Having used Photoshop at a commercial photo lab in San Francisco for 15 years and for design and film work, if I really like an image I have no problem isolating the background, saving it as a new layer, and blurring it using the variety of tools available. I'll even shoot the background separately even more out of focus to give me another palette to layer in. Then with these separate layers saved you can go back to zero or whatever you want later. Walking around with a Fuji T-2 and the 23mm 2.0 is my street style. With a wrist strap.
I am no photoshop artist and probably will maintain my minimal processing workflow, so I will shoot as is, and shallow depth of field is no issue for me. If I wanted blur background 35mm lens is not the lens I'd reach for.
Thanks for the review Robin. Your images are wonderful and demonstrate why 35mm is such a useful size, it gives the subjects context especially in busy street scenes with people at work.
Robin good to see you enjoying your photography! Never been a fan of fixed lens, rangefinder style cameras. Certainly it is a nice looking camera, but I prefer the looks of the pen f myself! Have a great day!
I have owned the X100T(Focus problems, but awesome pictures!) and X100F and I am waiting patiently for the X100V in back order..... The X100F is the most fun camera I have ever had. I sold my full frame and never looked back. I have many other cameras, but I always want to pick up my X100F. The X100V is even better so I cannot wait!!!
Great review. I have had my X100F since 2018 and I have to say I have learnt a lot while using this camera. I do agree with the flaws, especially with close up shots. Wish they were a little sharper close up but they have improved on that in the X100V, as well as introducing a tilt screen. Overall image quality is great, and I do love the film simulations that are included in Fujifilm cameras.
I watched a lot about the fujifilm x100 series lately and I‘m very excited to hear your opinion about it Robin! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on other brands :) (even if I shoot with olympus myself)
Hey Robin, I love your Olympus/OMS focused videos since I am primarily an Olympus shooter. That said, I am pleased to see that you are essentially brand agnostic. We photographers benefit from competition among manufacturers, and from a rich ecosystem of products. It is refreshing to see someone share their love of photography, and of cameras, without all the added brand chauvinism. Cheers for another positive video. All that said, I'll take a pass on the Fuji. To me beautiful industrial design is about function first. If it fits the hand like a glove, then the beauty is inherent. Given all the room for design innovation with modern manufacturing, I am actually a little surprised that other than Sigma, most camera makers tend to follow similar recipes. Wouldn't it be interesting if one of the major brands took the hand, and the eye/hand relationship, and built an entirely unique body lens system based on that? I feel like Olympus, Canon, Nikon, Pentax, etc., make some comfortable to hold bodies, but no one has really stepped that far away from the traditional SLR, or rangefinder shape to the point of defining a new standard in design excellence. Sigma has made some unique camera shapes, as did Sony and Olympus very early on, but now it seems like even with computer aided design and manufacturing, all new cameras are just variations on design themes established in the 1950's,1960's, and 1970's. Thoughts?
I got the first X100 second hand because I thought this would be the perfect camera and like you said in your POV video it was so slow, not only slow AF, but also so slow to wake up from sleep. Almost useless, but I loved it. The form and style and even the images where pretty good (compare to full frame). So I got the X100s which I shot for a long time. And then after so many years using other cameras Fuji release the X100V and it fixed all my issues from before: Better lens, a bit weather sealing, flip screen. I love it. but yeah it was really really really REALLY pricey. (I also have to add that I really love 35mm …. so I use my X100v A LOT)
I'll go to a second hand V... I recognise those fuji colors in these photos. As an Olympus user, I can not forget it, that's why I still have Fuji. That's about something beyhond accuracy. I love both. Thank you !!
I bought a used X100f last year for similar reasons, I certainly wanted the challenge of a fixed lens. I had issues with the lack of grip too. I bought a hot shoe thumb grip but also added a Meike MK-X100FG grip that adds a decent grip for your fingers. It mounts to the base, has an aperture for the battery/memory card door and the tripod mount on the grip is more central so if you have a smallish quick release plate on your tripod, it does not cover the battery door.
Still rocking my limited edition F. No rush to jump to the V, as the price here in Germany is still high for the V. Yes the lens is still the same as the original/1st X100 which is soft when stopped at f2. Otherwise the F has a great improvement in Autofocus as compared to the OG X100. Nevertheless I still use my OG X100 since the color rendition is different from the newer ones. Kuddos to the OG's Bayer Sensor😊 Greetings here from Germany🙋♂️ Enjoy your camera bro🙂
I have some complains about the color science in the X100F too, it just does not look natural or pleasant at all. Yes the original X100 has better colors! Even the XF10 has better colors.
Thanks for your review! I really like the job you are doing! Concerning the x100F: Sometimes we are not rich enough to buy middle-class. It's better to buy more expensive but really good. Here: x100V.
Robin congratulations on your X100f purchase. I have the X100 S&T. Love these cameras. Skipping the F&V. Will buy the V when the VI comes out. As you say, there is so much to love with this body. Not too keen with the focal length. There is always the teleconverter or wide angle converter. Your negative observations are true. All cameras are compromises. The question is can you live with them? As you point out, each iteration is better as it should. It will never be a Leica. Then again I’m not paying Leica prices. To some extent you get what you pay for. So Robin, you should have been aware of the shortfalls of this camera before you purchased it. Much of these observations had been made and were available prior to your purchase. Some of these shortcomings were addressed in the V, especially the new lens. As you rightly point out, the V is very expensive and isn’t declining in price anytime soon due to the chip shortage Bottom line. Do you enjoy your 100F experience and are you keeping this body? After all, there are Olympus & Panasonic alternatives. I also have the Panasonic GX85 with the 30mm lens and love this combination. Mask On Nurse Marty
Robin, your "user report" was more informative than many so-called reviews. A pity about the close-up performance. Will you keep it or try something else? It's always fun to experiment, but can be costly, of course.
Agreed~ short but useful by nailing the most important short comings.. I can’t stand blurry close up too. I’ve always wanted to pick up a used X100 some day but I’m not aware of the lens’ wide-open-blurry issue. Thanks Robin~
@@robinwong Robin try focusing with your feet. The difference between a 35mm and 50mm lens FOV is about one step. I’m sure you’ve heard and experienced this. The difference between 28mm and 35mm is greater. Enjoy your 100F as long as you have it. Mask On Nurse Marty
I bought the 2016 X70 for the tilt screen and manual controls. It is very good for street photos if not much direct sunlight but extremely bad for video. The lens is an integrated 28mm which is quite sharp. I’ll do some testing with close subjects tomorrow to see if it has the same up close shortcomings. I like the X100V but as you mentioned, it is very expensive for what you get. The EM5 Mk3 is a much better package with better video and IBIS. Were the X100 series to improve in those areas with a sharp lens, it would be an attractive offer. Other than portability, the one advantage it has over ILC’s is the leaf shutter.
I had the OG X100 and like so many others, the AF was fine for street photographers. It wasn’t quick enough for action photos, but street photos? No problem.
I love your honesty. Years ago before settling on the EM 5 MKii, I was seriously considering a 100F, but as much as I like 35mm equivalent FOV, I couldn't live with a fixed lens camera considering the asking price. On top of that, the more I heard and read how great this camera was ( from the usual Fuji sponsored aficionados on You Tube ), the more suspicious I got regarding the level of its performance. Anyhow, I am quite happy with the EM5 MKii and now the well used EM1 MKii. For anything more serious, there is always my Nikon and Canon Fulll Frames and even the MF or 4X5 film cameras. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Kind of an aside, but I’ve kind of grown to like the 35mm focal length. While I originally didn’t warm up to my Samyang 35mm F2.8, I’m finding myself pretty much keeping this lens on my A7C full time unless I had some specific need for something else. It’s wide, but not so much that I can’t do portraits in a pinch. I think I prefer 35mm over 50mm. And the small kit size makes this a really awesome stealth shooter.
Robin, did the pandemic give you time for working out, every new video, it looks like you've been hitting the gym, good stuff! I keep trying to get myself to like 35mm, but I haven't loved it yet, maybe it's my 17mm f/1.8 that I don't love as much, I don't know. I need to get a 50mm eq lens and see if it's the focal length or just me. Or maybe I need to try a different 35mm eq (or close as Olympus is 34mm) lens.
I like your review very much. I own the X100V and it is my preferred "to-go" camera - even with Olympus and Sony gear in my equipment. But just to say: there is no need to stuck with 35mm because Fuji has the WCL II to offer with 28mm. Just a bit wider and maybe more your style of shooting. The X100V has the much better lens as well - especially for close up shots. Much sharper and very versatile.
For once, an honest and truthful opinion on the x100 range. (And I've owned them all, apart from the V ). Great camera's but with plenty of flaw's, Wich most reviews seem to gloss over. Well done Robin 👍.
I’m very excited to see you showing some other cameras brands. I appreciate your insight and views. Thank you. Also fun to hear what you think about different focal lengths with this video and your recent 40mm video video. Beautiful photography as always. If you can get your hands on a Ricoh gr, I think it would be fun to hear your perspective on one of those. :) I will watch your videos, no matter what camera you show. I always love your videos! :)
Fuji is not new. I have written extensively about X100, reviewed the X100s, and more recently, the XF10. I am not keen on the Ricoh, it is just too pricey and it does not do anything that my current cameras cannot do. Thanks for being here, more content coming for sure.
@@robinwong I guess I’ve only seen your Olympus stuff, when I found your channel a year or so ago, when I found a bargain on a 9-year old omd em5 and you had put out a video about how this camera changed digital photography in many ways. I tend to keep following channels I enjoy, regardless of the brand perspective of the channel. I was sorry to hear that you weren’t treated very well by OM systems, and good for you for declaring independence. I guess that’s what I meant about that’s it been fun to see you very recently show a couple of other brands. I enjoy your photography, your videos, and your perspective. Thank you for creating and sharing with us!!
Hi Robin, I still can't get over the fact that you were deserted by OM Systems. It's so unfair, because, with all due respect to the others Olympus RUclipsrs, your channel had always been the most useful in terms of education on Olympus gear, all along your genuine enthusiasm and loyalty towards the brand. But obviously, your channel goes beyond just a mere brand, and I'm happy to see that you still make super interesting videos like this one. 🤝👌
Not sure if you celebrate April 1st, however, an excellent prank would be to borrow a Fuji GFX Medium Format camera, under claims of finally “Going Big”. The thumbnail photo can be something along the lines of a Sony FF camera on fire. Title needs to be clickbaity to really sell it. “I Skipped Full Frame and Went Bigger!” Out of curiosity, have you tried a compact camera with a 1” sensor? Something like an RX100, Canon G7x/G9x and similar?
Like the E-M5, the Fuji is a beautiful camera that anyone should be proud to own. It’s a pity that the E-M1 and 0M1 are just not as stylish even though they are technically superior to the X100 series. Personally I will keep shooting with my E-M10 and E-M1 or Leica Q2 [which has a superb 28mm lens with macro focus adjustment].
I know I commented before about close up performance. Now I use the internal tele options for food and my dog. I watched a video by Paltech about the performance of in camera crop versus a crop in Photoshop, his conclusion was that results were about equal. So try shooting your cats and food with the camera set at 50mm.
Fuji has nice design and color look. For me the lens problem you described would be t h e reason not to buy this camera. It would annoy me to much. My former Fuji XT3 does have such an annoying thing: Font size too small - as most Fujis (until now?). PS nice to have you back Robin.
Thanks much Robin, I have always been interested in this Fuji model, but I already have a couple of Pen F’s that serve me quite well. As always, your images are great, The camera wouldn’t be that beautiful with a beefier grip though. Regards.
A great "not quite a review", as you called it, and I agree with you 100% - that's why I bought an X100V way back in 2020 and keep making photographs with it. Form factor, handling & operations, the positioning of the viewfinder and, last not least, by now the quality of the images ... yes, all correct. But this camera simply is fun to use!!! (From Olympus, I last had a similar reaction with my Pen E-P5.) One question, though: Did you shoot Raw, or did you make use of the film simulation? What are your thoughts on that? Thank you for the report, the inspiring pictures - and the good vibes you're sending out.
Hi Robin. I can't shoot without ibis so X100 cameras are not in my wishlist anymore. I owned a X100S/F but sold them in a few months because of slow af and shoftness. I am searching a used penf right now. Please OMDS make an RF camera with 10.4 specs and penf design...
12:06 about the lens and the tilt screen all this has been solved with the V, which is very sharp close in, but I must say I much prefer the colour rendition of the old Fujifilm sensors, especially the 16 MP one compared to the last 26Mp, which is over sharpened and too "clinical" with a cold tone. Overall I don't like this cameras from Fuji because they looks cool but feel cheap and can't hold a candle to my Pen F in build quality. My Fuji x100v is currently on e-bay to be sold: after two years I just realize I never bring it with me to take photos and I took less then 840 shots with it. It's a camera that I never bond with.
Beautiful images from a great looking camera . I have always had a soft spot for Fuji as I had used their cameras when I began photography . Today I rely on my 29 mm 1.8 camera on my phone and a prime on my em10 Mkii that is double that focal length . Zooms have their place, but rarely match the quality of images taken with a prime lens . When looking for a tool to expand our photo opportunities we do not have to worry too much about who makes it, but we need to ask whether it adds to our work flow and this camera could do that it seems . The only thing I would have liked added was a flip screen . It was a pity it did not have a pentaprism , as I focus with my left eye and find rangefinder camera viewfinders difficult to use in bright light conditions - but love the idea of an old style viewfinder that does not draw power to enable focusing . In an ideal world I would love a duel viewfinder in my em10 and would not have been too concerned had it a fixed lens . This is because I prefer to use a lens that is close to standard and suitable for portrait and street . We all have wishes that are unique to our own workflows and rarely translate in to a commercial package - but , we adapt and work around these things because there is no one perfect camera , but many come close to it. Thanks Robin
For me the X100F is just a camera to experiment with 35mm focal length and push myself into places that I don't normally go to when I shoot images. For serious/commercial work I'd still use my Olympus OM-D system. They just work so much better. As far as personal workflow goes, there is no one camera that fits the needs of everyone. Just like no one size shoes that fits all feet. We pick and choose what works best for us.
I was in the same boat as you, Robin. I bought the original X100 years back but sold it after a couple of months. It just had too many bugs. Went back to my Nikon DSLRs
I divorced my X100F two years ago. We just didn’t get along. It’s the last time I buy a camera based solely on looks. An EM5/Pen-F/GX9 with 17mm is a better camera in every way.
I hear criticism of the close up performance of this camera. For me, I use it for street photos, mucking about while I walk downtown photos, travel photos, generally photography with a discreet camera profile, a small size allowing easy portability in loose pant pockets or jacket. The reality for me, and I suspect for many who complain about the close up performance, is it just doesn't get used for close up shots that much; for me, not at all yet. So even though it doesn't shoot that well close up, so what; its not what the camera is designed for, and I suspect this is the reason the lens wasn't changed out. How many shots have you taken with this camera and how many close up? I do shoot many images close up and macro but not with this camera. But when you complained about the softness of the cat photo, why are you shooting a f2.8, why not go to f4, you have lots of room with ISO, and shutter speed.
If you have watched the video, as I have repeatedly mentioned, a lot of my shots are close up shots. Whatever the camera is designed for it is no excuse to use poor and flawed lens design.
On the issue of photographing food or beverages to post on IG why not just shoot from a bit further away and then crop for posting to IG? The camera has plenty of resolution to do so and then you would work around the softness issue you are troubled by.
That is NOT the point. The issue is still very clear - the lens is uncomfortably soft, and it is an unforgiveable flaw, considering the asking price for the camera. Why should I tolerate that, if I can achieve even better results using, say a kit lens?
@@robinwong I understand- but it is what it is - as you said the lens has been improved on the next iteration of the camera - but that requires a much bigger investment to get the current version. I took it from your review that you find the version you purchase to be good except for close up photos at max aperture - most cameras have some weak points - I was just suggesting a possible work around.
The XE4 might be a better buy for a street shooter in the Fujifilm line-up. As for grip, perhaps go with an X-S10, or another brand and go smaller and lighter. I find that even a deeper grip, when the bottom fingers dangle below, the weight of the camera and lens does, over the course of the day, wear on the wrist. The price you pay for tiny cameras. On my Canon RP the add-on grip made a huge difference. With my Panasonic GX-85 and Olympus cameras, I just let the fingers dangle and consider that at the least we have a light camera. I have a Nikon D3500, with a deep grip, but once again the bottom fingers have no place to grip. In conclusion, it seems you go bigger, or just consider two finger use and a tiny camera -- the X-100V, BTW took care of the issues you found on that F model. Personally, I would go XE4 in the Fujifilm line-up for the street. You hear good things about the Ricoh GXIII as well, but it has no viewfinder.
X-E4 - no EVF. Sorry. X-S10 - too similar to an Olympus E-M10/M1 series, why would I want to get a duplicate? And Olympus 5-Axis IS, build quality, ergonomics, AF are superior, and I have already invested in so many micro four thirds lenses. I will need a really compelling reason to get into a new camera system. Canon Rp - no image stabilization. nope. X100V - costs twice as much as the F (used market). I am not willing to spend that kind of money, as I have said in the video, for something that I am not making money with. The X100F was there for me to experiment with 35mm equivalent focal length. It is not perfect, but it is still good enough to get the shots.
@@robinwong X-E4 has an EVF. With the Canon RP , if one needs stabilization, you buy a lens which is stabilized. The closest thing in MFT to x100F would be the PEN F or Lumix GX9, which is on sale here in the States (USA).
Glad to see you doing content on other systems. Thanks.
Have you not seen my Canon, Sony, Pentax, Leica and Kodak camera reviews?
"I buy hipster food". Lol. The mark of a true Fuji user 🤣
Having used Photoshop at a commercial photo lab in San Francisco for 15 years and for design and film work, if I really like an image I have no problem isolating the background, saving it as a new layer, and blurring it using the variety of tools available. I'll even shoot the background separately even more out of focus to give me another palette to layer in. Then with these separate layers saved you can go back to zero or whatever you want later. Walking around with a Fuji T-2 and the 23mm 2.0 is my street style. With a wrist strap.
I am no photoshop artist and probably will maintain my minimal processing workflow, so I will shoot as is, and shallow depth of field is no issue for me. If I wanted blur background 35mm lens is not the lens I'd reach for.
That's a beautiful camera. Thank you for putting a fresh perspective on the Fuji X100F.
Thanks. Glad I can share!
I´m very happy for you. This turn is very fresh. I love it. Thanks
Thanks
So nice to see you that you use or review cameras from different brands!
I have been reviewing other brands for a while. I guess people just don't see them
Thanks for the review Robin. Your images are wonderful and demonstrate why 35mm is such a useful size, it gives the subjects context especially in busy street scenes with people at work.
Thanks, appreciate that. 35mm is still work in progress for me.
Great to see you, Robin!
Thanks
I'm Olympus all the way but heck if I won't leave a comment to support your channel regardless! Such a pretty camera, though!!
Just because I love chocolate it does not mean I cannot eat Vannila ice cream once in a while.
Thank you
Glad to share
Robin good to see you enjoying your photography! Never been a fan of fixed lens, rangefinder style cameras. Certainly it is a nice looking camera, but I prefer the looks of the pen f myself! Have a great day!
Thanks! Does not matter which camera you use, at the end of the day the craft itself matters more
Thanks for sharing, bro. Great photos and good to see you looking through a 35mm EQV😀
Shooting with ultra wide angle all the time is weird!
@@robinwong 😂
Robin with this X100F camera the best accessory to buy is certainly hiking boots 😁👌
I was going to buy this camera years ago but I went with the Pen F, also a sexy camera and I can change the lenses.
Of course, PEN-F is a different kind of camera altogether, and overall a better camera too. But the X100 series just has its own charm
Great video!!
Thanks
Excellent review from a professional photographer!
Thanks, appreciate that
I love my fuji x100v and E-M1 Mark II also☝️
Both excellent cameras
A beautiful camera, I just recently picked up mine for $900 in 10/10 condition and I love it.
I have owned the X100T(Focus problems, but awesome pictures!) and X100F and I am waiting patiently for the X100V in back order..... The X100F is the most fun camera I have ever had. I sold my full frame and never looked back. I have many other cameras, but I always want to pick up my X100F. The X100V is even better so I cannot wait!!!
Great review. I have had my X100F since 2018 and I have to say I have learnt a lot while using this camera. I do agree with the flaws, especially with close up shots. Wish they were a little sharper close up but they have improved on that in the X100V, as well as introducing a tilt screen. Overall image quality is great, and I do love the film simulations that are included in Fujifilm cameras.
I watched a lot about the fujifilm x100 series lately and I‘m very excited to hear your opinion about it Robin! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on other brands :) (even if I shoot with olympus myself)
Thanks. More to come
Hey Robin, I love your Olympus/OMS focused videos since I am primarily an Olympus shooter. That said, I am pleased to see that you are essentially brand agnostic. We photographers benefit from competition among manufacturers, and from a rich ecosystem of products. It is refreshing to see someone share their love of photography, and of cameras, without all the added brand chauvinism. Cheers for another positive video.
All that said, I'll take a pass on the Fuji. To me beautiful industrial design is about function first. If it fits the hand like a glove, then the beauty is inherent. Given all the room for design innovation with modern manufacturing, I am actually a little surprised that other than Sigma, most camera makers tend to follow similar recipes. Wouldn't it be interesting if one of the major brands took the hand, and the eye/hand relationship, and built an entirely unique body lens system based on that?
I feel like Olympus, Canon, Nikon, Pentax, etc., make some comfortable to hold bodies, but no one has really stepped that far away from the traditional SLR, or rangefinder shape to the point of defining a new standard in design excellence. Sigma has made some unique camera shapes, as did Sony and Olympus very early on, but now it seems like even with computer aided design and manufacturing, all new cameras are just variations on design themes established in the 1950's,1960's, and 1970's. Thoughts?
I got the first X100 second hand because I thought this would be the perfect camera and like you said in your POV video it was so slow, not only slow AF, but also so slow to wake up from sleep. Almost useless, but I loved it. The form and style and even the images where pretty good (compare to full frame). So I got the X100s which I shot for a long time. And then after so many years using other cameras Fuji release the X100V and it fixed all my issues from before: Better lens, a bit weather sealing, flip screen. I love it. but yeah it was really really really REALLY pricey. (I also have to add that I really love 35mm …. so I use my X100v A LOT)
I'll go to a second hand V... I recognise those fuji colors in these photos. As an Olympus user, I can not forget it, that's why I still have Fuji. That's about something beyhond accuracy. I love both. Thank you !!
I bought a used X100f last year for similar reasons, I certainly wanted the challenge of a fixed lens. I had issues with the lack of grip too. I bought a hot shoe thumb grip but also added a Meike MK-X100FG grip that adds a decent grip for your fingers. It mounts to the base, has an aperture for the battery/memory card door and the tripod mount on the grip is more central so if you have a smallish quick release plate on your tripod, it does not cover the battery door.
Still rocking my limited edition F. No rush to jump to the V, as the price here in Germany is still high for the V. Yes the lens is still the same as the original/1st X100 which is soft when stopped at f2. Otherwise the F has a great improvement in Autofocus as compared to the OG X100. Nevertheless I still use my OG X100 since the color rendition is different from the newer ones. Kuddos to the OG's Bayer Sensor😊 Greetings here from Germany🙋♂️ Enjoy your camera bro🙂
I have some complains about the color science in the X100F too, it just does not look natural or pleasant at all. Yes the original X100 has better colors! Even the XF10 has better colors.
Thanks for your review! I really like the job you are doing! Concerning the x100F: Sometimes we are not rich enough to buy middle-class. It's better to buy more expensive but really good. Here: x100V.
Robin congratulations on your X100f purchase.
I have the X100 S&T. Love these cameras. Skipping the F&V. Will buy the V when the VI comes out. As you say, there is so much to love with this body. Not too keen with the focal length. There is always the teleconverter or wide angle converter. Your negative observations are true. All cameras are compromises. The question is can you live with them?
As you point out, each iteration is better as it should. It will never be a Leica. Then again I’m not paying Leica prices. To some extent you get what you pay for.
So Robin, you should have been aware of the shortfalls of this camera before you purchased it. Much of these observations had been made and were available prior to your purchase. Some of these shortcomings were addressed in the V, especially the new lens. As you rightly point out, the V is very expensive and isn’t declining in price anytime soon due to the chip shortage
Bottom line. Do you enjoy your 100F experience and are you keeping this body? After all, there are Olympus & Panasonic alternatives. I also have the Panasonic GX85 with the 30mm lens and love this combination.
Mask On Nurse Marty
0:15 that's one good looking ol cat 😺
He has a strange prehistoric look..
Pretty darn cool.
Robin, your "user report" was more informative than many so-called reviews. A pity about the close-up performance. Will you keep it or try something else? It's always fun to experiment, but can be costly, of course.
Thanks Jim. I am keeping it for the time being, still want to shoot more with 35mm equivalent, but maybe for subjects from a distance.
Agreed~ short but useful by nailing the most important short comings.. I can’t stand blurry close up too. I’ve always wanted to pick up a used X100 some day but I’m not aware of the lens’ wide-open-blurry issue. Thanks Robin~
@@robinwong Robin try focusing with your feet. The difference between a 35mm and 50mm lens FOV is about one step. I’m sure you’ve heard and experienced this. The difference between 28mm and 35mm is greater.
Enjoy your 100F as long as you have it.
Mask On Nurse Marty
I bought the 2016 X70 for the tilt screen and manual controls. It is very good for street photos if not much direct sunlight but extremely bad for video. The lens is an integrated 28mm which is quite sharp. I’ll do some testing with close subjects tomorrow to see if it has the same up close shortcomings. I like the X100V but as you mentioned, it is very expensive for what you get. The EM5 Mk3 is a much better package with better video and IBIS. Were the X100 series to improve in those areas with a sharp lens, it would be an attractive offer. Other than portability, the one advantage it has over ILC’s is the leaf shutter.
I had the OG X100 and like so many others, the AF was fine for street photographers. It wasn’t quick enough for action photos, but street photos? No problem.
I love your honesty. Years ago before settling on the EM 5 MKii, I was seriously considering a 100F, but as much as I like 35mm equivalent FOV, I couldn't live with a fixed lens camera considering the asking price. On top of that, the more I heard and read how great this camera was ( from the usual Fuji sponsored aficionados on You Tube ), the more suspicious I got regarding the level of its performance. Anyhow, I am quite happy with the EM5 MKii and now the well used EM1 MKii. For anything more serious, there is always my Nikon and Canon Fulll Frames and even the MF or 4X5 film cameras. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I love using my x100f the only issue i have with it is shooting back lit subjects in low light
You continue promoting Olympus even doing Fujifilm review :D
Kind of an aside, but I’ve kind of grown to like the 35mm focal length. While I originally didn’t warm up to my Samyang 35mm F2.8, I’m finding myself pretty much keeping this lens on my A7C full time unless I had some specific need for something else. It’s wide, but not so much that I can’t do portraits in a pinch. I think I prefer 35mm over 50mm. And the small kit size makes this a really awesome stealth shooter.
Glad that you are loving the 35mm focal length. Work in progress for me.
Robin, did the pandemic give you time for working out, every new video, it looks like you've been hitting the gym, good stuff!
I keep trying to get myself to like 35mm, but I haven't loved it yet, maybe it's my 17mm f/1.8 that I don't love as much, I don't know.
I need to get a 50mm eq lens and see if it's the focal length or just me. Or maybe I need to try a different 35mm eq (or close as Olympus is 34mm) lens.
Thanks for noticing, you are very kind. Same here, I need my 50mm equivalent.
The X100V is easily worth more than the current list price
I'll stick with my Pen-F's and small Oly primes. No image quality problems there.
I love chocolate, but sometimes I want vanilla ice cream too. Still love chocolate.
@@robinwong Very true! I was just disappointed how poor the lens was.
Excellent video! Always wanted to know your thoughts on some of the fujifilm cameras
No worries, glad I can share
I like your review very much. I own the X100V and it is my preferred "to-go" camera - even with Olympus and Sony gear in my equipment. But just to say: there is no need to stuck with 35mm because Fuji has the WCL II to offer with 28mm. Just a bit wider and maybe more your style of shooting. The X100V has the much better lens as well - especially for close up shots. Much sharper and very versatile.
For once, an honest and truthful opinion on the x100 range. (And I've owned them all, apart from the V ). Great camera's but with plenty of flaw's, Wich most reviews seem to gloss over. Well done Robin 👍.
You have to tweaked the AF settings to beat the Olympus.
I’m very excited to see you showing some other cameras brands. I appreciate your insight and views. Thank you. Also fun to hear what you think about different focal lengths with this video and your recent 40mm video video. Beautiful photography as always. If you can get your hands on a Ricoh gr, I think it would be fun to hear your perspective on one of those. :) I will watch your videos, no matter what camera you show. I always love your videos! :)
Fuji is not new. I have written extensively about X100, reviewed the X100s, and more recently, the XF10.
I am not keen on the Ricoh, it is just too pricey and it does not do anything that my current cameras cannot do.
Thanks for being here, more content coming for sure.
@@robinwong I guess I’ve only seen your Olympus stuff, when I found your channel a year or so ago, when I found a bargain on a 9-year old omd em5 and you had put out a video about how this camera changed digital photography in many ways. I tend to keep following channels I enjoy, regardless of the brand perspective of the channel. I was sorry to hear that you weren’t treated very well by OM systems, and good for you for declaring independence. I guess that’s what I meant about that’s it been fun to see you very recently show a couple of other brands. I enjoy your photography, your videos, and your perspective. Thank you for creating and sharing with us!!
Robin man, i totally get it. I take photos of cats too. I use an Oly M10 ii. Why arent my cats eyes tack sharp even though their fur looks amazing?
Cats photos for the win
Thanks Robin, great video. Shame about the close up performance. It would be a dealbreaker for me. Best wishes.
I wish they have improved the lens, or include a new one. It has been four generations!
Hi Robin, I still can't get over the fact that you were deserted by OM Systems. It's so unfair, because, with all due respect to the others Olympus RUclipsrs, your channel had always been the most useful in terms of education on Olympus gear, all along your genuine enthusiasm and loyalty towards the brand. But obviously, your channel goes beyond just a mere brand, and I'm happy to see that you still make super interesting videos like this one. 🤝👌
Betrayal ! No coffee for you. You sold us!
Not sure if you celebrate April 1st, however, an excellent prank would be to borrow a Fuji GFX Medium Format camera, under claims of finally “Going Big”. The thumbnail photo can be something along the lines of a Sony FF camera on fire. Title needs to be clickbaity to really sell it. “I Skipped Full Frame and Went Bigger!”
Out of curiosity, have you tried a compact camera with a 1” sensor? Something like an RX100, Canon G7x/G9x and similar?
That is a very dangerous thought! I like it.
Great strap!!!! x100 in any version is on my list
Go get it!
good to see you again
Have I ever left? I have always been here.
Thank you Robin✌🏼☘🌺🌴.
Robin buy a WCL 28mm os amazing
Like the E-M5, the Fuji is a beautiful camera that anyone should be proud to own. It’s a pity that the E-M1 and 0M1 are just not as stylish even though they are technically superior to the X100 series. Personally I will keep shooting with my E-M10 and E-M1 or Leica Q2 [which has a superb 28mm lens with macro focus adjustment].
Yeah the X100 just looks so good, I wish Fuji can get their act together and really make them functional
I know I commented before about close up performance. Now I use the internal tele options for food and my dog. I watched a video by Paltech about the performance of in camera crop versus a crop in Photoshop, his conclusion was that results were about equal. So try shooting your cats and food with the camera set at 50mm.
Fuji has nice design and color look.
For me the lens problem you described would be
t h e reason not to buy this camera. It would annoy me to much.
My former Fuji XT3 does have such an annoying thing: Font size too small - as most Fujis (until now?).
PS nice to have you back Robin.
Hey Robin you might be able to find an L bracket that would give you a better grip. Check out RRS and Kirk, and SmallRig.
Thanks much Robin, I have always been interested in this Fuji model, but I already have a couple of Pen F’s that serve me quite well. As always, your images are great, The camera wouldn’t be that beautiful with a beefier grip though. Regards.
What exactly is a fixed lens camera ? Can you put a different lens on the camera in your video ? Kinda confused here. Thanks
A great "not quite a review", as you called it, and I agree with you 100% - that's why I bought an X100V way back in 2020 and keep making photographs with it. Form factor, handling & operations, the positioning of the viewfinder and, last not least, by now the quality of the images ... yes, all correct. But this camera simply is fun to use!!! (From Olympus, I last had a similar reaction with my Pen E-P5.)
One question, though: Did you shoot Raw, or did you make use of the film simulation? What are your thoughts on that?
Thank you for the report, the inspiring pictures - and the good vibes you're sending out.
Hi Robin. I can't shoot without ibis so X100 cameras are not in my wishlist anymore. I owned a X100S/F but sold them in a few months because of slow af and shoftness. I am searching a used penf right now. Please OMDS make an RF camera with 10.4 specs and penf design...
For serious/professional work, of course I'd need the 5-Axis IS as well. But for personal work and experimentation, the X100 is just sooooooo sexy!
excellent photo's as usual. I had the x100t but sold it as there were a few things I didnot like. no issues with iq though.
12:06 about the lens and the tilt screen all this has been solved with the V, which is very sharp close in, but I must say I much prefer the colour rendition of the old Fujifilm sensors, especially the 16 MP one compared to the last 26Mp, which is over sharpened and too "clinical" with a cold tone.
Overall I don't like this cameras from Fuji because they looks cool but feel cheap and can't hold a candle to my Pen F in build quality.
My Fuji x100v is currently on e-bay to be sold: after two years I just realize I never bring it with me to take photos and I took less then 840 shots with it. It's a camera that I never bond with.
Should look at the gr3 next!
I think your street photos look much better with a 50mm equivalent lens (Oly 25mm).
I got the Pen-F. How does it compare?
Beautiful images from a great looking camera . I have always had a soft spot for Fuji as I had used their cameras when I began photography .
Today I rely on my 29 mm 1.8 camera on my phone and a prime on my em10 Mkii that is double that focal length . Zooms have their place, but rarely match the quality of images taken with a prime lens .
When looking for a tool to expand our photo opportunities we do not have to worry too much about who makes it, but we need to ask whether it adds to our work flow and this camera could do that it seems .
The only thing I would have liked added was a flip screen . It was a pity it did not have a pentaprism , as I focus with my left eye and find rangefinder camera viewfinders difficult to use in bright light conditions - but love the idea of an old style viewfinder that does not draw power to enable focusing .
In an ideal world I would love a duel viewfinder in my em10 and would not have been too concerned had it a fixed lens . This is because I prefer to use a lens that is close to standard and suitable for portrait and street .
We all have wishes that are unique to our own workflows and rarely translate in to a commercial package - but , we adapt and work around these things because there is no one perfect camera , but many come close to it.
Thanks Robin
For me the X100F is just a camera to experiment with 35mm focal length and push myself into places that I don't normally go to when I shoot images. For serious/commercial work I'd still use my Olympus OM-D system. They just work so much better.
As far as personal workflow goes, there is no one camera that fits the needs of everyone. Just like no one size shoes that fits all feet. We pick and choose what works best for us.
I was in the same boat as you, Robin. I bought the original X100 years back but sold it after a couple of months. It just had too many bugs. Went back to my Nikon DSLRs
It is25mm and you still manage to get bokeh potrait. Just how close did you took the photo to the face?
It is 35mm equivalent. I don't think the depth of field is that shallow
I divorced my X100F two years ago. We just didn’t get along.
It’s the last time I buy a camera based solely on looks. An EM5/Pen-F/GX9 with 17mm is a better camera in every way.
I hear criticism of the close up performance of this camera. For me, I use it for street photos, mucking about while I walk downtown photos, travel photos, generally photography with a discreet camera profile, a small size allowing easy portability in loose pant pockets or jacket. The reality for me, and I suspect for many who complain about the close up performance, is it just doesn't get used for close up shots that much; for me, not at all yet. So even though it doesn't shoot that well close up, so what; its not what the camera is designed for, and I suspect this is the reason the lens wasn't changed out. How many shots have you taken with this camera and how many close up? I do shoot many images close up and macro but not with this camera. But when you complained about the softness of the cat photo, why are you shooting a f2.8, why not go to f4, you have lots of room with ISO, and shutter speed.
If you have watched the video, as I have repeatedly mentioned, a lot of my shots are close up shots. Whatever the camera is designed for it is no excuse to use poor and flawed lens design.
don't like fuji system. it's so slow and lag when i used it many years ago. never use it again after
On the issue of photographing food or beverages to post on IG why not just shoot from a bit further away and then crop for posting to IG? The camera has plenty of resolution to do so and then you would work around the softness issue you are troubled by.
That is NOT the point. The issue is still very clear - the lens is uncomfortably soft, and it is an unforgiveable flaw, considering the asking price for the camera. Why should I tolerate that, if I can achieve even better results using, say a kit lens?
@@robinwong I understand- but it is what it is - as you said the lens has been improved on the next iteration of the camera - but that requires a much bigger investment to get the current version. I took it from your review that you find the version you purchase to be good except for close up photos at max aperture - most cameras have some weak points - I was just suggesting a possible work around.
Olympus not good?!!!😅
Who said that?
The XE4 might be a better buy for a street shooter in the Fujifilm line-up. As for grip, perhaps go with an X-S10, or another brand and go smaller and lighter. I find that even a deeper grip, when the bottom fingers dangle below, the weight of the camera and lens does, over the course of the day, wear on the wrist. The price you pay for tiny cameras. On my Canon RP the add-on grip made a huge difference. With my Panasonic GX-85 and Olympus cameras, I just let the fingers dangle and consider that at the least we have a light camera. I have a Nikon D3500, with a deep grip, but once again the bottom fingers have no place to grip. In conclusion, it seems you go bigger, or just consider two finger use and a tiny camera -- the X-100V, BTW took care of the issues you found on that F model. Personally, I would go XE4 in the Fujifilm line-up for the street. You hear good things about the Ricoh GXIII as well, but it has no viewfinder.
X-E4 - no EVF. Sorry.
X-S10 - too similar to an Olympus E-M10/M1 series, why would I want to get a duplicate? And Olympus 5-Axis IS, build quality, ergonomics, AF are superior, and I have already invested in so many micro four thirds lenses. I will need a really compelling reason to get into a new camera system.
Canon Rp - no image stabilization. nope.
X100V - costs twice as much as the F (used market). I am not willing to spend that kind of money, as I have said in the video, for something that I am not making money with.
The X100F was there for me to experiment with 35mm equivalent focal length. It is not perfect, but it is still good enough to get the shots.
@@robinwong X-E4 has an EVF. With the Canon RP , if one needs stabilization, you buy a lens which is stabilized. The closest thing in MFT to x100F would be the PEN F or Lumix GX9, which is on sale here in the States (USA).