Fujifilm X-Pro1 Review
The Fuji X-Pro1 - My First Fujifilm Camera
Fujifilm X-Pro1, Released in 2012
The reason for revisiting the X-Pro1 now is rather simple, and yet it will take a few paragraphs to bring you up to speed, so please bear with me. The X-Pro1 was my first Fujifilm X Series camera when I purchased it in the spring of 2012.
The promotional sample images from the X-Pro1 and the XF 35mm f/1.4 R shown back in 2012 had me in awe. Could this small camera with an APS-C sensor really put out these amazing images and how would it stack up against my full-frame Canon EOS 5D Mark II?
I had to find out for myself.
I Did Not Get Along With the X-Pro1 at First
A couple of weeks into my honeymoon with the X-Pro1 I had a case of cold feet. Everything looked so great on the surface but we had a really tough time getting along off the bat.
The operation of the X-Pro1 was slower than what I was used to with my Canon 5D Mark II and the whole OVF/EVF viewfinder business had me puzzled.
The early firmware version of the X-Pro1 was plagued by lens chatter and lack of responsiveness, mediocre autofocus speed, and poor battery life. It was almost as if this camera had a mind of its own and as if we didn’t speak the same language.
Onboard the ferry from Vancouver (Tsawwassen) - Victoria (Swartz Bay). Fujifilm X-Pro1, XF 35mm f/1.4 R @ f/5.6
I Tried to Return the X-Pro1
The change from my usual digital SLR setup was so drastic that I decided to return the X-Pro1, but during my first couple of weeks, I had already managed to put a tiny scratch on the LCD.
The scratch was insignificant but made it impossible to return the camera. I am not blaming my camera dealer and in the end, it was for the better that I had to keep the camera.
I could have sold it right there and then but luckily decided against this plan and kept using the camera for about three and a half years. I used it professionally for corporate gigs, weddings, private family photos, and travel to Denmark and France.
Firmware Upgrades to the Rescue
Being a Canon shooter in 2012 I was not accustomed to frequent firmware updates but this was about to change with Fujifilm and thanks to these firmware upgrades, the X-Pro1 slowly but surely survived and became usable and an enjoyable camera in the end.
I checked Fujifilm’s firmware page and the X-Pro1 has had more than twenty firmware updates. Some minor, but also major updates.
The Fujifilm X-Pro1 never became SLR lightning fast in operation but autofocus speed and general responsiveness improved dramatically.
Eventually, a feature such as auto ISO founds its way to the X-Pro1 as well. It is a feature I used to snicker at, but now take it for granted and use it all the time.
Selling the X-Pro1
When our 5050 Travelog project started in 2015 I decided to commit to one system and sold the X-Pro1 to my friend Carl.
Looking in the rearview mirror, it would have made sense to keep it but I had a nice collection of Canon L lenses to go along with a 5D Mark III at the time and started our travel adventure with the Canon kit.
After traveling for a couple of months I decided to sell all of my Canon gear and start afresh with a lighter and more portable Fujifilm kit. And the rest is history as they say. I started out with an X-T1.
The X-Pro1 Is Back
It only took me ten or so paragraphs to get to the point!
On several occasions, I mentioned to my buddy Carl, that I was interested in buying my old X-Pro1 back. In part for nostalgic reasons but also because of its undeniable high image-quality output.
Carl had since moved on to an X-Pro2 and X-T2 with a nice set of primes but had “shipped” the X-Pro1 to his dad who lives in Montreal, about 3,000 miles away. Yes, Canada is a big country.
Carl, however, said he would keep it in mind, and out of the blue, probably 18 months after I had first mentioned it, he sent me a message: “I have the X-Pro1 here, pick it up anytime”.
I thought this was an incredibly kind move and the X-Pro1 is back with me again. Looking forward to your visit, Carl, in Vancouver this summer.
Getting To Know the X-Pro1 All Over Again
The body style and size of the X-Pro1 are very familiar to my X-Pro2 and even X-Pro3, which I reviewed last year. I should know this camera well and yet it feels slightly different now. The edges are a tad rounder and the grip is not as pronounced but overall the camera feels very similar in the hand.
Fujifilm X-Pro1 Controls
Most glaringly there is no joystick on the back of the X-Pro1 and the Drive and AE buttons are on the left of the LCD along with an AF button which is not present on the X-Pro2 and X-Pro3.
And there is no front scroll wheel on the X-Pro1. On the top of the camera, the secondary ISO dial is missing and exposure compensation goes to +2 or -2 as opposed to +3, -3, and the C setting on the newer X-Pro editions is also missing.
Fujifilm X-Pro1 - Menus and Film Simulations
Given the age of the Fujifilm X-Pro1, the menu system naturally looks a bit archaic but gets the job done and we still have the Q menu and the following film simulations: STD (Provia), Velvia, Astia, Neg Hi, Neg. Std., Black and White, BW with a yellow filter, BW with a red filter, BW with a green filter, and Sepia.
Fujifilm X-Pro1 EVF/OVF
It is worth mentioning the EVF/OVF viewfinder in the X-Pro1 is different from the later editions. In fact, they are all slightly different in their approach.
The X-Pro1 does not have a diopter adjustment dial which makes things tricky if you wear glasses unless you purchase a diopter correcting lens. I use +2 readers which makes for a blurry EVF. The OVF works almost fine as I look straight through the viewfinder.
The X-Pro1 is not weather-resistant but can handle a bit of everything. I have taken it through light rain and snow but would not put it through a torrential downpour.
Although many people gravitate to the X-Pro series due to the optical viewfinder option (OVF) I have gradually become an (EVF) electronic viewfinder shooter, especially after using the X-Pro2. Only in very low-light scenarios will I switch and use the OVF.
Is the Fujifilm X-Pro1 Responsive?
You are stepping back in time and the Fujifilm X-Pro1 has a slight lag when hitting the shutter button and you wait ever so slightly for the camera to write the file to the SD card. Note the X-Pro1 only has one SD card slot whereas the X-Pro2 and X-Pro3 have two.
If you chimp, it takes longer. The firmware upgrades have improved the camera but when you compare it to the later X-Pro editions the difference is certainly noticeable.
The Fujifilm X-Pro1, A Cult Camera
I have noticed several X-Pro photographers praising the X-Pro1. Despite new sensors and processors available today the X-Pro1 from 2012 really shines when it comes to image quality.
Perhaps Fujifilm wanted to make a statement right out of the gate with the first 16.3-megapixel X-Trans sensor. Prices on the used market vary but typically hover around $300.00 to $400.00.
I find the X-Pro1 excellent for topics from short to medium range especially when paired with lenses such as the XF 35mm f/1.4 R and XF 23mm f/1.4 R. But I also find it lagging in big swooping landscapes. The later X-Pro models with 24 and 26-megapixel sensors handle this application better.
Is the Fujifilm X-Pro1 Relevant in 2021?
Much will depend on your budget and what you hope to accomplish with a camera. If you like bells and whistles and the latest tech, you would be missing the point of the X-Pro1.
With manual controls such as the shutter speed dial and aperture ring on most XF lenses, the X-Pro1 is a camera with a nice tactile feel.
Only a designated ISO dial is missing but I have dedicated the Fn button on the top of the camera to this, so it is easy to access.
Fujifilm X-Pro1 - Conclusion
For many Fuji photographers getting or keeping an X-Pro1 as a second or third camera makes a lot of sense. It will not be able to keep up with the fast pace of sports or wildlife photography.
For almost any other type of still photography, documentary, portraits, and even street photography, to a certain degree, it will be just fine. For faster applications and video work, you do not want the X-Pro1 as your main camera.
The X-Pro1 has a near-perfect size, not too big or bulky, and not too small so you cannot get a decent grip on the camera. I realize this is an individual choice.
The X-Pro1 is aesthetically pleasing and people may stop you on the street and ask; Is that a film camera? You may or may not like this kind of attention but don’t say I didn’t warn you :)
Update:
I have now received a Nikon +2 diopter and have had a chance to try it out (Fujifilm’s version of this has been discontinued). It is almost perfect for my vision. Only slightly off, but heaps better than without the diopter.
Please note this is for using the EVF only. If using the +2 diopter with OVF the information shown in the viewfinder will be clear but the image you try to capture will be blurred. This, of course, will be different for everyone.
Sample images from the X-Pro1: In this review, all of the above photos were made during my first stint with the camera and the photos below are from January/February 2021 after being reunited with the X-Pro1. Files were processed in Lightroom using some of my own saved presets based largely on film simulations from Fujifilm or VSCO.
For reviews of the other two Fujifilm X-Pro cameras:
Fujifilm X-Pro2 - Review
Fujifilm X-Pro3 - Review
Update: March 2023
I posted another article about the X-Pro1 on the topic of why you should dust off your old camera. You can find it here:
Fujifilm X-Pro1 - Sample Images
Please click to view larger images.
Fujifilm X Series Camera Reviews
Fujifilm X-H2S
Fujifilm X-H2
Fujifilm X-H1
Fujifilm X-Pro3
Fujifilm X-Pro2
Fujifilm X-Pro1
Fujifilm X-T5
Fujifilm X-T4
Fujifilm X-T3
Fujifilm X-S20
Fujifilm X-S10
Fujifilm X-T30
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