Simplicity of Xpro-1

In my own opinion, this is the finest in terms of handling and looks compared to the rest of the X series interchangeable cameras.

After buying the new "outdated" Xpro-1 body with 2 lenses package 27mmf2.8 and 35mm f1.4 in July 2015, I have used it and done about 1000 shots from recent trips to Indonesia and London. I love it's handling and the simplicity design it has.

I started to use the original X100 in 2012 but sold it to make way for the m4/3 system and later a "short lived" Nikon D600 fullframe system. I got myself into the Fujifilm system after my D600 was destroyed from a seawater accident in Gold Coast and never looked back. My first lens interchangeable X camera was the XE-1 which is a lower end of the Xpro-1. During that time, due to the pricing, XE-1 is a very logical body to start with. With the Xe-1, I started to build up my lens system from the 18-55mm to 55-200mm, 35mm and later the Zeiss 12mm + 32mm f1.8 super combo sale. When the XT-1  were introduced, I decided to skip it due to my preference to "rangefinder" look body. I bought a XE-2 to replace the XE-1. The XE-2 is quite high-end, it comes with wifi and faster focus/ write speed than the XE-1. The EVF refresh rate for XE2 is also very impressive. After the new firmware update recently, it has the latest Classic Chrome film simulation and time-lapse function that the latest X cameras have.  What makes me stick to Fuji is due to mainly the image quality and the company's commitment to their clients for updating the older cameras with newer firmware to prolong it's value and technology.

However, I personally find the XE-2 is just a high-tech box with no soul. I later bought a old X100 and enjoyed more than the XE-2. The shots it came out from the X100, I felt more towards them and has a story to it than the technically strong XE-2.

Soon, I realised that having a older tech camera has it's advantage. With lesser choices (functions) to choose from, I can focus on thinking how to frame the photo, I bring out more often with less worrying of damaging it as it is much cheaper now. I am able to appreciate the original film simulation like the Provia,Velvia, Astia or just B+W without worrying if the new classic chrome will be better or should be used. For downloading to Iphone/Ipad direct, I uses the wireless SD card to do it. And without the wireless connection to my Iphone to do remote control, I have one less worry about taking care of another gadget while I am shooting in the harsh outdoors.

Xpro-1 was the next step from the original X100. With the 27mm pancake lens, the Xpro-1 is a alternative as a X100 to me. In many ways the Xpro-1 is similar to the X100. The viewer mode to change LCD/EVF/eye sensor on the XE-1 and Xpro-1 should be retained for the newer models. The newer models like XE2, the options to change to EVF/LCD mode, one have to dig into the menu.The OVF/EVF options on the Xpro-1/X100 a plus point compared to all the other EVF only X camera.  The Xpro-1 also show me that chasing the technology is not the ultimate goal in photography but instead it gave me a joy while I have to think more on how I get my photos with the lenses I have.

With this, I will be waiting excitingly for the next Xpro model. I hope the simplicity will be preserved for the next model.

Here are some shots taken from the Xpro1 w 12mm or 27mm or 35mm.