Ok, so I have messed around a bit with the Fuji X-E1 this weekend. I was zoom-o-phobic and picked up the Fuji 18mm f/2.0 lens instead. The zoom is large on the camera body, though not all that heavy. And I just feel weird with a zoom. So I got the 18mm - its a much better fit for the camera. The lens and camera handle well together and its fun. Build quality feels a little flimsy - both camera and lens, and they lack the solid feel of the X100. Actually they're pretty close in comparison, but the size/weight/density/build quality of the X100 just feels much better in the hand. But, the X-E1 has a WAY better AF rigging. (Not a huge surprise there.) The write speed is about the same as the X100, slightly faster, but in the scheme of things they are both slow. I have taken a number of shots with the X-E1, and I have to say that the X100 is more fun to carry and use. Its smaller, denser, and basically seems to deliver the same results as the X-E1. Except for AF.
I tried the M adaptor out, having been enamored with the possibility of shooting the X-E1 with M lenses - and live-view. But I did not find this very satisfying, as it seemed the EVF and actual focus were not quite in sync. I got soft images at best, and am not sure whether its because my technique sucked or if the rig actually performs this way. In any case, the fun led elsewhere and I never really did get a great vibe from the M-adaptor setup.
So, I took some shots of my M9 and a killer piece of new kit - the Leica Summilux M 35mm f/1.4 w/floating element. The current model. I finally got ahold of one, and it is as awesome as advertised. And its photogenic in its own right, as you can see in the shot below. The DOF with the Fuji X-E1/18mm f/2.0 (shot here at f/2.0) is fairly refined, as the right side of the front ring is in good focus while the left side of the ring is slightly out. Overall the image is fine, but the feel, in general, is a little boring. The most excitement I got out of this shot was looking at the lens on the M9!
I put the pig in the shot for a bit of fun and to get a feel for an out of focus background.
Here at the end of the weekend though, I wish I had spent the time I spent shooting the X-E1, instead shooting the M9/35 Summilux. I think I should stop trying to get Leica M results out of the Fuji... its not fair to the Fuji. Both the X-E1 and the X100 are fine cameras, especially for the price, and I would still prefer one over a basic SLR if I weren't fortunate as I am to have an M kit.
This Fuji thing all started by my fascination of an APC-C sensor in a small package with a nice lens, and AF, that I could carry along with my M gear as a fun and casual AF alternative. I carry a small bag with the M9 and lens attached, 3-4 other lenses, and the X100 (or X10) for AF fun. I shoot seriously with the M9 and not-so-seriously with the X100. Its a fun combo to carry around, and I get a lot of questions from people, and its fun to talk about it. But it is not looking like the X-E1 will be replacing the X100 in my bag anytime soon.
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