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Minor quibbles with the X10

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mpix345

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I've been an X10 owner for

The on/off lens turn thing. Seemed OK to me when I was reading about it, but so far I am not thrilled with it. The zoom is smooth, but it sort of feels like I am forcing it when I turn camera off or on. Maybe that's intentional, to avoid accidental ons or offs, but it just feels strange right now. It doesn't click or snap in to on/off position, just sort of plows through it.

The thumb grip on back of camera is not in a great spot for me. I'd prefer it be flipped with the AEL button and scroll wheel, as I really can't comfortably keep my thumb in a straight position along edge of camera. I'll have to see how quickly I get used to this. Might not matter much in a few days.

The scroll wheel is very loose and easy to move accidentally. This is aggravated by my thumb always wandering over to the wheel. It sounds like Fuji tightened up the mode and EC dials on the X10 vs the X100. It seems strange that the scroll wheel didn't get the same treatment.

That's all I've got for now. I'd be curious to know how others find the on/off transition and the scroll wheel. I'll definitely be spending some quality time shooting tomorrow. I've been very impressed with quick shots of my messy kitchen and junk on the bookshelf in my office. But I didn't buy a $600 camera for that sort of nonsense.
 
mpix345 said:
The on/off lens turn thing. Seemed OK to me when I was reading about it, but so far I am not thrilled with it. The zoom is smooth, but it sort of feels like I am forcing it when I turn camera off or on. Maybe that's intentional, to avoid accidental ons or offs, but it just feels strange right now. It doesn't click or snap in to on/off position, just sort of plows through it.
Click to expand...
I know what you mean. I've had mine for about three hours now, and I feel similarly. There is a detent at 28mm but it doesn't have a firm detent at the off position. Also, it means that the camera cannot be powered up and shot in one movement with one hand, unlike just about every other camera out there.
mpix345 said:
The thumb grip on back of camera is not in a great spot for me. I'd prefer it be flipped with the AEL button and scroll wheel, as I really can't comfortably keep my thumb in a straight position along edge of camera. I'll have to see how quickly I get used to this. Might not matter much in a few days.
Click to expand...
I put my thumb on the back of the mode wheel, which I think works much better than the intended thumb rest.
mpix345 said:
The scroll wheel is very loose and easy to move accidentally. This is aggravated by my thumb always wandering over to the wheel. It sounds like Fuji tightened up the mode and EC dials on the X10 vs the X100. It seems strange that the scroll wheel didn't get the same treatment.
Click to expand...
Fortunately the scroll wheel is not as slippery as the Canon S90. That one was terrible. I haven't found much issue with the scroll wheel as yet, as putting your thumb on the back of the mode wheel gets it out of the way.
mpix345 said:
That's all I've got for now. I'd be curious to know how others find the on/off transition and the scroll wheel. I'll definitely be spending some quality time shooting tomorrow. I've been very impressed with quick shots of my messy kitchen and junk on the bookshelf in my office. But I didn't buy a $600 camera for that sort of nonsense.
Click to expand...
Me either. I'm sure I can find a cat and a flower to photograph somewhere. ;)
--
Archiver - Loving Every Image Captured Always
http://www.flickr.com/photos/archiver/
 
Having used the X10 for a week and several hundred exposures, I think Fuji has put a lot of thought into the controls. The thumb rest position is perfect (for me), allowing the thumb to slide over for the Main-command dial and down for the Sub-command dial. The Main dial is dedented and much easier (better) to rotate and push compared to the LX5. The Sub-command dial has a almost "software dedent" as one clicks thru the menus. I find it a pleasure to use, much better then the really frustrating EPL2 and EP3. All buttons require a positive push; not easily brushed and activated compared to the Oly EPL2 Video button which drove me nuts! Or the diopter control compared to the Panasonic EVF which is always rotated from the correct setting. The controls, in my mind, are very polished.

Regarding the OVF; I find it very useful knowing that I have just a bit of safety margin and can always see the green focus confirmation, as well as, hear the beep. No problem. Just trying to put a positive spin on this excellent product from a seasoned user (ha ha).
 
I, too, find no major flaws in the control layout after a week of use. The subcommand dial certainly should be a bit larger and stiffer, but I'm getting accustomed to it.

I'm also now comfortable with the on/off mechanism. I'll admit that having to palm the lens cap while turning the zoom ring to "on" (when quickly bringing the camera into service) is awkward, but my hands are large enough.

Denis
--

I have made this letter a rather long one, only because I didn't have the leisure to make it shorter. Blaise Pascal, 1623-1662
 
The only quibble i have (apart from lens dust!) about the physical aspects, is the scroll wheel. It is a real pain. The indents are not positive enough to prevent accidental movement. Fuji, tighten it up a tad.

That's it.

Pete T
 
PG Thomas said:
The only quibble i have (apart from lens dust!) about the physical aspects, is the scroll wheel. It is a real pain. The indents are not positive enough to prevent accidental movement. Fuji, tighten it up a tad.

That's it.

Pete T
Click to expand...
I really hate the loose wheel - this is the reason why the camera is now sent back.
 
I'm fine with the on-off mechanism in the lens barrell - I really like it a lot actually.

The thumb location I had a real problem with at first - I always found myself moving my thumb inward to get more grip and accidentally turning the upper scroll wheel and changing the aperture (which I generally have the primary control linked to). The solution was free for me, but exorbitantly expensive if I hadn't already owned the part - the "Thums Up" accessory for the X100 also fits the X10 perfectly and I already had one. I slipped it off my X100 and onto the X10 and it improved the handling of the camera about 1000%. It actually made a bigger difference on the X10 than on the X100. I't improves the X100, but I'm quite comfortable shooting that camera with or without it. The X10, OTOH, is FAR more comfortable with it than without it. To me at least. I don't know that I'd be willing to spend what it costs for a $600 camera, but I'd already splurged for the more expensive X100 and using it on the X10 also just makes it seem less expensive relatively. Which, of course, is a stupid rationalization, but it really makes a big difference in the camera's handling. When its on the X100 and I pick up the X10, it really feels weird without it until I pull it off the X100 and move it to the X10.

Here's a photo of it on the X10, along with an extra soft-release I had:



-Ray
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/20889767@N05/collections/72157626204295198/
 
It seems to me this camera was designed with the street shooter who walks around with the camera in the "on" position in mind. At least the design decisions and compromises seem geared towards that sort of operation.

In a street type scenario, many times you don't have time to frame carefully, so that smaller image of the OVF helps insure that you capture what you are seening. If you can see it in the VF, you can be reasonably certain you have captured it.

The on/off ring also seems to be the sort of thing you don't want to be doing several times an hour either.

The only negative that I can see in my theory, is the relatively small battery. I'm sure that was a compromise for size and weight, but it doesn't seem 'beefy' enough to support a walk around 'on' shooting style. On the other hand the price of replacement, batteries, even Fuji branded batteries, seem cheap enough that many people could afford to have 2 or 3 fully charged in their pocket of camera bag. Personally, these seem compromises I can live with.

--
I'm so bright, my father calls me son.

Now that you've judged the quality of my typing, take a look at my photos. . .
http://glenbarrington.smugmug.com/
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I almost never use the OVF when street shooting, but in terms of leaving it on, I definitely do that. When I'm shooting on the street, I only turn the camera off when I'm heading to another area and don't expect to be shooting for at least 10-15 minutes. I just spent five days shooting heavily with it, mostly on the street. I carried two extra batteries when I went out in the morning (they're very small and easy to keep in a pocket). I never needed more than one of them, but based on how many shots I took, I suspect I came pretty close to needing the third battery one of the days I was there. But yeah, they're cheap and readily available - no reason not to carry at least one extra...

-Ray
-------------------------
http://www.flickr.com/photos/20889767@N05/collections/72157626204295198/
 
That Thumbs Up attachment looks sweet, but not at $115+. I'd certainly snag a knock off for maybe $29, but I'm not sure that product will ever be available. :)
 
Yeah, it is really expensive, but given what a limited-demand product it is, it probably has to be for the manufacturer to make any money on it. I doubt you'll see it for $30 either - if somebody made, it I'd buy a second one. I felt vaguely silly spending that much on it with the X100, but figured it was a relatively small chunk relative to the total cost of the camera and I saved nearly that much by buying an after-market hood rather than Fuji's - that would be MUCH harder to rationalize with the lower priced X10. But oddly somewhat easier to rationalize if you have both cameras. I've even tried it with other cameras but their hot-shoes were too far to the left. Fortunately, both Fuji's are laid out very similarly and this was designed specifically for the X100.

-Ray
-------------------------
http://www.flickr.com/photos/20889767@N05/collections/72157626204295198/
 
Looks great, Ray. Which soft release is that on the shutter release?

-wolfy
Ray Sachs said:
I'm fine with the on-off mechanism in the lens barrell - I really like it a lot actually.

The thumb location I had a real problem with at first - I always found myself moving my thumb inward to get more grip and accidentally turning the upper scroll wheel and changing the aperture (which I generally have the primary control linked to). The solution was free for me, but exorbitantly expensive if I hadn't already owned the part - the "Thums Up" accessory for the X100 also fits the X10 perfectly and I already had one. I slipped it off my X100 and onto the X10 and it improved the handling of the camera about 1000%. It actually made a bigger difference on the X10 than on the X100. I't improves the X100, but I'm quite comfortable shooting that camera with or without it. The X10, OTOH, is FAR more comfortable with it than without it. To me at least. I don't know that I'd be willing to spend what it costs for a $600 camera, but I'd already splurged for the more expensive X100 and using it on the X10 also just makes it seem less expensive relatively. Which, of course, is a stupid rationalization, but it really makes a big difference in the camera's handling. When its on the X100 and I pick up the X10, it really feels weird without it until I pull it off the X100 and move it to the X10.

Here's a photo of it on the X10, along with an extra soft-release I had:



-Ray
-------------------------
http://www.flickr.com/photos/20889767@N05/collections/72157626204295198/
Click to expand...
 
Okay, here are my minor quibbles.

When the camera powers down after a few minutes of non-use, you have to rotate the lens back and forth to power it back up. I would much prefer it to power back up after half-pressing the shutter button.

When turning the camera on, sometimes it seems to 'miss' activation if you turn the lens a bit too fast, so the lens goes to the 28mm detent but the camera doesn't power up. Turning it back, and then on again does the trick. Does anyone else' do this? It also makes me wonder about the long-term reliability of this power-on method.

The LCD cannot be turned off when in AF-C mode. I was on the verge of sending my camera back for replacement until some kind people here mentioned this quirk of the camera.

Apart from that I am really enjoying this camera from an operational standpoint. The shot to shot time is amazing for a compact camera if you turn off the LCD display. Definitely better than the Ricoh GRD III and GXR with aps-c sensor modules. AF is faster and much more quiet than the GRD III as well, and there is very little shutter lag.

I honestly don't like the jpeg output that much, but I haven't experimented with the settings enough to find an optimum solution for my tastes. For me, the proof of the pudding will come when Lightroom gets X10 support, or I get over my dislike of Silkypix enough to find out what the raws can do.
--
Archiver - Loving Every Image Captured Always
http://www.flickr.com/photos/archiver/
 
Archiver said:
Okay, here are my minor quibbles.

When the camera powers down after a few minutes of non-use, you have to rotate the lens back and forth to power it back up. I would much prefer it to power back up after half-pressing the shutter button.

When turning the camera on, sometimes it seems to 'miss' activation if you turn the lens a bit too fast, so the lens goes to the 28mm detent but the camera doesn't power up. Turning it back, and then on again does the trick. Does anyone else' do this? It also makes me wonder about the long-term reliability of this power-on method.
Click to expand...
I am experiencing the same thing. I'm thinking this will just be something to get used to, and not a deal breaker. I do share your concerns about how the power-on method will hold up.
Archiver said:
Apart from that I am really enjoying this camera from an operational standpoint. The shot to shot time is amazing if you turn off the LCD display. I honestly don't like the jpeg output that much, but I haven't experimented with the settings enough to find an optimum solution for my tastes. For me, the proof of the pudding will come when Lightroom get X10 support, or I get over my dislike of Silkypix enough to find out what the raws can do.
Click to expand...
I am loving the JPEG output SOOC. Definitely one of the big selling points for me with the X10.
 
WolfyWho said:
Looks great, Ray. Which soft release is that on the shutter release?
Click to expand...
Not sure - I had a couple of small ones and one large one sitting around. I'm pretty sure the small ones were an Abramson and one that came with the Thumbs Up. The large one is a cheapie from Adorama. I'm guessing this is the Abramson because it looks similar to the large Abramson I have on my X100. but I can't say for sure.

-Ray
-------------------------
http://www.flickr.com/photos/20889767@N05/collections/72157626204295198/
 
Archiver said:
Okay, here are my minor quibbles.

When the camera powers down after a few minutes of non-use, you have to rotate the lens back and forth to power it back up. I would much prefer it to power back up after half-pressing the shutter button.
Click to expand...
unless i'm hallucinating (again!) mine has been powering back up with the shutter half-press although i couldn't tell you what the longest period this has worked after it powered down is--at least 5 minutes and perhaps 10 in a couple of cases i believe. hold it at half press for a few seconds. or perhaps there's some setting combination set differently.

/guy

--

The elements of a subject that speak to us are often scattered and can't be captured in one photo; we don't have the right to force them together, and to stage them would be cheating ... / Henri Cartier-Bresson
 
gteague said:
Archiver said:
Okay, here are my minor quibbles.

When the camera powers down after a few minutes of non-use, you have to rotate the lens back and forth to power it back up. I would much prefer it to power back up after half-pressing the shutter button.
Click to expand...
unless i'm hallucinating (again!) mine has been powering back up with the shutter half-press although i couldn't tell you what the longest period this has worked after it powered down is--at least 5 minutes and perhaps 10 in a couple of cases i believe. hold it at half press for a few seconds. or perhaps there's some setting combination set differently.
Click to expand...
Aaaahhh, this works, too! Funny, because in the manual it states that if the camera powers down after non-activity, you have to turn the lens to turn it back on again. Obviously not! I just did a test where power-down was set to 2 minutes, and waited until it turned itself off. Holding the shutter half pressed for a second or two turns it back on.

Funny, as I thought I read in the manual that you had to turn the lens to power it up again. Maybe I was hallucinating, myself!

--
Archiver - Loving Every Image Captured Always
http://www.flickr.com/photos/archiver/
 
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