A colleague asked me recently why I choose to shoot Fuji professionally. At first, I thought it was a funny question... after thinking about it a while, I want to explain.
I'm just retiring from photojournalism in Australia. In the late 80's to the 2000's I used an Olympus OM-1 film camera. I was deeply into the newspaper industry, to the extent where I ran my own community newspaper for years. Then when DSLR's got serious enough, I switched to a Nikon system, which gave me great results, but no user satisfaction, they were only on the level of good tools. Then Fujifilm started releasing cameras that took me back to the Olympus OM days. So I gave my Nikons the flick, and purchased an X-T2 and X-H1. They worked great, they felt great, and I loved using them. I've added to the list with other bodies that I use for my own pleasure - the X70, X-E1, X-M1, X-E3 and X100V. No other system touches them.I've used them all for pleasure and business.
Thank you for the comments, Greg, and congrats on the retirement. Believe me, the newspaper business has changed so much and I’ve seen that firsthand. And like you, the user satisfaction means something to me. They are tools for sure, for what we choose to do for a living, but it’s such a better place to be in if you enjoy the tools of your trade.
I began shooting Fuji with the purchase of an X-T2 in 2016. Due in part to your video @Greg Carrick and others I’ve recently picked up some older Fuji bodies (X-E1, X-T1) and have discovered the joy of shooting these and the awesome characteristics of the older Fuji sensors. If I’m getting paid and I need the best AF and resolution I shoot X-Trans 3 or 4; but for personal work my current preference is X-Trans I or II.
@@LyndonPatrickSmith I know how you feel, as I’ve tried pretty much everything over the years myself. And Most of my Personal work is done with my x-Pro 1 so I understand what you’re saying about the allure of the original sensors.
And Gregg has a very good youtube channel too 😬 I too was an Olympus OM1 photographer back in the day but am now a Fujifilm photographer now. I first owned the X-Pro 1 and the three primes and owned a Leica M9 at the same time but they are long gone now. I use the X100V and the XF10 (but I'm now looking at selling the XF10 & replacing it with the GR3x). I really love the image quality I get from the X100V.
Hey John! It is good to see you again! I hope that your business picks up. It has been a pretty tough couple of years for lots of us. I also used to be a newspaper shooter back in Michigan. I am now working as a portrait and event photographer (among other things) here in Japan. I use Fuji gear because: 1) The jpeg files look amazing out of the camera. I don't have to screw around much on the computer anymore. The skin tones are right on the money. And with Capture One, the RAW files also look great when I need to use that workflow. 2) Lightweight -- I don't have a car, so I have to carry everything. Also, my hands/wrists don't hurt anymore after a long day of shooting. 3) I like using the nobs, dials, and flippy screens. Easy peasy. 4) Great glass. 5) Fujifilm customer service has been great here in Japan. I broke an EF-X500 flash almost in half on a gig once. I sent it in to be repaired and they sent me back a new one for free. Big gold star there! Fujifilm is a pretty well-run and well-diversified company. They survived the switch from analog to digital. You remember Kodak, right? (The sound of crickets). Kodak basically invented digital photography and it killed them. Companies have to adapt or die in rapidly changing times. In 10 years, they'll be only a couple of companies making non-phone cameras. Fujifilm might be one of them. (Along with Canon and Sony?) They have built a niche pretty quickly. I just wish I could AirDrop my files directly from my camera to my Mac, iPad, or phone.... I look forward to seeing more of your videos, John. I like your matter-of-fact style.
Hi Paul, Thank you for the comment. Question for you if that' okay -- how was the transition between photojournalism and portraits? My business have shifted over the last few years (pre-Covid even) to events and I really enjoy them. In many respects they're similar to a photojournalistic assignment. Just curious. Also, love my Fuji gear for pretty much the same reasons you listed. Plus, the look is something I just love, too. And funny you should mention that about Airdrop. I actually emailed Fujifilm a few years ago about that very thing because I was having such trouble with Fuji's transfer app. I was told there was nothing in the pipeline for that.
@@wondersandwilderness Hey John, Sorry for the belated reply. My transition from photojournalism to portraits took a long detour. After getting burnt out as a staff shooter in Grand Rapids, I jumped on a plane to Japan on short notice in ’95 (before the internet killed newspapers). I worked as an English teacher for about 15 years, while doing photo gigs on the side. I then went out on my own trying to build a different business that didn’t work out. I fell back into photography by default. Most of my work came photographing international tourists here in Kyoto. Long story short: photography is a very difficult business, and tourism is feast or famine. I have learned to bring in work from different sources. I can’t make a living just from doing portraits (even pre-Covid). I had to diversify by doing other kinds of non-photo tourism related gigs. My town became a big time international tourist destination and suddenly I had competition coming out of the cracks in the walls. Too many people fighting for a limited client pool. And then big companies came in and tried to crush us small businesspeople. Crazy. And with the pandemic, that all dried up. The biggest difference between doing photojournalism (and other similar gigs) and doing work for the general public is that you have to be a businessperson. A salesperson. An internet marketer. And that is quite a different mindset. Business is not for the faint of heart. Who is your market? What is your product? How do people find you? Will they actually pay you? Why is my website down? Etc, etc, etc. I teamed up with some other people for a while and that worked out well. I am the “talent” and they were the business and logistics people. I am better out in the field. It is really difficult being a one-man-band. Few people have all of the skills to make a business work by themselves. It looks like offering video services is the thing to do. Looking ahead 10 years, I can’t imagine making it only doing stills. I hope that is helpful for you. Good luck.
@@PaulCrouse What a story, and one I can certainly relate to on many levels. It's very helpful and you are so right. a combination of video and still seems to be the way of the future. Honestly, I'm not sure how I feel about that, personally. Video is so much more technical and tedious to me. I really don't enjoy most of the process, though I don't have a ton of experience doing it professionally. The business aspect, particularly if you're on your own, is 90% of the job anymore. Shooting is almost something done in the spare time it seems. I actually enjoy the business aspect but it is exhausting and stressful most of the time. For example, I have two large clients now who simply decided paying contractors can wait... and I don't have much recourse. Portrait work and even weddings is so competitive now, and the standards clinkers have are so low that guys like you and I are competing against friends and relatives who simply pick up a camera and shoot in "P" mode. Sadly, clients are accepting if this more times than not. It's always been a tough business, but it's climbed to another level over the past few years. That said, I'm still in it. I still love it. But you're right, it's getting tougher and tougher to pay the bills.
@@detroittradingcardco Thanks for your reply, Hoops. We live in fast-changing times, so it is important to adapt or we'll end up like those two grumpy old muppets characters. LOL.
Hi John! Loved your approach to Fuji line up. I'm sports photographer with the 200mm on my bag, working part time. Actually first time that I crossed over your channel. Subscribed and looking forward for more content. Cheers\Carlos
Hi Carlos!! Thank you so much for the comment and the kind words. I would love to hear more about what you think of the 200mm. I am trying to shoot more sports again since I love it so much and would want to add this lens. Thank you so much once again.
@@wondersandwilderness Hi John, thank you for the quick reply. In a nutshell the 200mm is a game changer! Never saw a negative review on that lens...maybe the price, however comparing with other lenses, I actually think the opposite. Just the 1.4xTC is approx. 500USD, e.g. Will drop you a DM on IG. Cheers
I’ve been using fujifilm gear for my work in a University and for most events where the ppl aren’t moving around quickly (like sports), the 16-55 f2.8 zoom can be paired with a body like the xs10 or xt4 for stabilization, and shot at 1/50, 1/60. That works out quite well for Low light events. I have the F1.4 primes and used to carry two Fuji bodies around but since I got the f2.8 zooms, I tend to use them a lot more because of the increased depth of field (really don’t need super blurry backgrounds) and the fantastic image quality.
Hi Daniel, and thank you for the comment. Like I mentioned in the video I also shoot the 16-55 f2.8 and it's a fabulous lens and it's the newest lens in my bag. I love the versatility for events for sure, but I just can't seem to get comfortable with it yet. I would love to try it on an xt4 body though, and see if there is a noticeable difference between that and my xt3.
Last week I had my 100v, A7iii + 3 primes stolen in a car prowl. Positive side, an opportunity to rethink re-do my lineup! Guess which one I went back to first? Fuji. I loved the V, but after 2 years I feel like I graduated from it and it was starting to feel a bit toyie. But I love the small form factor, and weight, so I was strongly leaning toward the T30ii. Went into the store to confirm my feelings and it was a big no, it felt way too thin and no grip made you feel like you had to pinch to hold it. Then I held the X-S10 and it was a dream. Sure, no analog dials, but now I can’t go back, love the PASM and just the look of the dials. And of course, I had to buy my first Fuji prime and it had to be the 35mm 1.4. Today is day 2 with it and got a constant smile. I’ll get the Sony system in the spring because I just need it for sports, but the Fuji is going to get way more use for its style, color, weight, looks, picture quality etc….
Hi Frank. Thank you for the comment. I’m so sorry to hear about your gear getting stolen. I know that feeling myself. I’m not surprised however you went back to fujifilm. I did the exact same thing.
I just picked up a cheap 50-230, the one with variable aperture, couple weeks back and took it to the track to shoot bikes and cars. It performed really well! When shooting sports you're usually outdoors in sunlight or have good stadium lights so fast aperture isn't needed. Yes, the lens is an XC so its made of plastic but that doesn't bother me at all. Paired with my XT3 it was able to get some incredible shots, and having the shutter control up top made it easy to switch between fast shutter for exciting moments to a slower shutter for when I wanted to get risky. Love my Fuji gear.
Hi! Thank you for the comment! You’re right, that is a fantastic lens for exactly what you’re using it for! I’ve shot some high soccer with it in the past and you’re right, it’s very capable and performs really well. Awesome!
Hey John, good to see you back here. Most of what I shoot is documentary, if I turned up with a huge DSLR it’s really difficult to fade into the background. Much of the time I just bring the XT3 and the 35mm, it’s far less conspicuous.
I have the X-H1, the 16-55 f2.8, 50-140 f2.8 and the 35 f1.4. First and foremost, Fuji is a fun system to shoot with. From the dense little metal lenses (eg the f2 fujicrons) to the little metal boxes with "clicky" dials. Factor in the Fuji film simulations, the reasonably frequent firmware updates, and the Fuji "fanboy" community (this one not so much...), and it just makes for an enjoyable experience. I have to say, whilst the head says stick with the XT / XH camera line as the most versatile tool for most jobs (and I am left eye dominant), the heart says return to a range-finder styled X-Pro 3, paired with the fujicrons, which ultimately funded the 16-55mm f2.8. In any case, I don't shoot photos in caves so the low light performance has always been more than good enough for me, and I don't feel the need for full frame or medium format.
You’re right Nick! My head is telling me the same thing about the xt line but I too just can’t resist the experience of the XPro line. It truly brings something to the table that I live whether it’s a personal shoot or a paid on. Thank you so much for the comment!
I am a hobbyist photographer. I was using Panasonic and the XP1 was recommended to me. It was my Fuji gateway drug. Outside of the kit lens I use primes. Have the original 1.4 primes and the crons. I, like you, love the lenses. The bodies are small & lite. As a street photographer who carries his gear all day, this is a plus. I only use mirrorless camera. The two attributes I appreciate are the nobs and dials. I love not having to menu dive. I also love the film simulations. The images sooc are lovely and seldom need to edit them. Fuji gear does what I need and want. It is fun to use. I enjoy my results. This is why I use Fuji gear. Mask on Nurse Marty
Like you I have gone through many different cameras. I have landed on Fuji mainly for size and weight. I have developed some fairly bad arthritis in my hands the Fuji equipment really makes a huge difference. I am primarily a prime shooter. I have an X-T1, X-T3, and an X-T4. I add the little Meike grips to all of them but no battery grips. The lenses I shoot with are the 14 f/2.8, 16 f/1.4, 23f/1.4, 35 f/1.4, 56 f/1.2, 90 f/2 and the only zoom I have is the 16-80 f/4. We primarily shoot weddings and portraits. My wife uses the X-T1 usually with the zoom and I shoot with the other two bodies on a Money Maker rig. The kit I just listed weighs 8.79 lbs. I came from an equivalent Canon DSLR kit that weighed 15.66 lbs. So in switching over I nearly dropped 1/2 the weight. Now I do also have some speed lights and a couple of small studio strobes. They all fit in a Think Tank Retrospective 10 bag and my cameras and lenses go in a Think Tank Airport Advantage small roller bag. I also love the old school controls on the Fuji cameras. I started Photography back in the 80’s on a Canon AE-1 that my dad had. So Fuji is like coming home.
Hi Mark, and thank you for the comment! I love the size and weight too. I’m not as young as I use to be either and can notice the difference between the Fuji set up and my old Nikon for sure. I am trying very hard to add more primes to my kit, especially the 23 f1.4 and the 56. F/1.2. And I also used a canon film set up for a while. Loved that. I miss those days every so often even.
@@wondersandwilderness I highly recommend the 23 and the 56 Fuji just upgraded the 23 with a better AF motor but took the clutch away. I use those two lenses about 80% if the time at a wedding
Good to see you back on youtube. Practical logical honest opinions. I have the xpro 3...but use a second hand xpro1 more...with 35 1.4. Just a more filmic look...also it is worth putting old lenses on it with an adaptor...magic..fuji = fun photography!
I have to admit, you’re set up is awesome. I would love to give the x pro 3 a try for my professional work! I’ve heard so many good things about it. And yet, like you, the x pro 1 and that 35mm 1.4 is still my choice setup.
Hey John, thanks for that really interesting video! I chose Fuji because I liked to change the important settings with physical dials, because of the film simulations, their firmware updates and … OK … the retro look. I shoot amateur level with an X-T3 and an X-E3. I use the 70-300 for my sons soccer games, the 35 f2 for street, the Viltrox 56 mm f1.4 for low light and portraits and if I warnt to be flexible I pack the 18-55. Oh yes: the Loawa 65mm f2.8 2:1 macro to hunt insects…. but that really is special interest, I guess. I like the X Pro series - but that has to wait. I am fully aware of the fact that the main instrument I have to improve is that between my ears, not that in front of my eye.
Sven, thank you for the comment and you are so right! Between the ears is what matters most to any photographer. And I’m interested in the work you do with insects. That is such a cool niche!! Also, what are your thoughts on the Viltrox 56? I’ve been looking at that a few other third party lenses recently.
When asked why i ditched my EOS RP and getting the Fuji XS10, i just say it's way better in every aspect, getting the best APSC sensor Fuji has vs Canon's worst full frame sensor, just makes a ton of sense to me... also IBIS and best of all film sims!
Just got xt3 last year and switched from d5300. I was amazed by speed and how much light it gathers but as you mentioned. Im not sure about the future after those kind statements they made. Um afraid to invest in system and dive all in. Idk maiby I will buy another camera one day and still keep using this one with the lenses I have without upgrading them
Hi John. Stumbled across your channel and really appreciate it for the, practical, common sense commentary. I’m coming back to photography (as a hobby) after a long hiatus, and I’m in the market for a XT2 or XPRO2 - and inclined toward the XPRO. What holds me back is I’m left eye dominate, and wonder if the XT2 would be a better choice? Or maybe I’m overthinking it … anyway, if you have a minute I’d really appreciate your thoughts.
Hi Robert, Thank you for the comment. Honestly, I’d borrow or rent an x pro 2 and try it out.. I’m partial to the rangefinders and would always suggest that between the two but it does depend on what your shooting. The xt2 is a little better suited for action etc, and the battery grip can help with battery time. For events and everyday, I like the rangefinder style myself. Hope this helps.
I had read that about Fuji as well, and it did make me hesitate…. But I love the form factor, the old school mechanical dials for adjustments and (like everyone) the colors straight out of the camera, I still think I’m going to add a fujifilm setup as my backup, and maybe even switch it to from my old worn out Sony to be my main camera if I can get used to it. Like you, I don’t think I’ll panic about their future unless they quit innovating and ignore the camera division. Hopefully that won’t be the case. The Sony files are a hair cleaner because they can be shot at lower ISOs in mixed or lower light, but there’s still just so much to like about the Fuji system over others.
Thank you for the comment Tim and I agree with you totally. There is just so much to like about the fujifilm experience. That fact alone makes it tough for me to even consider switching.
I went Fuji path with Xpro'1,2 & 3 + x100v.Using all 3 xpro's with 10 primes and 50-140 zoom.Why I chose Fujifilm is because of range finder stile (can see with both eyes open what is coming in the frame) , operating camera with one hand having all buttons reachable, size (as you mentioned I never took my Nikons or MF with me to a birthday party) and excellent optics and output.
Totally agree with you! And an entire roster of X Pro bodies and the x100v?! That is awesome. What primes would you choose if you had to narrow it down to two or three?
@@wondersandwilderness I would go with 16f1.4 ,23 f1.4 and 56 f1.2.If going really light (holiday pack with small bag) then trio Fujicrones 23,35&50 f2.This is a!so what I usually doing.Other aditions are Zeiss 12mm f2.8, 80 and or 90mm.Found out that I use more 80mm then 90 due to getting closer ,OIS and combination withTC1.4.
I was disappointed in digital until the X-Trans sensor came along. The removal of the anti-aliasing filter was the step needed for me to finally be interested in digital. Five Fujis later (l still have four and sold one to buy the other) and I’m still satisfied with the system. The improvements in AF in particular have been great. Though I don’t shoot much fast moving stuff I did shoot kids soccer with an X-T1 and XF 56 f/1.2 no problem. Sold the X-T1 to get an X-T4 so I can start doing video. I would imagine it would be quite competent for sports because it’s much more performant than the Minolta Maxxum 7D which I had no problem shooting indoor or outdoor University sports with (in single frame advance because 3fps continuous drive tended to capture action between frames). I have mostly Fuji prime lenses (all XF … 18/2, 14/2.8, 23/2, 35/1.4, 56/1.2) and two zooms (16-80/4 for video … came w/X-T4 and 18-55/2.8-4 I put on my X-E2s when I let my daughter use the camera). Yes, the quiet Linear Motor models are more performant than the older lenses including the 56/1.2 yet I rarely miss shots when using the X-Pro 2 or X-T4. I shot Minolta when others were shooting Nikon and Canon and I still made a living. The tools work so use the tools that work for you. Fuji has great ergos and interface that hands down smack the spit out of Sony, Nikon and Canon. I’m happy with Fuji and will use it as my primary digital system for the foreseeable future. If you’re still happy with Fuji I say who cares what the other people shoot.
Thank you so much for the insight and awesome comment! I actually still have my Minolta x-700 and a fair amount of Rokkor glass. I agree about the sensor too. It was a game changer when I discovered it too. I’m still crazy about the results and I find the output to be better than any other system I’ve tried and that’s been about everything short of a Leica M10.
Hi John, you asked for some feedback - so yes I shoot Fuji professionally (although I am semi-retired now) for a London Press Agency. My daily kit is a couple of X-pro 2's with the F2 primes, this is important because of weight and the lens image quality, the F2's are also WR which is important as usually I am out in the Rain (i'm from London UK) and I don't need F1.4 as most of the assignments are in daylight. I also have an X-T 2 with the 16-55mm red badge zoom, the 10-24mm and 55-200mm, however I am more of a rangefinder guy and prefer primes. Fuji had some negative feedback from consumers with the X-T30 in 'why can't you release some of the film simulations/video that arrived with the X-T3/4' so now they have released the Fuji X-T 30 Mk II with these requested features, however it also has a new processor inside, so I understand that it needed a hardware update that couldn't be accomplished with just firmware only. In the past I used to shoot Leica with film (I still do), owning an M3 and a 50mm Summicron is very nice to shoot some film, but to go the whole way and fully kit out my camera gear for a digital Leica would be financial suicide to my business. For non-professional's brand loyalty seems very important, but as professional these are 'tools' that generate income and my Fuji gear does everything that I need, I will only change my gear if it is broken or doesn't do what I need it to do. So as a scenario, I was standing outside London's Central Criminal Courts (the Old Bailey) in the pooring rain to capture a shot for the Paper, had the 23mm F2 to capture some of the location and the 90mm F2 for some close ups. Small kit which easily fits into a Billingham bag and is light enough to carry around all day, I was waiting outside in the rain for FOUR hours to get the shot, delighted that I didn't have two huge DSLR's around my neck.
Hi David, thank you for the comment and for helping me get a better understanding of the xt-30 mark ii. I agree totally about the gear being tools for professionals. I am like you in the sense that the Fuji gear allows me to do everything I need in my work. More than that, it allows me to do it and feel a sense of confidence and satisfaction about it. After all the brands I've used over the years, it's the most fun I've had shooting whether it's a paid job or a family function. Thank you once again for the insight. Hopefully people will read the comments and learn as much as I did from you.
@@wondersandwilderness : In your video the person asked "why Fuji?"....the real question is "Why Not Fuji" - the usual answer is that "it isn't full frame". One chap came up to me on an assignment and tried to convince me that his camera was better (Sony A7 etc.) as it had full frame, faster focus etc, and started to show me his photo's on his mobile phone (which sadly were ****). I answered that you don't need full frame for the output that I needed - he then answered that it was nice to zoom into his files and crop extensively in Lightroom - sorry i was losing patience with this guy, and explain that as a PRO you use the whole frame, I don't crop my images being sent back wirelessly to the newsdesk, because he cropped so much effectively he was using his full frame as a cropped sensor anyway. Most amateurs don't properly understand the importance of viewing distance - I don't need 300 PPI for the local paper viewed at 40cm (I don't shoot for Vogue), we were standing next to a bill board and I had to expain that its image was reprodiced at TEN lines per inch. So in practice if you don't heavily crop you can produce 300 dpi images for high end publications, and most print outputs in newspapers are much lower resolution (e.g. London's Evening Standard is 150 dpi for the magazine and 72pdi for the paper I believe). In the studio I have access to a Phase One camera, and with the price of his Sony, I could purchase Fuji's GFX 50S II which makes his camera a cropped sensor - "More than Full Frame" - but I don't need it. Camera manufacturers, to sell the next generation of gear, place huge empbasis upon tech specs - sensor size, megapixel count - their marketing departments are dsigned to open your wallet and push the next upgrade... my advice is invest in Glass. When someone asks which Camera should I buy I usually say the model that has just been superceeded, I liked your video were you returned an X-T 2 and repurchased an X-T 1, the older camera was the flagship a couple of years ago so unless the upgrade makes a huge difference to your needs then save your cash and buy some new lenses.
I was using Pentax K3 and i wanted to go on mirrorless....unfortunatelly i hadnt any to choose on Pentax...anyway i continued my research few months ago, listen a lot of reviews, and so on....Why i choosed Fuji?Sony was in my way until xt4 compared with a7 iii, and i said "wait a minute🤨, after even more research i gone with xt4 with 16-80mm. Ilove the dials, the menu, the design, the processing and colors. Obviously i will sell my 16-80, will go first with 50-140 and then with 1-2 primes, but....in time. I do much landscape and portrait (which i think it can be improved with primes)
HI and thank you for the comment. I started my career with Pentax and love the gear to this day, but with no mirrorless option to speak of, I'm in the same boat you are. And the setup you're working towards sounds much like the one I want to arrive at as well. The 50-140 and a couple of primes in lower focal lengths. Please keep me posted on your progress!
Hey I'm a beginner photographer, I've had my X-T1 for about 6 months now (had a Canon M50 before, can't say I like dthe experience, still use it for video work though) I wanted to do a little of photography work on my free time, but the X-T1 isn't really giving me the pro results I need. Image quality is great, but the AF is lacking a little bit. My dad have been a Nikon shooter for... about 40 years, he had a FE film camera and then he bought a D60 in the late 2000s. That's the cameras I've learnt photography with and I'm naturally drawn towards Nikon as a whole. I'm not really deep into the Fujifilm ecosystem : I paid around 800 to 900€ for my whole gear, including the body, 2 lenses (a 18-135 and a 35 f2), batteries. I'm using a lot of old manual Nikon glass that my dad owns as well. I will always keep my Fuji as it is a fairly compcat camera and is very fun to shoot, but if I wanted to do a real photography work, like events and such (which I aim to do) I don't think my X-T1 would keep up that well. That's why I was looking into some entry level Nikon Z cameras : there"s the Z5 that quite nice and the Z6 (the first one) can be bought for fairly cheap (less than 1000€) on the used market now that the Z6 II is out. I have the money for a full kit with one of those bodies, and a combo 24-70 f4 + 70-200 f4 since I have a full time job that pays decently but I just don't know if that's worth it, or if I should just stay within the Fujifilm ecosystem (I tried an X-T4 in a store and basically wasn't conviced by the handling and feel of the camera for some reason). Like you, that's the "we will focus on health" statement from Fuji's CEO that triggered that thinking about switching (not saying that I should tho)
Fuji won't let us down, they can keep their camera and lenses department as a showroom and keep making amazing gears with updates no matter what and they will as they officially confirmed last week. I don't meet with professional photographers who shoot Leica either nowadays because it's hard to justify and certainly not the easiest way but some of the best do because of how it feels and the way it inspires them. I moved over from Canon years ago and I know Sony or Canon or Nikon systems would maybe make my professional life a little easier sometimes but then every time I gave it a try in the last years or so the fun and inspiration were gone. What it did for me was forcing me to refocus on what really matters to me in terms of photography and what I want to achieve and for this Fuji covers everything I need. If I was to make a living shooting sports or action I'd probably reconsider but I believe you're only good at what you really like and it's not my thing. The X100, later the X-Pro1, literally changed my life and I like it like that. In other words I understand what you mean and I'll stick to Fuji because this is perfect for me. Thanks for sharing! Cheers!
Hello, and thank you for the compliment. I couldn't agree with you more in terms of Fuji covering everything I need in a system. And, like you, the X-Pro 1 changed my life too! Thank you once again! Cheers!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about the Fuji-System. I shoot a Nikon-system and Fuji side-by-side. Can't imagine shooting indoor-sports with Fuji only. I like the form-factor and dials on the Fujis (X-T1s, X100t, X70 and X-Pro1). Especially in mixed light conditions I prefer the files from the Nikon D750 over the Fuji-files. Recent Fuji-models might be better in this regard.
Hi Georg! Thank you for the comment. I Totally understand. I shot a d750 myself for a while and it’s a beautiful camera. You’re right however in that the later fujifilm models are certainly better in that regard.
Canon, Nikon, etc had enormous catalogs of lenses designed for 35 mm film, so that for them, APSC was a necessary evil in the period when making full-frame sensors was prohibitively expensive. Once the chip manufacturing processes matured to the point where FF sensors were affordable, these companies gravitated to the bigger format for "pro level" gear and relegated APSC to their amateur models. Fuji bucked this trend by offering a full APSC ecosystem. A brave move since the "FF=Pro" mindset has taken such deep roots.
You’re exactly right. I think that is part of what drew me to fujifilm in the first place. They were willing to take a chance and develop a cropped sensor ecosystem that would evolve into a more pro-suited system.
@@wondersandwilderness GH4 user here!I agree!I have had 2 D800 and I miss them very much, but the move over to m43 was simply based on video back in 2018!sadly I waited too long for a 20mm f1.8 lens to arrive so I didnt have a deathbed session with my late father!he went too fast!I really like the flat profile on the older model I got now!I am pretty sure I am changing to Fuji X-H1 camera next year!
3:30 It sounds like your take on the new Fuji CEO is coming from Tony Northrup. IMO, he got over 1M subscribers in part by exploiting fanboy rifts, and despite his “love” for Fuji, sometimes this came at the expense of Fuji. Unfortunately he has become an influencer and can somewhat move the market. Don’t let him do this and shoot what you want.
Hi Lyndon, Thank you so much for the comment. Actually. I am not a big fan of Tony's content and wasn't aware he addressed this issue until a comment on my video brought it to my attention. Admittedly, parts of my views on the matter are similar. That said, these are just the thoughts I had when I read the statement from Fujiiflm and thought I would share them. I am a firm believer in everyone being the kind of photographer they want to be, that's the beauty of the art form. It always pains me to see someone with a large platform exploiting anyone or any topic for views or likes. It's sad, but unfortunately it seems to be a reality of the photography world.
@@wondersandwilderness thanks for the reply - and - I should have started my last comment with this - great images! Really enjoy your channel and perspectives.
I went to Fuji from Canon FF and I´ve loved the system. This is the first time I actually like and prefere working with prime lenses. With Canon it was 24-70 and 70-200 most of the time. With Fuji I really like the 23mm f1,4 + 56mm f1,2 (thinking about swapping it for the 50mm f1,0). The only thing that I don´t like so much and kind of miss the Canon is the 50-140mm f2,8. It´s sharp but the rendering is nowhere near to that of the Canon 70-200mm f2,8 IS II. The Fuji 50-140 f2,8 I use because I often need the range but for portraits I certainly much prefer primes. The 56mm f1,2 is excellent and so is the 90mm f2. With these lenses one can forget about full frame. And the 50mm f1,0...omg! It´s not drastically better or different from the 56mm f1,2...but...the subtle differences in the rendering, the slightly shorter focal length and the faster and much more reliable AF all make it soo much better! If only it wasn´t so bloody expensive :) One thing that worries me about Fuji is, as you have said, what´s going on with the company. For example until recently I could have my Fujis servised in Prague. But I was told that that´s going to be over soon and the only service place in Europe (?) is going to be in London....
Hi Petr, and thank you for the comment. I agree with you in regards to the prime lenses. Asa Nikon shooter, I was zooms only, but I do prefer the primes in the Fujifilm system for sure and am working towards a setup all primes and the 50-140 (just because of the focal length versatility) I have not tried the 50 f/1 at all but absolutely love the 56 f/1.2 and the 90 f/2. And you're not the only one concerned about the company's commitment to the X-series system and cameras as a whole. I am too. I'm not concerned enough, however, to switch systems, but it's something worth paying attention to for sure.
Canon, Sony and Nikon make more money from other divisions. That statement was taken out of context. Fuji has a long term road map. The new sensor should be proof they are fine right now and for the future.
I always thought the camera business was not Fuji’s primary business. They diversified into different markets over the years. I don’t believe (or hope) there is any danger of them selling. In the last 6 years that i have been shooting, the camera division was never the money maker of the company.
Don’t be worried. The fact that fuji makes the majority of their money elsewhere isn’t a bad thing-only when the entire corporation becomes insolvent is the camera division then at risk. The fact that the CEO sees the camera division as a “contribution to society” likely means the company will retain it even if camera sales were to slow (which they almost certainly won’t). Glad you’re happy with your fuji gear-don’t watch too much Tony Northrup ;)
Thank you for the comment. I tend to agree with you and I’ll have to check out the Tony Northrop channel. I’m guessing he touched on this kinda thing based on your comment. I’m honestly not a regular viewer of his channel.
I'm just retiring from photojournalism in Australia. In the late 80's to the 2000's I used an Olympus OM-1 film camera. I was deeply into the newspaper industry, to the extent where I ran my own community newspaper for years. Then when DSLR's got serious enough, I switched to a Nikon system, which gave me great results, but no user satisfaction, they were only on the level of good tools. Then Fujifilm started releasing cameras that took me back to the Olympus OM days. So I gave my Nikons the flick, and purchased an X-T2 and X-H1. They worked great, they felt great, and I loved using them. I've added to the list with other bodies that I use for my own pleasure - the X70, X-E1, X-M1, X-E3 and X100V. No other system touches them.I've used them all for pleasure and business.
Thank you for the comments, Greg, and congrats on the retirement. Believe me, the newspaper business has changed so much and I’ve seen that firsthand. And like you, the user satisfaction means something to me. They are tools for sure, for what we choose to do for a living, but it’s such a better place to be in if you enjoy the tools of your trade.
I began shooting Fuji with the purchase of an X-T2 in 2016. Due in part to your video @Greg Carrick and others I’ve recently picked up some older Fuji bodies (X-E1, X-T1) and have discovered the joy of shooting these and the awesome characteristics of the older Fuji sensors. If I’m getting paid and I need the best AF and resolution I shoot X-Trans 3 or 4; but for personal work my current preference is X-Trans I or II.
@@LyndonPatrickSmith I know how you feel, as I’ve tried pretty much everything over the years myself. And Most of my Personal work is done with my x-Pro 1 so I understand what you’re saying about the allure of the original sensors.
And Gregg has a very good youtube channel too 😬
I too was an Olympus OM1 photographer back in the day but am now a Fujifilm photographer now.
I first owned the X-Pro 1 and the three primes and owned a Leica M9 at the same time but they are long gone now.
I use the X100V and the XF10 (but I'm now looking at selling the XF10 & replacing it with the GR3x).
I really love the image quality I get from the X100V.
Hey John! It is good to see you again! I hope that your business picks up. It has been a pretty tough couple of years for lots of us.
I also used to be a newspaper shooter back in Michigan. I am now working as a portrait and event photographer (among other things) here in Japan.
I use Fuji gear because:
1) The jpeg files look amazing out of the camera. I don't have to screw around much on the computer anymore. The skin tones are right on the money. And with Capture One, the RAW files also look great when I need to use that workflow.
2) Lightweight -- I don't have a car, so I have to carry everything. Also, my hands/wrists don't hurt anymore after a long day of shooting.
3) I like using the nobs, dials, and flippy screens. Easy peasy.
4) Great glass.
5) Fujifilm customer service has been great here in Japan. I broke an EF-X500 flash almost in half on a gig once. I sent it in to be repaired and they sent me back a new one for free. Big gold star there!
Fujifilm is a pretty well-run and well-diversified company. They survived the switch from analog to digital. You remember Kodak, right? (The sound of crickets). Kodak basically invented digital photography and it killed them. Companies have to adapt or die in rapidly changing times. In 10 years, they'll be only a couple of companies making non-phone cameras. Fujifilm might be one of them. (Along with Canon and Sony?) They have built a niche pretty quickly.
I just wish I could AirDrop my files directly from my camera to my Mac, iPad, or phone....
I look forward to seeing more of your videos, John. I like your matter-of-fact style.
Hi Paul, Thank you for the comment. Question for you if that' okay -- how was the transition between photojournalism and portraits? My business have shifted over the last few years (pre-Covid even) to events and I really enjoy them. In many respects they're similar to a photojournalistic assignment. Just curious. Also, love my Fuji gear for pretty much the same reasons you listed. Plus, the look is something I just love, too. And funny you should mention that about Airdrop. I actually emailed Fujifilm a few years ago about that very thing because I was having such trouble with Fuji's transfer app. I was told there was nothing in the pipeline for that.
@@wondersandwilderness Hey John, Sorry for the belated reply.
My transition from photojournalism to portraits took a long detour. After getting burnt out as a staff shooter in Grand Rapids, I jumped on a plane to Japan on short notice in ’95 (before the internet killed newspapers). I worked as an English teacher for about 15 years, while doing photo gigs on the side. I then went out on my own trying to build a different business that didn’t work out. I fell back into photography by default. Most of my work came photographing international tourists here in Kyoto.
Long story short: photography is a very difficult business, and tourism is feast or famine. I have learned to bring in work from different sources. I can’t make a living just from doing portraits (even pre-Covid). I had to diversify by doing other kinds of non-photo tourism related gigs. My town became a big time international tourist destination and suddenly I had competition coming out of the cracks in the walls. Too many people fighting for a limited client pool. And then big companies came in and tried to crush us small businesspeople. Crazy. And with the pandemic, that all dried up.
The biggest difference between doing photojournalism (and other similar gigs) and doing work for the general public is that you have to be a businessperson. A salesperson. An internet marketer. And that is quite a different mindset. Business is not for the faint of heart. Who is your market? What is your product? How do people find you? Will they actually pay you? Why is my website down? Etc, etc, etc.
I teamed up with some other people for a while and that worked out well. I am the “talent” and they were the business and logistics people. I am better out in the field. It is really difficult being a one-man-band. Few people have all of the skills to make a business work by themselves.
It looks like offering video services is the thing to do. Looking ahead 10 years, I can’t imagine making it only doing stills.
I hope that is helpful for you. Good luck.
@@PaulCrouse What a story, and one I can certainly relate to on many levels. It's very helpful and you are so right. a combination of video and still seems to be the way of the future. Honestly, I'm not sure how I feel about that, personally. Video is so much more technical and tedious to me. I really don't enjoy most of the process, though I don't have a ton of experience doing it professionally. The business aspect, particularly if you're on your own, is 90% of the job anymore. Shooting is almost something done in the spare time it seems. I actually enjoy the business aspect but it is exhausting and stressful most of the time. For example, I have two large clients now who simply decided paying contractors can wait... and I don't have much recourse. Portrait work and even weddings is so competitive now, and the standards clinkers have are so low that guys like you and I are competing against friends and relatives who simply pick up a camera and shoot in "P" mode. Sadly, clients are accepting if this more times than not. It's always been a tough business, but it's climbed to another level over the past few years. That said, I'm still in it. I still love it. But you're right, it's getting tougher and tougher to pay the bills.
@@detroittradingcardco Thanks for your reply, Hoops. We live in fast-changing times, so it is important to adapt or we'll end up like those two grumpy old muppets characters. LOL.
Hi John! Loved your approach to Fuji line up. I'm sports photographer with the 200mm on my bag, working part time. Actually first time that I crossed over your channel. Subscribed and looking forward for more content. Cheers\Carlos
Hi Carlos!! Thank you so much for the comment and the kind words. I would love to hear more about what you think of the 200mm. I am trying to shoot more sports again since I love it so much and would want to add this lens. Thank you so much once again.
@@wondersandwilderness Hi John, thank you for the quick reply. In a nutshell the 200mm is a game changer! Never saw a negative review on that lens...maybe the price, however comparing with other lenses, I actually think the opposite. Just the 1.4xTC is approx. 500USD, e.g. Will drop you a DM on IG. Cheers
I’ve been using fujifilm gear for my work in a University and for most events where the ppl aren’t moving around quickly (like sports), the 16-55 f2.8 zoom can be paired with a body like the xs10 or xt4 for stabilization, and shot at 1/50, 1/60. That works out quite well for Low light events.
I have the F1.4 primes and used to carry two Fuji bodies around but since I got the f2.8 zooms, I tend to use them a lot more because of the increased depth of field (really don’t need super blurry backgrounds) and the fantastic image quality.
Hi Daniel, and thank you for the comment. Like I mentioned in the video I also shoot the 16-55 f2.8 and it's a fabulous lens and it's the newest lens in my bag. I love the versatility for events for sure, but I just can't seem to get comfortable with it yet. I would love to try it on an xt4 body though, and see if there is a noticeable difference between that and my xt3.
Last week I had my 100v, A7iii + 3 primes stolen in a car prowl. Positive side, an opportunity to rethink re-do my lineup! Guess which one I went back to first? Fuji. I loved the V, but after 2 years I feel like I graduated from it and it was starting to feel a bit toyie. But I love the small form factor, and weight, so I was strongly leaning toward the T30ii. Went into the store to confirm my feelings and it was a big no, it felt way too thin and no grip made you feel like you had to pinch to hold it. Then I held the X-S10 and it was a dream. Sure, no analog dials, but now I can’t go back, love the PASM and just the look of the dials. And of course, I had to buy my first Fuji prime and it had to be the 35mm 1.4. Today is day 2 with it and got a constant smile. I’ll get the Sony system in the spring because I just need it for sports, but the Fuji is going to get way more use for its style, color, weight, looks, picture quality etc….
Hi Frank. Thank you for the comment. I’m so sorry to hear about your gear getting stolen. I know that feeling myself. I’m not surprised however you went back to fujifilm. I did the exact same thing.
I own (3) X-T1s, a X-T2 and a X100F. Photography is only a hobby and I am very happy with my Fujifilm cameras. I plan to buy a X-H2 next year.
Yeah I am also eagerly waiting for XH2
I just picked up a cheap 50-230, the one with variable aperture, couple weeks back and took it to the track to shoot bikes and cars. It performed really well! When shooting sports you're usually outdoors in sunlight or have good stadium lights so fast aperture isn't needed. Yes, the lens is an XC so its made of plastic but that doesn't bother me at all. Paired with my XT3 it was able to get some incredible shots, and having the shutter control up top made it easy to switch between fast shutter for exciting moments to a slower shutter for when I wanted to get risky. Love my Fuji gear.
Hi! Thank you for the comment! You’re right, that is a fantastic lens for exactly what you’re using it for! I’ve shot some high soccer with it in the past and you’re right, it’s very capable and performs really well. Awesome!
nice one well said, i love the 90mm f2 not as convenient as a zoom but what a superb lens that is.
Hey John, good to see you back here. Most of what I shoot is documentary, if I turned up with a huge DSLR it’s really difficult to fade into the background. Much of the time I just bring the XT3 and the 35mm, it’s far less conspicuous.
Absolutely right, Nigel. That’s my thinking too. Perfect kit for the kind of work we do. Thank you so much for the comment.
I have the X-H1, the 16-55 f2.8, 50-140 f2.8 and the 35 f1.4. First and foremost, Fuji is a fun system to shoot with. From the dense little metal lenses (eg the f2 fujicrons) to the little metal boxes with "clicky" dials. Factor in the Fuji film simulations, the reasonably frequent firmware updates, and the Fuji "fanboy" community (this one not so much...), and it just makes for an enjoyable experience. I have to say, whilst the head says stick with the XT / XH camera line as the most versatile tool for most jobs (and I am left eye dominant), the heart says return to a range-finder styled X-Pro 3, paired with the fujicrons, which ultimately funded the 16-55mm f2.8. In any case, I don't shoot photos in caves so the low light performance has always been more than good enough for me, and I don't feel the need for full frame or medium format.
You’re right Nick! My head is telling me the same thing about the xt line but I too just can’t resist the experience of the XPro line. It truly brings something to the table that I live whether it’s a personal shoot or a paid on. Thank you so much for the comment!
@@wondersandwilderness Thank you John and I look forward to more videos!! :)
I am a hobbyist photographer.
I was using Panasonic and the XP1 was recommended to me. It was my Fuji gateway drug. Outside of the kit lens I use primes. Have the original 1.4 primes and the crons. I, like you, love the lenses.
The bodies are small & lite. As a street photographer who carries his gear all day, this is a plus. I only use mirrorless camera. The two attributes I appreciate are the nobs and dials. I love not having to menu dive. I also love the film simulations. The images sooc are lovely and seldom need to edit them.
Fuji gear does what I need and want. It is fun to use. I enjoy my results. This is why I use Fuji gear.
Mask on Nurse Marty
Like you I have gone through many different cameras. I have landed on Fuji mainly for size and weight. I have developed some fairly bad arthritis in my hands the Fuji equipment really makes a huge difference.
I am primarily a prime shooter. I have an X-T1, X-T3, and an X-T4. I add the little Meike grips to all of them but no battery grips. The lenses I shoot with are the 14 f/2.8, 16 f/1.4, 23f/1.4, 35 f/1.4, 56 f/1.2, 90 f/2 and the only zoom I have is the 16-80 f/4. We primarily shoot weddings and portraits. My wife uses the X-T1 usually with the zoom and I shoot with the other two bodies on a Money Maker rig. The kit I just listed weighs 8.79 lbs. I came from an equivalent Canon DSLR kit that weighed 15.66 lbs. So in switching over I nearly dropped 1/2 the weight. Now I do also have some speed lights and a couple of small studio strobes. They all fit in a Think Tank Retrospective 10 bag and my cameras and lenses go in a Think Tank Airport Advantage small roller bag. I also love the old school controls on the Fuji cameras. I started Photography back in the 80’s on a Canon AE-1 that my dad had. So Fuji is like coming home.
Hi Mark, and thank you for the comment! I love the size and weight too. I’m not as young as I use to be either and can notice the difference between the Fuji set up and my old Nikon for sure. I am trying very hard to add more primes to my kit, especially the 23 f1.4 and the 56. F/1.2. And I also used a canon film set up for a while. Loved that. I miss those days every so often even.
@@wondersandwilderness
I highly recommend the 23 and the 56 Fuji just upgraded the 23 with a better AF motor but took the clutch away.
I use those two lenses about 80% if the time at a wedding
Good to see you back on youtube. Practical logical honest opinions. I have the xpro 3...but use a second hand xpro1 more...with 35 1.4. Just a more filmic look...also it is worth putting old lenses on it with an adaptor...magic..fuji = fun photography!
I have to admit, you’re set up is awesome. I would love to give the x pro 3 a try for my professional work! I’ve heard so many good things about it. And yet, like you, the x pro 1 and that 35mm 1.4 is still my choice setup.
Hey John, thanks for that really interesting video!
I chose Fuji because I liked to change the important settings with physical dials, because of the film simulations, their firmware updates and … OK … the retro look.
I shoot amateur level with an X-T3 and an X-E3. I use the 70-300 for my sons soccer games, the 35 f2 for street, the Viltrox 56 mm f1.4 for low light and portraits and if I warnt to be flexible I pack the 18-55. Oh yes: the Loawa 65mm f2.8 2:1 macro to hunt insects…. but that really is special interest, I guess.
I like the X Pro series - but that has to wait. I am fully aware of the fact that the main instrument I have to improve is that between my ears, not that in front of my eye.
Sven, thank you for the comment and you are so right! Between the ears is what matters most to any photographer. And I’m interested in the work you do with insects. That is such a cool niche!! Also, what are your thoughts on the Viltrox 56? I’ve been looking at that a few other third party lenses recently.
When asked why i ditched my EOS RP and getting the Fuji XS10, i just say it's way better in every aspect, getting the best APSC sensor Fuji has vs Canon's worst full frame sensor, just makes a ton of sense to me... also IBIS and best of all film sims!
I couldn't agree more!!!!
Just got xt3 last year and switched from d5300. I was amazed by speed and how much light it gathers but as you mentioned. Im not sure about the future after those kind statements they made. Um afraid to invest in system and dive all in. Idk maiby I will buy another camera one day and still keep using this one with the lenses I have without upgrading them
Hi, and thank you for the comment. I understand your mindset, and as I mentioned, there's a part of me that feels the same way.
Hi John. Stumbled across your channel and really appreciate it for the, practical, common sense commentary. I’m coming back to photography (as a hobby) after a long hiatus, and I’m in the market for a XT2 or XPRO2 - and inclined toward the XPRO. What holds me back is I’m left eye dominate, and wonder if the XT2 would be a better choice? Or maybe I’m overthinking it … anyway, if you have a minute I’d really appreciate your thoughts.
Hi Robert,
Thank you for the comment. Honestly, I’d borrow or rent an x pro 2 and try it out.. I’m partial to the rangefinders and would always suggest that between the two but it does depend on what your shooting. The xt2 is a little better suited for action etc, and the battery grip can help with battery time. For events and everyday, I like the rangefinder style myself. Hope this helps.
I had read that about Fuji as well, and it did make me hesitate…. But I love the form factor, the old school mechanical dials for adjustments and (like everyone) the colors straight out of the camera, I still think I’m going to add a fujifilm setup as my backup, and maybe even switch it to from my old worn out Sony to be my main camera if I can get used to it.
Like you, I don’t think I’ll panic about their future unless they quit innovating and ignore the camera division. Hopefully that won’t be the case. The Sony files are a hair cleaner because they can be shot at lower ISOs in mixed or lower light, but there’s still just so much to like about the Fuji system over others.
Thank you for the comment Tim and I agree with you totally. There is just so much to like about the fujifilm experience. That fact alone makes it tough for me to even consider switching.
I went Fuji path with Xpro'1,2 & 3 + x100v.Using all 3 xpro's with 10 primes and 50-140 zoom.Why I chose Fujifilm is because of range finder stile (can see with both eyes open what is coming in the frame) , operating camera with one hand having all buttons reachable, size (as you mentioned I never took my Nikons or MF with me to a birthday party) and excellent optics and output.
Totally agree with you! And an entire roster of X Pro bodies and the x100v?! That is awesome. What primes would you choose if you had to narrow it down to two or three?
@@wondersandwilderness I would go with 16f1.4 ,23 f1.4 and 56 f1.2.If going really light (holiday pack with small bag) then trio Fujicrones 23,35&50 f2.This is a!so what I usually doing.Other aditions are Zeiss 12mm f2.8, 80 and or 90mm.Found out that I use more 80mm then 90 due to getting closer ,OIS and combination withTC1.4.
@@eagleeyephoto8715 Awesome. Thank you.
I was disappointed in digital until the X-Trans sensor came along. The removal of the anti-aliasing filter was the step needed for me to finally be interested in digital. Five Fujis later (l still have four and sold one to buy the other) and I’m still satisfied with the system. The improvements in AF in particular have been great.
Though I don’t shoot much fast moving stuff I did shoot kids soccer with an X-T1 and XF 56 f/1.2 no problem. Sold the X-T1 to get an X-T4 so I can start doing video. I would imagine it would be quite competent for sports because it’s much more performant than the Minolta Maxxum 7D which I had no problem shooting indoor or outdoor University sports with (in single frame advance because 3fps continuous drive tended to capture action between frames).
I have mostly Fuji prime lenses (all XF … 18/2, 14/2.8, 23/2, 35/1.4, 56/1.2) and two zooms (16-80/4 for video … came w/X-T4 and 18-55/2.8-4 I put on my X-E2s when I let my daughter use the camera). Yes, the quiet Linear Motor models are more performant than the older lenses including the 56/1.2 yet I rarely miss shots when using the X-Pro 2 or X-T4.
I shot Minolta when others were shooting Nikon and Canon and I still made a living. The tools work so use the tools that work for you. Fuji has great ergos and interface that hands down smack the spit out of Sony, Nikon and Canon. I’m happy with Fuji and will use it as my primary digital system for the foreseeable future. If you’re still happy with Fuji I say who cares what the other people shoot.
Thank you so much for the insight and awesome comment! I actually still have my Minolta x-700 and a fair amount of Rokkor glass. I agree about the sensor too. It was a game changer when I discovered it too. I’m still crazy about the results and I find the output to be better than any other system I’ve tried and that’s been about everything short of a Leica M10.
Hi John, you asked for some feedback - so yes I shoot Fuji professionally (although I am semi-retired now) for a London Press Agency. My daily kit is a couple of X-pro 2's with the F2 primes, this is important because of weight and the lens image quality, the F2's are also WR which is important as usually I am out in the Rain (i'm from London UK) and I don't need F1.4 as most of the assignments are in daylight. I also have an X-T 2 with the 16-55mm red badge zoom, the 10-24mm and 55-200mm, however I am more of a rangefinder guy and prefer primes.
Fuji had some negative feedback from consumers with the X-T30 in 'why can't you release some of the film simulations/video that arrived with the X-T3/4' so now they have released the Fuji X-T 30 Mk II with these requested features, however it also has a new processor inside, so I understand that it needed a hardware update that couldn't be accomplished with just firmware only.
In the past I used to shoot Leica with film (I still do), owning an M3 and a 50mm Summicron is very nice to shoot some film, but to go the whole way and fully kit out my camera gear for a digital Leica would be financial suicide to my business. For non-professional's brand loyalty seems very important, but as professional these are 'tools' that generate income and my Fuji gear does everything that I need, I will only change my gear if it is broken or doesn't do what I need it to do.
So as a scenario, I was standing outside London's Central Criminal Courts (the Old Bailey) in the pooring rain to capture a shot for the Paper, had the 23mm F2 to capture some of the location and the 90mm F2 for some close ups. Small kit which easily fits into a Billingham bag and is light enough to carry around all day, I was waiting outside in the rain for FOUR hours to get the shot, delighted that I didn't have two huge DSLR's around my neck.
Hi David, thank you for the comment and for helping me get a better understanding of the xt-30 mark ii. I agree totally about the gear being tools for professionals. I am like you in the sense that the Fuji gear allows me to do everything I need in my work. More than that, it allows me to do it and feel a sense of confidence and satisfaction about it. After all the brands I've used over the years, it's the most fun I've had shooting whether it's a paid job or a family function. Thank you once again for the insight. Hopefully people will read the comments and learn as much as I did from you.
@@wondersandwilderness : In your video the person asked "why Fuji?"....the real question is "Why Not Fuji" - the usual answer is that "it isn't full frame".
One chap came up to me on an assignment and tried to convince me that his camera was better (Sony A7 etc.) as it had full frame, faster focus etc, and started to show me his photo's on his mobile phone (which sadly were ****). I answered that you don't need full frame for the output that I needed - he then answered that it was nice to zoom into his files and crop extensively in Lightroom - sorry i was losing patience with this guy, and explain that as a PRO you use the whole frame, I don't crop my images being sent back wirelessly to the newsdesk, because he cropped so much effectively he was using his full frame as a cropped sensor anyway.
Most amateurs don't properly understand the importance of viewing distance - I don't need 300 PPI for the local paper viewed at 40cm (I don't shoot for Vogue), we were standing next to a bill board and I had to expain that its image was reprodiced at TEN lines per inch. So in practice if you don't heavily crop you can produce 300 dpi images for high end publications, and most print outputs in newspapers are much lower resolution (e.g. London's Evening Standard is 150 dpi for the magazine and 72pdi for the paper I believe). In the studio I have access to a Phase One camera, and with the price of his Sony, I could purchase Fuji's GFX 50S II which makes his camera a cropped sensor - "More than Full Frame" - but I don't need it.
Camera manufacturers, to sell the next generation of gear, place huge empbasis upon tech specs - sensor size, megapixel count - their marketing departments are dsigned to open your wallet and push the next upgrade... my advice is invest in Glass. When someone asks which Camera should I buy I usually say the model that has just been superceeded, I liked your video were you returned an X-T 2 and repurchased an X-T 1, the older camera was the flagship a couple of years ago so unless the upgrade makes a huge difference to your needs then save your cash and buy some new lenses.
@@davidmilton2956 perfectly stated!
I was using Pentax K3 and i wanted to go on mirrorless....unfortunatelly i hadnt any to choose on Pentax...anyway i continued my research few months ago, listen a lot of reviews, and so on....Why i choosed Fuji?Sony was in my way until xt4 compared with a7 iii, and i said "wait a minute🤨, after even more research i gone with xt4 with 16-80mm. Ilove the dials, the menu, the design, the processing and colors. Obviously i will sell my 16-80, will go first with 50-140 and then with 1-2 primes, but....in time. I do much landscape and portrait (which i think it can be improved with primes)
HI and thank you for the comment. I started my career with Pentax and love the gear to this day, but with no mirrorless option to speak of, I'm in the same boat you are. And the setup you're working towards sounds much like the one I want to arrive at as well. The 50-140 and a couple of primes in lower focal lengths. Please keep me posted on your progress!
Hey I'm a beginner photographer, I've had my X-T1 for about 6 months now (had a Canon M50 before, can't say I like dthe experience, still use it for video work though)
I wanted to do a little of photography work on my free time, but the X-T1 isn't really giving me the pro results I need. Image quality is great, but the AF is lacking a little bit. My dad have been a Nikon shooter for... about 40 years, he had a FE film camera and then he bought a D60 in the late 2000s. That's the cameras I've learnt photography with and I'm naturally drawn towards Nikon as a whole.
I'm not really deep into the Fujifilm ecosystem : I paid around 800 to 900€ for my whole gear, including the body, 2 lenses (a 18-135 and a 35 f2), batteries. I'm using a lot of old manual Nikon glass that my dad owns as well.
I will always keep my Fuji as it is a fairly compcat camera and is very fun to shoot, but if I wanted to do a real photography work, like events and such (which I aim to do) I don't think my X-T1 would keep up that well.
That's why I was looking into some entry level Nikon Z cameras : there"s the Z5 that quite nice and the Z6 (the first one) can be bought for fairly cheap (less than 1000€) on the used market now that the Z6 II is out. I have the money for a full kit with one of those bodies, and a combo 24-70 f4 + 70-200 f4 since I have a full time job that pays decently but I just don't know if that's worth it, or if I should just stay within the Fujifilm ecosystem (I tried an X-T4 in a store and basically wasn't conviced by the handling and feel of the camera for some reason). Like you, that's the "we will focus on health" statement from Fuji's CEO that triggered that thinking about switching (not saying that I should tho)
Fuji won't let us down, they can keep their camera and lenses department as a showroom and keep making amazing gears with updates no matter what and they will as they officially confirmed last week.
I don't meet with professional photographers who shoot Leica either nowadays because it's hard to justify and certainly not the easiest way but some of the best do because of how it feels and the way it inspires them.
I moved over from Canon years ago and I know Sony or Canon or Nikon systems would maybe make my professional life a little easier sometimes but then every time I gave it a try in the last years or so the fun and inspiration were gone.
What it did for me was forcing me to refocus on what really matters to me in terms of photography and what I want to achieve and for this Fuji covers everything I need.
If I was to make a living shooting sports or action I'd probably reconsider but I believe you're only good at what you really like and it's not my thing.
The X100, later the X-Pro1, literally changed my life and I like it like that. In other words I understand what you mean and I'll stick to Fuji because this is perfect for me.
Thanks for sharing! Cheers!
Hello, and thank you for the compliment. I couldn't agree with you more in terms of Fuji covering everything I need in a system. And, like you, the X-Pro 1 changed my life too! Thank you once again! Cheers!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about the Fuji-System. I shoot a Nikon-system and Fuji side-by-side.
Can't imagine shooting indoor-sports with Fuji only. I like the form-factor and dials on the Fujis (X-T1s, X100t, X70 and X-Pro1).
Especially in mixed light conditions I prefer the files from the Nikon D750 over the Fuji-files. Recent Fuji-models might be better in this regard.
Hi Georg! Thank you for the comment. I Totally understand. I shot a d750 myself for a while and it’s a beautiful camera. You’re right however in that the later fujifilm models are certainly better in that regard.
Canon, Nikon, etc had enormous catalogs of lenses designed for 35 mm film, so that for them, APSC was a necessary evil in the period when making full-frame sensors was prohibitively expensive. Once the chip manufacturing processes matured to the point where FF sensors were affordable, these companies gravitated to the bigger format for "pro level" gear and relegated APSC to their amateur models. Fuji bucked this trend by offering a full APSC ecosystem. A brave move since the "FF=Pro" mindset has taken such deep roots.
You’re exactly right. I think that is part of what drew me to fujifilm in the first place. They were willing to take a chance and develop a cropped sensor ecosystem that would evolve into a more pro-suited system.
@@wondersandwilderness GH4 user here!I agree!I have had 2 D800 and I miss them very much, but the move over to m43 was simply based on video back in 2018!sadly I waited too long for a 20mm f1.8 lens to arrive so I didnt have a deathbed session with my late father!he went too fast!I really like the flat profile on the older model I got now!I am pretty sure I am changing to Fuji X-H1 camera next year!
I have the x100f and I was looking forward to buying the xt40 but that looks like it will never happen now.
3:30 It sounds like your take on the new Fuji CEO is coming from Tony Northrup. IMO, he got over 1M subscribers in part by exploiting fanboy rifts, and despite his “love” for Fuji, sometimes this came at the expense of Fuji. Unfortunately he has become an influencer and can somewhat move the market. Don’t let him do this and shoot what you want.
Hi Lyndon, Thank you so much for the comment. Actually. I am not a big fan of Tony's content and wasn't aware he addressed this issue until a comment on my video brought it to my attention. Admittedly, parts of my views on the matter are similar. That said, these are just the thoughts I had when I read the statement from Fujiiflm and thought I would share them. I am a firm believer in everyone being the kind of photographer they want to be, that's the beauty of the art form. It always pains me to see someone with a large platform exploiting anyone or any topic for views or likes. It's sad, but unfortunately it seems to be a reality of the photography world.
@@wondersandwilderness thanks for the reply - and - I should have started my last comment with this - great images! Really enjoy your channel and perspectives.
I went to Fuji from Canon FF and I´ve loved the system. This is the first time I actually like and prefere working with prime lenses. With Canon it was 24-70 and 70-200 most of the time. With Fuji I really like the 23mm f1,4 + 56mm f1,2 (thinking about swapping it for the 50mm f1,0). The only thing that I don´t like so much and kind of miss the Canon is the 50-140mm f2,8. It´s sharp but the rendering is nowhere near to that of the Canon 70-200mm f2,8 IS II. The Fuji 50-140 f2,8 I use because I often need the range but for portraits I certainly much prefer primes. The 56mm f1,2 is excellent and so is the 90mm f2. With these lenses one can forget about full frame. And the 50mm f1,0...omg! It´s not drastically better or different from the 56mm f1,2...but...the subtle differences in the rendering, the slightly shorter focal length and the faster and much more reliable AF all make it soo much better! If only it wasn´t so bloody expensive :) One thing that worries me about Fuji is, as you have said, what´s going on with the company. For example until recently I could have my Fujis servised in Prague. But I was told that that´s going to be over soon and the only service place in Europe (?) is going to be in London....
Hi Petr, and thank you for the comment. I agree with you in regards to the prime lenses. Asa Nikon shooter, I was zooms only, but I do prefer the primes in the Fujifilm system for sure and am working towards a setup all primes and the 50-140 (just because of the focal length versatility) I have not tried the 50 f/1 at all but absolutely love the 56 f/1.2 and the 90 f/2. And you're not the only one concerned about the company's commitment to the X-series system and cameras as a whole. I am too. I'm not concerned enough, however, to switch systems, but it's something worth paying attention to for sure.
Canon, Sony and Nikon make more money from other divisions. That statement was taken out of context. Fuji has a long term road map. The new sensor should be proof they are fine right now and for the future.
I always thought the camera business was not Fuji’s primary business. They diversified into different markets over the years. I don’t believe (or hope) there is any danger of them selling. In the last 6 years that i have been shooting, the camera division was never the money maker of the company.
I can shoot with the X T3 or 4 for the next 10 years and be very very happy.
I couldn’t agree with you more!!! Love the X-pro 3 as well!!!
Don’t be worried. The fact that fuji makes the majority of their money elsewhere isn’t a bad thing-only when the entire corporation becomes insolvent is the camera division then at risk. The fact that the CEO sees the camera division as a “contribution to society” likely means the company will retain it even if camera sales were to slow (which they almost certainly won’t).
Glad you’re happy with your fuji gear-don’t watch too much Tony Northrup ;)
Thank you for the comment. I tend to agree with you and I’ll have to check out the Tony Northrop channel. I’m guessing he touched on this kinda thing based on your comment. I’m honestly not a regular viewer of his channel.
I want classic neg and bleach bypass on the xt3 as a firmware update…. Then Fujifilm can go full Kaiser Permanente on us!!!!
I want that too!!