Thread: My flirtation with the XPro1 and a few photos from the engagement

Originally Posted by Armanius

.....The lighting in the bar was challenging though, as I also had trouble with the AF on photo of the juicer. The aperture chatter ended up not bothering me very much that day as the background/ambiance noise plus the action surrounding me drowned out the chatter or distracted me sufficiently to forget about the chatter.

Thanks for your thoughts on your reasoning. I had a similar situation this past weekend at a scouting event where the lighting wasn't great and I hate using flash if I don't have to, (Plus now that I have my flash gaffer taped due to a broken catch) I prefer not to. In my case I was able to pre focus my manual lens to the exact distance I needed for an awards ceremony at the end of the day. I've gotten to where I can focus pretty quickly with my manual lens and know exactly what's in focus.

I admit any AF could be better the Xpro1 has been pretty good, I have only had about 5-7 frames out of hundreds that locked on incorrectly, there have been a few times in bad light where it has hunted a little, but when it locked it was right on, There is a small lag but it has only come up when shooting fast moving objects like the puppies. All of this behavior is far better than and almost unnoticed when compared to my EP-1, GF1, EP-2 and GXR (which with the 50mm could lock on only about 70% of the time) experiences. I had to use a Canon 5DII the other day and it missed focus on 10 or 15 frames out of a 100, depending on the light all of these cameras can have issues with AF. While there is something to be said for comfort and familiarity with one's camera, there is no way anyone can tell me there is not a delay between focus and shot with a manually focusing camera if one focus between each frame. As a change of pace, I just started using a Nikon SP and I have to admit for me there is a relearning curve in how to focus and shoot quickly with a manual focus rangefinder, while zone focus can be great it does not work well at close distances at F2 and faster
At the end of the day we all like what we like, the M9 is a wonderful camera.

I completely agree with what you've said Bob. I'm sure it's a bit different experience with you as your profession is photography. I'm just saying I'm enjoying this manual focus experience that I've not had to handle for I don't know how many years.

My shooting doesn't normally require rapid speed and it has forced me to take more time with my framing and what I'm really seeing before taking the snap.

Its great having all these choices today!

Originally Posted by Landshark

While there is something to be said for comfort and familiarity with one's camera, there is no way anyone can tell me there is not a delay between focus and shot with a manually focusing camera if one focus between each frame.

I am with you. 80% of the time, the XP1 auto focuses faster than I can manually focus any camera. And the XP1 sure beats the pants off the EP2 I used to have. And I also agree with you that there is no camera I've come across that has a fool-proof auto focus system in less than ideal lighting conditions. But at the end of the day, I just couldn't justify (at this time) keeping the XP1. Maybe I'll justify it next month.

Originally Posted by Duane Pandorf

Its great having all these choices today!

That's what Master Card said to me!

Originally Posted by Landshark

I admit any AF could be better the Xpro1 has been pretty good, I have only had about 5-7 frames out of hundreds that locked on incorrectly, there have been a few times in bad light where it has hunted a little, but when it locked it was right on, There is a small lag but it has only come up when shooting fast moving objects like the puppies. All of this behavior is far better than and almost unnoticed when compared to my EP-1, GF1, EP-2 and GXR (which with the 50mm could lock on only about 70% of the time) experiences. I had to use a Canon 5DII the other day and it missed focus on 10 or 15 frames out of a 100, depending on the light all of these cameras can have issues with AF. While there is something to be said for comfort and familiarity with one's camera, there is no way anyone can tell me there is not a delay between focus and shot with a manually focusing camera if one focus between each frame. As a change of pace, I just started using a Nikon SP and I have to admit for me there is a relearning curve in how to focus and shoot quickly with a manual focus rangefinder, while zone focus can be great it does not work well at close distances at F2 and faster
At the end of the day we all like what we like, the M9 is a wonderful camera.

Interesting. I have always been happy with the GF1 as far as speed and accuracy goes. And Armanius says the Fuji is also faster than the EP2 - I was reasonably happy with that too. For my subject matter and style it's looking good.

It has exceptional color if those are unretouched.

Originally Posted by Isoterica

It has exceptional color if those are unretouched.

Thanks! They were all JPG's and I may have adjusted the WB in the ones at the Blue Bell factory. I am pretty sure I also adjusted the exposure in a couple of the photos.

Alas, UPS has already picked up the goods though.