X-Pro1 or X-T1?

[Halwick]

I've been slowly getting into the digital photography using a point-and-shoot Panasonic to supplement my Canon A-1. With the advent of retro digital cameras like the Olympus EM-5 and EM-1 and more recently, the Fuji X-T1, I'm seriously looking for a digital camera replacement for my old Canon A-1 but would like to continue using the FD-mount lens I have.

Most of my photography is scenery, nature, concerts and occaisional people and action shots. I have a Canon 28mm f/2 prime, 50mm f/1.4 prime, Vivitar 35-85mm f/2.8 zoom, 90-180 f/4.5 mm zoom and a 500mm f/8 mirror lens. It appears that all my lenses, through an adapter, will give equivalent moderate to extreme telephoto focal range given the 1.5x crop factor.

Combined with the analog controls and the clean uncluttered viewfinder information on the Fujifilm cameras, I'm leaning more and more to Fujifilm cameras. For quite sometime I've been debating between the XE-1 / XE-2 and X-Pro1. I like the build quality and hybrid viewfinder on the X-Pro1 better than the XE-1/XE-2. Eventually I'll get a 14mm or 18mm to get the wideangle covered.

Was thinking of getting a refurbished X-Pro1. Along comes the X-T1 which is making me rethink.

My questions are: 1) Which camera, X-Pro1 or X-T1 is usable with manual focus lenses, especially those biig heavy Vivitar zoom lenses? 2) Any likelihood of a reduction in price or promotional deals on the X-Pro1 since the X-T1 came out?

Thanks.

 

[Chris Dodkin]

X-T1 has the better implementation of manual focus peaking, so would work with your legacy glass better I'd think.

 

[abelits]

X-E2 now has the best support for manual focus, and X-T1 looks like the next step after that. X-Pro1 is the first in the series, so it has a combination of a slower processor with original, non-PDAF sensor. Even though it can be used for manual focus, it is least convenient for that purpose -- it got focus peaking with firmware update, and allows zooming, but that's the limit of it.

OVF does not support manual focus or framing for focus distances unknown to the firmware, so it is only good with Fuji's own lenses that happen to be within the range that works well with it, so unless you will spend most of the time having Fuji 35mm lens on the camera, expect viewfinder switch to be constantly in the EVF mode.

Therefore it looks like X-T1 will be superior to X-Pro1 for your purposes.

 

[PenPix]

Unless the X-Pro1 is offered at an extremely cheap price (I haven't seen that yet) and you absolutely need the OVF… get the X-T1. As above, everything else about it will be better.

I'm looking to get the X-Pro1 because of the OVF. When on trips into the mountains and not having power to jack into for days, I'll be able to squeeze a few extra shots from my batteries.

 

[bavarius6]

I love my XPro1 but the XT1 sounds like your ideal body. It'll probably also be better to have a grip to aid handling when using those heavier MF lenses. Good luck.

Pat M

 

[DarnGoodPhotos]

The X-E2 and X-T1 have digital split image, which is closest to the film SLR focusing aid. Because of what you're used to, the X-Pro might satisfy your needs and the body is now less expensive than the X-T1 body.

I think you should rent the X-Pro, to see if it's fast enough to meets your needs, the X-E2 to see if you really need an optical viewfinder, and the X-T1 which will then be available to see if it really is that much better for you.

Its also worth considering a small pancake lens to make your new camera even more convenient to carry around.

 

[Les Lammers]

X-T1 has the better implementation of manual focus peaking, so would work with your legacy glass better I'd think.

--
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The future is just a click away...

+1 But here is the big 'if'...you may find, as many others have, that you prefer using Fuji lenses with their cameras. If you need weather sealing and want the SLR form... the XT-1. However, you may also want to consider a used Canon model to give your present glass a spin with digital before deciding further.

 

[Gunston Gun]

XT1 with large EVF is a +

 

[RhysM]

X-T1, no discussion needed.

 

[DarnGoodPhotos]

X-T1, no discussion needed.

If that were true, there wouldn't be a discussion in this thread.

 

[Albert Valentino]

The OVF will not let you focus legacy glass or be useful with some fuji lenses like very wide or very long. If you plan on using those types of lenses then pass on the Pro1. Only LCD or EVF are useful for manual focus,and they are very useful. See my profile below, only the 18-55 would be okay with the OVF. Plus, the EVF of the pro is the poorest of the bunch.

 

[RhysM]

X-T1, no discussion needed.

If that were true, there wouldn't be a discussion in this thread.

Just because a discussion has occurred doesn't equate to it being necessary.

 

[DarnGoodPhotos]

X-T1, no discussion needed.

If that were true, there wouldn't be a discussion in this thread.

Just because a discussion has occurred doesn't equate to it being necessary.

Fair enough, but the same is true for some responses. ;-)

 

[gerard boulanger]

The OVF of the X-Pro1 won't help you at all with your legacy lenses, which means you will be shooting using the EVF only. So.... why the X-Pro1 then? The X-E2 will be a better choice and has a much better resolution in EVF.

If I were you, I would consider buying new Fuji lenses one by one. Anyway you will miss a wide angle (your 28 mm will become a 42)

 

[L of the P]

I have the X-Pro1 and love it. I have used both Leica and Nikon glass with good results, but in more of a studio setting, where I can take my time to focus. Fuji has improved the manual focus system for the XP1, but it sounds like it's much better in the newer cameras.

I think the X-T1 would be the better choice at this point, especially if you want to shoot action. While you're fighting a little bit of an uphill battle with manual glass, I'm guessing you've done this plenty of times with the A-1.

That said, I have to agree with one of the comments above, in that you should at least consider a Canon. In addition to my Fuji and older Nikon, we also have a Canon T series SLR. It's small and I am amazed with what it can do. Comparatively inexpensive, it really does a nice job, focuses quickly, etc. I believe ours is a T2I, and they are up to something like the T5 now. Great little camera that would likely allow you to take advantage of the glass you have. And it shoots good video, if that's your thing.

The T-series is relatively inexpensive and a nice intro to digital. Obviously, they offer a wide variety of options, where you can get into more accessible manual controls that would closely reflect what you are used to using.

Best of luck with your search!