Fujifilm X-Pro1 Retrospective – 10 years of Fujifilm X-mount: The Start of X-Trans, Vintage Fun, Film Simulations and More

This month marks the 10th anniversary of the X mount system, so DPRTV takes a fresh look at the Fujifilm X-Pro1, the system’s first camera, to see how it holds up a decade late.

NOTE: we are talking X Mount MILC cameras, not X series cameras in general. The X line started of course with the original Fujifilm X100.

Gosh, what memories came up to me, after all this time.

For example when Jordan highlights how bad the video quality of the X-Pro1 is. True, but when Fujifilm removed an X-Pro1 firmware because of a bug on the video side of things, 99,9999% of X shooters owning an X-Pro1 were like “what, this thing can shoot also video?”

Or all the the glory and struggles related to Fujifilm’s new X-Trans design. Lots of myths and fakes had to be debunked in this regard.

Look, I was always honest to look at the advantages of Bayer vs X-Trans and vice versa, but at the end I am very happy that the Fujifilm X-H2 will have an X-Trans sensor (at least one of the two). And I am not alone, as the vast majority of you guys is happy about this too.

And yes, Kaizen, that’s something the X-Pro1 got lots of. But on the contrary of what many think, still today Fujifilm leads the pack when it comes to updating their cameras. I elaborated it more in depth here.

But most importantly, the joy to use a Fujifilm camera is still the same, also after 10 years. In fact, Chris seems to have loved to shoot the X-Pro1 even more now as opposed to when it came out 10 years ago.

So, with all that said, here is are DPRTV’s impressions after shooting the X-Pro1 again 10 years later.

Little curiosity: I find it cool that Chris took all the pictures using the original XF lens trinity launched along with the X-Pro1.

  • he enjoys using the optical viewfinder (the X-Pro1 has a hybrid viewfinder
  • great vintage look
  • aimed to work best with smaller primes
  • great for street shooters
  • compact camera with compact primes
  • the X-T1 opened the system to lots more people. The whole Fujifilm system grew from there
  • X-Pro1 was the first camera using an X-Trans sensor
  • thanks to X-Trans Fujifilm could get rid of the aliasing filter, which would have removed some sharpness to the images
  • now it is much easier to edit X-Trans files
  • X-Trans avoided a lot of the problems with moire for photos
  • but at that time, it was hard to work with X-Trans files. Adobe struggled with X-Trans files and 10 years later people still complain about this
  • Fujifilm started its reputation for great colors in JPEGs and great details
  • the X-Pro1 did not have many film simulations
  • in 10 years we have gained so many more film simulations. The latest Fujifilm cameras have even more vintage film simulations like Nostalgic Negative and Classic Chrome, etc
  • Chris is impressed but how accurate the optical overlay still is with its frame lines (compensating for parallax)
  • not great AF controls. Best solution: single AF with focus and recompose. It’s pretty snappy used this way
  • terrible camera for video
  • it’s incredible that just 10 years ago Fuji was so bad in video, but now for Jordan Fujifilm cameras are among his favorite cameras to shoot video
  • Chris had a lot of fun shooting the X-Pro1 again
  • even if it is 10 years old, it still felt quite current in a lot of ways
  • X-Pro1 got tons of Kaizen firmware updates
  • maybe Fujifilm does not do Kaizen so much anymore [admin note: I disagree, and I elaborated why here]
  • Fujifilm has come a long way and now dominates APS-C and MF market
  • Fujifilm still holds on on that vintage feel and heritage build up 10 years ago
  • Chris didn’t appreciate the X-Pro1 when it came out, but for some reason he now enjoyed it shooting again
  • X-Trans files of X-Pro1 still have very interesting character

X-Trans Related Articles

Celebrating Fujifilm…

Long live the glorious Fujifilm X-Pro line.

Top 10 Most Important Fujifilm Digital Cameras of All Time

How can I start this article.

Maybe like this.

I was solo hiking through Eastern Europe. In my bag, a tent, food, water, a few clothes. And my DSLR gear.

One morning I woke up very early at the top of the Popluks mountain in Albania, left my tent and enjoyed the sunrise all alone on the mountain peak. It should have been my last day on one of the best kept secrets in Europe, the Albanian Alps. Next stop: a 12 hours long hike all the way to Montenegro through lonely mountains and valleys of rare beatuy.

And I tell you this: when I arrived at my destination, the town of Gusinje in Montenegro, I was exhausted and I promised myself: I need to travel lighter. I need lighter gear.

So I went mirrorless.

Panasonic, Olympus, Sony, you name it, I tried them all. But it became soon clear to me that I was not only looking for lighter gear, but also for gear that I had fun to use.

And exactly in that moment of my photographic journey, 11+ years ago, Fujifilm launched the Fujifilm X series. Then, 10 years ago, the Fujifilm X-Pro1 was announced, introducing the X mount in the photography world.

And that was it. That was exactly what I was looking for.

The rest is history. I fell in love. I needed to share this love. I started FujiRumors.

So I wondered, how can we sum up this long Fujifilm X journey (which is basically just as long as my personal journey with Fujifilm) best?

Well, since Fujifilm is celebrating 10 years of X mount this year, I thought I could make a list of what I consider the top 10 cameras of this Fuji-decade. But, shall it be allowed to me, I will start with the X100, which is technically older than 10 years. But I think you’ll agree it makes sense to add to this list.

Attention: we are not (only) talking about the most successful cameras, but also about what I consider the most important ones, beyond the success they had (or not).

  1. Fujifilm X100 – the original
    That’s the camera that started it all. And it gave us a clear indication on which way Fujifilm would go: great looking cameras with manual controls and overall vintage feel.
  2. Fujifilm X-Pro1
    This was Fujifilm’s first mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses. Iconic. Beautiful. The start of X-mount.
  3. Fujifilm X-T1
    If you ask me, my heart, I’d say X-E1 (as I love the X-E series). But that line was never a huge seller. The real first big success for the Fujifilm X mount was the Fujifilm X-T1. It was the first camera that was able to go a bit more mainstream compared to X-Pro1 and X-E1.
  4. Fujifilm X-T10
    The X-T10 was a huge hit and helped Fujifilm to break through mid-range market in a way the X-E line could not. A very successful series for Fujifilm, started by X-T10.
  5. Fujifilm X-H1
    True, it was not a big success, but it set the base for a platform that will earn lots of success in future. That’s why I put it on the list. Guys, just wait to see what a beast the Fujifilm X-H2 will be, and then you’ll agree with me. Be patient, May isn’t that far anymore.
  6. Fujifilm X-T3
    A mega success for Fujifilm that not even the release of the Fujifilm X-T4 could stop. According to my knowledge, Fujifilm’s all time best seller.
  7. Fujifilm X100V
    Announced 8 years after the original X100, it was a terrific success for Fujifilm and it brings a much needed redesign of the lens as well as an “invisible” tilt screen. It’s my biggest GAS temptation along with these 2 more Fujifilm items. And please, don’t trigger my GAS further in the comments. I have a marriage to take care of ;)
  8. Fujifilm GFX50S
    Enter medium format: Fujifilm’s first digital medium format camera with a sensor about 70% fuller than full frame. Now that we arrived at the Fujifilm GFX100S, which is even smaller than some full frame mirrorless cameras out there, we can say that the GFX50S (hence skipping full frame) was an incredibly smart move by Fujifilm.
  9. Fujifilm GFX100S
    It has to be on the list, as it is such a terrific success for Fujifilm. Not even in their best dreams they’d have hoped for as many sales as the GFX100S generated. The only problem: Fujifilm has a hard time producing as many cameras as the market requests, yes, even now, 1 year after its announcement. And please, stop to say nonsense like “it should not have had IBIS” or stuff like that. This nonsense often comes from the same people praising OIS. So aren’t both, OIS and IBIS, serving the very same purpose. And more importantly, can’t you simply turn off both if you don’t like them?
  10. Fujifilm X-Pro3
    Arguably the most controversial on the list, as this camera is designed for the niche and therefore was never planed to make massive sales. But here is the thing: while Fujifilm has indeed released the X-S10 and GFX100S with more “mainstream” oriented ergonomics, the Fujifilm X-Pro3 shows that Fujifilm cares also about niche and does not run only after the mainstream. They still want to offer all sorts of different photographic experiences by changing the ergonomics among various camera lines. So don’t panic guys, Fujifilm ain’t dropping retro at all. Whoever creates panic about this, is just out for clickbait. The X-Pro3 is Fuji’s statement for their continuing commitment to retro and vintage controls.

So that’s my list. Feel free to change and modify it as you want in the comments.

  • Must Read for X100 Lovers – “Don’t Touch that Camera!” the Story About the Inspiration Behind the Fujifilm X100 Series Design

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This Guy Sold his Canon Gear to Switch to Fujifilm X and Here is Why

Today we are going to tell you the story of Paul, who sold all his Canon R gear for Fujifilm X.

So what motivated him to switch? You can see his videos and read a summary down below.

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Paul, or When Fuji Colors Matter

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Happy Birthday: Fujifilm Turns 88 Years Old Today

January is a month full of celebrations;

Well, today, 20th of January, we have to celebrate another important milestone: Fujifilm turns 88 years old today.

Few companies had a more exciting journey with incredible heights and lows like Fujifilm. But even in the darkest hours, they always found a way out of it.

Fujifilm has proven to be a creative and innovative company also with the Fujifilm X series.

At the time Fujifilm started to offer mirrorless cameras, there were already lots of other MILC systems out there from Sony, Panasonic, Olympus etc.

Fujifilm did join more or less at the same time with Samsung. And while I remember the huge marketing effort Samsung did to become popular with their MILC system and some groundbreaking cameras like the Samsung NX1, Samsung failed, whereas Fujifilm succeeded.

As opposed to Samsung, Fujifilm did not deliver cameras with groundbreaking specs nor did they spend tons of money into marketing their cameras. What they focused on was to look for what was missing for us photographers, and that was reasonably priced cameras that looked great, had lots of dials for manual controls and were fun to use.

The whole system was designed for a niche that appreciated feel, form, function and fun over mere specs.

So, the Samsung NX1, which tried to compete with Sony & Co in terms of specs (and it did beat them at that time) failed, whereas Fujifilm carved out its niche. A niche that grew over the years, also thanks to more mainstream cameras like the X-S10 and GFX100S, so that it now became the third most sold mirrorless camera system.

Look, I run FujiRumors since 10 years now, and the X system had been called dead since ever by all possible influencers. Every time a new full frame camera came out, many influencers said sensor size matters and hence APS-C is dead. And when Fujifilm launched a system with a 70% fuller sensor than full frame, the same influencers rushed out to scream that suddenly sensor size does not matter, and GFX will die.

And despite all death predictions, here we are, alive, healthy and strong. Maybe too strong, as the only real problem Fujifilm has at the moment, is to deliver what people order.

88 years of Fujifilm. 10 years of X mount. 5 years of Fujifilm GFX.

And trust me, Fujifilm intends to celebrate all this in a big way. Don’t miss the mega X summit in May 2022 and well before that all the rumors here on FujiRumors. We have something exciting to tell you.

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BCN Ranking: Fujifilm Beats Sony and Becomes 2nd Best Selling Brand in Japan

Today you should be happy as a Fujifilm X and GFX shooter, and I tell you why.

The latest BCN data* shows that Fujifilm was able to pass Sony and hence placed itself on the second spot behind Canon in the Japanese digital camera market. It’s the first time since 19 years that Fujifilm was able to grab the second spot.

So what pushed Fujifilm suddenly so high?

Well, it’s not the X or GFX series, but mainly the Instax Mini EVO that boosted the market share for Fujifilm. Sure, those are technically speaking also digital cameras, but they belong to the Instax family.

Another homerun for Fujifilm, but not in the ranking as it is not a camera, is the Instax Wide Printer, which I also got for myself and truly enjoy (I’ve waited YEARS for this!)

So what, who cares? It’s just Instax?

Well, not really.

As you know FujiRumors is 10 years old already, so I have a long memory on what happened and what was said in the past.

And I remember how Fuji Guys said in the early days of the X series adventure, that the massive cash Fujifilm makes with Instax products is also partially used to fuel the development of their digital X series cameras.

So the tremendous success for Instax is a good news also for us Fujifilm X and GFX shooters, especially considering that also Instax struggled to sell back in 2019 and in 2020.

This sharp recovery of Instax, mainly thanks to the Instax Mini EVO (which is indeed Fuji’s best looking and most vintage operating Instax camera), but also thanks to the Instax Mini LiPlay and Instax Wide Printer and more, brings fresh money into Fujifilm’s camera segment, which ultimately can be used also for the X and GFX series development.

Money, that is much needed, as this year will be a fantastic Fujifilm year, with the Fujifilm X-H2 introducing the 5th generation X series cameras in May 2022, which hopefully will come not only with great new hardware, but also with a huge computational photography boost.

*BCN collects data of about 40% of the Japanese electronics and online stores.

via bcn via digicame-info

 

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Fujinon GF35-70mmF4.5-5.6 and Fujifilm X-T3WW in Stock Now

The Fujinon GF35-70mmF4.5-5.6 as well as the Fujifilm X-T3 (WW) are now in stock pretty much everywhere.

The Fujinon GF35-70mmF4.5-5.6 has received great reviews so far and it is the most affordable lens in the G mount lineup along with this lens. It’s also the most compact and light G mount zoom lens with less then half the weight of my Fujinon GF32-64mmF4.

The Fujifilm X-T3 WW (WorldWide) is an X-T3 without charger. By removing the charger and simplifying the shipping progress into different countries, Fujifilm is able to save some money. Savings, that Fujifilm passes to us customers by making it a terrific deal to buy.

IMPORTANT UPDATE Regarding Fujifilm X-H2 Teaser: Fujifilm Africa is Not an Official Fujifilm Account

A few days ago we reported how Fujifilm Africa shared on their Instagram page that the Fujifilm X-H2 is coming soon.

What a teaser, right?

Well, I have investigated and I can now say that the fujifilm_africa instagram account is not an official Fujifilm account. Yes, Kevin Mullins and other X photographers follow it, and I thought it is official. But is is not. And yet, if you like Africa and Fujifilm, you can always give it a follow.

Anyway, this is not an official teaser by Fujifilm. I feel I needed to make this clarification in order to be 100% accurate with you guys.

And look, right now when I am typing these words to inform you all, I checked again the account and I see they added “fan page” to their Instagram description, meaning it is run by a fellow Fujifilm lover who probably reads our rumors and looks forward to the Fujifilm X-H2 just as much as we do.

So the story is:

Fujifilm managers never teased anything regarding the Fujifilm X-H2.

Oh well, except for saying that…

Hm, it actually looks like Fujifilm said a lot already!

Fujifilm X-H2 Rumor Recap

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Tascam CA-XLR2d-F XLR for FUJIFILM Pre-Orders Start Now

You can now pre-order the Tascam CA-XLR2d-F XLR for Fujifilm cameras.

TEAC announced the development of TASCAM XLR Audio Adapter for Fujifilm Mirrorless Cameras back in August. A firmware update coming soon will make the Tascam CA-XLR2d-F compatible with Fujifilm X-T4, X-S10 and GFX100S.

Key Features
  • Adapts XLR Mics to Camera Input
  • FUJIFILM Mount for Digital Audio & Power
  • HDDA Preamp + Analog/Digital Converter
  • Provides 48V to Condenser Mics
  • 3.5mm Stereo Microphone Input
  • 3.5mm Output for Headphones/Camera
  • In-Camera Recording Ensures Picture Sync

Product Details

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The Guardian Nominates Fujifilm Shooter and WPP Award Winner Yasuyoshi Chiba “Agency Photographer of the Year”

image courtesy - Yasuyoshi Chiba (via The Guardian)
image courtesy – Yasuyoshi Chiba (via The Guardian)

Do you remember when back in 2020, photographers using Fujifilm X and GFX gear creamed off tons of prestigious awards at the World Press Photo Awards, including the top spots for the two most prestigious categories, World Press Photo of the Year and World Press Photo Story of the Year?

Well, Yasuyoshi Chiba, the winner of the World Press Photo of the Year, who took this amazing image with his Fujifilm X-H1, has now been nominated “Agency Photographer of the Year” by The Guardian.

Congratulations again to Yasuyoshi Chiba and make sure to check out his instagram here, where all the images shared so far are taken with the Fujifilm X-H1 and Fujifilm GFX100.

As for the images in this specific reportage from Tigray (Ethiopia), Yasuyoshi Chiba used his GFX gear with the one lens I dream to own for my GFX100S, the Fujinon GF50mm f/3.5.

For the full article check out TheGuardian here.

One more thing:

Yasuyoshi Chiba is planning to do photo exhibition of the images of Tigray from Ethiopia (and Sudan for refugees) in February and March, both at Fuji’s imaging plaza (below is info, in japanese though). Pictures at the exhibition are all taken by GFX100+GF50mm.

Some Fuji Pro Work:

Not enough? Well, then know that photographers using Fujifilm cameras also…

  • won the world wildlife photography award (story here)
  • made the cover of the TIME magazine (story here)
  • won the World Photography Arts&Culture Award 2015 (story here)
  • won the First Prize of the World Press Photo Category “Stories (stroy here)
  • made the front page of the Wall Street Journal (story here)
  • were good enough for God’s work (story here)
  • captured America’s most hated man (story here)
  • distracted a French presidential candidate during his interview (story here)

Hey Jared… are you really sure about that Fuji, LOL? ;)

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Fujifilm Confirms: Long Wait for Fujifilm X-H2 is Almost Over (Coming May 2022)

Just yesterday Fujifilm announced the Fujifilm X Summit for May 2022, with the introduction of the 5th generation X series cameras.

Now, they didn’t give any hint on which camera will come, but thanks to FujiRumors you guys know it’s the Fujifilm X-H2, or the two Fujifilm X-H2 I should better say.

But if you still doubt our rumors, look at what Fujifilm Africa shared on their social media:

The long replacement wait is almost over #fuji #fujifilm #xh1 #xh2

I guess it does not get much more clear that this.

What I do not know for sure at this point, is if both X-H2 cameras will be announced in May or if there will be separated announcements.

On the other hand, I am making great progress on other X-H2 rumors (but not only X-H2 ;) ). So definitely stay tuned on FujiRumors. As soon as I have it all multiple checked and I have green light from sources, it’s going to be very fun here on FujiRumors.

Fujifilm X-H2 Rumor Recap

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