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Rethinking my Fujifilm X Kit

Considering the Upgraded X100VI, the X-E4 or a Return to the Fujifilm X-Pro3 With a New Lens as a Second Camera for the Kit

By Andy Johnson III

March 14^th, 2024

Lately I've been thinking about changing up my photography kit. It seems that this kind of consideration process comes around every few years or so and whenever it does, thinking about my gear usually results in a burst of creativity and a desire to get out and shoot more often. What sparked my consideration process this time around has been thinking about purchasing the newly released Fujifilm X100VI or maybe even the X100V that it replaced. I bought an X100V a few years ago before it sold out and became hard to find. I loved the camera but decided to trade it for a Fujifilm X-Pro3 that I had been curious about since its release. When my Fujifilm X-T2 LCD screen died on me, I reluctantly decided that I needed to replace the X-Pro3 with an X-T4 instead. The reason I was reluctant was that I really liked the X-Pro3 with its rangefinder style and controls but I felt that the XT series was still my most important body in the kit and especially for longer zoom lenses.

Choosing a Second Camera

After trading my X-Pro3, instead of having a second body to work with as I had planned, I was instead replacing my primary camera in the X-T2. Now 2-3 years later, I find myself looking at both the X-Pro3 and the X100V again and wishing I had one of them in the kit. I've also considered the X-E4 as a possible second camera and everyday carry due to its smaller size while offering the ability to interchange lenses when shooting alongside another Fujifilm X series camera. So basically, the question I've been thinking about is which two Fujifilm cameras should I keep in the kit? An X-T4/5 is a given but should the backup and second camera be an X100V/VI, an X-Pro3 or X-E4?

One of my primary considerations is which lenses do I most want to shoot with? When I started shooting with primes a number of years back, I measured my typical iPhone field of view and realized that it was around 28mm in a full frame equivalent. Ever since I've wanted an XF 18mm prime lens but the original F2 seemed a bit too soft compared to other XF lenses. Lately I've been wondering if I should have just kept the XF 18mm f/2 anyway just to have this classic focal length to work with.

When Fujifilm launched an XF 18mm f/1.4, even though it was much larger than the earlier release, I knew that I had to try one out. My lens question is basically, would I rather shoot with the 23mm lens on an X100V plus the 18mm wide angle converter or with the XF 23mm f/1.4 R that I have long enjoyed alongside a new XF 18mm f/1.4? Although I love the compact size of the X100 series lens, the clutch mechanism on my original XF 23mm f/1.4 R and its overall design and image quality have been fun to shoot with as well.

When National Camera recently posted a preowned X-E4 I decided to try it out to see if I would like it enough to skip the X100V/VI upgrade. A few days later they posted a preowned X-Pro3 in Dura Black and an XF 18mm f/1.4 so I figured I might as well all three out at once to see if I wanted to add any of them to the kit. My idea is that if either the X-E4 or X-Pro3 are compelling enough as second cameras, perhaps I should just skip the X100 series upgrade or at least hold off until some later time. Although I liked the X-E4 immediately, it quickly faded into the background once I got my hands back on the X-Pro3. The X-Pro3 just fits my hands, shooting style and aesthetic preference so much more.

Initial Impression of the XF 18mm f/1.4 Lens

The first evening I took the X-Pro3 and XF 18mm f/1.4 lens home, this combination started winning me over right away. While playing trains with my son, I shot some pictures of him in a tight corner of the room. I absolutely loved how sharp the images came out and the blurred background even on a wide angle lens with only a few feet of space behind the subject. Seeing what a qualify f/1.4 lens can do at this focal length makes me more inclined to make this the lens one that I shoot with regularly.

The next day I took my children and their cousin to a local indoor playground and brought the cameras along for some additional practice. One thing I noticed right away is that the X-E4 took me longer to set up and prepare for fast moving photos. As a result I missed some shots in moments where the kids were moving quickly and not at all concerned about whether or not I could keep up with my camera. When I used the X-Pro3, however, the more customizable and larger buttons made it possible for me to adjust to the moment more quickly and to catch the shot. From an ergonomic and usability perspective. the X-Pro3 feels much better in my hands and more capable of catching shots on the fly.

Experimenting With Film Simulations

While reading about other systems and pondering if I should consider investing in Sony or Nikon to shoot with alongside the X Series, one thing I noticed is that many reviewers point to the film simulations as one of the strongest reasons to shoot with Fujifilm. I have to admit that it has been years since I've played with the simulations so I decided to experiment with them again. The photos at an indoor playground in Classic Chrome reminded me of just how fun the various looks can be when using simulations to get film-like results right out of camera.

Ford Bridge in Eterna

As the sun was going down on Saint Paul the following day, I walked across the Mississippi River on Ford Bridge and took some photos using the Eterna film simulation. This one was new to me and I'll have to play with it some more to see what it works for best. I liked the lights on the bridge in the post-sunset lighting from this muted simulation.

Spyhouse Coffee in Classic Negative

I took the X-Pro3 and the XF 18 and 23mm f/1.4 lenses to Spyhouse Coffee on Monday. This time I decided to try the Classic Negative film simulation since I had never used this one before. I like the muted colors and the older film-like look of Classic Negative. Shooting pictures of coffee shops has been something I've enjoyed for a long time and someday I plan to compile a coffee shop photo project to share.

Current Thinking

I haven't reached a conclusion yet but here's what I'm thinking. The X-Pro3 fits my hands and my shooting style better than the X-E4. With that in mind, I would be more likely to choose the X-Pro3 as a camera to carry daily with a few prime lenses. It would also serve as a second body to whatever my primary camera would be. I'm also thinking that with my XF 23mm f/1.4 mounted on X-Pro3, I'm less inclined to replace it with the X100V or VI. I may end up changing my mind on that or wanting one anyway, but for right now, I think the X-Pro3 might offer a better experience for what I need. I also like the Dura Black on the top plate since it's scratch resistant but also looks better than the silver variant with the well-known fingerprint smudges that these gather.

Of all the X100 series features though, I especially appreciate how compact the 23mm f/2 lens is and also like the close minimum focus distance which is the best of any non-macro lens in the XF lineup. I do have the XF 30mm f/2.8 macro though now so with that in kit I can get all the way up to 1:1 magnification. So basically, I'm choosing flexibility over portability and some compelling features on the X100 series, like the built in flash, ND filter and leaf shutter. The X-Pro3 is a great fit for Fujifilm's primes though and features the same rangefinder-style design that just makes you want to go out and shoot pictures. Now I just need to decide if I'm replacing the X-T4 with an X-T5 eventually or if I want to experiment with going all the way up to the medium format GFX series for landscape work.

Comparisons

Fujifilm X-Pro3

PROS

The ability to change ISO on the shutter speed dial
The option of using an OVF
The ergonomics - fits well in the hands
Appreciate the rangefinder-style body
Many customizable buttons to simplify changing settings
Two SD card slots

CONS

Wish it had the latest battery from Fujifilm which lasts much longer
The grip is not as comfortable for mid-large zoom lenses
Lacks IBIS which has since become standard for Fujifilm's higher end cameras
The LCD does not flip down far enough to see when shooting overhead

Fujifilm X-E4

PROS

Is more compact than the X-Pro3
The LCD is more versatile and can flip all the way up for selfies or recording

CONS

When you start to flip out the LCD screen the image flips upside down before it is flipped all the way up.
It's too easy to change the focus on the rear LCD, locking it in place and preventing the focus joystick from working unless you off focus from the LCD.
ISO cannot be changed from the shutter dial, requiring use of one of the few function buttons for a slower process.
Ergonomics are not great but using a strap and a smaller and lighter lens helps.

Conclusion

If I decide to have just one Fujifilm body alongside another system, I think I would want the X-Pro3. It is the most unique camera in the lineup and gives the most similar feeling to shooting a film camera that you can get in the X lineup. If I were to use two Fujifilm X cameras, I would probably stick with an X-T4/5 for larger lenses and IBIS and make the second body the X-Pro3. If having two higher end bodies was too much of an investment, the X-E4 would be a great substitute as a second camera but just not quite as fun to shoot with as the X-Pro3. Although I love the shooting experience with the X100 series, I think I'm a little too hooked on being able to choose my lenses. The XF 18mm f/1.4 also has me thinking that I'll be wanting to shoot with it much of the time, making two interchangeable lens bodies more complimentary to each other in shooting experience.

Footnotes

Photos captured with the Fujifilm X-Pro3, X-E4, XF 23mm f/1.4 R, XF 18mm f/1.4 LM and XF 30mm f/2.8 macro lenses. Film simulations used are named in the text.

Button Label

FootNotes

Photos captured with the Fujifilm X-Pro3, X-E4, XF 23mm f/1.4 R, XF 18mm f/1.4 LM and XF 30mm f/2.8 macro lenses. Film simulations used are named in the text.