FujiFilm X-Pro2: NOW I Understand, 2 Years Later

So many of you have suggested I go hands-on with Fuji's modern interpretation of the Leica M rangefinder that I finally reached out to Fuji to get one -- along with the trio of "Fujicrons," the 23, 35 and 50 f/2s. I'm glad you did. I "get it" now. You can support us (continued)...
FujiFilm X-PRO2 and Lenses
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[@DaftR92]

Thank you Jeff Goldblum

[@pawelkostulak9955]

No kidding it just jumps at you

[@immanueluy8060]

I was just about to say this exact same thing.

[@Xscrambler]

Hahaha 😂 yep they're like twins

[@ApocalypseLounge]

😂🤣😅

[@stephenericwalsh]

Reminds me a bit of Jon Hamm.

[@JasonMilner]

I need a thought holder... :)

[@andysiddens]

I'm holding that thought of needing a thought holder!.... great videos

[@marcheathrow8930]

Buy a fuji thought holder,it's cheaper than a leica thought holder 😊

[@3BMEP]

Guys (non-gender-specific term of endearment) - just want to let you know how much Claudia and I appreciate your engagement and your kind words. We seem to be reaching some kind of inflection point where I can't get to all of the comments fast enough or sometimes at all - please don't think we're ignoring you, it's just that we're swamped. We LOVE OUR KZbin audience!

[@lacayoj]

Can you please give us your opinion on the EM1 Mark II ?

[@TheSH1N1GAM1]

qanyare cawad Incorrect.

[@zach.hanford]

I can't remember if I commented on this the first time I watched this video or not. But the X-Pro2 is for a very specific photographer. If I wanted pure sensor image quality and dynamic range, I'd get a 5D Mark IV, GFX, or a Sony. If I wanted purely aesthetics or ergonomics, there is no substitute for Leica M. But this camera is just inspiring. It sits at the crossroads of image quality, ergonomics, modern convenience, and user experience in a way that in my opinion no other camera does.

[@3BMEP]

Thanks for joining the conversation!

[@johnmcdade8058]

This is an appreciation of the X-Pro 2 that is full of insight. Thank you so much. I think the X-Pro 2 is the camera I've wanted all my life. It gives me a wonderful experience of taking photographs that are simply radiant, particularly in B&W Acros simulation. I use it more these days with manual lenses from Voigtlander and Zeiss, and the focus peaking makes that so much more accurate. I find it reminds me of using a Leica M3 all those years ago, but with all the benefits of digital imaging and the range of film simulations in the camera that make it a delight to use. Do we really need anything 'better' than this? I doubt it. Thanks again.

[@3BMEP]

John McDade What a lovely contribution to the conversation - welcome!

[@heinslink1991]

Amen...I think for those needing more than this, its time to pull the thumb instead of pointing the finger.

[@hoill]

How are you finding the manual Zeiss lenses on the pro 2? I'm assuming it's the zm lenses via adapter. I really think the x-pro would be the modern Leica if it wasn't for the lack of a line of manual focus lenses with distance scales on the barrel.

[@3BMEP]

Haven't used them, though I will see about an adapter for the M's.

[@johnmcdade8058]

Thanks! I think the Zeiss (and Voigtlander) lenses work well on the XP2. I use a 50mm 1.5 Sonnar mainly for portraits, generally setting it at 2.8 which seems to be its best setting in terms of quality of image and quality of bokeh. I don't refer to the distance scale at all because it's sufficient to use the focus-peaking aid in the XP2 -- I have it set at red and it's easy to see when the subject is in focus. I also like the Voigtlander 35 Ultron 1.7 for general photography and for portraits and again, I'm delighted with the quality I get. (These days, I just do B&W.) I use a Voigtlander 21mm f4 for landscapes, and generally set this at f8, so there is a wide depth of field and I find that most of the landscape image in the EVF is coloured red, so there's no great worry about accurate focusing with this lens. And of course with the three filter settings in the Acros simulation, landscapes are well treated especially clouds with the red filter. So I'd say, it's a delight to be able to use manual lenses like the Zeiss and Voigtlander on the XP2. Enjoy!

[@ryanleethomas]

Just bought one of these and have been scoping reviews. This review has been the most pleasant and enjoyable of a camera I have heard in years. You speak to the passion and intellect of your audience and it is truly appreciated.

[@3BMEP]

😊🙏🏻🖖🏻

[@lefthandright01]

I believe one thing Fuji can feel satisfied about in their design of their range finder style cameras is that, if you search youtube and beyond, they are constantly compared to Leica. Considering Leica has a lot of skin in the game as one of the older camera makers, and fuji is still more well known for its decades of film stock emulsions, that is kinda its own achievement. Still to this day one of Fuji's earlier range style finder film camera's that was developed in partnership with hasselblad sells for $5k U.S secondhand...which is approximately the price of a new M series Leica.

[@TubeKean]

Such a nice variety to all the other KZbinrs. Someone who is articulate. Thumbs up!

[@KevinRusso]

I have used many cameras during my 52 years of life. To me, the camera really doesn't matter at all. I Preach this to my students. I don't actually know why but somehow FujiFilm has made photography a great deal of fun again. (I have been using Fujifilm cameras for several years now) I found your statement Essential vs Possible profound. Something I am sure I am going to reuse. I will be sure to give you credit for the statement :)

[@3BMEP]

Kevin Russo :)

[@Hightower2804TP]

I'll answer this with a comment I've read on a forum once: If the camera didn't matter we'd all been shooting instax or smartphones.

[@emilesprenger]

Xpro2 does have 4K video. It was added as a firmware update. Fuji Kaisen

[@3BMEP]

Emile Sprenger ah! Wonderful - thank you for the correction! Wasn’t on mine.

[@EDHBlvd]

Three Blind Men and An Elephant Productions that is ridiculous if Fujifilm delivered you an X-Pro2 without that firmware. It came out almost a year ago.

[@fernandofloresprior203]

right on

[@tomscott4438]

Only problem with the 4K/30 is you are still stuck with the biggest liability of the Fuji system... battery life. With the X-T series you can add the optional grip which gives you 3 total batteries and a better than average chance of making it a whole day. That option doesn't exist with the Pro-2. That means that you're going to get maybe 5 to 10 minutes of video shooting before the thing overheats and the battery dies.

[@bobhanuman65]

I think people's connection to cameras and gear is much more emotional than one might think and goes way beyond technical specs. I've been on an amazing journey of owning and selling about 25-30 different cameras by Fuji, Sony Canon, Panasonic, Olympus and Nikon and Leica over the last 4 years. They all took amazing images and video under different conditions but with each of them there were certain things that triggered very strong emotional responses one way or the other. I suppose I was in love with the technology and also in search of something that I could not really put my finger on but in the long run offered an incredible learning experience. Sometimes I struggled with the cost (m10), the size and weight (5d mk iv), crazy small buttons (rx100 and Pen F), and other times the focus speed (TL2 CL) or even the shape of the camera (gh5). I am still in search of the zen that will make me content with 2 cameras and a few lenses so I can let go of the hunt and be happy with what I own and focus on making fantastic images and maybe make a little money. May the force be with me. P.S. I just bought a XPRO1 again.

[@3BMEP]

Looking forward to learning of your continuing adventures!

[@JuanLopez-oz9kh]

I am still shooting with my XPRO1 and love it. I agree with all your terms for it or not.

[@Bingsta33]

Juan Lopez same here honestly love my xpro1

[@leosilve]

Hi guys! Still rocking my X-Pro1 too! I shoot it with my manual focus Nikkors with a metabones sppedbooster. Love it!

[@cbrwng]

Fantastic and thorough review. Thanks, Jeff Goldblum!

[@JDToonyVizArt]

Great review, hit all the marks and I agree with them pro or con. As a long time Canon guy, my 5D Mark IV broke for the 3rd time back in 2017 right before I was due to fly to Iceland. I decided I needed a break from it and Canon for a while. No Leicas (which, like many, was a secret covet of mine) were available in Jackson MS at the time, but the Fujifilm X-Pro2 was. I snatched it up with an xf 18-55 zoom and an xf 23 prime. Turned out to be the happiest photographic decision of my life. This camera has brought an innocent joy back to my photography and I find I am never without it being within an arms length, most any time I leave the house. It seems I'm the guy this camera was made for. I'm not a professional photographer, but I do care about the quality of my work. The X-Pro2's capabilities match my own perfectly (if not exceeds them by more of a margin than I'll admit to). What a joy!

[@3BMEP]

What an interesting story - thank you for sharing!

[@ianmiller559]

The X Pro 2 is an amazing accomplishment by Fuji. Great images, great lenses, good looks.

[@Cherokie89]

Your voice and speaking pattern are like butter.

[@uzu6]

Makes me fall asleep every time I watch his videos late at night. :D

[@I-SelfLordAndMaster]

Well Donate some money then.

[@singaporeghostclub]

He could do audiobooks 👍🏽

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

Checking in halfway through 2021 to say I just bought one during a heavy bidding war, so this camera has long lasting appeal 5 years later.

[@truespace1]

At last, someone posting and intelligent and well reasoned review about the Fuji system and the X Pro 2. Hugh, the latest software update improves the continuous focusing performance and it also brings 4K video to the table but who really buys an X Pro to shoot video? The Panasonic Gh9 or even Fuji’s own X T2 have that covered. Yes the X Pro 2 could be considered eccentric, bit of a hybrid no man. The iso/shutter speed dial for example. It’s just different from my DSLRs and I think if you are of an age or started with film cameras, the controls make senses of you and you get what Fuji are trying to achieve. However for me, it takes me back to my early days as a pro when we used to set the ASA/DIN of the film, then use shutter speed, aperture and the long forgotten composition to make the shot. It has made me think again about what I am trying to say with the camera and how the available light is falling on my subject. Why does it make me react that way? I think it’s because deep down I’m still a film photographer at heart and film was an added cost on the job. So you would try to make ever shot count and the X Pro 2 must just trigger some instinct/learnt behaviour of the past! Anyway I love the results and more importantly, so do my clients.

[@3BMEP]

Chris Batt What a lovely contribution to our discourse! I understand completely. Welcome to the community, Chris!

[@truespace1]

Thank you Hugh.

[@gearreallydoesntmatter]

The xpro2 doesn't need to switch drive mode before shooting video. Big plus in my book.

[@3BMEP]

Nice to see you here, Mattias. I enjoy your work.

[@BokehBard]

Your voice is downright therapeutic. I've been a Sony shooter the past year or so. The reduced size has been amazing for my street and travel photograpy. What I have been yearning for was something that combined traditional photography with modernity. Recently saw the XPro3 and getting pretty hyped because it looks just that. That's what brought me to this video.

[@3BMEP]

BokehBard X-Pro3 sounds REALLY interesting.

[@BokehBard]

@@3BMEP unpopular opinion, but I do care if the XPro3 has a log for video. 4k doesn't matter, but the trend in photography is to combine it with your video. Great example is this video here XD

[@stephengatley8144]

The reason i love my X-PRO2 is when i use my camera in optical viewfinder mode i also benefit from the HISTOGRAM! No other current camera can do this!

[@3BMEP]

Yes!

[@jakubstrumillo]

Well what about Fullframe Pentax K1

[@JamesGreen321]

You have one of the most easily listenable voices and tones. Great review

[@3BMEP]

Thanks, man!

[@AnastasTarpanov]

You should try Olympus PEN-F, it's great little camera and color/b&w customizations are endless.

[@LasstUnsSpielen]

When the Fuji X pro 2 goes down to a similar prise as the XT-2 right now, I can not argue anymore against buying it. Currently I use analog cameras 90% of the time (SLR and Rangefinder Leica) and think the Xpro is the only camera that offers the genius control behaviour of analog cameras.

[@billvaughn7126]

What an interesting delivery! You are an excellent presenter. Top shelf

[@3BMEP]

Thank you!

[@Galacticat_]

I love my x-pro2! It is simply fun to shoot with! Great images, lightweight, cool retro design, and I love the physical dials. People always ask me about my "old retro camera" haha. Only thing I hate is battery life and fuji lenses being so expensive.

[@danielteixeira2045]

I think i would buy xpro2 and the 16mm

[@james-p]

For me, the winning part of the X-Pro 2 is the viewfinder. It's a brilliant invention. If the Leica ever put something like that in the Q, well, my bank account shudders at the thought lol

[@3BMEP]

:;)

[@khanguyen4868]

but then you can get an M

[@timothyoherlihy5391]

Sir, naturally I was perplexed on which of the cameras, Leica M 10 or Fujifilm x-pro2 I should purchase. You treatise considerably facilitated reaching a conclusion. After which I continued to listen with admiration and sadness :not for the technical content but to enjoy the quality of your English expression, the intellectual rigour in which your arguments were gently constructed and the poise and modesty of your presentation. It is so rare indeed to experience that today. You brought me back to my days as a PhD student in Diplomatic when every diplomat used to express themselves with the clarity, insight and understatement you so patiently displayed. Bravo!

[@3BMEP]

Timothy, thank you for such a kind and generous reaction. Happy you enjoy our work. 🙏🏻🖖🏻

[@caltetm1891]

Joel Meyerowitz said about rangefinder design (Leica): Seeing the world and the context. It's the finer instrument than a single lens reflex (like XT2) which essentially blinds you and makes you one eyed - hold that thought:-). Like your review and particularly your essence, that this camera is for the people paying close attention not only to image quality but the quality taking the image - very nicely said it expresses exactly why I love this camera so much.

[@pawelkostulak9955]

I am strongly left eye dominant. If I put my right eye to the finder (I tried this with old film rangefinder) I see nothing out of my right eye unless I close left eye. Closing left eye partially helps but I cannot see framing of the image

[@davidthompson8153]

Thank you for such a wonderful and passionate account of the X Pro 2. This was my first Fuji body and you have reminded me what an amazing camera this is. Love your videos, keep up the great work.

[@michellewynton9428]

Love your site. I used to use two X-T2 cameras, but found myself often using my XE2 instead. One day the light went on and I bought an X-Pro-2. Never been happier. Sold the others and now use two Pro2 cameras and love em. Couldn't be happier. Wonder when/if Fuji will upgrade to a Pro3. Honestly, if they never do . . . . I'll keep my Pro 2's. Cheers. Dave

[@dtdbg]

After 2 years did you get that pro 3 ? ;D

[@3BMEP]

SL2.😈

[@johnellard]

I started with fuji X100S due to its old school feel and charm which then led me to the X-Pro2. I have it paired with the 56mm f1.2 and 35mm f1.4 (magical lenses that suit my basic needs). I decided to try the Leica M8 which I have paired with the old Canon 50mm f1.4 ltm and Voigtlander 28m F2 Ultron. I love the images of the old CCD sensor, (Kodachrome look), and as I mainly shot in bright daylight or well lit indoors the lack of ISO isn't an issue. I put a B + W filter on ALL my lenses so the IR issue is a non issue, and the Black and White images are amazing. I also have an M6 for film. To me each camera is a tool. I use the fuji and "classic chrome, or Acros" with all the benefits of modern digital photography when the M8 can't cut it. When I want a different look or feel I use the M8, and if I want to shoot a roll of film, well theres always the M6. I think people get to bogged down in the techno-babble and mega pixels and everything in between. Cameras are meant to take pictures and a camera that inspires you to do that is whats most important IMO. The right tool for the right job.

[@jinajustine]

Exactly🤗

[@rogerboucher1913]

I went almost the same route: I had the first FUJI X100 ( that was the most beautiful fantastic ergonomic street M3 like camera, but sold it at the end, I couldn’t live with the menu-computer quirks anymore), then the X Pro 1, then added the M9, then added the M6. Still got them with a bunch of lenses for each, ‘cause like you say: each is a specific tool for a specific job and I couldn’t stand parting either one.

[@MavsterPianoMusic]

Excellent review:) I was just listening through my earphones, have to double-check my phone screen, your speaking voice is so good I thought I was listening via Audible!

[@trudieandmojo4916]

I use the X-Pro 2 and the X-H1 for concertphotography and finally got rid of all my canon full frame gear a few month ago. In the beginning I was concerned how they wpuld handle concerts and fast movements in super low light situations but both cameras are doing just fine. And even if I'm really in awe about the xh1 and it's stabilisation, all the funky video-features and how it lies in my hand (i have small hands and the h1 fits like a glove) I have to say that my heart will always beat a little more for the pro-2 which is a perfect camera in my eyes. It's small, it's fast and it has never let me down since I got it.

[@3BMEP]

TrudieAndMojo I get it. Glad you’ve found a solution that satisfies head AND heart.

[@peterham7130]

Your reviews are wonderfully balanced, thorough, and fair. I think you take into account a lot of factors that other reviewers don't, treading carefully not to sell, which makes your statements more convincing. Crisp clear V/A and a great cadence to your voice makes for a pleasant review every time. I've been shooting Fujifilm since 2011 and own almost all of their ecosystem, except for this camera. I'm excited to try the X-Pro2 out and possibly move to the Leica Q should the novelty of a rangefinder not wear off. Again, keep up the solid reviews!

[@3BMEP]

Thanks so much for the encouragement, Peter. Welcome to the conversation!

[@VibePhoton]

Just discovered your page today. After watching a number of your videos I can honestly say you have quickly become my favorite KZbin photography commentator. Unlike so many of the fan boy pages, you educate the viewers and make them think. And you also make me want to grab my Fuji gear and get out and shoot! :-)

[@3BMEP]

Glenn Blaszkiewicz Happy to be of service. :) Enjoy!

[@rubenrodrigotv]

The fuji x-e3 shares sensor and lots of capabilities and 'philosophy'. Now that the x-e4 is on the market, I'm finding fantastic deals for the x-e3: 350 euros new. For street and family, I find it great. Temptations... Thanks for your time and phenomenal content.

[@3BMEP]

Enjoy!

[@AlGreenLightThroughGlass]

What I like about the Fuji is that it delivers gorgeous JPEGS...yes the J word...blasphemy. Great review as usual Hugh - I'd actually give you money if I had any.

[@3BMEP]

Your kind words are a great support!

[@a.mccomb3296]

I wish I understood anything in life as comprehensively as this man knows his cameras.

[@rdebs]

I really like how this guy expresses himself. Nice channel

[@ArmTheCreative]

I dont believe in weak cameras. Just weak photographers. Hand me whatever and lets get to shooting. But my bag consists of 1 Fuji XPRO1 and 2 XT1s.

[@momentotempori617]

Loved that dude, poetic, emotional, smart, thought provoking, just like a great shot

[@anjanu1]

Watched till 10mins...LOVED it...did't understand a word...will be back to watch the rest of it...don't know why

[@3BMEP]

Anjanu Sonkar 🤣

[@johnmarsland3442]

i sold my xpro2 to buy a Leica M8, I can honestly say ive never looked back. I love the fujis and still use, from time to time my old a tatty X pro , but there is a certain user experience and image quality that fuji just can never replicate. I am a fuji fan, Im just very in love with my leica. ( I use 5Dmk 3's for my day job)

[@gordonross5157]

Great stuff. Love your train of thought and ability to tell compelling stories about cameras. It's appreciated.

[@3BMEP]

🙏🏻

[@northof-62]

I think my Fujica GM670 is legendary.

[@mohawk5010]

So few cuts, that’s really refreshing.

[@enriquemenacho8976]

Thank you, this is one of the most intelligent review I have ever seen.

[@3BMEP]

Enrique Menacho Thank YOU for the encouragement!

[@HuntaDaKilla]

I felt the battery drained much faster on the X-PRO 2 than the X-T2. That was a let down for me. Everything else about the camera was good enough.

[@RodTDavies]

Daniel Cabral r

[@OutRAjious]

Can’t anyone else see that the X Pro 2 images are just the best, above XT3?

[@AlphaSphere]

The audio on this video is excellent! Well done for making it so good. instantly subscribed just because of this.

[@3BMEP]

AlphaSphere Welcome!

[@vignesk6669]

i had it for a year and sold it. that fix OVF is only good for certain wide lens from a viewing point. Later bought zoom lens and i have to revert to EVF. The EVF is 'tiny' similar to their lower end body EVF. it would have been great if they offered EVF as good as XT2 for the price. and it's uncomfortable to hold after using it for some time... one the smaller grip, second the heat.

[@3BMEP]

Vignes K a larger EVF would be great!

[@rickt.223]

Why am I JUST now discovering this page? This is the most thoughtful and intellectual approach to gear review I’ve ever had the pleasure of viewing. Thanks, Hugh. -- Your newest fan.

[@3BMEP]

Welcome to the community!

[@jackmckechnie5801]

I have the XPRO 1 and love it....I have the 23 F2 and the 50F2 ..but for the 35 I bought a super priced 1.4 on Ebay...To me this is almost the perfect combination and I'm sure the XPro2 has significant improvements but the looks of the original Xtrans file is just awesome.

[@leonardlawrence7143]

Jack McKechnie g

[@Christophercoconut]

you’re look so cool guy.

[@jacobh5817]

The X-Pro1 before and now the X-Pro2 got me from taking photos to making photos...

[@maggi-nh8zo]

I love your voice and delivery, Hugh ✌🏼

[@3BMEP]

mdtriggs I’m so glad, thanks!

[@TheMiggins]

Man you remind me so much of Anthony Bourdain in the way you articulate and cut through the bullshit. much appreciation for your work. thank you my friend.

[@3BMEP]

He was quite something.

[@HansNLL]

In December recently I was in Lviv in Ukraine in the "Cat Cafe" and next to me someone nonchalantly throws a Leica M9 with some very expensive Sumicron lens on the table. My heart started beating like crazy and after some period of mobilizing the courage to ask him to have a look through it I succeeded to have that divine photographic machine in my own hands! My God: what holy moment! But also a bit deception at the same time! It is heavy, really heavy and the famous "grip" of the vintage design did not immediately impress me. The viewfinder looked really "shabby" in terms of information and dimension. Also the frame was not projected via continuous frame lines, but just by showing the four corners. I loved the small double fields in the middle shoving over each other to get the correct distance, but that was really all! I compared with my Pro 2, the genius combination of an optical viewfinder combined with electronic frame-lines and the full information! The fantastic two mode magnification mode which is automatically directed and adjusted in case of lens changes, that is all stuff the Leica does NOT have at all! If you put a 135 mm on it the frame in the viewfinder becomes really irritating small.

[@3BMEP]

Thanks for the wonderful story and musings - welcome!

[@HansNLL]

Fantastic comment....and...eh...the big issue: cannot bring any real argument in disadvantage of what you said! Yeah..the Leica is the vintage camera and you feel almost hundred years of design and functionality in it when you have it in your hands! And yes: no terrible digital menus and endless combination of buttons bullshit...yeah, yeah: all true! But also true: if you use the X-Pro2 (also the X-Pro1) regularly and took the opportunity, time and calmness to really try and find out all these settings and possibilities and making some final choice for them, it works fast and very pleasantly! But it costs you more then just one weekend.....it is a process, but then your falling-in-love period has become a period of "love" forever!

[@HansNLL]

Fully understand your point....and if this Leica camera would not be so extremely expensive, I would use it too....!

[@TheSuperAldrich]

NIETKO X It doesn't take a genius to get it, really.

[@stephenscharf6293]

Another beautifully produced, and intellectually well-considered and thoughtful review, Hugh. I love how you put various camera systems into a larger, historical context to provide greater insight and meaning. If you want to have fun sometime, get a little Fuji X100F to check out. It *will* surprise you: at how beautifully the product embodiment "realizes" the _design intent_. And, with its image quality: producing, under many use-scenarios, some of the highest image quality I've seen this side of a Fuji GFX50S. Also, the constraint of one camera/one lens is excellent discipline, but ironically, enough, is also liberating. Cheers.

[@3BMEP]

Stephen, a person like you is what I love most about our channel!

[@amereinterlude]

I’ve only just watched this video! A very interesting discussion and a thoughtful attempt to compare and contrast two such surprisingly different cameras. I love Fujifilm for what they’ve done to bring us their brilliant rangefinder concept. I have an X-Pro 2 and the Fujichrons and have used them for a while, but only on days when getting the picture with certainty wasn’t so essential. The X-Pro is a real hipster camera, for devotees only, not for newbies. It can be a handful to use successfully. I am too lazy to process tens of thousands of RAWs, plus I am still marooned on Aperture, so it’s JPEG only for me just now. Fuji JPEGs are pretty idiosyncratic. Blues that lean heavily to cyan, unsaturated reds and flat, magenta, waxy skin tones give these files a very specific look. I found the dynamic range to be problematic, particularly with clipped highlights, so I feel I have to use DR400 all the time, which means I am shooting at ISO800. The JPEGs also are very noise-free, so there must be a lot of noise reduction going on, for which we have to pay in other ways. The Chrons are very sharp. Forget Leica - these lenses are as sharp as anything out there. But their compact form means distortion, and lots of it. This has to be corrected in-camera, so it is a closed loop system, but even so, the correction doesn’t quite cut it and there is still pronounced pincushion. The AF isn’t quite there yet. This is not the camera for dynamic subjects, though it’s still a lot quicker than focussing an M ! What is brilliant and indispensable is pretty much everything else. The form and feel of the system is a joy. It makes me happy, literally. People say the best camera is the one you have with you, but that’s no good if you hate using it. No, the best camera is the one you want to keep picking up. And in spite of all its idiosyncrasies, I get such a strange and unexplainable pleasure from using the X-Pro that, once I’ve started using it, I can’t put it down. That’s important. Really important ! And there is the great EVF. Small, but with a lovely image, far nicer than the modern Sonys. The Fuji packs with square format and that is fundamental to me. Plus there is the customisable bracket of three pictures on a single shutter and that is brilliant, too: to get Provia and Acros and Acros with red filter, all in one click of the shutter release. I hope Fuji sticks with the X-Pro and keeps improving it. It drives me bananas using it, sometimes. But nothing else is so companionable.

[@3BMEP]

Simon Tasker what a lovely contribution to the discussion, Simon - thank you!

[@amereinterlude]

nerina d'istra I would say landscape definitely either in raw or jpeg at DR400. Birds - not sure !

[@gentrygarage]

Hi Hugh, you are pure class. Great vid again. Is there any video where you address M9's CCD sensor image quality?

[@malthus101]

This guy has been watching too much Jeff Goldblum.

[@3BMEP]

A national treasure!

[@darkknight830]

As an x-pro1 and x-pro2 owner, I am so happy to hear your positive experience using the x-pro2.

[@sherwinh1661]

darkknight hi I currently own the xpro1, I found a used xpro2 going for 540 usd should I get it ?

[@darkknight830]

@@sherwinh1661 Sorry for the late reply. Regarding your question, yes get it and you won't be disappointed. The xpro1 is still good but there is a significant improvement in the xpro2.

[@PeterPrism]

Pro 1 x ever

[@robinchollet7571]

Yeah never to late to understand the power of Fuji Xpro series and... you've got a joystick! lol Now you have no excuse with this kind of camera (portrait, streetphotography, wedding, foodphotography...)

[@imyourmowgli815]

You are probably one of the best people with great articulation skills. Love your way of speaking. Waiting to listen more. I wish there is a podcast run by you on anything !

[@3BMEP]

Thanks so much!

[@photaudiotech5550]

You dof computation seemed surprising at first but I confirm with my computation (in SI) - FF 75mm f/2 at 91 cm (3 feet) : in focus distances 90.4cm to 91.6cm -> dof of 1.3cm - APS-C 56mm f/2 at 91cm : in focus distances 89.8cm to 92.2cm -> dof of 2.3cm one cm of difference 0.39 inches. Using some standard print seen at 25cm distance.

[@BMRTV]

I'd like to lodge an official complaint. You've now made me desperately want something I cannot afford to buy.

[@3BMEP]

BMRTV Have strength! 😊

[@BMRTV]

Haha. I am doing my usual Toe in the water approach. Bought a used X-M1 and easing myself back into 'it'. The plan is that If I find myself really needing to upgrade then I will. Keeps the wife happier too :) @@3BMEP

[@3BMEP]

BMRTV I understand. 🖖🏻

[@nonexist]

I forced myself to watch this video 3 and a half times before clicking the BUY NOW button for X-Pro2 for $750 :). I also was about to click on BUY NOW for FujiFilm 100vi for $2,500. You saved me $1,750.

[@3BMEP]

What about a lens????😊🖖🏻

[@nonexist]

Well, I already own 3 lenses. Fujinon ASPH 35mm/f1/4, APS-C 25mm F2.0 Manual focus lens, and Brightin Star 52mm f/0.95 manual lens. Love all 3 and I hope the x-pro2 won't complain about them.

[@3BMEP]

@@nonexisthah - excellent! 👌🏻

[@newmanana]

This is the first time I’ve come across your channel. Very informative and interesting commentary on the XPro2, as well as other comparable models. Your delivery is great; you are the Josh Ozersky of the photo world! Since I can’t get any more Josh, I’ll be coming back here for more. Thanks!

[@3BMEP]

And you just gave me a new name. to look up - thank YOU. I LOVE THIS COMMUNITY!

[@newmanana]

Three Blind Men and An Elephant Productions He was a fabulously gifted speaker and reported on all things NYC food. You and he have many similarities in your descriptive speaking styles.

[@pollensteyn]

I started shooting Fuji X at the start of 2017 and bought myself an XT-1(huge rebate) - I just needed a smaller digital camera (Canon (D)SLR shooter for years). Later on that year I bought the X-Pro2, the camera I should have bought right from the start. Not because of the 'rangefinder style' looks, but because it comes fairly close to the camera's I shoot with most of the time: rangefinders like my M6 or smaller slr's like the OM1 or 2. The OVF for me is the most compelling feature of the camera, although it has its flaws. I agree with Hugh that the OVF experience with the Leica M is superior though, it makes me wonder how an M10-P would work out for me… All in all, great review, as usual. Thanks Hugh!

[@3BMEP]

Thank YOU for sharing your experience!!

[@charleskoonu]

I have found my xpro2 mint condition at 600 dollar, a real bargain so, I can say, this is actually, one of my most loved cameras that I have ever used.

[@JLStreetDoc]

I use the xpro2, love it and will never sell it. However, I want a Leica next. Just not sure if I want to get the upcoming q3, the m10 or the m11. I was dead set on the q model, but it’s to similar to what I have with the Fuji, and would like to use a camera with the heritage of the m system.

[@GreyGhost-r4z]

At 6:00. Leica has manual focus lenses that are amazing, that Fuji could corner the market with by having a better manual focus system that purists love instead of that anemic sliding focus ring. Ugh. Fuji has better functional software but the price point forbids users of having a Leica experience by way of lack of lens control and feel=manual focus. I would love a M mount lens on the Fuji natively

[@TheChickenLine]

It's true that most (if not all) early Magnum Photographers used Leica, but it was the 35mm camera of the time, especially with its lens-quality. Comparable lens quality only came in Medium Format, Quarter Plate (5 x 4)...Rail... Having said that, from the F2 and Nikkor period on, you can easily argue that the Leica no longer carries that (needy) label. In my student days, when digital cameras hadn't even been thought of, my lecturer, who is a Magnum Photographer, was praising the quality of one of my images, stating that nothing comes close to Leica lenses. I didn't have the heart to tell him it was from my new Nikon FE - Nikkor 50mm 1.4. Light is arguably as important as the subject, and the subject arguably more important than the camera, especially when you consider that even the "Decisive Moment" is no longer a truly valid term when it comes to what's now termed as, "Street Photography", with its 60+ frames a second that can exceed any amount of bulk film you could have loaded into your 35mm back. It took Digital Camera's quite a while to catch up with medium format print, and in the early days, I wouldn't have even considered 35mm digital for any (even social/street) photography, they just couldn't handle high key amongst other demands. But now I've entered retirement, I would be more than happy with almost any Semi-Pro/Pro camera! Especially where Photoshop has taken over from the limitations of the darkroom and drawn out test strips, dialing in, dodging... As a retired Industrial Commercial Architectural Photographer: My humble view above relates to Social/Street Photography.

[@zlatyklas]

The absence of d-pad kills the x-pro 3. Poor shooting- and i have to go to menu -because x-pro3 lost 4 programmable buttons. I am waiting for x-h2( i believe that af will be much much better than x-t3).

[@liroymona2661]

Hello! I like what you do. I need your opinion... if you can give me some advice about buying a camera and a lens. I want to take pictures of my children and pictures (both close and far) in nature with mountains, waters, sun and shadows. I am not locked into any brand or model, however I would be happy to be able to purchase the kit somewhere around $1000. Thanks.

[@bagzhansadvakassov1093]

I love the intellegent discussion gentlemen have here. Unfortunately I can't join, but I appreciate it.

[@diotough]

This chanel has such a relaxingly different approach than those other flashy tech chanels. Funny enough, I'm asking myself this question whether the lack of true rangefinder manual focus is a turn off for me or not. I'd love to go for a Leica M but I just can not afford one. The moment I had given the M8 a try I was hooked. I'm afraid the X-Pro2 will disappoint me because of this missing rangefinder focussing mechanics. I basically have ruled everything else out and I'm willing to get rid of my Canon system (it's big and heavy and stays too often at home nowadays) and it's now down to either the X-Pro2 or the newer X-T3.

[@Oske.images]

This was a great Leica video. Looking for a Fuji myself.

[@villagranvicent]

Truly an excellent, clever and very interesting video. I appreciate your thoughts. "for the people paying close attention not only to image quality but the quality taking the image" summarizes for me what photography is all about. That is why I sold my A7, even though very capable, it never inspires me as an instrument. I just realize my Leica M8 still has less than 5k clicks, I really need to go out and shoot. Thank you, ​Hugh!

[@3BMEP]

My pleasure!

[@chocloditelensman]

I purchase this camera but wasn’t too impressed with it. I like the x100t better - easier to operate but I don’t like the fixed lens.

[@petersmith1732]

Camera manufacturers are obsessed with giving us faster handling, faster shutters, faster lenses, faster processing and more more more of everything. All of this is detrimental to art. The X Pro series are slow. They give you time to think and consider each shot, not just to rattle off 50 frames in a couple of seconds in the hope one comes out well. X Pro series cameras have made me proud of my pics again, something I haven't experienced since I used film cameras.

[@nelsonsack2694]

Very good commentary but the music choice was a disaster

[@Ray1279]

Well... I don’t know whether u gave us ur thought about the camera or rather gave ur final thought about the camera... but I would like to give u a standing ovation for the script, it’s delivery and the voice notes.... Man U just nailed the entire scenario!!!! Bravo.... but I am still going for the Fuji X-Pro 2 😋😋😋

[@mattstolzman]

There is a cashback offer everywhere. But the cashback for the X-pro 2 compared to the cashback for the x-t2 is MARGINAL. WTF Fuji

[@pauljenkin297]

Great video. I recently swapped from Leica (original M-Monochrom + 4 lenses from 28-90mm) to a Fuji X-Pro2 and 35mm+ 50mm Fujicrons. I'm hoping to get the 23mm f2 for Christmas. Down the years, I've had iiif, M6, M7 and MP (the film one) as well as a Q and M240. All superb cameras and lenses. However, I've come to the conclusion that, for film, I'm going to use MF almost exclusively and I got a great trade on the Leica for the X-Pro2 and lenses and a Rolleiflex 2.8. The X-Pro2 is every bit as good as I'll need (as an enthusiastic amateur) for travel and street shooting.

[@jameswelshmusic]

Is this the greatest video on KZbin? One take as well. Just ordered an x pro2.

[@jonfletcher147]

I'm heading back to 2 Xpro2s now!! that camera is so well made.....and still has a special kind of magic

[@3BMEP]

Jonathan Fletcher enjoy!

[@jonfletcher147]

Thankyou! one of THE best if not THE best photography channels on YT

[@vitvel]

You look and sound like the Grandmaster!

[@UPHOTO75]

Wow......probably the most "commercial" like so called review I've ever seen in my 15 years of professional shooting.

[@clintjayphotography4734]

My Xpro2 is kinda slow at Auto focus, even with a new lens. I've got the latest firmware update but does anyone have any tips?

[@dharlow5810]

I have come to respect your thoughts as some of the more cogent on Utube

[@katumus]

8:00-8:37 That is the reason why arguments about lens sharpness, Mpixs, sensor sizes etc is useless. 8:38-8:45 The Mpix count that 99% of the people need for 99% of the time today is 4-6Mpix. They can go around with less most often around 1-2Mpix. But all that requires you have good to begin (meaning, you can't take a 1Mpix sensor and 50Mpix sensor and crop 50Mpix to 1Mpix as you put heavy stress on the lens and sensor quality and 1Mpix sensor would always win there. 9:25 And the Olympus E-M1 II doesn't deserve the mention in the same price range while being more advanced than Panasonic G9 or Sony A7 III or A9 (1499€ inc. 24% tax, professionals gets so on -24% from price)? 10:30 And again there is left away the best looking and most creative (best colors etc) camera, Olympus PEN-F from that category.... Okay, better not talk about if not having hands on for one, but so totally better than any of those others (incld Fuji). 13:55 about the rangefinder benefit to see "outside the frame" is illogical, because you simply use shorter focal length and crop (remember the part 8:00?). Meaning you will see outside the composed framing when the subject steps in the frame, and then you take the shot when the subject is in the composition. You can even use some different guiding lines in the EVF to give you the wanted framing assistance for final image if wanted if not able to visualize the composition without such. And then about the dynamic range, the good EVF lacks only about 1-2 stops in total of the camera dynamic range, meaning you will have about 0.5 stops clipping to highlights before the raw file clips, and then you have about 0.5-1 stops clipping to shadows before raw loses the data. That means, you are always in superior position with the EVF, compared to any optical viewfinder, as you see what you are going to get, and you are going to expose correctly, instead guess the exposure with a scale. With EVF you can see in bright light that you can't otherwise look without strong sunglasses. And you can see in dark where after an hour adaptation you still wouldn't see as well as the camera does, like with EVF you can frame against milky way the black silhouette trees and other ground elements if so wanted without any problems.

[@DrFearCo]

DONT MAKE ME REGRET GETTING RID OF MY XPRO2. I shot the xpro2 for 2 years. The only downside for me was the hybrid/pure optical viewfinder. I found that shooting with either of those introduced too much lag (I updated the firmware a bunch of times and may not have tested for any improvements) and ended up using pure EVF which is not what I bought the camera for. I loved that camera (still do) but people saying it is a 100% substitute for a Leica M either don't understand what a rangefinder is OR have never shot or held an M. I shot an M3 side by side with the XPro2 and developed my own colour and black and white film before deciding to buy an M240 and trade up to a Nikon Z6. I want the grey XPro2 just to collect now but that would be crazy.

[@3BMEP]

Dr Fear & Co. You’re going to be OK...😎

[@JS-tc3kt]

I lost the thought I was holding. Later, I found that it had rolled under the couch along with two other things that I had put a pin in. Or maybe all those things were just dust bunnies... or... maybe I just drifted off to sleep while listening to his voice and just dreamed all of it. :-)

[@flynnmartienssen6459]

The M does not have to change its design greatly, leica is not looking for acceptance or sales, that they will have. Fuji is looking for acceptance, they are coming into their own and their dedication to the development of technology and building a following. That is what sets them apart.

[@4ba2]

Just seeing this now. Please write an e-mail to your Fuji contacts about the X-Pro 3 and when it will be available. Thanks.

[@agmund]

ok for most people's budget as my it's bargain and ability to express myself in photography in desired way that i can somehow afford