What I’ve Learned After 2+Years w/the Fujifilm x100v
A Comprehensive Long Term Review
Today I’ll be sharing my long term thoughts on the Fujifilm x100v.
I’ve had this camera for about 2.5 years and it has been truly instrumental in the way I take photos. It’s been with me for a long time, and I’ve taken it all over the world from California beaches, to countries around Europe.
This won’t be a super technical review, since I’ve already made many videos about this camera. These thoughts will merely be in regards to using the V for a long time, with the intention of keeping it for many years.
“Midnight Mustang”
Los Angeles, 2022.
Is It Worth Keeping?
We’ll start here. This is kind of a question I’ve already answered, but yes, it’s definitely worth keeping. Ever since getting the x100v, it’s been my favorite camera for both practical and creative work. I simply don’t get tired of using it.
In terms of relevance over the years, it’s a highly updated camera that I don’t think will get outdated for a very long time. In my opinion, I feel like we’ve reached sort of a threshold in terms of speed (processing speed, startup time, autofocus). When using the x100v, I’m not very hindered by it’s capabilities. It’s well advanced to the point where I can just quickly turn it on, snap a photo, turn it off, and be well on my way. Talk about the definition of unobtrusive.
However, if a new version does come out, I’ll probably get it. I don’t think I’d ever sell this camera however, because it’s one I think I can continue using for a lifetime. It’s simply the sweet spot for me in terms of megapixels, sensor size, and functionality. Interesting enough, I think any technological improvements have the potential to make this camera worse, not better (by nature of changing what’s already good).
Overall, when using this camera I’m not so much hindered by it’s speed or functionality like I am with other cameras. It’s well built and oriented such that settings can be changed quite easily and with speed. Usually I’ll miss a shot due to no fault of the camera itself, but my own skill with the camera. Maybe I’ll be too slow to notice, or have the wrong settings predialed, or not be paying attention.
Overall it’s one of those cameras that just works as it’s supposed to, gets great images, and is real fun to use and enjoy.
“Silver Shore”
Big Sur, 2020.
Does It Get Old?
Short answer: no, it doesn’t.
I’ve shot with a wide range of cameras in the past few years like the X-T4, the X-Pro1, and even medium format film cameras like the Bronica SQ-A. None of them hit the mark quite like the x100v does. And now cameras are quite specific, so it definitely depends on what type of shooter you are.
However, for me personally, I can’t ever see it getting old. I still find myself picking up this camera consistently, and each time I do, I’m reminded why.
Now, there’s a lot of new Fujifilm gear coming out like the new XF 23mm f1.4 that may be of better quality, but there are still many aspects about this camera that I find special. Things like the built in nd filter, the optical viewfinder, and the flush tilting screen, make it such a versatile companion. You can shoot in both bright daylight and dark night. It’s weather sealed if you add a uv filter.
For what it is, it’s basically a complete package.
“Midday Moor”
Venice, 2021.
What It’s Good For/Not Good For
Over the years, the x100v is a camera that has gotten both a lot of praise and criticism. Much of the criticism I believe comes from users trying to use the V for things it’s not good for. Naturally, if you use any camera in situations where it’ll perform poorly, you’re going to think it’s a bad camera. So this begs the question: what is it good for?
Taking in mind the 35mm eq focal length, we can really delve into what kind of camera this is.
The 35mm eq is a slightly wider field of view. But the 35, along with the 50 eq are generally the field of views commonly stated as “natural” or “closest to the human eye”. Now, everyone sees the world a little differently, but in terms of standard photography these are the field of views you’ll get “relatable pictures” out of.
I prefer the 35mm eq over other focal lengths because it allows me to add context to my images. It’s slightly wider than the 50 eq, but not too wide like the 28mm eq (or a standard iPhone fov). So I like it because I can focus in on the subject without “getting too close”. In real life scenarios, it’s good for a variety of things like street photography, environmental portraits, and landscape photos. You won’t be able to get crazy wide or telephoto shots - but that’s not the point. This camera is build for everyday moments and candids - to capture beauty in its simplicity.
Taking in mind the quick and accurate lens, low light performance, flash functionality, build in nd filter, dual viewfinder, compact size, etc and you have basically a perfectly well rounded camera. It’s basically a super specialized camera to be used in all scenarios (from daytime to night time, from landscape to portait) - but for the 35mm eq specifically.
Ultimately, we sacrifice lens interchangeability for all of these features. In my opinion, it’s a well worthy sacrifice. The x100v is meant to be the perfect 35mm eq camera. No more, no less.
Minus the praise, this camera can be improved in certain aspects like video. I’ll be nitpicking a little bit because there’s really not much to poke at. The V has great video but struggles in terms of autofocus wide open. Typically this results in me raising the aperture or shooting in manual focus. So, while the autofocus is great for photography and single point acquisition, it struggles to hold focus in video.
“Piscolabis”
Barcelona, 2021.
Potential Room For Improvement
Overall, Fujifilm really hit the nail with this camera.
They gave us everything we wanted and more - so it’s going to be very hard to beat this camera with the next version.
I personally don’t think we’ll see a newer version for at least another year or two. There’s not a lot of room for super large improvements, and if there is - it’ll take some time. If Fuji did release a new version too soon, it might just end up just being an x100v 2.0.
Room for improvements may lie in better videos specs, better autofocus, ibis, etc. The flash can be improved for greater hit rates, since I do find myself missing focus if it’s too dark. Truly, I’m just nitpicking - none of these are deal breakers.
Personally I find the tilt screen to be perfect. Unobtrusive such that you can use it if you wish, and not be obstructed if you don’t. A dual hinge screen could be interesting as well (preferred over a fully articulating screen), but may come as a hindrance rather than an upgrade.
“Spitfire”
Paris, 2021.
The 35mm Lens
Next, I’d like to elaborate a bit on the 35mm eq lens. I’ve seen many comments about people wishing there to be an x100v version with a 28mm lens or a 40mm lens. This is natural, since we all have different preferences in terms of focal length. However, I do think 35mm is the perfect focal length for this camera.
Because you can’t switch lenses with this camera, you’re stuck with the same field of view. Therefore, I think it was in Fuji’s best interest to use the fov that is most versatile. What I like about the 35mm eq is that if you back up you can treat it like a 28mm. If you step up closer, you can use it like a 40mm lens. And I understand, the compression is different but I think the 35mm eq is the best compromise between those aspects. If we had a V with as 28mm lens or 40mm lens, it’d be difficult to use it like it’s wide/tele counterparts, thereby becoming an even more specialized camera.
This was the sweet spot. The best they could do, in my opinion. I believe the psychology behind this was to have a usable fov to incentivize having this camera on you at all times. If you’re willing to have the camera with you at all times, you’re going to use it more, take more pictures, and ultimately get better results.
Of course, Fuji’s solution to a limited field of view are the WCL and TCL lens attachment options, which can be useful if you prefer a different focal length - they just add a little bulk.
“Tower of Dreams”
Who is It For?
Overall, the x100v is a flexible camera - good for consumers to prosumers to professionals entirely. You can capture very high quality images to be used as prints. It’s nice and compact to use it casually. And it looks good - it’s still the camera I get the most compliments on. And it’s not shy in professional settings - it’s quite capable even in wedding scenarios.
So it’s a difficult question that I think is best answered by asking: who is this camera NOT good for?
Quite simply, this camera is not good for anyone who doesn’t like the 35mm eq.
If you don’t like the focal length, you won’t like this camera, period.
If you enjoy the focal length, you wont have any problems.
In conclusion, the x100v is a fantastic camera. It’s one of those cameras I’ll keep for a lifetime, regardless of the never ending stream of new gear being released. If you’re concerned about the hype or if it’ll live up to expectations, I’d first recommend finding a way to get your hands on one - so you can get a true feel for the camera itself. Try it out and see if you like it before taking the leap. Remember, there are no perfect cameras. Everyone requires something slightly different so don’t expect it to be something it’s not. Treat it for what it is and you might enjoy it more than you think.
Thanks for reading.
