Superb camera for what it is

With the right expectations, the X100S is a superb camera. The image quality is topnotch up to at least ISO 6400, the handling is intuitive (I hardly need the manual), operation (startup time, shutter lag, responsiveness of buttons) is very good, and last but not least, the cam looks awesome. The price is okay considering the handling, build, and image quality. It's a shame, though, that the accessories, which really complete this camera (lens hood, leather case), are shockingly expensive. Even the third-party alternatives are not exactly cheap...

I have some critical remarks, which might be helpful to people considering to buy this camera:

• Autofocus: I haven't owned or used the X100, but the added phase detection AF does not exactly make the X100S a speed demon. I must be terribly spoiled with my Nikon D300, but I certainly expected faster AF. AF is okay, but it does not seem to be much faster than that of my little Canon S100... Fastest AF mode appears to be Continuous, but unfortunately this mode is limited to the center focus point (I tend to use the off-center points, especially for shots of people).
• Selection of focus points: I realize that moving the AF button to a position under the right thumb is a big improvement relative to the X100, but having to push this button first before you can actually select a focus point is kind of awkard, especially because this button is also the "up" button of the navigation wheel. For example, if you want to move the focus point downward, you first need to push "up" before you may push "down" (otherwise, you end up in the WB menu)... I'm getting used to it, but it feels weird and I keep making occasional mistakes. This is definitely the downside of the multifunctional navigation wheel.
• Focus ring: Although I don't tend to use manual focus very often, I find it quite hard sometimes to handle the focus ring. This is not only because it's so thin, but also because there are two protruding parts of the neighbouring aperture ring that tend to get in the way, especially toward smaller apertures (higher F numbers). This may require some getting used to.
• The navigation ring could handle better: As Mike Kobal mentioned in his blog, it's a bit loose and it's not easy to get a handle on it, especially with dry hands. Therefore, I tend to use the "arrow butttons" instead, which is fine actually.
• In manual mode, it would be nice if the camera gave a clearer signal that faster shutter speeds are not allowed at smaller apertures (unavailable shutter speeds are just colored red). Fortunately, I mostly use aperture priority by leaving the shutter dial at A.

Again, with the right expectations, this X100S will certainly not disappoint. To the contrary, an experienced photographer will feel right at home within an hour of playing with it. Most importantly, as has been said many times already: It's plain fun to handle this camera, especially if you are sensitive to "old-school" photography.