My 2022 toy budget is in. How should I spend it?

nonicks wrote:

Zinch wrote:

nonicks wrote:

I have just learned my toy budget for the fist half of 2022. I can spend up to 3500 on photography gear (or any other toys). If you were me, What will you buy?

I currently use two X-pro3 Dura Black bodies, XF 14/2.8, 18/2, 23/1.4, 35 1.4 and Viltrox 56/1.4

Focal length wise, this set up covers 99% of my current need. I am happy with them in term of color, sharpness, quality with some reservation on the Viltrox. I always carry a 1 camera 1 lens ( xpro3 + 18 or 23 or 35) with me when I go out everyday although my favorite focal length is 35mm (FF equivalent) followed by 28mm then 50mm( FF equivalent).

I started adopting Fuji with XE1in 2012, and my second fuji camera was X100s. I also had XH1 and XT20, XT2, 90/2 and some great fuji zooms but sold them all as I prefer Xpro-3 with primes now. So I found that I am not interested in going back to the zooms and DSLR style bodies anytime soon. And I have zero interest in the rumored XH2

So If I decide to spend the entire budget on camera and lenses, What will you advise to buy?

I figured a few options I am entertainng:

1. Sell the 18/2. 23/1.4 and 35/1.4 and Upgrade to the newer, better, bigger f/1.4 trio + get a X100V for everyday carry

2. Get a full Frame camera and a lens ( Sony A7IV and 35G). I may need to add a little money for this option.

3. Get a used Leica M240 and a nice voigtlander 35mm M mount lens such as 35/1.7 Ultron or the Voigtlander AOP 35mm

4. Buy a summicron 35mm and add a little money to get the X-M adaptor

Have you considered the Voigtlander 35mm f1.2 for Fujifilm? It's a little gem and works with your X-Pro3 without an adaptor

I am aware of the lens. Any comments or feedbacks about the lens being used on x-pro3?

I can't answer because I don't have an X-Pro3, but the lens itself is a joy to use (Voigtlander levels of build quality) and it is very very sharp from f1.6 on. At f1.2 (specialy) and f1.4 it shows some intense spherical aberrations that make the end picture look soft and dreamy, but there are people that like that look a lot (I'm not a big fan, but it works for some scenes and/or B&W).

I thought on buying an X-Pro3 myself only for this lens (with the OVF would be a very analogical experience), but it is out of my bugdet if it's only for this reason. If only it worked with the X-Pro2 or 1

5. Add some money myself and buy used summicron 35 and 50 ( used market price is about 4700 for the two lenses. ) + an X-M adaptor

6. Add some money and get a Leica Q

I am open to ideas, feel free to make any suggestion... and have fun spending my budget here.

-- hide signature --

https://www.flickr.com/photos/183079213@N06/