Fujifilm X100T Camera Long Term Review - After Five Years of Pro Use - 2022

[@ivomatic13]

Still rocking my x100t almost for 7 years and I don’t think I’ll upgrade untill it dies, just love it so much!

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

Hey Ivo! That sounds great! I shot my X100S until it died -- about 70,000 frames. Have fun!

[@ivomatic13]

@@PaulCrousePhoto Nice, I’m at 30k, hope it will make it to 70k :)

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

@@ivomatic13 Good luck!

[@pamelasmith8652]

Great video Paul. Can't wait for your comparison video.

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

Thanks, Pamela. I have got the footage. I'll start editing this week.

[@alidark3000]

Great vid! Fellow fuji and Japan lover here. Just bumped my old x100s up to an xpro3 and looking forward to taking that to Japan at the end of the year. lucky bastard if you live there permanently.

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

Hey Ali Dark, Thanks for your comment. My life here in Japan is pretty good, although I keep hitting my 6'5" head on everything. LOL. How do you like your X-Pro3? Does that rear screen work well for you? Let's hope they open the border back up. Take care.

[@alidark3000]

I'm liking it. I feel a bit dumb sometimes because I got the 23mm f2, essentially making it a heavier x100v..... mostly because I only want one camera and need to vlog as well. still getting used to it otherwise. RE your head, ouch.

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

@@alidark3000 Whatever works for you is what is best. I try not to play with X-Pro3s at the camera store because then I will probably want one. And then I might have to sleep in the dog house. LOL.

[@AlexanderBischof]

Great new channel - love your videos and photos. ALso love my X100V that brought me into Fuji system. Also two X-T4 cameras for wedding photography.

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

Thanks for your kind words. I am just starting to figure out my X100V. I'll be posting more about that soon. I hope to see you around.

[@albertsmith9315]

I am basically full-Fuji now, but it wasn't because I was satisfied with my initial immersion into to brand. I started with the X100, the original with no alpha suffix. I was a Leica M shooter in the film days, and the X100 screamed "Leica!" to me when I saw it in the many photo magazines reviewing it. The original was a work in progress and to me not really ready to be a prime camera. The AF was deadly slow, the battery was shockingly fast to deplete and the film simulations (all 3 of them) were not as tweakable as they are now. I still have it and use to take it out to see if I may have been harsh, but no, it's not a real tool for me. Luckily, I gave Fujifilm another try when the X-T2 came out and the forward leaps in every area were amazing. Today, I have many Fujis but opted for an X-E3 as my surrogate X100 class body. Who knows, if I didn't get the X100 until after the S or T versions were out, I'd have a different feel for the series. BTW, as a Leica M user, the Konica Hexar was highly thought of in that group. The lens was thought to be a facsimile of a Leica Summicron and had performance that was very nice indeed. The limitation for me was the top shutter speed of 1/250th. Going out in bright light with any moderate speed film meant that you needed a neutral density filter, or stopping down to preclude selective focus.

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

Hi Albert. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. The V1.0 of anything is usually not that good. I waited until V2.0. I will give Fujifilm credit for starting these consumer camera line and improving their products very quickly -- and actually responding to feedback from clients. I had been using Nikon DX system. I didn't want to buy full frame FX because I didn't like the size. Nikon refused to make a good selection of DX prime lenses because that would have gutted their more profitable full frame line. That annoyed me. I jumped ship as soon as Fuji started to fill out their line. BTW, I can't really remember the 1/250 of a second shutter speed bothering me with the Hexar -- but I am getting older and my memory is not so good. LOL!

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

Hi Albert. Thank you very much for your detailed comment. I apologize. Many of my replies to people's comments here on this channel have not shown up. So, I will try again. It think Fuji has done a pretty good job considering that they started from zero. Without having any legacy gear to hold them down, they were able to build a very capable system and use their deep knowledge of color science. The Konica Hexar was one of my favorite cameras ever. I don't remember the 250th of the second shutter speed bothering me, although I bet I cursed about it at the time. (Funny how our memories work. Haha).

[@thegreatvanziniphotos5976]

This was an excellent overview. Just ordered one for fun.

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

Hey Great Vanzinni! Sounds great! Let me know how it works out for you.

[@RandyPollock]

Enjoyed the video, going to check out the other ones and hope to see some more coming out this year.

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

Thanks, Randy. I am glad you liked it. I am editing the next one as we speak.

[@DistilledStills]

Congrats on your new camera! Love your thought process about gear 🙌

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

Thanks, Pradeep. I am having fun with it. Lots of new stuff to learn.

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

Hi Pradeep. I apologize. Many of my replies to people's comments here on this channel have not shown up. So, I will try again. Thank you very much for your comment. I try to invest my money in the best way possible. It is easy to get caught in the trap of always buying new gear. When I find something that works, I try to use it as long as possible. Have fun taking pix!

[@geofff6671]

Regarding the shutter, the X100 series is supposed to have a leaf shutter. These are supposed to be much more reliable than focal plane shutters and might be good for 500k or more.

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

Hey Geoff. Thanks for your comment. Yes, X100 cameras do have leaf shutters. The shutters might last a long time, but there are lots of other components that can fail. These are not pro grade cameras, which are designed to be used hard day in and day out. Having said that, I got a lot of millage out of that X100T.

[@cameraman655]

Pop Photo from Dec of ‘95’, I likely still have that issue (along with mountain of other Pop Photography, Modern Photography, Outdoor Photography issues from the early through the early 2000s somewhere in my basement. Love X-100 series, still rockin’ the ‘T’.

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

Hi Cameraman655. I only saved that one. It is pretty funny looking at the old adverts and stuff in those magazines. have fun with your "T."

[@HaiTomVlog]

These older Fujis are still knocking it out of the ballpark! I wish I would have discovered them sooner - all the money I could have saved! 😂

[@PaulCrouse]

Hey Tom. Thanks for the comment. Yes, the older cameras are still great. Used X-T1s are also a great deal.

[@pulseimages]

Been using my X100T now for 6 years and it’s a great camera. The X100V is much improved as far as the lens and the tilt screen. I wish it had the AF of the X-Pro3 though.

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

Hey Sean. I really like my X100V. Yes, the lens and the tilt screen are much better than the old camera. And so is the AF. It is also a lot zippier. All and all a great camera if you've got the money. If not, the X100T is a great camera, too. Sometimes it is better to put your money towards a plane ticket and go somewhere with your camera. ;)

[@imranvp]

What camera and mic do you use to record your videos? Your audio and video is crispy! 👍🏼

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

Hi Imran. Thank you for your comment. I use a Sony ZV1 shot in 1080p with Rode VideoMicro mic. It is a great little camera, although I really wish it has a headphone jack.

[@aidanduncan8187]

What is the adapter you have attached to the lens at 00:13? Looks very cool

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

Hi Aidan, That is a "Pentax MH-RE49 Lens Hood for HD DA 40mm f/2.8 Limited" (Title copied from B&H Camera) -- a lens hood for a Pentax pancake lens that works perfectly on X100 series lenses. Behind it is the overpriced Fuji lens filter adapter and a good-quality protective filter. The Pentax hood is the smallest usable hood I could find. It does a good job of protecting the lens and blocking stray light. I want this camera to be as small as possible -- but protected. I used that same hood on my previous X100S -- so it has a zillion miles on it. There might be some sort of cheap Chinese knock-off hood somewhere online. I hope this helps! Have fun!

[@marveenlozano4091]

Hi! may i ask, where did you buy the case for your x100t? Thank you!

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

Hey Marveen. Thanks for your question. I use two different cases with my X100 series cameras. They fit with the filter/hood setup I have. One is a Think Tank Slim Changer. It is a bit big, but it works (I use the Slim Changer for several different things. I really should get a second one). I also use a Think Tank Mirrorless Mover 5. The camera just fits into that bag with my setup. I hope this helps.

[@jradamsjr]

Thanks Paul - one quick question: are you saying C1 will not process film sims for this camera at all? Or just the RAW files? Thanks in advance for the help!

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

Hey John. When you take a digital picture, it needs to be "cooked" (processed). When you shoot a JPEG, it is cooked in the camera. Whatever color settings you have in the camera will be "cooked" into that image. You can make some color adjustments in post-processing on a computer later , but it is very limited. So, Capture One can open a JPEG file from at X100T, and see the film simulation (tone curve template) that it was shot in, but you can't change it because it is already "cooked" into the file. No software can change the film simulation for a JPEG, you can just make some minor tweaks. When you shoot RAW, it needs to be "cooked" by a computer program that can read that specific, proprietary RAW file format. There is a lot more flexibility when processing RAW files, but the software program has to be compatible. The RAW file formats are intellectual property that the camera companies make money off of because they are flexible. The JPEG format is universal but less flexible. Does that answer your question?

[@jradamsjr]

Paul, First things first: I am overwhelmed at the time you took to provide that answer. Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply! That said, I must have misunderstood your comment. I do understand everything you are saying in your reply. That all makes good sense and aligns with my experience using C1 w/ my XT-4. As you know C1 also has the ability to “add-in” some Fuji simulations as you are using it, even if you used none while shooting. I thought you were saying for some reason C1 was not able to work with film sims in the X100 system in some way and I was trying to figure which context you were saying. Turns out it was neither. I misunderstood. Thanks again for clarifying. Domo Arigtou 🙏

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

​@@jradamsjr You are welcome. I am glad to be helpful. Your question is informative to me. It shows that I need to be more clear in my presentations. Thank you for that. One thing I've learned living here in Japan is the importance of good service. If you sincerely serve people well, you end up with a loyal customer base and life is genuinely better.

[@MichaelNNguyen]

I have a question, I just recently bought the X100F. When I press the ND Filter button, the screen is shown On but I don't see any difference? Is it not working or has it is something gotta do with the settings? Thanks

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

Hi Michael. Thank you for your question. - The ND filter will reduce your total exposure by 3 stops. - For example -- if you have your camera set to Program Mode ("A" on the shutter speed dial, the aperture dial, and the ISO dial) -- and when you turn on the ND filter, you will notice that your exposure settings will change to let in more light. - Try toggling between turning the ND filter on and off. Look on the back screen and notice how your shutter speed, aperture and/or ISO settings change when you do that. You won't notice the screen getting lighter or darker (unless you are on complete manual mode). - Tip: Make sure to turn the ND filter OFF when you are done using it. Does that help you?

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

Hi Michael. I apologize. Many of my replies to people's comments here on this channel have not shown up. So, I will try again. When you use the ND filter, you will NOT see a difference in the brightness of the screen. You will see a difference in the exposure settings. Depending on what exposure mode you are using, either the aperture, shutter speed or ISO will be affected. Try turning the ND filter on and off, and then look at the exposure settings to see how they change. Personally, I tend to use the ND filter outdoors on a sunny day when I want to have the aperture wide open to get shallow depth of field, but it is too bright. Remember to turn the ND filter off when you are done using it. I sometimes forget and end with a lot of photos with unwanted high ISOs. Does this answer your question?

[@Vicisblessed]

What was the lens you had attached to the x100t? I have the same camera, would like to try that out.

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

Hey Victor. I have a UV filter and a hood attached to the filter adapter on that camera. The hood is for a Pentax 40mm f2.8 DA pancake lens. I found it to be the smallest hood that works well with the X100T lens.

[@mezomoza7]

I have X100T, and I have hard time deciding which focal length for which shooting distance.

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

I am sorry. I don't understand your question. The X100T has only one focal length: 23mm.

[@mezomoza7]

@@PaulCrousePhoto Sorry, that was my mistake, I meant the Full Stop number

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

​@@mezomoza7 Hey Moataz. It is not realistic for me to explain f-stops (also known as aperture) in a comment reply. The extremely short version is: set the aperture ring to "A" (auto) most of the time until you learn about f-stops. You can also set the aperture to f2 if you want to make the background look blurry while the foreground is sharp. That is especially good if you are taking portraits or isolating objects up close. Those two settings ("A" and "f2") should work for you until you learn about f-stops. Get comfortable with using those two settings before you move on. Try to learn a little at a time -- not everything at once. Watch the following video to learn more about f-stops. (Not made by me) I hope this helps. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6DNfWqLhrmJnsU

[@mezomoza7]

@@PaulCrousePhoto Thanks a lot for the comment. I understand the idea of F-Stop and how it works, I just can't decide which one to choose between the close values, is there rule of thumb you follow? I am talking about deciding for example between 2 or 2.8 or 3.6 & 11 or 16? What are you prefered values to each shooting distance or mode (Portrait & Landscspe)

[@FTGTapGod]

So first off, great video! Been binging videos on Fuji X series cameras since I've decided to add a digital EDC camera to my bag. I'm curious about something else though. I've actually always been drawn to Kyoto as a place to live. I'd love to hear how you feel about it. I know it has nothing to do with this video, but I thought it was really neat to hear in the intro.

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

Hi Forrest. Thanks for your comment. What is it like to live in Kyoto? Well... that is a big question that is difficult to answer in a KZbin comment. Part of the answer is about adjusting to living overseas in general and Japan in particular. That is a huge topic, which I won't get into here. Kyoto is part of the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto megalopolis, which is a huge urban area of about 14 million people centered on Osaka. Kyoto is a city of 1.5 million about an hour away by train from central Osaka and is surrounded by low mountains. It is the old Imperial capital and was never bombed during the Pacific War, so there's still a lot of the traditional architecture scattered around the city. It is also home to many of the traditional cultural traditions. This is what makes the city unique and an international tourist destination. But it is still a big, Japanese city with all of the good and bad that comes with it. I like living here because of the history and that it is not gigantic like Osaka or Tokyo. For me, it is a more livable city. Having said that, the work opportunities here are much less than in Tokyo, which is a world city. With lots of universities, most of the jobs in Kyoto open to foreigners are either in education or tourism. The border has been closed for 2 years, so the tourism industry has been hit very hard. I hope that answers a bit of your question. I may add content to this channel about Kyoto, but at the moment I am starting with photography content since I am still a beginner with video and KZbin, and have a lot to learn.

[@FTGTapGod]

@@PaulCrousePhoto I really appreciate the response. I've debated the move to Japan for many years. I'm drawn to the major cities and am currently in LA, but find it an increasingly frustrating community to grow in. I would definitely watch videos about your transition moving overseas. They would be super interesting I'm sure.

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

@@FTGTapGod Be aware that Japan can be a very difficult place to live. Many foreigners come here with rose-colored glasses. It is not like living in a manga comic book dream. It is not. Search "why you'll hate living in Japan" in the search bar above (not all of these videos are good). I have lived here more than 25+ years and it worked for me -- but it definitely doesn't work for everyone. I wanted to give you a heads up on that.

[@FTGTapGod]

@@PaulCrousePhoto oh yeah, I definitely can understand that. I don't look at Japan as a Utopia nor am I that involved in much of Japanese culture outside of having friends in industries like optics. I've more just aligned with how citizens treat their community both in action and politics. Although I know not everything is roses. Particularly societal treatment of women and foreigners in general, but that's a mixed bag here in the US as well. A lot of it has to do with the thought of trying life in a country outside of the US. Japan starts among the top because the industries I'm involved in are strong there. I've always enjoyed change and I have professional relationships and interests in Japan. I'm sure there is a lot to consider and I definitely appreciate your input. It won't be a decision I make on a whim. And my fiance is currently in school for Anthropology so there's a chance the next move might relate to a place that aligns with both my work and their studies.

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

@@FTGTapGod Thanks for your reply. As with everything, it all depends upon one's circumstances. If you've got connections here and a line on a good job (it sound like you are in a professional career), that can make all of the difference in the world. I jumped on a plane here on short notice back when I was 30 and single. I had I knew a friend of a friend, but that was enough for me to get the ball rolling for me. I met my wife within the first year and that sealed the deal. Be careful working for Japanese corporations. They are red-tape heavy and extremely rigid. There is a single word here that means "death from overwork." I highly suggest that you don't do that. LOL! You might want to read up on what expats in Tokyo say. It is very different there from in Kyoto. Good luck.

[@definitelynotagoodperson5456]

Nice Video and look back to these classic prequels of the X100F and V. I still use the X100S daily up to this day and some of my favorite photos are captured with it! I gotta say fuji really did nail the compact/aesthetic/image quality in one small package. I use it more often than my X-T1 for now cause the only lens I currently have for my T1 is the Viltrox 56mm (which is a bit awkward to use in street for me). My X-T30 just died due to getting wet in the shores with my buddies haha but the newer sensors have the better AF and ISO performance overall. One thing I don't like about fuji is the Film simulations being tied to certain products/newer bodies which is a bit odd since all of them are capable of the Film simulations if they were to put it in an older body, I am even baffled that the Classic Negative isn't on my X-T30 which is a good looking film sim.

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

Hi Definitely. Yeah, I hear you about the film simulation thing. I guess Fujifilm's color science is a high value intellectual property, so they want people to pay for it -- but that is just a guess. Have fun with your X100S. I got lots of great shots from that camera.

[@Dceridavies]

Thanks for this. Interesting about the Capture One compatability. I'm using an R5 for work and wanted something smaller and cheaper to travel with - Will look at the x100f.

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

Hi Ceri. Thanks for your comment. The Capture One thing is rather frustrating, because there isn't a technical reason they can't fully support the older Fuji cameras. It appears to be a intellectual property thing. It is getting pretty difficult to find a good or better condition X100F here in Japan. They swooped up online really quickly. So, if you find a one an excellent condition one, grab it. Good luck!

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

Hi Ceri. Thank you for your comment. I apologize. Many of my replies to people's comments here on this channel have not shown up. So, I will try again. The Capture One compatibility is quite frustrating. The software is capable to process the files but it is locked out. I can imagine the meeting that was decided in. I hope that you find an X100F in good condition. Have fun taking pix!

[@TripMakanMakan]

What’s the brand of your x100t hand Grip?

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

Hey Trip -- I don't have that camera anymore. If I remember correctly, it was the original Fujifilm grip MHG-X100.

[@TripMakanMakan]

Cool thanks Paul

[@jazzmanematthews8376]

What store did you do the trade in with. I’m considering trading mine in for a 100v if they have any.

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

Hey Jazzmane. I used Map Camera in Tokyo. They are dependable and efficient. I live in Japan. I don't know if they sell or do trade-ins overseas.

[@jazzmanematthews8376]

@@PaulCrousePhoto thank you

[@nikonman48]

Hi Paul. Brendon from Bermuda again. Great old review brother :-)! I laughed when you were talking about your iMac computer, and I totally agree LOL! Take care.

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

Hi Brendon. I hope all is well in the middle of the Atlantic. Glad I could make you chuckle. I am not too fond of the old spinning beach ball. Take care.

[@jesuslpgc]

Unfortunately mine had an early demise when the water bottle I had on the same satchel broke. Total loss

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

Ouch! That sounds like it hurt a lot. Water and electronics are a bad mix. I am very sorry to hear that. I hope you found a good replacement.

[@waynedennyphoto]

Just out of curiosity, and obviously you don't have to answer if you don't want to, but what is the trade in value on a camera with that kind of mileage on it?

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

Hi Wayne. Well, I don't want to tell you exact numbers here, but I can tell you a few things (and you can do the math). - In general here in Japan, I can usually get 60% of the current selling price for an average trade-ins at camera stores for gear in decent condition. To me, this is fine because I don't want the hassle of trying to sell gear myself. - Map Camera in Tokyo (I have no affiliation with them) gave me 75% of the current selling prices in trade because an X100T is currently highly sought after on the used market. - My old camera has been marked "Average" condition. - The following link is for the Camera Assessment page on Map Camera's website. Use Google Translate in Chrome browser to get English. (They also have a "language" setting on the top of the page). Type in your camera or lens name in the "keyword" box and then find your brand in the "manufacturer" box. Then click the button in the bottom right-hand corner. This will give you an estimate on how much they will give you in trade-in for that camera or lens. The prices will be in JPY Japanese Yen. You'll have to convert that. XE.com is a good currency converter. www.mapcamera.com/ec/assessment/ - Note that the Japanese Yen recently lost about 10% of its value almost overnight because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. So the yen is artificially weak. - Also note that Tokyo is has lots of amazing used camera stores. I use Map Camera from the suggestion of a friend and they are really professional. I hope that is helpful for you.

[@waynedennyphoto]

@@PaulCrousePhoto Wow, thanks for the detailed response! I was curious because I switched from a Nikon D800 to Canon R5 last year, but still have the Nikon. I figured it'd be a great backup camera, but to be perfectly honest I haven't used it once since I got the R5. So I've considered selling it, but figured I wouldn't get all that much for it. I'll have to look into it now. I'm not all that interested in dealing with people and haggling with them, so I'll definitely consider selling it my local store.

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

@@waynedennyphoto I hear ya about the haggling thing. Good luck!

[@dt9r]

never been able.to get along with my x100t, I ve sold it and now I feel much better. horrid battery duration, hard manual focusing, in autofocus, for steeet, 80% of the time wrong focus point. Definitely not my cup .of tea

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

Hi Marcello, Thanks for your comment. It is definitely not a camera for everyone. I am glad you found something that works better for you.

[@jerome5969]

Great video. I got my X100T for 600 bucks with just 2k shutter count + WCL-X100 lens adapter. This is just my personal use to document my family with pictures and I think it will come a long way before I’ll upgrade.

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

Sound's like you got a great deal. Family photos are the most important ones you'll take. Have fun with it!

[@jerome5969]

Thanks. Btw, I'll watch out for your next video with X100V :)

[@pnojazz]

My T has 1200 shots on it!😂

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

@pnojazz. Have you gotten to 1201 yet?

[@Vinterloft]

Don't worry so much about the shutter count, you're not even halfway there.

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

I have since sold this camera and bought an X100V, which I love.

[@cugilbert3799]

ρɾσɱσʂɱ 👏

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

What does that mean?

[@PaulCrousePhoto]

Hi Gilbert. What does this mean?