THE FUJIFILM X-PRO2: revisiting the X-Pro2 with a fresh perspective.

[@LetsMakeGhosts]

Also love x-pro 2. I sold all my other much newer Fujifilm cameras and kept this one. It’s perfect for me

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Awesome! It’s such a cool camera.

[@2DogAle]

Hi Craig, just stumbled on your KZbin channel today. I loved this video and how you describe your expectations and how you managed them on the second try with the X-Pro2. A few years back I rented a X-Pro3 and instantly fell in love with it. The way it made me feel shooting like film again and loving the look and feel of that camera. I never bought one though. I was shooting mostly landscape photos and stuck with the XT line. I just felt like I wouldn’t use the X-Pro3 enough and couldn’t justify buying both a range finder type and slr type at the time. Fast forward to day and I am starting to shoot street photos. So, now I had the means to dive in and get a X-Pro camera. I chose the X-Pro2 for many reasons with most being how I could use it like a range finder style film camera and still get be immersed in the Fujifilm X ecosystem. I love the film simulations and the color science of the fuji cameras along with the great black and white images you can capture with them. I just bought my X-Pro2 and waiting for it to arrive. I am like a kid at Christmas waiting for it to arrive so I can go out and use it. I just subscribed to your channel as well because I love your thoughts on gear and photography. Can’t wait to watch more and also let you know what I am doing with my new to me, X-Pro2.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Congrats on your X-Pro2!! I'm super excited for you! Let me know when you get it and start shooting with it. I truly appreciate your kind words about my videos and my channel. My goal is to continue to find like minded photographers like yourself and make videos that you all find interesting. So thank you for watching and for your support!

[@CuriousCookery]

It's so great you released your preconceived notions about the X Pro2 and adapted your viewpoint to its benefits. Also, your super cool street photos make me miss going out to shoot again.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Thank you so much!

[@francisbombus3949]

Totally agree! My absolute favorite camera

[@CraigBergonzoni]

It’s a great one and becoming one of my faves!

[@kayhartkamp234]

Dude, over the last year iI've gotten rid of my DSLR gear and bought 10 year old fuji's. Both an X-T2 and X-PRO2. still getting used to the EVF but slowly getting back into shooting again. thanks for the info and inspirations

[@hendrawijaya8199]

I love XPRO2 plus 18mm.F/2 with Classic Chrome. Perfect for me.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

That's a killer combo! Thanks for watching!

[@Racsophoto]

I don’t know exactly how different the xpro2 is from the xpro3 at this point but as a xpro3 owner, the best part is the OVF with manual focus lenses using the small screen patch just for focus peaking. I do have the frame lines for every manual focus lens I own, I just have to create a “profile” at the menu: shutting settings > mount adapter settings > lens registration. I put the lens name and focal length. This focal length will update the frame lines in the OVF and also store the lens data in the exif. Not the aperture because my lenses do not have digital contacts (like a Voigtlander) but I use old lenses with a m43 adapter (Helios, SMC Takumar) and new ones such as TTArtisan 17 and 25mm, Mitakon 35mm and I love it. The small screen patch can even work with 3 zoom levels that I assigned to a front button. That small screen to me is useless for other things but only the focus peaking to me and is an amazing alternative to a Leica system. Again, I do not know how it is in the xpro2 but hope that there is a way to get to what I have in the Xpro3.

[@evtimstefanov8377]

Great video Craig! Thank you brother!

[@hypnotoads]

Love my X Pro2 and Leica Q - I see them as an ideal partnership for digital shooters. I'm hoping that if they do it right, and if it ever happens, the X Pro4 will be the saviour of everything I used to love about the Fuji system.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

That’s awesome you have Leica Q. I can’t wait to try the digital Leica’s some day. And I agree I have high hopes for the Fujifilm X-Pro4. I do think it’s happening and I think it will deliver and be a great camera. Thanks for watching!

[@petermary70]

Have the save setup, love it

[@craig_cunha]

I have a Q as well and I am eagerly awaiting the X-Pro4. Could be a perfect pairing.

[@shred3005]

After the last few years almost exclusively using X-T, X-E4 and X-E1 I got out my 7yr old Pentax K-1 full frame DSLR just to use their lovely 31mm, 43mm and 77mm Limited primes and what a breath of fresh air to use an optical viewfinder again. Like you I love escaping the EVF and actually looking right through the lens with a big, bright viewfinder again. The added benefit is the ergonomics and handling is way better than my Fujis but of course the downside is that it’s big and heavy so not discrete or convenient. You make a convincing argument for the X-Pro series so give that optical viewfinder experience. I must consider but I’ve looked before at 2nd hand X-Pro 2 on eBay and frankly the prices are ridiculous for the age of the cameras on sale.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Great point about prices. It's crazy where the prices are at with some of these. Let me know if you do end up finding one at a good price and giving it a try.

[@MichaelKussmaul]

Love my X-Pro2 too. It gives me the feeling of using an analog camera in the digital age. I am using the EVF/OVF exclusively and switch the the LCD on, when taking a break to check some results. Thinking about purchasing the Voigtländer 27mm lens for street photography. Hope you can review this lens too.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Oh I will definitely review the Voigtlander 27mm at some point. That lens looks great. Thanks for watching!

[@jmtphotographymedia]

Love the Xpro2. I think its the best in the range for me. Just came back from New Orleans where I used it with the 23mm f2 exclusively. The experience using is unmatched. Its a pro level niche camera that can slide into street, events, pro work, personal work with ease. Weather sealed and weather sealed f2/2.8 compact prime lenses to match. Has not been rivaled since release IMO. Pen F needs to step up to the plate.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

That is a great setup for sure! I love these f2 primes. They combine well with the X-Pro line.

[@ianwinning5721]

Thank you for this post. I use the X Pro1, X-T1 and X-H1. I sold my X-T3 and 100V. The V was too small for me, Fortunately, I bought it for £1300, and sold it for £1760. UK. After seeing this post I'm seriously considering using some of the money to purchase a good used Pro2. The integrated shutter speed and ISO dial works for me. I love my my days out with my Pro1, but wow. . . do I have to slow down! I don't know why, but the T5 and the H2 just don't work for me right now. I just don't see how I could improve my images. Cropping maybe. . .but at a huge cost. £££. Build quality is very very important to me. My H1 is built like a tank. Thanks again, you've given me something to think about.

[@tomscott4438]

I had an X-Pro2, but had issues from day one with that fiddly Shutter Speed/ISO dial, and never got over them. I found that making ISO adjustments on the fly (preferred) with that pull up while rotating the ISO dial to be very frustrating. It was also maddening that (unlike the X-E2 and X-100's) you couldn't use a command dial to control ISO. So I sold it. A friend suggested I revisit the X-Pro2 (and pass on the Pro3) as he had the same issue, and figured out a workaround. He sets it to Auto ISO (something I usually hate) but then makes adjustments using the 5 stops of exposure compensation. Seems to do the trick, and it's quick and simple to do on the fly. Now I just have to find a used X-Pro2, and that has proved challenging.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

That's a great tip! I hope you're able to find an X-Pro2. Let me know how it goes.

[@tomscott4438]

@@CraigBergonzoni A few days after I posted that comment, I was able to locate an X-Pro2 “graphite edition” with matching 23 f/2 in near perfect condition. I still prefer to manually set the ISO, but the workaround is fine for when I need it. If/when an X-Pro4 comes out; if it doesn’t have a much improved battery, IBIS, and they ditch that flippy LCD, I’m not sure I would upgrade. Time to get off the “GAS” merry-go-round.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

@tomscott4438 that’s great you found one! And I feel you about the GAS. Im trying to get better about that too lol. Congrats on your camera!

[@pverdicchio]

I like that you consider the x-pro2 as similar to the Contax G2 ... i loved shooting with the G2 and those zeiss lenses were just amazing!

[@gwynneharries7024]

Some great observations which is why I to got rid of a shed load of kit but kept my pro2. I hadn’t thought about the Contax G2 comparison which was a camera I loved when I had it back in the day. However I have been lucky enough to have also owned a couple of Leica which also sold for considerably more than I paid for them and I have bought an M11. It is now my go to camera but the C-pro 2 is right beside it in my bag. Both used for different scenarios. I now wouldn’t be without either. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@me109g4zaku]

For me x pro 2 is something i use as my everyday carry cam, my xt4 and 3 are for work. Its one part how nice it is for one hand use (all buttons are on the right side) and the form factor (no viewfinder hump). I take this camera with me literally everywhere its almost apart of me at this point haha.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

That's awesome! I love getting that comfortable with a camera. I create my best stuff at that point. Thanks for watching!

[@TarrelScot]

I like your "two camera" perspective. Certainly allows you to exploit the strengths of the X-Pro series. I don't know if you're aware, but if you do want that "Leica Rangefinder" experience with manual lenses, you can go into the mount adapter setting (page 2 of the "camera" menu) and tell the camera what focal length lens you're shooting with. This will set the frame lines in the OVF and also report the focal length to the EXIF data (but obviously not the aperture). There are four built-in focal lengths to choose from (21, 24, 28 and 35mm) plus two customisable ones. I then just use the "patch" in the bottom right of the OVF, with MF assist set to focus peaking. Or I'll use zone focussing if I need to be very reactive. Only downside is it doesn't adjust the frame lines for parallax as it does if you're using a Fujifilm lens. A point to add; turning off the screen and using the OVF improves battery life! Hope that helps.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Great tips! Thank you so much for watching and for your feedback!

[@TarrelScot]

@@CraigBergonzoni No problem. I do love my X-pro2. I also have its "big brother", the GFX50R which I use for my serious landscape work. But the X-Pro is more fun!

[@ricblessing3400]

You weren’t alone with rangefinder expectations. The X-Pro 2 led me to an old used M240 and manual focus Voigtlander lenses, which I then wanted to apply back to the Fuji. It kind of blew my mind I couldn’t have the rangefinder experience with the lenses and OVF. I had to set aside the X-Pro for awhile to readjust and just use XF lenses with it now and adapt manual lenses elsewhere.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

That definitely sounds very similar to my experience. What's your main setup now?

[@ricblessing3400]

@@CraigBergonzoni So it's a long boring story weaving through various systems due to local and net great used sales and probably most importantly boredom during a pandemic, but the M240 led to the original SL (aka typ 601), which has far less in-camera color tweaks than Fujis, but I love the default colors as a basis to work on raws (even more than SL2 or SL2-S) and lets me use the lenses I complained about not using above. So if I had to choose one/do everything camera, that would be it, but I don't have to choose, so most of the time I leave the house recently with either a Hassy 701x CFV II 50C (the Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution may be the only colors I love more than Fuji, and well, real waist level shooting) or a M Monochrom (M9M) I picked up a few months ago (in honeymoon stage, but attraction is strong and it's interesting when your color options are zero). Again I was very fortunate with a couple deals, but I think I'm settled for while. I have a thing for cameras that make me shoot/think differently, more than strict image quality, and those two models do. I still have the X-Pro2, but it's on loan to a friend until the end of the year. Excited to get it back though.

[@jasonwhitehead4068]

I use xpro1 and xh1. For my manual focus kick I use voightlander lenses on my Nikon df. Have been thinking of swapping my xpro1 for a xpro2

[@CraigBergonzoni]

That's an awesome collection of cameras! The X-Pro2 is definitely great. An extra benefit would be that you would get consistent image quality and characteristics between your X-H1 and X-Pro2. But some people love the look from the X-Pro1 so everyone has their own preferences. Thanks for watching!

[@63nuke]

I am considering re-buying the Pro-2 again. Sold it about a year ago and just miss the form factor. I don't like the Pro-3's screen and I'm assuming a Pro-4 will use Fuji's newer battery which is great but likely to make the body pretty chunky. Problem is used X-Pro's are expensive and they're getting old now so not sure how long it would hold up.

[@hakanlindhen500]

Very interesting and inspiring. I have a X-E3.

[@ronald7482]

Great video. I did not know the frames did not work with manual lenses. Am I correct?

[@JustSketchPNG]

I did this too! I turn off the back screen and EVF and just use the OVF! It's a better experience for me!

[@CraigBergonzoni]

That's awesome! It's refreshing to get an analog like experience when shooting digitally.

[@JustSketchPNG]

@@CraigBergonzoni Totally Agree! I honestly just accidentally discovered the OVF capabilities when switching from 27mm to 35mm during my recent trip in Malaysia. And from then on, been using OVF and screen off ever since. :))))) Like you said, REFRESHING!

[@stefanschneider7673]

I have got the xt5 an the xpro 2. Although i really like the xt5 the xpro 2 is my go to camera for street photography. It has something special about it, that is hard to explain. Also i really like the colours out of the older xtrans sensor.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

That's awesome. It is a great camera for street photography. And the X-Trans III is the sweet spot of Fujifilm sensors for me currently. I would love to try the X-T5 or X-H2 soon though. Thanks for watching!

[@SF-MCMLXVII]

I’d like to try the X Pro line one day and use a range finder style camera instead of the DSLR style Fuji cameras which I still like a lot. Know what you mean Craig about not using EVF - recently got myself a Canon 5D Classic and enjoying seeing what I am shooting via the optical viewfinder instead of an EVF.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Let me know if you end up giving the X-Pro line a try. It’s been a joy to use.

[@Jedenameischweg]

Just started photography with the fujifilm x pro 2 6 months ago. Was travelling for 5 months and it was worth the purchase. I even made some money. Now I want to get a new lens or some new lenses. I have the 35 mm 1.4 lens and absolutely loving it. Any suggestions? (What do you think of the 56mm F1.2?)

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Hey I apologize for the late response. The 56mm 1.2 is great! You can't go wrong with that but honestly most of Fujifilm lenses are fantastic in their own way. It just depends on what you intend to shoot with it and your personal preference.

[@40sthenew30]

I think I need this camera after this video. Are these shots taken in jpeg? I can't wait to mess around with an Acros + R recipe and let rip.

[@masdamb]

Great video, thanks Craig. In the past I used x-pro 3 in mf, I found an issue on shutter button. Basically I missed a lot of shots due because shutter button did not work in mf, after I found that is a recognized problem of the x-pro 3. Is it the same for x-pro 2? Thanks, Massimo.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

I don't have this issue with the X-Pro2 and as far as I know this isn't an issue with it in general but I could be wrong. And thank you so much for watching!

[@petermartin9494]

I always use the EVF. My feeling is that the OVF is a gimmick and I hope it will be omitted on the X-Pro4.

[@ronald7482]

Great video You have still the Pro 2?

[@papashirt]

same, have had it for 5 years now. OVF, AF, BW mode+raw, love everything about it. If anyone knows how to get a decent print of a digital photo looking as good as an old days printed photo, please share..

[@desoriordan9515]

i wonder when can we expect the X Pro4?

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Great question! Hopefully soon! I can't wait for that.

[@malthus101]

How long do ytou think the Xpro 2 will last before dying? I want to buy one used but am worried it might die in a couple of years! Electronics etc.

[@mbrylewski]

Which lens did you use?

[@chriscard6544]

I never used any viewfinder, I use my intuition and feeling, and of course hyperfocal

[@CraigBergonzoni]

That's great! Everyone has their own style of shooting and it's awesome that we have all these different cameras to choose from that fits our style.

[@romemiller5349]

Can someone assist me on choosing between these cameras ( Sony A7R series vs Fujifilm X- Pro or X-T series).. It's purpose would be taking pictures and NOT video with my subjects up close - 7ft away max , in black and white . I've used the Sony A7R 3 with 50mm lens (a friend let me borrow) but I felt that lens was too large and would prefer a flatter lens ... something in the mode of a Leica , but let me state I'm a stylist who shoots from the "hip" and just want to start a relationship with a point and shoot camera that allows me easy navigation with natural light !...or basic white pull - down back drop or white wall for rock and roll fashion photos , so in the future I would like to enlarge prints , so I guess I would need a camera with more megapixels ?....Cheers

[@beyourself9162]

1:37 You can use manual focus lenses with OVF….

[@CraigBergonzoni]

True. You can but they don’t adjust the frame lines so you can account for parallax when framing a shot. Some MF Voigtlander X-mount lenses move the frame lines on the X-Pro3 but not on the X-Pro1 or X-Pro2.

[@beyourself9162]

@@CraigBergonzoni … but thats logical, it even is not possible with an expensive analog Leica… but you can use the small focus EVF frame as focus assistant and you will get a feeling for the offset. The farer away the object is, the less it’s important….the small EVF helper within the OVF is a genius strike… hybrid…

[@balazspetho5636]

I do like the X-PRO2 form factor but I hardly ever use the OVF. So after 7 years of ownership I just sold it, and kept the X-T2. My dream X-PRO4 would be an X-T5 integrated in tho X-PRO body (with its gorgeous EVF and tilt screen, bigger battery, without OVF), but with a 26 MPix stacked sensor with IBIS.

[@Thomas_Geist]

G2 had autofocus.

[@CraigBergonzoni]

Yes it did.