I love the Fujifilm X-E5. In my opinion, it’s the greatest iteration of the X-E series—probably objectively so, and not just subjectively. This line is one of my favorites, and I have a special place in my heart for it—an X-E1 was my gateway into the X-Series. But there’s something a bit unusual going on within the Fujifilm community regarding this new camera—I noticed it, so I thought I should comment on it.
By “Fujifilm community” I mean online. Something that I realized over the last year, after meeting thousands of you, is that the in-person Fujifilm community is much different than the online community. Yes, some are in both worlds, but there are many trolls, haters, and constant complainers on the internet that simply don’t exist in real life. Maybe they’re hiding, but they don’t show up to photowalks, classes, and events. Thankfully, most of those people avoid this website, probably because I don’t put up with it (I would encourage other websites to crack down on the toxic behaviors found throughout the comments sections). You see them elsewhere in droves (although trolls can have multiple pseudonyms, appearing to be many people, when it’s actually only one). In real life, the Fujifilm community is kind, friendly, and respectful—basically, just normal people.
Prior to its announcement, the view I held of the Fujifilm X-E5 (and I wrote about it several times) is that the camera should be basically the same as the X-E4, with only small changes. Prioritize size, weight, and affordability. Add an M/C/S switch, a rear command dial, and the X Processor 5, and call it good. However, the feedback I got from the community is that most disagreed. My opinion was clearly a minority opinion. Folks wanted the next X-E camera to be an interchangeable-lens X100VI, are as close to that as practical. I was not surprised that Fujifilm listened to the community, and made that camera. With the X-E5, Fujifilm delivered on what most had asked for.
It’s not what I asked for, but that’s ok. I’m just one person. Besides, I’m not always right. The camera that Fujifilm made instead is quite excellent. It has the 40mp X-Trans V sensor, IBIS, very nice build quality, and a newly designed Film Dial. You can program up to 11 Film Simulation Recipes into it, more than any other Fujifilm camera. There’s a heck-of-a-lot to like. All of those upgrades add up. That, plus accounting for inflation and tariffs (in America), the X-E5 is the most expensive X-E iteration. It’s no longer an entry-level model, but clearly mid-tier.
For those who had requested the camera to be an interchangeable-lens X100VI, they should put their money where their mouth is. Years ago, there was a push within the community for a longer telephoto prime lens—at the time, the Fujinon 90mm f/2 was the longest. Fujifilm listened to the input from the community, who said the lens needed to be long and sharp and fast. “If it ain’t f/2,” some publicly stated, “I ain’t buying.” Well, Fujifilm made the lens that many had asked for—an extremely excellent lens, too. But few purchased it. Why? Because it was large, heavy, and really expensive ($6,000!). Be careful what you ask for, because you just might get it.
Once bitten, twice shy. If the community asks for something and Fujifilm delivers, but then not many buy, do you think that they’ll continue to listen? If you asked for something and it came to pass, I feel you are obligated to put some skin in the game. What I see online, though, is the opposite. “Nobody asked for this,” is a statement that I’ve read a number of times now in comments on articles and videos about the X-E5. People are pretending that this isn’t the camera they requested.
I’ve had a front row seat to all those who asked for it, and it was a lot of people. Not a few; it was a ton. I cannot tell you how many times I read, “No IBIS, no buy.” And, “It better have the 40mp sensor!” I cannot count the number of times someone said, “I just want an interchangeable-lens X100VI.” You probably read those same statements, too. Like the Fujinon 200mm f/2 lens, some of those who asked for it are now pretending they didn’t.
The X-E5 will prove to be a popular model, and likely will be the all-time best-selling X-E camera. Those folks who had asked for it but are now pretending that they didn’t because it costs more money than they expected, their purchase is unnecessary for the success of this camera. Still, I find it frustrating when people say one thing, but, when push comes to shove, they do the opposite. If you advocated for this camera, don’t complain that they made it; instead, appreciate that they listened to you—otherwise, you risk ruining that Fujifilm actually listens to the community.
I’m reminded of the Fujifilm GFX100RF. There were people, mostly trolls, haters, and constant complainers, who were never going to be happy. They created a damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don’t situation for Fujifilm. If the camera didn’t have this or that, it was garbage for not having it; however, if it did have this and that, it was too big, heavy, and expensive. In the case of the GFX100RF, it didn’t have IBIS or an f/2 lens, so it was garbage. In the case of the X-E5, it does have IBIS and 40mp, but it costs significantly more money, so Fujifilm has lost the plot. Fujifilm can’t win; only the trolls win.
Of course, the real winners are those who grab their cameras—whatever those cameras are—and head out to photograph. Whatever people say on the internet doesn’t actually matter; what does matter is what you do in real life—the people you meet, and the pictures you create. You don’t need the latest gear to do that, you don’t need the Fujifilm X-E5. Most likely, whatever you already have is sufficient. Sometimes you do need new gear, should something break or maybe what you have isn’t ideal for your needs. Sometimes new gear can inspire you to pick up your camera instead of letting it collect dust. But, for the most part, you already have what you need. The excessive negativity on the internet is just nonsense, and is safe to ignore. And those trying to create a revisionist history of the X-E5 are being dishonest—I was there, and I remember what was said.
Very good article and reminder Ritchie. Thx for it.
I can only concur with you and the bunch of trolls on-line a real shame (one reason I do not comments on Fujirumors, left Instagram & Facebook…).
You’re doing the right thing to keep them off here. I’ll do the same as a former forum moderator with keeping the net etiquette if I was running a blog like you. Thank you deeply to keep your website like this 🙏
For my part I just love my GFX100RF, don’t mind at all it cost the less of the GFX lines (I could not afford another one, unless secondhand), be extra light and not too bulky for a GFX got plenty of physical dials including the control lever + digital zoom one.
An expended X100V, both with no IBIS. Do not mind at all the lack of it and having not a fast lens (well in GFX world /term and it’s optical design for such a format it is more than good actually!).
So I really thanks Fujifilm designer from bringing the RF to us 👌🙏
And indeed about the X-E5, it is as you put very right the label on it, a X100VI with interchangeable lenses.
Only lacking weather sealing, Trollers waiting for you 🤔🤣
Do not care much for me as the construction is superb and follow the RF (same aluminium block construction 👌).
And of course with all that it cost the price of a X100VI! No wonder!
Trollers: stop complaining, you get what you asked for!
I received early this month my X-E5 (not in kit). Gorgeous in silver. Realy well done since the X100V Fujifilm. Just Leica grade (Woops 😁😉).
Just love the new film sim dials with the 3 FS recipes slit (at last the name is recognised 👏, about time), the classic viewfinder mode, and it got even to my surprise a SD card slot UHS-II (amazing as the X100VI dies not).
And cherry on the cake it got a control lever as the GFX100RF and a couple aspect ratio unable like it big brother.
So sharing in fact quite a few DNA with the GFX100RF.
That’s why I also appreciate both camera and they both make quite a difference with their older siblings mainly the X100VI and X-T5. It is quite astonishing in fact.
So with all that goodies in such a format and weight, I could not not to upgrade to the X-E5 😉
It’s wonderful (pricely for a X) camera 👌
Like you, I wish and it should have a lot of success 🤞
But I agree also fully with you, Ritchie, I would have preferred a less costly camera and simple ‘natural’ evolution of the X-E4.
Perhaps the X-T30 III / 40 will fill the price gab. I hope so as with inflation and tariffs war, Fujifilm is getting pricey.
As no X80 or XF20 (this time with a X-Trans sensor, please) nor XQ3, Fujifilm is still lacking a small pocketabke camera and real competitor to the GR (now IV). And here it’s been a very very long while that whole Fujifilm (on-line and real world) is waiting for a X80.
I hope the successful X-Half will at last convince Fujifilm that is market back for such little but powerful camera lines.
Hence I’ll keep my X-E4 as it for the moment the lightest and small X camera with interchangeable lenses.
I’ll convert it though to Full Spectrum and will put a hotmirror filter to give it back it’s normal sight when willing to.
I will be small and compact all purpose camera for me 😉
Nothing is wasted, just transformef 😉
The XE5 is pretty much what I was hoping for. I liked the XE3, disliked the XE4. The XE5 is back on track. I don’t need 40mp, but it does no harm. My camera of choice is the Leica CL but as Leica has sadly abandoned apsc, the XE5 is my CL2.
Nick
The X-E4 is one of my favorite and most-used cameras. Being small and lightweight, it’s so good as a travel companion, especially with a pancake like the 27mm f/2.8. The X-E5 (and the X-E3, but especially the X-E5) is a bit larger and heavier, but not so much that it is too large or too heavy, only slightly more than the X-E4. Once my X-E5 comes (my preorder wasn’t in the first batch), I’ll have to figure out where the X-E4 stands. I don’t have any intentions to sell it, so I’ll have to figure out a purpose for it (I have a couple ideas…).
Thanks for the input!
I preordered an X-E5 from a local camera store, but apparently I wasn’t very quick, because I wasn’t in the first batch. I probably could have gotten one from Amazon or B&H, but I don’t “need” the camera—I only want it for travel, and for the 11 Recipes…. So I’m happy to wait it out and support the local store.
Someday there needs to be a big gap in camera releases so I have a chance to save up for the GFX100RF. Each time I get some money put away for it, something is released, and I divert the funds. I might have to wait until next year, we’ll see. The GFX100RF is high on my list of “wants”. I’d much rather carry it around while traveling than my GFX100S II, which is quite heavy.
The X-E4 with a pancake is such a great travel companion just because it is so small and lightweight. No reason it can’t coexist with the X-E5… but even better is full spectrum infrared!
Thanks for the comment!
I as well started my journey with an X-E1 and the 35mm 1.4, and the 18-55 lens. I sold the body when I got my X-T1 which I still own and use, but kept my lenses.
Now I’m up to the X-T5 + there 50r, and the 100s plus Leica and honestly I can’t remember how many X and GF lenses I have in my office. I left Nikon in 2012 and have never looked back.
I just assisted my wife, Amanda, on a back-to-school photoshoot. She used the X-T5 with the Fujinon 56mm f/1.2. Man, that combo is just magical for portraits! I’m not really a portrait photographer myself, but I greatly appreciate that camera and lens nonetheless.
I left Nikon in 2015, I believe it was. I wasn’t in their system for long, maybe three years. I was never fully satisfied with the gear, but I did capture some favorite photos, including one that still hangs on my wall. I tried a Nikon Zfc when it was newly released, but it just didn’t do it for me. I still own it, actually, but it just sits in the box, for probably close to two years now. I keep meaning to sell it.
Thanks for the input!
Greets,
A balanced article.
Would you use it with a pancake lens, in my case the wonderful MF Voigtlander F:2 40mm?
I have always believed there are two reasons for camera carry.
The news scoop of a lifetime.
My father’s perview. He was press, Fleet St.
Something that just has to be captured.
If it has to be captured, then it deserves at least 3ft X 5ft.
Would have been Cibachrome.
How good is the environmental sealing?
Interchangeable X100vi or viewfinder style X-T5. Both good. I use the T5.
These X bodies are the best for stacked lens macro work.
Highest resolution and clinical colour when required.
Stacked lens combos vignette with full frame.
I do a lot of seeds.
Rockers makes the point that Nikon and Canon have produced superb 200mm glass for years.
Cheaper, yet full frame as well.
Top glass is always held across generations of bodies so check out Fringer adaptors.
Even full function, if you AF.
I have Nikon glass but no Z.
I have Canon glass but no R.
I have much FUJI glass.
Fujinon Pro large format lenses.
Used for both Field cameras and mounted to Novoflex bellows rigs.
My digital bodies are Nikon Z and Fuji X.
Best Rgds.
Malcolm.
Yeah, definitely a perfect camera for pancakes.
The camera is not weather-sealed. I do think it has some level of weather-resistance, but not enough to be given a title. I wouldn’t test it in any extreme way, but if it gets a little wet, I don’t think it will ruin the camera.
With adapters, pretty much any lens ever made can be used. That’s a great benefit for the modern photographer that many in the past weren’t privileged to.
Thanks for the comment!
I have an x-E3 and an x-100F; would have bought an X-E4 but didn’t because it was dumbed down. Now I have had a 5 for ten days and it’s way beyond what I hoped for. What an amazing camera…I love it.
I wouldn’t call the X-E4 “dumbed down” because in many respects it is “more advanced” than the X-E3. What Fujifilm did was prioritize size, weight, simplicity, and affordability, which comes with its own pluses and minuses. Over the last two years, I’ve used my X-E4 more than my X-T5, which is pretty remarkable, but it’s because those “pluses” for the X-E4 were quite important to me, and those “minuses” weren’t too big of a deal. Everyone is different, though, with divergent needs and desires.
Very happy with my not needed X-E5. Excuse was “I don’t plan on being the richest guy in the cemetery”. Hope it’s more reliable than my ex X-E4 which almost broke the bank in repairs. X-E5 appears to be of much higher quality. Spending another evening assigning the various buttons to functions- and memorizing them. looking forward to getting out with it this week!
I’m sorry that you had issues with the X-E4. What happened?
Today, I received my New XE-5 and have to say it has a very nice feel to it, and
comes so close to my needs as a long time industrial corporate photographer. I shoot mostly on a tripod and many low angle vertical shots, with my XT-5 and 3 way tilt screen. For some reason, fuji omitted on this camera, in favor of flip up for selfies instead. I wanted a lighter weight rangefinder type camera to accompany my XT-5 which is why I bought the XE-5, and, like the 40MP sensor. my two concerns, (3 actual,) are the lack of the 3 way screen, for low vertical shots, their view finder is smaller than my Xe-2 and Xe-3 making it difficult for viewing, especially eye glass wearers. and the third issue, is with the new 23mm pancake lens. Why would Fuji design this lens to take a tiny 39mm filter (which I had on my two Leica M lenses) and the terrible lens hood??? Perhaps we can use a step up ring and attach a larger normal or rectangle lens hood to work with this, and perhaps should have made this with weather seals at this price point. Aside from these issues, this might turn out to be a wonderful travel camera, until Fuji decided to brings back an Xpro4 with 3 way tilt screen.
The 23mm f/2.8 lens is indeed weather-sealed; however, the camera is not (although I do believe it has some level of weather resistance, just not enough to get a title).
My guess is that the next X-Pro will come in the spring or perhaps early-summer of 2026. That’s just a guess, though.
I didn’t buy the X-E5 because I’m waiting for a new X-Pro. But I envy everyone who has an X-E5. This camera looks simply stunning and has a truly classy feel. And the specs largely speak for themselves.
My best guess (and it’s only a guess) is that the next X-Pro will come in the spring or maybe early-summer of 2026.
It’s one of the first time I post a comment of your website, but I’ve been reading it for almost three years (and you’re the only Patreon I pay).
What I wanted to say, as a woman, who is active on social media (it’s my job), and who is a Fujifilm fan since my Fujifilm X-M1 bought back in 2012 is that I don’t know the irl Fujifilm community, but I know the online one, and it’s full of angry men who complain a lot, and who think most of the time about some performances criteria, and forget that “big” performances don’t give you good pictures. I mean, when you look at the backlash for the X Half before it came, all reviews were like “not a good deal” because of “technical specs”, and all these angry men told the same. The result ? A massive success, because people want fun, entertainment and an experience which make them thinking of an alternative nostalgic past.
These guys do harm at the idea we can make about a Fujifilm community. No one want to argue with them, or just say publicly “well, I’m not angry, I just feel curious about this future stuff”. But for me, this is a bigger problem than Fujifilm : it’s about the toxicity in the photography community.
(Sorry if I made mistakes, I’m French :))
I feel very honored, thank you. 😀
There’s definitely a toxicity within the photography community, but I think it’s mostly on the internet. I can’t speak much of the real-life community outside of Fujifilm, but all those whom I have met at Fujifilm-related events—hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of people—have been very nice. I can’t think of even one that was a jerk. Just a lot of wonderful people. Unfortunately, based on what is found online, you would think the opposite. These “angry men who complain a lot” don’t seem to show up to events, which makes me wonder how “real” they even are. Maybe they are just trouble-makers hiding in their parent’s basements? Maybe it’s a handful of trolls with multiple pseudonyms to make it seem like it’s a lot more than it is? Maybe it’s haters who don’t even use Fujifilm who are just trying to stir derision? It’s probably all three of those things, plus some angry men who complain a lot, but who just don’t show up to events. Whatever it is, though, it’s not good for the community, it’s not good for society, and it needs to stop.
I appreciate your comment, thank you!
Although I don’t love the price of the X-E5 it wasn’t a dealbreaker for me, even with having a basically brand new X-T50. I’ve always had a love for the X-E lineup. My X-E3 has served me well and I wanted the latest in menus, film sim settings, etc, and it doesn’t disappoint, especially paired with the new 23mm lens.
It’s definitely a great camera! I know you will enjoy it for many years.
I would love for Fujifilm to make a lower-cost alternative rangefinder-style with EVF. Maybe use the old sensor, no IBIS. Less metal, more plastic. Make it 10%-ish small and lighter. Keep it simple. No PASM, please. Maybe $1,000-$1,100 range. Call it the X-E50. I don’t think that’s going to happen, though.
Unfortunately I don’t think forums work well for market research. I think manufacturers should harvest the emails of their customers and directly survey them on occasion. But there is never enough time (staff) to do that. I think a company that did that would do really well. I’ve wanted a pro 500mm reach lens for Fauna for a long time f5.6 or so. But it needs to be a zoom lens as I travel and I can’t be carrying the 100-400 and the 500 in my bags (airports and car/hiking trips. Most people are probably like me. I wonder if all those who cried for a 500mm bought one.
I’m not sure what is the best way to conduct market research. I’ve never been asked personally for my opinions. I do know that they read this website from time-to-time, but just how often, and what they glean from it, are a complete mystery to me.
Greets.
Your solution is a good 500 cat.
Comparatively short and light.
I use a Rolleinar 500 cat on all my bodies, just for this reason.
Wish it had a foot. (Monopod).
Not my first choice but the Novoflex rifle system is both massive and tends to frighten the horses. In some places, might get you shot. Leitz glass if you pick the right one.
Whether making a cat C sensor specific would give useful gains, I can’t say.
If I was commissioning heirloom quality glass, it would have full frame coverage.
Fixed aperture, no AF silliness. Job done.
My Rolleinar was probably the last quality modern effort.
No better than the supreme Soviet cats but pleasant to handle, much more compact and a mere fraction of the weight. I have Soviet monsters as well. A 500 and a 1,000.
Definitely tripod fodder.
A caveat. Lots of internal air means potential internal convection currents. Ensure temperature stabilisation prior to shooting.
Rgds.
When it comes to the 500, I think they wanted to make it for GFX (where it is an important lens in the lineup, and the combination of sensor size and resolution for cropping kinda makes it a 400-750 with still-usable resolution), and figured they’d just release it for X-mount anyhow.
Yes, I believe it was a “Let’s see if we can get double-use out of this” type of thing. If they hadn’t made it for GFX, it wouldn’t exist for X.
The X-E5 that you wanted is what I wanted too. I regret deeply selling my X-E4. I never buy second hand electronics, so I was waiting for the new X-E5. I could have bought an X100VI, but it was too expensive. Now I have to spend that much anyway.
The X-E5 is more premium than the X-E4, but with that comes the flip side of the coin: more expensive, plus a tiny bit larger and heavier. The X-E4 was much maligned and also much loved due to the emphasis on minimalism. While not perfect, I found it to be one of my most-used cameras (sometimes the most used).
I received my X-E5 about a week ago, and here are my first impressions. I didn’t have many requirements for this new model, except for the addition of IBIS. Since I take a lot of family photos indoors, often with an f/2.8 lens, stabilization is a real advantage to avoid pushing ISO too high. I think it was a necessary upgrade for a 2025 camera after all, even the Ricoh GR IIIx was doing better in that area compared to my X-E4. I’m not much of a videographer, but having the ability to shoot stabilized video without needing a gimbal is super practical.
As for the rest, I didn’t really need the 40MP resolution or the film simulation dial (personally, I leave it on C and use a shortcut to access all my custom settings). The camera feels premium, with a great design (the dials are even bigger than on the X-E4), no complaints there. Price-wise, it’s true that the X-E line is becoming less accessible, but unfortunately, prices in general have skyrocketed. I sold my X-E4 and worked a bit harder to treat myself to this one, let’s say.
As for the minor disappointments, I’d say I got really attached to my X-E4 as a companion. So I spent a lot of time comparing, looking for flaws, etc., before letting it go. I have to admit, I do miss it sometimes and wonder if maybe I should’ve just kept it and not given in to this new model… But reason tells me that the X-E5 is a true evolution and surpasses the X-E4 in every way. So maybe this feeling will fade as I spend more time with it during vacations and everyday moments.
I’m still unsure about the 23mm f/2.8 vs. the 27mm f/2.8. It’s less bright than the 27mm, I’m not sure why that is and I feel like it lacks the magic of the 27mm. On the other hand, it seems more versatile paired with my 35mm f/2, and for video, it’s much quieter than the 27mm… so there are pros and cons. I’d be curious to see more detailed tests comparing these two pancakes.
Overall, I don’t regret my choice over a X100 VI or an X-T5. I love the X-E series, just like the X-Pro line, they’re in my opinion, the two most beautiful Fuji lines.
Greets,
Your letter emphasises our differences and thus our different requirements.
I love supports / tripods. I prefer to tether as well but Fuji does not play very nice with my CamRanger2.
The 40mp C was my only reason for buying the T5 and not buying the Canon.
I agonised over the choice. I have since found a couple more.
For my micro work, with lens groups that mostly Vignette, this sensor is the highest resolution I can set up using a conventional camera.
Add Fuji’s technical colour settings and we have a winner.
For me, IBIS is a nuisance. Always forgetting to switch it off.
Can’t weatherproof my rigs very well but not having to worry too much about the body is a bonus.
I love my Zfc but the 20mp sensor is only up to social photography so I only take it out to dinner!
I have no interest in Video shooting. This may well be a class hangover from the ’40s and ’50s.
I am sure you can imagine why.
So, for me, no IBIS, no AF and certainly no Video.
Just an ultra high res box with good colour rendition, that I can mount to mainly specialised kit.
The T5 serves well. I might have bought the E5 if it had been available.
Probably though, the more comprehensive articulation of the rear screen (remember to pop off the eye rubber) as well as the better weather sealing, would still have tipped me to the T5.
Next, CRV 100C back or more affordably GFX100S II body only.
Would slit throats for a Rollei 35S with this 40 mp Fuji sensor.
For me, the ultimate fantasy genuinely pocket camera that could match film.
Looks, size and capability, got it all. Stick with the gorgeous Zeiss Sonar as well.
Hate short.
Best Rgds.
Malcolm.
I feel like the main advantage (aside from size) of the 23mm f/2.8 is that it has excellent close-focus capabilities; otherwise, the 27mm f/2.8 has more magic, as does the 23mm f/2. The 35mm f/2 doesn’t necessarily have “magic” but it is quite excellent, a great all-around performer.
I was also hoping for something different from the X-E5, but mostly because my priority is the next X-Pro, and figure the best way to hurry that along is for the X-E series to be a compact, budget model rather than more premium series.
That said, I think if the X-E5 released simultaneously with the X-T50, and at the same price, it’d have gone over better. Like a lot of the earlier Fuji cameras, you’re basically picking based on form factor more than features. But these asinine tariffs are just ****ing with everyone’s perception of what reasonable prices for cameras are, and so forth.
//
As to things folks asked for and maybe regret now… I kinda think the 23/2.8 is in there. A lot of folks REALLY wanted a pancake 23mm (I recall surveys to that end), with a great pancake 27mm already out, an 18mm pancake that’s OK but could use a bit of a refresh (should have been a much higher priority, IMHO), and an already reasonably sized 23/2. Particularly since the new 23 mostly only offers two things: smaller size, and better performance at minimum focus distance.
One thing I really like is that there are a lot of options in the “50mm equivalent” category. 35/2 WR is small and well built. 35/1.4 has that pixie dust with some vintage jank. 33/1.4 is modern. 30/2.8 Macro gets right in there. There’s enough to distinguish between the models, particularly slight differences in focal length. Maybe the small X-E5 pancake should have been, say, a 21mm, getting a tad wider. That spot between 28 and 35 equivalents is kind of nice: Pentaxians love their 31 Limited, and the field of view is the same as on the Funsavers and QuickSnaps of the world–what Fuji went with for their Xhalf.
That said, I know there are 35mm diehards who won’t ever even LOOK at a 40mm. I think that’s come up with the Sony 40/2.5 G.
//
Anyhow, my “asks” for Fuji:
* X-Pro successor, “optimized” for TX-1/XPan ratio crops in camera. Maybe the viewfinder is extra wide (either in viewing angle, or aspect ratio) to better accommodate. An aspect ratio dial. Small stuff like that. A slightly wider sensor (25.5 x 15.6, instead of 23.5 x 15.6) would be amazing, but not a deal breaker.
* Slight updates on the OG trio of lenses: 35/1.4, 18/2, 60/2.4. I wouldn’t alter the optical formulas, but getting them weather sealing, better focus motors, and a physical focus limiter switch in the case of the 60. I like that Fuji has these vintage-feeling optics, but they were some of the first built, and the mechanisms are just a bit old and could stand to be improved.
I agree: the 18mm f/2 (sort-of) pancake (Japanese pancake, if you will) should be a priority for a refresh. My opinion is that Fujifilm should have (and should have had for years now) a series of pancake lenses. It just fits so well the ethos/advantages of the sensor size, it seems like a no-brainer. I’m happy that Fujifilm made the 23mm f/2.8 so that there’s another option (and, you are right, the close-focus ability is the main advantage; otherwise, it’s good but not special). As already said, the 18mm needs a redo. And there should be an even wider option (maybe 12mm f/3.5?) and a more telephoto option (maybe 40mm f/2.8?). You should be able to assemble a kit of little pancake primes.
I really, really hope the next X-Pro has the XPan aspect ratio. It will be really disappointing if it doesn’t.
Thanks for the input!
The X-E5 is what is pushing me to migrate from Sony A7CII to Fujifilm. It’s nearly exactly what I had hoped it would be. Heavier than I had hoped for, but not heavy enough to deter me. I’m picking one up tomorrow.
While the Sony A7C II gives me results with technical excellence, I have found it uninspiring and boring, and because there are no good normal zooms that start at 24mm I have been dragging along the bulky 20-70/4 with me most of the time. The XF 16-50/2.8-4.6 will be its replacement. I’m not a professional photographer, just an enthusiast hobbyist taking photos for my own enjoyment and the occasional social media share.
I’m currently selling all my Sony FE lenses except the Tamron 20-40/2.8 and 28-200/2.8-5.6, because I haven’t found Fuji replacements for those uses that aren’t enough smaller and lighter to justify the worse low light performance. Maybe I’ll go all-Fuji when the X-T6 is released, we’ll see.
The X-E5 is an excellent camera, and the new 16-50mm zoom is surprisingly good (my wife has one). I think you’ll like it.
Like many I am really hoping for a new version X-Pro. I have the X100VI but also like to shoot classic lengths either side of the 23mm (equiv. 35mm) look. So the X-E5 is very tempting at the moment, especially as it shares the same sensor as the X100VI, making ‘simulation-shepherding’ easier and helping keep a unified look across cameras.
The thing that tempts me to go for an X-E5 is the possibility (likelihood?) that a new X-Pro will introduce a new sensor, something that at present I’m not mad keen on as it will affect that unified / consistent approach I mentioned. On the other hand, you might be able to comment on the balance and handling of lenses like the 16/1.4 WR, 56/1.4R and 90/2 LM WR on a small body like the X-E5.
So, consistent look across cameras vs. front-heavy balance if the X-E5 is too tiny for those lenses I mention above.
And additionally just to ask if you or others here have experienced the X-Pro3 screen cable ribbon failures much touted on the internet. I still love the X-Pro3 and regard the tilt down screen as a major plus for less provocative on-street shooting.
I know of a few people who have (unfortunately) experienced the ribbon cable failure.
My guess is that the next X-Pro comes next year with a new X-Trans generation. I bet the next generation will be more about speed/efficiency/processing-power than anything else. I could see the potential of a partially-stacked 40MP X-Trans VI sensor. I could also see the sensor remaining the same, but with a new processor (X-Trans V sensor paired with X Processor 6). It could be something else entirely, I’m only guessing.
Well, as guesses go they are good ones! I suppose we are spoilt for choice – not a bad problem to have.
Re above post, Ritchie: of course I meant 56/1.2R or its more recent replacement – not 1.4R.
The Fujinon 56mm f/1.2 is a special lens. Just so good.