This it the third and final episode of “underestimated Fuji X gear” series. And today it’s about the Fuji X-M1 and XF 27mm.
Nr 1
Fuji X-T10 (see post here)
Nr 2/3
Fujifilm XQ2 / XC lenses (see post here)
Nr 4
Fujifilm X-M1
The X-M1 is cheap, small, X-Trans, good-looking, gives you Fuji Quality in an affordable and compact package, has a tilt screen… but no Viewfinder. This is a deal breaker for me. But if you don’t mind composing your shots using the LCD only and you are on a very low-budget (and can’t afford the X-T10), then this is the way to go for you.
Fuji was clear about it’s entry level segment: only one series can survive, X-M or X-A… and since we now have the Fuji X-A2, the X-M1 will never get a successor.
And I find it a pity. To me, X-Trans is part of the Fuji X DNA and the reason why I’d choose it over the even cheaper X-A1 (with Bayer sensor). A sensor also dpreview likes a lot, when they said here:
“our tests confirm that “although it is “just” 16MP, thanks to the X-Trans sensor, combined with its XF range of lenses, its effective resolution is not much lower than 24MP.”
In the past we discussed this topic comprehensively here on FujiRumors, pixelpeeping and comparing Fuji Bayer Vs. Fuji X-Trans images, and we also launched a Poll, which I share with you again today. The winner is pretty clear.
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Nr 5
XF 27mm
There might be some truth in the words of Antonio, when he says the XF 27mm is “the best unnoticed lens on fuji world“.
Earlier this summer, there was a Cashback deal running in my country. I grabbed the XF 18-135 with a €200 discount. A great deal, and it replaced my 18-55 and 55-200 for travels.
Anyway, during the cashback deal, I was tempted to buy the XF 27mm, the smallest and lightest of all Fujinon lenses. I didn’t buy it just because I already have the 23mm and because the 27mm has no aperture ring… and today I regret it. Especially since I recently sold my 18mm, and I now start to miss a compact walk-around lens to put on my X-T1.
But this lens is not only worth of consideration because of its compactness. Sure, when it comes to pancake lenses, it’s always a trade-off between miniaturization & optical performance. But the XF 27mm seems to have a pretty good IQ for its size. From the Admiriglight review:
“Overall, the Fujinon XF 27mm f/2.8 is a pleasant lens to use and a great option when you want the smallest possible package for your Fuji X camera. […] The 27mm f/2.8 is sharp at most any aperture, and while the edges are a little softer than the center, they are plenty sharp enough for most any use. This little pancake controls chromatic aberrations and fringing extremely well, and I feel that overall image quality is quite good, though bokeh is rather unremarkable.”
At the moment there is a also a terrific deal on it. Buy it along with the Fuji X-E2 and save $350! X-E2 black + 27mm here – X-E2 silver + 27mm here
XF 27mm: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline – EUROPE: AmazonDE / AmazonUK / AmazonITA
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So, this episode concludes my mini-series of 5 Fuji products that probably did not get the consideration they deserve. If there is anything you would add/change in this list, feel free to say it in the comments down below… and to vote the Poll.
cheers,
Fuji X Forum, Facebook, Google+, RSS-feed and Twitter
[poll id=”128″]
[poll id=”129″]
24 Responses
About a year ago, everyone dumped on the X30 for not having a 1″ sensor, and it was even dismissed as a “failure” for not selling “enough” on its first day of release. Some time ago, however, I noticed the X30 was rated higher by Amazon users than premium compacts that cost up to twice as much (LX100, RX10, etc.). The only ones that matched it were the RX 10 and the Canon G16. Rather interestingly, the X30 and the G16 had the smaller sensors, and cost correspondingly less.
So the X30 gets my vote, both for being underrated by all the experts, and for demonstrating yet again that money can’t by happiness. 🙂
(PS The rankings may have changed since then, but this is an accurate summary for when I was looking.)
XF27 is _the_ most underestimated, and the most versatile Fuji lens. I bought it because I needed something small. But the actual quality and versatility of this little miracle caused it to be practically glued to my trusty X-E1. The focal length, aperture, picture quality and external appeal are perfect combination for shooting people, streets, and as everyday walking lens. I love it!
That’s absolutely true. Pictures taken with the 27mm feel different. Their look have certain characteristics that are missing in pictures using other lenses.
Maybe because of it’s viewing angle? The shots feel very natural to me. I’m waiting what the next body will be, because I miss Classic Chrome at my E1, and I feel it would complete that natural look.
Edit: That look reminds me my analog days, shooting with 50mm. 27mm on Fuji gives a bit more airy picutres, but the feeling is the same.
I do not know why is that but 27/2.8, 60/2.4 and in some cases 18/2 bring files that look wonderfuly with certain characteristic. Try them with X-A1/A2 with Bayer CAF and you will be amazed with image look, they remind me beautiful Leica X-Vario images. For me these are the best Fuji lenses, all other I tried are boring, really, without soul and character, and the most boring is 23/1.4 and next 56/1.2.
In my opinion, 18mm, 35mm and 60mm have a character but I don’t have the same feeling with 27mm. 56mm colors are too cold and I don’t especially like the bokeh…
i would love to see the 27mm in the same form factor as the 18mm and with an aperture ring and at f2.
I would love an X-Pro 2 or Fuji MF digital. I don’t care about underestimated products….
What is an underestimated camera? From a certain point of view, all Fujifilm X-series are identical, except the X-A1. I’m pretty sure that in all segments competitors have technologically more impressive bayer-based cameras than Fuji was able to release over the last 3 years. Not in the least by a higher resolution, a better DR, higher iso-capabilities, far better AF and on-sensor stabilization… and for sure, by a better RAW-support in the market. But it’s a mix of it all. Fuji shines in a particular kind of IQ-setting, by its competent glass, its specific product design and most of all the weight and size of this equipment. As I’ve written a thousand times now, it’s time for a very credible next step now. If it doesn’t come in time or disappoints the market, the outlook is not very bright for Fuji’s camera division. The X-Pro2 will be a really at the most important crossroad since 2012 for the survival of our X-system – amongst the background of an increasingly better and more interesting competition.
Couldn’t agree more. This camera will make or break them. You make us wait four years for an X-Pro2 and then out out something mediocre it’s game over.
On top of that, let’s hope they can keep up with demand. There have been problems in the past with Fuji releasing cameras and then nobody being able to get them for like 6 months after release….
Most modern cameras have already incredible output, including 3-years old Fuji. One stop in ISO or fewer more megapixels won’t change significantly the images you produce. That’s not enough to invest ton of money in an other system.
I agree about autofocus, because a missed focus can ruin an image and I’m pretty sure Fujifilm know that they need to improve on this point.
I hope a X-Pro2 or X-T2 with DSLR-like AF. DR and megapixels will probably increase thanks to newer sensors.
But the most important is Fuji release more lenses, including smaller primes and refresh of the older lenses when AF is lens-limited.
Fuji needs to quit fishing for compliments and put out what it says it will WHEN it says it will. The X-Pro-2 will be the game changer. Leica’s upcoming mirrorless system is going to make a huge impact.
I find it strange that people consider the 27mm ‘underestimated’. Everyone who owns one tends to love it and proclaim their love for it… and deservedly so.
I think the XC zooms (especially the 16-50) are massively underestimated because, like the 27mm, they stand for all the things mirrorless initially represented – excellent performance in small, light, and cheap packages. But the 16-50XC got just 3% of the vote and is ignored frequently for being ‘too plasticky’.
18-55 is not expensive, especially in kit or second-hand market and has a better build-quality, is faster, have an aperture ring for nearly the same size.
16-50 seems quite impossible to repair and the plastic mount isn’t really ‘future-proof’.
Wide angle and price are the only reason to prefer the XC,
Cost isn’t necessarily an issue and neither is repairs (we live in a disposable culture and cheaper products are assumed to be more disposable than most). My take on this is the small size and low weight of the 16-50 XC makes it a perfect example of what mirrorless does so well: this lens and an X-M or X-A series body weighs just over a pound, half a pound lighter than a Nikon D3200 and a similar 18-55DX lens.
But a Sony RX100 is better if your main consideration is size / weight…
If you are interested in others aspects, 18-55 is more pleasant and is not that much bigger :
http://www.lenstip.com/upload2/94455_fuj18-55_obu1b.jpg
I know the 18-55 is more pleasant – I use the 18-55. It’s excellent, but it weighs almost a quarter of a pound more than the 16-50. That isn’t much, but it makes a difference when you are fighting people who would otherwise dismiss a camera for a phone. Also, the IQ of the 16-50 is surprisingly good; better than most kit zooms, just not quite as stellar as the 18-55. All of that, plus the Fuji fraternity’s keenness to dismiss the 16-50 makes me think it’s an excellent candidate for being ‘underestimated’.
An RX100 is smaller still, but it doesn’t quite meet the ‘interchangeable lens’ part of the whole mirrorless deal.
Agreed.
Seems like every day is a slow news day lately (for months on end).
With the run up to PhotoPlus and holiday shopping, not seeing anything from Fuiji is pretty disappointing.
Time to get out of Sony Sensor Purgatory and hook up with Samsung, Toshiba or deliver that Panasonic partnership on the organic already.
Or deliver something radical: like a MF X100 style camera.
Fuji had such a streak of innovation. It needs rekindling. Sony is coming on strong, even if their cameras are butt fugly and the menus are worse.
PhotoPlus is irrelevant in terms of product launches. The important events on the calendar are PMA@CES, CP+, and Photokina. The rest is just noise.
Holiday shopping has become a dreadful time to launch a camera because that camera’s first quarter sales will be dominated by Black Friday. Black Friday means either a company has to accept significant discounting too early in the product life cycle (thereby killing its price structure after that time), or stick to its guns and see no great uptick in sales in the holiday season (which sends investors apoplectic).
I don’t see this as an exceptionally slow period. The X-T10 was only announced four months ago. That should be a product with two years of sales ahead of it and pretty much completes the Fuji X camera range, until the X-Pro refreshment.
We need to get away from the photographic arms race, and the ‘what have you done for me lately?’ monthly mindset. It worked when people were buying a new digital camera every year or two, but it won’t work now.
Well reasoned and well stated.
But I do love the arms race and constant innovation.
And while 16mp is probably more than enough for most people, it doesn’t look good when the norm is starting to become 24, and others are pushing 36, 42 and 50+, meaningless as it may be.
More DR would be great too.
And faster AF.
So much room for improvement, even though so far beyond sufficient.
I disagree with you Douglas. Fuji needs to keep going as it is. No need for another revolution, just solid performing products. If you are disappointed that Fuji (or any other company) hasn’t made any new products that you like, try being happy with what you already have. Aks yourself if you really need something new and better? Is your current camera not good enough? Do you have to work extra hard to get good quality images from it? Maybe you’re doing something wrong. Work on your technique.
The Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 definitively is an underrated lens. Not only is it very sharp and contrasty, the focal length is very versatile too. In fact, I sold the 18mm f/2 and the 35mm f/1.4 lenses after trying this little gem. The 27mm is perfect on any fuji camera, but I prefer to use it on a T10 body. For street photography (but not limited to), I need nothing else.
The X-A1 is clearly the most underrated Fuji X product, by far!
if your compare the images (jpg, raw) with the X-Trans cams in terms of high iso noise and details, you will ask yourself: why do i need a X-Trans?
i NEVER saw an advantage compared to the X A1, but i saw better IQ from the X-A1 sometimes, and i compared a lot with a X-E1 i had for a while and pics from the net..
This cam is so decent for that price(!), why the hell is it so underrated?
I think and think and think and don´t get it.