Thread: Do you think I could live with an X100 ??

OK guys, coming from a D700/D90 combo (I've had MANY other DSLRs in the past, both APS-C and FF), I've shot a GX-1 with fast primes (mostly the PL25) for about 7 months, then 3 NEX bodies (5N, 6 and 7) with legacy glass for the past 6 months (I did have the following native E lenses : 18-55, 16-50, 30/2.8DN, SEL50/.8, and hated them all except the 50 which was great but too slow at AF).
I've just sold my 7, am left cameraless, and want to buy into the Fuji family. I have a X10 supposed to be on its way, but there was a few issues with the shipment so it *should* still arrive, but I'll be positive about that when I actually hold it...
I think I want an X-E1 with 35/1.4 (well, I know I want the lens for sure). I'm pretty sure it's the perfect camera for me (aside from not having focus peaking). I've watched as many videos involving the camera as I could find, and the AF does seem unimpressive, but not much slower than the NEXes I've had either... I'm really torn at this point. I should be able to get a mint body for the exact price I sold my 7 for, and the investment for the 35 used will be equal to a brand new SEL35 (if I could have found one in stock, that is).

Now, I have this sneaky little thought creeping in my mind... Do you think I could live with an X100 ?? My focal length is definitely 50mm FF equivalent, that's what I need and love, could I settle with a 35mm , would that be tight enough for portraits ?? Would I be able to get decent subject isolation with that ???

Help, my head is spinning...

Given that your focal length is "definitely" 50mm EFL, then it's a no-no for the X100. You can get some subject isolation with the X100, but you need to be close and the background needs to be farther away.

Here's an old pic with the X100. I may have stopped the lens down to f2.8 on this one.

Sounds like you'd be better with the XE1 (or X-Pro if you like the idea of an OVF). Even if you decide you like the 35mm focal length, you'll be able to get it for the XE1 later this year (at f1.4) but you'll also have your comfort zone lens in the existing 53mm EFL lens. The X100 (I'd wait and get the X100s at this point) won't have the subject isolation of the XE1 and its not a great portrait length. Unless you KNOW you like the X100 focal length, I wouldn't commit to a fixed lens camera with ONLY that length.

And you know that none of these (except the X100s) will focus nearly as fast as your GX1 did?

-Ray

Thanks to both of you. Yes Ray, I'm totally aware of the AF issues, which is why I don't have the X-E1 NOW yet.
Ok, you clarified it for me, which is great. The only thing I dislike more than doing street photogaphy is looking at it, lol, so in all reason the 35mm fixed EFL really doesn't make much sense to me.
You're great, now the other touchy question, how terrible is the X-E1 AF with latest firmware ?? I saw a Steve Huff video comparing it to the RX-1 in low light, and it seemed rather slow but not painfully so

Well I KNOW that slow AF is a killer for you so no. The X100s is alleged to be quite quick but I haven't seen any real reviews or heard user feedback (I don't even know if it's in folks hands yet). I know you say that 50mm is what you're looking for of course the 50's you've been using on the NEX are really a bit longer given the APS-C sensor in the NEX so they're really more short telephotos than normals in 35mm terms. I'd be inclined to say that the X100s would probably be too wide for you FL wise but I doubt you'd have any issue with the sharpness or overall image quality.

Knowing what you like I should think that the XE-1 would be attractive but it won't really be much of an improvement over the NEX7 AF wise (if at all). In addition, no focus peaking for that Pen-F 38 you love so much. If I were you I'd wait to see if the fast AF comes to the updates of the XE-1 (or new model). I wouldn't make the move before that.

From what I've seen of your work, the X100/X100s is the last camera I would recommend to you.

Armanius, I know YOU have my dream combo right now !! Too bad I'm in Europe, I would have taken off your hands !!

Also, research the Sticky Aperture Blade (SAB) issue on the X100. That's an expensive "oops" if you buy one second hand, and Fuji declines to repair it.

You know GX1's are cheap as chips right now. Why not that to hold you over until Fuji introduces faster AF in their interchangeable lens X series cameras? The PL25/1.4 always commands a premium so you'll be able to sell it and likely break even or get close to it. The GX1's are going for around $300 new if you look around. I guarantee the slow AF will drive you crazy (see NEX 5n, NEX and NEX 7).

Ah, Kevin, you do make a point. But I hate to go back in time...