View Full Version : Sell my X100 and go film only?
So ever since I got my M2 I've left the X100 in the bag whenever I go out to take pictures. It's a great camera, but I dislike the manual focus and to be honest, I think I just don't like shooting digital anymore.
Whenever I think about selling it it always comes down to the same two reasons why I shouldn't. High ISO-performance and the convenience of being able to shoot digital.
Is there anyone here who've thought about abandoning digital completely? If I needed the money I'd sell it no doubt, but I'm in the processing of selling most of my guitar gear due to my "band" calling it quits, and I'll have way more money than I'll know what to do with after that (not true, I could buy a new camera, or use all of it to travel somewhere next summer, which is what I'll do). I feel silly keeping a thousand dollar camera in a bag "just in case I need/want to shoot digital". Help me rationalize selling/keeping it.
I guess that no one can answer your question except yourself. It is really a matter of what you are up to.
efirmage
09-10-2011, 14:40
I'd sell it and replace it with an NEX 5N/7. If you got the 5N you'd still have money left over and you'd have a very competent compact camera to pull out when you "need" digital. In any case I've been more impressed with the 5N shots I've seen than I have been with the X100.
My two cents.
bensyverson
09-10-2011, 14:42
I'm a film die-hard, but it's hard to imagine giving up my digital camera. I use it to shoot low-light candids, kids, product shots, video, and occasionally travel snaps. I like those shots to look decent, so I use a good camera.
But I know a couple photographers who only shoot with "real" cameras when they're working on a personal or professional project. They take snapshots occasionally, but with at iPhone or compact. If you're like them, then sell the X100.
Give it a bit, and if you're still not using the X100 in a month or so, you may as well sell.
I returned to using only film after realizing thet digital just does not do it for me. I'm referring to both the available cameras and the fact that I prefer the look of film pictures.
The answer to this is simply______.
To me the fixed lens would be the negative, not that it's digital.
Richard G
09-10-2011, 15:19
Only serious digital I've had. Today I'm out with the M5 and Zeiss 25 and HP5 Plus, but I wouldn't give up my X100, work photos, low light stuff, night shots with stars, things where I wouldn't bother taking a film camera and where the iPhone is sure to let me down.
Roger Hicks
09-10-2011, 16:02
The purpose of photography is to take pictures, not to purify the soul through suffering.
In this particular realm, only you can define 'suffering'.
Cheers,
R.
I've played with the X100 a couple times, and I don't like it - therefore you should sell yours.
Glad I could be of help. ;-)
Randy
Robert Lai
09-10-2011, 17:20
I keep an old Kodak P&S around for those times when digital expediency is needed (e.g. ebay ads). Otherwise, I like my film! So, my biased view is that if the X100 doesn't feel great to you, get rid of it before too much digital depreciation rot sets in. When X101 hits the shelves, that X100 will be quite worthless.
You can always pick up a decent digital camera now for about $40 for the expendable pictures.
nonuniform
09-10-2011, 17:32
I use a variety of cameras, digital and film, for different reasons. I do like large format film, but carrying the 4x5 Crown Graphic is a commitment sometimes!
I like the way my Nikon D700 images look, and it's a fairly intuitive camera to use, but I prefer carrying my Leica M with me. The Nikon is almost as clunky as the 4x5. If I'm going to carry something big, might as well be the 4x5.
So, I end up using my Leica M's most of the time. If I could afford the M9, and if the M9 were even close to the capabilities of the D700, I would buy one. From my tests, the M9 has a long way to go. That's just my opinion, so, feel free to ignore it.
That leaves me looking at cameras such as the X100 and Nex 7/5n. They're just not as good as the Nikon, nor are they as intuitive to use as the Leica M. So, I'm still using my film cameras.
BTW Portra 400 exposed as 3200 and pushed +2 in development works really really well.
I've played with the X100 a couple times, and I don't like it - therefore you should sell yours.
Glad I could be of help. ;-)
Randy
I'm impressed that you've actually held one.
andredossantos
09-10-2011, 17:43
I shoot and like both but if push came to shove Id say I prefer film. Anyway, I've gone through several periods where I don't have a digital and i don't find it limiting at all. I've also used only digital for long stretches and felt the same. The caveat is I only shoot for myself and for fun (not for moolah).
The other key thing to remember is you can always rebuy your old camera or get a new or different model.
I'm impressed that you've actually held one.
Thomas, first a fellow RFFer showed me his last weekend, then a few days ago a co-worker who recently got one let me play with his for a while.
I probably should not comment without spending more time with one.
But I will comment anyway! My initial experience was not positive. I don't see the point of the optical viewfinder that you can't use for focussing, the focus ring that seems only intended for small adjustments, the disconcerting shift from optical VF to the LCD mode.
I do admit without hesitation that people capture nice images with it, and my co-worker is pleased with it overall.
Randy
I've played with the X100 a couple times, and I don't like it - therefore you should sell yours.
Glad I could be of help. ;-)
Randy
Actually this is about as helpful as any advice on a forum can be, IMO
Colin Corneau
09-10-2011, 19:02
I think it depends on why you would want a digital -- is it for 'work' or otherwise making money? If that's the case, you'd be well off getting a DSLR or some type.
If it's for personal or documentary type work, then the X100 seems like as good a candidate as any, really.
And if you just don't want digital at all, then I guess there's your answer right there. Think about what you do now, and expect to do in the next year or so...if there's a place for digital at all in there, you should keep it.
Mrbessar4a
09-10-2011, 19:04
I'm doing the opposite, selling my Bessa because of the X100. *shrug.* One day when I can have a darkroom again I will, today, not an option (in NYC).
umcelinho
09-10-2011, 19:09
i've bought an x100 to be my daily camera, also to take it to events or situations where I know i will want to take a lot of snaps, or need closer focus, or a completely silent camera, or variable iso.
it will not replace my m4, it'll have a different use. it should replace my hexar rf with 35/1.4 though, which i have daily in my bag for snaps. will it replace my r-d1 as well? we'll see...
Whatever... How can anyone tell you what you prefer?
Pickett Wilson
09-10-2011, 19:15
Lots of angst. Sell it. You can buy another one later when you get the digital bug again.
wgerrard
09-10-2011, 19:18
You can't have had the X100 very long. Let things go for some time before you sell it. It's not gong to cost you anything to do that.
Have you used enough digitals to know it's digital you're tired of, not just the X100?
I'm actually thinking of going the other way. I bought a DSLR last month and it's been something of a revelation, particularly the autofocus. It's great to take a shot without straining for 30 seconds or so with manual focus.
willie_901
09-10-2011, 20:22
I caryy my X100 with me where ever I go. Once I taught myself how to use it, my keeper rte was about the same as it was with my manual focus SLRs and ZI-M rangefinder and better than my Canonet.
If you enjoy film cameras and results with film more than digital,then switch to film. There will be film to buy and labs to develop and scan film for at least a decade.
If I was switching to film I would also switch to medium format film. I really don't see the point of 35 mm film anymore when medium format is not that much more expensive or inconvenient than 35 mm film. Big negatives are good.
Today, I had with me the M6 with the Lux and the EP-2 with a 7.5mm lens. I used only the EP-2 for many photos at the beach. Tomorrow, I may use only the M6. Each is fun to use.
Like a few posters, I prefer film, but my X100 is indispensable and over the past five weeks I'm clearly shooting more digital images. Yet I still prefer film.
I should clarify... I still prefer medium format film. A 6x6 frame to me still conveys more. 35mm? I can't really get all that excited about it, even if I like 35mm film. I'm at the point where if I want film I reach for the 20 pound pack of Rollei kit, for everything else, the X100 is my go to camera most of the time.
Vincent.G
09-10-2011, 20:43
10 years later, will there still be film? I am not sure. But I am confident digital is here to stay and there will be better digital cameras. But you only live once! Enjoy whatever you have!
Archiver
09-10-2011, 20:52
How often would you find yourself in the position of taking advantage of the X100's digital benefits? High ISO, low light, autofocus, near instant development and online distribution: how often do you do these things?
For me, the benefits of digital outweighs the benefits of film, so most of what I shoot is digital.
rogerzilla
09-11-2011, 04:03
Sell it because it will be worthless in two years' time, when you can buy the new equivalent for a lot less money.
wgerrard
09-11-2011, 04:41
Sell it because it will be worthless in two years' time, when you can buy the new equivalent for a lot less money.
Much to be said for that. If you *are* going to sell it, sell it while it's a hot item, before Rev. 2 arrives and the feeding frenzy ends. Digital rarely holds value long term.
Sell it and buy more film kit! Unless you are using it to pay the bills, stick with what you prefer.
I'm not looking for people to answer my question, I realize that it is ultimately up to me, but I'd like some new opinions on the matter. The images the X100 produces are more than good enough, it is not a matter of IQ (in fact the IQ is a lot better than what my scanner can produce, although I do prefer the colors I get from ektachrome and the B&W I get from Tri-x). If it was I would probably own a MF film camera anyway.
I think my main problem is the digital workflow. The fact that I can snap away without worrying about anything but wasted megabytes. I like having a reason not to waste shots. I LOVE the way rangefinder focusing works. I like developing film and putting the film strips in the archival sheets and holding it up to the light and looking and starting the process of deciding what shots I want to scan (and later this year, print). The digital workflow doesn't "feel" as real.
I'd sell it and replace it with an NEX 5N/7. If you got the 5N you'd still have money left over and you'd have a very competent compact camera to pull out when you "need" digital. In any case I've been more impressed with the 5N shots I've seen than I have been with the X100.
My two cents.
I'm not going to do that, the main reason why I ended up buying the X100 is the (excellent) optical viewfinder
To me the fixed lens would be the negative, not that it's digital.
Not a problem at all. I do wish it was a 50mm every now and then, but that's what I keep on my M2 most of the time, so I'm ok with that.
Thomas, first a fellow RFFer showed me his last weekend, then a few days ago a co-worker who recently got one let me play with his for a while.
I probably should not comment without spending more time with one.
But I will comment anyway! My initial experience was not positive. I don't see the point of the optical viewfinder that you can't use for focussing, the focus ring that seems only intended for small adjustments, the disconcerting shift from optical VF to the LCD mode.
I do admit without hesitation that people capture nice images with it, and my co-worker is pleased with it overall.
Randy
I could live with the zone focusing system in the hybrid VF if the focus ring was fast enough for street work.
You can't have had the X100 very long. Let things go for some time before you sell it. It's not gong to cost you anything to do that.
Have you used enough digitals to know it's digital you're tired of, not just the X100?
I'm actually thinking of going the other way. I bought a DSLR last month and it's been something of a revelation, particularly the autofocus. It's great to take a shot without straining for 30 seconds or so with manual focus.
My previous digital camera was a D300. I never took that with me because it is huge, weighs a ton and because I never felt really comfortable using a DSLR, I've tried regular P&S cameras, but I hate not having a viewfinder.
I think my main problem is the digital workflow. The fact that I can snap away without worrying about anything but wasted megabytes. I like having a reason not to waste shots. ... The digital workflow doesn't "feel" as real.
While this suggestion might not stop anyone from snapping away with abandon, you could make the use of the camera feel more "film like" by turning off the post-capture image display. It would take a bit of additional mental will-power to use the camera like you would a film camera (I assume a 36 exposure roll lasts you hours or days not minutes!) but if you were able to challenge yourself to review only when back at your desk, the process might feel a little more familiar. Pretend it is film in there.
I've tried this a few times but have yet to commit to going no-review cold turkey for any extended period. Would it even be beneficial? Is fasting?
It always seemed to me that film helped separate snap-shooters evolving into photographers because they had to have a certain amount of self-awareness and determination and will power to remember the mistakes of their last rolls, try anew, wait for the results, consider if improvement had been achieved, and repeat, repeat, repeat. You needed to have patience and be willing to travel a long road.
But is self-limiting rate of image capture in the age of digital going to help a serious and aware photographer develop faster/more fully? If one is already able to be objectively critical and is on the self-improvement track, could the guilt-free image capture opportunities afforded by digital actually aid and accelerate a conscious desire and determined effort to improve? It seems logical that it would.
houseofnumb
09-11-2011, 12:47
On a recent trip to Quebec City and Montreal, I took along my M6 and X100. I shot my "real" photos in black and white with the M6. I used the Fuji for snap shots in colour. I prefer using my M6 and shooting film, however, I found the X100 to be an indispensable travel companion to the M6. I managed to get great shots in the metro (subway) and inside churches as we dodged in and out of darkness during sunny weather.
Keep it and you'll have the best of both worlds.
shadowfox
09-12-2011, 09:52
10 years later, will there still be film? I am not sure. But I am confident digital is here to stay and there will be better digital cameras. But you only live once! Enjoy whatever you have!
There are still a whole lot of us who wants to keep using film.
And you're welcome to join us to make sure that it's still available in 10 years. :)
Back to topic.
You'd kick yourself when you are in a place and time where a digital camera will serve you well. So don't go all film, in this day and age, that would be unwise.
But one digital camera is enough, pick the one you like, the X100 is fine. An Olympus Pen with its external EVF would also make a good choice with even more versatility due to interchangeable lenses (and there are some *fine* lenses available for that system now).
nickspictures
09-12-2011, 18:19
The only reason to sell equipment is to get new equipment. If you need the money for something else sell - if not there is always room for another camera in my house.
Vincent.G
09-12-2011, 18:27
There are still a whole lot of us who wants to keep using film.
And you're welcome to join us to make sure that it's still available in 10 years. :)
Back to topic.
You'd kick yourself when you are in a place and time where a digital camera will serve you well. So don't go all film, in this day and age, that would be unwise.
But one digital camera is enough, pick the one you like, the X100 is fine. An Olympus Pen with its external EVF would also make a good choice with even more versatility due to interchangeable lenses (and there are some *fine* lenses available for that system now).
I am an active film user but I love to use a digital camera once in a while. Of course, I would like film to stay for as long as possible.:)
I find I get by well enough with my M6 and iPhone 4. Haven't really touched my E-P1 lately
Digital will always be very useful, so i believe you will need a digital camera from time to time, even if you mostly shoot film. The x100 is a pretty expensive camera , so maybe if you find that you don't use it as much, sell it to get some of the money you payed , back, before the prices start to plunge. Buy a good small compact to have in your pocket.
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