Just what the X-Pro2 Should be.

A big fan of direct vision cameras since I learned to use my father's Leica IIIf and Kodak Retina IIIc, I got me a used Leica M as soon as I could. The compact size and simplicity of the M's were an inspiration to hit the streets and use them.

When the X-Pro1 came along, and knowing I could not afford the price of digital M Leicas, I knew I must have it and eventually did. However it paled in performance to the X-E2 that I had purchased one year before. Frankly it disappointed me with its sluggish focus, lack of a usable rangefinder to shoot with manual focus and less than positive control feel.
Finally, in recent weeks I was able to get a decent deal on a new X100T and since last week it doesn't leave my side. It is all that my Leica M2, almost always fitted with a Summicron 35/2 was and much more!

The ergonomy of the controls is almost perfect and feels like an old shoe. The focus speed is blinding fast and the (single) bright frame is just as I'm accustomed to. I have other lenses that go on the X-Pro1 and the nimble X-E2 but the 35(eq)/2 fill 90% of my needs and fits my shooting style.

The camera is solid, the VF is brilliant, the ERF is there when needed and the lens is a beauty. Incredibly sharp but with that smooth bokeh you come to expect from Leitz/Leica glass. The slight gain of DOF due to the APS-C sensor doesn't bother me at all as I usually shoot --during daytime, at least- at f/4 or 5.6.

Now, if Fuji would just hear my prayer and give us this very same camera with the X-Pro1 OVF and interchangeable lens mount, I'd put all my other gear (save the X100T) on the block.

Hands on opinion:

Pros:

Fast, light, solid, ergonomic, fairly intuitive, brilliant lens, aperture ring in 1/3 stops, non-rotating speed dial, exposure compensation dial with fairly strong detents, 3 EV built-in ND filter, Easily customizable "Q" (quick) menu, well thought layout of buttons, seven (no less) programmable "Fn" (function) buttons, low profile (looks like an ordinary -and probably cheap- P&S), Great Hybrid Viewfinder that is highly customizable; e.g. you can have a composition grid and a level horizon in the OVF as well as the EVF, something the X-Pro1 did not.

Cons:

Some hidden functions not well explained in the manual. Dimming of the OVF frame in poor light (but then Leicas did that too by necessity). Perverse reversed filter thread forcing the user to purchase an adapter and proprietary lens shade, which is not included. SHAME ON YOU FUJIFILM! How cheap can you get? My advice: Do not get the overpriced OEM item but get the one of the two JJC ones at a fraction the price and free shipping from HK or China on ebay ---there are two models, a vented one copy of the OEM and a domed one which must be undoubtedly better- although, truth be said, the lens is extremely resistant to flare!

Thanks for reading.