The Fujifilm X-Pro1 is nine-years-old. It was the very first interchangeable-lens X camera and also the first to have an X-Trans sensor. If it failed, this website and film simulation recipes probably wouldn’t exist. Thankfully, despite its shortcomings, people could see the potential, and the X-Pro1 was an instant hit.
My Fujifilm journey began with an X-E1, the X-Pro1’s little brother. I briefly shot with an X-Pro2, a camera that I loved. I never had an X-Pro1, but it’s a well-regarded camera, even today. The last Fuji Features article was entitled Fujifilm X-Pro3 in 2021, so I decided this week to find articles and videos about using the X-Pro1 in 2021.
Hopefully, you’ll find this post interesting, and it will help you get through another Hump Day. Maybe it will inspire you to add an old X-Pro1 to your camera collection. I did. More on that later.
No, I would not shoot an XPRO-1 in 2021. Same reason I do not shoot with the XE1 and the original X100 anymore.
Fuji had a great concept at the time, and I too am glad they succeeded and are where they are. While the ergonomics and IQ are not in question, the system speed, AF performance and battery life left me cold. I lost way too many shots with early Fuji x-mount cameras. So much so that I left them for micro four thirds. Took a slight hit in IQ, for the better performance that Fuji was lacking at the time.
It took until Fuji brought the XE3 out that I looked hard at the XPRO2. I now can happily shoot with the XPRO-2 and latest firmware, the XT3 and the X100V. With those cameras, Fuji has addressed the issues that I had with their lineup. Even to the point that I’m seriously considering replacing my Nikon DX cameras with the Fuji setups I have.
Keep in mind that all this is relative and dependent on what and how you photograph.
Those early cameras are definitely not speedy. The difference in autofocus is pretty incredible. I appreciate the input!
I would not shoot an X-Pro1 in 2021. Not that there is anything wrong with it…for slow photography it still going to be a nice camera. I simply never liked the X-Pro line…even a used one out of curiosity does not interest me. But on the other hand I very much recommend using older cameras if you do not need super fast AF or whatever number of megapixels. Myself I got a used XQ2 (because of your XQ1 video but I wanted Classic Chrome)….love this six year old camera.
Those XQ cameras are way underrated. They should get a lot more love than they do. I appreciate the comment!
The XQs are difficult to get at least here in Europe. I guess people who own them now know what they have and keep them. Sony RX100s are like sand on the beach on ebay.
Lol! I think that says a lot!
For me it is a delicate balance. I’m probably a bit weird in that I become attached to my cameras. So, deciding to move on to a newer version of a “beloved” Fujifilm model is sometimes difficult. I know, sentimentality really makes no sense.
But, when I look a camera I’ve owned for awhile, I say to myself, “Oh, the places we’ve been!” Even weirder, sometimes I check the EXIF to see what past camera I used to take a picture I’ve taken.
Finally, as they say it is not the equipment but the photographer. And sometimes I find that a personal embarrassment when I compare some of my pics to other peoples’ 😉
The X-Pro1 and other cameras from it’s time are still very capable. They might not be super speedy, but they’re still solid tools. Sometimes nostalgia is good, and keeps you from having so much unnecessary G.A.S.
I must confess: I’m one of those shooting with an X-Pro1 in 2021. I do have an X-Pro3 as well and I appreciate it’s technical progress, reliability and speed. Since I started with it in 2014 I’ve lost literally hundreds of good shots due to the X-Pro1’s lame AF. But I also shot my best pictures with this camera. I keep it, take care of it, have it customized (https://jazzlampe.com/2020/05/21/neue-kleider/) and have it ready for those days when I need the feeling: Photography as a slow and sensual act.
Both cameras share the same concept but I use them in a completely different way. (OVF, P-Mode and plain Pro Neg Hi on the X-Pro1 vs. EVF, Electronic shutter, A-Mode and lots of recipes n the X-Pro3). Different photography, different pictures – it helps to expand my style.
Awesome! That’s a great approach! I love how your X-Pro1 looks, it’s “new clothes” are great!
I think that the prospect of new recipes for the old XTrans I is enough to push me over the edge into purchasing an X-Pro 1. I’ve always been intrigued by it and there’s enough about it that is different from what I currently use (X-Pro 3, X-E3, OG X-100) that it would offer a different shooting experience. I’m really looking forward to what you come up with!
Awesome! I hope to create several new recipes very soon!
I just received my X-Pro 1 and I have to say that I am really impressed by the output! I like the combination of your Xtrans 1 Monochrome recipe and an old Fujinon 5cm f2.8 ltm lens.
I like pairing X-Trans I and II cameras with older lenses. There’s something special about it. Thanks for the comment!
Glad to see you own an Xpro1 and write about it. I use Fuji since 2015, got the X100T new and it still goes strong. Was close to go for an X100V last year, but the ‚T‘ is plenty for me and I really took care of it, still looks mint, even though always on me.
Bought a minty Xpro1 last year as I wanted to get into Fuji’s ICL system and really like it. Of course it is slow, AF as well, EVF is better than expected, not great but workable. Actually AF with newer lenses is way faster, have the 18/2 and 35/1.4 and tried an 23/2 recently, wow it became a different camera! So I think ‚fujicrons‘ is the way going fwd I think.
But the feel to use the old Xpro1 is just something special. Rather then a tool it is more a companion, a mate. And one shoots obv different with a camera like that.
I do very much enjoy the ‚old diva‘.
Cheers from Switzerland
Mitch
Those “old” Fujifilm cameras are great! There’s something special about them, despite the shortcomings. Like you said, more of a companion than a camera. Thanks for the comment!
I love my XPro1, it has something special about it that feels right and produces a more film like raw file. I think that and the XT1 were the sweet spot in terms of the results from both cameras. My 5D MkIV is reserved for commercial work or when I need that sharp, clinical look that new sensors give but anything else I’ll pick up one of my first generation Fujis. The limitations of 16mp make me more aware of getting my composition right as there’s less room for cropping. I wish we could put that sensor in the latest Fuji body but honestly I can live with it’s failings and quirks.
The X-T1 is such a great camera! The X-pro1 is good, too, but not quite that “sweet spot” yet still good. There’s no reason not to enjoy these “old” cameras in 2021. Thank you for the comment!
XPro1s shine at high-iso night photography. In 2022. Enough said. I bought two spanking new ones in 2015 and have kept them in the box until not long ago, when I discovered their qualities.
What a great discovery! Thanks for sharing!
I’m down to only using the X-Pro1 now. I have an X-T3 that I am prepping to sell. I also bought a minty Japan-refurbished X-Pro1 as a back-up for when my luck-of-the-ebay-draw X-pro1 eventually dies. (Yes, I’m hoarding X-Pro1 bodies…). If I want a fast snap or an immediate in the moment response, I have an iPhone. When I want to take my time, when I want interesting monochrome, or that magic film feel, out comes the X-Pro1. Mine came with a 35mm 1.4 lens, which at the time, I had no idea the mythology surrounding this combo. It took a couple of years to get used to the 35mm. I had one of the first X70’s in Canada and used it extensively, to the point where I “saw” that focal length everywhere I looked. To date, I’ve added Fuji’s 27mm (1st gen), a 56 1.2, and the 18mm 2. What I would love is to see a bunch more X-Trans 1 film recipes. No wifi? Don’t care – the cable loads pictures way faster and without the hassle of pairing. No GPS? I usually know where I am. Slow and hunting AF? Just aim at a point of contrast and work from there. I do street and landscape, so I’m not trying for fast action. In any case, I’ve found my home in the X-Pro1 and I hope to keep connecting with others that are pushing the limits of a 10 year old camera! Thank you for your posting and blog.
That’s really amazing! Thank you for sharing.
Which recipe(a) for later generations of X-Trans would you say come close to the color/quality/vibe of the X-Pro 1?
Specifically, recipes for X-E3/Pro 2 shooters? 🙂
I don’t think I’ve been asked this before. The X-Trans I options are more simple. I think you could use X-Trans I recipes on your X-Trans III cameras. Make sure Grain is Off, since X-Trans I doesn’t have that. Also, X-Trans I is slightly warmer than X-Trans III, so maybe try including a +1R -1B (or even +1R -2B) WB Shift adjustment over whatever the X-Trans I recipe calls for (for example, if it calls for -1R -4B, try 0R -5B instead). The Highlight/Shadow/Color adjustments aren’t 100% exactly the same, so you might have to change those by one… maybe. Don’t use Classic Chrome. I’m not sure that this is much help, but I hope it is somehow.