Recent launches and future of the X-Pro series

Leolab wrote:

ViMa wrote:

Iuvenis wrote:

I think it's a given there will always be an X-Pro line. The hybrid OVF is unique and can command a price premium. Also, every X-Pro model they sell helps them amortise the cost of the hybrid OVF, which they need for the (extremely successful) X100 line.

However, with the X-T5 pitched as a photographer's camera, that does make positioning the X-Pro line a tricky business.

In my view, Fuji should move the X-Pro to a smaller size category, losing the X-E line in the process. For me, the X-Pro line has always been a tiny bit too large for its style, more like the doomed Leica M5 than the successful M6. While I loved the X-E2 I used to have, I wouldn't have minded something slightly larger if it gave me weather resistance and a more premium feel. A smaller X-Pro gives Fuji the chance to upsell to people who want a compact rangefinder option.

A smaller X-Pro can't have a larger battery, but the X-T5 example suggests that ibis may still be an option. The X100vi really needs ibis in my opinion, so they need to find a way to fit it into smaller bodies. Add the X100v style screen, and they could have a decent seller on their hands, that uses a lot of the X100 line's parts and simplifies their line-up.

I would love an X100V- or X-E4-sized X-Pro.

a significantly smaller XPro would force the OVF window to move towards mount and that would exacerbate lens intrusion into the OVF view which is already not great. Keeping a functional OVF I think they would need to maintain the current size of camera, although they could reduce weight and thickness a little.

I just wonder how much value the OVF still has, for example lets say Fuji shrank the XPro, got rid of the OVF but had the biggest best EVF available, shed weight and size, kept or even improved the build quality, so that the XPro became the best RF-styled mirrorless on the market…would it sell any less? basically a super-premium XE series but not with XE series constraints (small evf, lower build, fewer controls…). I know that i would be more interested in this version of XPro than current versions as much as i like the OVF, as the EVFs get better and better i just use the OVF less and less.

Given I keep considering the equov X-T over X-Pro despite preferring rangefinder style cameras and OVF, simply because of how much better I see the larger viewfinder with better eye relief, I'd probably happily buy a smaller EVF only X-Pro but would be sad to miss the OVF.

in concert with this XPro, and not to totally alienate hybrid viewfinder afficionados, they could expand X100 range and add a 50mm equivalent version(like ricoh did with grx)

This would be my dream camera. The IIIx came extremely close to it but I sometimes miss the analogue feel or dedicated exposure triangle dials and a viewfinder.

as far as adding a true RF mechanism, none of their lenses have cams, nor do any of the voigtlander lenses, they communicate electronically with camera, so not sure how that would be possible UNLESS they do an M-mount version…like Epson RD1 for example…that would be a great 10th anniversary gift for us…but i just dont see it hapoening due to complexity.

There's the PIXII for that. I'd buy it in a heartbeat were it much cheaper, but at that price you may as well give a bit more and get a Q2.