Luminous Landscape Forum
Equipment & Techniques => Mirrorless Cameras => Topic started by: DaveCurtis on October 11, 2013, 06:32:34 pm
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I'm considering buying a Fuji x-pro1 largely because I like the hybrid viewfinder idea. I had five minutes in the local camera shop with one yesterday and was rather impressed.
I would like feed back from owners of the camera. Which mode do they now prefer OVF or EVF.
Many thanks
Dave
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There's a discussion of this in one of the dedicated Fuji forums. Dunno if I'm allowed to post a link, but here goes:
http://www.fujixspot.com/showthread.php?t=1868 (http://www.fujixspot.com/showthread.php?t=1868)
In essence the OVF is fairly limited in usefulness. OK for the 18-35mm range primes but the zooms and other primes are less well served. I can't say this from personal experience 'cos I use an X-E1.
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Thanks Albert
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I got my X-Pro when it was first released so I have used it a lot. I use the OFV a bit, especially with some of the primes or the 18-55mm, but I have started using the EVF more. In low light or with the telephoto the EVF is best. For walking around and some scenic stuff I use the OVF, especially if I want to see objects and action that might be outside of the frame to anticipate it. Initially I did not care all that much for the EVF but now I have gotten used to it, nice thing, is it is really easy to switch between it.
The other thing is the X-Pro feels much better in my hands than does the X-e1. I bought I X-E1 for my wife, it is smaller and just not as easy for me to hold as the X-Pro so to that is more important in the long run.
Alan
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I find that I prefer the optical finder but will switch to the EVF when I'm trying to keep lines straight or frame accurately.
Most of my shooting has been with the 35mm lens, but recently I got the zoom and found I still prefer the optical finder. Once I get out to the long end of the zoom's range I do tend to switch over to the EVF.
I'd say the split is probably 75/25. With my x100, the split was even more lopsided towards the optical finder.
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In my instance it depends what I am doing. If I am say shooting at an event with shorter lens, say the 14 or 35mm I like the OFV it allows one to see things in real time & with no lag. The viewing area is also larger, it allows you to see things as they enter and exit the frame lines.
I also do a fair amount of close up work using the standard & macro lenses. Parallax becomes an issue here with the OFV, switch to EFV and you have the wonderful option to magnify the image in the viewfinder or back LCD to aid in focusing at either 3x or 10x. The frame is the same size as what the sensor records
I also have the 55-200 tele zoom and find the EFV is the only option here.
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Thanks Guys,
It sounds like both view finders work well together.
I have noticed reading the x-pro1 threads is that some photographer with DSLR backgrounds find the OVF rather limiting while many photographers with a Leica rangefinder background find the OVF great.
I suppose the question now is, is it worth while getting the X-pro1 this late in the cycle or wait for the x-pro2 ?
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They will announce the new version of the X-E2 this Friday, and who knows when the new X-Pro will get announced. I guess it depends on your need, is a camera in hand and taking pictures worth more than holding off for the next generation? One of the things I did when the X-Pro 1 was first announced was I rented it from Lensrentals.com and I liked it enough that I ordered it, and I have used it a lot for the 18 months or so since I have had it. I have used it way more than I used my dslr, it easier to carry etc. But then it is hard to say what features a new camera will have, Fuji does have a good track record of listening to users. If a new camera comes out with features I can really use then I will probably upgrade and keep the X-Pro as a backup, but until then I can enjoy and use what I have to take pictures.
Alan
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I have recently bought a used XPro1, after dipping into the Fuji X system last July with the XE1. The XPro1 is almost 2 years old, when it was first introduced, the kit with the 35mm was around 2200 euros in Portugal. Now one can get it for 1200 euros. I got the camera only, hardly used, for 650 euros. Quite a nice deal for a fantastic and unique camera.
So if you get a good opportunity to buy one, do not hesitate.
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Optical viewfinder when timing is important (any action, street, etc.). Electronic with static subjects (portraits, architecture, landscape, macro. etc).
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There are several situations where the OFV is really helpful. Shooting in very bright sunlight for instance. Or something like that where a OFV with much space around the effective picture is really helpful.
Harald
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2853/10389921304_9a32584de4_c.jpg)
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Optical viewfinder when timing is important (any action, street, etc.). Electronic with static subjects (portraits, architecture, landscape, macro. etc).
I personally never use the OVF but I am probably indeed more to be found in the 2nd group.
I could probably do with an X-E2 although I like the size of the X-Pro1 better. Seems to fit my hands better.
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I ordered and tested an X-Pro-1 early in its product cycle and was really disappointed with focus performance. So it went back.
Earlier this some I came across a used sample with a couple of lens and picked it up. The newer firmware solved the focus problem.
Long ago I had Leica M4s and loved them for some applications, also using SLRs and Hassys for other work.
As others have said, the OVF is a great feature, especially with wider lens or when wanting to see what's going on around the image area.
Then again, the EVF is a nice resource as well for macro, or with longer lenses. Kind of like an electronic version of the ViseFlex housing I had with my M4s for longer lenses.
If is decide to get a second body for the system it will be a XE2. However, if just one body I would always want the OVF option.
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I have been using X100 for about two years. In most cases I prefer the EVF, there is no other way to know if the focus is right. On a sunny day, I am very happy to be able to switch to the OVF. I guess I can give a better feedback in a week or two, I am expecting a X-E2, XF14mm and XF35mm tomorrow.
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I got one for the optical finder. Got rid of the X-E1 partly because it did not have the optical finder. Nothing wrong with its electronic finder but I like the optical finder and having the option with the X pro1 is nice.
Biggest advantage for me with the change is a simple one - the X-Pro1 is the right size in my hands. The X-E1 was just too small to be comfortable shooting. We are all different and most would probably love the smaller body - I just could not use it easily because of its size.
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I use the OVF 99% of the time when I'm using the xf 18mm or 35mm lenses. The OVF and those 2 lenses are a fine combo.
Recently I got the XF14mm (great) lens. Using the 14mm I find I'm using the EVF most often.
The larger body of the 14 blocks more of the view in the OVF than do the other 2 lenses.
I'm pondering getting the XF23 mm but think the OVF blocking will be an even bigger issue with that lens. Since this is my favorite focal length
I'm inclined to think that the 100s camera with it's fixed 23 mm lens may be the better choice
I'm finding that lenses with larger/longer bodies work best with the EVF.
The EVF is ok but I'm partial to the OVF. It's pretty nifty the X-pro1 has a hybrid viewfinder.
-JimD
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... I'm pondering getting the XF23 mm but think the OVF blocking will be an even bigger issue with that lens. Since this is my favorite focal length...
Go and buy the 23mm lens. It's a honey and you won't regret that! Because it's not using the full OVF-Frame the effective blocking is much smaller that the 35mm lens (without that ugly monster lens hood)
Harald
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Go and buy the 23mm lens. It's a honey and you won't regret that! Because it's not using the full OVF-Frame the effective blocking is much smaller that the 35mm lens (without that ugly monster lens hood)
Harald
Thanks, I forgot to consider how the field of view fits in the view finder!
The 14mm pretty much fills the window of the OVF.
Now I'll need to ponder where I'll get the funds for the XF23mm lens. Bye-bye Canon? ;)
-JimD
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On Friday there is supposed to be a new update from Fuji for the X-Pro 1 and one of the things it adds is the framing is more accurate in the OVF, which has been one minor complaint some people have and it will also add features to auto iso, like setting minimum shutter speed etc. Also the exposure settings will now actually show in the EVF as well so you can gauge exposure more easily. Here is the press release:
http://www.fujifilm.com/news/n131128_03.html
Alan
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I just love Fuji's consistent firmware updates improving their existing cameras and keeping them up to date. To me it's a smart and welcomed value proposition for the customer. ;D
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I just love Fuji's consistent firmware updates improving their existing cameras and keeping them up to date. To me it's a smart and welcomed value proposition for the customer. ;D
or rather a sloppy work by Fuji as they can't get things right w/o multiple iterations.
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I'd rather have the firmware changes over time than buying a camera with problems only to find out a new, nearly exact model comes out to fix the problems. I guess it's the view of the glass half full vs half empty.
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I'd rather have the firmware changes over time than buying a camera with problems only to find out a new, nearly exact model comes out to fix the problems. I guess it's the view of the glass half full vs half empty.
+1. Very happy with what Fuji has provided up till now. Excellent image quality and every lens has been spot on!
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I have no problem with this. In the end it's a great camera.
or rather a sloppy work by Fuji as they can't get things right w/o multiple iterations.
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or rather a sloppy work by Fuji as they can't get things right w/o multiple iterations.
In digital nobody gets it right on delivery.
Some even get it wrong on purpose.
As mentioned at least Fuji stays on it, without asking you to fork over another grand or two to see if version 2 works.
Because I used an S2 and liked it, fuji use to give me stuff. Gave me an S3, (didn't like it), gave me a huge printer (liked it but cost a trillion dollars to make a print) and they'd come by, chat, ask how it's going, tell a few stories about someone we both knew that threw cameras around the room, but never, ever asked me to plug their products, read from a script or do anything other than use their stuff.
Fuji is rather unique about this and I honestly think they like photography, even some photographers, which I'm not sure most camera companies do.
IMO
BC
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I was able to use an X Pro 1 this summer, and ended up buying a complete Fuji system -- but with a pair of XE1 bodies, not the X Pro 1. I didn't see a compelling reason to pay an extra 50% for the optical viewfinder, as in my perfunctory tests it didn't do much for me. I'd been shooting micro 4/3 for my small cameras, so I was used to an EVF, and the XE1 viewfinder is fine except for the refresh rate (fixed on the XE2.)
Then it took me several months to become comfortable with the Fuji cameras -- which is several months more than I expected :) Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago, and I purchased a second-hand X Pro 1 body. It took me a full day of shooting to figure out the OVF -- exactly where it is focusing, what the frame lines mean, etc. Since then, I find that I use the OVF and the EVF about equally -- OVF with the 35mm lens, in good light, for general walk-around photography. EVF for closeups, or when I need to be sure of the exposure before shooting, or with the longer zoom or the 14mm.
I'm looking forward to the next firmware update, to see how much more accurate the OVF framelines might be. Plus being able to set a minimum shutter speed in Auto ISO will help, though it would be better for me if they fix the Exposure Compensation bug in manual mode using Auto ISO. That would make me very happy.
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In digital nobody gets it right on delivery.
there is a difference between that and what Fuji does... consider CDAF from Fuji and CDAF in m43 for example ;D
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ah, but consider CDAF from m43 and CDAF in Nikon 1 for example ;D
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I've had the X-Pro1 for well over a year. For what it is worth most of my shots are with the OVF.
It takes a bit of work to get used to - say a few hours of shooting. I'd say that if you have a 100 or X-Pro1 and don't make the small effort to understand it you are robbing yourself of a great opportunity.
To me it's far superior to the EVF - natural light, seeing outside the frame etc.
Same with the X100s - mostly OVF.
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OVF was the #1 reason I got an XP1… and eventually and x100s. lets face it, although the Fuji sensor is incredible, you don't realize that until after a few months of shooting and processing and comparing to your other gear. I was looking for a compact camera with interchangeable lenses that had an OVF and unfortunately couldn't afford that setup in Leica gear, nor would I have went the Leica M9 route after spending a weekend with a demo and processing the files. Ive been down the road with the Panny 4/3 cameras with hotshot EVF and built-in EVF, and I always went back to lugging my 5Dmk2 with a 50mm around in my man purse. The x-pro1 was the answer b/c of the finder. I am a commercial shooter who works on H3/H4 and the EVF never cut the mustard. my $.02
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I was looking forward to the x-pro2 however it doesn't appear to be coming in the short term according to Fuji.
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I've had the X-Pro1 for well over a year. For what it is worth most of my shots are with the OVF.
It takes a bit of work to get used to - say a few hours of shooting. I'd say that if you have a 100 or X-Pro1 and don't make the small effort to understand it you are robbing yourself of a great opportunity.
To me it's far superior to the EVF - natural light, seeing outside the frame etc.
Same with the X100s - mostly OVF.
I'm pretty much in the same boat. Really enjoy the OVF on the X-pro1 and the 100s. The wrinkle came when I got the XF 14mm lens, it is large enough that it intrudes
more than I'd like into the OVF. I'm not real fond of the EVF but find I'm using that 90 % of the time with the XF 14.
I'm one of those who are pleased that Fuji continues to enhance their products with firmware upgrades. The tools keep getting better and better this way. I've not experienced this with my Canon gear.