What People Get Wrong About the Fujifilm x100v (after 3.5 years of use)

[@daemon1143]

I'm impressed. This is probably the most intelligent review of this camera that I've seen. Thanks for taking the time.

[@bikemanrockfan]

One of the best videos I have viewed in a long time Andre. Authentic, no fluff and on point. Thank you!!! Love several times where you reference that “you” make the photo not the “camera”.

[@segzeeman7356]

Also, remember this camera, and Fuji cameras in general, are constantly being compared to Leica cameras. Cameras that are 3x the price. Fujifilm has definitely done something good for themselves and photographers. I hope they continue to step outside of the box, or at least Ricoh Pentax makes a bold step if Fujifilm gets too comfortable. Great video.

[@selishots]

I love my x100v and as i said in my full review, it's not the camera for 95% of the people. It's an everyday camera for pro /high level hobbyist photographers

[@simonrockstream]

lol, I wish. It's the opposite, every tiktok kid is buying this camera

[@selishots]

@@simonrockstream it's not the opposite of this. The people who are buying it for the hype are not people who will ever understand the camea. The camera is meant and detained degsiend to be an everyday camera for the professional. Fuji can't control what people buying it.

[@colinstock325]

@@selishotsyour comment is absolute nonsense. Every camera ever made is for anyone who wants to own it. It’s shear idiocy to think you’re special just because you own a thing.

[@goat2503]

I think what Collin means by this is this camera is going to be a very expensive device that won’t help the average user take better photos, there’s no artificial HDR processing to save you nor is there that f1.4 full frame bokeh, you need to understand lighting, colour, composition and all of the other elements of photography to truly appreciate and get the most out of this camera. He’s actually trying to save people from simply buying it on a whim because people tell you how great it is. This camera is actually very much going to challenge you as a photographer.

[@MichaelFrederickPhoto]

I had one for 5-6mths and LOVED the experience but I loved Fuji so much that I sold it to fund my X-H2, as I am using that for a majority of my work, personal and professional. My buddy got his and took like 6 weeks for him to “get it”, he didnt learn the camera in the beginning and once he did, he texted me “I finally get it!!”

[@Capyrkeys]

That’s it. I own my XT2 for some years now and ended up mainly using my 23mm f2 for almost everything except portrait. Since I rarely do portrait (56mm f1.2 for that) I basically had a x100 all along with me. So my journey went from mainly using zoom lenses on my old Sony alpha 65 to starting with a zoom on my XT2 and evolving to liking one prime lens in the end. So it’s really the journey that lead me to the X100VI.

[@simon359]

I love your thoughts about getting better at photography, and that people just don’t want to put in the work! It took me years of hard work, and like you said taking photos, editing, and then posting on social media, all of which helped me become a much better photographer! I’m sure you and I could make a bad photographer at least average within 15 minutes of working with them. It’s more than just learning how to use the camera, but learning how to see. I see it not only in photography, but in any kind of pursuit of interest, people just don’t want to put in the work that it needs to be successful!

[@perishellas7228]

A very honest review. I'm a μ4/3 owner and one my wish list is the X100v markII with IBIS. I'm shooting with my rangefinder style GX9 and always been attached with a Laowa 17 (35ff eq.) 1.7 with manual focus or 20 (40mm FF eq) lenses. So I have the aperture on the lenses and one of my dial is on speed. It's magical how it works for specially night photography. That's why I love this combination Aperture on Lenses and Speed dial on Body. I would love to see also the optical viewfinder of X100V II . I'm hoping not to be extremely expensive.

[@edc5338]

I bought this when it first went on sale. This and the Xt-5 are my fav. cameras. I also bought the sharp 28mm conversion lens for the X100v and use that frequently. Unfortunately Fuji stopped producing it for various reasons and now it is all about supply and demand prices.

[@liamgrease]

I got the 28mm conversion lens recently as a gift but I haven't gotten a chance to really test it being busy with college and it always being ugly, cloudy, dark and cold where I live. Where do you find you use the lens most? Will you go entire sessions with it on or swap on and off?

[@edc5338]

I use it on the street and indoors.. I also have the 50mm conversion lens but have not used it that much.

[@edc5338]

@@liamgrease It depends what I'm shooting. I was never a fan of normal 50mm lenses. I like a 35 or a 28 for more coverage.

[@willstith1]

Good vid. I also got the camera before the hype train blew it up. I was switching from a Sony which was my first camera and had just taken a street photography workshop in NYC and found one used. It immediately took over my photographic life but at the same time it really isn't for everyone. For my purposes it's amazing but I really wouldn't say it's perfect for most people. I'll also say that the only way it will make you take better pictures is if it inspires you to go out and make more pictures. That's what it did for me but your mileage may vary.

[@d2mini]

It's a good camera. And if you love it and use it that's awesome. But IMHO it's a way overhyped camera. It has a couple interesting extra features, like the ND filter, that an xe3 doesn't have, but that's it. It's not really pocketable either so there is really no advantage to it and being stuck with the one focal length. I ended up selling mine on ebay a year ago to some idiot for over $2k. It just sat in my closet most of the time since I'd rather take my Ricoh Gr3 if I want to leave the larger body/lense at home and take a small EDC or even travel camera, even though the GR doesn't have a viewfinder. If you want Fuji and you want something smaller (but still not pocketable), the XE makes more sense. At least then you have some options, even if a little pancake is what stays on most of the time.

[@pasust1688]

Exactly. The camera is good but the price rn just isn’t justifiable from an objective standpoint. You can literally get an X-T3/4 and a prime lens and take the exact same photos for cheaper. It’s not nearly as portable as people make it out to be.

[@JamieFurlong]

I have a lovely XE2 that cost me £200. 27mm prime and I'm laughing. Meanwhile the GX85, with a 17.5mm pancake, is just as good, and that IS pocketable. Really, the tool shouldn't make a difference to your skill as a photographer and both those cameras I mentioned are ten years old yet produce excellent results. However, I will say the underhyped A7C is far superior to the x100v in almost every aspect (its lowlight performance, for example, is incredible). With the A7CR and A7C2 now on the market, I would recommend picking up the original A7C over an X100V any day. Cheaper, better performance, and offers way more options.

[@lensman5762]

TBH, I once considered this camera, but it lost hands down to Olympus EM5 MKII. Not a trendy camera, nor one that anyone talks about, but a camera that is small and light weight but with solid construction and weather sealed, highly capable, affordable, with superb array of small high quality lenses. It has useful features that Fuji has not yet thought of. So I forgot about this Fuji. There seems to be more people talking about it than anyone doing anything worthwhile with it.

[@juanpablohinojosa7862]

Ohh. So Is the Olympus EM5 MKII really worth it?

[@lensman5762]

Absolutely, if your proiority is on making photographs. It is not short of bells and whistles, but it is simple and highly portable camera for walking around. If people want huge megapixel counts, 200 focus points, two dozen focus modes, 5k, 8K and that nonesense video modes, then it won't do. @@juanpablohinojosa7862

[@m.scottgordon3475]

Thanks. I've had an x30 for my 2nd camera for like 9 or 10 years and love it. Finally bumping up to the new x100vi

[@SplitBladeYT]

"Direction is more important than speed" that really stuck out to me. Thank you for your review and sharing your insight

[@bencompson]

A few thoughts about this camera: It is unquestionably over-hyped. Probably more so than any camera I have seen in the last 10 years. That, of course, is not the fault of the camera. The camera is what it is regardless of the hype. The camera has overwhelming hipster-gadget-fashion appeal. It is like a gorgeous fashion accessory even if you wore it around and never even used it. That appeal alone got me hook, line and sinker. And there is nothing wrong with that. I like gear that looks and feels nice. I don't even consider it to be a 'vintage' design. When something is designed right, like older film rangefinders, sticking with that design just makes sense. The camera is small. Exquisitely small. Pocket small. A huge selling point for an everyday carry camera. The fixed lens is a problem. It limits the utility of what would be an otherwise amazing camera. That's just a fact. Andre as much as said so: it is a 'niche' camera. If it fits your niche that's great....but it means that you have an expensive camera that limits you to niche use. And there are arguments for fixed focal length cameras that I think are hogwash. The most common ones are that "it forces me" to do this or that to accommodate to a certain type of or approach to shooting. That sort of coercion is the last thing I want from a technical device used to make art. I don't need the device to provide me with discipline I otherwise lack. It does not have IBIS. It's a serious drawback. It seriously limits hand held low light and night photography. Would it have to be bigger to accommodate IBIS? Probably. That's a conundrum that is hard to beat since its size accounts for so much of its appeal and utility. For a fixed focal length camera it is too expensive. In the end that is a big part of why I sold mine. I don't have an unlimited photography budget and the limitations of the fixed focal length mean that I would need another body and lens system to fit my use as an opportunistic shooter. I got mine before a two week trip to Rome and Venice. It was a joy to carry, show off and shoot with. I got lots of great images. But I was painfully aware of dozens of great shots that I missed every day because of the fixed focal length and lack of IBIS. I came home very sad knowing that I'd have to get rid of the X100V. I sold it for what I paid for it. So that part wasn't painful. Bottom line: it is a jewel of a camera that will only truly meet the needs of very few serious shooters because of its limitations. Those folks will idolize it and rightfully so. For the rest of us who need flexibility and can't budget for two expensive camera bodies it is simply a no go that no amount of hype, style or image quality can overcome. If there comes a time when I have the expendable income to have an X100V and a robust mirrorless system I might pick one up. In that role it could be a camera to keep for a lifetime.

[@paulv8453]

Andre, I really enjoyed this video. It was so philosophical. I wrote 3 things that you said that were FIRE because they resonated with me and I can apply them to my professional career that I plan on sharing with my team. Thanks

[@andycollins5983]

This was an outstanding video. It really hit home with regard to why I like my X100V. My ‘serious’ kit is a Canon R6 MkII and a little R10 backup body with a number of Canon L-series lenses, and they are superb and yield incredible images when I get it right. The X100V has taken me back to the days when my primary camera was an Olympus InfinityZoom 230 point and shoot camera (around 1992) with a short zoom lens that made me have to move around and accept the limitations of focal length but most importantly, I shot whatever caught my attention without worrying about whether or not my shot was an award winner. The X100V has reignited the spontaneity of photography and the joy of the experience, the things that got me interested in this world of expression in the first place. I absolutely love this camera!

[@scottrgarland]

I absolutely love this view. I was intrigued by the x100 line because of the fixed lens and focal length and my favorite focal length being 35mm. I thought a lot about this camera, the benefits, use case, etc. and then started comparing it to other cameras. I decided on the x100F simply because both cameras are almost identical and have the same exact sensor. I also own an XT-5 and I constantly find myself scrolling through Lightroom and stumbling upon a shot I love and without a doubt, it’s always the x100F, not my XT-5.. It’s a great compact every day camera that packs a punch.

[@SQKY1988]

my biggest hate with this hype is people literally recommned if for a FIRST camera, like no if i was a youtuber id literally be recommending way cheaper second hand cameras to start photography. not a camera that sits above £200 used

[@brompterdam]

What a morning! This is the 2nd Common Sense type of video I watched while having my breakfast! Subscribed immediately : ).

[@ocgirltw]

Hi, what would you recommend for a compact camera with zoom lens? I used to have Fujifilm x10, x20. I don’t know why Fuji doesn’t make those anymore

[@epcalderhead]

I owned the orginal X100 and later the T version. I wanted the original X100 to be a digital Leica M. It was to a certain degree. I eventually gave up on the T as it too often missed the focus in optical viewing mode. At the time I didn't want to embrace the EVF. I did love the image quality and portability of this camera. Maybe I'll rent a VI when out. One weird thing that bugged me was the shutter being too quiet. I wanted more than a little "snick." There is still something satisfying about a nice shutter sound to feel the picture.

[@rhywive]

Very good video. You really do grasp how nuanced the whole thing about the V is, and you expressed it very well!

[@dennisjones5579]

Great video. I've been using the x100v since March and am enjoying it. I've been a Nikon shooter for many years, so adjusting to the Fuji system has been challenging. Just a quick question out of curiosity... do you shoot jpeg, raw, both?

[@oc2phish07]

Not a bad little video at all. I am not in the market for an X100 of any model but I still found your video very watchable indeed. At the moment I own an X-Pro2 (my first Fuji mirrorless, pre-ordered when it was first announced), as well as X-T2, X-T3, X-T4, X-T5 and X-H2. Of those, the one I use most for street photography is the X-Pro2. However, I have also just bought a pair of Nikon Zf cameras and so far I am loving them in every way. I took one of the Zfs to Strasbourg for the Christmas Markets just over 2 weeks ago and today I was out on the streets of London. The Zf is such a fun camera to use and so easy to get great shots from. I think this will be my new 'go-to' camera. But I do also agree with you that no-one, including me, 'NEEDS' the latest camera and I still get immense pleasure from my X-Pro2. So, thanks for your video and a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours.

[@jamesgjurovich7893]

for me this camera will help me focus on composition with the fixed lens and the film sims are an added bonus.

[@youngum78]

Composition is a good idea to focus on with any camera, no?

[@jamesgjurovich7893]

@@youngum78 Yes

[@rabonour]

I bought my x100s when I was a professional photographer using a Canon 5DIII for work. The Canon was obviously a more technically capable camera and I had it any time I wanted it, but off the clock I gravitated towards the Fuji. The same thing happened in the film era - people would have an F5 for daily shooting and a Leica for personal work. I think that's how cameras like this work best. If you're looking for one workhorse camera the x100 probably isn't it.

[@philippesandmeier3736]

Excellent review and commentary. Too many complainers and followers. Everyone needs to learn to do their own thing, take their own steps and decisions and take responsibility for all of that themselves.

[@musaquazi3495]

Extremely eloquent! A genuine and sincere thanks for making this video.

[@corbinmiller7627]

I love this video. If you set aside the topic of photography your preaching absolute life advice ❤

[@snappy8k]

XF 35mm F2 was not too wide and not too narrow for me. That is why I switched to X100T!

[@Vartan297]

Great video btw. I like how you talk about “fun” Fun is so often omitted when people talk about cameras and photography. Like for me, Sony is a good example. Technically they are brilliant A7R5 for example- brilliant and capable camera no argument but… I don’t find it FUN.

[@newtonsantos_photo963]

Fan tas tic, Andre 😮 You reach the basics on this video 👏🏻 Congrats! Much more than a review (like Markus just did other day in his channel), you touched the essence of what Photography should mean!!! I fully agree with you that people are "missing the point"... See ya, blue skies 🤙🍀📸

[@JoeLopez]

Well said. Thank you. The drama online is exhausting.

[@m.singleton8688]

A very informative video...thank you Andre 😊

[@WhoIsSerafin]

Technically you have a total of three lenses to choose from. Have kept the 28mm on mine for the past year. Anyways have been super interested in this camera since the f version came out.

[@dennisdragan1128]

Very well presented and very well said!

[@LOLA6ifyable]

I used to have a 100F , I liked it but I traded it in for 56 1.2 , which I still have and love . I was thinking about buying the 100V but invested in other systems until the new prices ruled it out for me, not it's not worth the 2000 USD hike! good camera but no!! I'll wait for the 100VI and pre-order it , to avoid hype or Xpro 4..

[@robinbhairam7508]

Great video Andre, some real insightful pearls 😊

[@patrickcazer]

the thing that sucks is when i bought the x100v i bought it for $1500-$1600 .. this was about 2 years ago. today i thought about getting another one and seeing it priced at $1800 - $2500 is kinda outrageous to me and kinda makes me feel as though if i'm gonna be spending $2500 and up then i may as well go the leica route. i agree its a great camera, but the hype around it is cool but also sucks lol

[@christianpetersen1782]

Imho Don’t waste your money. There’re strong rumours of a successor in the wings and due out next year.

[@patrickcazer]

@@christianpetersen1782 good point

[@BrunoChalifour]

Fuji X100-5 (not "V" as here, "V", is the Roman number for 5. Fuji could not use "F" for Five as "F" had already been used for Four.).

[@alanc6416]

The X100V is not too expensive at retail, but it's a little expensive used to be honest, but it's become a collectors item or something, I digress. I had the camera for 2+ years before the hype, and I see all the videos that says the XT30ii is better (which I also have), they're totally missing the point. Here's what I wrote on their channels: "Here’s your click bait comment, you’re welcome 😂 they’re entirely different cameras, and the sensor is only part of the story. I own both and I still carry my X100V much more than the XT30ii. That being said, there’s a lot of versatility with interchangeable lens, and I use use the XT30ii when X100V just doesn’t work, such as stabilised videos (with OIS lenses) and when I need the zoom range. The XT30ii does NOT have all the features that the X100V have, most notably, is the killer F2.0 lens (totally different and superior than the very capable XF23 F2.0), a weather sealed compact body, with a built in 4 stops ND and 1/2000 flash sync capable silent mechanical leaf shutter. In a very common scenario when the subject is backlit (by the sun for example), the X100V can take a wide-open photo when the subject still visible with the built in flash. It’s not the most pleasing direct flash, but it’s totally workable in post. To create the same photo with the XT30ii, you’ll need to bring a powerful flash unit with flash sync that would weigh almost a kilo, and almost nobody does that on a trip. Ok, enough praise about the X100V 🤣, but since I have both cameras, I’m at least eligible to give some realistic thoughts. I would add that I’d get the XS20 for video, but I don’t like the articulating screen and the PASM dials (I downgraded from XT4 because of the size and screen) . I really don’t need the power of XT5 , so It’ll be great if Fuji can pack the XS20 power and IBIS in the XT40 In 2024??"

[@alanc6416]

I’m not a professional but I like taking family and environment photos, and looking through the photos for over 8 years (from X100T, X100T, XT20, XT4), I still love the X100V the most. And year by year my photography had improved, and I hadn’t acquired any “extra” gear, meaning I will have one interchangeable body, and one X100 variant. Over the years I only got an extra hot shoe flash unit. My most used lenses for the XT30ii is 18-55mm kit for stabilised videos, and 16mm F1.4 for indoor dinner / parties, and the other 5-6 lenses are kept in the drawer most of the time. Oh, I also use the WCL-X100II, which is an awesome, if not a little cumbersome, wide lens adaptor for the X100V, and it’s arguably a more useful focal length. The reason I mention all these gears, is that I agree that you need to try and find out what’s right for you, as each has their characters and utility. But if someone is on a budget, I’d also recommend them to get as many used lenses and find out that they enjoy using. Another example, is my friend bought a Sony A7iii few years back and only 1 expensive and heavy 16-35 zoom lens, making the package the size and weight of a melon. He says he doesn’t mind the weight but it’s too cumbersome to bring with him, what gives? For the same money, he could’ve gotten the X100V with the lens adapters, or XT30ii with kit 18-55 plus a few awesome Fuji F2.0 primes (or other APSC systems) and enjoy the shooting experience, rather than collecting dust and getting no experience.

[@ellahd3883]

hey quick question! is the free print a random print? i’m a little confused by the question mark hahah

[@andrepel]

yes it’s random haha, i’ll have to update that and make it less confusing :)

[@ellahd3883]

@@andrepel hahha okay awesome! thank u i’m rlly excited :)

[@constantinelykiard1644]

Very well said... I bought it I love it...but it was not for me.. I sold it... I got an Xe4 with a wider lens also older 18f2 I am now so happy it suits what i do the age and older tech are not a hindrance the kit delivered good pics back in the day and do so today... next stop Tokyo

[@karlj.4798]

Other way round for me. I had the X100v and an X-E4 with 27mm clunky WR lens!!. After 12 months the X-E4 went (for a Sony a7cii) but I can't bring myself to part with the x100v. We'll see how the Sony goes as its my first. High hopes for the AF!!

[@pouchboy1]

Solid, objective yet passionate message.

[@bastian.michel]

You mentioned that improving photography skills requires willingness to invest effort, including taking and editing thousands of photos. The essence is, if you perceive the need to capture and refine countless images as a burden, then perhaps photography isn't the right fit for you. Photography is fundamentally about relishing the journey, not just the end results. Enjoying the process is a significant aspect of being a photographer. Therefore, if the idea of taking numerous pictures to enhance your abilities feels daunting, it might be worthwhile to explore a different hobby.

[@jamesgjurovich7893]

does the lens swivel?

[@jamesgjurovich7893]

I meant the screen

[@Deetroiter]

I’m really hoping Fuji releases an Xpro 4 :(

[@pouchboy1]

You make a lot of sense.

[@tarapaul8212]

Great video

[@Vartan297]

Hmmmm the hype around this camera is a big part of why it remains so expensive used. The short supply of new ones… it could be argued this has been done on purpose… id still love one however. lol.

[@liamgrease]

Fantastic vid, man; you talked about a lot of conversation around the x100v that I wasn’t aware of. I bought the camera right before the hype picked up and got it for a more reasonable price, but I’d definitely rebuy it at the current prices (likely lower used end, though). I DEFINITELY felt like I struck gold; I LOVED IT and still use it CONSISTENTLY. This was my first big camera purchase amidst experimenting with film and digicams, so I felt lucky. You’re right about gear not immediately yielding good photos, which is obvious but essential to say; that I was there. But this camera gave me an experience shooting that I kept wanting to come back to and refine; I soon found that its focal length was my favorite, and the shots have taken position as some of my favorites in my portfolio.

[@jamesgjurovich7893]

still tryin to master LR

[@iggytse]

I’ve heard the hype but this is the first video I’ve seen on this camera. It’s not for me. For the money I’d rather have a flagship smartphone.

[@photosadhu]

Very well stated!

[@richardpenhardt6100]

very clear thinking and i will add Andre will probably provide very good advice in the future. Thanks for the honesty.

[@martingreenberg870]

I am complaining but I’m not buying another camera. I am awaiting the announcement of the Fuji X100VI. The announcement may be as soon as February, 2024. I am looking forward to the 40MP sensor from the XT5. I want IBIS and better weather resistant. All this for less than the premium for a used body. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@KeAiFu]

Dreamer!

[@nikolayp7754]

Very psychological video 👍

[@sorehary9851]

Odessa ❤

[@KeAiFu]

I tried the X100V, the AF is horriable, no tracking, no reliable EyeAF - I am staying with the Sony A7C.

[@toddm6999]

I dunno Fuji Fulm xt30ii is the real deal ...

[@TCinSoCal]

💯

[@GrainOnTheGo]

The X100 in general is just eh, especially for the price. Buy an X-E3/4 and you get an interchangeable lens form of the X100. And yea, changing the lens isn’t the point, but just put a 35mm equivalent in it and boom. X100. The only thing I’m somewhat looking forward to is rumors of a rangefinder MF format from Fuji in the near future.

[@yohan2437]

Complaining that toys are too expensive smacks of entitlement - there is something wrong with this generation. You simply don't buy what you cannot afford.

[@DessieTots]

I’m sure a lot of these complaints are people just saying is “it’s too expensive for me” rather than criticising the price. Now the “too expensive” comment would more accurately fit if talking about Leica.

[@yohan2437]

@@DessieTots I doubt it - people that cannot afford the price like to criticize the camera due to "sour grapes". It makes them feel better if something they can't afford is somehow made deficient in their eyes. Why is it any different for Leica? If Leica is happy with the sales volume based on the price they set, no one can legitimately say that it is too expensive.

[@dylandigby1776]

The price inflation is intentional by Fujifilm.

[@blakeandrew2158]

lol good video, but I think point two is too obvious. Not sure if many are actually getting it wrong, if they are they aren’t channels ppl who would use the X100V would even watch and they probably shoot sony lol jk

[@Leicam10]

I think people just shouldn’t see this like a ordinary camera and more like a mobile phone camera with no phone. With that expectation you will be very happy!

[@WhoIsSerafin]

Don’t make me hate a camera I have loved so much over the years. Couldn’t think of anything worse than thinking of it in any way like a cellphone.

[@BUCKSHOTSTV]

My iPhone does not even come close to this camera. I bought the latest iPhone for the “camera” and still would rather carry the x100v than rely on the iPhone. I regret buying the phone cash. I could’ve used that for something else 🤦🏽‍♂️ but don’t think I’m saying the iPhone is bad, I just don’t get the same quality photo. By that I mean the camera just inspires better composition and look that I can’t get from my phone. Maybe that means I just need to practice more with my phone lol

[@nickthaskater]

In what way is it remotely similar to a mobile phone camera...?

[@AllCarsUnited]

Whaaaaaat? In what way? It's bulkier, better image, more control, bigger sensor. I would say the same could be said about a Q3 then.

[@Leicam10]

@@WhoIsSerafin it’s the same in the way it’s a lot about filters and convenience and not so much about image quality

[@jamesgjurovich7893]

I know where that is Signal Hill. right?