The INCREDIBLE Fujifilm X-E1 - BETTER Than An X-Pro1 - For Peanuts! 

I'm really glad someone is making these videos brining light to the older digital cameras, some of them are real gems.

Press the rear dial scroll wheel for auto mag function and then just touch the shutter button to go back to normal. Great for manual glass. Rotate the wheel for different magnification.

I have the X-E2s and manual lenses, and use it for work. In the right hands, these are truly great tools. Thanks for the reviews!

Thank you for your no-nonsense reviews. This one is especially nice, in my opinion, as it highlights a camera that was never a very much hyped camera in the Fuji range.

For what it is, it is great! I've been using it for the last 2 and a half years, and I loved every minute of it! I'm using it exclusively with adapted manual focus lenses, so it is my vintage lenses platform!

Great video as always! That's why I bought a X-E2 (black/silver from 2014) second hand for about 200 euros 6 months ago. Truly a great little gem of a camera just as the X-E1! Both are such great cameras! Keep up the good work!

Very informative! Good work!

another great video (as usual); one of my favorite cameras. allways in the bag.

The x e2 has good focus peaking, i got both , but on the xe1 with vintage lenses i use zone focusing, very happy with those cameras. As you said the color are incredible, solid with " resonnace" . remind me the colours on Ernest Haas work.. Again, fantastic cameras.

CZJ. Thanks for another wonderful episode.

Your reviews are outstanding. Thank you

Thanks so much for your help. I am an older guy who is just getting into Digital Photography . Following your advise I bought one of these for $400 Aud ( about 200 quid ) and couldn't be happier . Cheers

Of course I'd like to see you servicing this Flektogon, especially since I was just forced to rummage a bit in my Industar 61, in which all the lubricants have dried out. Meanwhile, thank you for this film, which drew my attention to Fuji cameras.

Thank you for the informative video 👍😃

Would love to see you work on the lens - nice clip as ever. The X-E1 was my first Fuji X, the X-T1 was following & I'm still amazed by the first x-trans-sensors quality ...

Thanks for the video, the CZJ repair would be interesting. What was this week’s video shot with (living room location)? There was lots of nice character - soft edges and highlight glow etc. An Industar FED 10, as a guess?

Thanks for the good video - I did a similar one and touched on the diopter as being one of the main reasons I opted for the X-E1 rather than the X-Pro1 (along with the massive price difference as well). Was just going to pick up as some others have done in that if you switch the front switch to M, you can then use the rear dial click to magnify and then alter the magnification with the wheel which certainly helps achieve critical focus with manual lenses.

Interested in a servicing video! Thanks for a very clear review of the x-e1. I'm tempted...

I love mine. Purchased it new when it came out and added the HG-XE1 hand grip to give it the same heft and grip of the X-Pro-1. With the 35mm f2, it's terrific and I'll never get rid if it.

Great video. For anyone thinking of buying an Xe1 or 2, the real magic of these sensors can be seen in large prints. My Xe3 was too clinical for me and just did not compare to the extent I have sold it and repurchased an Xe2. That plastic mount 15-45 zoom is a dark horse as well - not the fastest but surprisingly sharp.

totally agree, I've had mine since it first came out and haven't seen anything I would want to replace it with

Lovely colourful images from a great priced little camera

I almost bought an X-Pro1 in 2013 but opted for the X-E1. Two reasons, the dioptre adjustment on the viewfinder, and price. I still have it and every time I think about selling it, I remind myself about the images from the X-Trans 1 sensor. I agree about the abysmal focus peaking so I tend to use my X-Pro2 when shooting with manual focus lenses. Good review, thanks.

Hello - I always enjoy your channel. Old film tragic here. I bought the x-e1 4 months ago with the 27mm pancake lens - the no aperture ring version for $100 au. Which it turns out is an absolute bargain. I love mine. I have turned off the LCD screen on mine and only shoot through the viewfinder. I find it almost cathartic. I use an adapter for my Pentax lenses, my favourite is the Pentax - M 50 mm f1.7. I shoot totally manual and love the experience with this camera. The autofocus with the Fujifilm lenses is a two-edged sword, when it works I love it, when it misses I don't. Since using the Pentax 50 mm lens I've gotten more confident with manual focussing my Fujifilm lenses and am loving the process. Apologies for my long-winded comment. Kind regards B

Another great episode! Given the choice, I would like to see a domiplan video. That said, I would watch a lens servicing video with interest. I've struggled to work on CZJ lenses in the past so maybe I will pick up some tips.

My first X Mount purchase was the XPro1 with a lens package 18mm & 27mm both beautiful little lens I followed up with a XT10 and a XA2 my last purchase was the XE1 used and gives those beautiful colours of the XPro1 in a better package the only thing that lets them down was the single colour option with the focus peaking. Another excellent revue Thank you ! 😊👍🏼

You're very good and great review kind of...🙂

Lovely camera indeed! Thanks! I'd love to see the CZJ lens serviced and tested.

Good Day Nigel! Thanks a lot for covering my main camera for 3 years :) BTW, if you'll ever need better grip to use big lenses on such body, grip attachment costs peanuts for this one!

I’ve only had mine for a couple of months. I paid £77 for it. It’s an absolutely brilliant camera. Takes me back to the pre autofocus, pre digital days. It’s not perfect, but it has heart. It has helped me to enjoy photography again. 🙂

Here’s a tip for improved peak focusing - make up a custom patch with ramped contrast settings for both highlights and shadows when shooting in low light/ low contrast conditions. Focus, then switch to your regular custom patch to make an exposure. It works for me on my XE2s, and am sure it will work on the XE1.

The focus peaking isn’t nearly as good on the X-E1 as more contemporary Fuji cameras but I find that focus zoom (magnification) via the rear command dial is a considerable aid. I recently picked up an excellent copy to experiment with the X-Trans 1 sensor.

Great vid as ever! I literally just put my credit card away from ordering one of these after my xt10 went kaput. Can't wait to get it.

Ps Just finished watching to the end. I agree with everything you say about the focus peaking - it can be tricky and totally useless but the results when you get it to work are so worth it. Also I for one would love to see a video on the Carl Zeiss lens.

I really enjoyed this video.

Great video! Would love to see an episode on the Zeiss lens; perhaps you could do a repair video and final results? Cheers!

indeed a great little camera...thank you for sharing your insightful videos.... I was just wondering if the 15-45mm lens on the XE1 can also zoom on the front ring of the lens, as Ken Rockwell demonstrates it on a later model of this camera....for some reason I can't use that ring for zooming, only for manual focusing on my XE1....maybe I overlooked something on my settings?

super camera, been using it for years with vintage zuiko lenses. just bought a lensbaby obscura to go with it.

I have 2 XE-1 bodies..love this camera.

Focus peaking on x-e1 is bad, but magnification is OK. I only use it with manual lenses (chinese and CZJ), because AF is pretty slow. Switched from canon 6d and I don't regret it at all. Thank you for many great videos. Very unique and nice channel indeed!

Also yes, an episode where you fix a lens would be greatly appreciated!

I have one and still use it. It is simply great.

I have an X-E1 which I got at a 2nd hand shop for 80 euros + a bunch of DVDs worth 40-50 euros. As I already have an XT3, i've been using it as a 2nd camera for everyday use, and with the 18mm F2 is a great match for street. I've also started using my Pentax K mount manual lenses with an adapter, and they work wonderfully.

i have the xt1 ans i Like it so this day. Just bought a Fet 10 for is t cause i think it fit the camera realy nice and Compact.

Just bought a used X-E3 with one 23mm lens. I love how small it is and quality ( except tiny evf ). Would be interested in videos of adapted lenses for fujifilm. Have some old Zuiko lenses and thinking about getting some cheap old russian, pentax and nikon glass. Have no experience yet with doing this. Also interested in seeing how you would dismantle and clean a vintage lens. I enjoy your videos.

Great review. Ever looked at the Samsung NV7 7.2 M.P. an old boy with a macro that's jaw dropping.

This was my first Fuji X camera. Colors are spectacular - almost like chromes. Made thousands of images with it. I kept it and will not sell it. I also have the X-T1 and will get the X-T4 soon. Also still have the Fuji S2 and S3pro :-) Oh my, what a fanboi I am....

Great video thank you for sharing. I bought one about a year or so ago from MPB in mint condition for £140 so looks like I got a bargain. Due to the long Covid though I have not been able to try it yet. I bought it to use with my large vintage lens collection but it seems due to your comments on focus peaking its not going to work easy. I will have to invest in a Fuji X standard zoom.

Enjoyable especially as I have 2 Fuji X-E1's but at 1:25 as always. Yes, I would like to see the CLA.

Very underrated cam, was my EDC for a while. Only sold it to grab the X-Pro3.

Hi Nigel, A service on the CZJ Flektogon would be very interesting. However, it looks as if the auto diaphragm mechanism is locked off, which you can do with most CZJ lenses of that era. Just depress the release button, and whilst depressed, turn clockwise, that will unlock it, and try again.

Great video!!! I have every xe camera and the xe1 and XE2 produce more wonderful images but the focus peaking isn’t as good as the xe3 when using manual focus

I have an Olympus Pen E-P5 that I use and wish it had a built in EVF like that Fuji but oh well. The 20mm looks very interesting. I would be interested to see it cleaned up and compared.

Hi! thanks for review, i like it very much.What woud you preffer canon 5d classic or this?

I tried an Olympus OM System 28mm Zuiko lens on a recently purchased X-E1. Using the focus peaking feature I zeroed in on a subject about nine feet away. When I examined the lens distance scale it was at an indicated six feet. Since the lens is full frame I’m wondering if the focus/distance scale difference is a function of the 1.5 crop factor. Perhaps you or someone else know the answer. The issue isn’t so much a matter of focus point but rather depth of field.

Hi I would really like to see the Carl Zeiss Jena 20mm lens service and shoot. I have 1.8 50mm zebra Pancola which I devices and now use on my Sony A7. Really like the channel I have bought several of the cameras and lenses you have reviewed. Regards Robert

My favorite camera, i use this for street, portrait and travel with my industar 51 and 25mm cctv lens (yes cctv lens). One thing i don't like is the focus peaking is in white colour instead of red.

I'd like to see The Carl Zeiss lens stripped and cleaned. I'm always fascinated by videos like that. You can always come back to the cheapie lenses later.

Had no idea these had become so popular! Bought one back in the day when new and haven't actually bought a new camera since! Main downside is shooting manual lenses is tough and I do love some old glass (m42 stuff; 44-2, Takumars, Pentacon 135 etc, I keep an old Sony A100 for that, mainly because the sensor has quite a film like grain to it).

I love the X-E1. It produces amazing images. I agree about the focus peaking being practically useless. The punch to zoom functionality helps with focusing. It's a slow camera but I prefer the images that come out of this sensor over the newer sensors.

Thanks for the review! I watched a review by Chris Orange and since then have been looking for a camera with the original X-Trans sensor. I came here to watch because I found an X-E1 in excellent condition for $225.00. I just paid for it and it is being shipped out today! This will go along with my X-E2s and X-E3. I'm interested to compare images from the three. I do feel there is s difference between the X-E2s and X-E3 that's noticeable but hard to describe without using the word "filmic". I also agree that it will be a cult camera. X-Pro1 cameras have gotten pricey.

I’d be very interested in seeing your opinion on some of Sigma’s Foveon sensor cameras. The colours they can produce look incredible

My first Fuji was the XE1 & I loved it. I then replaced it with the X-Pro2 & I hated it. I currently own the XT3 but I could easily go back to the XE1/2 as a walk about camera. 👍

Nice review, another aspect of this camera is its versatility, when i bought my Fuji XF 100-400 zoom lens it was with the intention of doing my wildlife / bird stuff on this Camera body, and believe me it does work but take plenty of batteries because of course the camera body powers the lens, and of course the big Fuji lens comes with a tripod foot so attach your shoulder strap to that. i see so many guys carrying their huge lenses only suspend by the basic strap attached to them loop jobbies ( at side of camera shoulders) slung round neck , NOOO, but moved on to purchase my ( from new XT2). its a great little all rounder, and well its obviously not as tough as the Nikon F in the Vietnam war, but ya know treat your with respect . But diversely you touched upon the need by the Xpro1 to have a dioptre lens , i think thats perhaps kind of loyalty type thing, because to me my Xpro1 is like a bespoke suit? if that makes sense? its like MY camera, and yes , i do baby said Xpro1 , a bit like say a wealthy guy might take his vintage Rolls Royce out on sunny Sunday. Final comment, the Xe1, is an excellent tool for Macro work , with both 7 Artizans and Pergear lenses,

Super content ❣️

Nice. I just bought an x-e3 body for around 190 pounds (not from UK) with only a little bend at one of the dials :) Cannot wait to get my adaptors to use with my manual lenses. :)

MAKE BOTH VIDEOS!!! If i have to choose then the Zeiss 20mm service, shoot and review.

Great to see some love for the X-E1 from such an excellent channel as Zenography. After the X20 the X-E1 was my first mirrorless Fujifilm digital camera with removable lenses. I incorporated it in my kit professionally when I was still shooting weddings, and I've since gone on to acquire the X100S, X-T2, and X-T3. These days I still prefer the X-E1 as my favorite travel camera. There is definitely something special about the image quality from that sensor (which it shares with the X100S, by the way). If a magic firmware update could improve AF and focus peaking I would probably use this camera for a lot more purposes, including professional portraiture.

Great episode. Would love to see you fix up the 20mm.

Great Video! This is well filmed really well while walking, very little camera shake or blur. What kind of camera are you using?

Yes, 2.63 million dots in the EVF That original 16Mp X-Trans sensor has the most uniquely filmic looking output compared to any of their sensors since. It's a fun camera to play with if you don't mind the outdated menu system and 2012 tech (speed) performance.

Please review the 20mm. Almost got one for $250 in the states.

Adding an industar 50 collapsible lens on this looks so classic! For focus, i found zooming in helped a lot.

Good Review. I had the X-E1 but sold it a couple of months ago and bought an X-E2 which has a few more megapixels and upgraded focus peaking. It is a great little camera.

I'd like to see the CZJ being serviced and used, but also the 50s. If I have to choose then I just lean a little more towards the 50s as it's more relevant for me, but I'd still watch the other video happily.

I have an x-e3, and I think it's an amazing camera. Video is probably most of the "update" from earlier models.

Great video... explained slowly and carefully.... none of this american 2X speed speaking.... and thoughtful observations! Thanks.

I have 2 of these and I would totally get one more to not have to switch lenses while shooting. I'm sure this video will raise the price a bit, but I got mine for $150 each and consider it a steal at that price. I would not feel bad about paying $200-250 on one of these in good condition.

The X-E1 definitely had a smaller buffer than the X Pro 1 along with a few other missing features. I would be looking for an X pro 1 over the X-E1 in 2022. (still own both and neither are my main cameras anymore. Only every use the x pro 1 with vintage lenses when I really want that sensor image magic)

Hi man. Brilliant videos. Love them super informative. I'm a majority film shooter always interested in your views. Quick question. I'm thinking of getting the xe1. Trading in my rx100m2 which I'm finding frustrating due to button size. I'm however worried about the focusing as I'm planing to use vintage lens. My question is, I mostly use zone focusing for street which is my planned use of the xe1. Do you however think that even given that, the manual focusing of the xe1 will frustrate to much and I should just go for the xe2? Just wondering on opinion before mpb dispatch. Went for the xe1 for the sensor and the lower cost. Thanks Craig

Great video! How would you compare it to the E2 and E3?

Man your FUJI CAMS Reviews hit me right in the SOLARPLEXES .....LOVE FUJI so much .......XE2 was one of my First FUJI CAMS .....now I have the XE3 .....when you can you will love the awesome 4K XE3 gives as well .....XPRO cams are nice but I just love the size of the XE2 and 3 cams ......The OVF kind of did not do it for me either on the XPRO 1 or 2 .......Have not tried a XPRO 3 ......but with a WRIST STRAP and my 23 F2 I hit the street with all I need .....for night though I love my 35mm F1.4 ......YOU SIR ARE INSPIRING THE FUJI WORLD ......NEVER STOP .....BE WELL ...HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT DAY , or EVENING ....LLAP

I used hydrogen peroxide solution on a Miranda 24mm front element and the fungus disappeared but so did the coating! Would be interested to see what you use on the CZJ.

Just purchased X-E3 from Fuji official refurb £299 body only.Similar functionality to X-T2 but in a range finder style.Shutter speed differs at 4000,no tilting screen,no iso dial (easy swipe down with right thumb on screen) but importantly same options for peak highlights red,blue,white etc as X-T2. Bargin!

You convinced me. Found one body only for $150 (not mint but still works), I'm gonna get one just for giggles.

I really enjoyed your presentation of the XE-1 camera. However what really intrigued me was your picture quality of your camera as you walked around vlogging. What camera and lens were you using?

Told you 😍 📷 Still sad I sold this camera. Actually hated the white focus peaking also, but I got used to it and I predominately shoot black and white. My favourite lenses with this beloved camera were the SMC Takumar 35/3.5, the Pentax M 28/2.8 (even though I also have the F2.0 version, the 2.8 is the perfectly balanced lens on this puppy) and the incomparable standard Konica 40/1.8... I had a crazy idea to add a Chaika half frame lens to mine as like THE LENS for it but I couldn’t track one down and I got an X100V instead - nevertheless, I still miss manual focus with this camera. The X100V is the best camera ever made though, it really is special and does away with all of your misgivings with the X-Pro (in full agreement with your though which I couldn’t have articulated better myself) and the lens is still making my jaw drop after 120~ vintage lenses... The CZJ Ultra-wide restoration sounds fantastic!!!! All of it does... If you have the X-E1 and you don’t try the Konica 40 on it you are missing out.

I loves my X-E2s, but I would have loved a OVF. Also, the focus peaking for manual lenses was not that great compared to the X-T2 I also had. But yeah, the X-E line is great. If you shoot raw, Raw processing software has only gotten better over the years and bring new life to old cameras.

If you that then you'll love the XF10.

Using the X-Pro1 optical view finder with zone focusing, can be quite fast.

Hi thanks for another great video. Does the Fuji xt1 have the same sensor as the xe1? Thank s.

I think you are right at least in my opinion, I have owned the X-pro1 in the past and recently I bought the X-E1 for just £120 and man, apart from the nice dual EVF/OVF on the X-pro 1 but missing a diopter, I really prefer the X-E1 and just by tweaking the Exif raw files, I can get all the latest Fujifilm simulations on Capture One. as for the focus peaking yet it not suitable for all situation, in my case, I customised the depth of field to magnifier and use it that way for better focus in manual mode.

Nikon F3, F4 and on, Pentax LX, Olympus OM3, OM4 (and their titanium versions ) had diopter built in, from what I remember. Not many SLR's had it Maybe some Contax cameras, I'm not sure. Back in the day that feature was more of a luxury thing...

How do the X-E1 images compare with the X-T1 through the same lens? It will be enjoyable to see the CZJ 20mm service and testing next please. Afterwards exploring some cheepie prime vintage lenses is always fun, you never know what can be discovered :-)

Interesting... it would have been nice to have seen a side by side comparison of the XE1/XPRO1 pictures. There was always something about the XPRO1 pictures that I didn't like, when compared to my Canon. Maybe I was unjust, maybe not.

The X-M1 shares the same level of technology as this X-E1 and I found the focus peaking quite usable and not an impediment at all. The difference however is an articulated view screen instead of a an absent EVF. I have shot several vintage lenses over the last few weeks in strong sunlight as well including the Olympus 50/3.5, Meyer Optik 100/2.8, Takumar 55/2, zeiss 50/1.4. It is absolutely possible to do spot on focusing with white peaking w/ articulated back screen. Should point out that I do have an X-T30 which has several focus peaking colors to choose from making the focusing job even easier. I also own an X-E2 and find that non articulated back screen forces me to look thru the EVF and focusing with vintage lenses becomes a little of a chore.

Primero muchas gracias. Perdona que no dominó inglés, es pero pueda traducir. Una pregunta...ha probado alguna Pentax mx1 digital? Me gustaría saber su opinión. Gracias por adelantado

I’ve had mine since it came out. I have no idea how it has survived me for nine and a half years. As much as I would love a newer Fuji, I find the quality of my images depends more on my attitude and effort than anything else. The only real downsides are that it is very slow to operate, and the autofocus is rather primitive. It’s not really a good snapshot or action camera. Still, I’ll use it until it dies.

Do you think that even a fuji xa2 can be qualitatively good even if it does not have a viewfinder and bayer sensor? I would only use it for black and white

I have one yet myself. It's the camera I have bought twice if that tells you anything. I sold my first XE1 to get the XPro1. I didn't like it at all and had to buy another XE1 to replace it. The eyepiece diopter is ADJUSTABLE in the XE-1, it is not in the XPRO1-- you have buy different screw in optical interests.