A "Must get use to" camera?

DGA · 05-03-2012

I've read in several sources that the XP1 is a camera which you have to get use to in order to operate is to a satisfactory level and get decent results.
I'm not an X-Pro1 owner yet, so I wanted to know your opinion about this.
And, is it true that it is harder to get use to the XP1 if switching from a DSLR than from a rangefinder system?

jsrockit · 05-03-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by DGA

And, is it true that it is harder to get use to the XP1 if switching from a DSLR than from a rangefinder system?

Yes, I would imagine this is true. I guess what people are getting at is that it is (in AF mode) a focus and recompose type of camera similar to a rangefinder (focus using center of the screen and then reframe). A DSLR can be used this way too, but many don't use a one point focus system these days. That said, it is just a camera and not so complex... anyone can figure it out, it just might not be how you are used to using a camera.

furcafe · 05-03-2012

In short, yes, because the X-Pro1 is neither a SLR nor a RF. Other than its Fuji siblings, the X100 & X10, the cameras that are most similar in operation, IMHO, are the Kyocera Contax G1 & G2. More of a stretch, but still sharing some similarities would be other non-SLR AF cameras w/optical VFs like the Konica Hexar AF & the Nikon 28Ti & 35Ti upscale point & shoots.

As far as it being more difficult coming from an SLR user, that's probably true when using the OVF because the X-Pro1 doesn't have true optical confirmation of the AF, i.e., you don't see your subject pop into focus & have to rely on an electronic confirmation in the VF (green focus box).

tbarker13 · 05-03-2012

It may be a little more difficult to get comfortable with. But we aren't talking about a complex machine here.
I recently changed cars. The new one has some buttons/controls in different places than the old one. It took about a day or two of driving to get used to it.
I don't see the XP1 as being any more complex than that.

lam · 05-03-2012

All of the above is true, to me, it's just thrilling finding out new ways to photograph.. for better or worse, I still relate it closer to a rangefinder than others have.

In either case, I have my M2 if I want familiarity.

I just picked up a Contax G1 to see what the fuss is about too. Strikingly similar in focus! (except noise)

Gazzah · 05-03-2012

The XP1 is the first camera Ive had in a while that I really felt the need to read and reread the manual to get the best from it - and Im still learning....
But I do enjoy the whole process...

f16sunshine · 05-03-2012

I just got one last night with the 35 and 60mm. I imagine if you are used to DSLR it will take a bit of getting used to. The OVF is not like anything any camera other than the x100 has ever had. For me it is a breeze to use coming from Rangefinders and TLR's. Others may find the focus slow or rather awkward. Now I find I was slow and awkward manually focussing compared to the AF system in this camera. Love it so far and look forward to RAW compatibility from Adobe and Apple. Most stores have a 14 day open box return policy. Give it a go and decide for yourself!

Stockman · 05-03-2012

The X100 took a lot of learning. That with a few firmware updates from Fuji brought it to the point of being a very useable camera that gives superb results.

I have issues with the X Pro 1, but I know that with patience, reading through this forum, and, the inevitable firmware releases, it will come right.

Yeah, you have to get used to it!!!!!!!

DGA · 05-03-2012

Thank you, guys.
I use a lot my M6TTL and enjoy every minute with it. I take out the the EVIL 5DMkII only when I have to (ie. commercial job), and use mostly primes/
I really hope that passion for my Leica will be an advantage when handling the XP1.

gavinlg · 05-04-2012

I don't think so, but that's just me. Others seem to have big difficulties with it. I was raised on a DSLR, and I've had a few rangefinders here and there (I'm only 24) and I managed to pick up an x100 and shoot naturally with it straight away. To me, it's much more natural to shoot with than an SLR.

I've played with an x-pro1 and felt exactly the same about it - I'm not really sure what everyone is struggling to learn. You turn on AF corrected frame, use center dot focus like an SLR or RF, you have an aperture dial and shutter dial, and that's pretty much it.

DGA · 05-04-2012

When you are "born" into DSLR, you tend to lean on its technological benefits, so getting back to more basic tool might require some adaption time, isn't it?

jsrockit · 05-04-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by DGA

When you are "born" into DSLR, you tend to lean on its technological benefits, so getting back to more basic tool might require some adaption time, isn't it?

Yes, this is true. It's a revelation for some and a burden for others.

Penceler · 05-04-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsrockit

Yes, I would imagine this is true. I guess what people are getting at is that it is (in AF mode) a focus and recompose type of camera similar to a rangefinder (focus using center of the screen and then reframe). A DSLR can be used this way too, but many don't use a one point focus system these days. That said, it is just a camera and not so complex... anyone can figure it out, it just might not be how you are used to using a camera.

Never thought of it but that may be why I found the X-Pro to be the most intuitive camera I've picked up in some time

John