In search of opinions : X-T2 + X100S vs X-Pro2

For those that don't want to read all of that, there's a TL;DR at the end.

Hello everyone, today is a dilemma that I've been mulling over for a couple weeks.

So, I was shooting Fujifilm as my main system for gigs and events from 2021 to early 2024. In that time, I had first an X-T2 which I later paired with an X-H1.

I moved away from Fujifilm as my main "work" setup (I'm not a pro, but I get some paid gigs from time to time on the side) to get a Nikon Z6, partly because I had a ton of F mount glass, and because fujifilm lenses were not affordable for me. I sold the X-H1 at this moment, and kept the X-T2 as a smaller alternative.

I later bought an X100S (I had an X100 in 2021 that I sold to buy the X-H1, seemed like a good idea at the time but I missed the OVF a lot, so I took the plunge on another one of these). I was also curious about the micro four thirds system, and found an extremely good deal on an Olympus E-M5ii last summer, and this is such an incredible camera with an incredible lens system, that is has basically replaced all my other cameras as far as travel setups go (it's just much more space efficient when you're backpacking and only have 30L for everything, including clothing).

Anyway, this is only the context.

The consequence of all of that is that when I need to shoot for work, I use my Z6. When I am shooting in low light, or when I need the most accurate focusing I can get, or the higest dynamic range, or when I need to shoot video, I use my Z6 again. When I want a smaller setup, I use my E-M5ii, and when I just want to have plain fun, I use my X100S.

I guess you can see it : the X-T2 doesn't get much love from me nowadays. I simply don't shoot a lot with it because it's in that weird middle ground : not as fun as the X100S, not as small as the E-M5ii and specs wise, it's not as good as the Z6.

And despite all the love I have for this camera (you can read more about it here ), and despite how much I want to shoot this camera sometimes, I'm wondering if that's not the right moment to sell it alongside the X100S and replace both of those with an X-Pro2.

On paper, this seems like the perfect switch : The E-M5ii has replaced the X100S as a small camera, so I don't really care if it's larger (not mentionning I added a leather case on the X100S to make it larger in the first place), it just needs to be fun to shoot (and this is where the OVF comes into play, this is what I use 90% of the time with the X100S). It has my favorite breed of X-Trans sensor (aka the X-Trans III), it has the same focusing system as my X-T2/H1 (which I know very well and can get decent results out of), and the few specs that it's missing (4K video, 3.5mm mic jack, ability to use a battery grip, tilt screen etc) I don't much care about : the X-T2 used to be my main video rig, but the Z6 takes the spot now (and for travel, the E-M5ii's 1080p video is more than enough anyway, not mentionning the flip out screen and IBIS are much more practical for travel casual video anyway.). So I don't lose much by going with a Pro2 instead of a T2. Worst case scenario, if I still need a backup camera if my Z6 fails (which is what my X-T2 has been doing since the begening of the year), The X-Pro2 will still be able to take care of some jobs, with decent AF, 24MP and dual SD slots anyway.

I briefly considered the X100F, but decided against it for various reasons (mostly the fixed lens). I also considered the X-Pro1, but the lack of diopter dial on the viewfinder is a dealbreaker for me.

TL;DR : I have an X100S and X-T2, and wondering if should trade them both for an X-Pro2, or if my current camera situation isn't worth any change.

So here are the questions for those that have an X-Pro2 :

- what are the quirks? Common failures?

- What would be a good price in your mind?

- Is the EVF really that small compared to the X-T bodies?

- How is the manual focus experience using the OVF and the small screen window?

Worth noting that I have nothing against my current setup, I just hate to see gear I love collect dust on a shelf and I wonder if I can maybe change the situation a little bit.

For the moment, this is theoratical, I don't know if I'll act on it. But depending on the feedback here, maybe I will.

Eager to hear your thoughts about all of this, I've been overthingking this for enough time that I can't say of this is G.A.S. talking or if this is legitimately a good alternative.

Personally, I'd never swap an X-T2 for X-Pro2, let alone an X-T2 + another camera.

Why?

The X-T2's EVF is far better than the X-Pro2's, and I'd never use the crummy OVF anyway. The X-T2 also sports a functional eyecup.

No highlight warning blinkies on the X-Pro2

No tilt screen on the X-Pro2

Much prefer the interface/dials on the X-T2

Unlike the X-T2, you can't assign ISO to a command dial.

No focus bracketing on the X-Pro2 either.

Erik Baumgartner said:

Personally, I'd never swap an X-T2 for X-Pro2, let alone an X-T2 + another camera.

Why?

The X-T2's EVF is far better than the X-Pro2's, and I'd never use the crummy OVF anyway. The X-T2 also sports a functional eyecup.

Click to expand...

I have no issues with the X100S' OVF and I believe the X-Pro2's is an upgrade in every sense of the word. EVF is only a nice thing to have if I use a zoom lens, which is pretty rare anyway.

Erik Baumgartner said:

No highlight warning blinkies on the X-Pro2

Click to expand...

I don't use that, so that's all good

Erik Baumgartner said:

No tilt screen on the X-Pro2

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95% of the shooting I do, that's with a viewfinder and the last 5% are easily achiveable with a fixed screen. Tilt screen is a nice to have for me but not a deal breaker if it doesn't have one.

Erik Baumgartner said:

Much prefer the interface/dials on the X-T2

Click to expand...

Understandable. I only change my ISO seldomly, or go in auto-ISO, so the left dial on my X-T2 is often locked in place anyway.

Erik Baumgartner said:

Unlike the X-T2, you can't assign ISO to a command dial.

Click to expand...

That's usefuly to note, thanks.

Erik Baumgartner said:

No focus bracketing on the X-Pro2 either.

Click to expand...

I don't use that either.

(let's be clear, if I was to make a list of my favorite cameras of all time, the X-T2 would come at a strong #2. But I never handled the Pro2 either, and I absolutely adore the OVF in the X100, so...)

Any X-Pro 2 user feedback?

Anyone? Is this camera really that overpriced that nobody shoots with it?

MJ_Photo38 said:

TL;DR : I have an X100S and X-T2, and wondering if should trade them both for an X-Pro2, or if my current camera situation isn't worth any change.

So here are the questions for those that have an X-Pro2 :

- what are the quirks? Common failures?

Click to expand...

For me its main quirk is that if you want to use the eye sensor to switch between EVF and LCD then you end up with it flapping the viewfinder curtains in and out every time, which is unnecessary, irritating, and adds a short delay. If you use the OVF this is a non-issue. I always used mine in EVF-only mode.

The diopter will sometimes get knocked out of position when it’s in a bag. Some people tape over it to prevent this; for me it was rare enough that I didn’t feel the need.

Not sure about any common failures, but I would check the viewfinder (in both EVF and OVF modes) for dust. I’d also make sure the ISO dial is working perfectly—not that it’s a common issue, in fact I’ve never known it to be one, but it’s probably impossible to get contact cleaner into it from the outside. (I would look around the dials for residue of dust and grime, with any camera.) The paint on the screen bezel chips easily, but that’s just cosmetic. The rest of the body is pretty robust so I would be wary of more substantial cosmetic damage.

Oh, and I would check that the viewfinder rubber is in good condition and firmly secure as if new. You can get third party replacements, but the online consensus seems to be that if the original is lost or needs replacing, the replacements don’t work all that well. Mine was fine so I have no experience as to whether that’s correct.

MJ_Photo38 said:

- What would be a good price in your mind?

Click to expand...

In the UK, I would expect to pay up to £800 for a mint one, but I’d be aiming for £700.

MJ_Photo38 said:

- Is the EVF really that small compared to the X-T bodies?

Click to expand...

Yes. The EVF is not great, and it’s much smaller than the T2. But it’s far more usable than some people make out. Even with glasses, I used it for street just fine.

MJ_Photo38 said:

- How is the manual focus experience using the OVF and the small screen window?

Click to expand...

Not something I ever did, because I can’t get on with seeing two images at once. My preferred approach to manual focusing is to use the button on the front to zoom in.

General thoughts:

There is no question that on paper the X-T2 is the better camera and the X-Pro2 doesn’t really make sense. But that’s on paper. When you have an X-T and an X-Pro in front of you, you know the moment you pick them up and put them to your eye which one is right for you. For me, despite the very significant difference in the EVFs, the X-Pro is the camera that just fits. It just puts a smile on my face and lets me get on and shoot. (Also, being left-eyed with glasses, the SLR-style layout makes rear buttons problematic for me, whereas the rangefinder-style layout works great.)

I paired mine with a cheap X-T2 which I used for hiking, but the X-Pro2 did everything else and I loved using it. In the end I’ve upgraded to an X-Pro3 and X-T4, but the Pro3 isn’t really a huge step up from the Pro2—just a number of incremental improvements (whereas the Pro2 was an enormously improved camera over the Pro1).

If you can find one in a store to pick up and hold (or are able to order one with an easy return policy) then do so before selling your existing cameras. As I say, you’ll probably know the moment you have it in your hand whether it’s right for you.

(That said, there is a footnote: when I first bought one, I picked it up, immediately knew it wasn’t right, and sent it back; a year or so later I’d used the X100T which had trained me not to use the LCD, and then I bought another X-Pro2, picked it up, and immediately knew it was just about perfect.)

The Xpro series makes more sense with smaller lenses, the ones that do not block the view when using the OVF. you don't mention which lenses you use, or plan to use, with it. Take that into account.

I've had an X-T2 (3, 5), an X-Pro2, and an X100T. Now I have an X-T5. At the end of the day, the X-Pro2 and X100T were fun, but not really moreso than the X-T2/3. I travelled with several of them at various times, but the X-T was the one that got used most. So, over a period of time, I gradually sold the rest.

In your case, you're asking a bit of a different question. You're asking specifically for a fun sidekick camera. It doesn't have to be the most capable, nor most versatile.

To me, that says X100S, mostly on account of being very different from what you get from your Z6 or E-M5. You already have a supremely capable camera in the Z6. Between it and the E-M5 you can play with lenses as much you want. The X100S would instead be a simplification. No swappable lenses, no EVF, just pure photography.

A simple camera to take to the restaurant, or just to stuff in your bag when you're out on a stroll. But also a single focal length you can get deeply used to, that you can learn to previsualize instinctively. Something different. Something fun.

(Although, personally, I'd also get rid of either the OM or Z gear. Three camera systems would be too much for me. One major system and one sidekick would be enough for me.)

I have zero experience with the X-Pro 2, but I do have an X-Pro 1. I used it a lot when I first bought it very secondhand, but I never found it useful with any lens other than a 35mm, and the whole process of managing it made it pretty much a "special effect" from soon after I got it. Plus the whole experience taught me that I really just don't like a corner viewfinder for day to day use. I take it out when I want that specific shooting experience (which I do enjoy), but not when I just want to go out and take pictures. I have no idea if the EVF is larger in the X-Pro 2, but I sure hope it is.

I have an oddly similar array to yours: an E-M10ii (lovely little camera, I agree), a Fuji cluster settled around an X-T2, and a Nikon FF, though mine is a Zf. Note that I do not do events, or indeed anything I don't particularly want to do, which makes me more flexible. I have had this three pronged setup for a little less than a year, and the X-T2 is still the king. The thought of selling it (especially for an X-Pro) literally made me twitch. The Olympus is for being small and fun (at the expense of shooting experience), and the Zf for being big and heavy, but offering maximum IQ and light gathering and its own particular shooting experience which is sorta fun in its own way. Shooting with the Zf is Serious Business-- I guess I think of full frame the way some people think of medium format.

The X-T2 is for just having the best time with the best shooting experience with a camera and lenses I know really, really well. It's possible that the Zf will rise in the fun category with some different kinds of lenses, but it will never be as pointable and easy to carry as the X-T2. I'm still pretty sure it's the camera I would keep if I could only have one.

--
Instagram: @yardcoyote

Jeff Biscuits said:

MJ_Photo38 said:

TL;DR : I have an X100S and X-T2, and wondering if should trade them both for an X-Pro2, or if my current camera situation isn't worth any change.

So here are the questions for those that have an X-Pro2 :

- what are the quirks? Common failures?

Click to expand...

For me its main quirk is that if you want to use the eye sensor to switch between EVF and LCD then you end up with it flapping the viewfinder curtains in and out every time, which is unnecessary, irritating, and adds a short delay. If you use the OVF this is a non-issue. I always used mine in EVF-only mode.

The diopter will sometimes get knocked out of position when it’s in a bag. Some people tape over it to prevent this; for me it was rare enough that I didn’t feel the need.

Not sure about any common failures, but I would check the viewfinder (in both EVF and OVF modes) for dust. I’d also make sure the ISO dial is working perfectly—not that it’s a common issue, in fact I’ve never known it to be one, but it’s probably impossible to get contact cleaner into it from the outside. (I would look around the dials for residue of dust and grime, with any camera.) The paint on the screen bezel chips easily, but that’s just cosmetic. The rest of the body is pretty robust so I would be wary of more substantial cosmetic damage.

Oh, and I would check that the viewfinder rubber is in good condition and firmly secure as if new. You can get third party replacements, but the online consensus seems to be that if the original is lost or needs replacing, the replacements don’t work all that well. Mine was fine so I have no experience as to whether that’s correct.

Jeff Biscuits said:

- What would be a good price in your mind?

Click to expand...

In the UK, I would expect to pay up to £800 for a mint one, but I’d be aiming for £700.

Jeff Biscuits said:

- Is the EVF really that small compared to the X-T bodies?

Click to expand...

Yes. The EVF is not great, and it’s much smaller than the T2. But it’s far more usable than some people make out. Even with glasses, I used it for street just fine.

Jeff Biscuits said:

- How is the manual focus experience using the OVF and the small screen window?

Click to expand...

Not something I ever did, because I can’t get on with seeing two images at once. My preferred approach to manual focusing is to use the button on the front to zoom in.

General thoughts:

There is no question that on paper the X-T2 is the better camera and the X-Pro2 doesn’t really make sense. But that’s on paper. When you have an X-T and an X-Pro in front of you, you know the moment you pick them up and put them to your eye which one is right for you. For me, despite the very significant difference in the EVFs, the X-Pro is the camera that just fits. It just puts a smile on my face and lets me get on and shoot. (Also, being left-eyed with glasses, the SLR-style layout makes rear buttons problematic for me, whereas the rangefinder-style layout works great.)

I paired mine with a cheap X-T2 which I used for hiking, but the X-Pro2 did everything else and I loved using it. In the end I’ve upgraded to an X-Pro3 and X-T4, but the Pro3 isn’t really a huge step up from the Pro2—just a number of incremental improvements (whereas the Pro2 was an enormously improved camera over the Pro1).

If you can find one in a store to pick up and hold (or are able to order one with an easy return policy) then do so before selling your existing cameras. As I say, you’ll probably know the moment you have it in your hand whether it’s right for you.

(That said, there is a footnote: when I first bought one, I picked it up, immediately knew it wasn’t right, and sent it back; a year or so later I’d used the X100T which had trained me not to use the LCD, and then I bought another X-Pro2, picked it up, and immediately knew it was just about perfect.)

Click to expand...

Thank you for the feedback. Really helpful.

biza43 said:

The Xpro series makes more sense with smaller lenses, the ones that do not block the view when using the OVF. you don't mention which lenses you use, or plan to use, with it. Take that into account.

Click to expand...

I have an 18-135, but I don't use it much, I prefer using primes. If I was using it on an X-Pro, I would use the EVF instead of the OVF anyway for the rare times that it would end up on the camera (it's mostly for when I need stabilization with the X-T2 for video, which I hardly ever do with it anymore since getting an X-H1, then a Z6)

As for primes, I have a 7artisan 25mm f/1.8, Fuji XF 35mm f/2 WR and I use my 58mm f/2 Helios 44-M a lot too. None are too bulky, even the Helios.

bastibe said:

I've had an X-T2 (3, 5), an X-Pro2, and an X100T. Now I have an X-T5. At the end of the day, the X-Pro2 and X100T were fun, but not really moreso than the X-T2/3. I travelled with several of them at various times, but the X-T was the one that got used most. So, over a period of time, I gradually sold the rest.

In your case, you're asking a bit of a different question. You're asking specifically for a fun sidekick camera. It doesn't have to be the most capable, nor most versatile.

To me, that says X100S, mostly on account of being very different from what you get from your Z6 or E-M5. You already have a supremely capable camera in the Z6. Between it and the E-M5 you can play with lenses as much you want. The X100S would instead be a simplification. No swappable lenses, no EVF, just pure photography.

A simple camera to take to the restaurant, or just to stuff in your bag when you're out on a stroll. But also a single focal length you can get deeply used to, that you can learn to previsualize instinctively. Something different. Something fun.

Click to expand...

Thanks for the feedback. I agree that the X100S is very nice to shoot with, and the fixed lens is part of what makes this camera great, even though 35mm equiv is not my favourite focal length (I'm more or a 50mm equiv dude)

bastibe said:

(Although, personally, I'd also get rid of either the OM or Z gear. Three camera systems would be too much for me. One major system and one sidekick would be enough for me.)

Click to expand...

Hah, if I count every camera system I'm in, we're at 5 and counting (Nikon F DX, Nikon F FX, Nikon Z FX, Fuji X, MFT + all the compact cameras I own : Lumix LX5, Fuji X100S and I sometimes use an LX100 from a relative). That never really bothered me,a s I shoot a lot and I manage to give them all at least some use, none are really collecting dust on a shelf... except my X-T1 and X-T2 that is (the X-T1 is my first camera, it's not going anywhere. It's also defective in several areas, I would sell it for scraps, not really worth considering putting on sale as the value I give it is way higher than its market value anyway)

yardcoyote said:

I have zero experience with the X-Pro 2, but I do have an X-Pro 1. I used it a lot when I first bought it very secondhand, but I never found it useful with any lens other than a 35mm, and the whole process of managing it made it pretty much a "special effect" from soon after I got it. Plus the whole experience taught me that I really just don't like a corner viewfinder for day to day use. I take it out when I want that specific shooting experience (which I do enjoy), but not when I just want to go out and take pictures. I have no idea if the EVF is larger in the X-Pro 2, but I sure hope it is.

I have an oddly similar array to yours: an E-M10ii (lovely little camera, I agree), a Fuji cluster settled around an X-T2, and a Nikon FF, though mine is a Zf. Note that I do not do events, or indeed anything I don't particularly want to do, which makes me more flexible. I have had this three pronged setup for a little less than a year, and the X-T2 is still the king. The thought of selling it (especially for an X-Pro) literally made me twitch. The Olympus is for being small and fun (at the expense of shooting experience), and the Zf for being big and heavy, but offering maximum IQ and light gathering and its own particular shooting experience which is sorta fun in its own way. Shooting with the Zf is Serious Business-- I guess I think of full frame the way some people think of medium format.

The X-T2 is for just having the best time with the best shooting experience with a camera and lenses I know really, really well. It's possible that the Zf will rise in the fun category with some different kinds of lenses, but it will never be as pointable and easy to carry as the X-T2. I'm still pretty sure it's the camera I would keep if I could only have one.

Click to expand...

Thank you for the feedback and the opinion piece.

I agree with your comment about the X-T2. I was once my main camera (for personal photography, and for more "pro" things), and I could easily have just this camera and be happy with it.

But I realized that I don't use the X-T2's advantages over the X-Pro, and I'd rather have the X100S's OVF instead of the X-T2's EVF (even though it's big, bright and overall excellent. If I want a large high quality EVF, my Z6 is there and is even better).

So you know, food for thought on my part, I would be able to replace both the T2 and X100S with a single X-Pro2, one less camera in the collection (that only ever grows it seems), less gear that sits on a shelf collecting dust. That sounds like only benefits to me, but I agree that the idea of selling my beloved X-T2 is feeling a little bit weird !

It all depends on whether you like a corner viewfinder, whether you find the OVF genuinely useful, not a gimmick, and whether your main focal length interests lie in the range where the OVF is most useful. The Three Questions of the X-Pro, if you will, and three yeses are probably required to be happy with the camera. To me, its only advantage over my X100T was that I could use a 35mm lens with it.

yardcoyote said:

It all depends on whether you like a corner viewfinder,

Click to expand...

Yes, I quite like it on the X100S. I don't mind a SLR viewdinfer but my nose is constantly rubbing off the back screen, I prefer when it's a bit further back from the screen (like I had on my Z6 or X-H1). Corner VF don't have this problem.

yardcoyote said:

whether you find the OVF genuinely useful, not a gimmick,

Click to expand...

Yes, that's 90% of my usage with the X100S (with 5% back screen, and the last 5% is when I need the EVF, for close focus work for example)

yardcoyote said:

and whether your main focal length interests lie in the range where the OVF is most useful.

Click to expand...

I would be using 25mm / 35mm and 58mm lenses with it (so 38, 52 and 87mm equivalents). IIRC, the X-Pro 2 has a magnifying glass that slided up when the focal length is over 55mm)

yardcoyote said:

The Three Questions of the X-Pro, if you will, and three yeses are probably required to be happy with the camera. To me, its only advantage over my X100T was that I could use a 35mm lens with it.

Click to expand...

Well I guess I'd like an X-Pro2 if I had one then

--
(G.A.S. and collectionnite will get my skin one day)

MJ_Photo38 said:

TL;DR : I have an X100S and X-T2, and wondering if should trade them both for an X-Pro2, or if my current camera situation isn't worth any change.

So here are the questions for those that have an X-Pro2 :

- what are the quirks? Common failures?

- What would be a good price in your mind?

- Is the EVF really that small compared to the X-T bodies?

- How is the manual focus experience using the OVF and the small screen window?

Worth noting that I have nothing against my current setup, I just hate to see gear I love collect dust on a shelf and I wonder if I can maybe change the situation a little bit.

For the moment, this is theoratical, I don't know if I'll act on it. But depending on the feedback here, maybe I will.

Eager to hear your thoughts about all of this, I've been overthingking this for enough time that I can't say of this is G.A.S. talking or if this is legitimately a good alternative.

Click to expand...

Hopefully my 2 cents can help you a bit, too.

At the moment I have the following line up of Fuji X cameras:

• X-Pro1, X-Pro2, X-Pro3
• X-T1
• X-H1
• X100 (the OG, the very first version)

While I love the X-T1 and X-H1 as cameras for 'serious' shooting situations, I'd never want to give up on the X-Pro's because these to me are just more fun, more involving to work with. And I love working with the OVF, especially for casual and street photography.

Then to your specific questions:

• Quirks & problems: AFAIK the X-Pro1 and X-Pro2 don't really have any known specific issues. With both these cameras it's mostly a question of making sure you're buying a good sample without any obvious defects, damage or other issues. The same as you would do with any used piece of gear. With the X-Pro3 it's a different matter. The flip down screen seems to cause issues with the ribbon cable connecting it to the body in certain situations. A defect that can cause the camera to require extensive repairs. But the X-Pro2 doesn't have this.
• Price: The madness around the X100V/X100VI seems to have caused prices of other Fuji cameras to skyrocket as well. Especially the X-Pro models, that have the most in common with the X100, suffer from this effect. It will of course differ per regional market. In The Netherlands, I'd expect to pay around € 1.000 - € 1.250 for a really nice sample of the X-Pro2 with all the original accessories and box.
• EVF-size: Of course the EVF is considerably smaller than the one on the X-T2 (or the X-T1 or X-H1 for that matter). But it still is perfectly usable if and when you want to shoot using the EVF in stead of the OVF. You do realize already that the X-Pro cameras are by their nature much better suited to shoot with shorter lenses than long primes or zooms. And if understand you correct, the OVF is your main way of using the camera. So for the few occasions you have to rely on the EVF, it's more than adequate.
• MF-experience with the OVF: I have a number of MF lenses, among others the TT-Artisan 1.4/17mm., 1.4/35mm. and 1.2/50mm. And while it took me a while to get used to focussing with the help of the small screen in the OVF, I have gotten the hang of that by now. It works like a dream, and if I'd had to make a guess I'd say less than 5% of my shots made this way are simply in focus. No issues there. And for me the X-Pro2 with it's more usable OVF magnification ratio's is the nicest of the X-Pro's to use with MF lenses.

If I was in your shoes, I think I'd bite the bullet and opt for selling the X-T2 + X100S and replacing it with an X-Pro2. No matter how good the X-T2 is, I'm convinced the extra fun working with the X-Pro2 will give you will prove to be worth it!

Hope this can help you

Ringwraith69 said:

Then to your specific questions:

• Quirks & problems: AFAIK the X-Pro1 and X-Pro2 don't really have any known specific issues. With both these cameras it's mostly a question of making sure you're buying a good sample without any obvious defects, damage or other issues. The same as you would do with any used piece of gear. With the X-Pro3 it's a different matter. The flip down screen seems to cause issues with the ribbon cable connecting it to the body in certain situations. A defect that can cause the camera to require extensive repairs. But the X-Pro2 doesn't have this.

Click to expand...

Nice to know. I wouldn't have considered the X-Pro 3 anyway because of the very limited upgrades over the X-Pro 2 and the loss of the D-pad (whyyy?)

Ringwraith69 said:

• Price: The madness around the X100V/X100VI seems to have caused prices of other Fuji cameras to skyrocket as well. Especially the X-Pro models, that have the most in common with the X100, suffer from this effect. It will of course differ per regional market. In The Netherlands, I'd expect to pay around € 1.000 - € 1.250 for a really nice sample of the X-Pro2 with all the original accessories and box.

Click to expand...

I don't much care about original packaging an all of that for cameras that I don't intend on selling. I have it for my X100S and X-T2 though, which can prove handy.

Right now I could buy one from MPB for around 880€, there's also a couple of option locally for around 700€ (but they're a little bit beat up)

Ringwraith69 said:

• EVF-size: Of course the EVF is considerably smaller than the one on the X-T2 (or the X-T1 or X-H1 for that matter). But it still is perfectly usable if and when you want to shoot using the EVF in stead of the OVF. You do realize already that the X-Pro cameras are by their nature much better suited to shoot with shorter lenses than long primes or zooms. And if understand you correct, the OVF is your main way of using the camera. So for the few occasions you have to rely on the EVF, it's more than adequate.

Click to expand...

Nice to knoa as well. I intend on keeping my X-T1 anyway, and I have my Z6 if I want a large, excellent EVF anyway.

The X-T2 never gave me problems, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't prefer the OVF of the X100.

Ringwraith69 said:

• MF-experience with the OVF: I have a number of MF lenses, among others the TT-Artisan 1.4/17mm., 1.4/35mm. and 1.2/50mm. And while it took me a while to get used to focussing with the help of the small screen in the OVF, I have gotten the hang of that by now. It works like a dream, and if I'd had to make a guess I'd say less than 5% of my shots made this way are simply in focus. No issues there. And for me the X-Pro2 with it's more usable OVF magnification ratio's is the nicest of the X-Pro's to use with MF lenses.

Click to expand...

That was really my biggest concern. I want to be able to use my manual lenses, so with the Pro 2 bieng expensive and the Pro1 lacking the magnifying electronic window, I really couldn't take advantage of manual focusing on those cameras using the OVF.

On the X100S, not even worth tlaking about it, the focus by wire sucks. The only reason I'd go in MF is to use the AE-L/AD-L button as a back button focus

Ringwraith69 said:

If I was in your shoes, I think I'd bite the bullet and opt for selling the X-T2 + X100S and replacing it with an X-Pro2. No matter how good the X-T2 is, I'm convinced the extra fun working with the X-Pro2 will give you will prove to be worth it!

Hope this can help you

Click to expand...

This definitely helped, thank you

I'm not short on money at the moment, so I can afford buying one, tesing it alongside my X100S and X-T2, and sell which ever I like the least.

I'm already saving some X-Pro2 listings as we speak, that might be a nice little chirstmas treat for the end of the year

MJ_Photo38 said:

Ringwraith69 said:

Then to your specific questions:

• Quirks & problems: AFAIK the X-Pro1 and X-Pro2 don't really have any known specific issues. With both these cameras it's mostly a question of making sure you're buying a good sample without any obvious defects, damage or other issues. The same as you would do with any used piece of gear. With the X-Pro3 it's a different matter. The flip down screen seems to cause issues with the ribbon cable connecting it to the body in certain situations. A defect that can cause the camera to require extensive repairs. But the X-Pro2 doesn't have this.

Click to expand...

Nice to know. I wouldn't have considered the X-Pro 3 anyway because of the very limited upgrades over the X-Pro 2 and the loss of the D-pad (whyyy?)

Click to expand...

Honestly, I must admit that you do get used to not having the D-pad. That is, if you use the OVF/EVF for most changes in the camera setup in stead of flipping down the LCD and using that to enter the menu. And I suppose that is the way Fuji intended the X-Pro3 to be used. Mind you, the X-Pro3 does have some improvements over the X-Pro2 that are worth while, such as the much better AF. But in the end, to me the X-Pro2 just is the nicer camera to use of those two. And while the X-Pro1 has its charm and wins a lot of nostalgia points, it is getting long in the tooth in many ways.

MJ_Photo38 said:

MJ_Photo38 said:

• Price: The madness around the X100V/X100VI seems to have caused prices of other Fuji cameras to skyrocket as well. Especially the X-Pro models, that have the most in common with the X100, suffer from this effect. It will of course differ per regional market. In The Netherlands, I'd expect to pay around € 1.000 - € 1.250 for a really nice sample of the X-Pro2 with all the original accessories and box.

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I don't much care about original packaging an all of that for cameras that I don't intend on selling. I have it for my X100S and X-T2 though, which can prove handy.

Right now I could buy one from MPB for around 880€, there's also a couple of option locally for around 700€ (but they're a little bit beat up)

Click to expand...

As such, the extra 'value' the box and other stuff add wouldn't be that important to me, too. But if you find a camera with all the original stuff still there it does give you some indication of how a previous owner cared for it. That can help if you're buying from a private seller.

MJ_Photo38 said:

MJ_Photo38 said:

• EVF-size: Of course the EVF is considerably smaller than the one on the X-T2 (or the X-T1 or X-H1 for that matter). But it still is perfectly usable if and when you want to shoot using the EVF in stead of the OVF. You do realize already that the X-Pro cameras are by their nature much better suited to shoot with shorter lenses than long primes or zooms. And if understand you correct, the OVF is your main way of using the camera. So for the few occasions you have to rely on the EVF, it's more than adequate.

Click to expand...

Nice to knoa as well. I intend on keeping my X-T1 anyway, and I have my Z6 if I want a large, excellent EVF anyway.

The X-T2 never gave me problems, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't prefer the OVF of the X100.

MJ_Photo38 said:

• MF-experience with the OVF: I have a number of MF lenses, among others the TT-Artisan 1.4/17mm., 1.4/35mm. and 1.2/50mm. And while it took me a while to get used to focussing with the help of the small screen in the OVF, I have gotten the hang of that by now. It works like a dream, and if I'd had to make a guess I'd say less than 5% of my shots made this way are simply in focus. No issues there. And for me the X-Pro2 with it's more usable OVF magnification ratio's is the nicest of the X-Pro's to use with MF lenses.

Click to expand...

That was really my biggest concern. I want to be able to use my manual lenses, so with the Pro 2 bieng expensive and the Pro1 lacking the magnifying electronic window, I really couldn't take advantage of manual focusing on those cameras using the OVF.

On the X100S, not even worth tlaking about it, the focus by wire sucks. The only reason I'd go in MF is to use the AE-L/AD-L button as a back button focus

Click to expand...

Completely agree there. The X-Pro2 is the best one of the bunch for using MF lenses, both with native Fuji X-mount or adapted lenses. I have the Fuji M-mount adapter and the X-Pro2 combines wonderfully with for instance Voigtländer M-mount lenses, or M39/LTM lenses with an extra adapter ring.

MJ_Photo38 said:

MJ_Photo38 said:

If I was in your shoes, I think I'd bite the bullet and opt for selling the X-T2 + X100S and replacing it with an X-Pro2. No matter how good the X-T2 is, I'm convinced the extra fun working with the X-Pro2 will give you will prove to be worth it!

Hope this can help you

Click to expand...

This definitely helped, thank you

I'm not short on money at the moment, so I can afford buying one, tesing it alongside my X100S and X-T2, and sell which ever I like the least.

I'm already saving some X-Pro2 listings as we speak, that might be a nice little chirstmas treat for the end of the year

Click to expand...

Now there's a nice prospect for the upcoming festive days!

Ringwraith69 said:

MJ_Photo38 said:

Nice to know. I wouldn't have considered the X-Pro 3 anyway because of the very limited upgrades over the X-Pro 2 and the loss of the D-pad (whyyy?)

Click to expand...

Honestly, I must admit that you do get used to not having the D-pad.

Click to expand...

I’ll go further and say that I now prefer not having it. There’s now pretty much no chance of accidentally pressing any button while carrying the camera, and there are fewer button assignments that I need to remember.

Anything that I previously used via the D-pad has ended up in My Menu and is easy enough to get to. I could probably use one more function button, maybe, but that’s about it.

Ringwraith69 said:

Completely agree there. The X-Pro2 is the best one of the bunch for using MF lenses, both with native Fuji X-mount or adapted lenses.

Click to expand...

I’ll disagree and say that the X-Pro3 is better, but this may be because I use the EVF 99% of the time. It’s a bit larger and a bit higher-resolution and significantly higher-contrast, which all helps with fully manual lenses. Plus you can customise all six manual lens slots with names, which is nice.

That said, the GFX 50R is my main manual lens camera so I don’t use manual lenses that much on X System these days.

Ringwraith69 said:

MJ_Photo38 said:

Nice to know. I wouldn't have considered the X-Pro 3 anyway because of the very limited upgrades over the X-Pro 2 and the loss of the D-pad (whyyy?)

Click to expand...

Honestly, I must admit that you do get used to not having the D-pad. That is, if you use the OVF/EVF for most changes in the camera setup in stead of flipping down the LCD and using that to enter the menu. And I suppose that is the way Fuji intended the X-Pro3 to be used. Mind you, the X-Pro3 does have some improvements over the X-Pro2 that are worth while, such as the much better AF. But in the end, to me the X-Pro2 just is the nicer camera to use of those two. And while the X-Pro1 has its charm and wins a lot of nostalgia points, it is getting long in the tooth in many ways.

Click to expand...

No, what I really want a D-pad for is for additional function buttons. I find this extremely useful on both my X-T1 and 2. The X-H1 also had a D-Pad, but it had the touch gestures that replaced the lost function buttons on cameras like X-E3 and I found them terrible.

I generally use those to open the film sim menu, change the white balance, cycle auto ISO settings etc.

So the lack of a D-Pad is a bit of a deal breaker for me (and beyond the price, was one of the reasons why the X-Pro 3 was definitely not on my radar !)

Ringwraith69 said:

Ringwraith69 said:

I don't much care about original packaging an all of that for cameras that I don't intend on selling. I have it for my X100S and X-T2 though, which can prove handy.

Right now I could buy one from MPB for around 880€, there's also a couple of option locally for around 700€ (but they're a little bit beat up)

Click to expand...

As such, the extra 'value' the box and other stuff add wouldn't be that important to me, too. But if you find a camera with all the original stuff still there it does give you some indication of how a previous owner cared for it. That can help if you're buying from a private seller.

Click to expand...

Yep, this is a fair point. That being said, I've bought a couple of cameras that came with the box and were quite beat up, and some other without the box that were clean as a whistle !

In general though, you're right.

Ringwraith69 said:

Ringwraith69 said:

That was really my biggest concern. I want to be able to use my manual lenses, so with the Pro 2 bieng expensive and the Pro1 lacking the magnifying electronic window, I really couldn't take advantage of manual focusing on those cameras using the OVF.

On the X100S, not even worth tlaking about it, the focus by wire sucks. The only reason I'd go in MF is to use the AE-L/AD-L button as a back button focus

Click to expand...

Completely agree there. The X-Pro2 is the best one of the bunch for using MF lenses, both with native Fuji X-mount or adapted lenses. I have the Fuji M-mount adapter and the X-Pro2 combines wonderfully with for instance Voigtländer M-mount lenses, or M39/LTM lenses with an extra adapter ring.

Click to expand...

I have a bunch of Nikon F (from my dad, lenses he bought new in the 1980s) and M42 lenses which I've been using on pretty much all the cameras I own.

I had a 56mm Viltrox lens back when I was using Fujifilm as my main "work" setup, the Helios 58mm f/2 has replaced it beautifully, even though it's a full stop darker !

Also, another point about the X-Pro3 that makes it slip out of my list of considerations even further : it doesn't have the magnifying glass for lenses over 55mm like the Pro 2 has ! That's a bummer.

The more I look at them, the more the Pro-2 looks like the most well round X-Pro camera they have made. I wonder what they'll add to the Pro4 (or remove) this time around.

Ringwraith69 said:

Ringwraith69 said:

This definitely helped, thank you

I'm not short on money at the moment, so I can afford buying one, tesing it alongside my X100S and X-T2, and sell which ever I like the least.

I'm already saving some X-Pro2 listings as we speak, that might be a nice little chirstmas treat for the end of the year

Click to expand...

Now there's a nice prospect for the upcoming festive days!

Click to expand...

I have already bought all the presents I want to do for my family and friends, haven't even stopped once to wonder about the present I'd do for myself !

I will just say this about the X-Pro2. I have been using one since its release in 2016 and I am still using it as my main camera. Its use inspires me to bring out the best in my pursuit of artistic excellence. If you are interested, please visit my website for image samples.

Regards,
D. W. Orr Photo & Poetry