Why I sold my X100 [Archive] - Rangefinderforum.com

intheviewfinder

11-17-2011, 15:48

The basic feel of the camera was wonderful, the viewfinder is spectacular, a quite capable lens, and the sensor could create some beautiful images.

But there were just too many issues to really satisfy. Too many times I had to fiddle with the darn thing. The best thing about this camera is the viewfinder and it's sensor. At best the controls are a mixed bag. If I put the camera in a bag or a jacket pocket dials would turn and settings would change. Often the exposure compensation dial rotated (I've noticed I wasn't the only one with this problem). The tiny rear jog dialed just plain sucked for feel (and I don't have big meaty hands). Manual focus is unusable. Auto focus was always an issue especially anything within 3 feet. If both the subject and I were moving AF sucked. I always had to plant myself and let the subject come into view and then fire, even then it could miss 30% of the time. And shooting f/8 all the time is not my idea of fun.

Can you tell I'm pretty disappointed? I thought there was a chance they would improved this design. I sense an engineering staff with loose oversight. They are already dropping the current sensor to put in something completely new while ignoring all of the minor design flaws in the current product. They need some product engineers to slow them down a bit in order to mature their ideas. Maybe Fuji should purchase Olympus and use their ergonomic engineering staff to supplement their sensor group. I can only hope they get one of these cameras right someday.

I'd give it a 6 out of a 10. Not good enough to keep. I sold it.

In any case you can see some of my shots with the camera over in my Flickr set (http://www.flickr.com/photos/intheviewfinder/sets/72157626677861370/) including one of the bad ones.

It's a nice camera but too many problems for me to tie $1200usd into. For those of you enjoying it great, I'm sure you'll produce wonderful images. I'm not out to spoil the party but just give a little different point of view. Now where did I put my MP?

--Rich

anthony_semone

11-17-2011, 15:55

Hey Rich,

rented one from LensRentals prior to going to Paris. Thought it'd be just what I needed for photo'g on the streets. Your experiences with it duplicated mine. Sent it back to LensRentals (a fantastic outfit BTW) straightaway.

andrewteee

11-17-2011, 15:56

I just sold mine too, for many of the same reasons. I never really got along with the camera, though it could indeed take great pictures given the sensor and lens.

Keith

11-17-2011, 16:06

I agree. The sensor and viewfinder along with the amazing high ISO performance aren't worth a cracker if you use it in conditions where it's difficult to achieve consistent focus.

Damned fine effort by Fuji none the less IMO ... 'mighty oaks from little acorns grow!'

:D

bhop73

11-17-2011, 16:07

I love mine. I can't see myself selling it. The little issues you mention don't seem to bother me. Manual focus does suck, but I don't have any problems with AF and i'd probably use it mostly on this camera anyway due to the lack of a rangefinder or split screen. That said, I don't shoot a lot of things in motion. Close focus is fine with the EVF btw. The only real issue I had was the 'sticky aperture blade' problem, but Fuji fixed it and it's good as new. I love mine.

Jamie Pillers

11-17-2011, 16:20

The manual focusing of these cameras is misunderstood, in my opinion. Yes, if you try to manually focus by rotating the focus ring, it takes forever to reach focus. However, just like the Contax G cameras, if you use the focusing button on the back (it falls right under your thumb when holding the camera in your right hand), 'manual' focus is a snap. And I mean SNAP!

Put the camera in manual mode (simple slider button on the side of the camera). Press the focusing button and the focus immediately locks on whatever you have it pointed at, and it stays focused at that distance until you re-press the button. Perfect for manually focusing on a desired object, or for zone focusing. Its a GREAT system. I can easily focus on the subject as fast as I ever did with Leicas, maybe faster.

Jamie Pillers

11-17-2011, 16:27

Richard, I just had a look at your flickr set using the X100. Man... a LOT of gorgeous shots there!! Sorry the camera didn't work out for you.

I'd bet that the re-sell rate on this camera is about the same as for the Konica Hexar AF. Both have similar quirks that take some getting used to. But when I look back at the images I got with the Hexar, I created my best sustained body of street photography with it. I expect the same from the X100. :-)

Keith

11-17-2011, 16:28

David_Manning

11-17-2011, 16:31

I really love mine. Compact, quiet, great VF, sharp lens, great macro, terrific fill-flash, 100% VF on-demand, 720p video for vacations, and the RAW files are awesome with terrific dynamic range.

Oh...and no souping, scanning, or runs to the lab.

Jamie Pillers

11-17-2011, 16:32

Keith

11-17-2011, 16:35

You might be right Keith; I'll have to check it out. But my sense has been that the manual focus method snaps in quickly and there's no hunting. But I haven't compared the two precisely. If I have time in the next day or two, I'll report back.

In some ways focusing manually as you describe is better but still no answer.

I would have liked a manual focus wheel with fixed distance steps ... I could live with that!

intheviewfinder

11-17-2011, 16:44

Thanks Jamie I'm not trying to 'bad mouth' this camera too much as I could make it produce. In some ways it is a fine piece of gear it just does not live up to expectations. It's just not for everyone. I just wish Fuji would work on the ergonomics and design more instead of going onto the 'next big thing.'

--Rich

Frank Version Two

11-17-2011, 16:47

...I'd bet that the re-sell rate on this camera is about the same as for the Konica Hexar AF. Both have similar quirks that take some getting used to. But when I look back at the images I got with the Hexar, I created my best sustained body of street photography with it. I expect the same from the X100. :-)

If it had anything as good as the Hexar AF auto-focus then it would be kicking butt.

I'm also skeptical that camera companies actual improve with model progression... look at the Panasonic G1 follow-ups, the Canons that have had major AF issues, etc. Instead they focus on video and megapixels....

hausen

11-17-2011, 16:50

Shade

11-17-2011, 16:54

Its a great little camera, but I always liked something with interchangeable lenses. The tiny rear jog dial is also too small for a small hand like mine, so I never use it anyway. And yes, I tend to bump the exposure compensation dial from time to time as well whenever I put it inside my bag.

andersju

11-17-2011, 17:15

I find that Luigi's X100 half-case (http://www.leicatime.com/a000-CasesFujiFinepixX100.htm) really helps handling - the built-in grip makes it considerably nicer to hold, and with the back covered I no longer accidentally press any buttons.

I too was a bit annoyed in the beginning but I've become less so as time has passed - and especially after the case arrived ;) The only things I ever change while shooting are ISO, exposure compensation and aperture/shutter, so I never have to open the back door.

AF was sometimes irrititating at first but I now know instinctively when to switch to EVF so that very rarely gives me any grief. Of course, it's not anywhere near the Hexar AF in terms of speed and accuracy, but then again what is? :)

celluloidprop

11-17-2011, 17:35

The menus are a pain (if only every company used Nikon's method of a two-button card format!), but I haven't really delved into them since setting it up to my specifications.

Buffer time is still absurd, but with a UHS-1 card much more manageable. I've noticed that my GRD IV is kind of slow, too - I don't have any experience with small cameras or SD cards other than these, maybe it's just an issue with size.

AF-wise, I pretty much only use the EVF so I haven't had any issues. I like the concept of the OVF w/ overlays, but I can't see any advantage to it except in very low light (for me, of course).

bensyverson

11-17-2011, 17:46

That's funny... Meanwhile, the Hexar AF doesn't seem to miss a shot.

Why they don't put active IR AF on a modern camera is beyond me.

Keith

11-17-2011, 17:54

That's funny... Meanwhile, the Hexar AF doesn't seem to miss a shot.

Why they don't put active IR AF on a modern camera is beyond me.

I asked this question the other day and apparently it's because it can't be configured for multi pattern intelligent (read stupid) focusing!

And that's what the average sheep wants ... or so marketing believes! :D

GaryLH

11-17-2011, 17:56

I am not sure what people expect of this camera. I love mine so much I bought it twice. If I want to manually focus I will use my M9, I bought this back again for the ISO performance and for when I require AF. I think the AF assist in recent firmware upgrade has certainly helped AF performance for me. It to many functions/buttons etc in menus for me as well but it is the result that counts and I just use it the functions that I require and ignore the rest.

+1

Same here... Once I set it up the way I want... I basically ignored everything else.. So far I still like it. I use it only in af mode. I gotten pretty comfortable switching from evf and ovf modes depending on situation.

Gary

willie_901

11-17-2011, 19:13

If one doesn't enjoy using the X100, then of course they will be disappointed. No camera will please every photographer. I did not enjoy the Canonet G-III (focus) and the Lumix G-1 (IQ) ... so I sold them.

I enjoy mine. I accepted the fact that the X100 is an autofocus platform and moved on. I use mostly focus and recompose. I use AF-S sometimes and MF other times (with the AF button) depending on the circumstances. It's about as fast as a analog rangefinder (I useded to a ZM body for a couple of years). It is much slower than a DSLR. My keeper rate (focus wise) is similar to what I experienced with the ZM. I don't mind glancing at the exposure compensation dial when I take it out of the bag.

I take it with me wherever I go.

gavinlg

11-17-2011, 19:16

I am not sure what people expect of this camera. I love mine so much I bought it twice. If I want to manually focus I will use my M9, I bought this back again for the ISO performance and for when I require AF. I think the AF assist in recent firmware upgrade has certainly helped AF performance for me. It to many functions/buttons etc in menus for me as well but it is the result that counts and I just use it the functions that I require and ignore the rest.

Agreed - I absolutely love mine. The best thing is that the metering and the auto-iso are so good that I can just leave them on auto and shoot aperture priority and it works perfectly.

What do you guys use the jog dial for? I've never had a reason to use it?

Keith

11-17-2011, 19:38

Agreed - I absolutely love mine. The best thing is that the metering and the auto-iso are so good that I can just leave them on auto and shoot aperture priority and it works perfectly.

What do you guys use the jog dial for? I've never had a reason to use it?

And you can now lock it!

Jamie Pillers

11-17-2011, 19:56

I've never used the jog dial. And my modified Thumbs Up pretty much covers up the jog dial anyway. I'm sure there's something cool you can use it for. Maybe I'll read the manual someday. :-)

Jamie Pillers

11-17-2011, 20:01

Speaking of ergonomics, I use a modified older Thumbs Up and it improves the hold-ability IMMENSELY! And now there's a Thumbs Up built specifically for the X100. I covered the Thumbs Up in gaffers tape for even more 'grip'.

bhop73

11-17-2011, 21:01

back alley

11-17-2011, 21:18

i miss mine...it would have been nice to be able to afford it and a second rd1...i hope to get another someday...

i found that once i set it up for my way of doing things that it responded quickly and surely...maybe the second gen will be more user friendly for folks.

Rogier

11-17-2011, 21:26

Yep I was disappointed the moment I handled it in person at B&H earlier this year.
Wish we could load our own software greatly taking all the BS out...

Jamie Pillers

11-17-2011, 22:18

I missed many with the Hexar. That camera often wouldn't lock focus fast enough for quickly changing street opportunities. Capabilities of these two cameras really do feel about the same to me.

Keith

11-17-2011, 22:30

I don't think I was disappointed in the X100 as such ... more just came to the realisation that it couldn't do what I was asking of it.

It was a stunning little camera and that viewfinder was absolute heaven.

Paul is using the RFF X100 to great effect IMO ... but he's not into blundering around in the dark trying to take photos as much as I am! :D

kanzlr

11-17-2011, 22:39

Very similar to my GXR experience (prior to the M Mount announcement). The GXR is the perfect camera, but the AF was so slow, that it was unusable for anything non static.

If I knew the mount module was coming, I would have kept it, alas I haven't...

Manual focus is unusable. Auto focus was always an issue especially anything within 3 feet. If both the subject and I were moving AF sucked. I always had to plant myself and let the subject come into view and then fire, even then it could miss 30% of the time. And shooting f/8 all the time is not my idea of fun.

Richard G

11-17-2011, 22:54

And you can now lock it!

That is 'rock it' in official Fuji documentation.

intheviewfinder

11-18-2011, 03:12

gavinlg

11-18-2011, 03:45

My biggest disappointment is with the focusing. At that price point I expect more. The camera cost as much as a Nikon D90 yet cannot comparably focus. Also I bought the camera for the OVF not that nightmare they call EVF.

I used the jog in aperture priority mode to get 1/3 stops. And if I remember correctly I could use the Fn button and jog in combination to change ISO.

Thats right the jog + ISO. I use auto ISO so that slipped my mind!

Could you elaborate on the focussing issues you had though? I've used mine in street parades with people moving and found the focussing different, but really no worse than my 5d, which I use center point/recompose. (I use a d90 for work too, so it's not that just that the 5d is crap!)

edit: After enabling the corrected AF frame (for parallax) I don't get mis-focussed shots anymore, even up on minimum focus distance.

v_roma

11-18-2011, 03:57

Yes, definitely agree. I have an X100 and have no plans to sell it. I just love the IQ too much. But focus (in general) is this camera's biggest flaw. AF is not all that fast (slower than m4/3) and MF is poorly implemented. Even if you use the AFL button, it still has to rely on the camera's AF. I would've loved fast AF and poor MF implementation OR slowish AF and good MF implementation (i.e., mechanically-coupled focusing ring with distance scale). Oh well, no camera is perfect. And you can't fault this camera's pictures.

My biggest disappointment is with the focusing. At that price point I expect more. The camera cost as much as a Nikon D90 yet cannot comparably focus. Also I bought the camera for the OVF not that nightmare they call EVF.

I used the jog in aperture priority mode to get 1/3 stops. And if I remember correctly I could use the Fn button and jog in combination to change ISO.

elmer3.5

11-18-2011, 03:59

Hi, no fuji, but i sold my leica x1 because of similar "issues" by the way i just never get used to the fact of having a 23mm lens (super wide) in order to achieve 35mm fov!
No fun at all @ 2.8 and 10 feet you get 13 feet of dof, with my m9 or other m cameras i focus way faster than these small P&S digital miracles!

I shoudn´t have sold my contax t3!!!
It is faster and better in everyway than my x1 or sigma dp2, and i think better than the x100 too.

Bye, i´ll et some t3 right now!!!:D

umcelinho

11-18-2011, 04:19

the X100 made me remember why I went after rangefinders: quick low light focusing. it's a bit ironic that it struggles to focus (or just won't focus at all) in very dim lit situations and yet its high ISO is superb... tried many different focusing techniques (including MF with AEL/AEF button) but still I find myself trying and trying to get focus in places like bars and streets at night and it gets lost.

I realised I just am too used to manual focusing and not leaving much for the camera to think.

LTN

11-18-2011, 04:36

The X100 is basically my poor-man's version of the M9. Quality images and optics. Fuji is not producing cameras with quirks intentionally. The quirkiness is related to the complexity of operation of a camera as advanced as this and one must take the time to let this system grow on you. I am amazed by the number of people who claim to dislike this camera. It certainly motivates folks to comment though and that in itself indicates the impact this has had on digital photography. What happened to us that we demand such perfection in products such as this? The essential function of this camera works absolutely perfectly - it takes wonderful photographs in the right hands.

Tom

intheviewfinder

11-18-2011, 05:05

Could you elaborate on the focusing issues you had though? .

As someone else said "it struggles to focus (or just won't focus at all)." My pet peeve is the slowness of the thing. If you're standing still and shooting f/4 or better you've got a chance. But if both you can the subject are moving forget it.

BTW I got this camera very early on. Mine was number 755. I made sure to update the firmware. I shot ~3k photos with it. It wasn't like I didn't give it a fair chance. There were just too many misses for my style of street photography.

http://intheviewfinder.net/stuff/NYCWashingtonArt-85.jpg

Nice shot but she's sitting down and almost posed. I actually came up behind her and she turned as I was composing. Note the DOF. I can get this sort of shot with any camera.

http://intheviewfinder.net/stuff/NYCWinter2008-115.jpg

It couldn't get this one. Never. I'm moving. She's moving. I'm in her face with a 20mm wide open. The X100 couldn't get this.

This is what I want it for, hanging off a wrist strap and ready to fire a moment's notice.

--Rich

Gid

11-18-2011, 05:09

I struggled to really like the X100 for quite some time - nothing to do with functionlity or focusing or IQ. However, I have come to really like it and happily use it along side my M8. It isn't necessarily low light that produces focusing problems, but low contrast (which often accompanies low light), so if you can find a bit of contrast it will lock on. It does take some time to get it set up and this requires you to RTM from front to back. This may be part of the reason why some people have struggled with it. I have no plans to sell mine.

jsrockit

11-18-2011, 05:42

It seems that many of those who are disappointed with the X100... either had expectations that were unrealistic or that they chose the wrong tool for the job. Many of the things people complain about I have no issues with...and I'm no genius. Sure, you might have to figure out some work arounds compared to a DSLR or a mechanical rangefinder, but that's again about choosing the right tool for the job. To expect the camera to do 100% of your photographic work is unrealistic.

paulfish4570

11-18-2011, 05:47

i'm not much of a street guy. i am deliberate, even in crowds. i like rangefinder cameras for their carry-ability and compactness more than anything else, and the x100 certainly is this. i can focus and shoot at the same speed as with my IIIf.
love mine after three weeks of steady use. i posted some near-sunset and night shots this morning.

Broke

11-18-2011, 05:57

I sold my X100 a couple weeks into owning it.
I thought the build was nice, the finder excellent, the lens pretty good, and the sensor excellent.
The ergonomics (which they apparently tried so hard to make classic) really suffer on account of the electronic interface.
One of the biggest troubles I had with it, was the non-moving (or parallax correcting) focus field in OVF mode -- I think they've corrected that in firmware update, however.

Cheers,
Jim

jacksondonald

11-18-2011, 06:07

x100 was my first digital camera so i made sure to read the instruction booklet cover to cover and i did not think anything was "quirky." maybe it matters from which vantage point you approach the camera -- coming from film M cameras as i do, I just LOVE it. perhaps people with more digital camera experience find it frustrating?

paulfish4570

11-18-2011, 06:37

oh yeah, i still have not done the firmware upgrades. i know where i can get a link to the second upgrade, but not the first. should i do the first one first? link?

peripatetic

11-18-2011, 07:54

The 1.11 upgrade massively improves close and low-light AF ability. Like a different camera.

Not like a DSLR (though anyone who ever expected that was dreaming) but certainly much much faster than I can manage with my manual RF cameras.

I believe that there are some people who can focus an M faster than a speeding bullet, but I also believe that the number of people who fall into that category are tiny and all of them are RFF members. Most people cannot even begin to approach AF speed with MF unless they are zone-focussing. I certainly cannot.

Since I got my X100 back in March I have only used my Canon 5D2 on 3 occasions.

The X100 is by far the best camera (film or digital) that I have ever owned. There are no significant "quirks" left worth speaking of after the 3 firmware updates, and even the AF is now quite reasonable.

It's my "Cold dead fingers" camera.

But of course it's not for everyone. Why on earth would it be?

bhop73

11-18-2011, 10:44

http://intheviewfinder.net/stuff/NYCWinter2008-115.jpg

It couldn't get this one. Never. I'm moving. She's moving. I'm in her face with a 20mm wide open. The X100 couldn't get this.

This is what I want it for, hanging off a wrist strap and ready to fire a moment's notice.

--Rich

If it's like you say and you're both moving towards each other, then I don't see how anyone can get this pic super sharp all the time with anything less than a pro dslr or luck.

gavinlg

11-18-2011, 13:15

andrewteee

11-18-2011, 13:25

But don't so many other cameras, in the right hands? And after all they are tools, and which one is the right one for each of us.

Perfectly said, and exactly mirroring my thoughts.

GaryLH

11-18-2011, 13:44

oh yeah, i still have not done the firmware upgrades. i know where i can get a link to the second upgrade, but not the first. should i do the first one first? link?

http://www.fujifilm.com/support/digital_cameras/software/firmware/x/finepix_x100/index.html

Maybe I am misunderstanding the info here, but the way I read into the info on this web page, the latest encorporates all the other prior fixes.

Good luck
Gary

jsrockit

11-19-2011, 11:18

The issues you complain about are just endemic in current Japanese camera design. If you are the kind of person who buys and Android phone you will like it, if you are an iPhone user it will madden you.

Well, I'm an iPhone user and I love the Fuji. The only time I go into the menu is to format the card. The rest of the functions can be done via knobs, rings, and a button or two. Sure, it's Japanese, but not anything like a Japanese DSLR in use.

gavinlg

11-19-2011, 12:25

Well you are doing what I do, not looking, but to me tiny knobs rings and buttons are just as nuts - I detest them.

If I am going to use a total AF camera, which basically the Fuji is (and as Seinfeld says, not that there is anything wrong with that :D), I want it to sync to my computer or iPad via bluetooth, and set-up using a keyboard. And I want to back up my settings outside of the camera.

I am just so tired of these 1970 VCR interfaces. Now if the cameras were covered in 1970 Panasonic imitation wood grain and black plastic maybe.

EDIT: You realize this mostly a rant of disappointment that a perfect digital Nikon SP never appeared?

So what happens if you need to change the settings on the fly? Sounds like a horrible idea to me... I may change from a tripod timer setup, to a shooting setup with AF, to a 'street' zone focus setup all in one day. If you take the time to familiarize yourself with it, it's really not such a bad design. Yes the little control wheel on the back is fiddly (and thats about where my criticisms end) but cmon, it's a $1200 camera! The d300/d90/d3100 I use at work are far more complex and fiddly in the menus than the x100.

gavinlg

11-19-2011, 12:28

paulfish4570

11-19-2011, 14:05

yes, the the latest update did everything ... :)

jsrockit

11-19-2011, 14:39

Well you are doing what I do, not looking, but to me tiny knobs rings and buttons are just as nuts - I detest them.

That's just it...I only use the shutter speed dial and aperture ring. The only button I touch is for macro and I touch the lever to change between OVF and EVF once in awhile. That's it. For a japanese camera, it is the least annoying digital I have found... though maybe the RD1 would surpass it.

EDIT: You realize this mostly a rant of disappointment that a perfect digital Nikon SP never appeared?

That would be nice... unfortunately, Nikon has gone down a path to riches that doesn't gel with our sensibilities here on RFF.

paulfish4570

11-19-2011, 17:42

i like yer style, 'moof ... :)

gavinlg

11-19-2011, 22:59

You do it with your iPhone or Android, or you use the built-in menus. And yes I am aware that the d300 etc are far worse -- which is why long ago I switched to Olympus. Olympus was one company that allowed their SLR bodies to be connected to a computer (sadly with USB), which could then back up the settings, but then did not incorporate it into their 4/3rds cameras.

I would never need to change internal settings on the fly any more than I would want to change a lens. I tend to work with what I have, and not fiddle with cameras, but that is me. Whenever I have needed more than one lens I carry two cameras, I have never changed a lens in the field, it is just not the way my mind works.

I know many photographers work like they are playing golf -- and carry a bag of clubs -- I photograph like I am playing baseball, I like one bat, and one glove, and I like 'em simple and well worn.

Everyone keeps telling me to just buck up, that cameras are not supposed to be easy to operate or human-mind/body friendly -- that if I would just familiarize myself with the 100 page manual -- printed with magnifying glass-sized type, I would be OK.

But I took my best work with cameras which only had 5 choices, focus, f-stop, shutter speed, lens, and film. I narrowed that down for almost 20 years by always using Tri-x at 800, with a 50 1.4. When I shot color, I used Ektachrome.

I like obvious and simple. I figure if I have to read the manual I want no part of it, whatever the endeavor.

end of rant, but it is one which I bring to all my life choices.

I understand your point, but I mean - the x100 has a shutter speed dial, an aperture ring, and a button for ISO adjustment. What's wrong with just sticking it in manual mode, and choosing your ISO, and shooting like you would a film camera?

Mlehrman

11-19-2011, 23:08

Paul, speaking of updating the X100 software...I haven't done it yet, and to tell you the truth, I've been reluctant to start for fear that any glitch will "paperweight" the camera. How simple did you find update procedure, and how improved is performance? Mostly concerned here with low-light focusing, though I don't think that is specifically addressed?

thanks,

Mike

jsrockit

11-20-2011, 04:03

My reaction to the camera was that like the GF1 I own, I am sure I could work with it, but I would never be crazy about it. I am still waiting I suppose?

So it comes down to AF vs. MF for you? I can understand that... it's the reason why I still use a Leica RF... sometimes I just want to focus manually.

Keith

11-20-2011, 04:21

Strange thread this!

There's been so much discussed about the X100 and it's always been accepted that the manual focus function and feel is awful ... which it is! Auto focus works fine until you get down to an EV level where it can no longer pick up sufficient contrast to be effective or reliable ... we accept this also!

What's left to discuss ... the camera has no other serious issues that handicap it that I can see? I also think that Fuji are unlikely to change anything in a susequent model if there is one because the camera is selling very well as is!

paulfish4570

11-20-2011, 05:42

Mike, i found the logic of the update instructions a tad off-putting, and asked my bride (who is far more right-brained than me) to help. she did it in about 10 minutes, no issues at all. you must understand that i have difficulty even finding the desktop function on my laptop ... :)

bwcolor

11-20-2011, 09:19

Love mine. Setup how I want, so not much use for menu and when I do use the menu it is via the "Fn" button.

The add-ons that have helped, or that I like:

Firmware Upgrades: I swear..faster and closer focus w/o macro and in and out of menus easily.

Luxecase with strap: Dynamite red.. short strap but...

Clone Thumbs-Up for X100: Short strap and Thumbs-Up.. great combo

EF-20 Flash: Use fill flash a lot these days. So, it is Flash, or Thumbs-up

I've learned to work with the auto and manual focusing. I believe that the firmware has also been useful in this regard.

One complaint.. Occasional freezing of all functions and need to remove battery. Don't know what this is about.

Mlehrman

11-20-2011, 11:36

Paul, thanks for the quick response. My bride will be of no help here, though she can run rings around me, logic-wise. I suppose slow and deliberate is the way to go for me. But, what are the major differences that you have found, if any?

gavinlg

11-20-2011, 14:09

Oddly I thought about this as I was riding my bike today today (50 or 60 miles can give one time to think) -- in the context of having just finished reading "Steve Jobs." In a nutshell, a jerk that demanded perfection, even when it was impossible.

In product design either the engineers can be in charge or the designers. Fuji is a engineering product, not a designer/function product.

If the engineers had shown Steve their solution for manual-focus he would have said "this is total sh1t!" Then the engineers would have said, "this is the only way it can be done and still have auto focus." Steve would have demanded that the problem be solved, and someone would have solved it. My experience is that people say no, but when forced to rise to perform at their best level, they solve the problem that they thought impossible. This was the famous reality distortion field -- it is impossible for a mouse to move diagonally, it is impossible to overlap windows, it is impossible to have round corners on the windows, it is impossible to do a tablet without a stylus...

The fuji is a brilliant idea gone bad through compromise -- it works, but it could be so much better, and should have been, but no one wanted it to be great, no one cared enough to reinvent manual focus.

I can understand that some people just want to use manual focus, and some people work in light levels so low that AF won't work no matter what camera (Keith), but which camp do you fall in? I know manual focus is romantic and all that, but the AF is actually really good for 98% of situations you can get yourself in. The little x100 focusses faster than I can manually focus an RF most of the time...

You just have to accept that modern cameras aren't designed with manual focussing in mind anymore.. It's a bonus feature - an add-on, not a central part of the camera.

5:00 PM

11-20-2011, 15:23

Over the past three days, I've done two of the most typical shooting projects that average amateurs find themselves doing: a tour around San Francisco with visiting guests and a party in a private home. On the tour, the X100 (with the latest firmware 1.11) felt and largely performed like the PERFECT camera for the task. But at the party, with lots of close subjects that move around, it was a lot of work. Under about four feet the AF is dodgy at best; my experience with AF cameras goes back to the original Minolta Maxxum 7000 and I don't think I've ever had more focus misses than I had at that party. I've done much better work in the same home under the same conditions with a dSLR; the X100 just seems too slow for use at close range. Compared with a dSLR, it's very hard to keep up with little kids...but if you can get them to hold still for one second...

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1ifvdC_1DD0/TsmZuOmAbbI/AAAAAAAAJH0/mZYCROSaBqM/s800/DSCF0738.JPG

greyelm

11-20-2011, 23:09

I have no doubt that is true. But there are many of us who want to use cameras for something besides what these designers think we do, I for one want to pre-focus, MANUALLY, and I want to turn my camera on with the lens in that position.

:D

Try this

.. Set X100 to AP, MF and ensure the distance scale shows in the VF
.. Chose a subject at the average desired distance, centre it and press th AFL button, the focus should jump to there.
.. Slowly turn the focus ring until the white DoF range covers your preference, you can use an external DoF scale if the Fuji one is too narrow (see other posts regarding fuji's calculation error)
.. When you turn the camera off the settings should not be lost.

note. The focus ring works better if you take it easy, more haste less speed.

greyelm

11-21-2011, 04:51

As they say in the computer world, the manual focussing on the X100 isn't a fault, it's a feature:D

gavinlg

11-21-2011, 04:52

Oh my -- you sound like one of those guys with the microphone at computer shows demonstrating an imaging product product.

Q: How do you resize an image in your product?
A: Well we have actually removed the resize option.
Q: What if I need to resize it?
A: Easy there is a simple work-a-round - just 5 simple steps.
Q: Why did you remove the resize button?
A: We don't think many people will want to resize their photos now that they use Flickr which automatically resizes much faster than you can do it yourself.
Q: But I don't use Flicker!
A: There is a seminar in 20 minutes on "How to take advantage of Flickr and get rich with Getty Images," would you like a ticket?
Q: No, do you know if Kodak still has a stand at the show?

It's not really that complex, seriously. You stab the AF button to get it to your desired distance, and adjust with the focus ring. Focus distance is indicated in the VF. It also shows approx depth of field in that display.

Have you actually used the camera for any period of time?

greyelm

11-21-2011, 06:21

I get the impression that you can't have a mechanical focus ring at the same time as stepper motor driven autofocus (i will accept expert opinion on this). Even the GF1 m4/3 lenses have fly by wire manual focus, allbeit better implemented. The AFL button on the X100 is a very simple solution. I compare any new piece of kit to a new car, eventually you just turn it on and drive without thinking.

jsrockit

11-21-2011, 07:58

... ever hoping that they will improve -- they just can't stay this awful forever.

I have a feeling they are just going to get worse and worse.

Turtle

11-21-2011, 13:43

For street, F8 and be there.

If this wont work, one flick back to AF and you are away.

Seems to cover most bases for me. After all this is how I work with my Leica. I focus when I have time, otherwise have it set up so that I generally dont have to.

tom.w.bn

11-22-2011, 07:48

As others note, I am sure it can be done, I just can't do it.

To me it is like eating raw chicken, I have seen it done by friends, right in front of me, but still I just can't. Maybe someday.

Perhaps we are not talking about the same camera? Don't know.

When I set my X100 to MF I can adjust the distance with the focus ring. When I switch the camera off and on again, the same distance is still set. That's a straightforward design, isn't it? The only thing that is not so great is slow focus motor.

tom.w.bn

11-22-2011, 07:54

And lots of users keep giving them a pass... by saying "It's not really that complex." As I said there is no mean/rude Steve Jobs in Japan.

BTW. Steve Jobs would have kicked out the MF feature if the X100 was an Apple product because they only put in mass market features.

paulfish4570

11-22-2011, 12:38

my, this thread has legs.
i've had my x100 for about three weeks. i keep things simple. the cam is simple for me because of my simple needs. i seldom shoot "street," and when i do, i take time to focus. the x100 focuses just as fast as my f2a, my r2m and my iiif. but then, i am deliberate about it. i just ain't no snap shooter. so, in my very limited view so far, it does an excellent job, as fast as i want it done. it is what it is, no more, no less, just like my other cams ...

zauhar

11-22-2011, 13:33

I tried the X100 and intensely disliked the "focus by wire" feature. You turn and turn, and not much happens, you still need to rely on the AF to get close to where you need to be.

Regarding the "impossibility" of having an AF stepping motor disengage to allow true manual focus, there is this mechanism called a "clutch" that the engineers might want to rediscover. I think the Romans were using them. ;-)

Randy

bhop73

11-22-2011, 13:39

You cannot set the focus without turning on the camera and looking at one of the finders, since the focus ring has no distance scale on it. My street habits always required setting focus before raising the camera to my eye. I walk into focus, or let the subject walk into focus.

I get it -- of course one can make the bloody thing work, I can make my Samsung TV with its 80 button control work, but I don't like it much.

You can turn it on, look at the focus scale that exists on the rear lcd to set it, then turn it off again.. there you go, pre-set with a lot less fiddling than a Samsung TV remote.

jsrockit

11-23-2011, 04:40

photomoof... you're not going to win this one... you're better off not coming to this thread...for your health. ;)

I get exactly what you mean... by the way.

paulfish4570

11-23-2011, 04:42

but you weren't in charge, 'moof, just like i wasn't in charge. if you want it, you want it; if you don't, you don't. i'm no snap shooter, so it is fine by me. you are a snap shooter, so it is not.
but i do like your style and passion. perhaps someone out there is seeing these posts ... :)

eurekaiv

11-23-2011, 08:25

Hi new here and just found this thread. As someone who recently sold their x100 I figured I'd chip in. My sale was 2/3rd for financial reasons and 1/3 becuase I found the camera frustrating to use in the types of situations I wanted to use it in most. I still really liked the camera as it gave me some absolutely stunning photographs—many some of my favorites ever—but my results in poor light showed banding and were very often missing the moment do to focusing issues. So instead of holding onto a 1K investment (money I could use to buy xmas gifts for the family) I decided to abandon digital almost totally and go back to the old Pentax UC1 P&S and extensive Nikon SLR kit I used in the 90s. Now I'm getting not only a larger number of keepers then I ever did shooting digital, I'm also spending less time fiddling with them in PS (which is what I already do for a living) trying to make them look like a nice film shot. And since I'll always have my D80 around for when I need a quick well lit result for a sale ad or something, I have yet to miss the x100 one bit. Good camera though I think, even despite its shortcomings.

jsrockit

11-23-2011, 08:40

Now I'm getting not only a larger number of keepers then I ever did shooting digital, I'm also spending less time fiddling with them in PS (which is what I already do for a living) trying to make them look like a nice film shot.

I'm curious... which film are using that you are getting better results in low light than the X100?

eurekaiv

11-23-2011, 11:38

I'm not really shooting film in low light as of yet and have been shooting a variety of different films in all sorts of situations. I bought the x100 hoping to do more photography in less then ideal lighting. Outside of banding on a lot of the ISO1600 and above photos, I was generally pleased with the results I got. The comment you quoted is more a general thought regarding the number of photos I might like out of a given shoot. For example, the last two 36 exp. rolls I ran through my MF Nikon SLRs (an FE2 and FG) yielded about 30 shots I really liked. Typically I would find that I was getting 5 or 6 out of the Fuji even after having taken 100 photos. Now there's all sorts of reasons why that might be but for me personally, I think it's becuase with film, I take more time to stop, think and compose the shot visualizing in my head what I want and expect it to look like and then try and do my best with the equipment to end up with that result. With digital, I tended to just point the camera and shoot pretty much everything and anything and then weed through the results later and use Photoshop to create a photograph I liked. So as it stands right now, I'm really enjoying just taking my camera out and trying to make the best photos I can, and frankly, I appreciate the simpler and more mechanical feel of the equipment as well.

gavinlg

11-23-2011, 19:40

Interesting... I've never seen banding on photographs from my x100. And I've used it up to iso 5000 in super dark concert environments.

For instance:
http://s3.amazonaws.com/data.tumblr.com/tumblr_ltmk1oWcwI1r5w50to7_1280.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId =AKIAJ6IHWSU3BX3X7X3Q&Expires=1322196069&Signature=ELUhqBq6G7pVSxujyw60E%2F4VxFk%3D
iso5000

celluloidprop

11-23-2011, 19:49

I've seen banding if I heavily push 'fill light,' but only at absurd levels.

peripatetic

11-23-2011, 20:06

—but my results in poor light showed banding and were very often missing the moment do to focusing issues.

That's very odd. I have never heard of anyone complaining of X100 banding. May I ask what monitor and calibration tools you use? A large percentage of banding issues are monitor related, and not present in the image itself.

Or perhaps you just had a defective camera.

35mmdelux

11-23-2011, 20:06

I almost got an X100, then as I was about to pull the trigger I decided to throw down for the Nikon F6, an incredible machine.

jsrockit

12-02-2011, 04:23

For example, the last two 36 exp. rolls I ran through my MF Nikon SLRs (an FE2 and FG) yielded about 30 shots I really liked. Typically I would find that I was getting 5 or 6 out of the Fuji even after having taken 100 photos.

30 out of 72 shots were keepers?

5 or 6 out of 100 sounds more reasonable to me...

viramati

12-02-2011, 14:21

used it the right situation the x100 is one of the best cameras out there. I use it continually in conjunction with my M9 when I want totally silent operation and autofocus shooting from the hip. If you learn how to use this camera it will become your best friend. like any camera it has it's limitations, learn them and appreciate the camera for what it can do that others can't. I really can't understand modern photographers who think their cameras should also make the tea and cook the breakfast. Have a look at my flickr and 500px work and you will see what this little gem can do. I love it