Fuji Xpro-1 for Manual lenses (M lens) only?

<p>Hi!<br>

I'm after a bit of advice after being tempted by the Fuji Xpro-1. I've been shooting My Leica M6 for a while now and before that, my Contax G1 and other various 35mm film rangefinders.<br>

The Fuji Xpro-1 sparked my attention for the feel and manual looking control of a rangefinder camera. Maybe that's how they 'got' me, but I've been looking for a half decent digital that had the same feel as my film stuff for a while now.<br>

My question is, using one of my 'M' mount lenses and the official converter, would I really be happy using this set up, and only this set up on the Fuji Xpro-1? Does anyone have any advice in this area? Would I just be frustrated trying to use my manual focus lens on this body? Would I only ever get the most out of it with an auto fuji lens?</p>

<p>Thanks in advance.<br>

Simon</p>

<p>I made the same considerations about 2 1/2 years ago when I compared the Fuji X-Pro 1 and the Sony NEX 6. The rangefinder-style of the Fuji was tempting - but in a direct comparison the camera lost quite badly against the NEX; the EVF on the Fuji was low-resolution and quite sluggish compared to the Sony. Be that as it may - here are my thoughts today:<br /> <br />- The Fuji is close to the end of its model cycle - in fact, rumors has it that the X-Pro 2 is just around the corner.<br>

<br /> - You are aware that you will have to deal with the fact that the Fuji has an APS-C-sized sensor; i.e. all your M-mount lenses will have a reduced field of view (by a factor of 1.5). In other words, your 35mm will have the field of view of a 50, your 50 will see as if it was a 75mm and so on.<br>

<br /> To me that so-called crop-factor was the main issue coming from an M6 (just like you) - and I ended up buying a full-frameSony A7 a few months after they came out. Unfortunately, it turned out that due to the thickness of the sensor cover glass, those A7 Series cameras don't play nice with most M-mount glass shorter than 50mm focal length.<br>

<br /> - you mention an official converter - there is a X-to-M mount adapter. There are third party speed-booster that have optical elements that compensate for the crop factor, i.e. your lenses will retain the same field of view as on your M6 - at the expense of additional optical elements in the path that quite likely will affect optical quality.<br>

<br /> - Despite it looks, the Fuji is not a rangefinder - you will need to use focus peaking and magnification to focus.</p>

<p>For the time being, I would either look at the Fuji XT-1 or wait for the X-Pro 2 - if you aren't concerned about the crop factor or a willing to cope with the speed-booster. Or look for a used M9 or M (Typ 240).</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Dieter, great response. The only thing is I don't think Speedboosters are available for rangefinder lenses, only old SLR lenses. There isn't enough space with the M mount flange distance to put in the optical elements a speedbooster needs to work.</p>

<p>Simon, as Dieter said the original X-Pro 1 is getting a bit long in the tooth, even though Fuji has done very well with keeping it up to date with firmware upgrades. If you want a rangefinder style Fuji you might look at the X-E2. This is very close to being the same camera as the new X-T1 but in a different body style with some differences, like EVF quality and such. As long as you don't mind the crop factor involved then Fuji X cameras are a great way to adapt old M glass.</p>

<p>a7 • Yashica ML Macro 55/4<br>

<img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3705/13902525703_a35e00a947_c.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p>I have a NEX 6 and 7 and use my old Nikkors on both; manual focus of course, but the focus peaking (and I think Zebra stripes on the a6000) make it all very easy. The crop factor isn't a problem as I use mainly the 50mm on film cameras I have, so the 35mm Nikkor is about the same view as the standard lens on a film camera which is OK. I think the DoF may change, but it's not a problem; the Nex cameras are so balanced that they're easy to get used to using. The menu system is eccentric but I like it anyway! I have only a basic adapter which seems to do the job.</p>

<p>I shoot my Fuji x-e1 with adapted manual focus lenses. In my experience focusing is not an issue on stationary objects. I do like low contrast, softness and other imperfections from older lenses - screw mount Canon and Soviet lenses, older Nikkors and Pentax's. I had one Fuji lens - sold it, did not like the results, too clean and neat for my taste. It depends what you are looking for, if fast focusing and top of the charts resolution is important - there are much better setups to achieve it. </p>

<p>you'd actually be better off asking this question on the <a href="http://www.fujix-forum.com/">Fuji X-Forum</a>, where you'll find some actual XP1 users who may or may not have experience using M lenses on them. Personally i would expect best results from native Fuji lenses, and IMO, the crop factor messes with the whole M aesthetic. </p>

<blockquote>

<p>If you want a rangefinder style Fuji you might look at the X-E2. This is very close to being the same camera as the new X-T1</p>

</blockquote>

<p>actually, the XT1 is a newer generation than the XE2, which is a scaled-down version of an XP1 with some additional goodies, like on-chip PDAF. The XT10 is much closer to an XT1 than an XE2, and is probably a better camera overall but it's not an RF-style body. if you're just planning on using MF lenses, there's no reason to get an XE2 over an XE1. Some actually prefer the XE1 sensor for IQ as there is less smearing. The XT10 essentially obsoletes the XE series, although it's not inconceivable that Fuji may do an XE3 following the XP2 release just for those who like that style body. if you are considering an XP1, buying now would be a huge mistake as the XPro2 is right around the corner, and prices will fall once that comes out.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>The only thing is I don't think Speedboosters are available for rangefinder lenses</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Yep, my mistake.</p>

<p>I purchased X-Pro1 with M mount Converter for my Summicron 50 f2 and 90 f2.8 Elmarit. In practice, I then got a Fuji 23 f1.4, which is 35mm equivalent, and I found it more useful as a street camera lens combination that I use it all the time on the Pro1. Right now I'm considering getting the 56 f1.2. As to the anticipated Pro 2, some commentators have mentioned that it may be a ff.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>some commentators have mentioned that it may be a ff.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>it almost certainly wont be full frame. Fuji doesnt make a single full frame lens at this point and the original XP1 was launched with three primes. i have no inside knowledge, but why would Fuji release the new 35/2 if they were rebooting their entire line with a different sensor format? most of the 'reliable' rumors ive seen have the XP2 clocking in with a higher-rez [24mp] APS-C sensor, which is an obvious and expected move. according to <a href="http://www.dailycameranews.com/2015/10/fujifilm-x-pro2-coming-soon-on-january-15-2016/">this post</a>, other features include dual card slots, 4k video, and a new processor.</p>

<p>I agree Eric that the probability is no ff from Fuji for the X-pro1 line and that's why I'm also considering the 56 f1.2 as an 85 mm equivalent on the anticipated 2.</p>

<p>i think the XP2 could be an amazing camera, and the proposed specs sound about right. hope it does have two card slots as rumored. i have heard nothing but good things about the 56/1.2, but i'm also kinda geeking off the 90/2 which i hear is even sharper, not to mention the 16/1.4... those Fuji lenses are very nice and set a nice baseline for the X-system.</p>

 

<p>1st: Do not expect a big boom with the XP2. There will be nothing really spectacular to drop your jaws in comparison with the current XP1.<br>

2nd: If it was for me to spend A for the XP2 and half of it or less for the XP1 then the XP1 would be my choice no matter what.</p>

<p>I'm not so sure Nikos. For instance, the new XP should be the first X camera to debut the new sensor. That is big news in and of itself and a complete break from the 16mp x-trans that has come before. Just taking everything Fuji has learned from the XT line and combining it with all the goodness of the XP will also be noteworthy. Then there is the question of what they will do with the VF, keep it the same or change it up.</p>

<p>I understand your second point though. There are plenty of people who will save a bit of dosh to buy a still capable camera at a very good price. But I personally believe Fuji is going to have a lot of Wow factor with the new XP and it will most likely be worth the asking price. It is up to the individual though to decide if it's worth it for them.</p>

<p>a7 • Canon FDn 50/1.4<br>

<img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/486/20277950680_ba82b574e3_c.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<blockquote>

<p>There will be nothing really spectacular to drop your jaws in comparison with the current XP1.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>really spectacular? well... i don't know. i'd settle for competent and contemporary. if you look at Fuji's recent history, they've made incremental yet optimal upgrades to the X100 line. it could be argued that the X100t isn't "spectacular," but it corrects nearly every quirk from the original X100, which was a revolutionary camera. Similarly, the XPro1 wasn't a spectacular camera upon release, but it was a very good camera with a few flaws. All Fuji really needs to do is correct those flaws, the biggest of which was operating speed and Autofocus. So the new processor might just do that. But adding two card slots suddenly opens up the XP line to pro usage,specifically wedding photographers. Fuji's video implementation has been sucky, but adding 4k video raises that bar too. and as stated before jumping from 16 to 24 mp makes the sensor more competitive and future-proof.<br>

<br>

Essentially what Fuji is doing is upgrading what was already a pretty good body and making it more capable, especially for certain types of photography. Does that mean the original XPro1 is no good anymore? No. AF speed doesnt matter if you're using MF lenses (or for dedicated landscape shooters who work at a leisurely pace), and i'm sure that falling prices will make the older body a pretty good deal. At launch, the Xpro was $1700; right now, used ones can be had for just over $400. that's a spectacular value to the consumer if you dont need the new features. but if you've been holding out on Fuji because you wanted more megapixels or faster processing and AF, or better video implementation, it will be hard to resist the siren call of the XPro 2. This camera should resonate particularly for Nikon D300 users, not just because it revives the Prosumer APS-C camera, but also because Fuji has lenses Nikon doesnt offer for its DX line. The RF style body is gonna appeal to street photographers as well, a market Fuji seems to be targeting with the recent release of the 35/2, which appears to be timed to pair with the XP2. My own thinking is that this is gonna be a big buzz camera which is going to tick a lot of boxes, and could represent a marriage of photographic aesthetics with imaging capabilities. at an expected intro price of $1600-$1700, though, it had better be good.</p>

<p>An X-Pro1 is great, but in OVF mode with adapter lenses it has nothing to help you focus. I would go with one of the newer, non-OVF models - the X-T1, X-T10 or X-E2. The rest have a slightly slower screen refresh speed, which is an annoyance, and the lower end models have fewer controls and no EVF. I'm not going to try to list all the different features, but <a href="http://www.fujivsfuji.com/xt10-vs-xt1-vs-xe2/">there's a nice comparison here</a>. The differences are really not as big as you'd think - all three models have the same sensor with hybrid phase/contrast AF and very good EVFs, though the X-T1's EVF is noticeably larger than the others.</p>

<p>Honestly though, the ergonomics of using adapted lenses on the Fujis are not as nice as on the Sonys. Even a somewhat older model of the Sony, like a NEX 5n, feels easier to focus using peaking. One of Fuji's strongest points is the quality of the lenses, which wouldn't matter if you plan to use mostly adapted lenses. Unless you're other wise drawn to the Fujis - by the handling, control knobs and/or color modes, all of which are legit points in Fuji's favor - take a good look at a Sony.</p>

<p>i think the Sony's have better implementation of focus peaking as well, although some of the older NEX models dont have the classic shape and ergonomics of the Fujis, which is an aesthetic consideration when using classic legacy lenses such as Leica Ms. <a href="http://lavidaleica.com/content/using-m-lenses-fujifilm-x-cameras">here's an article</a> on using Leica M lenses on an XT1 -- apparently some Ms work better than others on X mount, so i'd make sure your lenses are compatible before proceeding further. </p>

<p>Like Dieter, I wanted a body to use with MF lenses. I tried both the Fuji (XE-2) and Sony and liked the focusing with manual lenses much better with Sony.</p>

<p>Add the fabulous Sony/Zeiss 55mm f/1.8 for portraits on the A6000 and I'm pretty happy. </p>

<p>I bought a Speedbooster to use my Nikon wides. Interesting idea, and it works, but I have never used it on a real shot. (Speedbooster is only for SLR lenses.)</p>

<p>Sebastian, if you like please view my Speedbooster album on flickr. Mine was a Contax/Yashica version and I used it on my NEX 7 until I went 'real' full frame with my a7. And you are right, it does indeed work. It is a genius little device and if I ever move over to Fuji X cameras I will be getting another one for sure.</p>

<p>http://www.flickr.com/photos/8539414@N07/albums/72157633126249795</p>

<p>NEX 7 • Zeiss Jena Biotar 58/2<br>

<img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8290/7728630634_55cb7ba469_c.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p>The X-Pro1 is already expected and it makes sense to wait for it but on the other hand there are promotions offering X-Pro1 and 35mm F:1.4 for a price not much higher than the one of the lens alone.<br>

If you consider this lens, you could buy the new model and keep X-Pro1 as a backup body almost for free.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>there are promotions offering X-Pro1 and 35mm F:1.4 for a price not much higher than the one of the lens alone.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>i dont see that anywhere, but i just looked on the X-Forum and there is a deal which starts 11/15 for XP1, 23/1.4 and 27/2.8 for $1250, which is $900 off MSRP. i think it's USA only, so there may be other deals in other markets which are different.</p>

<p>Germany: X-Pro1 18 & 27mm + NRC 900 Euro.<br>

So yes, the sale out has probably begun.<br>

Would I get one? - No really, but yes, I have been pondering it for a while. The offered primes seem of course like a must have, if Fuji is becoming your digital system a fast wide and a pancakey wide normal with a neat gap to the hopefully nicely performing Leica 50mm & longer.<br>

OTOH: what are the X-Pro1's strength? - Fuji typical nice SOOC JPGs, good looking camera, decent high ISO perfoirmance. Weaknesses: used with EVF / display its among the worst of Fuji's first generation. The X-E1 has higher EVF resolution which is nice to have for manual focusing. Talking about: the early Fujis seem pretty far from being usable cameras indoors. - Stop down the lens set the shutter for sync speed and be blessed with a darkened EVF. If you put the shutter on auto and open your lens the screen brightens up but at a rather low refresh rate which makes you crave a tripod to use the VF magnification mode for focusing. So indoors I see a chance for the X-Pro1 in OVF mode to substitute any other camera with OVF and zone focusing - A Minox GT maybe? - but no "rangefinder like experience". - I'll shoot anything else but Fuji at those occasions, since my X-E1 lacks an OFV and I feel unable to nail a dicissive moment with that lagged EVF.<br>

Outdoors by daylight they do well enough for touristic happysnapping. - The old AF is far from fast but gets the job done with static subjects.<br>

For a well drilled street shooter who is by now zone focusing by touch or a patient landscaper M lenses on a high precission adapter should do well enough handling wise. I wouldn't put much hope into the original Fuji glass for street / press photography due to either sluggish AF or focusing by wire as the alternative, which can't be done with lowered camera. BTW you can't have VF magification and focus peaking at once but still, it seems tempting to shoot the longer Leica lenses by daylight on Fujis instead of CCD Ms. I wouldn't expect much of a RF like shooting experience. I'd rather compare the Fujis behind adapted glass with very early SLRs (Practica, Exacta etc.) that didn't stop down their lenses automatically for exposure and came without instant return mirrors.<br>

I'guess ignoring the camera styling and settling for either X-E2 or X-T1(0) might be a better idea than getting an X-Pro1 now. I don't know how cheap the OP is going to get an X-pro1 with adapter. - 700 Euro? - Still pretty close to a used M8, which I'd prefer with flash and M lenses, to get the usual Leica shooting experience, but sure that camera has its flaws too and can be ruled out for any of them.</p>

<p>My X-Pro1 hosts M-mount and other rangefinder lenses. Lots of examples at <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/41790885@N08/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/41790885@N08/</a><br /><br />I get more precise focus with focus peaking off. Rock the focus ring back and forth while viewing 3x/10x magnification.<br /><br />The camera has an OVF and EVF. When you use the OVF, one push of a dial brings up the magnified EVF view so you can get focus, and another push returns to the OVF. The OVF has a histogram overlay to help you with exposure. It also has framelines, although they are reasonably accurate for third-party MF lenses only in a range of approximately 35 to 60 mm.<br /><br />Using the EVF, I mount 21 to 90 mm lenses.<br /><br />Image quality is basically the same for the Fuji sensor in all its X cameras to date. The difference is mainly in the allocation of some pixels to PDAF in later models.<br /><br />The X-Pro1 is available used for US $400-500. Announcement of the X-Pro2 is expected mid to late January 2016. It will probably have a new sensor, still APS-C.<br /><br /><br /></p>