Fujifilm sent me an X-Pro3 camera and 33mm f/1.4 lens to borrow for a few weeks. I get to use them, but I don’t get to keep them. In fact, if you’ve ever read a review of this camera or lens, there’s a good chance that this exact copy is what was reviewed. I don’t have any obligation to write a review, but of course I will, after I’ve had a chance to put the camera and lens to the test.
My initial impressions of the X-Pro3?
I currently own an X-Pro1, and I’ve extensively used an X-Pro2; the X-Pro3 is a very similar camera. The headline difference is the backwards-mounted rear screen, which I think people will love, hate, or both love-and-hate simultaneously. It’s way too early to know for sure, but I think I’m going to be in that love-hate category. Maybe once I use it more I will feel differently about it. I wonder, though, why the rear screen doesn’t swing to the side instead of down? I find it less than ideal when I need to use it, but I do like that the camera is designed to encourage you to not use the screen, because, when you don’t need it, the experience is better when it is hidden. I love the little “box top” screen that’s in its place. Inside, the X-Pro3 is a lot like other X-Trans IV cameras, such as the X100V. The ability to save in 16-bit TIFFs could be reason enough to buy this camera, although I haven’t examined this closely yet. So far, the X-Pro3 seems to be a workhorse body that one could happily use for many years. Be on the lookout for a full-review in a few weeks.
My initial impressions of the Fujinon 33mm f1.4?
Amazing lens! Do I need to say more? It’s definitely bigger and heavier than my Fujinon 35mm f/2, but also perhaps optically superior and with great character, which says a lot, because the 35mm f/2 is a great lens. The Fujinon 33mm f/1.4 is for the X system what the Fujinon 63mm f/2.8 is for the GFX system, but maybe better. There will be a full-review of this lens in the future, but I can tell you right away that you won’t be disappointed if you should buy it—it really is a fast 50mm-equivalent prime lens that’s top-notch.
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Fujifilm X-Pro3 Amazon B&H
Fujinon 33mm f/1.4 Amazon B&H
Example photographs, all straight-out-of-camera JPEGs captured on a Fujifilm X-Pro3 and Fujinon 33mm f/1.4:
Hi, Ritchie! I have an X-Pro3 and have been very curious how the 33/1.4 balances on it. I was thinking about renting this lens to see for myself, but am very interested in your opinion. I already have the 35/1.4 and 35/2 so this isn’t the highest of priority lenses for me, but curious nonetheless. Thanks!
It’s balanced very well on it. I think it would be slightly large and heavy on the X-E line, and maybe the X-TXX series, too, but X-Pro, X-TX, and X-H lines are perfect for it.
It seems to have a wonderful character, makes me recall my time with the 35mm f1.4, specially “Fake Succulent on Table” which is a very nice photograph. About the X-Pro 3 makes me recall a bit my Sony R1, whose viewfinder was in the top of its DSLR-like camera body, so when you use it it was like using a medium format camera with waist level viewfinder, while most of the time it would encourage you to use the proper viewfinder. That hadn’t be possible with the slim body of the X-Pro3, but still I feel attracted to the idea of having a total non-digital (if I want) shooting experience with the optical viewfinder, another thing I miss from my Sony R1 is the joystick to select focus points, glad it is implemented here too.
The joystick and optical viewfinder are excellent, no doubt about it. I appreciate your kindness!
Hi Ritchie! Great article! I owned the X-Pro3 and the XF 33/1.4.
Totally I agree 😉!
What I miss? – The update of the new filmsimulations, WB options and half step contrast.
BR Thomas 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Thanks, Thomas! It’s a real shame the Fujifilm hasn’t given the X-Pro3, a premium model, a firmware update with Eterna Bleach Bypass, white balance options, and half-step Highlight & Shadow adjustments. I appreciate the comment!
I have that little button inside the switch that allows you to go between the EVF&OVF set to review shots. better than taking your eye away from the view finder.
Great idea! Thanks!
Thanks for the personal review and the beautiful pictures!
I wish my X-E4 had a backwards mounted Display, since I always use the EVF only… except for reviewing images. It gives you that film feeling back. I loved it with my Pen-F (nice camera, horrible menu and mediocre sensor) and it also forces you to compose and expose properly and brings your pace down. Talking of pace: a Japanese friend of mine bought the X-Pro3 and a fully manual lens for that exact reason… looking at his pictures I can already see an improvement!
I agree! I look forward to trying the X-Pro3 with manual lenses. I appreciate the comment!
Hi Ritchie, nice lens, although no need for me to upgrade from the wonderful 35mm 1.4 which I have grown to like beyond expectations :). Love your pictures and color grading; especially that “February Reaching” picture is fantastic!
Thanks so much! I wonder why Fujifilm made both the 35mm f/1.4 and 33mm f/1.4, because they’re so similar. No reason to own both, for sure.