FenFotos

Re: XT-2 Repair &/or Replacement Cost -- *Build issues* Sorry if this is slightly OT (specific to buy/sell new vs. keep X-T2) I've been wanting to ask forum folks this, but not seen much activity. (I lasted posted over a year ago, and before that when considering the X-T2). I've been considering a 2nd X-T2 vs T3 vs. used X-T2. BUT -- Having a real issue with X-T2 build quality (casing screws) and wondering if it's only me. Within about 18 months, while in the field with camera and big (Fuji) lens, I noticed the tripod screw mounting area on the camera bottom was loose, and the tiny screws holding it in place, gone. I returned home and had intended to send it in for service (the casing was concerning me - poor integrity, to say nothing of "weather resistance). I used the camera one more time as an event was happening, and that was the end. The board fried, apparently when contacting the now-looser tripod mount assembly which was unanchored to the camera shell. So... a $450 repair for a fairly new camera (IMM) for "loose screws". I've just gotten it back and went out in the street for a long walk - no tripod, just 18-55mm lens, straight from repair. I've just been horrified to see that already - one use after being repaired specifically due to loose screws and related damage - 3 screws have gone missing. I called repair, and they're sending me screws, and the case isn't yet loose, so with some blue loctite and new screws, I'm *hoping* for the best. Still... coming from SLR's and DSLR's, while I've lost weight and gained some wonderful things (like film emulations), I'm thinking something is wrong with this build - This has never happened to me in a half century of camera ownership. Did I just get a lemon? So that's my overall feelings at the moment about the X-T2, despite loving the electronics and image results and glass... And this might relate to re-sale value, to circle back to original post. And full-circle, I had the same question about getting a 2nd X-T2 (maybe used, though now I'd have more concerns), or XT-3. I decided for my purposes the X-T2 is more desirable than the 3 (ergonomics, downgraded tilt screen, etc.). I've been comparing other X models too, which are compatible with my now-grown collection of lenses, a real investment. So, in response to decision-making, one vs. another, I think it's very personal in terms of need. (In fact that's what I researched, but won't digress here.) FWIW, I've been using the XT-2 with a kit of 18-55mm, 18-135mm(WR), and 100-400 (WR), and it works great for me, though neither individually or as a combination I don't see too many others in love with the 18-135, and rare reviews of the 100-400. [For me that lens has been great, but... after one repair early-on too - for... build! (Ring fell out!) But golden since and nice lens. E.g., http://fenichel.com/birds/rookery.shtml ] Anyone else see some missing screws on the bottom of your X-T2 or have experience with the case loosening as screws fall out? Grrr... Good luck with all the decisions! As long as the stage and light and inspiration are right, almost any camera can do!

Shelter from the Storm Trinidad, Cuba Buckets of rain brought everyone - even statues - onto the covered porch of the church on Plaza Mayor. This day justified my having the 18-135 WR Fujifilm lens on the camera. Wet out there! [ 1/90s f/3.5 ISO 800 - handheld, soggy, natural light ]

Bridalveil Fall in August Fujifilm X-T2 XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS Another smoky-bright day in Yosemite National Park. Most of the falls are bone-dry by late summer, but there is still a small stream, with little mist on the trails below.

Tioga Road (near Mono Basin) Fujifilm X-T2, 18-55mm, Panorama

Reflections and Mist Yosemite Valley near the Mist Trail trailhead The haze was actually smoke, from nearby wildfires. Smoky-bright light can be interesting. For b&w too. X-T2 with Fujifilm 18-55mm / Provia

South Tufa Formations on Mono Lake Something a little different - an XT-2 Panorama. A bit tough to get right, but in the end "better than an iPhone" panorama. (IMM!) I couldn't get close enough for the other of only 2 lenses I had with me (hiking light among wildfires), so I used the dreaded 18-135mm.

One more Fuji-X cityscape - again with the much-maligned , but generally great in daylight, 18-135mm Fuji lens. This one in color. Again, the context/backstory. This is the heart of Times Square, where there is currently a public space occupied by this: "All Over the Place". Which it is, with Disney characters, tourists, and passersby stopping to rest here on a hot summer day. Bonus: This piece, co-sponsored by the Queens (NY) museum, comes with a sound-track, mostly talking with a backdrop of wonderful NY images: http://bit.ly/SoundtrackMel More information about the artist @ bit.ly/MelChinAOTP

Here's a little snippet of cityscape with Fuji-X, from this past sunny weekend in Times Square, NY, USA. Wide grand shots of the colors, and this microcosm, a classic New York Deli, in glorious Acros-sim black and white. This hand-held exposure (XT-2) was, by the way, using the much-berated 18-135mm (and WR!) Fuji lens. Sad note, incidentally (don't shoot the messenger) but Fuji has announced this lovely film (on a roll) will be allowed to die this October (2018). The news: https://petapixel.com/2018/03/30/fujifilm-acros-100-film-to-be-killed-off-in-october-2018-report-says/

Old Friends - Trinidad, Cuba XT-2 w/ XF 18-135mF3.5-5.6 LM OIS WR Exposure: ƒ/5.0 55.6 mm 1/125 200 ISO [ Sound track: "Old Friends/Bookends" ]

Havana Cityscape Not much in the way of skyscrapers... but oh those colors! Exposure info: Fujifilm X-T2 XF18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS ƒ/5.6 46.3 mm 1/1100 ISO400 0.33 EV

Thanks to those who replied with suggestions, from tagging with phone to GPS apps. I've been traveling and at times "off grid", and mostly in Cuba late Nov/early Dec, absorbing lots of things while also trying to manage my new system (X), camera (XT-2) and lenses - plus hopefully keeping a GPS log w/Geotag Photos Pro and an iPhone. I posted a bit about my experiences with the lenses (weather-resistant really helped in a monsoon with the 18-135) while night street photos with 18-55mm/high ISO are just now awing me. Both color and black at white are awesome at mind-boggling ISO. OK, to the OP and those who replied while I was away from Net... thanks. Trying to summarize this, re-looking at my very first questions and forum question(s). #1 & #2 - This was my first experience trying to compare bracketed film types on computer when I only saw the number and .exif, but no mention of which film emulation it was. And also at first, until I updated PS Camera Raw, I couldn't see raws at all. For seeing a label of the film type (at first I was experimenting with many) I had to consult the camera until I got in a routine where I know what each of 3 exposures is, film-type wise. But still, if I keep one only, which is it (if I care or want to share info on forums, e.g.). I am using PS (standalone) for Mac and I can now see and edit RAFs with that but not with my beloved Apple (i)Photos which will not import, much less display the raw files. So, no converters envisioned, though am now thinking Fuji's might be useful for labeling the film types with Raw. I know, give it up and totally change my habits of 20 yrs! Nah. #3 - GPS - The best solution, recommended here and elsewhere, seemed to be Geotag Photos Pro. People seem to find it simple, but having used cams with built-in GPS, I came away frustrated (or agreeing with "make sure to take some phone images at each stop, to record the GPS"). It's taking me time and pains to reconstruct one day of walking around different plazas and sections of town, where the log which got uploaded and then melded with my images to geotag, well... there were gaps (set usually to 5 minutes or so intervals, and never turned off/ending the trip completely, so it was one continuous log, or should have been. Gaps. Segments where 5 hours would go by and it said I was still in the place I started off, though it was set to be logging, and each day if I could, I uploaded to their server, the day's log. As I say, several sections of a day or 1/2 day, useless or inaccurate. Not dependent on wi-fi, they say, only the phone's GPS, so... don't know, but there were glitches and I'm glad I do have a few stills with the phone to get an accurate GPS coordinate. (OTOH, occasionally the geotag pro mini-maps were spot on and detailed). But I was too trusting it was working consistently, I guess. I "interfaced" with the app developer, who apologized for days' delay, but it's not their most pressing product to support, and with days delays between emails, each getting back to their gps file type, but never really getting solid advice for accessing all the uploaded data, should I feel compelled/masochistic to try over again. Frustrated, and wish they'd add GPS to Fuji-film! Anyhow, just wound my back to this original post of mine - I got no notices, and was unaware of the last few posts (or got nada while in Cuba). So thanks for the responses, that's my story, and... Happy New Year with lots of fun photography!

Tnx konzy. Now, after weeding through 1000's of images (in 3 "film" tones each), I've gotten a feel for each lens' strong suit (between the 18-55mm and 18-135mm in my case). Short version is: The vast majority of the super-sharp and spot-on exposures I'm now enjoying, were with the 18-55mm. Really did well for street photography, too. But as for the 18-135mm, it's still for me, a case of going with the consensus: it's pretty dang good if not as fast or tack-sharp as a prime - especially attending to the EV and ISO in dimmer light. But as I've seen "here" and elsewhere, some photographers can get some decent shots requiring decent reach with the 18-135mm. So my one "sample" to share is this image from Plaza Mayor (Trinidad, Cuba), during what seemed like a monsoon, water coming down fast and hard, running in rivers down the streets and our rain gear. For this visit I worked only with the 18-135mm, because (a it's weather resistant, like the XT-2, and (b I certainly was not going to change lenses during the downpours, as I walked around in my poncho/tent persevering, as "it was what it was" (weather wise). So I am a happy camper as far as basic versatility of the 18-135mm, including its use in really trying rain. So here's the sample, basically straight from the camera (.jpeg, standard "film"), at: Focal length 27.90mm ("sweet spot"?), 1/150 sec at f4.2, ISO 400 0.33 EV You be the judge of where it sits on the continuum of "good but not great" to "it can get some pretty decent images - in some horrid weather conditions, too." FWIW, currently still a work in progress, but harkening back to the discussion threads about "if I only had one camera with me on a once in a lifetime trip...." well.... Here's some of my favorites so far (as I skim through so many images) and also some video (not 4K, but decent) - all with the Fujifilm X-T2 and either the 18-55mm "kit" lens or the 18-135mm (where I needed reach and/or protection from inclement weather): http://www.fenichel.com/cuba/ Happy clicking, and Happy Holidays/New Year!

You have some great images, Sapphire/Gretchen (both "here" and on your website). And Konzy's images (above) also are awesome. Thanks both, I am mighty impressed with both photographers and lenses, and were I mostly indoors or studio based might seriously crave that 55-200mm. I hope to post a few samples down the road, after sorting through 1000's of images (many in triplicate, bracketing by 3 film emulations, standard, classic, and Acros). I'm aware this thread is "55-200" vs "18-135" (and would be yelled at for commenting were this, say, an Apple forum!). So I'll keep my comparison of 18-135mm vs 18-55 (all I can compare so far) to a minimum. But it's all I know, and I can offer a few thoughts on the 18-135mm vs X, or as a "one lens solution", from experience now. In my 2 weeks of far-from home travel, the biggest challenges for me were battery life, storage, and heavy rain. So... last, first, there is no way I do not appreciate the weather resistance of the 18-135mm, which no doubt was vital, as me and camera/lens went through some occasional super-soakers. As to the "one lens solution" for travel, I think one could survive with the 18-135mm as main lens; I kept it on during days I knew it would be raining and/or I'd be shooting from a distance and wanted the reach. But I reverted to the 18-55mm while outdoors at night (where the 18-135mm does not shine at its brightest, especially at extreme ends of its range), and tried to use the 18-55mm for indoors events and sunny days close up to things - monuments, building & alleys & cars (of Cuba), etc. In the end I think it worked out just perfectly to use the 18-135mm as my all-purpose workhorse, and being mindful of its limits was extremely happy to leave it on during inclement weather especially. As for the 18-135mm vs 18-55mm comparison, well - that's another thread I suppose, but in brief I agree that the 18-55mm is amazing for a "kit"/"not really kit" lens, in terms of clarity, IS, IQ, etc. So for me, intentionally intent on traveling as light as possible, it was perfect, rarely missing a longer-length (heavy) lens, and in my case (others will vary no doubt) making do without a more wide-angle or light-friendly lens, though that may come along. As they say, YMMV. Mostly my initial turning to this forum was to see more of a discussion about the 18-135mm, which got near-universal horrid reviews both from photo sites and purchasers. None of the big complaints (IQ, "stuck" barrel at 133-135mm, etc.) really surfaced, though it's true that in minimal light, and at extreme focal lengths, there were some challenges. That said, for light travel photography, I'd not be scared off from the 18-135mm. That's my summary, my experience. Also I'm happy to have gotten the 18-55 discounted as a kit - a mighty fine (if non-WR) lens for walk-around street photography. Sifting through my "best" images of Havana and rural Cuba - most were taken with the 18-55mm. For video it was perfect too, in the narrow streets, alleyways, and plazas. Here's one brief example of how the X-T2 paired with the 18-55mm handled things, just to add something for those who like me, recently, are pondering what the XT-2 can do with video. This is a short snippet (46s) with XT-2, internal mic, HD, hand-held, 18-35mm (at the edge of its range, 34.3 mm, ISO 200, +.3 EV, averaging around f 4.5-5.6): And that's my first impressions, still unpacking, "processing" (images and memories), and reflecting. In short, I took a risk on XT-2 w/18-55 and 18-135mm as my "once in a lifetime" trip kit, new to Fujifilm, new to mirrorless, and far from home. So far, no regrets at all, in total agreement about the overall Fujifilm lens quality and the camera too, and on first sort-through, super-happy with the results and also at hedging my bets by relying on the 18-55mm for walk-around/street use, and having the WR 18-135mm for longer reach and for use during downpours. I guess I'm a full convert now to mirrorless as well as the Fuji camera. Always loved their films.

Wow. Some nice shots Konzy, and observations too, about versatility and individual preferences/circumstances. I'll *try* to be brief now, given limited Internet. But I know many value any/all feedback. My own initial decision-making was between the 18-135mm and "other", to compliment the 18-35mm, in my first buy into this camera system. After years of Canon SLR and Nikon DSLR, I felt a need to lighten my load plus I have a long love of Fujifilm/Fujichrome colors. My concern was stoked, perhaps same as konzy, by reading the categorical statement that the 18-135mm is unsuitable for a "once in a lifetime trip". On such a trip now, I must strongly disagree. It's perfect for most "at the moment" shooting, with generally very good to excellent IQ, but yes, I remain mindful of the limitations in low light hand-held at near-full focal length. Although I'd be happy to use that "final notch" of zooming as a reminder to not fully extend,that tightness is so subtle an issue it's hardly worth fussing about (IMM), though I'm aware of IQ and light limitations at 134-135mm. After 9000 or so images, in torrential rains and bright sunshine, I am absolutely pleased with the 18-135mm's WR build- and IQ overall. When motion or limited light was an issue, and weather was OK, I pushed myself to stay with the lessened range but (yes) somewhat sharper images of the 18-55. I got great results with both. I was rather nervous about the total switch for me from DSLR to mirrorless Fuji, but am sooooo thrilled with the results on this "once in a lifetime" trip around the Caribbean (mostly Havana and Cienfuegos). I can't comment on the 55-200 from personal experience but the samples here are mighty impressive. I'd consider it, though I also do wildlife and really want to grow my options, likely via the 100-400mm. For now, my combo of 18-55/18-135 was ace-perfect (for all but very long shots). While I have Internet still (few more minutes on a wi-fi card), I'd add should this help anyone working the forums - as I did, thank you all - that my biggest challenge has been battery life, and occasional camera glitch. I feel like I've gone backwards from a days-long battery for DSLR, to constant changing in the course of a few hours, harkening me back to early Nikon Coolpix days. What a drag. Especially shooting even short video clips or a lot of raw. (Aside: I read a "pro tips" book strongly suggesting all shots be made on Fine+Raw - good luck with that unless you have a wheelbarrow full of cards!) So although it's heavy, I'm traveling with the wonderful Watson Duo Charger, which has been a lifesaver at the end of each day, with pockets full of discharged batteries, and a few maybe fresh. The gauges and tester features are great. Batteries: I have several costly Fuji's, and a few Watsons, and 2 Wasabis, which came with the USB dual-charger. It didn't work too well to double-dip, using both chargers, the Wasabi plugged into the Watson USB out. The Watson works fine no matter what, but the Wasabi USB was anemic, except plugged into an outlet/USB adaptor. Fuji batteries lasted longer as others report but the others weren't bad. They did get warm when I shot video, usually short but sometimes 10 minutes or so. But no swelling. All charged equally well in the Watson duo-charger. Camera glitch: There were a few times I either got a blank screen and no sign of life, while using, or turning on. Once I thought it may have been a function of the LCD being wet or making poor contact (rarely used it except for over-heads shots), and opening/closing revived it. A few times nothing turned the camera on despite fresh battery, no apparent cause. As advised by the Fujifilm manual (troubleshooting), taking the battery out and putting it in again resolved each of these mini-glitches. Ahh, electronics! A few times settings seemed to mysteriously change (WB or focus mode, E.g.), but might have been me or someone I handed the camera to. Mystery. So that's my 2 cents on a few things, including the 18-135mm as an essential/useful part of a minimal kit, and other various things which concerned me prior to making the move to Fujifilm mirrorless prior to a "once in a lifetime" photo expedition. Obviously, YMMV ("your mileage may vary") in terms of needs, comfort zone, and situation. As Mark Twain said (paraphrasing), sorry, "I'd have written this shorter if only I had the time". Add me to the chorus of those who applaud Fujifilm's products and consumer responsiveness.

My 2cents (almost) - I spent some of the late summer debating: 18-55mm (with universally great reviews and many superb samples online) OR, the 18-135mm. Researching that brought me here, as the 18-135mm was mostly unavailable and I'd started thinking about starting with an X-system with the "kit" and moving later to a longer lens (since I enjoy both urban street photography and nature/bird photography). I ended up with both lenses as I found an 18-135mm the day I got the kit, and wanted flexibility for an upcoming photo expedition - thinking worst came to worse, I'd take along a DSLR. (Nope, way heavy, seems more so now.) Spent the past 2 weeks on NYC streets, at Photo Expo, and among Central Park fall foliage - trying both my new lenses as well as various film types on my new X-T2, and my new camera universe. (Canon & Nikon history, but often with Fujichrome colors, in SLR days.) Short version is: I've now seen online and by experience, as well as reported by several pros, that the 18-135mm can really nail some great images. It helps to know & possibly work/tweak the settings, even before setting up custom menus etc. I had few clunkers other than some self-imposed, in terms of IQ/focus. What can I offer? (sorry, can't offer side-by-side samples at the moment) Well, as a scientist, but only a newbie X-system user, new to both these lenses - I'd love to see the 18-35 vs 18-135 side by side, but at this point I'm one of those who have both these lenses. I've ruled out a few of the heavier/costly lenses for now, but concluded that in mid-day, mid focal length, both these produce great images (viewing raw and large .jpg, mostly CC and Provia, some b&w Acros-r). I gathered from all the "test data" and reports & samples - some complained about the final end of the zoom on the 18-135mm. Very subtle, in my copy at least (maybe new production?) But from the warnings about the results at 135mm full-open, well... I am happy for the subtle "touch" cue in the extreme useful end. I'd say indoors, between like 20- 35, both lenses speed and result with focus are similar. But outdoors for detail, the 18-55 seems like a go-to. My plan is to work with that for a bit, until I need longer reach, and when I'm going countryside I'll switch to the (WR) 18-135 and wish I had the 200mm too, but... For now I'm heading into FL swamps and then Cuba with a new camera and 2 new lenses, totally a new learning experience. But what I can add is that there's nothing horrid about the 18-135mm, and were it not for the less conspicuous and super-sharpness of the 18-55 which was a good "kit" deal and is a great lens, I could see the 18-135mm as a one-lens solution for a great many people. Sorry I'm not entirely on the 55-200mm comparison point, but more familiar with how confusing it is for more than just me about where/if the 18-135mm should play a role for (reliable, hi-quality) travel/nature/city daily use, I think for many it's a great lens. Oh, my 2nd revelation was is: keep plenty of batteries with you! Thanks to all who actually inspired and informed me for a while now, as this was a forum I came to since first starting to salivate over a new life among the Fujifilm world. Personal experience and samples from those who know and love their tools is just so helpful!