X-T20 - My cute little camera

Hi

So, this is my summary after nearly two years with an X-T20.

When I was young, I had proudly owned a Pentax ME followed by a Pentax Super A. I enjoyed working in a provisional darkroom in the basement. After a longer break where I had no focus on photography but more on university, PhD thesis, kids, first job, I bought a Pentax DSLR in 2011 but never was really happy with it; the only good thing about it was its IBIS (which was really cool); however, it was an entry level camera with cheap lenses, so it was my own fault; I should have invested more money.

About two years ago, I had enough of it. I wanted a good and reliable camera. Upon a friend’s recommendation, I entered the Fuji-X system with the X-T20 which is still my one and only camera today. I bought a leather half case that protects my camera and gives me a great grip. I purchased it together with the XF 18-55 and XF 55-200. I went for a Godox TT 685 F with an XPro-F trigger (my only regret with the Godox: the AF assist does not work).

Very soon after my entry into the Fuji world, I “discovered” Venus Optics, authored a Wikipedia article on this company, and went for the Laowa 9 mm ultra wide angle plus a few macro lenses; particularly the Laowa 65 mm f/2.8 is really stunning. I do manual focus stacking in macro with a rail. I started with the free Picolay and then went for Zerene Stacker. I maintain a list of third party XF lenses in the German Wikipedia.

For portrait, I went for the KamLan 50 mm f/1.1 Mark II which is a great character lens. Manual focusing is not a problem for me; for me, it is important to use AF-S + viewfinder magnification. These days, I purchased the Viltrox 23 mm f/1.4; my first impression is very positive; I cannot make an own statement on its optical quality yet. I really need the fast lenses for indoor.

My raw editor of choice is darktable.

I don’t really do video, just occasionally.

After nearly two years, I'd say, I manage my Fuji-X system at “95 %” level, I am routined, can react quickly to any situation and rarely do mistakes in applying the right settings. I use the Q menu a lot. This forum helped me a lot; I’ve also watched Youtube videos etc. I can tell you that I’ve never been happier with any camera in my life.

Technically, the X-T20 is still a great body. The X-Trans III sensor is still more or less up to date. One day I may own an X-T4 or X-T5 (of course do I suffer from G.A.S. ) but I do not feel under pressure. I knowIQ is determined by the lenses and sensor. Nothing has substantially changed here with the X-T4. What has improved is more the user convenience around, AF accuracy/speed/tracking, stabilization (IBIS really has a point here!), video (also a point - for those who really do it), so it's more the user things around IQ but not directly influencing IQ. With all this, one is of course more likely to leverage the full performance of the given system. But one will not win on top in all cases where one also manages the situation with an let's say X-T20 or similar.

I really miss an IBIS and IMHO, Fuji came a bit late with that feature, this is why the X-T20 will receive 4.5 out of 5 stars. I do not so much miss the AF bracketing function; I cannot use it anyway with my Laowa lenses. I miss a little bit the AF joystick, I think I'd be faster.

I handle my system with care, I use lens pouches, I don’t leave the equipment in a hot car, I don’t change lenses in dusty environment, I never touch a front lens, I clean my lenses only when really necessary but then with gloves, microfiber cloth and methanol or demineralized water. I’ve never cleaned the sensor yet. The automatic sensor cleaning function must be great because I never had any issues with dirt on the sensor. I still have the first batteries and the first sd card. No trouble.

My family doesn’t like the X-T20. Well, a Fuji X-Txx is definitely not a quick and dirty snapshot camera. It takes time and dedication to really manage it. The family does more the cell phone type photography. The X-T20 is my baby.

I've concerned myself with test charts and decentration tests but in the end, the IQ of the real photos matters. I still quickly test every new lens but I don't spend days with testing.

I am convinced I have entered a great system. No regrets. If you want to take a look, so far, all photos in my 500px account have been made with my little cute X-T20. I am just happy!

That's the story.

Kind regards,

Martin

You should try the Voigtlander lenses on the Fuji.  I recently picked up the 50 f/1.2 and it's a rock star!

loseseeker wrote:

Once you've handled an XT-X camera, your view might changed. Got myself an used XT1 recently... man, I've just realized what i've been missing out (in term of the handling) with XT20 since 2 years ago (just like u).......Will be selling mine soon to upgrade to XT2...

Sure. One day I will own an X-Tx. Don't know yet, x = 4, 5, or 6. Definitely not 3 because I want the IBIS.

Retrospectively, with all I do and know today, I'd probably have gone for the X-T2. It all was not planned when I bought the X-T20! This little thing was the revival of an old hobby of mine It's just fun to use it. I love the old SLR look and feel, the buttons.

Face tracking is not great with the X-T20, that's well known. I will definitely be happy about a camera with a better AF performance. Today I have established my workarounds. But if honestly answer the question what scenes of those I want to do I really cannot do today with my X-T20 due to a technical limitation - there is not really anything! But this is individual of course. For example, I am not a sports or action photographer.

Cheers,

Martin

Nice write up.  I just sold my X-T30 and miss the compact size and faster AF compared to my 24mp X cameras.  I just had too many bodies and the Pro2, T2 and H1 are worth so little these days I’ll just shoot them until they break.

jrk wrote:

You should try the Voigtlander lenses on the Fuji. I recently picked up the 50 f/1.2 and it's a rock star!

Thank you for this.

For the moment, I have a 50 mm lens that fulfils my needs, the KamLan.

Here comes the story behind.

I once had the chance to borrow the XF 56 mm f/1.2. This lens is absolutely fantastic. Then I was thinking to buy it, still not sure whether I will go for it one day or not. It's just so great. But because it's rather expensive but has a slower early generation AF motor, and because there is so much going on in this segment at the time (XF 50 mm f/1, Viltrox, Tokina), I was hesitating and developed my 'personal 2020 portrait lens strategy' and went for the more affordable KamLan 50 mm f/1.1 Mk II. I got a virtually brand new copy from someone who did not manage to cope with manual focusing. The KamLan produces not as good an IQ as the XF 56 mm f/1.2 but it is somehow a really great lens and I just love the way it it renders. There is kind of a magic softness in the forms and colors. It is a keeper.

As I said, I don't have a problem with MF but if I can get an AF lens at a comparable price, I'd always go for the AF. I definitely miss shots with MF because it takes more time.

BR,

Martin

I'd say you can make it into a quick and dirty snapshot cam...throw it in auto and put a 27mm on it...

I could almost have written your post! My first serious camera was the Pentax Super Program as it was called here (same as your Super A). I carried that system all around the world. I was shooting Nikon when someone I knew decided to part with their X-T1. I purchased it to "play" with and wound up selling all the Nikon gear. The X-Tx bodies remind me so much of shooting the Pentax!

My wife now shoots an X-T20. She is always telling me to "not change a thing".

I too have the Laowa 9mm. Truly great glass. I've been debating whether to get the Laowa 65mm Macro or to get the Fuji 80mm. It appears that you've had great luck with the 65mm - have you used the 80mm? If so, how did it compare?

jjz2 wrote:

I'd say you can make it into a quick and dirty snapshot cam...throw it in auto and put a 27mm on it...

Yes you are of course right.

But one will not leverage the potential of that camera with the auto mode. Personally, I don't like those scene modes, and the fact that you don't get a raw image for a possible color correction.

It may sound a bit hard, but IMO, those who can only use it in auto mode don't need such a camera.

Cheers,

Martin

Eduard wrote:

I could almost have written your post!

My first serious camera was the Pentax Super Program as it was called here (same as your Super A).

Yes those were super cool cameras at that time! The Super A had the TTL flash function. As a student, I had a Metz flash with a cable, and I used my Super A to flash through my microscope to freeze the movement of plankton flagella. Great times.

I carried that system all around the world. I was shooting Nikon when someone I knew decided to part with their X-T1. I purchased it to "play" with and wound up selling all the Nikon gear. The X-Tx bodies remind me so much of shooting the Pentax!

Me too! Maybe that's really one reason why I feel so comfortable with my Fuji!

My wife now shoots an X-T20. She is always telling me to "not change a thing".

I too have the Laowa 9mm. Truly great glass.

Yes.

I've been debating whether to get the Laowa 65mm Macro or to get the Fuji 80mm. It appears that you've had great luck with the 65mm

Don't really understand. I've never heard about significant copy variation with that lens. From all I've read about it, this lens has a great reputation. It is definitely better than the Laowa 60 mm FF lens that I had owned before the 65 mm came out.

- have you used the 80mm? If so, how did it compare?

No. I am sorry, I cannot compare. Of course I was thinking about the XF 80 mm, it must be a really stunning lens. But (i) since my X-T20 lacks the AF bracketing function, (ii) after having read promising reviews and opinions of the Laowa 65 mm, (iii) since the Laowa can do 2:1, and (iv) in view of the huge difference in price, my personal decision was easy.

BR,

Martin

Rightsaidfred wrote:

jjz2 wrote:

I'd say you can make it into a quick and dirty snapshot cam...throw it in auto and put a 27mm on it...

Yes you are of course right.

But one will not leverage the potential of that camera with the auto mode. Personally, I don't like those scene modes, and the fact that you don't get a raw image for a possible color correction.

It may sound a bit hard, but IMO, those who can only use it in auto mode don't need such a camera.

Cheers,

Martin

I agree, it's more for handing off to somebody else to take photos.