The Case for the Fujifilm X-Pro1

Yeah, yeah I know the X-Pro1 is somewhat yesterdays news in terms of price now but looking through the listings of a well known selling site shows just what a bargain the Fujifilm X-Pro1 camera has become. And that shouldn’t put one off from buying one, it still has quite a cult-like following amongst photographers and for some good reasons.

At it’s time of release the Fujifilm X-Pro1 was high end and even 8 years on it’s fast enough for most things and given it’s solid construction will still last for a good while yet.

My own love affair with the X-Pro1 has not been without its issues since I first saw one when they were first released and having owned 4 in total, I think.

There’s no adjustable diopter so you have to make sure you get sorted as it’s a PITA without one for some people. The colour science Fujifilm employs is not always a favourite of mine, but I’ve learnt to appreciate it. The original X-Pro1’s were clunky and slow, but through firmware updates this has been resolved.

Still ‘the’ Fuji camera that does it for me!
I’ve had numerous other Fujifilm camera bodies (including X100’s in all model derivatives, X-T2’s, X-E2’s and the X-Pro2), but I always seem to end up coming back to the X-Pro1.

The rangefinder styling and hybrid OVF/EVF viewfinder still make it for me and even though most of the time I shoot using the EVF having the choice of switching between the two is great.

I prefer the files from the X-Pro1 over almost any other Fuji camera. People say they are more filmic in quality, I’m not sure about that, but for sure there appears to be a more organic feel to X-Pro1 files that doesn’t feel there with later X-trans sensor files.

It’s familiarity is something I really appreciate – it’s a super simple camera to set up and get shooting with and the results are still more than adequate given it’s age.

Lens Choice for the X-Pro1
Since buying my latest X-Pro1 I’ve had it matched up with a 7artisans 35mm f1.2 which in its own right is a pretty OK lens for manual focussing fun.

However with the recent acquisition of Fuji’s 23mm f2 lens, this will become somewhat redundant. The X-Pro1 is a back up camera for me in spite of how much I enjoy shooting with it and so having a 23mm fixed prime is ideal for when I want an auto focus bodied camera.

So if you’re in the market for a great looking, reliable second hand camera that remains relevant you could do a lot worse than take a closer look at the X-Pro1.

A few photos taken using the X-Pro1 and 7artisans 35mm f1.2 –

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