Buying advises: second camera

enigmatico wrote:

Eleneithel wrote:

Hi everyone,
I am currently thinking about buying an old X-Trans II camera (X-T1, X-T10 or X-E2) and I would some advice to determine which of these bodies would better pair with an XF27 lens.
For a bit of context: I am the current happy owner of an X-T30 involved in medieval reenactment. It is a pleasure to bring my X-T30 to take pictures of our medieval adventures, but I am always a bit in fear of having my camera either damaged by bad weather or stolen.

Thus I would like to buy a used (and cheaper) X-Trans II body coupled with a Fujinon XF27mm Mk II lens (as primary lens) to serve as a "beater" travel camera for those more riskier activities.

I previously bought a X70 for that purpose, but the different battery (compared to the X-T30) is an inconvenience for me and (from what little practical experience I have) I seem to favor longer focal length than the 18mm of the X70.

An older X100 (X100S or X100T) could have been a solution, but I think that I would like to keep the ability to change lens (and perhaps play with the apparent rendering differences between the X-Trans II and X-Trans IV sensors).

I guess that an X-T1 would be rugged enough for that purpose, but would it be a good pairing with an XF27 since it is an heavier and bigger body than either the X-T10 or the X-E2 ?
Thanks in advance for your help !

I'd say an X-T1 paired with an XF27 would a fine setup. I am not sure why you'd go with the XF27mm Mkii and use it as a "beater". Your lens will be worth more than the camera even. Try and find some second-hand mk1 lenses to go with your beater camera. I still have the 27mm mk1 lens and its perfectly fine.

I agree with the plan to contrast your cameras by owning two different sensors. I do the same thing, often choosing my X-T1 for a shoot because of its different image characteristics. I am fond of the X-Trans II sensor, especially in good light.

The only problem is, this setup may become precious to you; its that good. Then you'll have to go out and buy another "beater" that you're less protective of.

Thanks for your feedback !

Regarding the choice of lens version, I went with the Mk II for two reasons: the aperture ring (which I like very much, its physicality pushes me to pay more attention to it and to use it more) and the weather-sealing.

While the weather-sealing isn't an invincible protection against the weather, I guess it can't hurt to have it in situations where the bad weather is more of factor (like camping with medieval tents). It is true that the Mk II is pricier than the Mk I or the X-T1, but it will always be cheaper than my XF23mm F1.4 Mk I or my XF35mm F1.4 (both of which were bought new).

Perhaps "beater" was a poor choice of words - as I intend very much to take good care of my secondary camera as I do for the primary one - but I least I know that I am not risking all my gear when I will be using the X-T1 in those more adventurous conditions.
And, in fact, it is likely the last Fujinon lens that I buy new ! This secondary camera with an XF27mm lens was time-sensitive - because I wanted to have it for an incoming travel abroad - but otherwise I would have bought the lens used.

(My experience with the X70 has taught me that you can buy used sensitive gear, as long you have a good source !)