It’s a bad thing to have online shopping during a time of quarantine! On the other hand, it gives you a lot of time to research a purchase. A couple of years ago I purchased a Sony RX100 Mk1 as a travel/everyday carry camera. I purchased the original because it was relatively inexpensive and I wanted to see if I liked the smaller format and features. I really liked the camera so I figured I would upgrade to the most recent Mk VII version, But YIKES! As much as I like Sony cameras, the price for the Mk VII is just crazy for a “point and shoot” camera – not going to do it. As much as a Sony “fanboy” I am, I decided to broaden my search.
My minimum requirements were:
- APS-C sensor
- Easy to carry if not pocketable
- Weather sealed
- EFV Viewfinder
- Articulating LCD
- Fixed lens
- Ability to manually control everything (aperture, shutter speed, focus, ISO)
And then I found it, calling my name!
The FujiFilm x100v. Oh my, what a beautiful camera. It has a wonderful retro rangefinder look and rangefinders were what I photographed with when I started oh so long ago. The camera has an optical viewfinder just like that rangefinder but it can also be switched into EFV mode. The lens is a fixed 23mm f2.0 lens (35mm full-frame equivalent) that is very sharp. I love the retro dials where you can set all the basics plus it has plenty of function buttons that can be customized. One of the hallmarks of this camera is the Fuji film simulations where classic Fuji film looks can be emulated (jpg only). I’m really looking forward to the B&W ACROS mode. I used to shoot tons of B&W. It was cheap when bought in bulk, easy to load onto 35mm canisters, easy to develop and print – which at that time meant a darkroom and nasty chemicals. The fixed lens means you have to zoom and get that wide-angle shot by moving your feet – love it. It’s a camera that makes you slow down and think about your photography and the weather sealing means I don’t have to fear going out in the rain and snow.
This is kinda a poor mans Lecia; although, it isn’t inexpensive by any means. It is a whole lot cheaper than the Lecia holy grail camera. I got it used figuring how used can a camera be that was only released a couple months ago. It had only 300 recorded shots, so really, really new.
I haven’t been able to use it much with the parks closed down, but I’ll post some pictures I took around the yard.
I’m still keeping my Sony’s alphas for “serious” work but this little camera is stealing my heart.
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