My Journey with the Fujifilm X Series, Part 2: Diving Deeper with the X20 and X-E1 

Thanks, Michael! Really appreciate the feedback. I really enjoyed making this series.

Hey Mark, thanks so much for your comment. It's great to hear that other shooters have had a similar experience with their own transitions with the X Series. It almost seems so primitive now, compared to the latest models, but the X-E1 was and still is a great camera that really opened up to a whole new world for many photographers at the time. As I've been doing with my X20, I plan on dusting off my own X-E1 and taking it out for a spin during the next couple of weeks!

Andrei, thanks for your comment and for sharing your own Fuji story! Sounds like you've got a great setup with your X-T3. Is that the Viltrox 23mm f/1.4?

@@DanBaileyPhoto Yes.

Wow, thanks so much! I really appreciate your feedback, and I’m glad you’re enjoying these so much! Definitely stay times for the next episode! What was your first Fuji?

Same here, Dan is a great storyteller!

I'm a good party trick!

@@DanBaileyPhoto I can only imagine! Your varied interest are stimulating! It is not just the content, but the passion and curiosity that are captivating!

Thanks so much for your feedback! Glad you’re enjoying these! What was your first Fuji?

Thanks, Pat! What was your first Fuji, and what are your shooting with these days?

@@DanBaileyPhoto XE1, which I still shoot with occasionally. XT4 and X100V

That X-T4 and X100V makes for an incredible combination, doesn’t it?!

Thanks, Craig! Really appreciate the feedback. What was your first Fuji?

Thanks So much, Bert! Glad to hear that you're enjoying this series!

Thanks, Nas. It's been fun to remember and recount some of these stories! The hard part is not putting too many of them in, so that I can keep the videos somewhat short and concise!

Hey Rick, thanks!! Glad you enjoyed this fun, historical video journey!! Are you still shooting with the X-T2, and was that your first Fuji camera?

@@DanBaileyPhoto Hi Dan, I picked up a XT3 prior to a climbing trip to Nepal last year. Still have an ongoing dilemma with carrying weight when climbing, but love the Fuji results. Oh, I also picked up a Fuji 14mm 2.8 and I’m really impressed with the results. Pin sharp throughout and lovely colours. Love your channel and your passion 👍

@@DanBaileyPhoto yes, my first Fuji camera.

I wish I’d had the Fuji stuff back when I was doing a lot of climbing!! And yea, that 14mm is an amazing lens!!

Glad you’re liking the channel! Any specific photography topics you’d like to see me cover?

Thanks, Joseph! What was your first Fuji?

@@DanBaileyPhoto X-T2. I currently have the X-T4 and the X-E4 and my wife has the X-S10. Do you own all the Fuji cameras?

Indeed it was, and as a child of the 70s, I spent many Sunday evenings in front of the TV watching The Wonderful World of Disney, and seeing the Disney castle... which seemed to look a lot like the ones on my grandmother's postcards! 🤔 😀

Hey Danny, thanks for your comment! Fuji glass is spectacular!! By the time I was using the X-E1, Fuji already had 5 lenses for the series, including the 14mm, which I still use on a regular basis! What are your favorite Fuji lenses?

@@DanBaileyPhoto My best Fuji prime lens is my 35mm f/1.4 - it renders so beautifully! Truly amazing lens. But the prime I use most often is my 23mm f/2.0, as that is my favorite focal length and the 23 is a great lens. I also have the 16mm f/2.8 and it is an excellent lens. I need to use it more often but have not had a lot of chances due to the pandemic.

Sounds like you got a pretty capable camera kit. Keep having fun with it!

Thanks for your comment! Sounds like you've got quite a bit of experience with the Fuji cameras, but yes, those little X10/20/30 cameras were awesome! What kinds of subjects do you like to shoot?

Here is my fun 'Like-A-Leica' X30: www.digitalmasters.com.au/Like-a-Leica_X30_1200-v2.jpg

Oooh, that's a sexy looking camera! 😀

Thanks, Michael! Glad you’re enjoying these!! What was your first Fuji?

Thanks, Joe! I just filmed the next episode, so stay tuned for #3!

Thank you very much for your comment. I'm glad you're enjoying my content. 👍

Thanks so much!!! Are you a Fuji shooter?

@@DanBaileyPhoto Yes, I've recently started shooting my street photography on my insta page with the fuji Xt1, and loving it so much that I've begun using it alongside my panasonic and canons for my professional event and wedding shoots. Absolutely loving it and only wished I had bought into the Fuji system sooner.

Awesome!! Well, at least you’re in now, and that’s what counts. Keep having tons of fun with your X-T1 , and let me know if you ever have any questions about the Fuji system.

David, thanks for your comment! Indeed, the X-E2 was a great camera. It was a little bit overshadowed by the introduction of the X-T1 a few months later, but that was a great model that set the tone for the entire future of the X-E series.

Hey Rudy, thanks for your comment and for sharing your Fuji story! And I agree with you 100%! What kinds of subjects do you like to shoot?

@@DanBaileyPhoto Thanks for your answer Dan, I love to shoot seascapes, stillives, street and artphotography, , different subjects but always busy, I am 70 years old but photography keeps me young 😃

Awesome! Keep having fun with it!

@@DanBaileyPhoto Thanks Dan, keep up the good works!

👍😀

Hey Dilip, thanks so much for your comment, and fir buying my X Series ebook! I’m glad to hear that you’re finding it to be such a helpful resource! What Fuji do you use and what do you like to photograph?

Dan, I have the XT4 and am looking forward to going out with it soon! I am interested in wildlife,nature and travel photography.

The X-T4 is awesome I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun with it!

Thanks a lot Dan !

Thanks Brandon. I'm actually planning the third episode right now!

Ákos, thank you for your comment. I'm glad you enjoyed hearing these tales! Sounds like you've had a good journey from Pentax to Fuji. Both great system, that, I'm sure each provide their own set of memorable images and experiences. What kinds of subjects do you like to shoot?

Thanks, Tony! It's actually quite enjoyable to remember all this stuff! What was your first Fuji?

@@DanBaileyPhoto I had a Nikon 5200 but bought a used XT-2 - loved it - great camera. Now I have an XT-4 - fantastic camera especially paired with my new 33mm 1.4 - what a lens!!!

The D5200 wasn't a bad camera, but it wasn't nearly as fun as the X-T2! Yes, Fuji 's new f/1.4 series lenses, seem to be pretty incredible! The 33 looks great!

Hey Matthew, thanks for your comment. Yes, definitely check out Ep. 3, and stay tuned for the #6, which will feature the X-T3. What kinds of subjects do you like to shoot?

Paul, thanks for your comment. You are correct on this. In regards to their basic design, the X100 and X10/20/30 are techncally rangefinder cameras, and since rangefinders do not use a reflex mirror, all rangefinders and non-SLR cameras have been "mirrorless" throughout history. I refer to them as mirrorless, because those Fujifilm models were largely designed around the new combination of technologies that had been used by Panasonic and Olympus when they developed the Mirror Four Thirds system in 2008. This is when the term "mirrorless" was first used to describe cameras, even though, as you pointed out, cameras that don't have mirrors have been around for a very long time. Anyway, these new mirrorless cameras set the tone for all mirrorless cameras that have followed, whether they're interchangeable or fixed lens models. There were other terms used to describe these kinds of cameras at the time, including EVIL (electronic viewfinder interchangeable lens), but "mirrorless" is what seems to have stuck. And here's some more history: Although electronic viewfinders and EVFs had been around for a number years at the time, (the Fuji FinePix S3 Pro had monochrome Live View capability in 2004) it was Fujifilm that created the first hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder, which is what went into the X100 and X-Pro 1.

Steve, thanks for your comment. I'm glad you're finding this series to be so helpful! What camera systems have you been using in the past?

HI Nikolai, thanks for your comment. The X30 is a great camera, that combined the small size of the X-10/20, but with added features and performance that gave it more power and usability than the previous two models. However, it still has a 12MP sensor, which is considerably smaller than what you have on the X-T10. Comparing image files between the two models, you'll still see differences in quality and resolution. At the same time, you will never be able to fit the X-T10 and interchangeable lens in your pocket. So, you can't look at it with an eye for direct comparison. They are two very different cameras, and you can't expect the X30 to produce the same level of quality, but at the same time, the X30 images still look great when viewed on their own. I still love many of my X10 and X20 images, but I would never stay to compare them side by side against my X-T4. That's just silly. you have to take each image on its own, because that's how your viewers will do that. In the end, if it's a great images, no-one will care what camera you used, and if it has lower or higher resolution than images that were shot from your other camera. This kind of thinking will always lead you down a road to frustration. Hope that helps.

Thanks Dan! Yeah, I should really look at it this way. I've decided to sell my X-T10 but the replacement camera won't be coming until a few weeks later, maybe after christmas. I was going to trade in the X30 too but I figured, I'd spend some quality time with it while the replacement isn't here yet. I did get some good shots here and there but only in good light. Once the sun sets, it was pretty hard for the x30. I'll be getting a used xpro3, hopefully the last camera I'll be using for the long term. Maybe keep the X30 for some taste clenser from time to time.

Even though it's an early X Series model, the X20 can still be a really fun and capable camera to use. I took my X20 out a few times last winter and had a great time shooting with it. Sure, it doesn't have the capabilities of a modern full-size model, but it still takes great looking photo and has a lot of fun settings that allow you to get lost in your creativity.

No... no X-T5 yet. I haven't heard anything about it, or any other models that may currently be in development. Honestly, with the arrival of the X-T1, I stopped wishing and waiting for the next model. I've always been extremely impressed and satisfied with the capabilities and quality of each generation of the X Series cameras, and with the imagery that I've shot with them. In fact, I feel that my best X-T1 images stand up to anything I've shot with the latest model, and it's been that way with every camera in the X-T series. It was that way with film, too. The reality is that for 99% of users, even pro users, the image quality from today's cameras is completely adequate for everything they're doing with them. Me included. Yes, technology continues to march ahead, but in my mind, photography isn't about perfection, and at this point, a slightly more advanced sensor isn't what makes for better, more compelling photographs. There's only so much resolution you can pack into a photograph, especially since image size/reproduction is directly proportional to viewing distance. Sure, the X-T5, or whatever comes next, will no doubt be amazing, but I'm in no hurry. The camera I have right now is great, and that's all I think about on any given day. RE: What lens for the PCT... That's a tough one, especially if it's just one lens. For me, it would probably be the 16 f/2.8. And the 35 f/2. And the 50 f/2, because all three of those combined still weigh less than a fast full frame lens. 🤣

👍🏼

Thanks! Yes, limiting yourself, like shooting in square format, can inspire some different creative ideas than your mind be used to. What was your first Fuji?

@@DanBaileyPhoto 2 years ago I got pro3, then 100t, then x20. I love them all. By the way I'm the guy who sent you a photo of a girl in kimono, the photo your flash book helped greatly. That was pro3. I had 100t for a backup, of course.

Oh right, I remember!!! Glad to hear that your shoot went well!! 👍 Keep up the good work!!

Hey Fulvio, thanks for your comment!! How are you liking the Nikon mirrorless system so far?

Hey Dan, so far it’s ok: but is basic (portable indeed) but when you need a camera profile is lacking. For me Fuji Velvia was the base and Provia was the main course together with Astia. You clear the main doubt that I had: camera profile. Thanks.

Glad to hear! 👍

Thank you so much for your comment. Glad to hear that you enjoyed this. Are you a Fuji shooter?

@@DanBaileyPhoto Yep enjoying the Fuji stuff :)

Awesome Which model do you use and what do you like to photograph?

@@DanBaileyPhoto It's mainly X-Pro3. I'm trying to gain more experience to better understand how to work with light - learning about photography that I find great joy in, so I much appreciate your clever attitude and very artistic pro lessons.

Thanks. Photography really is lifelong journey, and you never stop learning along the way.

Hey Kevin, thanks for your comment and for sharing your own story! Seems like a lot of us have a rather similar tale about why we became Fuji shooters. I like that you specifically mention the fun aspect of photography, in my mind that's the most important thing! If not for fun, then why else? What kinds of subjects do you like to shoot?

@@DanBaileyPhoto I like to shoot landscapes mostly, although as I said, it's so fun to shoot with my X-T2 that I pick it up and shoot multiple things with it. Pictures of my dogs, the occasional foray into aviation photography, flower shots, wildlife photography, etc. I like to shoot with Velvia for landscapes, Provia for general photography, and Monochrome +Red if I feel like shooting in black and white. I'm sticking with Fuji as I feel that they're the only company taking the APS-C format seriously, and I really don't want or need to go back to full-frame.

Indeed. The whole "full frame" thing is such an irrelevant term these days. It pretty much just determines camera size, because today's APS-C cameras are fully capable of making excellent quality photos that are usable for any kind of reproduction. Why carry bigger heavier gear, when you have more fun and make great photos with a smaller camera setup?

@@DanBaileyPhoto Agree entirely. I'm aware of the whole full-frame vs APS-C debate, but I really love the image quality from my X-T2. I'm happy with the shooting experience. The only complaints I have about my X-T2 are battery life and AF performance (sometimes), but Fuji addressed those complaints with the release of the X-T3 and X-T4. I can only imagine what sort of "rabbit" that Fujifilm is going to pull out of the hat with the rumored X-H2 and eventually, the X-T5.

Thanks, Iain. No, I did not, but I have some friends who went down to watch in person, and one of our local Alaska women took 18th place overall in her category!!!

That's not bad at all considering it's a very European discipline. The only thing wrong, it was too dry, no mud lol.

Yea, can they even call it cyclocross if there's no mud? 🤣 We LOVE our CX up here in Alaska, and we've got some great courses, and plenty of mud in our fall series!

@@DanBaileyPhoto Sounds more interesting than Arkansas

Totally!! danbaileyphoto.com/blog/10-years-of-shooting-cyclocross/

That was a really big move to go from the D3 and D2x to the X-Pro 1. It must have been a very interesting time for you with the vasty different shooting experience the Fuji offered over those two big Nikons.

Hey Gil. Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed this series. What Fuji do you use and what do you like to photograph?

​@@DanBaileyPhoto I have been using a Fuji xt4 with vintage lens like Pentax 28mm f2.8, Helios 44m4 58mm f2.0 Vivitar 100mm macro, and others haha I really love landscapes and street photography as well @agildex and @fujiclicker are my pages, thanks for the answer!

So cool! I've known a few people who use old vintage lenses on the Fujis and get great results!! Keep having fun with it!!

@@DanBaileyPhoto thank you

You're welcome!!

Thanks for your comment! Wow!! Sounds like you've got a veritable Fuji museum in your house!! So many good models, and you're right, they all produce such incredible, film-like images right out of the camera!! What kinds of subjects do you like to shoot?

@@DanBaileyPhoto I do a mix of landscape, animal, and "small town" street photography around the Appalachia region (WV, NC, and TN mostly). In terms of usage: I use my X-Pro1 as my designated black & white grab and go; my XT-1 for hiking/backpacking; x-t30 & X100v for portrait, film sim experiments; the x100 Finepix for when I need a daily camera/street photography (won't hurt as much if damage occurs). Lately Ive been getting into vintage lenses-which have allowed me to expand the usage of my Pro1, T1, & T30.

Cool. So many tools, so many uses! I know a number of people who use vintage lenses on their Fujis, with excellent results. What older lenses are you using with them?

@@DanBaileyPhoto I only have one Fujifilm X lens, the 18-55mm F2.8-4 Kit lens but Id love to expand one day (it hurts to see the price of new lenses when so many gems exist from the past). In terms of vintage lenses, here are some of the mains: Canon FD/FL Mount: • Canon Fl 200mm 1:4.5 Telephoto • Canon Fl 55 mm f1.2 • Canon FD SSC 50mm 1:1.4 • Canon FD SSC 35mm f2 (concave) • Canon FD 28mm f2.8 Lense • Gemini Mc Auto 28mm 1:2.8 • Canon FD SSC 24mm f2.8 Nikon Mount: • NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8 Super-telephoto • Nikkor-Q 135mm f2.8 • Nikkor-F Auto 55mm f3.5 Micro • Nikkor-N 52mm f2 • Nikkor H-C Auto 50mm f2 • Nikkor-S.C Auto 50mm F/1.4 • Nikkor 35mm/f1:2.8 • Nikkor 24mm f/2.8 • Nikkor 10mm f/5.6 fisheye Olympus OM Mount: • Vivitar 28mm f/2.5 Auto Wide-Angle • Tokina AT-X 28-85mm F3.5-4.5 Leica M Mount: • Leica Leitz Summicron 50mm F/2

You will not be disappointed!! You will love it!! It is very user friendly, comprehensive, and well organized! It is written with much Fuji experience and passion!!

@@sharanamueller7960 Thanks!

Hey Sharana!Thanks for the recommendation!! 😀💙📷⭐️🙏

@@DanBaileyPhoto YES, ANYONE WITH A FUJI CAMERA SHOULD OWN THIS MANUAL!!! THE AUTHOR IS GREAT AND THE PRICE IS GREAT!!

😀😀😀

Haha!! They're pretty curious creatures. Who know... maybe Fuji cameras taste good to them! 🤣

Sony makes sensors for a lot of cameras. Toshiba has also made sensor for Fujifilm, and so it’s possible that some Fuji sensors are made by them. Either way, they’re still Fuji design and made to their specs. With regards to Bayern vs X-Trans, with the consumer models, it’s likely a cost issue. With the GFX, the X-Trans design is not as critical, because larger sensors are less susceptible to the kinds of moiré effects that can occur in smaller sensors.

Thanks, Paul. Glad you're enjoyed them! What was your first Fuji?

@@DanBaileyPhoto Actually, I'm still on a Nikon DSLR! Will be buying the X-E3 or X-E4 shortly and taking it from there. Probably with the 18 f2, 35 f1.4 and 18-55 f2.8-4 to get started. My main interests are hiking, travel and street photography :)

Awesome. I'm pretty sure you'll like either one of those. The X-E4 has some really cool creative features that are not found on the older X-E3, but that's still a great camera. Let me know if you have any questions about the system.

@@DanBaileyPhoto Fantastic. Thanks. Will do. Looking forward to having a lighter and smaller setup, and having easy access to the Fuji colour profiles

Totally. Either way you go, you're going to have a lot of fun with it!

Yes, I've seen used X-E1s, there are a lot of people getting rid of them as they trade up to newer models. That was such a great camera, though. For all its limitations, it still produces incredible looking images. And that sounds like a good approach; it's similar to having numerous guitars, all set to different tunings. Each setup can inspire a different type of creative experience when you pick it up.

Maybe not, it’s it’s definitely built tough and will withstand the elements. I know someone who left one out on the trail for three months, where it got rained on and even chewed on my a bear. Eventually, the owner found it, recharged the battery and it worked just fine!! danbaileyphoto.com/blog/fuji-x-camera-survives-3-months-out-in-the-elements/

Brett, thanks for your feedback. I'll try to balance the levels better in future vidoes. Glad you're enjoying them, though. What Fuji do you use and what do you like to photograph?

@@DanBaileyPhoto My reply(s) don't seem to be sticking.

I've shot with the XT-10 since 2014 and recently picked up a like new X-H1. 500px / bbarden

Cool. The X-T10 was one of my favorites, I used it a ton when it first came out. Shot many of my favorite photos with it. I'll look for your work. 👍

@@DanBaileyPhoto XT-10 is now my wife's primary camera. It's still going strong! The updated EVF on the H1 is awesome as is the super light shutter release and quite shutter. IBIS is nice for old manual lenses I have from Canon 1970s.

That's too bad. There were some situations where the tiny X20 sensor was limited, but for the most part, I had really good results from mine. What camera are you using now?

@@DanBaileyPhoto The only camera I have now is a phone from 2015. I landed on your video cause I was considering getting a larger camera again. One thing the x20 did well was the UI. I liked the Q menu, the physical zoom and the optical viewfinder.

Yes, the X20 did have a good UI. That's one of the things that I really liked about it from the start!