The Incredible Fujifilm Finepix X100

bside123 · « **on:** 25 May 2014, 07:32 pm »

Last week, I picked up a used Fujifilm X100 at a very good bargain. I started taking some B&W, candid portraits of the staff and patrons around our café. Here are some samples.
This is a remarkable camera with an incredibly attractive image quality. Dare I say... film like. Now, I understand all of the fanfare about the X100. I'm sure that, in the right hands, this little camera can give Leica a run for its money.

Jenn - B&W

Kelly

Wil Davis, Señor Barista

Three Stages of Life

Wind Chaser · « **Reply #1 on:** 25 May 2014, 09:24 pm »

Be sure to update it with the latest FW, apparently it will make quite a difference if it isn't already installed. I considered the X-100 too, but chose the Ricoh GR for a number of reasons. Anyhow, the Fuji is a fine camera.

gnuyork · « **Reply #2 on:** 25 May 2014, 10:54 pm »

Nice images... the Fugi is quite appealing, however I already have the Leica X1 and the Sigma Merrill...so I think I'm covered in that area.

How do the color images look? Do they have the options for Fugi film preset looks?

bside123 · « **Reply #3 on:** 25 May 2014, 10:59 pm »

Quote from: Wind Chaser on 25 May 2014, 09:24 pm

Be sure to update it with the latest FW, apparently it will make quite a difference if it isn't already installed. I considered the X-100 too, but chose the Ricoh GR for a number of reasons. Anyhow, the Fuji is a fine camera.

Hi Wind Chaser: Yes, the camera is updated with the very latest FW and is working fine. As far as comparisons to the old FW, I have no experience other than what I've read. In my limited use of the X100, it is not exhibiting any of the problems that have been discussed in the forums. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, but no sticky apertures syndrome and the camera responds quickly enough in almost all shooting situations so far. Of course, as of yet, I haven't taken it to a sports event, a dog race, a toddlers birthday party or a Broadway show.

Seems great for most compositions otherwise.

I've also followed the reports on the Ricoh GR and was duly impressed. The Ricoh's handling of light is something else. Thanks for responding!

bside123 · « **Reply #4 on:** 25 May 2014, 11:18 pm »

Quote from: gnuyork on 25 May 2014, 10:54 pm

Nice images... the Fugi is quite appealing, however I already have the Leica X1 and the Sigma Merrill...so I think I'm covered in that area.

How do the color images look? Do they have the options for Fugi film preset looks?

Hi gnuyork:

I've spent my time over the weekend and last week almost exclusively concentrating on the B&Ws, which frankly I feel are lovely. So, I only have a few color frames to offer. They seem nice... luscious. The first image is from the RAW file of the B&W portrait of "Jenn." The second image was taken in the evening light. It is of a friend, fellow photo enthusiast and frequent test subject. I don't have any color shots to speak of...

I bought the camera after having been stunned by many of the B&W photos that I've looked at through online galleries, etc. I'm sure, I'll get on to shooting in color soon. I have another overseas trip scheduled to South Asia in a couple of weeks.

Thanks for writing.

BTW, I love the light and feel to some of those Sigma Merrill images you've posted. These days, there are so many great camera offerings.

ISO 2000, 1/60, f2.0, 23mm (35mm effective)

Jenn - Color

ISO 800, 1/60 sec, f/2.0, 24mm (35mm effective)

Ber Fujifilm Test

JohnR · « **Reply #5 on:** 26 May 2014, 12:09 am »

Nice shots. That's B&W straight from the camera?

bside123 · « **Reply #6 on:** 26 May 2014, 12:49 am »

Quote from: JohnR on 26 May 2014, 12:09 am

Nice shots. That's B&W straight from the camera?

Hi JohnR: I shoot in RAW. Up until recently I processed everything in Lightroom 5. Lately, I've been testing DxO Optics Pro 9. These photos were developed in Optics Pro. The JPEGs straight from this camera are very impressive as well. I prefer working with the native RAW file myself, yet some of the JPEGs from this camera are rivaling. I'll also need to learn how to best use the JPEG engine and do some in camera developing. The X100 seems to be renowned for that. Thanks for writing.

PeteG · « **Reply #7 on:** 26 May 2014, 01:08 am »

Very nice images, I've always liked fuji sensors.

bside123 · « **Reply #8 on:** 26 May 2014, 01:16 am »

I believe Fuji customizes sensors made by Sony.

SET Man · « **Reply #9 on:** 26 May 2014, 02:10 am »

Quote from: bside123 on 26 May 2014, 01:16 am

I believe Fuji customizes sensors made by Sony.

Hey!

Well, that's a nice one. I do like the way that camera looks.

I've seen pics from various Fuji cameras... the better one in their line up and I have to say I do like what I see also. "Film-like" does come to mind. Their sensors are unique in the way the color pixels are arranged, I remembered reading somewhere the they are trying to mimicking the way film crystals are arrange and I think there is something there in this. Not a bad idea.

I'm sure but I thought that Fuji make their own sensors, but I could be wrong. Does the file name from this camera start with "DSC...?" If yes, they the sensor is definitely from Sony.

Anyway, nice shots and enjoy the camera.

Take care,
Buddy

JohnR · « **Reply #10 on:** 26 May 2014, 09:07 am »

I thought Fuji sensors were made by Toshiba...

Anyway, Optics Pro looks worth a look too!

bside123 · « **Reply #11 on:** 26 May 2014, 03:34 pm »

Quote from: JohnR on 26 May 2014, 09:07 am

I thought Fuji sensors were made by Toshiba... Anyway, Optics Pro looks worth a look too!

Hi JohnR: Throughout the internet on forums related to Fuji cameras and the X100 it is consistently reported that the X100 is a customized sensor made by Sony: Fuji X Forum, DPreview, Sony Rumors, etc., and it is the same sensor that is also modified by Nikon for several of their cameras. It has even been stated as such by Hiroshi Kawahara, Operations Manager at Fujifilm Electronic Imaging Products Division. FWIW

Yea... DxO Optics Pro 9 might be worth a look. I'm still undecided on it's final use, as I've been pretty happy with Lightroom 5. DxO handles some things "better" such as noise, micro-detail, and the Optics Pro 9 gives more selection to certain types of adjustments such as highlight balance throughout the mid-tones. But... it's much less intuitive to use than LR, and it feels clumsier. It also has limited spot editing, gradient choices and no hand tools to speak of. However, with Optics Pro 9 version, it can now be fully integrated with Adobe LR 5. Each have their own "look." DxO seems a little "smoother."

Whoops... now I feel like I'm using "reviewer audio terms" to describe image quality!

Thanks for writing.

bside123 · « **Reply #12 on:** 27 May 2014, 01:39 pm »

So far, I've been using the X100 to mostly take candid portraits on the fly. Here's a couple that show off its color capabilities. One indoors, the other outdoors.

I'm really enjoying the Image Quality of this little camera, and the retro look of the kit is so damn cute. Lots of fun.

Awais From Hyderabad

Isa Lee