Fujifilm X100

I bought the Fujifilm X100. After resisting numerous temptations in the past 27 days, I finally succumbed to my gear lust and bought my first camera of the year. That makes it number 14 in my small collection.

The Fujifilm X100 was a camera that I had been anticipating back in 2010. However, I was put off by the price and intial reviews of the camera. I got a Ricoh GR Digital III and was subsequently got hooked on film cameras.

Source: DrewShannon via photopin cc

In hindsight, the main reason I decided not to get the X100 was probably because the camera was not a rangefinder camera. I was also convinced that the amount of money I would have to spend on an brand new X100 could buy me several used film rangefinders. Then I realised that I wanted a camera that is good enough for travel use.

The Ricoh GRD3 is undeniably the best camera I have for discreet street shooting. My only gripe about it is the poor performance in low light. The pictures do turn out good if I use the built-in flash but once I saw the pictures from the X100 in low light without using flash, I finally appreciated the camera.

Yes, it is widely acknowledged that the X100 is far from being a perfect camera. Slow auto focus and  confusing menus being the issues I hear of most often. Yet these are problems that can be overcome once you learn the characteristics of the camera. It’s the same for all other cameras.

Source: Nokton via photopin cc

Before I decided to get the X100, I was actually shopping for a used Leica M6. I still am. It is a classic film camera and I wouldn’t hesitate to get one if I find one in reasonable condition and within my budget.

When theFujifilm X-Pro1 was announced, I wanted to wait for it to be launched before I made my choice. The previews were positive and it looked great on paper. The option of getting an M-mount adapter for it is tantalising.

The prices for the X-Pro1 and initial range of lenses were announced a couple of days ago. They are overpriced, in my opinion. On top of that, many people were selling their near mint X100 in the used market at a reasonable price with loads of accessories.

I simply picked the best deal available and traded with a very pleasant guy this morning. My first shots with the camera took my breath away. The colour rendition of this camera is simply awesome. It beats my full frame Nikon DSLR. The only digital camera I’ve seen that gives better colours is the Leica M9. The camera body alone is ten times the price of what I paid for the X100.

Taken with the Hipstamatic app on my iPhone 4

Of course, I would still get the M6 because it’s a Leica.

I simply held back from getting the M6 instead of the X100 because I wanted to spend more time using my film cameras. I went on a spree acquiring film cameras but I have yet to spend enough time with them. I devoted a lot of time to mastering my Nikon DSLRs and the Ricoh GRD3. I should do likewise for my film cameras.

Here’s an interesting comparison of the Leica M6 and the Fujifilm X100.

For now, I shall enjoy shooting with the X100.