MY THOUGHTS ON THE FUJIFILM X-E2 | Long conversation about this great camera. 

The whole reason I bought a Fuji is because of their Jpegs. F@kk wasting my life editing photos that only me and a few friends or relatives will ever see. Of course for all you so called pros keep it in raw but dont forget to crawl out of you basements for a little sunshine and fresh air. Thanks for the great content

And here we are, two years since this video was made and the X-E2 is hovering around $500 and the X-E1 around $350+ (not to mention the X-E4 at $1250!). I cannot recall any other brand of digital cameras holding their value as well as Fujifilm. Not a complaint, love their cameras and happy my Fuji gear commands strong resale value.

Excellent review Craig, thank you. I also miss my X-T1 which I upgraded to the X-T2, so the X-E2 looks just the camera I need.

The XE1 and XE2 following have almost become a cult. I can see why, holding one in your hand, you want to take pictures. It has this retro feel, nothing plasticky like many other DSLR cameras. The camera is simple to use if one is not gadget savvy. The pictures taken are simply stunning. I have the XT1, which I also love, XPro2, XT20, X10 and XF1. They are all well-built cameras. The XE2 stands out being an exception with the ergonomics, for me personally. I picked it up last year for under Cdn $400, in almost mint condition. It was a steal.

A friend sold me his X-E2 in perfect conditions for 200 Euros in 2018, still loving the camera, take her always on my travels all over Europe. Great for street and landscape. I just looked up for prices in Austria: Found a used X-E2s for %90 Euros (590 US-Dollars), crazy :-)

I just bought a second hand xe2 and 15-45 kit lens and I'm honestly blown away by them both. The lens is cheap, lightweight and made of plastic but takes surprisingly good photos. I find that when I am encumbered with lots of expensive gear, I feel a strange mental pressure to take amazing pictures, not damage any of the gear in any way, focus too much on the settings/functions, and then its not fun anymore. Is that just me?

I have an XE1 and mainly use manual focus lenses with it. I adapt many lenses to it also.

Great review. I have one, I use the Ttartisan manual lenses which are great with this camera..as well as taking great photos the camera is a beautiful object!

Hi Craig - I enjoyed this style of video - a bit less regimented than a 'standard' review. I've now settled on an X-E1 and an X-E2. I like the simple control layout - it means I don't have to think too much about the camera! I bought both cameras recently and they were a similar price (just under £200 GBP, although the X-E1 was from a dealer, so I could have probably bought one for less privately. They're both mint though). I sold an X-Pro1 as I prefer the size and weight of the X-E1. I found I didn't use the OVF on the X-Pro1. Subbed on the basis of this vid!

Liked your video. I have the X-E2, X-T1, X-H1 and the X-T3 . I have to say that I use my X-H1 as my main camera for shooting BIF and then for every thing else I use the X-E2 or the X-T1…

One of the greatest features of the early XE line is the built-in flash. I’ll never understand why they took that off.

Bonjour super video le xe2 mon boitier principale depuis le debut un super appareil

Watching this two years after its release, your observation on Fuji range finder cameras used price relentlessly escalating is still proving omniscient. I waited too long to jump on these.

Ah, the XE2s - I have two of them, bought new, and one of them is in storage ready for when the other one either gets damaged or packs up. It’s all about the sensor and how it’s RAW output reacts to processing in SilkyPix.

Great video, I keep wanting to dip my foot in Fuji, have not seen many under $325.

Hey Craig, I just found your channel when searching for other photographer's thoughts on the X-E2. I have been a Fuji user for around two years now, after switching from the almost defunct Pentax ecosystem. My first Fuji camera was an X-T3, which I enjoyed using, but never fell in love with. I bought the X-E2 as a EDC camera for cheap on eBay. It had a broken flash, but otherwise perfectly functional. Since then, my X-T3 has sat on the shelf. The output of the X-E2 is simply beautiful and it feels 'just right' in use. I can't quite put it into words, but the camera makes me feel more creative and almost all of my recent portfolio work comes from my trusty X-E2. I would be devastated if anything happened to it (and yes I know how stupid that sounds!) That said, compared to the X-T3, it is quite slow in use, especially with AF and shutter response. For events/sports I will always use my X-T3, but for everything else my X-E2 is my go-to camera.

Last week I picked up 2 X-E2's and a X-M1 in lovely condition for the equivalent of $435. Proceeds from the sale of my bulky and uninspiring Nikon D610. I'm taking advantage of a market where the X-E2 is incredible value and it hard to resist buying them at $175. Paired with the f'2's, a great quality balanced combo. The ergonomics are perfect for my hands, when you find a camera that works for you why bother with anything else.

I couldnt figure my XE2s out and only used it a few times before I got frustrated and I simply put it in a nice camera case for years. when I just decided to trade it in on a new Fuji XH2s and they only offered me $250 trade in including my 18-55 lens I said no thanks. Now I was determined to actually learn how to shoot this rangefinder camera and I am so extremely happy that I kept it. I didnt even know that it had an auto mode as long as you set your lens to auto and then I found out how to access the film simulations and I now love this beauty of a camera. I will still get the XH2s for its incredible video capabilities but I will Never sell my XE2s. I love how I can bracket 3 film simulations with each shot and I have completely quit spending anytime editing other than the occasional crop. In other words Im Free to spend all of my photography time creating pictures instead of in front of a screen editing. Haleluiah however thats spelled...

I love the look of the X-E line. But I’m left eye dominate and shoot with my left eye. The ranger finder style is hard for me to use. I’ve thought about picking one up as a travel camera and just using the screen to compose.

Well done and useful video! I’m wondering about the autofocus on the x-e1 before and after firmware updates. I’ve heard it’s deathly slow and unresponsive making the x-e2 a better choice. I’m not a sports shooter but I hate a sluggish response at the shutter release.

Hello Craig, First of all, I enjoy your channel. I think I subscribed at the 500 something mark :) I have five Fuji's, an X10, XE2, XE3, XT1, and an XT3. I enjoy all of them, but, the ones I reach for the most are the XE2 and XT1. Fortunately, I acquired these cameras used and some time ago, before the price increases. Case in point, the XT3 was bought on eBay for $625 and it only had about 350 shots. They all have their place. I use the XT3 (with the 18-55 kit lens) for family get-togethers, especially with the grandson. He's a non-stop bucket of energy and I need that quicker autofocus :) The XE3 is kind of my travel camera, with the XC 15-45 and the 35 f2, they kind of cover my needs when traveling. As for the XT1, XE2, and the X10, I use them when I'm in no big hurry, which at my old age is most of the time. I'll always keep the XT1, it was my first true digital camera. I alternate between the XE2 and XT1 for my walks and visits to small foody towns near me :) I have a 35 f1.4 that just stays on the xt1. I only shoot jpgs and the photos with that combo are just magic to me. The xe2 I use with a 27 f2.8, It's actually my preferred street camera. I just love the size and weight and since it has the same sensor as the xt1, I get the same jpg picture quality :) As for the x10, it's kind of my backup camera. Due to its size, I take it with me where ever I go. I think it takes great pics and I just love the fact that it has a telephoto lens (28-115). I don't think I'll be getting anything newer. I have all the megapixels I can handle. I don't shoot professionally, I don't make poster-size prints. In reality, I may be stepping backward. Recently, my son gave me an old Canon QLGIII and some film....hmmmmm another rabbit hole ???????? Keep up the great work !!!!!!!! pete

Nice video Craig! I'm in agreement with you in that the X-Trans II sensor line seems to be the best value at the moment. I currently own an X-T1 and an X-T10. I thought about getting a X-E1 but the autofocus isn't great and they are really hard to find in the marketplace at a reasonable price.

Really take a look. The xe1 sensor is much better with skin detail. And it just has something special

Just got a great deal on a second hand X-E2 body with lots of accessories for $330! Looking forward to receive it and start shooting. This will be my first Fujifilm camera, coming from several Sony cameras (My main camera right now is a Sony RX100 Mk.III). Do you have any lens recommendations that are versatile for landscape & holiday photography? I'm thinking of a 18-55mm F2.8-4.0 zoom lens, or something similar. I would rather not carry around a big lens, so a great prime lens or a small zoom lens (up to 3x) would be perfect. Loved hearing your thoughts in the video!

XE-2 also known as “sexy two” You’re right about the camera build quality, it’s well made

I got the X-E2s wit XC 35mm lens for 375 bucks, but it is not easy to hold it. Are there any recommendations for a thumb grip? or what to do ??? As a newbie to Fuji and film I also wonder if there is any good video out there that gives some ideas for useful camera settings?

Hello Craig ! I like your in depth videos, you talk about all the little things that I was wondering about. I'm now about to buy a x-e2 and I have two offers to chose between : - x-e2 with XC 16-50 in good condition at 300€ - x-e2s with XF 23 f2 in near mint condition 400€ What would you chose I can't decide ! Thank you B

Since 2014 I've gone X-E1 to X-E2 to X-T1 to X-Pro2, and I've kept all of them so I've had the chance to use them side by side. I'm a little astounded by the prices you mentioned. In 2014 the E1 was 700 new with the kit zoom and hand grip. In 2016 the E2 was 500 used. In 2018 the T1 was 400 used. The E2 is a really capable little camera, but I can't imagine buying one now for only 100 less than my T1 cost five years ago. And the E1 hardly any cheaper, with all its limitations... I feel like the T1 is the kind of solid and capable camera that deserves to hold value and remain a desirable option many years after release. The E2 is similarly capable, but I don't see it as a great option unless super cheap (but, yes, pretty great as a *cheap* Fuji option). It was my most used camera for three years and it worked, but it's not the camera that the T1 is. But in a way that's why I kept using the E2 so much even after getting the T1: its value was in its expendability; it was great to have an option that was basically as capable, if not as enjoyable, but which I didn't have much reason to worry about. In more detail: E1 was a pretty good camera; it had its limitations and was slow, but it worked and was a pleasure. It made me enjoy the process again, after a couple years of my Nikon feeling like a cold appliance. E2 was a big jump in features, yet it felt less thought out. They gave us button customization, but removed the view switcher so we had to assign one of the new buttons to doing what used to have a dedicated button. They also changed it so that in viewfinder-only mode the playback only worked in the viewfinder too, which made the view mode switcher that much more necessary. That's somewhere between bad design and a bad joke. They also cut video time in half, and I think X-Trans2 is where the high iso waxy skintone problem really got bad. But it added phase detect for a little extra speed, wifi transfer, completely silent electronic shutter, slightly faster EVF, Classic Chrome... So it was a game changer for features and could do a lot of things the E1 just couldn't, like documentation in quiet environments and instant transfer with just a phone. But my E2 had some glitches: the USB port didn't work and it'd drain the battery while off if something half-pressed the shutter in the bag (I've seen other reports of both issues). Where the E1 felt like a great camera with limitations, the E2 felt like a cobbled together camera with great capabilities. The X-T1 felt like a huge advance over the E2, like Fuji got out of beta and really figured things out before release. It fixed the interface elements the E2 broke, operated quicker, added the bigger and better EVF and the tilting screen that made it so much more useable on a tripod, plus weatherproofing. Image quality on T1 was supposed to be slightly improved by better internal shielding, and I got a vague impression that files did look a little cleaner, but insignificantly so. Downsides were squishy/imprecise feeling controls due to weatherproofing, and the physical iso dial that seemed so great in theory ended up being more trouble than it's worth due to having to move your left hand up to the dial, hold down the lock button with one finger, and precisely turn it to what you want without leaving it in an inbetween position. I loved the idea, but the poor implementation makes it just a retro gimmick, so I prefer the E1/E2 method of just hitting a button and spinning the control wheel to get the iso I want. Similar for the shooting mode control ring under the iso dial: seemed like a good idea, but in practice it means pulling out your camera and finding it's been knocked into multi-exposure. You have to overcome a lock every time you want to adjust iso, but there's no lock on mode ring right below it... exasperating. Of those three, I'd take the X-T1. The E1 just has too many things it simply can't do, the E2 feels the least polished, and the T1 has the best feel and viewing experience, with relatively minor nuisances and no huge flaws. The T1 is a good and capable camera that doesn't need to make any excuses beyond the gimmickiness of the control implementation. The X-Pro2 really feels like a leap beyond though. The T1 never felt slow until I used the XP2, which reminded me of the responsiveness of the old prosumer dslr I had long ago. Its physical iso dial is more annoying than ever (having to pull and hold the whole dial up while carefully turning, and probably knocking shutter speed in the process), the EVF is roughly E2 quality, and the lack of flip screen creates tripod hassles, but it overall feels like a sorted out higher end camera. Using a T1 alongside an E2 felt like very different interfaces on basically the same camera, even if one was faster and nicer. Using an XP2 alongside the others feels more like using a truly different camera, and next to the T1 it's a strange mix, with the XPro being clearly better overall, but the T1 being objectively superior in some very significant ways. Having access to all of them, I pick up the X-Pro, for everything, because I prefer its output and have grown accustomed to using it, but I really miss elements of the T1 and should probably use it more. I look back very fondly on the E1 but don't have any reason to use it right now. The E2 is just a workhorse camera; I used it more than any of the others but it's just a glitchy tool that I don't feel the same attachment to.

I am thinking of selling my X-T1 to get an X-E2. Idea is it would be a better travel camera with a pancake lens like the XF 27mm. Am I crazy to let go of my much loved X-T1? I also have an X-H1 so I still have something with a better grip, OIS, and WR.

I think the X-E2 is holding its value quite well. There are not a lot on the second hand market here in Australia so the prices we’re seeing is more than 75% of the new price that I paid for my X-E4 last year.

👍

Leaf shutter tho???

I feel fortunate that after owning and using modern Fujis (X-T2 / X-T3), I wanted to "play" with earlier vintage sensors, and I located a new in the box X-E2s in 2020. This has been my EDC camera ever since. I really like the 16mp sensor and feel this gives me the closest to a film-like rendering in the digital realm. I use this camera with a single prime, chosen randomly before each outing, and just make that particular lens work by moving. So glad I pulled the trigger on this older but still capable camera.

I have both XE2 and XE3 and I am not liking the E2. Not sure, What is it about the filmic look, because it's not. Image quality is comparable to E3 but it's definitely not filmic.

I like your channel but this video is just too long rambling

The frequent focus breathing and autofocus adjustments on this video are highly distracting wow… what is he taking the video with ? curious so I don’t ever buy it lens or bodu

Got sohh bored after 5 minutes i 💤💤💤