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A Rather Verbose X-Pro1 Review (by me)


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For no other reason than “I want too & I LOVE it” I thought I’d review my (the) X-PRO1.

 

This review is merely the ramblings of an enthusiastic enthusiast, a mediocre amateur who’s entire skill (and I use the word in its loosest possible sense) set pretty much comprises thinking, ‘that looks nice, I think I’ll snap it’ a man who’s post posting technique pretty much stops at, “lets saturate the colours and make it darker”

 

Anyone subjected to hours of the kids show, Peppa Pig, should recognise the Mr Bull character and his catch phrase of “let’s dig up the road” well, that phrase could easily be applied to my desire to take pictures.

Now some of you may read this, and somehow get offended, how dare I say some of these things? Well try 1)reading to the end and 2)not skim reading.

 

Anyway…

 

Part One

 

So the X-PRO1, what’s all the fuss - mythology and downright untruths…

 

The X-PRO1 is so well built, easily the best in the Fuji range?

 

As the kidz say “lolwhut?”

 

The X-PRO1 is far bigger than it needs to be technically (don’t fret we’ll come to ergonomics later), it hasn’t got any extra stuff inside that the smaller X bodies don’t, and the net result is of a rather hollow feeling camera that belies its physical bulk. The dials have a pleasant tactile feeling, but wobble about a bit if pushed and the EV is so easy to rotate that checking it’s where you left it (it won’t be) quickly becomes second nature.

 

The Frame Lever sorry EVF/OVF switch is upside down IMO (well mine isn’t because I took it off and mounted it the correct way up!), it’s attachment feels flimsy and the whole mechanism for swapping between OVF & EVF feels like the camera is performing a great labour

 

The scroll wheel on the back feels especially flimsy, wobbling about with too much vertical play, but it does at least have the decency to double as a physical button (X-T1 why don’t you have this?)

 

The shutter button rattles about like a ball joint that passed its useful life several thousand miles ago.

 

The slow operational speed of the X-PRO1 makes me a better photographer. It gives me time to think

 

No. You give you time to think. BUT personally speaking the fact that the X-PRO1 is slow, means I have to work to its pace. This helps me; I suspect that you’re already capable of thinking photographically. Perhaps you’ve even learnt to plan your shots before bringing the camera to your eye or even before you’ve left the house that day!

 

The honest truth IMHO is that learning a slow and quirky camera makes you better at using a slow and quirky camera. If in the course of that learning curve you learn more about photography in general, then rejoice – but take the damn credit - YOU did that, not the camera.

 

The X-PRO1 files are almost film like in appearance

 

Are they F***. Film is film like. The X-PRO1 is just less digital looking than other more modern cameras (like any X-Trans II camera for example)

 

IMO, the X-PRO1 output is bit like CD vs MP3, sure CD sounds more analogue LIKE than MP3, but don’t be trying to tell me that CD is wild, raw and scratchy like a record (or indeed film) because it’s not.

 

OK so that’s my personal take on the myths and untruths, let’s move beyond this apparent unpleasantness and get straight too

 

Part Two

 

Emotive engagement - the importance of being Earnest

 

A crap job with a great wage is hard toil, a great job with a liveable wage is a joy to undertake

 

So, imHo the X-PRO1 is not the über build quality, files like film, free photography lesson with every click, that some would have you believe.

 

So what.

 

It’s without any shadow of doubt in my mind an absolute joy to shoot with. It’s truly greater than the sum of its component parts. Like a Morgan or Westfield sports cars or SS model Rolexes, less is definitely more.

 

In a disposable prosumer world where pretty much every camera is differentiated only by its manufacturer and lens mount, not its spec sheet, where every little black mag alloy box shares must have features that are ground into obsolescence by the next release, it is (in my opinion) an absolute bloody sheer magical delight to use a camera that’s kinda like a camera. No, I don’t mean shutter dials that miss off half speeds or fly-by-wire aperture rings or snail-by-wire focus rings – I mean a camera that doesn’t have Wi-Fi or GPS or have the need for the user to remember when to use or not to use an electronic shutter, the X-PRO1 is a camera that demands you to either 1)know 2)figure out 3)feel out with trial & error, the best settings.

 

Sure this process means more balls up shots, more missed shots, harder (MUCH harder) work with moving objects, but it also means a damn sight more reward when what comes out of the camera is pleasing, you can, with complete honesty say “I made that” and you can feel proud too, because with the X-PRO1 it might not of been easy

 

This brings me to engagement, for me I like LOVE that the X-PRO1 challenges me, it inspires me to try harder, then try harder still. OK, full disclosure… I also have a X-T1, because y’know, my 3 year moves around a lot, and it’s nice to be able to shoot wide open without needing an ND filter and its nice having so many controls at my fingertips.

 

But the X-T1 just makes me fire off more blanks than the Territorial Army, it’s a fast camera and it makes me feel the need for speed, it’s a hyper sports motorcycle, tearing up the highway, the X-PRO1 isn’t a bike… it’s a chopper baby, cruising the highway and taking in the sights and views

 

[i want to work the phrase ‘Zed’s Dead’ into that last paragraph but so far it’s alluding me]

 

Sure the X-PRO1 has a clearly digital output, but its files are its signature dish, run most cameras files through lightroom and they seem to turn out the same… again full disclosure, I don’t use LR, can’t get my head round it, but flick through Flickr’s explore and you’ll see many very samey shots, from many different cameras, nearly always processed with Adobe’s algorithm…

 

Well the X-PRO1 DOES have something with its files… I’m not exactly sure what….

 

(Reading DPR I think it may be the point at which the tone curve cuts to black, but I don’t understand all those graphs and shit like that. Sorry.)

 

…but there’s a grittiness to the X-PRO1, be it SOOC Jpeg or RAW that’s immeasurably pleasing. Words like ‘organic’ get used a lot… it’s as good as description as any… but for me, just unrelentingly pleasing, worthwhile, special

 

When I feel I’ve got a shot right with the X-PRO1, I’m pleased, I feel I’ve worked for it. The X-PRO1 as a body makes success harder to come by (than many more modern cameras), but because of this the delight when one manages to do so is tangible.

The ergonomics of the X-PRO1 are a little bit special too. I know some people love to hate the pseudo SLR styling of many mirrorless models, but let’s be honest here, Panasonic, Olympus, Sony et el all offer “range finder” shaped bodies… well they do if you define range finder as a rectangular camera without a central VF.

 

No the X-PRO1 is special as it’s just that bit bigger, that’s the plus point for that big hollow feeling that I pointed out earlier, you can actually hold the damn thing comfortably.

 

The other obvious thing that the X-PRO1 has is of course that OVF.

 

The inclusion of an OVF is simply to be applauded, no redaction, make that a standing ovation, a design triumph worthy of a ticker tape parade.

 

There are those that say, The X-PRO1 is a pseudo range finder, it’s not a true one. If you want a true digital RF, then the big L is the only game in town and let’s be honest, that’s a very true statement.

 

But it’s also a statement that is, in my view, an oxymoron. The X-PRO1 isn’t trying to be a Leica. Up until the release of the M240 the X-PRO1 was the only game in town that gave you the rangefinder shape, an optical VF AND the ability to use an EVF to check critical focus and framing.

 

And at time of writing (Aug 2015) the X-PRO1 is still the only camera that can offer this without taking your eye away from the view finder.

 

And let’s not forget the magic of having different strength magnifications of OVF to choose from!

 

The Leica cameras may indeed be the only digital range finder game in town, but the X-PRO1 is a whole new 21st century game.

 

The X100T shows how this game can go, and it can go in a very good direction.

 

[Full disclosure: I’ve nothing against Leica, or Leica shooters and I’d like to try one, one day…]

 

Part Three

 

Accessories – pimp my ride or must haves?

 

The X-PRO1 was as you’ll know, released with three prime lenses. Yup primes, the de rigueur 18-55 didn’t arrive until later.

 

I love the 3 original primes (& to a slightly lesser extent the XF27) they –too me- capture the essence of what the X-PRO1 is all about, a decent sized camera body, with small primes that are fast and sharp. I’m not completely daft, I realise the 16/23/56/90 are almost certainly better lenses, but they’re comparatively big, they’re comparatively expensive and –too me- they don’t fit with the original X-PRO1 design ethos.

 

[i might very well get the XF23 for my X-T1 though, and the 120 macro]

 

The X-PRO1 also has a leather case and the original hand grip.

 

IMO these products are both superb and perfectly fit with the X-PRO1. Namely each is pretty useless if you’re in a hurry, but if you’re prepared to take your time, and accept that they need removing to access anything and that removing them is s-l-o-w then the quality is excellent.

 

The grip may not have Arca Swiss dovetails and a hole for the batter/card door, the case doesn’t have that handy flap of the later X100 case, but… so what?!

 

The case is imo very well executed, the folding down front flap has so far managed to stay attached, even when left dangling for long periods of time (unlike my X100S case that I managed to lose the top part from)

 

The grip truly looks like it’s part of the camera, it simply improves the grip. Immensely.

 

The X-PRO1, the original primes, the original accessories even have a level of luxury packaging not found on the later bodies and lenses.

 

So, in summary, the accessories are must haves [especially the lenses :D] they add to the camera, and they enrich the overall ownership experience.

 

I also tried an eye cup from another camera (didn’t like it) and I’ve fitted a soft release (love it) I also use 2 spare aftermarket batteries (no issues with them so far, after 15 months)

 

Conclusion

 

OMG dear reader, are you really still here? Oh no wait, now I get it, you skipped straight to this bit didn’t you?!!!

 

OK, so as I set out very clearly, just over 1900 words ago, I love this camera. I’ve even owned the damn thing twice.

 

Now for me, the X-PRO1 is famous for myths and untruths.

 

It’s not the last word in build quality. It’s the first of a line of steadily improving X bodies

 

Yes, yes, YES – I get it. The D Pad buttons are nicer to push than the blind key hole surgery that is the X-T1 D Pad. S-LO-W C-L-A-P. That doesn’t make for a superior build. You might prefer it (on th X-PRO1), sure why not, but IMO the X-T1 is a superiorly manufactured product in so many ways

 

The X-PRO1 is neither a Leica M clone nor a Leica wannabe. It’s a rangefinder concept camera born and dragged kicking and screaming with life into the twenty first century. People need to cut the umbilical cord on this Leica/Fuji shit. I suspect future iterations of the M will be more comparable to the X-PRO1 than vice versa…. Just a hunch.

 

The slowness of the X-PRO1 doesn’t make you a better photographer. You make you a better photographer, BUT the X-PRO1 is a fine tool to take with you on that journey.

 

The X-PRO1 files don’t look like film. The look like X-PRO1 files, not like Sony/Panasonic/Olympus files, not even like X-T1 files, they look like X-PRO1 files. Rejoice in them - for identity is important.

 

The Hybrid OVF is ingenious and very special.

 

OK… I think I’m done…..

 

If you care - all my X-PRO1 Flickr pics can be found here

 

https://flic.kr/s/aHsjUEpU8D

 

Regards

Adam

 

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I was quite surprised when I picked up this camera.  I hadn't expected it to be as big as it was.  It was like picking up my Electro 35, which I pulled out of moth balls and am replacing the seals in this weekend because of the joy I had handling the Pro 1.  It was all too brief my time with the X-Pro1.  I think that if Fuji were to make a 23mm say about the size of the 18mm, it would be such an amazing combination on the Pro1.  Perhaps for the Pro2.....

 

It truly is a remarkable camera and I have been bouncing back and forth between it and the 100s ever since I got to play with it.  I can't decide which one I like more because the 100s shooting style seemed like the Pro1 in my short time with it.  It's like Fuji took everything that sucked about the original X100 and chucked it, then took everything that people loved about the Pro1 and put it in the X100 body and added a few extras here and there.

 

This was a wonderful review.  Thanks for sharing your experience and your album...

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For some reason I can't view your Flickr timeline, but it's an interesting review. I'm looking to downsize my gear from a 7D, as I want to slow down my image taking and do less 'pray and sprays'. I'm in a quandary, the cost of an X-Pro 1 now is too good to be missed especially when I can get the leather case and the 18 & 27mm lens all for a very reasonable £620, but I'm delaying because as soon as I buy you can almost guarantee the X-Pro 2 will be introduced. It's such a horrible position to be in...

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I almost bought a used one but the lack of a diopter adjustment and the unavailability of the screw on correction lenses was a problem for me. I also didn't know what correction lens I would need for my old eyes even if I could find them. 

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I almost bought a used one but the lack of a diopter adjustment and the unavailability of the screw on correction lenses was a problem for me. I also didn't know what correction lens I would need for my old eyes even if I could find them. 

 

I discovered I could see just fine if I used my reading glasses. They must be very high-quality optics, since they cost nearly $20 at the grocery store. ;)  Problem solved. Next I set the adjustable viewfinders on the other cameras to match. Now I shoot everything when wearing the glasses.

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I agree with Larry´s review, great read, some parts are written in words I could never have found , thanks for that ! :)

 

Some thoughts I would add to comment half a year of my camera love affair (honeymoon´s not over yet, but)

 

-That thumb wheel- Why can´t I use it to navigate the menu (or set ISO, focus point, whatever)? It´s almost useless !?

- Why aren´t the OVF framelines more exact (knowing the lens, distance etc, the camera should be able to make a better guess ?)

- BACK/DISP button and VIEW MODE : it took ages to find my way through the combinations and sometimes I´m still stumbling

- I´d love to be able to erase RAW or JPEG files of the same image, now I´m forced to erase them both or keep them both

- The red dot on the lenses should be little knobs- it makes changing lenses easier- I marked them with thicker tape

- What´s the use of the BASIC indication in Q- Menu ? No explanation I found makes ma happy. Just kick it out and show me the C-setting that´s loaded

- I can´t stand looking at the blank sensor when changing lenses ! Why is there no way to just cover it in these situations ? Just a lid, come on ! I thought Fuji were so clever :D

 

You see, these points are only tidbits and minor nags- even more infuriating sometimes when everything else is so great.

These small things make me realize something about an XP2: The biggest danger is too much change !!!

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  • 2 weeks later...

I almost bought a used one but the lack of a diopter adjustment and the unavailability of the screw on correction lenses was a problem for me. I also didn't know what correction lens I would need for my old eyes even if I could find them. 

Don't let the diopter stop you from buying the X Pro 1. All the corrective lenses are available thru Fuji. Also BHphoto has the Nikon's that fit as well. If you wear glasses I would go with the Fuji because it has the rubber ring, Nikon's are all metal. 

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I agree with Larry´s review, great read, some parts are written in words I could never have found , thanks for that ! :)

 

Some thoughts I would add to comment half a year of my camera love affair (honeymoon´s not over yet, but)

 

-That thumb wheel- Why can´t I use it to navigate the menu (or set ISO, focus point, whatever)? It´s almost useless !?

- Why aren´t the OVF framelines more exact (knowing the lens, distance etc, the camera should be able to make a better guess ?)

- BACK/DISP button and VIEW MODE : it took ages to find my way through the combinations and sometimes I´m still stumbling

- I´d love to be able to erase RAW or JPEG files of the same image, now I´m forced to erase them both or keep them both

- The red dot on the lenses should be little knobs- it makes changing lenses easier- I marked them with thicker tape

- What´s the use of the BASIC indication in Q- Menu ? No explanation I found makes ma happy. Just kick it out and show me the C-setting that´s loaded

- I can´t stand looking at the blank sensor when changing lenses ! Why is there no way to just cover it in these situations ? Just a lid, come on ! I thought Fuji were so clever :D

 

You see, these points are only tidbits and minor nags- even more infuriating sometimes when everything else is so great.

These small things make me realize something about an XP2: The biggest danger is too much change !!!

 

Thank you very much (I hope it wasn't any rude words?!!)

 

I'm with you on virtually all of that list!

 

I'll add, why can't I change the size of the focus box in MF?

 

And the thumb wheel and changing ISO thing? If you're in OVF and have ISO set as function of the down button (as I do, or presumably the Fn button, which I don't) then the thumb wheel with change the ISO value (one you press the down arrow) and the L & R buttons will not... in you're in EVF and press the down button to select ISO, then the L & R buttons change it, and the thumb wheel does nothing! Crazy!!

 

The (IMO poorly named) basic set in the Q menu, means "what the camera is currently set too" - I think of it a LITTLE bit like computer memory, the C1-7 is ROM, it's always there, but BASIC is RAM, when you change the values, they get overwritten!!

 

Some Cameras close the shutter by default when you change lenses... I think that's a great idea - well unless you accidently shove something in there like a lens cap of a finger as the shutter is probably quite delicate

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  • 2 months later...

will you keep your xpro1 when the xpro2 comes out?

 

Almost certainly—assuming there is a compelling reason to buy the new camera. It is a whole lot smoother to change cameras than to change lenses, The dominant lens will be on the X-Pro2 with the main alternate on the X-Pro1. It may not entirely eliminate swapping glass, but it will help.

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  • 2 weeks later...

I have the very small Olympus OM-D as well as my Fuji XPro-1. To make  the OM-D comfortable to shoot, I bought the very expensive hand grip/battery case combination. That added substantially to the bulk and weight. Ready to shoot, the Fuji XPro-1 comes out lighter, smaller and more comfortable than the OM-D with grips.

 

On the other hand, the Fuji XPro-1 is a little larger than my Leica M4-P (film) and about the same size as my Leica M9-P RF cameras. I have handled my wife's Sony A6000 which is extremely small and I do not find it comfortable although its IQ is nearly the best on the market at this time.

 

I conclude that the Leica's and the Fuji XPro-1 are made for photographers who need something that is comfortable to use for a full days shooting without developing hand cramps. Naturally, if you have small hands, the very compact sized cameras that are so popular now may not be a problem for you. I am looking  forward to what is produced as the Fuji XPro-2 and hope that the overall size and ergonomics remain the same except perhaps reversing the hybrid finder switch since it is wrong way round IMO. And a new XTrans sensor with higher IQ like the Sony A6000 would also be welcome.

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