Impressions of a new X-Pro2 user

I've been OVF curious for a very long time. I even bought a used X-Pro1 at some point, and an X100T at another. But somehow it didn't click. In both cases, my main problem was misfocusing due to parallax error: I'd be focused on something faraway, then put the focusing rectangle on something small in the foreground. It would confirm focus, with a green rectangle on my target, yet be focused on the background, due to the parallax. Thus I had given up on the OVF, as unsuitable for my photography.

But then a forum discussion here revealed that this behavior was apparently not a problem to them in newer OVFs. So when a used X-Pro2 recently popped up for a reasonable price, I gave it another shot. And indeed, the X-Pro2 does seem to have fixed the parallax focusing issue. If it sees a close object in the OVF "parallax path", it will snap to it even though it is technically not what I pointed the lens at. So my number one problem is indeed solved with the X-Pro2's OVF!

The camera itself is well built, and sits surprisingly comfortably in my hand. It is a bit bulky compared to my X-T3, but that's the price you pay for a window finder. As I generally don't use manual ISO much, the controversial ISO ring suits me well. I did miss the drive mode dial once or twice, though.

I have also considered getting an X-Pro3 instead of the X-Pro2. And honestly, I do miss the X-T3's touch screen, USB charging, and somehow more quiet autofocus actuation of the 35 f/1.4 lens. But, during my few days with the X-Pro2 so far, I also learned that I very much like to switch quickly and dynamically between back screen and OVF, and would not want to have to manually flip out the X-Pro3's screen to do that. And the X-Pro3's used prices are prohibitive at the moment anyway, so it's not an option to begin with.

My most important realisation is so far, that the shooting experience with the X-Pro2's OVF is indeed lovely! Although surprisingly not quite for the reason I thought: the immediacy of the window finder "experience" is honestly mostly lost on me. I actually don't care much whether I look at a tiny screen or a window finder. What I do find myself enjoying a lot though, is seeing outside the frame. I don't quite understand why, but somehow it seems to help me compose, when I see more of my options beyond the frame. It's also possible that this feeling is merely the inspiration from novelty, only time will tell. At the moment, I love it!

To be clear, I bought the X-Pro2 specifically for the OVF and for the 35 f/1.4 and 60 f/2.4 prime lenses. I still have the X-T3 for use with my zooms. As such the somewhat mediocre and small EVF on the X-Pro2 does not bother me. When I go on a walk with my kids, I like to bring my Ricoh GR III and the 35 f/1.4. That way I have two one-handed cameras that are both quick and unobtrusive, just the way I like it. The X-T3 with the 16-80/70-300 I take on hikes, for birds, and generally situations that call for weather sealing and focal length variety. This system works well for me.

An issue however is the X-Pro2's eye point. With glasses, I can only barely see the 35 f/1.4's frame lines, and even then my view feels quite tunnel-like. The EVF is even worse, but goes mostly unused, so it's not that important. I currently like to shoot in square format. This leaves a bit more room on the OVF, which helps. (Have you ever tried to take a vertical square shot? Now I feel stupid 😂)

With some older Fuji cameras, I was annoyed that the eye sensor was a bit slow, showing me a black rectangle for a split second when I raised the camera to my face. Thankfully, the X-Pro2 seems to not do this, even though it annoyed me on the same-generation X-T2 and X-E3 I had at other times.

The shutter sound of the X-Pro2 seems somewhat slappier than my X-T3's. This put me off a little initially, but I've grown to like it in a retro way. I also like the stealth of the electronic shutter on the X-Pro2. I think it reminds me of the X100's/GR's leaf shutter.

When I originally bought the X-Pro1 some years ago, I intended it to emulate my experiences of an analog rangefinder a friend had loaned me at some point. However, I found the manual focusing experience on the X-Pro1 far inferior to a true rangefinder patch, which is why I sold the X-Pro1 eventually. With the X-Pro2, I am squarely an AF shooter. AF these days is so fast and reliable, I no longer long for the "simplicity" of a real rangefinder. Using the X-Pro2, I also realized that I'm therefore no longer interested in a Leica M that I had long wondered about.

In conclusion, I enjoy the X-Pro2 a whole lot. The OVF is a bit small, but seeing outside the frame is a great joy. At first, I found its boxy shape a bit off-putting, but it's growing on me, especially with the 35 f/1.4. For now, I'm having a lot of fun with the X-Pro2/35, as a companion to the Ricoh GR.

I shall update this thread when I learn more.