to switch or not to switch: that is the question!

Switching or not to the Fuji X series? That is maybe the question of many photographers out there. I continue to receive feedback about switching stories. Just keep it up guys! Now, sometimes I receives messages from people who are still not convinced to make the big jump to the small X-camera. So here is some more feedback… and I’m waiting for more interesting switch stories ;)

You can read part 1 (here) and part 2 (here) of the “switching to the Fuji-X” posts.

have a great day
Patrick

P.S.: there is one Zeiss 12mm in stock here at ebayUS and four 32mm at ebayUK.

_ _ _

Gab:

“Hello Fujirumors…

This is quick message to tell you that I recently did the switch from the Nikon D600 to the Fujifilm X-PRO1 and I can tell you that I wouldn’t go back!

I was really intrigued by the X-PRO1 when it came out but really considered it when the firmware updates solved the major issues it had. I was still kind of scared because I mostly shoot boudoir and portraits and I was mostly seeing street, landscape or candid photography on the web. But I finally bought the X-PRO1 and dammmmnnn I love that baby!

Here’s one the latest shots I did with it using the [shoplink 11712]XF 35mm[/shoplink] lens. It was my first editorial wedding… Yup… I’m in love with this camera system!

Thank you Fuji! Regards.

Gab Labelle / gablabelle.com

Gab

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TaSK:

“Sir, Unfortunately I am not in a position to attach stunning images to lend credibility to my views on my X100s.  You’ll have to take them on face value instead :-) I’ve never turned off my Nikon DSLR. No need to. I pick it up, tap the shutter button, and we’re flying.  If it hasn’t gone to “sleep” yet, it doesn’t matter.  In particular: After picking up the camera and tapping the shutter, it is in a well-known state. With my X100s, alas, things are not that simple. Unless I pay great attention to what I do, I am unable to pick it up without pressing several buttons.  To avoid that wrecking havoc on my setup, I must turn it off whenever I put it down.Handing the camera to someone is a drag; as they grab it, I hear the dreaded sound of buttons being pressed.  “Please, can I have it back…checking setup, turning macro off again….you must hold it like this….” Argh!

The six-second-press-thing to lock some of the buttons is a mere joke. Six second is far to long, and not pressing anything else while waiting is almost impossible. At least with my large North-European sized thumb.  It does’n lock all buttons and, worse, you can’t see if it is engaged without pressing a button. The buttons on the back, both sides!, are not firm enough. That is, the firmness needed to hold the camera in the air is much firmer than what is needed to press buttons and turn the wheel. There is only a single place, rigth hand corner (seen from the back) with space for the thumb.  But it is dangerously close to the flash-button. Fortunately there is no movie-button to press which would have drained the battery.

So, then, what I want for my X101 is a slider somewhere convenient, one that would lock all buttons on the back in one go. It must be accessible either with the thumb (right hand side, naturally) or, possibly, within reach of the index finger. The [shoplink 11719 ebay]Nikon D80[/shoplink] has one to protect its multi-way selcetor. Or, as a firmware alternative to the X100s, moving the locking-feature to the Q-button where it can be pressed without interfering with lots of other buttons.  And three seconds is more than enough, thank you. Thank you for keeping us abreast on Fuji-news!”

Robert:

“Hi Patrick,

my name is Robert, I’m from Linz – Upper Austria – and I am a regular reader of FR.
Being a passionate photographer myself, I wanted to replace my old DSLR with a newer model in winter last year. Due to several reaseons I think, that DSLRs have had their best time and looked for a lightweight alternative, as the train of system cameras really gained momentum last year. In December I ended up buying myself a Fuji X-Pro 1, but unlike other people this hasn’t been “love at first sight”. My relationship to this cam had to mature, and even today I sometimes experience the “rough edges” of my beauty. But isn’t that true with all individual characters? Anyhow, today we two act as an efficient team and I enjoy using it nearly every day.
I recently started my own photo-blog and thanks to the extraordinary low light capabilities of Fujis X-Trans-sensor the opening spectacle of the new musictheatre in Linz really produced some stunning images. Enjoy!

look at the opening spectacle of the new opera in Linz here.

Robert

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Craig:

“[…] Here’s an article I posted about the Fuji X-Pro 1 and how I sold all of my DSLRs and totally switched over to Fuji if you’re interested. Thanks again, I love you site. I hope whenever the new X-Pro 1s/2 comes out that they do NOT change a thing on the physical body–it’s perfect in form and function. […]”

“Very recently, less than one month ago, I sold all of my DSLRs, fast glass and long lenses and purchased two Fuji X-Pro 1 bodies, the XF 18mm f/2 (approx. 28mm equivalent) lens, the XF 35mm f/1.4 (approx. 50mm equivalent) lens, and the XF 18-55 zoom lens, and I couldn’t be happier.

Check out Craig’s article “My name is not Rockefeller” here.

Craig

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X100S at AmazonUS (third party reseller for $1500) / XF55-200 + Zeiss Touit: in stock and first impressions

X100S

[SOLD OUT] Two X100S is now in stock at AmazonUS via third party reseller, but you have to pay $200 extra to grab it. Let’s hope for AmazonUS to ship the X100S directly soon.

ZEISS TOUIT: FR-READERS IN STOCK STATUS CHECK

– Roger told me that the new Zeiss Touit lenses for Fuji X-mount are now in stock at precision-camera (Austin TX) here (12mm) and here (32mm)

– FR-reader Franz received a message from his German reseller (fotoversand-afa.de). Looks like the new Zeiss optics will be with the vendor mid-next week.

tzsantos told me that they are available also in Portugal at jvalles.com

Zeiss Touit 32mm in stock status check: USA: Adorama / BHphoto / Uniquephoto / Pictureline / Europe: AmazonDE / ebayUK / PCHstore Brussel
Zeiss Touit 12mm in stock status check: USA: Adorama / BHphoto / Uniquephoto / Pictureline / Europe: AmazonDE / ebayUK / PCHstore Brussel

ZEISS TOUIT: FIRST IMPRESSIONS

– For the dc.watch first impressions and samples of the Touit 12mm X-mount click here (translated version)

XF 55-200: FR-READERS IN STOCK STATUS CHECK

Mark: “I just got a call from Henry‘s to let me know that the Fujifilm 55-200 that I pre-ordered is now in the store for me.  So the lens is now available in Canada.”

Peter: “This is not a rumor but a fact. I was notified that my order for the XF 55-200 lens was shipped tonight from Cyberphoto in Sweden. :-) I hope I get it before the weekend!”

XF 55-200 in stock status check: USAAdoramaBHphoto / AmazonUS / DigitalRev / Uniquephoto / Pictureline / Europe: AmazonUK / AmazonDE / PCHstore Brussel / Worldwide ebay: slidoo (available in Japan)

XF 55-200: FIRST IMPRESSIONS

1) photogenykstudios first impressions (and samples) of the XF55-200 can be read here.

“The XF55-200… may even be the most accurate of the Fuji lenses to date. Speed wise it wont set any records, but it wasn’t bad either. I would say it focused a lot better than I was expecting it to. I saw no difference after performing the needed firmware update. I have no complaints in either speed or accuracy. The image stabilization is also brilliant. I was effortlessly able to take tack sharp shots at 1/40 of a second at 200mm.

The IQ was nothing short of amazing. Tack sharp at 200mm, be it stopped down or wide open. Contrast, colour, sharpness, all excellent. No matter the aperture or focal length I could not take a bad shot from a pure IQ perspective. […]  What I liked best however was the rendering. The way the lens and camera draw the image, especially backlit shots, were breath taking.”

2) “Hi Patrick! Got my Fujinon 55-200mm today at Saturn shop in Düsseldorf Germany. Only 50 Pieces will be delivered right now to Germany. Did some pics today (not edited, all handheld) You might use them on your fabolous site if you want. Greetings from Düsselorf, Michael” See Michael’s first shots with the XF55-200 here.

Samyang 16mm available in June? + Rokinon 300mm f/6.3 Mirror lens

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As you know, Samyang just announced the Samyang 16mm f/2.0 X-mount (click here). According to a FR-reader from Malaysia, it will arrive in stores there at the end of June.

And more good news. At the facebook page of Rokinon here you can see the first images of the new 300mm f/6.3 mirror lens (for E-mount) and a video here. The X-mount version will follow.

Seems that Samyang is about to release a whole new range for the Fuji X-mount… and now we wait for Sigma to do the same ;)

To what belongs Sigma, I’ve read here that Sigma Corporation America said “Unfortunately Fuji did not use the Micro Four Thirds mount and doesn’t have the market share Sony does, I’m not going to say we will not make lenses for your mount but not at this time.” So, buy a Fuji X to convince Sigma :)

cheers
Patrick

Fuji releases the Firmware Update Ver.1.03 for the X100S.

The X100s got a new firmware update (ver. 1.03)! You can download it here: http://www.fujifilm.com/support/digital_cameras/software/firmware/x/x100s/. That issues has been fixed: “The phenomenon is fixed that in rare cases a grainy image like TV fuzz could appear on LCD under a certain shooting condition.

The X100S is still sold out at Amazon US (3-4weeks delivery). It is in Stock in UK at [shoplink 12597 ebay]CameraCentre eBay (Click here)[/shoplink].

[UDPATE: Feedback: Silkypix + X20] Silkypix 5.0.39 with improved X-Trans support now available!

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Silkypix announced the updated program (Ver.5.0.39) for improved RAW image development of Fuji Film’s X-series on “SILKYPIX Developer Studio Pro5.” here. In the release note (here) it says:

Image quality improvement of a development for photographs filmed with a digital camera which uses X-Trans CMOS sensor. The improved image processing algorithm reduces several undesirable effects (moire, etc.) but keeps high resolution of a photograph. In addition, color reproducibility of photographs filmed under specific conditions is improved.

Click here to download the latest version of Silkypix (30 days trial available).

Download, try it out and leave your feedback in the comments. And check Rico’s comparison at Flickr.

Thanks for telling me, Bille!

cheers
Patrick

[UPDATE]

FR-reader Bille was so kind (he owns the X20) to sent me his findings about the new Silkypix version

[…] Files developped with the new version of SP5, camera is X20, the places are my home (portait of Grand Ma and the Dog), Paris (Fountain of Saint Michel, a little ghost flare on the left of the pix, the Beggar and its dog), Marne River near Paris (the boat).
The fujifilm X20 is a very capable camera, much better than any compact I had till now.

My foundings are:

a) the previous SP5 version with the support of the X20 had a major issue with the white balance, the green channel was over represented, correctable through the tools but this version 5.0.39 has the proper decoding, it is far easier to work and colors are  more faithful.
b) the previous version had some patterns showing in the developped image at full enlargement, pixel peeping, for the X20, these were squares of Moiré, the new version has reduced a lot this phenomenon. Still visible when pictures are taken at setting over 800 iso. But the noise reduction tool can really reduce this easily (with some loss of detail)
c) The previous version produced some ‘muddy’ contour for the X20 images, while the new version shows nicer contours, This is visible, again, at pixel peeping distance. At reasonable distance, images from the X20 thru previous SP5 looked ‘dull’.This phenomenon was clear on the images taken with the X20 sensor, less with the X100 sensor. Reason, the X20 has a smaller sensor than the X100 and the processing needs subtler algorithms.

I have developped sample raw images from the X100 downloaded at the site www.focusnumerique.com and with the previous version of SP5, the contours were a bit smeared. Not much. Now, with the version V5.0.39, I have more details and sharpers contours, like using a Leica CL in the old days of the FujiChrome Provia!

This version of Silkypix 5.0.39 has been a giant leap forward for the Compact X20, addressing some nasty issues. All my enquiries to ISL and the support team has been answered with a great accuracy and courtesy. This is important to mention: ISL back supports its customers and does it well.

The camera X20 has been sold since first week of April, it’s normal to discover a few bugs. But they have been addressed by Editors or Manufacturers.

I’m now a happy camper!

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