Fujifilm X100F Review
I’ve only had this camera for a short amount of time and I debated whether or not to post a blog entry about it. Did I shoot enough with it? Did I put it through its paces? Did I feel informed enough? Did I return it like I did my X100T in less then two weeks?
The Fujifilm X100F or Fourth (IV) is Fuji’s 4th edition of this popular system. Having owned the X100T I knew what to expect. Or did I?
I had purchased the X100T and owned it for about 2 weeks and to be honest it never really impressed me much. I don’t know what about it really didn’t do it for me. I quickly sold it.
After that I gave up on the X100 series and gravitated all my cash and efforts towards the Fujifilm GFX Medium Format Monster.
See more on that rig here https://www.josephdagostinophotography.com/blog/
My passion for shooting everyday overpowered my will to streamline my gear and I soon found myself purchasing and X-T2 then an X-Pro1. This led the way to an X-Pro2 which in turn brought me full circle back to… you guessed it the X100F. I was a bit hesitant at first. Loving my X-Pro series cameras I was skeptical about having a fixed lens limiting my options. I only own 3 zoom lenses and they are all from Nikon so I’m primarily a prime shooter. The more I shot everyday with the XPro cameras the more I noticed the Fujinon 23mm 1.4 mounted to the front of my cameras. The 35mm effective view due to the APS-C sensor has been the perfect focal length for my taste.
A perfect story telling lens. Wide enough for landscapes and perfect for tighter areas as well.
So… my argument for having a 23mm fixed lens was all but diminishing. Then I remembered the softness of the 23mm at f/2 in the X100T when using close focus. Well that’s all my fault. I’ve learned from my mistakes and f/4 for close ups reveals tack sharp images on the X100F. The other wonderful specification the X100F has adopted was the newer 24mpix X-Trans CMOS III sensors found in the X-Pro2 and XT2. If you haven’t had the chance to shoot with this sensor you owe it to yourself to take one for a spin. Gorgeous colors and amazing dynamic range. Beautiful high ISO.
This sensor impressed me every time I start messing around with my RAW files. If you don’t like RAW files not to worry because Fuji has some of the best JPEG color profiles in the business. Plus just like the X-Pro2 the X100F has the RAW converter and WiFi implementation so you can send your baked files straight to your phone for posting on social media. This way you can become a famous photographer and have Fujifilm invite you to become their newest celebrated X Ambassador… well it’s probably a lot harder then that. I’ve been trying for sometime now… haha.
If you haven’t guessed by now then I’ll fill you in. NO I WILL ABSOLUTELY NOT BE SELLING OR ETURNING THE X100F… I LOVE IT.
Man what a beautiful and refined camera Fuji has delivered to us. I don’t care who is offended by this next statement but I need to go out and say it. The X100F is as gorgeous as the Leica M series… GASP. How dare you sir!!!!
I opted for the silver version myself and couldn’t be happier. The black rubberized leatherette sings in your hand and the newest X100 has a real solid heft to it. There is nothing that says plastic fantastic here. It’s made in Japan, cause it even says so on the back. The camera body is cold to the touch letting you know it’s made from Magnesium. The graceful lines and knurled shutter speed, EV comp and focus ring are such a sweet sight and add to the richness of this new 100. Speaking of knurled knobs the shutter speed knob now encompasses the ISO as well just like the larger XPro2 and gives a real throw back to the days of film. You either love it or hate it but you still have the option of using a command dial to ride your ISO should you choose to.
If you haven’t guessed by now the Black & White files coming from the X100F are simply amazing.
This X100F was a camera that I wanted for a specific reason. To allow me to have a camera on me at all times and it has filled that role wonderfully and then some. For me to capture everyday moments there isn’t a better tool for me to use. Fast, accurate, small but solid. The X100F is a pure winner. Plus it looks like a million bucks but unassuming at the same time. This camera has so many features but at the same time can be so grounded and simple. It’s really up to you and how you wish to create imagery.
I’m not going to bore you with specs. They can be seen right here.
http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/x/fujifilm_x100f/
The specification that isn’t listed on any site but I’m sure that every X100F user by now already knows is the feeling that this camera will give you when you have it in your hand. It is begging for your creative input. It’s offering you photographic brilliance at the most basic level. It is just so damn intuitive and fun to use with its quite Leaf shutter f/2 lens. The addition of an internal 3-Stop ND filter and electric shutters speeds up to 1/32000th. All in the size of something a little shorter than an Apple iPhone 6 Plus. This is a street photography dream but more than that this Fujifilm X100F is a camera to capture life. Add your favorite accessories like a thumb grip, B&W F-Pro UV Filter to protect that lens, the JJC Lens hood and a nice simplistic strap from Hyperion and you’re off.
Thank you for taking the time to check out my work and please check out some of my other postings. Also please stop by my Instagram page to see more or my work with other set ups.
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“My name is Joe D’Agostino. I’m a father, husband and Photographer. My passion for photography started at a young age while learning from my father which I hope to pass down to my daughter. I believe failure helps you succeed so I take hundreds of bad photographs every day.”
