Is buying X100v/XE-4 justified if you own XT4?

First and foremost, you don't have to justify your camera choices to anybody. As long as you can afford your gear without the costs hurting you or anybody else, then the only person you have to please is yourself. Second, to stretch your budget, buy used.

If you decide to go with a small Fuji street camera to back up your X-T4, you certainly won't be alone! Fuji has great small cameras and compact primes to put on them. I have an X- T2 as my main camera, and two small cameras, each with a different version of the 27mm pancake on it. (What can I say, I love the "40" field of view.)

For years I carried the first version on an X-M1 as my everyday camera, and I still carry it when small size and an inconspicuous profile are my top priorities. This camera is really tiny, fast to shoot, and gives you those great early generation Fuji jpegs. It doesn't have a viewfinder, but that's part of what makes it inconspicuous to use.

When the second version of the 27 came out,I put it on my old X- T10. This camera hadn't seen a lot of use since I got the X- T2, but I held onto it waiting for the 27mm with an aperture ring, and I am glad I did. This camera is bigger than the X-M1, but still admirably small and light and much easier to carry than the X-T2. You could get an even more compact package with an X-E, but I prefer a center viewfinder.

If you want a second, smaller Fuji, there are a lot of options. And do consider an older model if you are on a budget, particularly if you are primarily interested in still photography.

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Instagram: @yardcoyote

yardcoyote said:

First and foremost, you don't have to justify your camera choices to anybody. As long as you can afford your gear without the costs hurting you or anybody else, then the only person you have to please is yourself. Second, to stretch your budget, buy used.

If you decide to go with a small Fuji street camera to back up your X-T4, you certainly won't be alone! Fuji has great small cameras and compact primes to put on them. I have an X- T2 as my main camera, and two small cameras, each with a different version of the 27mm pancake on it. (What can I say, I love the "40" field of view.)

For years I carried the first version on an X-M1 as my everyday camera, and I still carry it when small size and an inconspicuous profile are my top priorities. This camera is really tiny, fast to shoot, and gives you those great early generation Fuji jpegs. It doesn't have a viewfinder, but that's part of what makes it inconspicuous to use.

When the second version of the 27 came out,I put it on my old X- T10. This camera hadn't seen a lot of use since I got the X- T2, but I held onto it waiting for the 27mm with an aperture ring, and I am glad I did. This camera is bigger than the X-M1, but still admirably small and light and much easier to carry than the X-T2. You could get an even more compact package with an X-E, but I prefer a center viewfinder.

If you want a second, smaller Fuji, there are a lot of options. And do consider an older model if you are on a budget, particularly if you are primarily interested in still photography.

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Oh thank you, but I don't know if used could be damaged as well, as nobody gives you warranty and I don't know how to test let's say X-E3 for signs of damage. I thought about buying X-E3 but I don't know if film sims and image quality are good, and hey, I would only shoot moving or still subjects, think of it something like what Alan Schaller or Bruce Gilden do. Also yeah, justify might be the wrong word, but what I wanted to say was if XT-4 could be sufficient enough with 16mm or would smaller body still be better. Thanks again

I could see it being fun to have an XE3 with a 35 f2 on it more or less permanently as a secondary camera to the XT with a zoom.

If you buy used camera gear from a reputable dealer you usually get both a return period and a short warranty, often with the option of buying an extended protection plan. That said, I've bought almost all of my gear used and everything has worked as promised when I bought it and kept right on doing so ever since. You pay more buying used gear from a dealer rather than through a private sale, but it's worth it to me for the extra security of buying graded and tested and for the time I save not having to find and negotiate each deal. "Horsetrading" on the private sale secondhand market is a hobby in its own right, and not one I'm particularly interested in.

No idea about the 16mm lens; that's too wide for me.

Only you can decide if it is worth the outlay. Justified is a different question. As part of a Fuji system the X-E? series combines backup with a nice small camera. The X100? is a nice small camera but can't use other lenses if your main camera stops working.

Used from a dealer is a pretty safe purchase. To test a camera you take lots of photos in a variety of conditions, nothing more. I would check for sensor dust and there are lots of articles on the www and here about that.

No one can advise on what focal length you will like. If pocketability is the main thing then the 27mm lens is excellent.

Finally being inconspicuous is about the way you conduct yourself much more than the camera.

Having two bodies can be a great idea, particularly if you have two very different use cases where you would use each one at different times, or if you don’t like changing lenses frequently and would use bothe bodies together with different lenses.

Personally I always buy used, which takes a bit of heat off of the budget limit. So consider one of the earlier X-E models as well; they’re all excellent, just with different compromises.

I’m not sure why you say the 16-80 doesn’t offer a wide angle and then think the 16 will fix that. (That said, the 16 is a tiny bit wider than the 16-80, but not by an amount worth worrying about.)

You may even find that if you just stick the XF 27 on the X-T4 then it may feel less imposing on the street. I’ve used that setup for street before (albeit with an X-T2) and it’s fine. Plus, if you’re somewhere that sees regular rain then the X-Ts seem much better protected against weather than the X100V, and of course the X-Es aren’t weather resistant at all (though you will find plenty of anecdotes of people having used them in moderate rain). I’m of the view that it’s a large lens that attracts attention more than a large body; and as noted above, it’s more about how you behave than what gear you use.

So one budget-friendly option might be to get a used lens first (the 27 or one of the “Fujicrons”) and see how you go. If you still feel the urge for a smaller body, then look out for a used X-E later.

RaskoSaran said:

Hello, this might be a dumb question but for me it's kind of important to figure out what to do as I'm tight on budget.

I do own XT-4, I love shooting with it, but it's kind of big with 16-80mm lens and not ideal for street photography, as that 16-80mm is just too big.
Now, I saw 16mm F2.8 lens for roughy about 400$ which is nice, as there is currently no better deal for that sort of lens and would help me with wide angle shots for street photography as it's smaller and more compact etc.

However, I have a feeling that regardless of lens XT-4 has a big body which stands out, and X100V (1700$) or XE-4 (1500$) are much smaller and come with some wide angle 16 or 23mm lens which is nice but at a much bigger price point...
What should I do? I don't want to stand out and would like to keep my camera in a pocket or something like that, bigger coat pocket in winter time perhaps and be discrete. XT-4 right now is just too big in my opinion and 16-80mm doesn't offer wide angle really...
Any advice or help would be appreciated, I'm in no hurry, but would like to figure that out within next 3 months and I just want to know what to save money for, so I don't rush into stuff blindly. Thank you!

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Hello. First the lens. If you want the most pocketable and affordable new lens, it’s the 27mm f2.8. If you want wider angle and still small there’s the 16mm f2.8 you mentioned. Then there’s the 23mm f2, but that’s the largest of the three (still compact) and the most expensive at 450$. To me it’s better to save money with the body as you don’t need to get the best out there for street photography. The most compact (and affordable) are the X-A models and the X-M1 as they don’t have an evf and are quite good and performing. But not sure you can find new. There’s good options on the used market if you look. Many retailers offer used cameras that have been tested for quality.

Then again if pocketing the camera isn’t a necessity, just have it on a neck strap. The X-T4 isn’t a large camera. It is the big lens that attracts attention. With a small compact lens, the X-T4 may be ok.

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Nothing to read here.

RaskoSaran said:

Hello, this might be a dumb question but for me it's kind of important to figure out what to do as I'm tight on budget.

I do own XT-4, I love shooting with it, but it's kind of big with 16-80mm lens and not ideal for street photography, as that 16-80mm is just too big.
Now, I saw 16mm F2.8 lens for roughy about 400$ which is nice, as there is currently no better deal for that sort of lens and would help me with wide angle shots for street photography as it's smaller and more compact etc.

However, I have a feeling that regardless of lens XT-4 has a big body which stands out, and X100V (1700$) or XE-4 (1500$) are much smaller and come with some wide angle 16 or 23mm lens which is nice but at a much bigger price point...
What should I do? I don't want to stand out and would like to keep my camera in a pocket or something like that, bigger coat pocket in winter time perhaps and be discrete. XT-4 right now is just too big in my opinion and 16-80mm doesn't offer wide angle really...
Any advice or help would be appreciated, I'm in no hurry, but would like to figure that out within next 3 months and I just want to know what to save money for, so I don't rush into stuff blindly. Thank you!

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Well, I have the XT4 for when I shoot wildlife, sport and landscape while hiking with a 16-55. Like the combo, but I agree there are times when it is a tad large.

For general use and when with the family and in cities I have a XE4, which I pair with either a 27 MkII, 23/f2 or a 18-55. I looked at the X100V, but opted for the XE4/27 as it offered more flexibility, it was cheaper and I was never going to use the OVF (I tried a X100V from Fuji's UK loan service and preferred the EVF so why pay for a feature one was not going to use).

In truth, while I have both the XT4 and the XE4, the XE4 gets more use. With a Molle tactical belt pouch in the Summer I can slip the XE4/27 into it and hardly notice I am carrying it. In the Winter it fits a large coat pocket. Hope that helps.

Hi there,

I did own the X-T3, an X100F and now the X-E4. I don't think getting the X-E4 or an X100V is a good way to spend your money. And the X100V is a special case...it is quite expensive for what it is and if you are not really taking advantage of the OVF or leaf shutter than the X-E4 is better value for money. That being said the X-E4 is still a proper camera. Yes it is smaller and lighter than your X-T4 but people still see you taking pictures with a "big" camera. You still need a bag, you still carry lenses maybe as well.

It seems like a lot of money for something that except for size and some specs is essentially the same as your X-T4 in terms of usage and handling. The X100V has it's special charm but it is really expensive and does not really offer a wide angle lens.

Here is an idea: How about a Ricoh GRIII or a Sony RX100 series camera. Those two a markedly smaller and lighter than your X-T4 (and an X-E4 for that matter) and fit into a very different niche, especially for street photography.

I own the X-E4 which I use for general photography and a small camera (now the GRIII) for every other opportunity, for when I want to stay discreet, for indoor spaces and so on. Both cameras complement each other. The X-T4 and X-E4 have too much overlap to make it worth the money...especially if you are on a budget.

Paul

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Urban Documentary
https://www.paulhoppe.photography/

The GR is a good call… if you’re happy without a viewfinder (though you can attach a “dead” optical finder) then it’s pretty much perfect for street.

Unsurprisingly, the older models can be bought used for much less money. Though if you do investigate that route, be aware of the difference between the GR series (large sensor) and the GR Digital series (small sensor).

Recently I bought a new xe3 and 27 mm to use in situations where I am not taking my xt4. It fits in my cargo shorts pocket.

I prefer the e3 to the e4 because of the button/switch differences.

Hi,

Camera choices are personal, but you're not alone - I'm tempted to buy a used XE4 body for social and 'grab and go' duties and for family travel. The XT4 weighs 605g, the XE4 365g. Plus lens. Same sensor. I'm thinking of the XE4 and my 18-55. The 18-55's OIS is quite effective and will make up for the absence of IBIS. I can live with the cheaper EVF easily enough - I had the same one in the XT1 I used to own.

Buy whatever works for you.

Cheers, Rod

Rod McD said:

I can live with the cheaper EVF easily enough - I had the same one in the XT1 I used to own.

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The T1 and E4 don’t have the same EVF by any stretch, if that’s what you’re thinking. The T1’s is significantly bigger and has a longer eye point.

I remember thinking a certain body used made me look quite conspicuous.

Now when I see other photographers I note they're actively photographing something, no matter if it's a phone or a DSLR with a huge zoom. It's not the rig, it's the activity that's noticed. Now I believe one is less conspicuous the less one tries to be inconspicuous.

As for justifications. . . I work more with rationalizations. I can rationalize most any desire I might have within reason, but am especially practiced on photo gear acquisitions.

I have a gripped H1 which I love. I also have an E1, E2s and E3. There are times when the E style camera is more appropriate, for example travel and street photography.

BTW, the order of acquisition was E3, E2 (given to my grandson), H1, E2s (missed the E2), then E1. While the E cameras are inconspicuous, any camera other than a smart phone now draws attention.

RaskoSaran said:

Hello, this might be a dumb question but for me it's kind of important to figure out what to do as I'm tight on budget.

I do own XT-4, I love shooting with it, but it's kind of big with 16-80mm lens and not ideal for street photography, as that 16-80mm is just too big.
Now, I saw 16mm F2.8 lens for roughy about 400$ which is nice, as there is currently no better deal for that sort of lens and would help me with wide angle shots for street photography as it's smaller and more compact etc.

However, I have a feeling that regardless of lens XT-4 has a big body which stands out, and X100V (1700$) or XE-4 (1500$) are much smaller and come with some wide angle 16 or 23mm lens which is nice but at a much bigger price point...
What should I do? I don't want to stand out and would like to keep my camera in a pocket or something like that, bigger coat pocket in winter time perhaps and be discrete. XT-4 right now is just too big in my opinion and 16-80mm doesn't offer wide angle really...
Any advice or help would be appreciated, I'm in no hurry, but would like to figure that out within next 3 months and I just want to know what to save money for, so I don't rush into stuff blindly. Thank you!

Click to expand...

I bought an X100f as smaller alternative to my X-T4, which often had my 16-55 fitted. I really like the benefits of the smaller set up but didn’t especially like the handling on the X100 and eventually sold it it favour of a used X-E3. I think that, unless you really want the special features of the X100 series, particularly the optical viewfinder, a mint used camera such as a X-E3 would be an excellent and much cheaper alternative. For me, the versatility of being able to swap lenses is worth more than the faux-rangefinder features of an X100v etc.

I use my X-E3 with the excellent 27 for a super compact option, but also use it with the 14, 18-55 or 50. It gets a lot of use and I don’t feel like I’m giving up too much compared to my X-T2, but the X-T4 feels like more of an obvious step up from a user perspective, although image quality of all three is extremely close.

There is a bit of a postscript to this story. Using smaller set ups made me rethink my priorities and I now routinely shoot my two XTs with smaller primes too. I’ve just sold my 16-55 and actually find my X-T4 with the Fujicrons to be small enough on most occasions when I’m carrying a camera, so I’m not sure I’d buy an X-E if I were going through this process again. That said, I like the benefits of using primes with two bodies, so I definitely think a second body is a good option to consider.

Not sure this is that helpful! As others have said, it really depends on your priorities.

I can justify anything.:-D

I think your problem lies more in how you approach street photography, if you look too self-conscious, people will notice you.

RaskoSaran said:

Hello, this might be a dumb question but for me it's kind of important to figure out what to do as I'm tight on budget.

I do own XT-4, I love shooting with it, but it's kind of big with 16-80mm lens and not ideal for street photography, as that 16-80mm is just too big.
Now, I saw 16mm F2.8 lens for roughy about 400$ which is nice, as there is currently no better deal for that sort of lens and would help me with wide angle shots for street photography as it's smaller and more compact etc.

However, I have a feeling that regardless of lens XT-4 has a big body which stands out, and X100V (1700$) or XE-4 (1500$) are much smaller and come with some wide angle 16 or 23mm lens which is nice but at a much bigger price point...
What should I do? I don't want to stand out and would like to keep my camera in a pocket or something like that, bigger coat pocket in winter time perhaps and be discrete. XT-4 right now is just too big in my opinion and 16-80mm doesn't offer wide angle really...
Any advice or help would be appreciated, I'm in no hurry, but would like to figure that out within next 3 months and I just want to know what to save money for, so I don't rush into stuff blindly. Thank you!

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Definitely mount a smaller prime on your X-T4 is a good start to get something a bit smaller looking. Using a wrist strap instead of a neck strap can also help.

Ultimately with street photography it is more about the photographer and how the photographer interacts with others that matters most.

Having said that, I own an X-T30 for use as my secondary body when I want two have two lenses/two bodies around my neck or when I want to pack a much smaller prime kit in a smaller bag. Around my neck while shooting street, the X-T4 and X-T30 feel about the same to me.

If you want to go used, an X-T30 would sell for $550 to $700, depending on how scarce it is at the time you are looking.