Me Disagreeing with X100V Reviews

[@mannyquinn5841]

The constantly agitated gestures from your right hand really irritate the eye and block attention.

[@WhoIsSerafin]

After 20 years with olympus I learned about this camera was the F model. I had a interest about it but knew I would hate it, but it ate at me. I gave in bought it brand new 4 months ago and in the beginning I despised this camera! Figuring out how to set this thing up for me i wanted to throw it through the window. But I stuck with it and bar none, no other camera has been for fun to use, my favorite to date. I quit film in the 90s and yes this camera now after setting it up and not messing with those settings anymore does very much give me a film feeling.

[@TheLiamGordon]

I’m glad you are loving your x100v! It is great and when I had it it was a big part of me developing what I felt was my “style” of photography. I hope none of this came across as me saying it wasn’t worth it.

[@mrmarzo]

Hey Liam, You've now shot, owned and reviewed several cameras throughout the years. What is your main camera these days you're most comfortable with? Could you also provide what your top 2 favorite Fujifilm cameras are? I'm assuming X-T2 might be on the list still? As usual, keep up the amazing work. Thanks.

[@TheLiamGordon]

Hey! That's a great question and not as simple to answer as I thought. My "main camera" if I'm shooting street or traveling is still the Leica M262 and the little Voigtlander 35 f2.5 lens. But I would not recommend it, I just like it. The X-T2 (as long as they are easy to find) is still something I would recommend to someone who just wants a small-ish do-it-all photography camera that won't break the bank. That being said, I use an old Ricoh GR for most day-to-day stuff so it kind of goes hand in hand with the Leica and if I could only use one it would be the GR. As for my favorite Fujifilm cameras. While the X-T line is more cost-effective and sensible. I enjoy the feeling in my hands of the X-Pro line. So if I was buying a Fuji camera today, I'd be considering an X-Pro2 or an X100F. Sorry my answer wasn't very simple haha!

[@mrmarzo]

@@TheLiamGordon Indeed the X-Pro and X-T line is my favorite as well.

[@harrisueng]

Really well considered and articulated opinion video. Glad you put it out there! Well done. I personally agree with you on all the points. I've noticed a trend that started when Fuji released the X-series cameras years back, and that's the increased interest in the feel (kinesthetic), the vibe in use, and "look" of cameras for people who enter the photography hobby. Fuji and Leica really hit the target with consistent precision for those who seek a particular feel/vibe/look. Even Chris Nichols recent "The Best Camera for Street Photography" included commentary on how each camera he was recommending makes the photographer "look" when they shoot in an urban environment. Take that trend and add hype around it and you get the current phenom of the X100V. It's no different than sneakers hype ($80 shoes being sold at $1.5K because a popular designer called out the color/materials, Rolex craze of recent years, etc.). I've been shooting for decades. First 10 years with film cameras, and the rest riding the rise of digital photography starting with 4MP digicams. I was an early adopter into dSLR's, and then early adopting mirrorless with Oly m43's, to then consolidate down to an RX1 since it launched. Now I shoot largely GRIII with my RX1rII to cover outside the performance range that the GRIII covers. I've come to realize that I'm the contrarian in the room that sees cameras as just tools to capture what I want to capture in the shooting environments where I shoot. However, I don't fault the hype machine, since it fuels a large part of the economy that sustains us all. I do wonder at times-when it comes to creative arts-if lust for gear distracts too much thought energy that could've been otherwise invested in improving skills. I've been guilty of that on occasion over the years myself.

[@TheLiamGordon]

Thanks for watching and commenting, Harris! Not to sound like I’m justifying my own gear lust but I used to approach the gear as just a tool too. Until I felt too self conscious with a DSLR in public spaces. That was the catalyst into Fuji, then Leica & Ricoh. The pretty little cameras became the tool I needed to look and feel like a normal-ish person. As a result, I felt my street photography developed quite a bit. How do you like the RX1? I thought it looked quite interesting.

[@harrisueng]

@@TheLiamGordon Yeah, I think the process of the art of photography is a journey for everyone, so whatever the motivators are to transform people who aspire into people who do is a good thing. 🙂 I've shot exclusively with the RX1 from 2012-2021. It's a great cam that has the performance latitude I need for the photography that I do-and then some. I love the og RX1. The RX1rII has even greater latitude in capturing scenes that I usually need a longer lens for, but now find within reach. However, the downside is that at the higher resolution, shooting with it is more demanding in how I handle the camera-or it forces me to make up for it with higher shutter speeds. Street photog work to capture fleeting moments has meant if I am capturing a spontaneous shot, I'm at 1/500th and I still need to have good technique. In dimming light, 1/500th forces a higher ISO, so…trade-offs. (Tbh, I've had some motion blur on a shot or two at 1/500th when shooting from the hip-so…perhaps 1/1000th on the safe side with no attention to technique? 😬) This year I added the GRIII and have found my shot count has gone up because it's so much more accessible in my pocket-and I'm getting shots that I was getting from my og RX1. That's why my photog kit is now RX1rII + GRIII. GRIII covers most of what I need, and I when I want to get something that the GRIII can't cover, the RX1rII comes out to extend my performance reach-with the cost of more diligent physical technique. I also love that with the GRIII I can go from power-up in my pocket, adjust my settings with my thumb, picture my comp in my mind's eye, capture the shot and power down back in my pocket within moments. I've shot enough now it's second nature. Ricoh's industrial design team accomplished something no other camera ID team has done in the cameras I've owed-that is single-hand, full manual control under my thumb in a way that can become second nature. It's really something no one talks about. Much respect for the work they did to get to this solution.

[@TheLiamGordon]

@@harrisueng yeah that’s an interesting challenge of the new higher megapixel sensors. Sounds like you’ve got it largely mitigated though! The GR cameras are wonderful for one handed operation. Makes everyday shooting even easier than using a phone.

[@harrisueng]

@@TheLiamGordon Thanks, and nice one on your videos, too! Will be looking forward to your next now I'm subbed. Happy Holidays! 😊🎊🥂

[@TheLiamGordon]

@@harrisueng thanks, Harris! Happy Holidays!

[@chrisathanasiadisphoto]

Second using an M9 for that film camera vibe. The rewind noise reminds me a lot of the auto advance on a film camera and for me it's just a one hitter quitter. I find myself thinking much more about the frame than when I used an M10 and M240.

[@TheLiamGordon]

I was lusting after an m9 when I bought the m262.. still kind want one. They are hard to find with a documented updated sensor that for sure isn’t another one that’s prone to corrosion.

[@chrisathanasiadisphoto]

@@TheLiamGordon I do like the sensor. I dug for a bit and found one on Fred Miranda with a repaired sensor for a killer deal. I prefer it in every way compared to the M240 besides the shutter. I love the colors and basically useless screen with no LV and lighter weight.

[@KarySchump]

Good to see you back! Always enjoy your videos and your calm insights. I think you’re spot on. I kinda wanted the x100v two years ago and even then thought it was hyped up, not realizing that it’s in a frenzy now. I also have the gr and was excited to get a gently used one for a good price and it’s been my daily carry for 1 1/2 years. There are so many cameras that are good, and much cheaper than the x100v. I still love the idea of renting a camera some time, to try something different. Thanks for the reminder and I’ll definitely use your code when I do. Hope you and your family are well.

[@TheLiamGordon]

Thanks for watching Kary! The GR is such a great little camera. Glad you’ve had so much use from yours. Family is well, thanks. Hope you and yours is too 🙏✌️

[@Rasmus98]

Really great video! I’ve seen a lot of these reviews too and I even bought a 100v myself but didn’t enjoy it. I think it’s quite a personal thing whether a camera is right for you and it wasn’t for me. The camera is fantastic but I quite quickly found out that I enjoy 50mm photography and telephoto style images. Longer lenses essentially. So I went back to the X-T2 and have had a blast ever since.

[@TheLiamGordon]

If everyone liked/needed the same thing, photography and cameras would be boring, right! The xt2 is a legendary camera! Glad you’re enjoying it ✌️

[@Thatonegirl989]

Hey! Been a while, good to have you back.

[@TheLiamGordon]

Thanks for coming back and commenting! Hopefully there won’t be another big gap between videos.

[@willstith1]

The love and hate for this camera has gotten completely out of control. For me it's been my main driver for about 2 years. The little things that for some people aren't are a big deal are to me. The leaf shutter being basically silent, the flash, and the optical viewfinder are massive and useful tools for my style of shooting. I basically also only shoot with 35 or 28 equivalent focal lengths so this camera with the conversion lens work perfectly. That being said I def wouldn't pay more than list price for one that's crazy. I'm thinking Fuji stopped taking orders for it since the new version will probably be coming out soon anyways. Hopefully that one won't blow up in the same way.

[@TheLiamGordon]

Yes! The leaf shutter and the weather resistance were big selling points for me. A while later I realized I didn’t care about weather sealing as much as I did for my work cameras so I think an older model was actually the better choice for me at the time. I could see there being a VI in 2023 but I could also see them milking the hype of the V for another year.

[@macjim]

It’s a bit late now but that black spot would have been fixed under warranty. I had mine for a few weeks and discovered a black spot which turned out to be something on the sensor… that was in 2022. It was ‘fixed’ under warranty and has been a great camera ever since… The X100v is not an insanely easy camera to shoot with, as it’s not a beginner’s camera. Yes, you can set it to fully auto but you’re spending a lot of money to use it as a point and shoot. What is it with people who say it’s the nearest to shooting film, without actually shooting film? Have they actually ever used a ‘film’ camera in their life. I started back in the day with a box brownie and a Russian brand rangefinder camera and have used both film, and digital, and used all sizes of sensors from the tiny minuscule phone camera to full frame of the Leica M9 and I’ll be honest in saying I see no real difference with the end product… the image: well, maybe not so much with an old mobile camera but my second digital camera (an Olympus 6mp camera) had the most pleasant image quality out of all the cameras I’ve owned. If they’re so much into film then shoot film, but I wish these guys would stop this nonsense of film like… the only way you’ll get ‘film like’ imagery is to photograph in… film! Film ain’t cheap and is time consuming if you intend to process your film roll’s yourself, you’ll need lots of chemicals and a darkroom and time to do it, and you’re not guaranteed to have a good result in the end… which then needs printing too! You might have installed the film incorrectly and come home with nothing captured on the film… been there. You could have forgotten to wind back the film before opening the camera back… been there, and washed out a days work 😢 I took a huge leap of faith in buying the X100s as I was, and I suppose still am, and 50mm man. So buying a rather expensive fixed lens camera’ was a scary decision but I got used to it: it was a huge learning curve. I was okay with it and I did have the option of using my X-Pro 1 and the three primes that it came with to fall back on… both of which are now gone. But when it came to the X100v being announced, with a much superior lens, autofocus and sensor, that I was desperate to get my hands on one. This was back when it was first announced right before the pandemic hit. I had a bit of a wait to get it but it arrived weeks before lockdown. My first few days with it was nerve racking and had me wishing I hadn’t bought it as it kept missing shots but with practice and time, I truly loved the camera… as we’ve said already, it’s not a beginners camera and needs time to ‘bed in’ with the user. Now, I would not part with my X100v (well, if someone offered me enough money to cover the cost of a Leica Q2 (or 3)) then I could be persuaded as I hear second hand cameras are fetching funny money due to the lack of supplies of new cameras. My X100v works along with my GRIIIx and my iPhone 13 Pro… for me, these are my perfect choices for my street work. Flickr Ormie (O)

[@TheLiamGordon]

Hey Jim! They wouldn’t honor a warranty even though the entire line of x100v were no more than 9 months old because I bought it “used” from b&h with 300 shutter actuations. Here’s what really got me. Someone at Fuji told me if I had the original receipt they would have honored the warranty regardless of how I bought it.

[@macjim]

@@TheLiamGordon ah! Dam 😭

[@TheLiamGordon]

Does your iPhone 13 have an exposure comp dial at the bottom of the screen? I recently saw someone using something like that in an ad and thought it looked handy.

[@peteredwards2462]

Great to see you back

[@TheLiamGordon]

Thanks Peter! I appreciate you watching ✌️

[@macjim]

Liam, I agree, it’s not a toy camera nor does is feel like a toy camera. Yes, it doesn’t feel like an M9 but that camera is a tank… I know, I once owned one. Long time no see, I was thinking about you the other day

[@TheLiamGordon]

Yeah I’ve not been able to make videos as easily since the kiddo came along but we’re getting into the swing of it so hopefully I’ll be back on here a bit more :)

[@pamelasmith8652]

Welcome Back!! JT

[@TheLiamGordon]

Thanks JT! Glad to see you’re still here 🙏

[@Sarielify]

I think the film simulation is funny, I would not start to shoot film because of the time and money I should put into that. So I’ll enjoy my xt4 in jpeg (+ raw, because you never know), and my sl2-s in raw only because they are so great

[@TheLiamGordon]

Absolutely enjoy your cameras in whatever medium you enjoy them in ✌️ what made you go for the SL2-S?

[@joe_tographer]

Thank you for making this lol, needs to be the top result for x100V videos. Imo the most film-like digital camera I've ever used is my Nikon DSLR with an AIS lens, by far. Cheers

[@TheLiamGordon]

Thanks Joe! I’ve never really used a Nikon before but they always seem to have some of the best image quality.

[@johncolquhoun6416]

Prices have gone mental.

[@TheLiamGordon]

It’s wild! They’ll crash eventually I’m sure and some people will be very upset that they bought at the top.

[@WhoIsSerafin]

Waited 6 months for mine

[@macjim]

Want mine for £4,000? 🥸🤣🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@avikmajumdar1791]

I think your too driven to prove the world that your decision of selling the X100V was correct. Like you said the other reviews are subjective and personal reviews, so is yours. But unlike others, your reviewing other reviews and passing your judgement. You could have talked about the same points without referencing or tagging the other content creators. I think your video has been created in poor taste, in my humble opinion.

[@TheLiamGordon]

You’re entitled to you’re opinion too, I don’t expect everyone to agree with me. I referenced and linked peoples video out of respect. I’m not going to badmouth people behind their back and I repeatedly encouraged people to watch their videos so as to support their work. My decision to sell my x100v was it was was faulty. As I said in the video.

[@avikmajumdar1791]

@@TheLiamGordon When your reviewing their work frame by frame and passing your judgement/ verdict. Its in no form or way respectful. Putting your views on certain points on content which is on the public forum is absolutely fine and its your freedom of expression. Analyzing, dissecting and being judgmental on the content of your peers is not and calling them out. Again thats my point of view of-course and I find it unethical.

[@TheLiamGordon]

@@avikmajumdar1791 I respect each of those creators and their opinions. You are free to interpret my content however you choose.

[@macjim]

No! It’s not intended to be shot in JPG! I shoot mine in RAW. shooting in JPG is fine for many but it’s lazy, and you’re not getting the most out of the sensor…

[@peterwho2084]

How can an opinion be incorrect?

[@addsy6396]

Yeah, totally. That would mean his opinions are potentially incorrect also. So who's opinion is right then? Maybe SpongeBob Squarepants has an opinion. Lets ask him... At the end of the day, if you're enjoying taking photos, these reviews are irrelevant

[@TheLiamGordon]

Because it’s just an opinion. The guy who’s opinion is that it feels like a toy, in my opinion is wrong. But maybe I’m wrong too. I’m not so arrogant that I’m not willing to learn.

[@haz7461]

randomly came across this video..agreed with everything here

[@TheLiamGordon]

Thank you for watching!

[@macjim]

PS was that Boot Hill? 🥸🤣

[@TheLiamGordon]

That would be about 12 hours south 😎