Fujifilm X-Pro2

My Fujifilm X-Pro 2 has been my workhorse for several years now.  Despite having a couple of more practical X-T models before this, I couldn’t resist having an optical finder like I have with the X100 on my primary camera.

It all came about when I realized 2 things.  First, my primary mode of operating a camera is from studying the composition on the rear LCD, particularly when it’s on a tripod.  I use it much like I would look “at” the ground glass on a 4x5 camera.  I rarely actually look through the viewfinder when I’m photographing landscapes.  It’s hard to explain, but looking “at” an image is different than looking through a viewfinder. 

Second, when I look through a viewfinder, I enjoy the optical viewfinders more than the digital.  Thus when a competent (sensor size and operating speed) range-finder type camera came out with an optical viewfinder, I was on it! 

As you can see below, you’re basically looking through a piece of glass when using the viewfinder.  Except in this case, the camera is sophisticated enough to project key information in your field of view, change the framing lines when you change lenses and, one of my favorite features, give you a variety of framing lines at the flip of a lever (actually, two sets of different framing lines) to help you determine which lens you might want to select.  And with this camera, you also have the option of switching over to an electronic viewfinder, using the same eyepiece!

In short, the camera suits the way I like to work.  

And being a Fujifilm X series camera, it has all of the manual controls I love - aperture ring, shutter speed dial and, in true flash-back fashion, an ISO dial you set by pulling up and rotating the shutter speed column.  Just like my 1970s and -80s Nikons!

Plus, it’s a thing of beauty.  Sure, it’s about as ergonomic as a brick, but that’s just an excuse to get a nice baseplate with a grip, like my Really Right Stuff L bracket.  Though the one below would do too.

I hate to say it, but I decided not to upgrade to the X-Pro 3.  Yes, it has a better sensor, but Fujifilm messed with the rear LCD panel.  They’ve geared the camera for street photographers, so you don’t see the rear LCD all the time, it’s usually folded up hidden.  It only drops downward and can’t be swung 180 degrees to lie flat on the back of the camera.  It simply doesn’t suit the way I work.  Plus they did away with the second eyepiece lens that would slide into place when you put a longer lens on the camera (and would provide you with the second set of viewing frames).

So I’m sticking with my X-Pro 2 and am happy as a clam (despite the gear lust that never truly goes away).  And if I ever upgrade to an XT-5 if and when it comes out . . . I’m keeping the X-Pro 2 as my walk-around camera.  Heck, with the X-Pro 2 with a 35mm lens on one shoulder, the X100 on the other shoulder and the 50mm f/2 lens in my shirt pocket, I’ll be ready for a day walking the streets photographing.

Then again, maybe with the X-Pro 4 they’ll fix the rear LCD issue . . . .