Thread: I would like to hear from photographers who purchased the X100 and then got rid of it

I had one for several months and used it extensively, parking all my other cameras aside. One month of its time with me was on a long vacation trip - it was, quirks and actual problems aside - a great carry everywhere camera and I miss it, a little, for that reason. Then again I carry a GXR with a Zeiss 25mm lens in the very same little bag I carried the X100 in, so I'm no further behind in that regard.

My camera pre-dated all the nice firmware changes so I found many of its quirks quite actively got in my way. The lack of customizability (at the time only 1 user definable button, I hear that has grown to two now) and some of the physical characteristics made switching gears quickly a chore. If there were more user definable buttons probably I would not care about menu diving on the camera.

Autofocus performance was mediocre and manual focus performance was awful.

I originally bought the X100 after waiting *years* for a camera like it to come out - when purchasing it I felt the hybrid optical / electronic finder had been made just for me. In the end... I used the EVF much more than the OVF, as accurate framing generally won out for me as a preference, even though the EVF is so-so (for my use).

Some of the camera issues have improved quite a bit with the latest firmware releases, including autofocus according to many reports, but I've not touched one since I sold mine.

IQ was never my complaint with the camera with one exception - compared to my Zeiss lenses I felt the Fujinon 23mm lens up front was more prone to flare issues. A hood for me was a mandatory accessory.

Still, for some, it was and is a great fit. Provided you expected to use it as an autofocus camera and learned its AF tricks, it could work very well indeed.

Physically, I found the camera worked well except for a few things:

• the top plate exposure dials are prone to being knocked.
• for myself, I found the aperture ring uncomfortable in use. The designers clearly felt the slimmest possible lens was a virtue but myself I'd have rather had a little more depth such that the ring could, like on most lenses I'm used to, stand out farther from the body in order to improve accessibility.
• my camera, like hundreds if not thousands of others, unfortunately suffered from the Sticky Aperture Blade syndrome. Some are still failing to this day.

On SAB... Yes, it was repaired without much drama by Fujifilm, but the issue still soured me on the camera partly because of the impact on resale values and/or second hand owners generally not getting warranty service from Fujifilm. The issue was a clear design and manufacturing flaw - Fujifilm's fault, and should be covered regardless of the owner in my opinion. Fujifilm could play the part of a hero and cover the issue regardless of ownership status and thus engender itself as a heroic maker of cameras to an entire generation of photographers. Instead the cheaped out and probably listened to their legal department for risk containment advice. A lost opportunity for them IMO. Hopefully new cameras (supposedly those with serial numbers >= 21xxxxxx) won't have this problem.

I would be tempted by a new and improved X200 but I know I'd never again buy the X100 - that feeling has nothing to do with the SAB issue. Firmware changes and price drops alone would not be enough to tempt me back.

If they introduced an X200 bringing improvements from all they have learned from the X100 and X-series cameras, with a higher resolution sensor, vastly improved EVF, and maybe even a faster 35mm equivalent lens, I'd certainly have a look at Fujifilm again.

There's certainly room between the current X100 and the Sony RX1 for another 35mm equivalent fixed lens camera.

Originally Posted by wt21

For those who moved to the xPro series, do you find them "less quirky" than the x100 (understanding this is a subjective assessment).

A little. There were a few interface issues that I think they improved with the X10 and then carried over to the XPro and now a few from the XPro that have made their way back to the X10 (like the Q menu) but that they haven't put in the X100 and seemingly won't. OTOH, the X100 is just such a perfect size and feel and the OVF is just cleaner and brighter, probably because there's a lot less complexity to it with just one focal length to account for. But generally, if you didn't like the X-Pro because it was too quirky for your taste, the X100 certainly is not LESS quirky. Its not a whole lot morso anymore, but definitely at least AS....

-Ray

Thanks to all. Some of the posts mention that this is a "deliberative" camera. I take it, then, it is not the right choice for Henri Cartier-Bresson "decisive moments."

It's fine for "decisive moments"....if you can anticipate them ;)

If the SAB issue isnt being covered for used equipment, then I guess I'm not getting one.

I like how, with Canon, they still cover the mirror issue on the 5d classic, even though the camera is 6 years old, and regardless if you are the original owner.

Originally Posted by wt21

If the SAB issue isnt being covered for used equipment, then I guess I'm not getting one.

I'm not even sure if they cover it out of warranty. I havent used mine enough to get the SAB... I've only shot about 400, not the couple thousand needed to get it happening... so my SAB is in the future and I have no idea if it will be a free fix or not. I think, probably, not. And thats a PITA. But I wont sell mine anyway, I dont think, I really like it, and I will never be able to afford a replacement, or the X-Pro which is what I really want.

I think it can work beautifully for decisive moments. That said, I would not choose it to photograph moving children or fast moving subjects...though I know Ray you did quite beautifully with it for a bicycle race, if I recall. I don't think it's the camera for action shots, generally speaking.

But don't listen to me, I never got rid of mine.

Originally Posted by Luke

It's fine for "decisive moments"....if you can anticipate them ;)

Absolutely. HCB had to anticipate a lot in his day, too. ;)

I found ways of working around the camera's limitations that were perfectly acceptable to me, and you don't need much in order to prime the camera while you wait for just the right moment. A half press of the shutter virtually removes shutter activation lag.

But for many of us mere mortals who need a little help in the form of a fast acting (shot to shot in particular) camera, it may not be the best choice. My GXR suffers in this regard too.

Originally Posted by wt21

If the SAB issue isnt being covered for used equipment, then I guess I'm not getting one.

I like how, with Canon, they still cover the mirror issue on the 5d classic, even though the camera is 6 years old, and regardless if you are the original owner.

That's a good policy for sure. I wish Fujifilm had done the same.

Given how many owners of second hand Fujifilm cameras *have* complained that they are being quoted upwards of 800 - 900 for "repairs", it would be wise to assume Fujifilm will not repair the camera for anyone other than the original owner. See the X100 Forum for more details. You might recognize my face on the SAB thread. ;)

When I sold my camera I gave the buyer my word that I would stand in for him if the need ever arises again. Not all sellers will do that.

Originally Posted by kyteflyer

I'm not even sure if they cover it out of warranty. I havent used mine enough to get the SAB... I've only shot about 400, not the couple thousand needed to get it happening... so my SAB is in the future and I have no idea if it will be a free fix or not. I think, probably, not. And thats a PITA. But I wont sell mine anyway, I dont think, I really like it, and I will never be able to afford a replacement, or the X-Pro which is what I really want.

I think you may be in luck there Sue; a number of Fujifilm country offices have indicated to those inquiring about the out of warranty coverage have been assured that it'll be repaired under warranty. One concern I have is that Fujifilm hasn't made a global statement about the issue and warranty coverage, and as such individual camera owners appear to be at the mercy of specific Fujifilm country offices. But... my sense is they'll be repaired.

How old is yours? What is the serial number (just the first few digits)?

Mine started failing by 1,000 exposures only I didn't realize it at the time and the problem was initially intermittent which made recognition of the problem all that much harder. There wasn't much written about the issue when mine failed. That's all different now. :(

I think the X100 is a fine camera and my wife is fond of reminding me that of all the cameras I have owned I probably loved that one the most, and sold it the quickest. Quirky camera, quirky photographer. :)

Thanks to the OP for starting this thead. Its killed my X100 GAS. I was shooting with my 5Dc and 35/2 last night. No LCD for framing the kids, but I actually kind of like the "guesswork" looking shots I got anyway. I'll just keeping shooting with that combination for now. I've still got the NEX and RX100 for lightweight/travel.

I ditched my X100 for an X-Pro 1 and an RX100...which I ditched for a Canon 1Ds Mkii and a Leica X1. I shall ditch no more.