X100F

X100F. Its finally here! I have been shooting the X100F since
November 2016. What I love most about it, it still looks and
feels the same; almost. Most middle age men will understand
this, its a bit bigger now. Is it a bad thing? No; at least for the
camera. Like before; the X-T2 also grew bigger when compare
with X-T1. Initially I was thinking that was a mistake. After putting
it through its paces, I fully comprehend why the amazing Fujifilm’s
designer and engineer did what they did. The little upsize does
makes the camera’s handle close to perfection.

As the world knows it; X100 series is probably second to none
as a street camera. Now in its 4th incarnation; its almost close
to perfection for me. Why close and not perfect? I have two needs.
One; a tilt screen and the other a 24mm WCL instead of the
current 28mm. Now, having said that X100 series is still my
default everyday camera.

Lets begin with what I like and the updates on the new X100F.
All pictures here are taken in jpeg only with a pre-production
X100F.

AF system.
I could feel that its a level up from X100T. Heaps snappier. The
number of focusing points has been dramatically expanded from
49 in X100T to 91 points. This is expandable to 325 points.
Approximately 40% of the imaging area is covered with phase
detection AF pixels. The performance of the contrast detection AF,
covering approximately 85% of the imaging area, has also been
improved. The data read speed has been doubled compared with
previous models to achieve AF performance of higher speed and
precision. This is indeed good news for all X100 user. Finally a
camera that has great AF to accompany the great looks.

Sensor.
X100F now house a 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III Sensor. An APS-C
sensor with no low-pass filter boasting the highest performance in
the history of X-series, as well as the X-Processor Pro high speed
image processing engine to deliver outstanding color reproduction.

Battery.
This is probably the best upgrade in X100F. With the old NP-95 the
battery lifespan is really a nightmare. X100F now uses NP-W126S;
which is the same as X-Pro2, X-T2 and X-T20. The battery life is
now amazing. I have no issue using this camera for a whole day
without worrying when it will die on me. The claim is appox. 270
frames for EVF use and 390 frames for OVF use.

Size.
Its bigger now. In every aspect. Height, depth, width and weight.
Just a teeny bit. Many will not even realize. But really for the better.
These certainly has helped improved the ergonomics and the handling of the camera.

Dial Update.
When ±3 stops is not enough, the Exposure Compensation Dial
on X100F now has the Command Dial Position. Set the Dial to
“C” position to enable exposure compensation adjustments with
the Command Dial at the front of the camera body, and this expand
the exposure compensation range to ±5 stops.
X100F features the Built-In ISO Dial, which is incorporated into the
Shutter Speed Dial, similar to X-Pro2. The good thing, one don’t
have to power on the camera to check ISO as well as aperture,
shutter speed and exposure compensation settings.
Set the ISO Dial to “A” and select “Command” in the ISO DIAL
SETTING (A) in the camera menu, to enable quick ISO adjustments
with the Command Dial at the front of the camera body within the
range of regular sensitivity levels from ISO200 to ISO12800 in the
increment of 1/3 stops.

Focus Lever (Joystick)
Just like X-Pro2 and X-T2, this is indeed a welcome add on. Instead
of using the D-pad to move the AF point with X100T; a new Focus
Lever enables users to quickly select a focusing point. I find this lever
really useful and does speed up the operation.

MK II Conversion lens
There will be a new WCL and TCL conversion lens. These new
conversion lenses are optically designed to draw out the maximum
performance of X100F’s built-in lens, delivering premium picture
quality without having to change the F stop value. So can the original
conversion lens be mounted on X100F? The answer is yes.
So what makes MK II different? With MK I, when its mounted on
the camera; one need to adjust the setting to let the camera knows
which conversion lens being added and change the setting accordingly.
For MK II WCL and TCL, the camera body automatically recognizes
it when a conversion lens is mounted, and displays a guide frame
indicating the shooting area when in the OVF mode. What can I say;
life is much better now for X100F user.

Viewfinder Toggle Switch
Its now also double up as a function button. I can’t say much as
my X100F is a pre production. All I know its a button and it works.
Will update more on this.

Acros
The Film Simulation function now features the ACROS mode.
Hurray for fellow shooters who love ACROS. X100F also has
the Grain Effect function for reproducing distinctive graininess
seen in photographs taken with film cameras. The function
is available in “Strong” and “Weak,” and can be combined with
any of the Film Simulation modes. One can easily obtain the
effect of film-based photos, notable especially when your
image is printed out.

Digital Teleconverter
Use the Digital Teleconverter function to choose the angles of view
equivalent to 50mm and 70mm, in addition to the built-in lens’s 35mm,
which allows you to enjoy framing versatility with three different focal
lengths. This feature is similar to the digital teleconverter in X70. Not
everyone is a fan, this includes me but it could come in handy.

OK, is there anything I don’t like about the new X100F? Other then
the two things I mention earlier; I do press on the Q button accidentally
a few times with my thumb. Other than this, I guess the last headache
is always which X100F to get? Sexy silver or the black version?

Recently I brought along this pre production X100F to Hong Kong for
my family year end holiday. Here are some holiday and street pictures
taken with it. I still think its the best street camera ever.

We all certainly know the X100F is created as a street camera. As a
commercial photographer I think I also wanna see if this camera can
handle some commercial work. Technically its share the same sensor
with the other siblings. So in term of IQ its the same. Here are some
photos to share. From Studio to outdoor, product to food; I would say
its more than able to handle.

So, can I use X100F professionally? Certainly yes but not in all area of
commercial photography. Its certainly still the best and sexiest premium
compact camera money can buy. Here are some pictures to showcase
the commercial side of X100F.

PS: I think many will ask if its worth the upgrade from X100T? If you
hold a X100s, my reply is yes. If you are holding a X100T, my reply is
also a yes. The new X100F is indeed an upgrade. Its a different beast
all in all. The IQ from the 24MP sensor and new AF system are enough
to render the upgrade.

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