A few months ago, I bought an X-Pro1 with four prime lenses and, when the silver graphite X-T1 was released, one of those bodies as well. My intention is, to test, if the X-system can replace my Canon gear (FF bodies and seven lenses).
While I’ve made friends with the X-Pro1 and have decided to keep it and the 35/1.4 plus 18/2 lenses, I’m trying hard to find a way of using the X-T1 for macro photography. It’s about the same size as my old X-700 and a delight to use hand-held. But some details are frustrating: I can’t find an angle finder which fits the camera and the macro lenses available don’t meet my expectations.
I’d love to have a tripod mount on the macro lens. While the new extension tubes from Fujifilm are handy, they’ll not replace a true macro lens. I’ve tried using some Minolta MD gear I have with a Novoflex adapter. While this does work, it’s a far cry from the ease and enjoyment using my 5D Mk III with 180/3.5 and tripod mount. I’ve found an adapter from Enjoy Your Camera which allows EOS lenses to be mounted to the X-T1 and separate aperture blades seem to function in lieu of the Canon lens aperture. Does anyone have experience with such an adapter?
I guess there’s the possibility of buying a 100 or 105mm macro lens with tripod mount for (e.g.) Nikon, then using a Nikon to Fuji adapter. The Leica 100/2.8 macro with tripod mount would be my favorite. But I’m still not yet convinced. Maybe I’m a bit scared of using adapters. Does anyone using the X-system have experience in this respect?
And since I often shoot macros close to the ground, I absolutely need an angle finder. I’m not keen on external monitors (iPhone or iPad) mainly due to wanting to limit gear in the field and the number of electric gadgets. (A digression: I recall noontime or late evenings with fellow photographers where we’d have finished photographing in the best light and then ate breakfast or enjoyed drinks. Today everyone is busy, downloading images and charging batteries. One of the things I miss from analog days.) Having to keep the X-T1’s OLED viewfinder (or the monitor) turned on for a long time while I compose the shot is quite battery-consuming.
I’ve taken some recent advice and am warming towards a Really Right Stuff L-Plate. Not the same as a tripod mount but I’ve used one before with my 5D and could get used to it.
Does anyone use X-System cameras frequently for landscapes and macros? How have you experienced a possible switch from D-SLR to this system? While I like the camera very much (very intuitive functions), I fear I’ll be too limited especially when shooting macros. The IQ is good enough for me (compared to 5D Mk III), so that is of no major concern. I’ve also found my workflow using LR5.