FUJI X-PRO1

<p>I'm curious if there is anyone out there using the FUJI X-PRO1 and how they are getting on with it. I've read several reviews and the only negative seems to be a focus issue that, frankly, I can't exactly understand. I am currently a using NIKON D700 and I'm considering a smaller camera due to the size and weight of my Nikon filled camera bag. As for a Leica, I'd love to but I'm not making the investment required.</p>

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<p>I've read several reviews and the only negative seems to be a focus issue that, frankly, I can't exactly understand.</p>

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<p>It has a subpar AF module. What's so difficult to understand? But it auto focuses quicker than the M9:)</p>

<p>Gary - I've been using the X-Pro1 with the 35mm & 18mm lenses on a number of trips and have not found focus to be an issue even under dim conditions. Attached is a recent shot taken in Venice late in the day with falling rain.</p><div></div>

Berg Na. Thanks for your input. Nice image in Venice.

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<p>I'm curious if there is anyone out there using the FUJI X-PRO1 and how they are getting on with it.</p>

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<p>Yes, check out Rangefinderforum.com and read all about it.</p>

<p>I have been using a Fuji X100 since they first appeared and continue to use and enjoy it. I had an M8 for several years which I didn't use much because it required too much post processing of images and JPEGs from the camera were useless. So I sold it and bought an X Pro 1. It is a fantastic camera. The image quality, even of JPEGs from the camera, is excellent. It does occasionally misfocus, especially when I try to focus on a small object. I use the central focus point and sometimes the background will be in focus rather than the ovject. This only happens when I'm at the near limit of focus and if I switch to macro there is no problem. With general views there is no problem as Berg shows with his Venice picture. The low light performance of this camera is second to none. Below is a piece of church architecture that I could barely see! Shot at 12,800 ISO. With an adaptor I can also use M-lenses as you can see below</p><div></div>

<p>The second</p><div></div>

<p>Finally</p><div></div>

<p>Harry Thanks for the insight and great examples.</p>

<p>Gary - As Harry indicated the image quality from the X-Pro1 is excellent. Attached is a shot of one of the Cinque Terre towns from the boat. You probably would recognize which town it is, but I'd have to go back to my notes to see which one it is... Unlike Harry, I still keep my M8, but I've been using the X-Pro1 more often.</p><div></div>

Harry,

Could you talk a bit about focusing with the Leica M adaptor. I am interested in your thoughts well manual focusing.

Ricky

<p>Hi, Ricky. Manual focusing is reasonably accurate but it is not quick! I wear glasses and it takes some time to see the sharp image. Of course you have to use the EVF and it's not as good as an SLR viewfinder. By pressing a button you can magnify the electronic image as an aide to focusing but then the image is very sensitive to movement. So it's not as quick or easy as a proper rangefinder. I have the Kipon adaptor but Fuji is about to sell its own adaptor which will have some electronic connection with the camera and might be able to give aperture details, etc if you use encoded M lenses. </p>

<p>An afterthought. This afternoon I took some pictures of Leonardo da Vinci's anatomical drawings using the X Pro 1. This is one of the Queen's pictures at Buckingham Palace and is under glass. I hand held the camera at 1/52 sec at F1.4 on the 35mm lens. I focussed manually. You can see the reverse side of this wonderful book leaf coming through.</p><div></div>

<p>Gary,</p>

<p>I've got an X-Pro1 and am loving it. Good ergonomics, incredible IQ even at high ISOs, excellent out of camera JPGs that have me processing RAW only infrequently, great size - I could go on. I'm happier with this camera than I have been in years.</p>

<p>That being said, you will find it to be a radically different experience than your D700. The AF has not been an issue for me, not in the least, but it's going to be a big departure from the D700. Now to be clear, the issue is speed - once it locks it's very accurate. So you need to decide how much of an issue that would be for you based on your subject matter, shooting style, and temperament. For me, I don't even notice it, but it's driving some folks nuts, and those particularly with heavy DSLR backgrounds.</p>

<p>As with any camera there are some other niggles; indeed, there are enough minor quirks that it ends up giving the camera a certain charm if you are ok with them. Fuji did not aim here for a "me too" camera here, and that's in my opinion a large part of why the market is so polarized in its opinion of the camera. For me, it's a real winner - one I see being a real keeper. YMMV.</p>

<p>P.S. - A good group of users at http://www.fujix-forum.com/ who will readily admit the camera's shortcomings as well as its strengths.</p>

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<p>I bought an X-Pro1 for that very purpose & have been reasonably satisfied, though I have yet to dispose of my D700 because of its unique dSLR features (i.e., fast autofocus & wide lens selection). IMHO, the X-Pro1 operates like a digital update of the Kyocera Contax G2, w/a better VF w/framelines, macro capability, & slower AF. Occasional frustration w/the AF aside, image quality has been excellent. I only have real experience using it in dark, high ISO (1600-3200) conditions like my other digital bodies, which may account for some of my AF complaints, but I assume the sensor does fine @ lower ISOs, too.</p>

 

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<p>I am currently a using NIKON D700 and I'm considering a smaller camera due to the size and weight of my Nikon filled camera bag.</p>

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<p>You have to try it! I just got it and I have no idea what they are talking about focus issues.<br>

Now, I do use it in a simply way: I select the central focus area, I do not use continuous (not because it does not work, I don't know, since I don't use this for sports, racing, etc.). I focus, which is always very fast and reliable even in deep dusk, recompose, shoot. Hit rate is extremely high. <br>

Image quality is fabulous, high ISO great, focus speed more than acceptable, reliability of focus very good.<br>

For an idea where I am coming from, my regular camera is a Canon 1Ds3, which I use the same way: central focus point. It's no slouch, but still I don't find the focus on XPro1 lacking.</p>

 

It's quirky for sure, but the stellar image quality is worth putting up with a few frustrations for.

 

The high ISO performance is just astonishing.

 

I am also a great fan of the out of focus rendition of the 35/1.4 which rivals Leica glass for attractiveness, although it

glows in a slightly different way.

 

The focussing is no problem when you get used to it, and while it will never rival a Top end DSLR for speed, it's use of

contrast detection rather than phase means the focus is deadly accurate. With a lens this sharp and wide that's actually

very important.

 

Most importantly, it is a really fun camera to use, and the images have a lot more meaning and soul for me than my DSLR

shots. I love it.

<p>My question is - how did the queen get a hold of DiVinci's work?</p>

<p>On the X-PRO1, I've noticed that the white/yellow frame you see in the optical viewfinder doesn't correspond to the recorded image.<br>

That has not to do with the parallax issue. The recorded image is simply bigger, adds a uniform space on the 4 sides of what you see in the OVF. The issue is slightly different depending on the lens, but it's always present. Quite annoying, because I need to crop every image to get the composition I wanted, and I waste pixel in doing that.<br />I've loaded the firmware upgrade for the body and the lenses. Does anybody experienced the same problem?</p>

Re Leonardo. Probably bought it. There was a time when this stuff was cheap, like property in Mayfair. Also Leonardo

lived the last part of his life and died in France, part of which, in that period, belonged to England. Back on subject, that's

a pretty impressive shot of the cartoon, given the circumstances described.