Replacing my X100

Dostoy wrote:

I recently decided on the X100F over the X100T, and briefly considered the X-E3/27mm lens combo along the way, so perhaps this is an appropriate thread to relate how I arrived at the X100F.

I'd say my own road to the X100F started 2 years ago when I checked out a Panasonic GX8 in a local store. As a right-eye shooter (and as a photographer who nearly always uses a viewfinder), I liked the idea of the rangefinder-position EVF. But while the GX8 EVF is superb, the camera has some facets that didn't appeal to me -- and unfortunately, Panasonic's recently-released GX9 didn't get the GX8 EVF, but rather the lesser EVF from the GX7. So that avenue closed.

More recently, I briefly owned an Olympus Pen-F, but was disappointed with the EVF, which seemed about the same as that on the much-cheaper EM10.II. Furthermore, the rear buttons (especially the four-way pad) were too small compared with my EM1, and even the EM10.II. A quick hands-on trial of the Sony A6300 (also with a rangefinder-positioned EVF) confirmed that the DPReview staff reviewers were right when they lamented its lack of a front control dial. Also, the EVF, while large and detailed, didn't have the "neutral/lifelike" character I appreciate so much with the EM1.

That left Fujifilm: an X-E3 with 27mm lens, or X100T, or X100F.

Versus the X-E3, the X100's viewfinder is said to be better; plus the OVF feature means you can contemplate potential shots without even turning the camera on, then set up for the shot with the complete analogue control set. Also, getting an X-E3 would create the risk of me buying more lenses! Finally, I wasn't sure how I'd manage without a 4-way rear control pad. (Although if the X-E3 had been weather-sealed, I might have pondered that choice longer.)

So, X100T or X100F? As I'm sure you are doing, I read plenty of reviews comparing T and F. Here's some of the reasons I decided to pass the T and go straight to the F.

• Built-in lens ring teleconverter (50mm, 70mm), with matching zoomed view shown in the EVF.
• 24-megapixel sensor should allow for decent 50mm/70mm crops.
• All rear controls moved to the right side of the LCD screen.
• More powerful battery.
• Joystick for faster off-centre focus point choice.
• Improved AF.
• Front control dial.
• Additional B&W film simulations.
• Fujifilm Australia had a $150 cash back offer on the X100F.

Note that, just as the Olympus EM1.2 doesn't make the EM1.1 any less of a camera, the introduction of the X100F doesn't mean the X100T is no longer a superb camera. (Personally, rather than getting an EM1.2, I bought a well-priced mint EM1.1 as a backup, because I like the EM1.1 so much.)

Conclusion: the X100T is a great camera; and the X100F takes that greatness one step further.

Thank you all so much for your thoughts. As usual pretty split, I do like the thought of a used the X-PRO2 for the same money, but it is a bit of a beast in the hand. I think the answer is indeed an X100F, but I think I'll wait a while for the price to come down a bit, and meanwhile try to pick up a used X100T, which at around half the price of the "F" will give me a good year or so of enjoyment, and I will not loose too much when I trade up.

Love the comment about the picture on the wall - I have some taken my iphone that get great comments all the time. Who was it that said "the best camera is the one in your pocket"?