A backward view of the Fujifilm X-M1

My first Fuji camera was an X-E1, whose image quality nudged me toward abandoning the micro four-thirds format. The X-M1 was a contemporary of the X-E1 and X-pro1, but I had never heard of it. Recently, I was looking to casually acquire a Fuji body that would shoot 16MP images and be small and lightweight. When I saw how inexpensive the X-M1 was on eBay, and since I didn't need an EVF – but did need a tilting screen – for the product photography I was wanting to do with it, I just snagged it.

Given that it has the same sensor as the X-E1, I had known what to expect, but in light of how small and lightweight the X-M1 is, I'm pleasantly surprised. Coming from the X-T4, however, it's almost quaint to find how few film simulations there are in the X-M1, but for what I'm using it for, they're all I need. The X-M1's controls are vexingly primitive (the trendy term being "minimalistic"), and I miss assignable D-pad buttons and a back-button focus thing to push, and maybe assignable Q-menu items, but I have to remind myself that I'm doin' the Time Warp here. The relative dearth of controls (only one Fn button) compel me to concentrate on capturing good images.

Over the past couple of years, Fuji-fan YouTubers have been fetishizing the "film-like qualities of the original X-Trans sensor," resulting in the eBay prices of the X-pro1 and X-E1 to rise by about 50%. The X-M1 is going for under $200 to up around $400, depending upon whatever. I got mine on the cheap end of that – and just for its sensor, and not because of the hype over it. I use it with Fuji prime lenses and an adapted Minolta MD 50/1.7.

Images are JPG, straight out of the camera:

I bought one new when there was a cash-back offer which, together with my being able to write it off against tax as a business expense and not pay tax on the cash-back, meant I got it virtually free. I had (still have) an X-Pro1 and I'd meant to just keep the XC15-45 kit lens and put the body on eBay, but once I'd tried it I fell in love with the cute little thing. Still have it, still use it now and then.

It's great with the XF27mm as a walk-around camera. The only shortcoming that bothers me at times is the lack of a viewfinder.

The kit lens broke after a couple of years 

I've just ordered myself one of these off MPB!

I was all set to preorder the new Ricoh GR IIIx—the just-announced version of that camera, which has a 40mm-e lens. I've even sold my regular GR III (which has a 28mm-e) to fund the X. But the new Ricoh isn't available yet—and this evening I saw the X-M1 for $149, and figured I'd try it out with my 27mm.

I'm so curious, and I can't wait for it to arrive! It'll be fatter than the GR, and 16MP instead of 24. but, on the other hand I'll be able to swap lenses. I'm hoping for a pocketable camera that I can take when I don't want to take something bigger—out to dinner, or on a hike. The X-M1 could be the perfect thing, or not. I'm really excited to find out.

Love my Little Monster!  There has seldom been a camera and lens as well matched as the X-M1 and the 27mm mk1. Goes anywhere, fun to shoot, and capable of making wonderful images if you make good choices.

I bought an X-M1 after reading about it in a couple of "most underrated Fujifilm camera" threads. I liked the size and the images, but struggled with the lack of viewfinder. I am shortsighted so wear glasses for distance but have to take them off to read and see close-up things like camera LCD screens.

I sold the camera, missed it, bought another and used it occasionally despite the hassle.

During last year COVID restrictions required us to wear masks when walking outside. I quickly got sick of my glasses fogging up, so stopped wearing them except for driving. My vision isn't too bad - the world is a little blurry but it doesn't bother.

This gave my X-M1 a new lease of life and I now love it - so small and simple and the IQ is great. I sometimes miss an EVF, but that's cool. It is currently my only Fujifilm body so covers the range of my lenses (16-230mm), alongside my Nikon and Olympus gear.

Very nice set

I’m rather fond of mine, but think it’s time to find it a new loving home - it hardly gets used.