This perpetuates the myth that film photography has zero or minimal post processing. In fact back n the day we spent far more tie post processing than we do today. That’s why every newspaper had a darkroom with a full time team of technicians - to free the ‘togs to get back out in the field taking more photos. Typically we’d spend up to an hour on a negative, often more if it required creating complex masks with fancy feathering or blending multiple exposures etc. Then after the print you might spend another half hour spotting (ie cloning nowadays) the print. Slides offered slightly fewer options (you could control ISO speed(a bit) and contrast and saturation(risky!) but not much else) but we still had similar issues when printing them. Working with digital is just so much faster in post, plus more comfortable and safer - no poisonous chemicals to deal with!
Absolutely, and not to mention the sheer cost of custom processing film vs digital. I think most contemporary photographers who wax lyrical about film are taking their rolls to a shop with a C41 processing machine and when they get their packet of post card prints, imagining they've just had the full analogue experience.
@@daemon1143 Plus the machines do a lot of compensating by working out colour balance and exposure compensation to maximise the results - like using auto on a digital camera. So slight exposure errors or light balance issues disappear in the returned prints but in fact there's been a load of post-processing automation gone into making that happen!
@@MaximillianandRubyGrace I didn't love it because it was my job, it was a necessary chore. But it was a skill too and the end results made the effort worthwhile. But I much prefer the ease of post-processing on digital and I definitely don't miss the whiff of Cibachrome! 🙂
@@MaximillianandRubyGrace Plenty of folk did, or still do, but most never tried it or didn't like it; especially colour. A lot of people who witter about loving dark room processing never do colour. But, in either case, It's messy, finicky, very time consuming and expensive. Many photographers today would never have stuck with it or had any measure of success if they had to process film and many back in the day never realised their potential because they were priced out by processing costs before they could get experienced.
I use the X-Pro3 in combination with two full-manual lenses from Voigtländer - the 27mm ƒ2 Ultron because it's super compact, and the 35mm ƒ1.2 Nokton because it's full of character and very fast. I deliberately work completely manually because I find the slowness, the thoughtfulness of this way of working beautiful. I also love the wonderfully physical experience of the various dials, the aperture ring, the incredibly satisfying click of the mechanical shutter. i even use the optical viewfinder - i estimate the distance to my subject, i just use the light meter to set the ideal exposure. So it's also the perfect camera to really learn photography.
I use Fuji X-Pro1 and X-Pro2 digital mirrorless cameras professionally. I love to use 6x7 and 6x9cm medium format film cameras for my personal photography.
This is the exact reason why i bought an XE4.. fujifilm are so much fun to use and not having to edit the photos makes me want to shoot more with it.. more than any other camera i could possibly think of
I'm right there with you! If you enjoy the process of taking photos, I can't think of any other camera brand that makes that process quite as fun and instantly rewarding.
Great video. I didn’t plan it, but, slowly and eventually I ended up with a x-h2, x-pro3, xpro2, xx100v and x-m1. I’m a professional musician by trade and have had a love affair with photography, for fun, for 60 years. So I shoot who, what, when and where the mood or my job takes me and I’m only mildly interested in who looks at or likes my photos. Now, to your video, my fav cam, in the digital era, is the xPro2 with the pro3 a close second. Way back, in film days, I loved the Leica M3 and Nikon XP, two fab rangefinders, so it’s no coincidence that I like the modern equivalent. Messing with film recipes is so much fun, it’s like the old days of film/developer combos. Just some old dude thoughts. Keep on with your videos.
Hi Tom, I have always shot with Nikon DSLR’s (D7100, D700 occasionally a D810) and a few years ago after spending more time editing photos after taking them I began to really hate photography especially as photoshop is now a subscription payment only platform. Then I began hearing people talking about Fujifilm X100V’s and decided to get one. Fast forward a few months of trying to buy them off Gumtree and Facebook marketplace and eventually giving up due to the amount of time wasters I set my sights on the X100F and after a few days managed to get myself one. Ever since then I have been shooting JPEG 99% of the time and using a SD adaptor with my smartphone to upload photos (Fujifilm app is awful) and my goodness my love for photography is back full swing more than ever before! I’m now fighting the urge to sell my Nikon gear and get more Fujifilm gear as their cameras produce JPEG’s that look like they have been post processed and edited straight out of the camera and it’s such a breath of fresh air for me.
I agree with the jpeg comments. The average or even above average person cannot tell the difference between a jpeg and a processed RAW at normal viewing distance which most of us use to view photos.
I have an x-pro2 and love it for the same reasons as everyone else. But before I used the D700 and the output is something special, the sensor is unbelievable and the files look pretty film like anyway. I never use it anymore as it's a tank and way too heavy for daily use. But I will never sell it
X-Pro2 is the best out of the Xpro line, so far. Bought used, it's about half the price of a new/used X-Pro3 with better build quality and without the goofy dual tilt screen on the 3. The sensor is great, AF is decent/workable and the build quality of that generation of X cameras (X-Pro2, XT-2, X-H1, X100F) are without equal. 90% the camera of the X-Pro3 at about half the price on the used market. Picked up a beautiful one for only $800.
About 8 years ago I was in a similar place, started to dislike photography a little, and wanted to rekindle my love - oddly I bought a Leica X typ 113 - its closer to a film camera than the fuji - incredibly simplistic, and doesnt have the film outputs - so you still need to post process to a degree. It has transformed my engagement with photography, and taken some of the best images ever for me. This led to me buying a Nikon Df - as my second camera - So I now carry both, and have three lens for the Df - I do prefer the X, and worry about it expiring as Leica no longer make them. But the Df is a really decent foil and has pulled some cracking images in recent years. My next camera could be anything, as I will have to resolve that if the X fails - and Fuji would be my natural home, purely as Leica withdrew from the Dx sensor arena.
I still love my XPro1 - for so many of the same reasons. Personal work using different equipment and processes is also what I had to do to prevent burn out. I also really enjoy adapting vintage rangefinder lenses to it.
I really appreciated your comment about jpgs essentially forcing you to be more conscientious about shooting. I always shoot Raw+Fine or normal (clients and personal work), and now I'm starting to think it's been a subconscious crutch. Shame on me. I will challenge myself (with my own work), if for no other reason, than to save money on ssd drives and cloud storage space. Enjoyed this very much.
Hi Tom Can't agree more with you - the X-Pro2 is the best RF style camera there is! Sadly I sold mine with XF23mm f/1.4 (MK1) to part finance an X-H2, although a brilliant camera, I wish I hadn't. I did have a fix for my "sadness", an old X-Pro1+ XF18mm F/2, which partly eased the pain. I knew your advice would be sound, when I saw in the background to your video an old black Canon FD camera. I still have my black EF + 50mm F/1.8 lens, but like you, using it in the "field" although very satisfying the cost of D&P, and waiting to see the results was a bit too much "faff". However try using the 50mm Canon FD lens with an adapter, on the X-Pro2 and a "classic neg" simulation with the contrast, saturation & sharpness turned right down; for a totally joyish shooting experience!
I shoot both (compressed) raw and jpg saving into distinct slots. I'll keep the JPGs and treat the raw files as a temporary backup (or if I really do want to process the raw), but periodically I'll delete older raw files from the card, so no storage issues.
Xpro2 is my dream camera at the moment. I used to have an xt20 and missed the sensor ever since I sold it. I prefer an optical viewfinder so the xpro2 seems perfect. It’s just so damn expensive.
I also picked up this camera paired with a fuji 35mm f2 and I'm so happy that I did. It so fun to use! I've been enjoying film photography for the last couple of years now, but due to increased cost I have felt the need for a exiting and nice looking digital camera
Nice! I was toying with getting a 35mm (might still do that one day) but I looked through the images I've taken over the past year and overwhelmingly it's my full frame 35mm that I use the most. And a 23mm gives me an equivalent look on APS-C. I do love that 50mm look though...
The X-Pro 2 is one sweet camera - I have one and I love it. In camera after the fact processing was one of the killer features for me. I shoot Raw/JPG. There is a method for my madness in that it permits me to quickly give JPGs to whom I am shooting it for (at 75 I am primarily shoot for myself but occasionally I get commissions) and the Raw to modify the shot after the fact. If I travel I shoot Raw/Raw to insure that I never loose an image (I have a story) and create JPGs to send and post (when I travel, I use my phone is my computer). To me storage is rarely a problem. I really hope that Fujifilm will put out an X-Pro 4 one day as IBIS would be a nice and very useful feature.
I agree completely. My love of photography was rekindled when I purchased the X-Pro 1. I shoot raw and enjoy the images I can achieve. Also, I previously greatly missed the aperture ring (on my Canons) which I knew from my analog days. With the X-Pro 1 I have the best of both worlds (digital & dedicated dials).
Got into film as well. Still have my fridge full. Covid didn't help and slammed down my photography as a whole, but specially my film shooting. Thing is, I'm a nerd. Computer nerd, software programming guy. Things like guitar and photos are my creative outlet. Yet, if I'm not careful, I start writing my own denoising software, and I spent a lot of time in writing C41-inversion software for my own scans... I drop the creative side and go back to the nerd side :). Anyway, in the end it felt like raw processing but different, and the scanner is _slow_. I still like it to get a result _way after_ the shot though. It's sort of a nice surprise, like finding an old SD card somewhere and wondering what's on it. But I shot a lot of photos of my kid on film when he was almost 2 years old (2015 I started getting into film). Now my second son is the same age, and I need _something_ to get that itch back to shoot photos from him. Like I said, covid kinda burned me out on photography, I need something to get back in. But buying new gear is not always the answer :). But putting a roll of film back into a camera not much larger than a pack of cigarettes and see what happens... who knows.
I completely get where you're coming from. I guess it's just about finding what gives you that urge to create. I hope you manage to find that again and keep it up 🙂
I have film that have needed processing for over 20 years. I was glad to switch to digital. However, my job involves spending all day on a computer and the last thing I want to do is spend all evening editing raw photos. I still can’t bring my shoot jpeg. I do have an X100v. So I shoot probably shoot both raw and jpeg for a while.
Many people fall in luv with the X-Pro. I am looking forward to the X-Pro 4. I luv the Fujifilm X cameras. I upgraded from X-T20 to X-T5 but might switch to X-Pro 4 ... will see when it comes out
Film has definitely made me a better street photographer, but I mainly shoot B&W so that I can go out with my OM-1 / 50 f1.4 and process and scan the roll the same evening. A roll a day, I have thousands of film images in Lightroom. But for sure, I had the original X-Pro1 /35 f1.4 when it came out and its JPEGs were glorious, and I almost never shoot JPEGs on other systems. Congrats 🍾
I bought my first Fujifilm camera based on 20% good reviews and 80% it looked cool af. I’ve been through a few since then, currently got an X-T4 and I absolutely love it. I still save the RAW files (compressed), but I very rarely touch them - it’s quite surprising how much detail you can recover from a JPG these days. Love the shots in this video too - off to check out more of your stuff now 😊
One step closer to fully shooting Fujifilm for both professional and fun work. Also if you would have developed that film I wonder if that would have affected your original choice to change.
How’s your love for the Xpro2 now? Funny I just managed to pick one up for similar reasons to you, as in the jpg recipes and general admiration of the design for the camera. Burnt through two batteries easily in the first day setting up the camera and shooting family. Mated it with the TTArtisans 25mm f2. Seems like a great pairing, adding an even more vintage process to taking pictures with the camera.
Awesome video man. Just subscribed. Congrats on almost getting to 100k. Good stuff. I had the same experience with the x100v. I shoot full time and got tied of taking my main gear out on for fun. But those Fuji film sims really took my experience to a new level.
I love this camera and as I live in New Caledonia, I can say I am lucky enough to finally own this one by trading it with a Panasonic gm1 … ! I have it all the time, every singe day ! Paired with my trusty fuji 35mm 1.4 or quite often the Minolta rokkor 50mm 1.4 adapted on it, it’s a powerful Image creator tool. Amazing ! I am heading to buy the 56 mm mk 1 for my sons portraits ! Price of those camera is skyrocketing so if you can find one at a good price go for it !
Why are the X-Pro1/2 overly expensive even used? I have the XT1, X-E1, and X-E2 bodies, and those aren't as bad, even got the X-E1 and X-E2 for less than 300 at one time, and those shot up in prices. The XT1 is about 300 to less than 400, and have stayed there since the XT2 came out. Probably today the XT1 would be your best value, since aside from price, it is the most spec and featured (the electronic viewfinder on the XT1 is gorgeously huge) among the camera's I mention aside from the XT2 and above.
My guess, in short - demand. The X100v is highly sought after and the X-Pro is just a slightly larger version of it. If you're not fussed by the OVF but want that rangefinder styling then the X-E range is an amazing option for sure.
They were expensive and niche to start with, I don't think it gets much better over time. That hybrid viewfinder is also a love/hate thing for a lot I guess. Like the X100V series, if you look at the specs you think they are overpriced, but somehow they do a sort of Leica thing with them, they get lovable and people want them besides the tech-specs, and they stay high on the 2nd hand market because of it 😔
@@powbobs Oh I am happy that I got them for cheap. Not complaining about the XE2 at all. Just wondering why the x100 and xpro1 series are just too expensive, and why the Xt1 is so cheap when it is the most advance of them all.
Why wouldn't you edit your photos? Scan and edit, just like digital. When I print in the darkroom, I never just try to get a clean print and move on. I spend hours and hours burning dodging and using sheet after sheet of paper until I get a workable working print. Then I make as many copies with those instructions I have written down and the best copies become artist proofs. When I was printing color in the wet darkroom, it was much the same thing. You had to be far more careful though as color shift was a real issue. Shooting for the final output seems pointless but I get some people like it. I ask "what's the point if you aren't making your own impression of reality. Something that not every other person on earth could have pointed their camera at and achieved?". The same goes for digital. The file is the score and the edited final product is the performance. That was an Ansel Adams quote. He wouldn't let an unedited photo out of his darkroom for a million dollars. Just my thoughts on how the whole process works.
Excellent review! Makes me even more appreciative of this work of art from 2016. I’ve owned many models of the Fuji cameras over the years and have sold and rebought many. I just recently repurchased the X-T3 and I’m enjoying the better autofocus for family and travel photos. I also enjoy shooting with the X-Pro 2. It inspires me like no other camera I’ve ever had, however i’m getting that GAS itch again and want to buy the new Fuji 33mm f1.4. The problem is that I can’t afford it unless i sell my Fuji X-Pro 2 (in excellent condition) but I wonder if i’ll regret it in the end. Furthermore, MPB is offering me about $670 for it which is less than the cost of a gently used 33mm f1.4 so I’ll still have to cough up some dough to get the lens as well as letting go of my beloved X-Pro 2. I’ve heard it said that “you date your camera bodies but marry your lenses,” so that makes me more inclined to sell the X-Pro 2 since lenses make a much bigger difference in the quality of your photos than bodies do. Any opinions or advice would help. Thanks!
That's why I have a few of my custom mods on my XH2S dedicated entirely for shooting in funky film recipes. I do take up jobs and I will shoot raw then, but I just need to also make it easy for myself to switch to fun.
Yep. I still have unprocessed rolls of film from years ago and a few still in a couple of 35mm cameras I own. 😃 Someday I will get a Fujifilm X whatever series.
It was the X-Pro for me too. It was a Leica I could affford, with great lenses and small enough for street photography. I’m a Fuji X devotee, from the XT-1 onward.
My Favorite Canon A series! Love it! Smooth. Using Film can be fun but color for me, tricky! Labs are expensive and many are crap! I find digital easier! FREE! Film is special, I do use it! Rethink your pro methods! Shoot JPEG, not RAW! Expose less. You are photographer, not an Editor! Streamline! Best of Luck!
@@radharcanna You first have to buy a film camera those rolls of film. And a film scanner, unless you’re going for prints in which case you have to factor in that cost as well. And I don’t know where you live, but film isn’t exactly getting cheaper.
I have a love-hate relationship with my Fujifilm. It takes lovely photos but it is so frustrating to connect to another device that I end up not using it as much. Not that it is so terrible using the removable storage, but I get so annoyed because the menu suggests and online advice tells me it is possible yet it doesn't connect and I sit there seething and then eventually put it away again.
I saw a work around online where someone actually bought an SD card with WiFi connectivity and used that to connect to his smartphone, rather than relying on the camera. Maybe that would help?
I’m being badass watching your video while I should be working wishing I could be a photographer, must be great doing a job that you enjoy and give people joy from your photos. I inherited a couple of old film cameras from my Dad a few years ago and I understand exactly what you’re saying about film and I want to go out and use them but I didn’t realise how expensive film can be until looking the other day, then you got to get the damn things developed. You’re making me want to go shoot the streets 😂 Excellent video Tom 👍🏻
Thanks Gavin. I honestly didn't think I'd enjoy street photography as much as I have. Portraits have always been my thing, but this recent epiphany has changed all that. I think I was always a bit nervous about trying it out, but now I've dipped my toes I want to do it more and more. I would highly recommend it!
I shoot my A74 with the Zeiss 35mm f2.8 as a daily carry or for street photography. There's a guy on here that shares different film type settings for the Sony Jpgs
2:22 almost had a heart attack seeing one year of film photography undeveloped in a plastic bag, not even willing to process them. I hope I'll never get to this point. Otherwise as a film shooter, I agree that the Fujis xpro series might be the best way to get the film experience in digital.
Your day-to-day VW Golf...now that was a bit depressing.😂 I got an X-Pro1 used a couple of years ago and the sooc output is magical, film-like for real (I'm not just casually throwing out the phrase). 😁
@Tom Calton ... I think that the Epson RD-1 is the camera for you. Winder to cock the shutter .. ✔ Mechanical shutter .. ✔ Digital camera ✔ Rangefinder ✔ Film like experience ✔ Great quality check ✔ Manual focus ✔ Fun factor ✔ Your next video ✔
Great video, I have watched your videos for a long time it’s only during this one I recognised Stamford and realised you live close to me and in fact I have worked a wedding and event with your team in the past as a wedding magician!
You have the best reviews and videos. Thank you! My question: how do you compare the x-pro 2 to an xt3? What's different? I currently own an xt3 and an x100v. Thanks again.
Pretty much the same reasons I took to buying the Sony 6400. Many don't realise you can fiddle with the settings to simulate film on this too - you just need to find the help online first because you don't get all the starter work done for you as with a Fuji. You just then save your favourites as presets. But the main reason I bought this was getting older and getting fed up with lugging a full frame camera and lenses in a bag plus tripod. This just wasn't fun any more. I tried a bridge camera with a superzoom lens and it scratched my itch for a while, but in the end I was just dissatisfied with the compromises that any superzoom lens has to make. It was a Fuji and I loved it, so I thought I would move to one of their APS system camera, but stay small. Or go for a fixed lens model as in the X100 series. But could I find one? Everything sold out all the time... Or available at way over MSRP - even if 2 or 3 years old used. It was dissatisfaction with this market (which I am sure will improve or maybe already has) that had me looking at the Sony. For starters, their 6000 series is amazingly compact. The kit lens - pure shit. But replaced with the Sigma 18-50 f2.8 that problem was solved. So much so that many folks thought I was using expensive primes - that lens is that good, and so good value for money. I have rarely found the need for another lens. Sigma has brought out a wide zoom to complement it and maybe there's a tele zoom coming, but the wide zoom is more expensive and I bet the tele zoom will be too... So I really need to feel that I need those before committing, and as I said I already so rarely feel the need for another lens. The focus goes so close that even my macro itch gets scratched... But anyway, appreciate this video and it reminded me how I needed to re-invigorate my love of photography even though I have only ever been an amateur enthusiast.
Do you use the creative styles for these or have you setup custom picture profiles using the still setting? Looking to get better JPEGs out of my RX100 VII (and A6400 for that matter). So far haven’t been able to find anything useful on the subject.
@@Htbaa I've played a little myself and it's remarkable what you can do with a little patience. It's kinda like Lightroom colour grading before you even take a shot. What I did was put myself by somewhere familiar and took dozens of shots of the same scene (a coconut tree and a flowering shrub close to my house). I had made slight adjustments to the settings between each shot and - importantly - wrote them down. It costs nothing to do except time and patience, but it takes time to begin to understand how the settings change the picture profile. The profiles that a prebuilt for you aren't too shoddy anyway. There's a couple of guys shooting Sony who share picture profile setups on their personal blog sites, but not for free - not that I've found yet anyway. Can't blame them as it's not as intuitive as on Fuji and, as I said, it takes a lot of time and experimentation to get anywhere. In my opinion, it's time well spent as I don't want to pay some guy I never heard of before $25 per picture profile!
yeah, "shoot for the jpeg". No it's not easier, usually more difficult but you set the camera for the image you want as you see it realised at the time. We are asking the camera to do the convert and post but we are setting the parameters before pushing the shutter. Most of these settings affect the gain which alter the exposure and hence will affect the raw too: you get a better raw If you have done it right you don't need the raw, the jpeg is often better than you can do with Lightshop. Shooting for the jpeg can be a more real experience, more filmic, but it is not just point and shoot and let the camera do it.
This is, almost word for word, my story... In my case it is X-E3 with M42-FujiX adapter and a dozen vintage M42 lenses... Since the .jpgs are so good, I only use my phone to get them from the camera to IG (occasionally fine-tuning them in Snapseed). Totally different experience, I love taking pictures again after approx. 150 weddings documented in several EU countries... Thanks, Fujifilm! ;)
Ha, i’ve just stumbled upon your channel and find myself pondering getting a Fuji for just the reasons you note. And yeah, those X-PRO models…U la la! 👍
Not a paid photographer, but I feel the same. I have WASTED far too much time in Photoshop. Today I prefer medium fine jpg. Yes I would also still want to shoot raw when/if needed, but that is no longer the default. Personally more interested in the art and developing my style.
Good question! If you're using it for professional work, I'd say the Sony is likely the better/more reliable/safer option. If you're not using it to make a living, the X-Pro is undoubtedly a much more fun option. I hope this helps!
I would love to test a Fuji Camera by myself to have the same experience. But most likely my Problem is time. So even if I would have the camera, I would probably choosee my main cause I don't know when will be the next time,,,, ;)
I know what you mean. Though, I've found that I don't tend to plan anything - I just take my X-Pro with me if I'm heading anywhere that could provide even the smallest amount of potential for photos. Even if that's just going to the shops, or taking the kids to the park. If you have your camera with you it forces you into the mindset of seeking out photo opportunities.
@@TomCalton 100% A week ago I made a perfect photo… with my phone, cause I left the camera at home. Damn it!!! The right light, the right time. So I asked myself If I would carry a Camera like the X-Pro with me instead of the whole equipment. But I‘m wondering if I would regret not having the other camera with me. Also in the past we didn’t work that much on photos like we do these days…
I think you'd only regret it if the camera you bring doesn't provide you with the outcome you want. For me, I don't need the photos I capture to be perfect art pieces. They're just a means of documenting time and practicing photo techniques. But if you do want your photos to be as perfect as possible, this might not be the one for you.
Yeah, no complaints here. Sure, it's a little big, but for me it's worth it for the situations where I want a super shallow depth of field, or for use in low light.
Hahaha, i was the same at first when i started shooting film, no joy of seeing the photo right after. But after some time i tought to myself why look better spend little more time before cliking the shuter button than clicking it twice. After shotting only on film for nerly 1 year the screen on the back of didital cameras just feels wrong.😂😂
As a 9 to 5 photographer you must have plenty of free time to shoot for fun. The ones which I know are more like 7 to 7 and 6 days a week photographers 😅. Interesting content anyway, specially the advice at the end of the video.
Believe me, I used to be a 7 to 7 photographer working 6 or sometimes 7 days a week. But I decided to work smarter, not harder. I can highly recommend it 😉
Some say Sony camera are not fun, but what is the fun, all these non Leica M camera are more or less the same, or it's not the camera problem, but user's expectation of using it that you have to shoot raw and edit and not just get the best SOOC jpg and heif out of it? Sony A7RV image quality is good too and if you don't want to spend on so many body and just using it as your only one camera, you can also shoot jpg/heif with it just to have fun with it right? I want to get it and just to shoot as hobbyist and minimum to no post processing, but some say you need to edit or else it is a waste or you can shoot with the Film Simulation on Fuji to get good results photos, but if most of the time what I want is realistic looking photo, I can do that with A7RV's SOOC setting too right plus it also has creative style too right? Plus all these compact and full size camera still not pocketable like RX100 and hence why not just get a proper size camera for better handing, EVF and screen like the A7RV as you only camera? Also, have you wonder like many things in life, why put so many effort just to take photos and videos and not just use phone camera to record here and there if it's not your primary work and also your content not all will get pass down and value later but lose in time plus a lot places and things you take photos already took by many others even you value art? And what camera setup you bring in everyday life and travel, some people use less bulky and performance camera for their own life but use fancy gears for clients and travel, why, isn't everyday life is most parts of our life which is important too and shouldn't discount to document them in high quality forms?
@@TomCalton it’s not even the poor mans Leica anymore. Fujis prices are insane and about the same as used leicas . X100v prices right now you can buy a Leica m240 body. I sold my x100v for $1700 and bought a mint condition Leica mp240 with a voightlander 35 f1.4. For $1900. If yall would stop making these fuji videos brain washing boomers thinking they’re some type a magic camera prices wouldn’t be so high
@@c0ldc0ne - At that point, it becomes something less about photography itself and more about the editing. There wasn't exactly a lot of editing done with photographic film. Magic can be done in the darkroom, but with Photoshop, it has become more about the magic of Photoshop than about the photography itself. Once upon a time, I did medium format wedding photography - with film. You need to get it right in camera because there are almost never any second chances. It matters very much what your photographic philosophy is with regard to photography when it comes to the final results: Either you tinker with the image after the fact, or else in camera beforehand.
@@scotthullinger4684 I think that's a bit of a false dichotomy. Ansel Adams was known for using extensive and advanced darkroom techniques to create his iconic prints. I haven't heard many people claim that this made him less of a photographer. On the other hand, it's not that modern photographers take all their captures through the wringer in Photoshop to manipulate them beyond recognition, but typically only make minor adjustments in Lightroom. And like you said, in the olden days you got it right in camera because you had to, not because it made your craft more pure or authentic. It has often been said that if Adams were still alive, he'd probably be an avid Photoshop aficionado.
@@c0ldc0ne - Employing digital techniques is not the equivalent of using Photoshop. More to the point ... analogue is not directly equivalent to digital. I very seriously DOUBT that Ansel Adams would be a fan of Photoshop, unless maybe he were a fashion or advertising photographer back in the day. In this day and age, for the most part, what we all see in the way of photography is the final result of using Photoshop and similar tools. When it comes right down to it, I very seriously believe that of all the people who are photographers - whether amateur or professional - very few of them are largely competent as BOTH a photographers, and as Photoshop experts.
My view is that while I understand professional photographers need to edit their work, I feel a TRUE photographers gets it right in camera. If you rely on the computer to finish your photo, you are a digital editor not a photographers. The X-pro 2 allows a photographers to be creative in camera and get back to TRUE photography.
Interesting point and I know where you're coming from. Though, personally, I don't think there should be hard set rules which dictate whether you are or are not a 'true' photographer, because ultimately it should kinda be irrelevant how other people define you. If you prefer to get everything perfect in camera - great. If you prefer to take a photo and then go to town on the editing afterwards - that's also great. I don't think either process makes you more or less of a photographer. You're just on the opposite side of the same scale. Both started with the human eye noticing a scene, a camera capturing it and ended with a piece of art. But that's just my 2¢ ☺️
@@TomCalton exactly. Even back in the film days, you could spend more time in the darkroom developing film to a certain look you wanted. Or even cross processing it, masking and dodging areas. Obviously, with digital you have almost unlimited options now. But I find the whole process of playing around with images and tweaking them in post, just as satisfying as shooting. I shoot RAW with my X-pro2, but in B&W mode, as it's less distracting and it lets me concentrate on the composition. I then apply any look I want in Lightroom. In fact, all the fuji recipes can be easily applied (then tweaked if needed) so you get the best of both worlds. The fuji looks, and also the flexibility of the raw file, if you need to fix a blown-out highlight or raise the shadows a bit to get some more detail in a shot.
i tend to disagree, here is why: I have never been a pro, but shot medium format (b&w) decades ago, and doing so I learned that the 2nd half of taking pictures takes place in the darkroom: (re-)framing, brightness and contrast choices are very important ingredients to happiness. i guess that had defined my approach even for today, and, tbh, even when taking pictures on an iphone (those better, more important ones)
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This perpetuates the myth that film photography has zero or minimal post processing. In fact back n the day we spent far more tie post processing than we do today. That’s why every newspaper had a darkroom with a full time team of technicians - to free the ‘togs to get back out in the field taking more photos. Typically we’d spend up to an hour on a negative, often more if it required creating complex masks with fancy feathering or blending multiple exposures etc. Then after the print you might spend another half hour spotting (ie cloning nowadays) the print. Slides offered slightly fewer options (you could control ISO speed(a bit) and contrast and saturation(risky!) but not much else) but we still had similar issues when printing them. Working with digital is just so much faster in post, plus more comfortable and safer - no poisonous chemicals to deal with!
Absolutely, and not to mention the sheer cost of custom processing film vs digital. I think most contemporary photographers who wax lyrical about film are taking their rolls to a shop with a C41 processing machine and when they get their packet of post card prints, imagining they've just had the full analogue experience.
But.. I LOVED the whole developing process, loved the darkroom
All of it. I
@@daemon1143 Plus the machines do a lot of compensating by working out colour balance and exposure compensation to maximise the results - like using auto on a digital camera. So slight exposure errors or light balance issues disappear in the returned prints but in fact there's been a load of post-processing automation gone into making that happen!
@@MaximillianandRubyGrace I didn't love it because it was my job, it was a necessary chore. But it was a skill too and the end results made the effort worthwhile. But I much prefer the ease of post-processing on digital and I definitely don't miss the whiff of Cibachrome! 🙂
@@MaximillianandRubyGrace Plenty of folk did, or still do, but most never tried it or didn't like it; especially colour. A lot of people who witter about loving dark room processing never do colour. But, in either case, It's messy, finicky, very time consuming and expensive. Many photographers today would never have stuck with it or had any measure of success if they had to process film and many back in the day never realised their potential because they were priced out by processing costs before they could get experienced.
I use the X-Pro3 in combination with two full-manual lenses from Voigtländer - the 27mm ƒ2 Ultron because it's super compact, and the 35mm ƒ1.2 Nokton because it's full of character and very fast. I deliberately work completely manually because I find the slowness, the thoughtfulness of this way of working beautiful. I also love the wonderfully physical experience of the various dials, the aperture ring, the incredibly satisfying click of the mechanical shutter. i even use the optical viewfinder - i estimate the distance to my subject, i just use the light meter to set the ideal exposure. So it's also the perfect camera to really learn photography.
I use Fuji X-Pro1 and X-Pro2 digital mirrorless cameras professionally.
I love to use 6x7 and 6x9cm medium format film cameras for my personal photography.
This is the exact reason why i bought an XE4.. fujifilm are so much fun to use and not having to edit the photos makes me want to shoot more with it.. more than any other camera i could possibly think of
I'm right there with you! If you enjoy the process of taking photos, I can't think of any other camera brand that makes that process quite as fun and instantly rewarding.
Great video. I didn’t plan it, but, slowly and eventually I ended up with a x-h2, x-pro3, xpro2, xx100v and x-m1.
I’m a professional musician by trade and have had a love affair with photography, for fun, for 60 years. So I shoot who, what, when and where the mood or my job takes me and I’m only mildly interested in who looks at or likes my photos.
Now, to your video, my fav cam, in the digital era, is the xPro2 with the pro3 a close second. Way back, in film days, I loved the Leica M3 and Nikon XP, two fab rangefinders, so it’s no coincidence that I like the modern equivalent. Messing with film recipes is so much fun, it’s like the old days of film/developer combos. Just some old dude thoughts.
Keep on with your videos.
Hi Tom, I have always shot with Nikon DSLR’s (D7100, D700 occasionally a D810) and a few years ago after spending more time editing photos after taking them I began to really hate photography especially as photoshop is now a subscription payment only platform.
Then I began hearing people talking about Fujifilm X100V’s and decided to get one. Fast forward a few months of trying to buy them off Gumtree and Facebook marketplace and eventually giving up due to the amount of time wasters I set my sights on the X100F and after a few days managed to get myself one. Ever since then I have been shooting JPEG 99% of the time and using a SD adaptor with my smartphone to upload photos (Fujifilm app is awful) and my goodness my love for photography is back full swing more than ever before! I’m now fighting the urge to sell my Nikon gear and get more Fujifilm gear as their cameras produce JPEG’s that look like they have been post processed and edited straight out of the camera and it’s such a breath of fresh air for me.
I agree with the jpeg comments. The average or even above average person cannot tell the difference between a jpeg and a processed RAW at normal viewing distance which most of us use to view photos.
You still use Photoshop. Really?
I have an x-pro2 and love it for the same reasons as everyone else. But before I used the D700 and the output is something special, the sensor is unbelievable and the files look pretty film like anyway. I never use it anymore as it's a tank and way too heavy for daily use. But I will never sell it
X-Pro2 is the best out of the Xpro line, so far. Bought used, it's about half the price of a new/used X-Pro3 with better build quality and without the goofy dual tilt screen on the 3. The sensor is great, AF is decent/workable and the build quality of that generation of X cameras (X-Pro2, XT-2, X-H1, X100F) are without equal. 90% the camera of the X-Pro3 at about half the price on the used market. Picked up a beautiful one for only $800.
About 8 years ago I was in a similar place, started to dislike photography a little, and wanted to rekindle my love - oddly I bought a Leica X typ 113 - its closer to a film camera than the fuji - incredibly simplistic, and doesnt have the film outputs - so you still need to post process to a degree.
It has transformed my engagement with photography, and taken some of the best images ever for me.
This led to me buying a Nikon Df - as my second camera - So I now carry both, and have three lens for the Df - I do prefer the X, and worry about it expiring as Leica no longer make them. But the Df is a really decent foil and has pulled some cracking images in recent years.
My next camera could be anything, as I will have to resolve that if the X fails - and Fuji would be my natural home, purely as Leica withdrew from the Dx sensor arena.
I still love my XPro1 - for so many of the same reasons. Personal work using different equipment and processes is also what I had to do to prevent burn out. I also really enjoy adapting vintage rangefinder lenses to it.
I really appreciated your comment about jpgs essentially forcing you to be more conscientious about shooting. I always shoot Raw+Fine or normal (clients and personal work), and now I'm starting to think it's been a subconscious crutch. Shame on me. I will challenge myself (with my own work), if for no other reason, than to save money on ssd drives and cloud storage space. Enjoyed this very much.
Hey. Thanks, glad you found it useful. It's been a huge benefit for me so hopefully it helps you (and others) too! 😊
Hi Tom
Can't agree more with you - the X-Pro2 is the best RF style camera there is! Sadly I sold mine with XF23mm f/1.4 (MK1) to part finance an X-H2, although a brilliant camera, I wish I hadn't.
I did have a fix for my "sadness", an old X-Pro1+ XF18mm F/2, which partly eased the pain.
I knew your advice would be sound, when I saw in the background to your video an old black Canon FD camera. I still have my black EF + 50mm F/1.8 lens, but like you, using it in the "field" although very satisfying the cost of D&P, and waiting to see the results was a bit too much "faff".
However try using the 50mm Canon FD lens with an adapter, on the X-Pro2 and a "classic neg" simulation with the contrast, saturation & sharpness turned right down; for a totally joyish shooting experience!
I shoot both (compressed) raw and jpg saving into distinct slots. I'll keep the JPGs and treat the raw files as a temporary backup (or if I really do want to process the raw), but periodically I'll delete older raw files from the card, so no storage issues.
Xpro2 is my dream camera at the moment. I used to have an xt20 and missed the sensor ever since I sold it. I prefer an optical viewfinder so the xpro2 seems perfect. It’s just so damn expensive.
I also picked up this camera paired with a fuji 35mm f2 and I'm so happy that I did. It so fun to use!
I've been enjoying film photography for the last couple of years now, but due to increased cost I have felt the need for a exiting and nice looking digital camera
Nice! I was toying with getting a 35mm (might still do that one day) but I looked through the images I've taken over the past year and overwhelmingly it's my full frame 35mm that I use the most. And a 23mm gives me an equivalent look on APS-C. I do love that 50mm look though...
The X-Pro 2 is one sweet camera - I have one and I love it. In camera after the fact processing was one of the killer features for me. I shoot Raw/JPG. There is a method for my madness in that it permits me to quickly give JPGs to whom I am shooting it for (at 75 I am primarily shoot for myself but occasionally I get commissions) and the Raw to modify the shot after the fact. If I travel I shoot Raw/Raw to insure that I never loose an image (I have a story) and create JPGs to send and post (when I travel, I use my phone is my computer). To me storage is rarely a problem. I really hope that Fujifilm will put out an X-Pro 4 one day as IBIS would be a nice and very useful feature.
I agree completely. My love of photography was rekindled when I purchased the X-Pro 1. I shoot raw and enjoy the images I can achieve. Also, I previously greatly missed the aperture ring (on my Canons) which I knew from my analog days. With the X-Pro 1 I have the best of both worlds (digital & dedicated dials).
Got into film as well. Still have my fridge full. Covid didn't help and slammed down my photography as a whole, but specially my film shooting.
Thing is, I'm a nerd. Computer nerd, software programming guy. Things like guitar and photos are my creative outlet. Yet, if I'm not careful, I start writing my own denoising software, and I spent a lot of time in writing C41-inversion software for my own scans... I drop the creative side and go back to the nerd side :).
Anyway, in the end it felt like raw processing but different, and the scanner is _slow_. I still like it to get a result _way after_ the shot though. It's sort of a nice surprise, like finding an old SD card somewhere and wondering what's on it. But I shot a lot of photos of my kid on film when he was almost 2 years old (2015 I started getting into film). Now my second son is the same age, and I need _something_ to get that itch back to shoot photos from him. Like I said, covid kinda burned me out on photography, I need something to get back in. But buying new gear is not always the answer :). But putting a roll of film back into a camera not much larger than a pack of cigarettes and see what happens... who knows.
I completely get where you're coming from. I guess it's just about finding what gives you that urge to create. I hope you manage to find that again and keep it up 🙂
I have film that have needed processing for over 20 years. I was glad to switch to digital. However, my job involves spending all day on a computer and the last thing I want to do is spend all evening editing raw photos. I still can’t bring my shoot jpeg. I do have an X100v. So I shoot probably shoot both raw and jpeg for a while.
Many people fall in luv with the X-Pro. I am looking forward to the X-Pro 4. I luv the Fujifilm X cameras. I upgraded from X-T20 to X-T5 but might switch to X-Pro 4 ... will see when it comes out
I heard that there were rumors that the X Pro 4 will be the last in the series Due to high production costs
Film has definitely made me a better street photographer, but I mainly shoot B&W so that I can go out with my OM-1 / 50 f1.4 and process and scan the roll the same evening. A roll a day, I have thousands of film images in Lightroom.
But for sure, I had the original X-Pro1 /35 f1.4 when it came out and its JPEGs were glorious, and I almost never shoot JPEGs on other systems. Congrats 🍾
Thank you!
I used to love developing B&W film in college. Maybe one day when I have more time I'll get back into it. 😄
@@marike1100 a roll a day?!!! are you shitting gold or something mate thats Impressive
I bought my first Fujifilm camera based on 20% good reviews and 80% it looked cool af. I’ve been through a few since then, currently got an X-T4 and I absolutely love it. I still save the RAW files (compressed), but I very rarely touch them - it’s quite surprising how much detail you can recover from a JPG these days.
Love the shots in this video too - off to check out more of your stuff now 😊
the xt30 was that camera for me. with the 35 1.4. omg. i have an xt5 with the fast fuji primes and the xt30/35 1.4 is STILL my favorite camera.
I have the xt20 with the viltrox 23mmf1.4 and that's all I need
One step closer to fully shooting Fujifilm for both professional and fun work. Also if you would have developed that film I wonder if that would have affected your original choice to change.
How’s your love for the Xpro2 now?
Funny I just managed to pick one up for similar reasons to you, as in the jpg recipes and general admiration of the design for the camera. Burnt through two batteries easily in the first day setting up the camera and shooting family.
Mated it with the TTArtisans 25mm f2. Seems like a great pairing, adding an even more vintage process to taking pictures with the camera.
Awesome video man. Just subscribed. Congrats on almost getting to 100k. Good stuff. I had the same experience with the x100v. I shoot full time and got tied of taking my main gear out on for fun. But those Fuji film sims really took my experience to a new level.
Thanks brother, I appreciate your kindness 🤜🏻🤛🏻 Glad to hear you're getting the same joy out of film sims as I am!
Your videos have been so helpful. I was clueless about what camera I wanted and now, I’ve got a bit of a clue. Thank you!
I love this camera and as I live in New Caledonia, I can say I am lucky enough to finally own this one by trading it with a Panasonic gm1 … ! I have it all the time, every singe day !
Paired with my trusty fuji 35mm 1.4 or quite often the Minolta rokkor 50mm 1.4 adapted on it, it’s a powerful Image creator tool.
Amazing ! I am heading to buy the 56 mm mk 1 for my sons portraits !
Price of those camera is skyrocketing so if you can find one at a good price go for it !
Why are the X-Pro1/2 overly expensive even used? I have the XT1, X-E1, and X-E2 bodies, and those aren't as bad, even got the X-E1 and X-E2 for less than 300 at one time, and those shot up in prices. The XT1 is about 300 to less than 400, and have stayed there since the XT2 came out. Probably today the XT1 would be your best value, since aside from price, it is the most spec and featured (the electronic viewfinder on the XT1 is gorgeously huge) among the camera's I mention aside from the XT2 and above.
My guess, in short - demand. The X100v is highly sought after and the X-Pro is just a slightly larger version of it.
If you're not fussed by the OVF but want that rangefinder styling then the X-E range is an amazing option for sure.
They were expensive and niche to start with, I don't think it gets much better over time. That hybrid viewfinder is also a love/hate thing for a lot I guess. Like the X100V series, if you look at the specs you think they are overpriced, but somehow they do a sort of Leica thing with them, they get lovable and people want them besides the tech-specs, and they stay high on the 2nd hand market because of it 😔
@@jorismak
Exactly.
Be happy you got that x-e2 so cheaply.
They’re much more expensive now.
It’s a great camera.
@@powbobs Oh I am happy that I got them for cheap. Not complaining about the XE2 at all. Just wondering why the x100 and xpro1 series are just too expensive, and why the Xt1 is so cheap when it is the most advance of them all.
Why wouldn't you edit your photos? Scan and edit, just like digital. When I print in the darkroom, I never just try to get a clean print and move on. I spend hours and hours burning dodging and using sheet after sheet of paper until I get a workable working print. Then I make as many copies with those instructions I have written down and the best copies become artist proofs. When I was printing color in the wet darkroom, it was much the same thing. You had to be far more careful though as color shift was a real issue. Shooting for the final output seems pointless but I get some people like it. I ask "what's the point if you aren't making your own impression of reality. Something that not every other person on earth could have pointed their camera at and achieved?". The same goes for digital. The file is the score and the edited final product is the performance. That was an Ansel Adams quote. He wouldn't let an unedited photo out of his darkroom for a million dollars. Just my thoughts on how the whole process works.
Excellent review! Makes me even more appreciative of this work of art from 2016. I’ve owned many models of the Fuji cameras over the years and have sold and rebought many. I just recently repurchased the X-T3 and I’m enjoying the better autofocus for family and travel photos. I also enjoy shooting with the X-Pro 2. It inspires me like no other camera I’ve ever had, however i’m getting that GAS itch again and want to buy the new Fuji 33mm f1.4. The problem is that I can’t afford it unless i sell my Fuji X-Pro 2 (in excellent condition) but I wonder if i’ll regret it in the end. Furthermore, MPB is offering me about $670 for it which is less than the cost of a gently used 33mm f1.4 so I’ll still have to cough up some dough to get the lens as well as letting go of my beloved X-Pro 2. I’ve heard it said that “you date your camera bodies but marry your lenses,” so that makes me more inclined to sell the X-Pro 2 since lenses make a much bigger difference in the quality of your photos than bodies do. Any opinions or advice would help. Thanks!
Keep your X-Pro2 and find a way to raise the cash for the much cheaper Viltrox 27mm f1.2.
That's why I have a few of my custom mods on my XH2S dedicated entirely for shooting in funky film recipes. I do take up jobs and I will shoot raw then, but I just need to also make it easy for myself to switch to fun.
Yep. I still have unprocessed rolls of film from years ago and a few still in a couple of 35mm cameras I own. 😃 Someday I will get a Fujifilm X whatever series.
It was the X-Pro for me too. It was a Leica I could affford, with great lenses and small enough for street photography. I’m a Fuji X devotee, from the XT-1 onward.
This video has some timeless points, inspiring, and is also a great example of content that is keeping those used bodies nice and expensive 😢
Similar to me in that I started with photography as a hobby, then tried a little bit for work, then it ruined the joy for me. Now it is only a hobby.
Gotta love the Canon Digital Rebel! As an occasional person. I still have mine. And to me the photos look natural
My Favorite Canon A series! Love it! Smooth. Using Film can be fun but color for me, tricky! Labs are expensive and many are crap! I find digital easier! FREE! Film is special, I do use it! Rethink your pro methods! Shoot JPEG, not RAW! Expose less. You are photographer, not an Editor! Streamline! Best of Luck!
Yes, but the money you spend on a digital camera, cards, software etc would pay for processing thousands of rolls of film.
@@radharcanna You first have to buy a film camera those rolls of film. And a film scanner, unless you’re going for prints in which case you have to factor in that cost as well. And I don’t know where you live, but film isn’t exactly getting cheaper.
I have a love-hate relationship with my Fujifilm. It takes lovely photos but it is so frustrating to connect to another device that I end up not using it as much. Not that it is so terrible using the removable storage, but I get so annoyed because the menu suggests and online advice tells me it is possible yet it doesn't connect and I sit there seething and then eventually put it away again.
I saw a work around online where someone actually bought an SD card with WiFi connectivity and used that to connect to his smartphone, rather than relying on the camera. Maybe that would help?
I’m being badass watching your video while I should be working wishing I could be a photographer, must be great doing a job that you enjoy and give people joy from your photos. I inherited a couple of old film cameras from my Dad a few years ago and I understand exactly what you’re saying about film and I want to go out and use them but I didn’t realise how expensive film can be until looking the other day, then you got to get the damn things developed. You’re making me want to go shoot the streets 😂 Excellent video Tom 👍🏻
Thanks Gavin. I honestly didn't think I'd enjoy street photography as much as I have. Portraits have always been my thing, but this recent epiphany has changed all that. I think I was always a bit nervous about trying it out, but now I've dipped my toes I want to do it more and more. I would highly recommend it!
I shoot my A74 with the Zeiss 35mm f2.8 as a daily carry or for street photography. There's a guy on here that shares different film type settings for the Sony Jpgs
Nice! I'll have to take a look in to that.
Where? Link please
I shoot with the original Sony a7 and that 35mm Zeiss so the set up is basically as compact as the Fuji but the Fuji aesthetic is terrific.
@@TomCalton youtube.com/@veresdenialex?si=6dRJCtBsxde-h8E_
@@krystianbv87 youtube.com/@veresdenialex?si=6dRJCtBsxde-h8E_
2:22 almost had a heart attack seeing one year of film photography undeveloped in a plastic bag, not even willing to process them. I hope I'll never get to this point. Otherwise as a film shooter, I agree that the Fujis xpro series might be the best way to get the film experience in digital.
For the Customer saved settings, can you save separate WB settings for each of the 7 Custom presets? You can’t do this with the X100F.
Your day-to-day VW Golf...now that was a bit depressing.😂 I got an X-Pro1 used a couple of years ago and the sooc output is magical, film-like for real (I'm not just casually throwing out the phrase). 😁
I love my Fuji x10, x20, and GFX 50s… but I wonder if people know that Olympus has wonderful jpgs as well
I can relate. X-E1 here adapting my Minolta and Nikon glass
Nice! I was toying with the idea of getting an x-E1 and making a video on it. Do you think I should?
@@TomCalton Many love that sensor and it still a nice shooter! Do it.
Do it Tom, they are more affordable than the xpro2, so will probably appeal to a wider audience 👍🏻
In my case the XT1 made me love photography but I still have my eyes on the XPro2. 😭
@Tom Calton ... I think that the Epson RD-1 is the camera for you.
Winder to cock the shutter .. ✔
Mechanical shutter .. ✔
Digital camera ✔
Rangefinder ✔
Film like experience ✔
Great quality check ✔
Manual focus ✔
Fun factor ✔
Your next video ✔
I love that camera strap. Where did you get it from?
Great video, I have watched your videos for a long time it’s only during this one I recognised Stamford and realised you live close to me and in fact I have worked a wedding and event with your team in the past as a wedding magician!
Ha! Small world! Thanks for watching - hopefully we'll bump in to one another at a wedding sometime 😁
@@TomCalton let’s hope so, I have done a couple with Paul :)
Ah cool! I'll tell him you said hi 😁
@@TomCalton Thanks! Would love to join you on a photography walk sometime :)
You have the best reviews and videos. Thank you! My question: how do you compare the x-pro 2 to an xt3? What's different? I currently own an xt3 and an x100v. Thanks again.
Pretty much the same reasons I took to buying the Sony 6400. Many don't realise you can fiddle with the settings to simulate film on this too - you just need to find the help online first because you don't get all the starter work done for you as with a Fuji. You just then save your favourites as presets. But the main reason I bought this was getting older and getting fed up with lugging a full frame camera and lenses in a bag plus tripod. This just wasn't fun any more. I tried a bridge camera with a superzoom lens and it scratched my itch for a while, but in the end I was just dissatisfied with the compromises that any superzoom lens has to make. It was a Fuji and I loved it, so I thought I would move to one of their APS system camera, but stay small. Or go for a fixed lens model as in the X100 series. But could I find one? Everything sold out all the time... Or available at way over MSRP - even if 2 or 3 years old used. It was dissatisfaction with this market (which I am sure will improve or maybe already has) that had me looking at the Sony. For starters, their 6000 series is amazingly compact. The kit lens - pure shit. But replaced with the Sigma 18-50 f2.8 that problem was solved. So much so that many folks thought I was using expensive primes - that lens is that good, and so good value for money. I have rarely found the need for another lens. Sigma has brought out a wide zoom to complement it and maybe there's a tele zoom coming, but the wide zoom is more expensive and I bet the tele zoom will be too... So I really need to feel that I need those before committing, and as I said I already so rarely feel the need for another lens. The focus goes so close that even my macro itch gets scratched... But anyway, appreciate this video and it reminded me how I needed to re-invigorate my love of photography even though I have only ever been an amateur enthusiast.
Do you use the creative styles for these or have you setup custom picture profiles using the still setting? Looking to get better JPEGs out of my RX100 VII (and A6400 for that matter). So far haven’t been able to find anything useful on the subject.
@@Htbaa I've played a little myself and it's remarkable what you can do with a little patience. It's kinda like Lightroom colour grading before you even take a shot. What I did was put myself by somewhere familiar and took dozens of shots of the same scene (a coconut tree and a flowering shrub close to my house). I had made slight adjustments to the settings between each shot and - importantly - wrote them down. It costs nothing to do except time and patience, but it takes time to begin to understand how the settings change the picture profile. The profiles that a prebuilt for you aren't too shoddy anyway. There's a couple of guys shooting Sony who share picture profile setups on their personal blog sites, but not for free - not that I've found yet anyway. Can't blame them as it's not as intuitive as on Fuji and, as I said, it takes a lot of time and experimentation to get anywhere. In my opinion, it's time well spent as I don't want to pay some guy I never heard of before $25 per picture profile!
Lugged a 7D with 15-85 around to upgrade to a Fuji X100 😅 Never looked back.
Good for you my boy , I dropped out pro photography , cause it was hurting my love for this beautiful art form...
yeah, "shoot for the jpeg". No it's not easier, usually more difficult but you set the camera for the image you want as you see it realised at the time. We are asking the camera to do the convert and post but we are setting the parameters before pushing the shutter. Most of these settings affect the gain which alter the exposure and hence will affect the raw too: you get a better raw If you have done it right you don't need the raw, the jpeg is often better than you can do with Lightshop. Shooting for the jpeg can be a more real experience, more filmic, but it is not just point and shoot and let the camera do it.
Has the hybrid viewfinder been a deciding factor in any way
This is, almost word for word, my story... In my case it is X-E3 with M42-FujiX adapter and a dozen vintage M42 lenses... Since the .jpgs are so good, I only use my phone to get them from the camera to IG (occasionally fine-tuning them in Snapseed). Totally different experience, I love taking pictures again after approx. 150 weddings documented in several EU countries... Thanks, Fujifilm! ;)
Ha, i’ve just stumbled upon your channel and find myself pondering getting a Fuji for just the reasons you note. And yeah, those X-PRO models…U la la! 👍
"The problem". Man, I've had the exact same problem. It only took me from 2009 until 2024 to get back to "photography is fun, not work".
A beautifully inspiring video, and the images aren’t bad either !! Thks Mate.
I used to own this camera 4 years ago... I sort of wish I kept it
Funny. For the same reasons, and due to good memories, I switched back to a Minolta X-700.
Finding a camera you love makes a huge difference 👌🏻
Not a paid photographer, but I feel the same. I have WASTED far too much time in Photoshop. Today I prefer medium fine jpg. Yes I would also still want to shoot raw when/if needed, but that is no longer the default. Personally more interested in the art and developing my style.
Hi Tom, I already have a6400, specs wise, it blew xpro2 away.. but my heart says to get this xpro2 instead... what's your suggestion?
Good question! If you're using it for professional work, I'd say the Sony is likely the better/more reliable/safer option. If you're not using it to make a living, the X-Pro is undoubtedly a much more fun option. I hope this helps!
That bag of unprocessed film made me laugh so much! LOL🤣🤣
Another nice vid. Thanks for sharing.
I would love to test a Fuji Camera by myself to have the same experience. But most likely my Problem is time. So even if I would have the camera, I would probably choosee my main cause I don't know when will be the next time,,,, ;)
I know what you mean. Though, I've found that I don't tend to plan anything - I just take my X-Pro with me if I'm heading anywhere that could provide even the smallest amount of potential for photos. Even if that's just going to the shops, or taking the kids to the park. If you have your camera with you it forces you into the mindset of seeking out photo opportunities.
@@TomCalton 100% A week ago I made a perfect photo… with my phone, cause I left the camera at home. Damn it!!! The right light, the right time. So I asked myself If I would carry a Camera like the X-Pro with me instead of the whole equipment. But I‘m wondering if I would regret not having the other camera with me. Also in the past we didn’t work that much on photos like we do these days…
I think you'd only regret it if the camera you bring doesn't provide you with the outcome you want. For me, I don't need the photos I capture to be perfect art pieces. They're just a means of documenting time and practicing photo techniques. But if you do want your photos to be as perfect as possible, this might not be the one for you.
Hi, what is the screw on piece for people like me who wear eyeglasses? Haven’t seen that before! Is Fuji the only camera that has those?
How much is it??
Um, I really hope you can develop that film sometime! I bet it'd make a good video.
How is the xf23mm mk1 balance on the xpro2? I wonder if i should get the f2 version... but that f1.4 produces really nice images
Yeah, no complaints here. Sure, it's a little big, but for me it's worth it for the situations where I want a super shallow depth of field, or for use in low light.
Any lens / camera combination balances when you hold it correctly.
I am so happy to have one
Hahaha, i was the same at first when i started shooting film, no joy of seeing the photo right after. But after some time i tought to myself why look better spend little more time before cliking the shuter button than clicking it twice. After shotting only on film for nerly 1 year the screen on the back of didital cameras just feels wrong.😂😂
As a 9 to 5 photographer you must have plenty of free time to shoot for fun. The ones which I know are more like 7 to 7 and 6 days a week photographers 😅. Interesting content anyway, specially the advice at the end of the video.
Believe me, I used to be a 7 to 7 photographer working 6 or sometimes 7 days a week. But I decided to work smarter, not harder. I can highly recommend it 😉
nice video sir. ❤
Thank you!
Some say Sony camera are not fun, but what is the fun, all these non Leica M camera are more or less the same, or it's not the camera problem, but user's expectation of using it that you have to shoot raw and edit and not just get the best SOOC jpg and heif out of it? Sony A7RV image quality is good too and if you don't want to spend on so many body and just using it as your only one camera, you can also shoot jpg/heif with it just to have fun with it right? I want to get it and just to shoot as hobbyist and minimum to no post processing, but some say you need to edit or else it is a waste or you can shoot with the Film Simulation on Fuji to get good results photos, but if most of the time what I want is realistic looking photo, I can do that with A7RV's SOOC setting too right plus it also has creative style too right? Plus all these compact and full size camera still not pocketable like RX100 and hence why not just get a proper size camera for better handing, EVF and screen like the A7RV as you only camera?
Also, have you wonder like many things in life, why put so many effort just to take photos and videos and not just use phone camera to record here and there if it's not your primary work and also your content not all will get pass down and value later but lose in time plus a lot places and things you take photos already took by many others even you value art?
And what camera setup you bring in everyday life and travel, some people use less bulky and performance camera for their own life but use fancy gears for clients and travel, why, isn't everyday life is most parts of our life which is important too and shouldn't discount to document them in high quality forms?
this.
Hi, what you mean?
Oh how I wish I could have a Leica monochrome camera 📸. .
The Leica 35mm M6 rangefinder loaded with b&w film is my monochrome camera.
I fully agree, but are you at limited time here?😮
Getting better: 10,000 hours.
like your first sentence in the video is the same as in you description i read simultaneously while you said it xD
People like different things.
This Title Made Me Click This Video... Again
Fun
Fun
Fun
The very low autonomy ruins everything!
I look at my sony box and cry.
unfortunately too expansive 2nd hand !!
Good video! Why do you speak so fast?
on the way to Leica M
Now we're talkin' big dolla bucks 🤑 Fujifilm is the poor man's Leica 🤣
@@TomCalton it’s not even the poor mans Leica anymore. Fujis prices are insane and about the same as used leicas . X100v prices right now you can buy a Leica m240 body. I sold my x100v for $1700 and bought a mint condition Leica mp240 with a voightlander 35 f1.4. For $1900.
If yall would stop making these fuji videos brain washing boomers thinking they’re some type a magic camera prices wouldn’t be so high
Camera has nothing to do with your skill and expertise about photography
You're absolutely right. But it does have everything to do with your overall enjoyment of photography, which is equally as important.
@@TomCalton the enjoyment in photography is taking pictures like writing is using words any pen can excite as any camera can
Why would you buy something only for the looks 😭😭
Where was that expressed or implied?
You SHOULD use a camera that you love the look of. Anything else is going to lead to disappointment.
The problem this guy has is thinking he needs to edit every single personal photo he takes.
If you shoot RAW you do 🤷
How is that a problem?
@@c0ldc0ne - At that point, it becomes something less about photography itself and more about the editing. There wasn't exactly a lot of editing done with photographic film. Magic can be done in the darkroom, but with Photoshop, it has become more about the magic of Photoshop than about the photography itself. Once upon a time, I did medium format wedding photography - with film. You need to get it right in camera because there are almost never any second chances. It matters very much what your photographic philosophy is with regard to photography when it comes to the final results: Either you tinker with the image after the fact, or else in camera beforehand.
@@scotthullinger4684 I think that's a bit of a false dichotomy. Ansel Adams was known for using extensive and advanced darkroom techniques to create his iconic prints. I haven't heard many people claim that this made him less of a photographer. On the other hand, it's not that modern photographers take all their captures through the wringer in Photoshop to manipulate them beyond recognition, but typically only make minor adjustments in Lightroom. And like you said, in the olden days you got it right in camera because you had to, not because it made your craft more pure or authentic. It has often been said that if Adams were still alive, he'd probably be an avid Photoshop aficionado.
@@c0ldc0ne - Employing digital techniques is not the equivalent of using Photoshop.
More to the point ... analogue is not directly equivalent to digital. I very seriously DOUBT that Ansel Adams would be a fan of Photoshop, unless maybe he were a fashion or advertising photographer back in the day. In this day and age, for the most part, what we all see in the way of photography is the final result of using Photoshop and similar tools. When it comes right down to it, I very seriously believe that of all the people who are photographers - whether amateur or professional - very few of them are largely competent as BOTH a photographers, and as Photoshop experts.
what a boring video
My view is that while I understand professional photographers need to edit their work, I feel a TRUE photographers gets it right in camera. If you rely on the computer to finish your photo, you are a digital editor not a photographers.
The X-pro 2 allows a photographers to be creative in camera and get back to TRUE photography.
Interesting point and I know where you're coming from. Though, personally, I don't think there should be hard set rules which dictate whether you are or are not a 'true' photographer, because ultimately it should kinda be irrelevant how other people define you. If you prefer to get everything perfect in camera - great. If you prefer to take a photo and then go to town on the editing afterwards - that's also great. I don't think either process makes you more or less of a photographer. You're just on the opposite side of the same scale. Both started with the human eye noticing a scene, a camera capturing it and ended with a piece of art. But that's just my 2¢ ☺️
@@TomCalton exactly. Even back in the film days, you could spend more time in the darkroom developing film to a certain look you wanted. Or even cross processing it, masking and dodging areas. Obviously, with digital you have almost unlimited options now. But I find the whole process of playing around with images and tweaking them in post, just as satisfying as shooting. I shoot RAW with my X-pro2, but in B&W mode, as it's less distracting and it lets me concentrate on the composition. I then apply any look I want in Lightroom. In fact, all the fuji recipes can be easily applied (then tweaked if needed) so you get the best of both worlds. The fuji looks, and also the flexibility of the raw file, if you need to fix a blown-out highlight or raise the shadows a bit to get some more detail in a shot.
i tend to disagree, here is why: I have never been a pro, but shot medium format (b&w) decades ago, and doing so I learned that the 2nd half of taking pictures takes place in the darkroom: (re-)framing, brightness and contrast choices are very important ingredients to happiness. i guess that had defined my approach even for today, and, tbh, even when taking pictures on an iphone (those better, more important ones)
Andel Adams was known for the extensive dark room processing of his work. I guess he was not a TRUE photographer.