'll likely never part with my Klasse W.
Anyone know a comparison between this Fuji klasse w vs. Nikon 28TI ?
Do you generally shoot film 1 stop over since highlights hold so well? I've done a few shoots with 2 stops over and then pulled 2 stops and the results were really nice, a lot more shadow detail.
I do, I never pull though. I’d only have the lab pull if it was slide film
for travel photography, would you recommend the Contax T2 or this Klasse W?
What are your Thoughts about comparing the Klasse W with the Nikon 28 Ti?
I am curious to get a Wide lens Point and shoot.
9:42 Contax T2 literally has apeture settings on the dial with 2.8 as an option
Yep, if you notice that it’s in green that means that 2.8 will only be used when needed, otherwise it’s auto aperture with that setting.
@@benjhaisch didn't know that, thank you
Is this better than a Minolta TC-1 and if so why? In the market for a 28mm pocketable P&S and it's basically down to those two..
that b roll tho
Yooooo I missed this, thanks fam!
where can I get this camera at ?
Would like to see that comparison video of Contax T2 vs Fuji Klasse W
Oooh I can't choose! Klasse W or 28ti ? Someone tell me which one to get. I'm too indecisive
Amazing video you just made an Ebay seller very happy 🤌🏾✨😂
And yes your right NOT ENOUGH videos on Klasse S or Klasse W
Awesome content. It’s not easy to find videos on the klasse w.
Right? I figure the demand is probably low, but the supply is even lower
I have the klasse w its hands down the best point and shoot no debate
Comparison vid between the contax 2 and klasse w !!!!
I always thought that the contax also had an aperture dial on the lens?
Yeah, it does. You just can't force it to select f/2.8 as 2.8 is actually the auto setting as well. So it'll only use 2.8 when absolutely necessary.
Have you ever tried the Minolta TC-1? I'm sorta choosing between these three and perhaps the Nikon L35AF
Hope it's not too late but, you should go with the klasse W. I love my TC-1 but the image quality is not the best. The build quality is so good and I love how small it is, but the F3.5 is challenging to use at night.
A slightly less expensive version is the Rollei afm35. It's a great camera.
You’re intro b roll for camera reviews makes me instantly want every camera you review 🤣🤣🤣
Did you ever look into the Ricohs film/digital for daily carries ?
I looked into the film versions but haven’t been interested in the digital ones as I want a viewfinder
@@benjhaisch ahhh I gotcha. Yes the lack of a view finder on the digital does take some adjusting to. But the IQ of the griii I must say is amazing for the size.
Do you know how this compares to the Minolta TC-1?
I haven’t used the Minolta so I can’t give it a direct comparison, but the Fuji seems to be a much more modern camera, but the build quality of the Minolta and size probably is the advantage.
I am cautious with any old film camera that has electronic displays, got burned with a Fujifilm GA 645zi not displaying Iso. There are workarounds but it is annoying.
Yeah, honestly, the lcd is great, but I’d still be fine using the camera without it
That's more to do with the flawed design of the camera; the lcd display cable ran through the door hinge and would flex when opened, over time the cable would break
Love this! Would also be sick to hear your opinion on different film stocks (what looks good pushed pulled, overexposed, and just your favorites!)
I have so badly been wanting one of these and also have a saved eBay search. One thing that turned me off from the Contax T2 was the risk of it turning into an expensive paperweight... Is the FujiFilm able to be repaired if needed? Or would it go the same route and become a paperweight?
I travelled around South East Asia with one of these last year! Great little compact camera. However it felt so dainty and delicate, and seemed to pick up scratches and marks at will. Because it was so pricy I for the build quality I sold it off when I got back to London. Great image quality though!
I appreciate the self-reasoning on the cost. It's good logic. ;)
Gotta justify it somehow 😂
Hey Benj. I ended up getting this camera from the helpful info from this video. Do I remember hearing that you can do double exposures on it? I was looking at the manual and didn’t see anything about it but wondering if there’s a hack?
I don’t think so, sorry!
New to you channel, some really great content! Subd
The klasse W vs. the T3 would be a much more fair comparison video..
Great video Benj. Non-related, but where'd you snag that workshirt? :)
I think I got it at Zara when I was in Paris. I’d assume they probably have it worldwide though ;)
how to storage all electronic film camera? I bought a konica hexar af and dead in 3months.
now I am deciding buy this one but i am afraid another easy dead electronic toy😂
love these videos
Thanks, Craig!
love your simple lighting set up, but is it youtube that is compressing the image like crazy??
Yeah :/
@@benjhaisch renderd in h264 compression?
ANALOG OUTLET yep. Specifically on the “RUclips” setting out of Premiere too ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
@@benjhaisch yeah thats wierd, maybe your shot is borderline pitchblack around the edges? i know youtube compresses the heck out of blacks and especially gradients like that, maybe try a color grade that offsets the black abit, to a mor gray tone? idk
Gotta save up for the Klasse!
comparison would be nice, as the T2 is my all time favorite point and shoot. for some odd reason 28mm is not for me , tried that two times owning a Leica Q. so i would probably settle for the 35mm version of the Fuji
A comparison would be great! 😁
And now the prices are gonna climb again..
As much I also want one, im still content with the OG Klasse.
Is it irritating turning the flash off? Is the shutter really slow?!
ughh I want one.. dang it benj!
P is for PROGRAM MODE
Was I joking and said, “P is for professional”? Haha
I 10000% regret selling this camera! So sharp and great for the $
Wow awesome video 👍
Never heard of this camera but glad to know there is an alternative to a contax t2
I’ll just have to rob a bank in order to buy one of these lol 💰
Haha right??
Am I the only one think that you look like jason from grainydays?
I'm with you on lens swapping: I abhor it. Time-consuming, fiddly, drop-prone. Having a second camera also means having a backup if one goes down.
I was in a photo walk with other photographers. This one guy dropped this Fuji camera in the bay. Strap it up, my friends. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone
Nooooooooo
Benj Haisch i know lol
oh those toronto shots ahh
My man, the lens swapping complaint is known. We're all too lazy! But that just means we can own more camera bodies c:
up around 2k now...2023.
You've earned it. Finally hit subscribed. :-) Although certainly your general demeanor is severely off-putting, your content is indeed good.
Thanks? I think? Or something?
I kind of regret selling mine.
more point and shoot film camera's i cant afford
at this point, this costs more than a T2..
Did you just call a 35mm film camera "full frame"?
Why yes, I did. The majority of people in my life are much more familiar with digital camera technology, so it makes the most sense to that demographic in that way.
@@benjhaisch Well, us film photographers don't have a lot to cling onto these days. We toil in anonymity at best or ridicule at worst. If we call our cameras "full frame", our photos "captures" and our printing "post" what's left?
Alastair Royston Lickbottom IV haha I get it, I actually usually try to work on my lexicon in that way as well, but I do feel like it makes sense for most people in this case. But yeah, I don’t refer to my photographs as “snaps” or “content” or “pics”