{"id":4031,"date":"2011-09-06T07:52:10","date_gmt":"2011-09-06T14:52:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/?p=4031"},"modified":"2011-09-06T07:52:10","modified_gmt":"2011-09-06T14:52:10","slug":"another-viewpoint-of-the-fuji-x100-by-steve-foon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2011\/09\/06\/another-viewpoint-of-the-fuji-x100-by-steve-foon\/","title":{"rendered":"Another Viewpoint of the Fuji X100 by Steve Foon"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

Eric’s note<\/strong><\/span>: Steve Foon<\/a>, a street photographer from the Bay Area, recently offered to write this comparison of the Fujifilm FinePix X100 versus the Leica M9 (which he owns as well). Read his thoughts on the camera and how it stacks up against the M9!\u00c2\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Every photographer has a style of photography that just calls their name. Be it wildlife, sports, landscape, architectural, portraitures, models, etc\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6 my personal calling is Street Photography.<\/p>\n

Each genre has certain requirements that will demand that a certain photographic tool be used. Let me clarify that you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t really have to have a specific photographic tool to be able to shoot the genre you like. It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s just that certain cameras just seem to fit the job better than others.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Among Street Photographers, rangefinder cameras seem to be the tool of choice.<\/p>\n

The Leica M, being currently the only digital rangefinder on the market, is the standard that all others are measured by.<\/p>\n

I won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t go into details about the beauty of the Leica M, there are tons of excellent reviews and articles including a couple I wrote as well.<\/p>\n

For my style of Street Photography, I need to be quiet and as invisible as possible.<\/p>\n

The camera just has to be able to capture \u00e2\u20ac\u0153the decisive moment\u00e2\u20ac\u009d at my command and to be able to do so with allowing me as much control of my camera without a lot of messing around with menus and buttons.<\/p>\n

This is where the Leica M shines.<\/p>\n

Now that I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve set the stage\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6<\/p>\n

This is about the new kid on the block. The camera that has peaked a lot of interest in the photographic world\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6 the Fuji X100.<\/p>\n

\"\"
\n(Image by Simon Wallerstedt<\/a>)<\/em><\/p>\n

I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve had this camera for about a month and here\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s my impression of the camera.<\/p>\n

The Fuji X100 may look like a Leica M or any rangefinder\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6. but it is NOT A RANGEFINDER camera.<\/p>\n

The best way to describe the X100 is two fold.
\nConsider the Leica M as a good solid manual transmission car and the X100 as a car with a paddle shifter.<\/p>\n

OR<\/em><\/p>\n

The X100 is a modern digital camera where instead of having aperture, shutter speed, EV settings and focus hidden in some obscure menu, those controls are placed just like cameras of old.<\/p>\n

Since the Leica M is the standard, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll do some comparisons using what I need in my style of Street Photography.<\/p>\n

QUIET<\/h2>\n

Although the Leica can be put in a discrete mode, where the shutter is reset after you release the shutter button, there is a distinctive sound of a picture being taken.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

99% of the time, this is not a problem. However, there are times where I need to take a shot in a quiet place, such as a deserted area or in a bookstore.<\/p>\n

This is where the X100 wins.<\/p>\n

You put the camera in quiet mode (the shutter sounds are electronically made) and you can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t hear the shutter fire at all. If you put your ear close to the camera you will hear a very faint \u00e2\u20ac\u0153tick\u00e2\u20ac\u009d sound when the shutter is release.<\/p>\n

FEEL<\/h2>\n

For me, the controls and how they operate is part of the satisfaction I derive from using a camera while making a photograph.<\/p>\n

The Leica is the hands-down winner.
\nEvery item moves with precision and just the right amount of feedback.
\nThe only complaint here has to do with the on\/off switch. Too easy to move past the single shot mode and enter the continuous shot mode.<\/p>\n

The X100, has feel but it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s somewhat disconnected.
\nThe aperture ring is good but it doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have the positive feel of a Leica.
\nThe focus ring\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6. Forget it. It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s a never ending electronic knob.
\nThe EV knob\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6 too easily bumped.<\/p>\n

IMAGE QUALITY – Overall<\/h2>\n

No comparison. The Leica with a full frame sensor and the outstanding Leica lenses. Winner.<\/p>\n

This doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t mean the X100 is garbage. In fact, there are certain qualities here that the X100 has an edge on the Leica.<\/p>\n

IMAGE QUALITY -High ISO.<\/h2>\n

The Leica M just doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t handle very high ISO well.
\nNormally I am pushing it when I dial past ISO 1000 and taking a chance on image quality at ISO 2000.<\/p>\n

However, use Lightroom or Photoshop and most of the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153noise\u00e2\u20ac\u009d damage can be taken care of.<\/p>\n

The X100, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve shot images at ISO 5000 and they are equal to what the Leica will do at ISO 1650.<\/p>\n

Why is this a factor?
\nIf you shoot street and find that you need to do a lot of \u00e2\u20ac\u0153shooting from the hip\u00e2\u20ac\u009d or just want to have the camera ready, you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll find that your f\/stop is around f\/8 or f\/11.<\/p>\n

Needless to say, that means typically you will have a slow shutter speed that will cause a lot of motion blur.<\/p>\n

To counter this, a high ISO allows me to do the old \u00e2\u20ac\u0153f\/8 and be there\u00e2\u20ac\u009d axiom while being able to still have a fast shutter.<\/p>\n

WEIGHT<\/h2>\n

Having injured myself after carrying a Nikon D3S and all it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s lenses around, the Leica and Fuji are just great.<\/p>\n

I will give a slight nod to the Leica. The weight and balance seem just right in my hands. The X100 is just a few ounces lighter and may be easier to lug around.<\/p>\n

The extra weight just seems to help with balancing and holding the camera steady.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

BATTERY LIFE<\/h2>\n

The Nikon D3S can go for well over a thousand shots on a single charge. Both the Leica and Fuji are about the same at around 300 shots per charge.<\/p>\n

No big deal, just carry some extra batteries if you plan of a heavy shooting day.<\/p>\n

VIEWFINDER<\/h2>\n

This is the big story for the X100.
\nIt has the traditional optical viewfinder (OVF) and electronic viewfinder (EVF).
\nI\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m not going to go into a lot of detail or description about this \u00e2\u20ac\u201c since there are tons of reviews about this feature.<\/p>\n

Does it work?
\nYes<\/p>\n

Do I like it?
\nYes.<\/p>\n

I like the details and information the viewfinder provides me over the Leica.
\nThe EVF, adds so much more to the experience and it is a good tool to have \u00e2\u20ac\u201c it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s not just some gimmicky gee wiz bang item.<\/p>\n

STEALTH FACTOR<\/h2>\n

Since the X100 and Leica M look about the same and they way you handle the camera to take a photo, it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s about a tie. A nod to the Leica because it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s all black while the X100 is traditional silver and black.<\/p>\n

I do the typical Street Photographer thing and use gaffer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s tape over the logo\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s and insignia.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

White lettering and a red dot on black stands out and draws attention.<\/p>\n

THE FEAR FACTOR<\/h2>\n

Both camera\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s are not weather sealed unlike some DSLR\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s.
\nI\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve gotten very nervous about using a non-weather sealed camera in poor conditions.<\/p>\n

Considering the X100 cost about 1\/10 of the Leica, I am more likely to feel less nervous using it in all conditions.<\/p>\n

The fear factor is that if someone KNOWS what a Leica is and is out for no good OR if I am going into some unknown area, I will probably not have the Leica on me.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

MACRO and VIDEO<\/h2>\n

Video isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t a big deal for me so it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s a nice thing to have. X100 has it. Leica M doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t.<\/p>\n

Macro. Nice to be able to get close to shoot. X100 has it. Leica M doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t unless you buy and carry another lens and viewfinder adapter.<\/p>\n

BUILT IN ND FILTER<\/h2>\n

I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve put it to use in bright sunlight and it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s great to have. X100 has it. Leica M doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t.<\/p>\n

MENUS<\/h2>\n

The Leica is just perfect in terms of simplicity and ease of use.
\nThe X100, get the programmers to follow what photographers are telling them.<\/p>\n

I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve read so many articles and blogs that it makes it sound like the X100 menu system is the absolute worst on the planet. It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s not great but it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s not terrible either.<\/p>\n

Can it be improved upon?
\nFuji\u00e2\u20ac\u00a6 are you listening???<\/p>\n

CONCLUSION<\/h2>\n

I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m fortunate that currently I am able to have some nice gear to shoot with.
\nThe Leica M is still the standard of Street Photography in my opinion.
\nHowever, the X100 isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t to be dismissed or looked down upon.<\/p>\n

In fact, it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s just like what the Japanese car manufacturers did to the German cars when Lexus, Infinity and Acura came on the scene. They forced innovation, made the products less expensive and pushed the bar upwards.<\/p>\n

The X100 will open the doors to many photographers who wanted a camera with a usable viewfinder and form factor + looks of a rangefinder.<\/p>\n

The X100 sells around $1200.
\nThe Leica M with a 35mm lens will easily reach $10,000.<\/p>\n

BOTTOM LINE \u00e2\u20ac\u201c The X100 is a good Street Photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s camera and will give you a tool that will enable you to create the magic we all seek.<\/strong><\/p>\n

For those of you who are shooting with the X100– how do you like it and what would you change about it? Leave your thoughts below!\u00c2\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Eric’s note: Steve Foon, a street photographer from the Bay Area, recently offered to write this comparison of the Fujifilm FinePix X100 versus the Leica M9 (which he owns as well). Read his thoughts \u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":17987,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"_ek_photo_artist_note":"","_ek_photo_thesis":"","_ek_photo_camera":"","_ek_photo_place":"","_ek_photo_human_moment":"","_ek_photo_sequence":"","_ek_photo_question":"","_ek_photo_canonical_claim":"","_ek_photo_ai_summary":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[543],"tags":[935],"class_list":["post-4031","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-equipment","tag-fujifilm-finepix-x100-steve-foon"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/09\/K9aFE.jpg?fit=500%2C381&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4031","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4031"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4031\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17987"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4031"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4031"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4031"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}