[shoplink 23037 ebay]
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Limited number of bodies available at [shoplink 23037 ebay]top rated ebayUS reseller kenmorecamera[/shoplink]
Fuji X-T1: [shopcountry 21553]
D-pad buttons
Officially Fuji seems to deny that there is any fix or improvement for the X-T1 D-pad buttons. But some FR-readers say that the new camera they have received after sending back the “old” one because of the light leak, has better buttons. One of these is Nick:
“Patrick, I recently received a replacement X-T1 (for broken rear command dial issues) and can indeed confirm that the rear D-pad (and other rear buttons) have better tactile response. I am unsure whether or not Fuji actually did a tooling change, as I didn’t whip out my micrometer before I sent the old one off”
FR- reader Jon said in the comments:
“[…] when I swapped my X-T1 for the light leak, the new unit I got with the safe serial number (above what Fuji said was not affected by the light leak), I noticed that not only was the light leak not present, but the 4-way controller buttons on the back of the camera were more firm and much easier to activate when pressed. They had a distinct click whereas the previous unit I swapped it for had more mushy buttons that seemed to depress too far when pushed, making them less easy to use/activate. […] I had both cameras in front of me at the store and it was very obvious that the higher serial number unit I got as a replacement was better as far as the buttons go. Whether they’ve changed something or simply corrected an error at the factory at some point, I have no idea. All I can say is that in MY case, the difference is real and I like the new camera’s buttons better than the other one I had. Ultimately, it’s not a big deal though. I could live with the way they were on the other unit, but if I had my preference, obviously I’d pick the one I have now, as far as the button feel/operation goes
So what’s going on? Placebo effect?
Light Leak
Grittymonkey has it again. Fujifilm took his light leaking X-T1, fixed it, cleaned it and sent it back to him within 10 days (with a letter of apology included in the package). Read his experience here. Pretty fast service!
But FR-reader Larry spotted this thread on dpr, where RicksAstro complains about the light leak through the assist lamp. Others don’t have this problem at all or, like Daniel, “can only provoke the issue with at least Iso1600 at 30s and the LED from iPhone more or less pressed against the Focust Assist Lamp (FAL). When I move the LED of the iPhone about 5-6cm away from FAL, there no issue anymore. Even at ISO25600 and 30s. So I wonder if this topic is relevant even for longtime exposures with NDs during daylight.” This video shows Karin pointing a flashlight directly into the assist lamp. Looks a lot like something that 99+% of photographers shouldn’t really worry about.
And if you wanna see a nice light-leak gallery, check out imaging-resource here to see some light leak images taken with the [shoplink 19558]Sony A7r[/shoplink], the [shoplink 21555]Nikon DF[/shoplink] and [shoplink 14518]D800[/shoplink] and more. Also Canon cameras like the [shoplink 13457]MarkIII[/shoplink] have light leak problems. It seems to be pretty hard for camera manufacturers to block every single photon of light.
X-T1 body in stock at pictureline
53 Responses
Interesting.
My camera is in right now for a hot pixel (plus, I’ve asked them to check it on light leaks) and I mailed them if they would replace the d-pad. I got a reply they wouldn’t. So, it’s sort of an off-the record fix? Next camera, I’ll wait a bit to sort this out; thanks Fuji for screwing up my resale value ;).
Also, and I think we should all sent in this request, I suggested they would make a firmware update where we are allowed how many focus points are used. Much like all DSLRs allow you to select less points than the max.
I use 9 or 15 points on the 5d3 instead of all 61 for example because I manually select them. 9 well-laid out points and a tiny bit of recomposing is much, much faster when doing professional reportage work and I strongly suggest Fuji adds this functionality if they really want the x-t1 to compete with dslr’s (and next would be a proper joystick to select those points ;))
It’s very interesting. Like with any other X-series camera released, first the big hype than the problems. The longer you’re using them, the bigger the problems will appear and some will really kill your appetite to use the camera much further. But if you’re lucky, some issues can be solved by the software dept, sure it can take a while, maybe a year and a few FW releases later but that seems to be called ‘kaizen’. If they don’t do it and it’s too much ‘hardware’, don’t get angry but be prepared to buy the next model seems to be the logic behind it. We’re all millionaires, aren’t we? Also the game of ‘all the others have similar issues’ (than, why don’t you do better than them, Mr. Fuji?) Precisely this made me lose any confidence in Fujifilm and if this non very obvious kind of marketing works out wrong, it will jeopardize the whole X-series, remember how the S-Pro range once ended. Precisely. I still wonder how many S-Pro users – claiming once everything was so much better than the mainstream Nikon or Canon competition – are still using a Fuji. A missed chance, as also I was once very much a believer.
My advice: if under 30 days or whatever the return policy is from your seller of the x-t1…Return the camera.
Too many conflicting reports to believe the user or Fujifilm.
As the poster of the AF assist light leak issue, I agree (and stated as such) that it is a very minor issue that shouldn’t affect 99% of people. I do think it could affect those into IR photography. However it’s very simple to mitigate…put a spot of black take on the lamp and mo issues under any circumstances. I brought it up only to inform those who may be affected, hoping that those with torches and pitchforks didn’t take to the streets calling for the Fuji CEOs head.
I have one on order (expected in this week), and I am not really worried about this one way or the other. But I do have on thought nagging in the back of my mind and it is this: if it’s not light tight, how on earth is it dust and water (weather) tight?
Again, I am a confirmed Fuji fan, but I can’t seem to shake this thought and have seen no other comments to this effect…
Thoughts anyone?
One day you’ll be a confirmed anti-Fuji fan, I’m sure. Now I’m back to a good reliable, old fashioned but light, dust and water tight DSLR that can survive any off-road safari hands down and my X-Pro1 is only a back-up camera. As I already explained once, Fuji doesn’t need more electronic and software boys messing up FW-versions, but mechanical specialists with a decent CV in the camera-industry knowing how to develop and built a real long-lasting camera concept and according lens line. The X-series and also the lenses are way too much ‘electronic’ concepts, unfortunately like many other MLICs and we all know electronics only live short. I lost my complete Fuji-fan blindness after a number of more or less serious incidents that almost costed my reputation, also after I learned to know Fuji’s after sales org. I also doubt that anyone will live longer than 5 years with these lenses full of electronic controls and FW.
I’ve never understood why it is assumed if you are a fan of anything or brand that it is a product of either complete blindness or tunnel vision. I have a large format camera with several lenses and have shot Leica to Bronica to Nikon and Minolta. I am a Fuji fan BECAUSE I am informed and experienced. Admittedly, it mostly boils down to personal preference, but to suggest Fuji has more electronic concepts in their gar than any other brand is just plain false. My 4×5 gear is devoid of electronics, but all other formats have been adding electronic innovations since the late 1970’s. In the end, it’s not what you got… it’s what you can do with it 🙂
I’ve never seen a camera that requires a new FW update after each lens release. Bad concept. All controls on your lenses are electronic, no mechanics: bad concept, this amount of autonomeous FW in lenses will cause compatibility problems in the future and limit the life of your lenses. Lens motor technology is only so-so. FW related to flashing is not very reliable, on top of that professional flash solutions are not existing in the Fuji world. Basically, I’m nobody’s fan but I like some systems more over others. Over time, I’ve worked with cameras from Minolta, Nikon, Canon, Sony & Fuji. Fuji is really the most clumsy of them all, since the very start the X-series are being ruined by a FW which is not conceived well and tested enough. No kaizen but disaster control. On top of that, the whole interface is cumbersome and way ‘too electronic’, taking a picture is almost never a simple push on the button. I don’t need a camera menu + a Q-menu + all kinds of sub-functions spread over buttons, but ONE complete menu like competion does, containing ALL camera settings. Wake up guys. Fuji will still need to change a lot of things before I ever buy another camera from them. Most of all, if the XF-mount is not FF-ready and Fuji is not even able to go FF due to this limitation, they made the biggest design error ever. I still have my doubts the true foundations of this system are really solid enough to imply a bright future, once again, remember the S-Pro story and even after 2 years it remains on the market a very marginal niche system. Nikon & Canon can kill them in a minute with a solid MLIC release and if there is a business case to do so, I’m pretty sure they willl eventually do so one day.
You really hate them!
But luckily for you the day will come when these brands will offer you electronics free MLIC cameras that will “live” forever. Right?
Meanwhile, may be you can have some rest and forget about “bloody” Fuji stuff blogs and sites…
Anonimo: no, not at all, as I told I’m nobody’s fan. I found the X-series in the beginning very attractive liked them a lot but after 3 years of X100 / 2 years of X-Pro1 my opinion changed a lot. I’d hoped they are a better Leica M or a modern Contax G2, well they weren’t – they were not even close. There are days I can live with my current X-series, but also days I hate the hassle and they just stay in the bags. If we accept all quality issues, the poor user interface and don’t make our criticism and problems clear to Fujifilm, they will never change so it is important to tell what is good and what is wrong. Isn’t that the purpose of a forum like this?
I didn’t say you are somebody’s fan but when you say “this made me lose any confidence in Fujifilm” I think it would be better for you to let it go when it comes to the company’s new products.
I got a X100 and I think it is a better camera now than when I bought it, so for me firmware updates were good news and I would never expect the camera to be “a better Leica M” for the price and the all concept.
Buying a X Sys camera continues to be a possibility but I’m holding a decision because I want to see what comes next in terms of sensor and if Fujifilm keeps their long term commitment with Xtrans as this can have an impact on workflow and they registered patents and talk about an organic sensor that may change things on this respect.
However, the electronics you blame so much are everywhere and other manufacturers cameras and most lenses offer the same kind of risks as the days they were built like my 500CM and matching Carl Zeiss lenses are already gone.
Please, just stop… Brain cells are leaking out of my eye sockets the more I read your posts.
For the AF assist leak, light is entering through the lamp lens, so there is no breach there. For the other (which Fuji is fixing), you have to have the rubber door open, so at that point it isn’t weather tight anyway. So neither is an indictment of the XT1’s weather sealing.
The term weather sealed has been thrown around too much regarding cameras. At best they are weather resistant. Dust will get in with the best of them. No camera is water tight unless it explicitly says, and usually that means underwater cameras.
People’s expectations are running away with them on these marketing terms. Quite a few cameras are not perfectly light tight. Some even seek out the effect.
Weather sealed cameras are weather sealed as long as their covers and doors are closed, so if the battery door, card door, lens mount or terminals cover are open, Captain Weather Sealing is on holidays.
It could be that Fujifilm didn’t make a concious change to the D-pad design but that it’s a result from solving some issue in the production line, improving accuracy or something. Could be something really minor having a noticeable effect and that this is how the D-pad was *supposed* to work all the time. *shrug*
If it’s not a concious effort to change the design itself, maybe they just aren’t commenting or not everyone even having information on it to share with no official bulletin about it.
Just guessing though… :p
THE WEATHERPROOF FUJI ahaha big fail for the xt1 they cant even make a decent raw converter
That “guy” that shines the flashlight into the AF assist lamp, that’d be a girl. Just saying… 🙂
whoops! Corrected it. sry Karin
LOL! No worries!! 🙂
Patrick, any word on when retailers will get new stock?
Amazon says 28th.
I have a backorder for body only from Adorama and will update when I see movement.
it’s in stock at pictureline at the moment (I’ve put the link at the bottom of the post). I’m not located in the US, but they told me it’s a reliable store.
I just got an email from Adorama that my back-ordered body is shipping.
try Roberts Distributors Great company, I got mine there (and my d70.d90,d700,d800)
I’m getting my X-T1 fixed soon, and I’ve spoke with Fuji reps a few times now. They are not (officially) replacing cameras, but are instead fixing an internal seal to address the light leak. Also, I asked about the D-pad, and his response was that he has checked a bunch of cameras coming from the factory, and he can’t tell the difference between older and newer builds.
Hmm, why do u care if/how they do it? Fuji fixes it free n improves on D-pad, so just be happy n go out shooting …
So what we see in the article of your last link, is that many cameras have such a light leak issue, including the Canon 5D MIII and Nikon D800e?
At least Fuji is fixing it, and fast!
From what higher serial number is the fixed cameras? TIA
I am waiting a bit longer before I go for the XT-1 hoping that Fujifilm will address the AF-assist light leak issue 🙁
Also mine is at Fujifilm Service for repair the AF-L button and arrow buttons, the AF-L was always pressed and arrows were “no tactile feedback”. I bought the camera 18th March and send it to the camera shop on 20th. The serial number is 41M094xx. I’m waiting to receive the repaired or new camera….
did you also have problem light leaks?
mine is 41M043XX and it has the leak (germany)
on the uk fujifilm website they say that everything above 41M07801 should be ok. not sure if this counts for all europe but maybe
Sorry I didn’t check
My cameras with them now, hope I get the button fix as well 🙂
fuji cant even make a light proof box, great tecnology!
Who does make all their cameras light proof?
olympus
Than go buy an Olympus camera!
I’m sure in their entire history of cameras they’ve had light leak issues. For example, a quick search in google shows several models over the years did. Next one you care to try?
hasselblad
https://www.flickr.com/groups/hasselblad/discuss/72157631001804892/
is one example of hasselblad light leaks.
Next one?
sigma
Well, if you keep pulling out company names you’ll eventually end up with one that has produced only 1 camera that doesn’t have it. I think my point is amply made. Time for you to head back to nikonrumors and pester those people.
leica
It’s not about competition we need to have this discussion, but about Fujifilm. It’s like a new sporty SUV that is being hyped in every magazine but it loses a complete wheel when you hit the first bump in the road. The X-T1’s credibility has entirely vanished, this is something you cannot accept from a premium-priced product. I’m taking another risk to sound very anti-Fuji but they need to get awake in Tokyo, quite a few X-series users are very disappointed by the quality issues of any X-series: they ALL have been suffering of problems related to poor development and testing.
bogoff troll
Can anyone answer a short question for me? I contacted Fuji service on Wednesday morning about sending my unit in for leak service. I talked to a pretty friendly gentleman who took my information, email, address, etc. He said I would be getting a label to send the unit in. I neglected to ask if the label would come via email, or if they are actually shipping a box or something. At this point on Friday I haven’t heard anything via email and have no box. What’s the procedure people have been using?
The way I experienced Fuji: no procedures, only chaos. 3 months of discussion and very large silences to get one lens repaired with a clear guarantee issue.
Appreciate if folks with replaced cameras can confirm if the light leak through AF-Assist light is present. Thanks.
I just received my replacement yesterday(41A085xx), and the lights leak from both AF assist lamp and the side ports :< Am I just unlucky?
I SENT MY X-T1 IN TO BE REPAIRED AND THEY DID NOT REPAIR THE REAR WHEEL ISSUE. FUJI’S CUSTOMER SERVICE IS BULLSHIT. DO NOT PURCHASE THE X-T1!!!
I AM TAKING THIS AS HIGH AS POSSIBLE. DAN SCROLA WHO RUNS THE EDISON NJ REPAIR WAREHOUSE IS A FUCKING MORON. HE SHOULD BE FIRED.