Bye bye Fuji X-T1 Welcome back OMD-M1

After ten intensive days shooting with the Fuji X-T1, I have decided to return the camera to pick up an Olympus OMD-M1 instead.

Before going into further details, I need to clarify a few points:

– I did not have the manual for the Fuji X-T1 as I was using a demo copy while waiting for the order to come in

– The Fuji X-T1 is an excellent camera with very high IQ, however it is not a camera for me.

AS you may know, I had an Olympus OMD-EM5 for sometimes now and just started using it to its full potential.

Having used full size dSLR and other medium format cameras, I felt the need to go with a more compact package and have used a Leica M system for about more than two years.

When I love my Leica (M9 and M240) I also wanted to have something a bit less exclusive and that I can still use my Leica M lenses on. The micro 4/3 were a no brainer.

From its announcement, The Fuji X-T1 has shaken the photography world and has quickly become one of the hottest topic on the topic.

As mentioned above, I’ve used Leica M for some times nad I have crossed path with the Fuji X systems before, I never felt the need to get on because, for me, it was just a mere reproduction of the Leica look and feel. OF course the Fuji X-T1 is all different.

When I took the Fuji X-T1 for a test, a special mention to Greg from Ted’s Camera Canberra, it was true to the rumours on the web. The Fuji X-T1 is a very cute camera with a solid build. It looks good and feels good in hands.

I even sold my beloved Canon EF 85mm f/1.2 L II before I put an order in for the Fujinon 56mm f/1.2R (equivalent to the 85mm). I also order a couple of adapters to  fit Leica M lenses onto the X mount.

This is to say how much trust and excitements I put into the Fuji X-T1.

However, and the Fuji X-T1 did not perform to my expectations. This may be just me but I did not feel a good connection between the camera and me while shooting.

For the duration of ten days, I had the Fuji X-T1 body, the 18mm f/2, 18-55mm f/2.8-4 and the 56mm f/1.2 lenses.

Shooting with this camera got me more frustrated than excitements. Even the result is good, good image both jpeg and RAF, the camera just did not perform up to my expectations:

– AF is very slow

– Controls on the body are placed very “awardly”

Shooting with Canon and my OMD, I never had to take my eyes off the viewfinder to change my ISO, shutter speed or aperture settings. It’s all different with the X-T1.

On the X-T1, some dials are lockable (shooting modes) and some are locked by default (ISO). This is a two fingers + eye sight operation.

The front and rear dials are placed on a flat areas of the body where it is almost impossible to use them in a natural manner: your fingers have to go and reach out for them rather than them sitting at your finger tips..

I might come back to the X-T1 in a near future when I’ll understand a bit more the camera and if Fuji comes up with sexier lens line up..

Till then, OMD.

I expect this post would raise the voice of many, especially in the Fuji camp.

Remember, it is not the tools but the user. Until I figure out how to use this camera, I will have pass it on.

That being said, the Fuji X-T1 is an awesome piece of gear which produces awesome files.

More to come on this topic, I am sure.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.