Why I sold my X100

intheviewfinder · 11-17-2011

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 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

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

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

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!'

bhop73 · 11-17-2011

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

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.

Keith · 11-17-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jamie Pillers

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.

That's just another way to skin a cat IMO ... if the AF system can't detect sufficient contrast it won't focus no matter which method you choose. What you describe is not manaul focus ... it's user selected auto focus!

One thing that really did impress me was the metering ... I though it was as good as or better than my D700!

Jamie Pillers · 11-17-2011

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.

Keith · 11-17-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jamie Pillers

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!

Jamie Pillers · 11-17-2011

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. :-)

intheviewfinder · 11-17-2011

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

Jamie Pillers · 11-17-2011

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'.

Gid · 11-18-2011

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 · 11-19-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by photomoof

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by photomoof

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

), 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

Quote:

Originally Posted by photomoof

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?

jsrockit · 11-19-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by photomoof

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.

Quote:

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.

gavinlg · 11-19-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by photomoof

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.

I'm an iPhone user and I love the x100.

Frank Version Two · 11-17-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jamie Pillers

...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....

David_Manning · 11-17-2011

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.

hausen · 11-17-2011

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.

GaryLH · 11-17-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by hausen

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

gavinlg · 11-17-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by hausen

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by fdigital

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!

Richard G · 11-17-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith

And you can now lock it!

That is 'rock it' in official Fuji documentation.