The One (hundred)

Before owning it, I always wondered what exactly it was that started all this Fuji X madness. Two short months after getting it, I had thousands over thousands of pictures snapped with it. I couldn't stop using it and its form factor guarantees I can always have it on me. Okay, I don't go swimming or skydiving, but you get the idea.

Its feeling tops X-T1 or X-Pro1, in my opinion, having played with all for long enough to have the right idea. It oozes quality and is very tight, robust, you name it. The finish is lovely, controls (except for the middle OK button) all nice and responsive.

The finder is simply stunning (OVF) and surprisingly good even when switched to EVF. You don't really need more than this. With most cameras, you don't even get as much.

Amazing colors, rich and subtle, film-like. AWB is astonishingly accurate.

Everything I need is there, if I ever need anything more, I just long press either Fn buttons and select it from that makeshift 'Q-Menu'. Using it made me realize I don't really need 10 memory banks for Q-Menu settings, 12 Fn buttons and whatnot. All I need is right there.

The bloody thing is actually fast to AF. And accurate. And also, quiet while focusing and shooting. Next to dead silent.

Now, I'd sooner let go of any other photo equipment before parting with it. I'd likely look for another X100 (first) should mine fail at some point.

Also, the battery. Especially with OVF, it just goes and goes.

So, in a nutshell, apart from the RAW write times, which are indeed annoying even when using the best of the best in terms of cards, it's simply perfect. Leather case heavily recommended. It improves the grip and feel of both X100 and X-Pro1 exponentially - and it also provides all the protection you need.

X100 truly is a classic and all the camera any camera was ever able to be

Quick facts:

- F2 is indeed a bit soft, but not in a bad way; I'm using it in low light without hesitation and in decent light to get a more dreamy feel; it's like having some kind of special effect. It gets way crisper as you stop down, I'd say probably F5.6-7.1 would be the 'sweet zone' if you need sharpness;

- I've never missed the superior, higher pixel count/refresh EVFs and LCDs from the newer models;

- All its frequently stated weaknesses are really minor; you might get upset by them at first, but once you actually start snapping and knowing the camera, you realize that on the long term, you couldn't care less about them, as their negative impact is overstated at best and imaginary at worst.

- It's NEVER getting in the way of your sight and photos; if the results suck, it's mostly because the 10 cm behind the finder had bad inspiration or doesn't yet consciously know how to take advantage of the camera or how to tackle a certain situation. As such, you will learn a lot by continuously using it. It won't ever impede your photography, it's really tame.

- Crazy outdoor flash abilities thanks to the leaf shutter high sync speeds.

- 35mm equivalent is just about perfect for the vast majority of what you'd want to capture with your carry-around camera. I don't even feel the need for those converters they're selling.

- The standard B&W film simulation is crazy pleasing.

It's managed to capture some of the fading light magic in a difficult winter mood.

It's subtle, but quite there.

Surprisingly good indoors in available light.

Love the reds and blues.

Look at the watercolor and at the other objects. And the room was 'funny lit'.

Just love its dynamic range gentle depiction despite the harsh sunlight.