Some LOVE the Fujifilm X-Pro3, and Here is Why!

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Fujifilm X-Pro3 – A Camera to Hate

Today I thought I try to balance out the X-Pro3 sh*tstorm, by sharing a few stories of people, who actually either like or understand (and hence accept) the new X-Pro3 hidden tilt screen concept.

If you ask me personally, I admit that my first reaction was also something like “what the heck is this?”

But you know what I have learned from reading the massive (and brilliant) essays of Michel de Montaigne?

I have learned that we should try to “suspend our judgment“.

So, I try not to judge and to remain skeptical.

Only after I was able to try, feel, shoot and experience the Fujifilm X-Pro3 by myself, I will judge it!

Because I actually never used it… did you?

Fujifilm X-Pro3 – A Camera to Understand

Maybe Fujifilm should go the safe route and do it like Sony: focus on one mainstream camera body style, regurgitate that same form factor over and over again and “force” photographers to adapt to that specific photographic experience.

Surely, that would guarantee Fuji much higher return of investment.

But if I have understood something in about 8 years of Fujifilm blogging, is that offering tools for all kind of photographers is at the core of who they are at Fujifilm.

They play around with the form factor, in order to deliver such a variety of camera bodies, that it will be easier for everyone to find that one camera, that suits his/her photographic, artistic and creative needs best.

The Fujifilm X-Pro3 was crafted for the niche, this is why I don’t think Fujifilm cares much, if many don’t like the hidden LCD screen, as long as there are some, who like it.

Fujifilm has photographers in mind.

All kind of photographers.

And somewhere out there, there might be some, waiting for exactly something like the Fujiflm X-Pro3, and down below, you’ll find a few of them.

X-Pro3 – A Camera to Love

We start with Andrew, who points out the differences between Fujifilm and Sony approach. In short: listen to and have relationships with real photographer (Fujifilm) vs listen to and have relationships with online influencers (Sony).

  • If it was simply a specs decision, he’d have ditched Fujifilm for Nikon or Canon
  • but he loves shooting Fujifilm, so he still shoots Fujifilm
  • single most important feature is the value between maximum flexibility vs creative constraints and artistic freedom
  • Sony gets massive social media exposure by reaching out every channel with decent following willing to shoot Sony and invite them to extravagant parties every time they have something to talk about
  • Fujifilm does not do that, so they don’t get the same attention. It’s frustrating to see Fujifilm not catching up here

He goes on saying he likes the Fujifilm X-Pro3

  • Fujifilm manager listened to photographers when developing the Fujifilm X-Pro3
  • Fujifilm does not listen to social media
  • for Fujifilm, listening to artists and professionals comes first when it comes to innovation. Consumers needs come into play where it is convenient within those parameters
  • many prosumers are not driven to buy what they need, but driven to purchase based on what they don’t want to not have. That fear of missing out on something
  • with Sony you not only get the innovation, but you are probably getting that innovation first. That’s good if you think you need to get every single advantage you can have to stay ahead
  • Sony cameras is all about looking at specs sheets
  • Fujifilm is far more about shooting experience
  • Fujifilm X-Pro3, many prosumers will not get what this camera is about. Hidden LCD, optical viewfinder, film simulation (in times of RAW editing)
  • Fujifilm builds cameras that appeal different crowds
  • Fujifilm X-Pro3 is for those, who get creative constraints and who aren’t bothered to push the boundaries of specs.
  • these people have long understood that imposing constraints frees your mind to focus on artistry

At the end, he says the Fujifilm X-Pro3 solved the one thing, that he struggled with the most in the Fujifilm X system.

  • He questions Fujifilm build quality
  • his X-T2 got multiple repairs
  • Fujifilm must improve their repair service
  • X-T3 is better than X-T2 in terms of build quality, but still some materials don’t feel premium
  • the titanium X-Pro3 solves this. It will be a tough camera
  • Yes to the flip down screen
  • most time the LCD is turned off, since he does not want “that thing” glowing at him or distracting others. He will review the photos later back on the computer
  • he only needs it in that very important time, when he needs to get low or shoot from the hip
  • bringing the screen down is now one simple step, whereas with X-T3 you have to pull it out first, then flip it up
  • he will get an X-Pro3

Gajan Balan shares his thoughts about the Fujiiflm X-Pro3

  • Fuji’s wants to differentiate its products and push them into specific demographics, so that those people are ultimately the most satisfied
  • X-Pro3 has the opportunity goes after purists
  • X-Pro3 for people who want to go closer to photographs, and less to system
  • X-Pro3 is for people who value being in the moment and value not having distractions
  • he is happy to have tone curves controls in X-Pro3, so you can create recipe
  • he wishes there was a D-Pad, but he understands the idea of removing everything Fuji considers not really necessary feature
  • hidden LCD
  • showing film simulation on the back of mini screen seems like a gimmick feature, but it’s the best kind of gimmick. Shows Fuji’s attention to details and delights you
  • you can see your EXIF
  • he says 70% of FujiRumors readers are not happy with the screen
  • he understands why they are upset
  • technology will never satisfy everyone. there is no solution that makes everybody happy
  • X-Pro3 adds choice. Made for certain type of photographers
  • if you want LCD screen, still you can get X-Pro2
  • Fujifilm listens to social media, but the DO weight more the opinion and feedback of photographers
  • purists want the minimalism
  • he thinks the X-Pro3 is going to be a success

Gemini Connect also share his X-Pro3 video and wonder, who this camera is actually for:

  • he loves his X-Pro2
  • All Fujifilm cameras share same core specs, and Fujifilm needed to diversify camera lines
  • X-Pro is about vintage experience
  • hidden LCD is an interesting choice and mini-screen that shows film simulation. Fujifilm tries to emulate even more the experience of old film cameras
  • OVF is great for street photography, since you can anticipate what comes in the frame
  • Classic Negative gives look of the 70’s. Good if you are nostalgic for that look and feel or simply want more retro look in the images
  • Shooting X-Pro has a different experience, and is creatively enabling
  • no LCD (the hidden LCD) is not a big loss. You want to watch through HVF anyway on X-Pro
  • X-Pro3 is all about vintage feel and looks fashionable
  • X-Pro3 is for photographers, who are looking for something special, and a style that was dominant in the 70’s.
  • X-Pro3 line stands out thanks to hybrid viewfinder
  • X-Pro3 is all about how it feels shooting it. It focuses on experience
  • X-Pro3 wants to do one thing very well, and does not pretend to be all-rounder
  • Fujifilm wants to stand out, and in this case stand out as THE company, that makes the 70’s feels camera

And we close with a few blog posts starting with Olaf, who over at olafphotoblog writes:

I have great respect for any company that is not afraid to rethink their design and introduce something new. You need bold decisions and people in charge who are not tied to their corporate chairs to make such risky decisions. We should applaud it, not criticize.

Then there is also josephdagostinophotography, who, among the others, writes:

I myself love it but maybe that’s because I understand it. […] What we have in the new X-Pro3 is a pure simplistic approach towards photography. […]. If you hate it then perhaps your just not understanding it […]

We in turn should be celebrating a company so willing to risk a move as bold as this. They are making a statement that they are putting the pure art form of photography first […].

As a lover of film I couldn’t be happier at this new design. It is to be taken serious in its minimalist and classy approach. […] A discrete flip down screen for waist level shooting which I’ll admit was on my wish list. An informative and also retro style rear LCD which is reminiscent of film cameras with their film stock tab holders.

If your a photographer who loves the history of photography and not gadgetry then whats NOT to like? The XPro-3 is sure to slow you down and force your eye to the viewfinder while studying the application of your craft.

If anything, no more beat up scratched LCD screens either. NO MORE CHIMPING!!!

And finally, here is what visualsciencelab has to say:

I love it. I love it because it will save battery power, not distract me, and it’s a complete repudiation of composing and shooting on what should (on all cameras) be just a screen for menu setting and leisurely image review. I love it when a major camera maker’s design initiatives coincide with my use profile prejudices. It shows me that there are still sane and logical camera users out in the world.

In summary, sight unseen, I like the newest addition to the Fuji X-Pro collection and plan to buy one.

And don’t forget to:

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