Fujifilm X-100V, first impressions

For an amateur like me, I am constantly bouncing between the sharp as a knife FF heavy setup (read A7, S1 with 24-70mm f2.8), which always appears to offer most things at most times, and the light gear (read LX100ii, PEN, RX100) which never seems to have the IQ.

The other thing I like is the construction. I used to use exclusively Leica M, until I went AF, and I always hanker after the feel and construction.

The question is, is the camera a joy to use ? can I be bothered to pick it up ? are the pictures worth it ?

By now you might be thinking, he is going to say the X100V perfectly fits the requirement. Actually no, but it comes closer then ever before.

I take mostly street, buildings and landscapes. Most of my family pictures now are iPhone, however I do use a "real" camera for events, and also for some family pics, especially on holiday.

I have been interested in the X100 series since inception. Fixed lens cameras should have higher acuity and sharpness, amongst other things. This is because they can work with smaller tolerances, as they don't have to factor in slight mount differences every time a new lens is attached. The lens can also be much closer to the sensor, making it smaller and sharper. One doesn't need to go far to see this, all of the Ricoh GR, Sony RX1, Leica Q, etc. show exceptional sharpness. Which is why the X100 series has always bugged me ...

I have had every camera in the series, and I always sell it after a bit due to the lens. I lived in hope that improvements in the cpu and sensor would deal with this, but there is nothing that can deal with optics except optics. Don't get me wrong, it has always produced beautiful dreamy images. Its just that sometimes I don't want to dream so much. My main beef has been close up, infinity and f2. Not being able to consistently use f2 is an issue with a prime lens IMHO.

X100V with JJC JX100 Version II adaptor and hood, B&W clear filter, VKO wrist strap, Billingham Compact Stowaway

So I took delivery of the X100V with baited breath. Good things first, its really lovely. As always, Fuji knows how to make cameras. The body is generally much improved. The extra mm in depth and length keep it small but makes it just more robust to hold.

The clever thing is the way Fuji have reduced the cost of construction but made it feel and look better. Previously, Fuji use magnesium for the top, but lined it with plastic. This just felt plasticky to me. I have the black X100V, and the cold angular metal that meets my fingers just feels a million dollars. Its great that the bottom is also aluminium.

The reviewers say not much has changed on the outside, but I disagree.

X100V

X100F

Firstly, if you compare the front panel, you will see that the X100V has tightened up the design quite a lot. The top panel is consistently taller, the VF switch has moved to the top panel, the flash is thinner and the selector wheel is symmetrical vertically.

Secondly, on the back panel, the buttons have moved off the screen, the four way switch has disappeared, and the Q button has retreated. I also should mention the back and front selector wheels are metal with a much better grip pattern.

Lastly on the top, the speed/ISO dial now nestles against curved metal, rather then stuck out on its own, and the fn button has receeded into the metal, nice.

The sum of all these parts is a more refined professional device. And more of the "I must pick it up" vibe. Its great ...

However, Fuji still has not bigged up to main spoiler with this camera, the switchgear. Although the dials are mostly metal, the on switch and speed selector have a very slight wobble. Nothing terrible, but I want Leica stiffness and silk. A personal beef is the front and back selector wheels. Do they really need to click ? this makes the whole affair quite spongy. And lastly to the the back buttons

X100V vs X100F

X100S vs X100T

Why are the buttons so small and why does Fuji keep with this tiny uncomfortable joystick (the perfect precise joysticks are the Leica SL1 and Nikon Z6 IMHO). We were making great progress on the S, and went backwards again for the T. More Leica Q2 please, and the way back buttons should be done.

That's all personal taste I guess ...

Last grumble, no charger in the box .... I really hate this trend. Sure, Sony started it, but Fuji can be cooler, especially for the increased price.

So how is the IQ ? So the good news is that the extra ED element in the lens has made a big difference. f2 is now usable across the board, close up is much much better. The only laggard is infinity. Pretty good, don't get me wrong, but compare it to an A7ii/iii, Z6 or S1 and you can see a gap in the sharpness.

The sensor is also great. Although 24->26 is not much, the underlying tech has been improved. Its now the latest Sony BSI silicon with Fuji's x-trans filter. You can't get better at APS-C. The colours are awesome, and I disagree with K Rockwell who says they are great for people but not so for landscapes. I think landscapes are lush, and with raw you can spin up anything. Unlike some nameless FF brand, it doesn't oversaturate the greens !!

I love the fact you get Capture 1 light, a special version for the X100V. It lacks a bunch of features of the full version, but it produces gorgeous pictures. I am a lightroom user but I am seriously considering using this system for the X100V, as with lightroom I need to use Iridient Transformer before I edit the raw, which is an extra step. I am going to try it with Capture one, just to see if it needs it ....

In summary this is a great camera. Its light, good looking, excellent workflow and produces the best pics this side of FF. Certainly for web size jpgs (2560 ?) you don't need anything better.

More accessories ? external charger , Jason Cui case and will probably drop the Billingham Compact Stowaway for the 72 (no zip - real pain on the Stowaway) or Ona Bond street and a Gobe 49mm metal lens cover for when I don't want the hood.

Oh, and here's a family picture ..