Drawn to Fujifilm x100 series.
Before Leica, I have a pretty long history with Fujifilm cameras. My first Fujifilm camera was X-E1. It was pretty cheap but the JPG quality right off of the camera wasn’t cheap at all. Then I added X100S. At the time everything was good except softness at the wide-open aperture F/2. About six months or so, I traded it with the X-T1.
When the x100v was released, I immediately thought of the image softness at F/2 aperture. But I was surprised to know that x100v produces pretty sharp images from at F/2. It appears that this camera has a brand new lens even compared with its previous version like x100f.
The new lens quality definitely got my attention. On top of this, I was attracted to Classic Negative and Eterna film simulations. In fact, I was often drawn to Fujifilm even though I’ve switched from fuji to Leica completely years ago.
Fujifilm offers various film simulations. I tried to imitate Fujifilm’s film simulations through post-processing tools such as the Lightroom. I also tried various presets that simulate Fujifilm film simulation colors. But it simply didn’t work for me.
Most importantly, I just wanted it. Period. (what more excuses do I need?)
Here I am adding Fujifilm X100V into my camera gears. Well, it’s been a month or so. I love it. For my professional work, I use Leica M/CL. For my personal work, I also use Leica but oftentimes, now I mix it with x100v.
One of benefits of x100v is its portability. Leica M system is pretty heavy. Naturally, I always put it in my camera bag for better protection. But x100v is lightweight and small. I can carry it anywhere without a camera bag protection. With this reason, I enjoy shooting x100v when I am driving (whenever I stop, I shoot something from the driver’s seat.)
X100V Film Simulations
x100v has lots of recent film simulations. Unfortunately, with old Fuji cameras such as X-Pro2 can’t have the access to a few new film simulations. Classic Negative, and Eterna film simulations are only available with the latest Fuji models.
Classic Negative Film Simulation
Classic Negative film simulation offers a unique color tone. Also it adds contrast in the image. I believe it works well with nature color. But I don’t like it so much with the skin tone.
Eterna Film Simulation
Contrary to a classic negative film simulation, eternal film simulation has rich tonality. Therefore, it works well with a skin tone. Again, this is a personal opinion. You might find it differently.
I’d like to recommend x100v to these people
- someone who don’t wish to spend much time on the image post processing.
- someone who’s looking for a fixed focal length with a lightweight portable device.
- someone who has a Leica M or other heavy gear for a professional work but looking for a lightweight yet high quality camera.
Maybe in my next posting regarding x100v, I will introduce its video feature. Although x100v is not meant for the video, it produces a stunning video without having to do a color grading at all!
Well … the real reason is that you wanted the X100V and have money to spend.
You are absolutely right. I couldn’t resist.