Why Fuji

dbg07 said:

Over the holidays my father told me that he wants to get back into photography (as a hobbiest, non-professional) and asked me what camera system he should buy into.

I use Sony and love it for my purposes. But, everyone (absolutely everyone) I know who picks up a Fuji loves it. They report that it re-inspires them, blah blah.

Why is this? Why are people so enamored with Fuji. I want to recommend it to my father, but would like to know why Fuji owners have a such a strong emotional reaction when you ask them about their X-series camera.

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If your father has used a film camera 20 years ago and never a modern digital camera you should think more ...

Sony has a menu system that has nothing to do with "real cameras".

Fuji is more traditional on the surface and it will feel familiar - but really ! Perhaps he should start again with some good point and shoot with a good viewfinder. Or a simple "system camera"

Viewfinder can be a good EVF (like fuji has) or a good optical , but then it is some simple Canon or Nikon DSLR.

Check first what your father has done with a camera - and when. And what he would like to do and how seriously. Nice snapshots or serious PP as a modern darkroom.

Well, I don't have an X-T2 yet. I keep waiting for them to be easily available from B&H. But the thing that really appeals to me is that it looks like I'll just interface with the camera better. It reminds me a lot of my Canon A-1/F-1. I also very much like all the praise heaped upon its jpeg quality. The film simulations are also appealing. In a sense, I feel I'm going back in time and owning a camera I loved, but still maintaining the state of art of everything positive that digital has to offer.

I started shooting with manual film cameras and kept shooting film long after many others moved to digital. Once film became more of a pain to buy and get developed I just fell out of photography and pursued other hobbies.

When I finally did come back to photography I started with Sony, but had to learn the concept of a PASM dial from scratch. PASM may seem intuitive to younger photographers, but it was very odd to me. I was more than a little put off by the lack of manual controls on my Sony cameras.

When I moved to Fuji it just felt right. It instantly felt like the film cameras I cut my teeth on. It felt intuitive, fun to use, and built for old school photographers. I don't think Fuji cameras are for everyone, but if your dad has a similar background to mine he will probably enjoy them more than just about anything else on the market right now.

deednets,

Straight up commentary on photography, If someone would make a digital camera with the quality and simplicity of my M2, I believe the work coming from an (admittedly smaller) population of photographers would improve noticeably. You had to know your camera, film, darkroom and a world of lore about seeing.

True about quite a bit of today's world.

Your luggage image stole my heart.

--

lfred
Canon G7. Leica M2, Fuji XE2s.

dbg07 said:

Over the holidays my father told me that he wants to get back into photography (as a hobbiest, non-professional) and asked me what camera system he should buy into.

I use Sony and love it for my purposes. But, everyone (absolutely everyone) I know who picks up a Fuji loves it. They report that it re-inspires them, blah blah.

Why is this? Why are people so enamored with Fuji. I want to recommend it to my father, but would like to know why Fuji owners have a such a strong emotional reaction when you ask them about their X-series camera.

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I don't know, to me Fuji is just like another camera brand/manufacture, I am a multiple system user, don't have the latest X-T2 but a old X-T10, bought it for fun to use side by side with my Sony, Canon, Nikon system, 1DX, 1Ds3, 1Ds2, D800E, D500, A7R II, it's by far my least used camera, mostly use on none -photo trip like family and friends outing and casual walk in local park and things like that. I found the Fuji sensor is lacking behind my other FF system and even the D500 crop body, and focusing is slow, high ISO is just so-so, the hand grip is not comfortable to handhold when compare to pro DSLRs even wit the add-on grip,

I do like it has a lot of external direct control buttons though. I have no "emotional connection" with it. I know the X-T2 is much better in every category, I may give it try too. I gave my X-T10 to my girlfriend and she does like it because it's more compact than our SLRs so she likes it for travel, we just took it to our Christmas trip few weeks ago, she doesn 't even bother with all the primes and just leave the kit lens on.

dbg07 said:

Over the holidays my father told me that he wants to get back into photography (as a hobbiest, non-professional) and asked me what camera system he should buy into.

I use Sony and love it for my purposes. But, everyone (absolutely everyone) I know who picks up a Fuji loves it. They report that it re-inspires them, blah blah.

Why is this? Why are people so enamored with Fuji. I want to recommend it to my father, but would like to know why Fuji owners have a such a strong emotional reaction when you ask them about their X-series camera.

Click to expand...

I have an X-Pro2 and these comments are related to it. But X-T2 would have most of the same points about it. It's lot's of little things along with big things. It feels right in the hand, the shutter sounds great/sexy (unlike my A7), true electronic shutter that doesn't degrade image quality, screw-in mechanical shutter release cable possible, DOF scale in-camera, film simulations are actually quite useful and ironically meaningful, controls for viewing images/focus point/zooming are intuitive and sensible, dual SD card slot, the menus are very sensible and memorable (A7 menus are a total mess), external controls make sense and all seem to have at least one aspect of "one touch" customization, most features you want usually have a quick access method where one button or a combination of two buttons will bring up what you need (formatting cards, switching cards, show me all focus points, in-camera raw conversion etc.), there is an aperture ring on most lenses, the lenses are excellent for the most part, plenty of options for lenses (very few holes in the lineup), the build quality is excellent, image quality is excellent, button customization is so easy and there are many more things assignable to buttons than most, the joystick is really cool and very useful, multiple manual focus aids that actually work, (focus peaking will actually yield critical focus unlike Sony), it's comparatively lightweight...

It's not perfect - there are things that should be addressed. But I've enjoyed this little thing, so I gush.

If your dad has experience with older film cameras, the layout and controls might make sense. That's not to say that it's archaic, it's actually quite modern. But it seems to retain all the things that were good about the film era while embracing what is good about the digital era. But never mind me, I'm just a fan. You should listen to someone who's more objective.

HP1999 said:

dbg07 said:

Over the holidays my father told me that he wants to get back into photography (as a hobbiest, non-professional) and asked me what camera system he should buy into.

I use Sony and love it for my purposes. But, everyone (absolutely everyone) I know who picks up a Fuji loves it. They report that it re-inspires them, blah blah.

Why is this? Why are people so enamored with Fuji. I want to recommend it to my father, but would like to know why Fuji owners have a such a strong emotional reaction when you ask them about their X-series camera.

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Do you want to keep buying lenses. Fuji is one of the most expensive systems with lenses averaging $1,000 each when they not on rebate. For the same money do you go Full Frame Sony or Nikon or Canon when you start spending $5k on this stuff

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Sony's full frame is not the way to go if you want to save money...

Having just left Sony 6 months ago after 4 years...

Current Sony cameras are more like operating a computer. Often challenging to get quick access to functions that you realize should be quick to get to.

Fuji is more of a user experience and more user friendly (IMHO). And definitely more like using an older film camera if he has experience with that in the past. Specific controls for Aperture, ISO, Shutter speed (at least on XT-1, XT-2 etc... with the cheaper consumer models you obviously give up some functions)

It depends how you approach any system. Fuji is expensive but Micro 4/3's is catching up with the GH5 announcement it costs like new Olympus $2k body only.

If you are charging DSLR FF money IMO it had best be better than and be that DSLR killer.

I would like to see performance comparisons

At the same time user experience is important to me. How the camera feels physically in hand, menu navigation just using the thing. If it is not intuitive for the user it does not matter the cost.

I like seeing what is out there and I would have like that Panasonic 12-60 2.8-4 I think it is with the other refresh lenses announced out there to compare

Either way. we all know there is always the next best camera.

HP1999 said:

It depends how you approach any system. Fuji is expensive but Micro 4/3's is catching up with the GH5 announcement it costs like new Olympus $2k body only.

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I'm only referring to the fact that Sony FE lenses seem to be be on the very high end of cost. And the fact that if you want certain ones, you can only get them in Zeiss (21mm Loxia or 85 1.8 Batis for instance.) It's much easier to build a decent priced system with Nikon than with Sony. Fujifilm is expensive, but you're getting what you pay for in build quality and resolution. Lenstip is a good place to go and see just how well these lenses perform.

HP1999 said:

If you are charging DSLR FF money IMO it had best be better than and be that DSLR killer.

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Personally, I think it punches above it's weight class.

HP1999 said:

I would like to see performance comparisons

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The studio comparisons you can do here at DPR are quite on the money I think. Nothing to hide.

HP1999 said:

At the same time user experience is important to me. How the camera feels physically in hand, menu navigation just using the thing. If it is not intuitive for the user it does not matter the cost.

I like seeing what is out there and I would have like that Panasonic 12-60 2.8-4 I think it is with the other refresh lenses announced out there to compare

Either way. we all know there is always the next best camera.

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Always.

Homo erectus said:

bs1946 said:

If you grew up with digital cameras, you won't understand.

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Fuji's cameras do the things they are supposed to do really well. 99% of the time I am shooting with my Fuji cameras I am using the shutter button, the af point stick and the exposure comp dial.

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I rest my case

Got one and sure enjoy hte $5000 check Fuji gave me to speak well of the gear. ;-)

Reality is that I tried the X100 and really liked it.

Tried the X-E1 and it is too small for me to handle comfortably.

Tried the X-Pro1 and it 'felt right' in my hands.

The images look good. Sharp and clean in prints.

Reality is that anything will do the job these days for most who buy a camera. So, you try one and if it feels good - buy it.


Look at the images in the link above. Mainly Canon and Nikon. Mr. Jorge has switched to the Fuji and says the images he is doing now are better. It is the photographer and comfort with the tools only helps produce better results.

dbg07 said:

Over the holidays my father told me that he wants to get back into photography (as a hobbiest, non-professional) and asked me what camera system he should buy into.

I use Sony and love it for my purposes. But, everyone (absolutely everyone) I know who picks up a Fuji loves it. They report that it re-inspires them, blah blah.

Why is this? Why are people so enamored with Fuji. I want to recommend it to my father, but would like to know why Fuji owners have a such a strong emotional reaction when you ask them about their X-series camera.

Click to expand...

simple, Fuji´s are photographer´s cameras (at least for those who transitioned from the golden analogue age of Nikon F2´s and Leica M4´s ;-)

Fuji´s are the only cameras which physically show the key photographic parameters: aperture, shutter speed and ISO at a glance ! Understand those then you know how to take photographs. So for me the inspiration aspect of Fuji is really true !




Fuji X-Pro2 with 16 mm f1.4

for sure Sony makes fantastic cameras but for me they were always a kinda computer making pictures ...

hope this answers your question !

best regards & the best of good luck to your dad !

Hendrik

--
Where Shadows Fall, There's Light !

I've always loved the look of Fuji Velvia even though I've never shot with it. I had heard about Fujifilms digital simulations so when I saw an XE-1 on Craigslist for $200, I decided to try it out, purely out of curiosity. I also got a 35mm f2 to go with it.

I have to say that I have not enjoyed using a camera this much in years. Everything is so intuitive and the device just gets out of the way and lets me make the image I saw in my minds eye.

Within 20 mins of holding it and scrolling through the menus I was familiar with how to use it and a little googling has allowed me to set it up exactly how I want it.

The images straight out of the camera are beautiful. For the first time ever, a camera is giving me what I envisioned with zero need for post processing. I have shot with Canon, Nikon, Sony and Olympus, but have never been this excited to go make some photographs. I've even shot more with this camera than with my iPhone this week... and this is with a 4-5 year old model. As soon as I get a small case and black rapid strap, this is going to go with me everywhere.

All my other camera gear is on sale/ sold. And believe me I am no fanboy, I've never seen any Fuji ads, this is my second post on a Fuji forum and certainly haven't bought into any hype, because I haven't been exposed to much. The simple truth is that I am happier with the images I am getting from this camera than any other camera ever. Can't wait to check out the XPro and XT.

Bisonbison said:

I've always loved the look of Fuji Velvia even though I've never shot with it. I had heard about Fujifilms digital simulations so when I saw an XE-1 on Craigslist for $200, I decided to try it out, purely out of curiosity. I also got a 35mm f2 to go with it.

I have to say that I have not enjoyed using a camera this much in years. Everything is so intuitive and the device just gets out of the way and lets me make the image I saw in my minds eye.

Within 20 mins of holding it and scrolling through the menus I was familiar with how to use it and a little googling has allowed me to set it up exactly how I want it.

The images straight out of the camera are beautiful. For the first time ever, a camera is giving me what I envisioned with zero need for post processing. I have shot with Canon, Nikon, Sony and Olympus, but have never been this excited to go make some photographs. I've even shot more with this camera than with my iPhone this week... and this is with a 4-5 year old model. As soon as I get a small case and black rapid strap, this is going to go with me everywhere.

All my other camera gear is on sale/ sold. And believe me I am no fanboy, I've never seen any Fuji ads, this is my second post on a Fuji forum and certainly haven't bought into any hype, because I haven't been exposed to much. The simple truth is that I am happier with the images I am getting from this camera than any other camera ever. Can't wait to check out the XPro and XT.

Click to expand...

Great story, thanks for sharing.

This thread is showing how there are some photographers who fail to see (and therefore to respond to) the deep intuitive connection between the creative tool user, the tool, and the creation.

TN Args said:

Bisonbison said:

I've always loved the look of Fuji Velvia even though I've never shot with it. I had heard about Fujifilms digital simulations so when I saw an XE-1 on Craigslist for $200, I decided to try it out, purely out of curiosity. I also got a 35mm f2 to go with it.

I have to say that I have not enjoyed using a camera this much in years. Everything is so intuitive and the device just gets out of the way and lets me make the image I saw in my minds eye.

Within 20 mins of holding it and scrolling through the menus I was familiar with how to use it and a little googling has allowed me to set it up exactly how I want it.

The images straight out of the camera are beautiful. For the first time ever, a camera is giving me what I envisioned with zero need for post processing. I have shot with Canon, Nikon, Sony and Olympus, but have never been this excited to go make some photographs. I've even shot more with this camera than with my iPhone this week... and this is with a 4-5 year old model. As soon as I get a small case and black rapid strap, this is going to go with me everywhere.

All my other camera gear is on sale/ sold. And believe me I am no fanboy, I've never seen any Fuji ads, this is my second post on a Fuji forum and certainly haven't bought into any hype, because I haven't been exposed to much. The simple truth is that I am happier with the images I am getting from this camera than any other camera ever. Can't wait to check out the XPro and XT.

Click to expand...

Great story, thanks for sharing.

This thread is showing how there are some photographers who fail to see (and therefore to respond to) the deep intuitive connection between the creative tool user, the tool, and the creation.

Click to expand...

Maybe they have a deep intuitive connection with something that isn't made by Fuji? Different people like different things. I like the X-Pro 2 I have but it is the Ricoh GR that is intuitive to me.