Farewell for now Fujifilm

After selling the X-T3, my little X100F was the last of my Fujifilm cameras. I loved my first X100F but owning a second one didn’t quite capture the same experience. Maybe it was too familiar, or I’m spoiled by the Leica experience, or technology has moved on. I don’t know, but it didn’t feel as special anymore.

I’ve used Fujifilm cameras and lenses since 2013, so it’s been quite a journey with the X-E1, X-T10, X-T1, X100F (x2), X-Pro2 (briefly) and X-T3. They never failed me other than one button issue on the X-T10 and have been thoroughly enjoyable to use. But it’s really interesting to experience another system and compare the strengths and weaknesses. My Panasonic S5 loses a little of the fun factor and quirkiness, but the quality and ease of integration (e.g mobile app) is outstanding. I like the DSLR-style controls of the Panasonic too for fast adjustments. Size and quality of the JPEG ‘film simulations’ are definite wins for Fuji though. I heard recently that the L-mount was considered a ‘big’ system, presumably following the size of the Leica SL2 and the Lumix S1 series. But the Sigma FP is THE smallest full-frame camera and the Leica T and CL cameras (same mount but smaller sensors) are small so clearly that doesn’t have to be the case. I hope Panasonic consider a small ‘entry-level’ camera to encourage others to support the system.

So it’s kind of goodbye to Fujifilm for now. Although not entirely, because I still have my first X-E1 and I’ve kept my favorite Fuji lens, the little 35mm f/2 to go with it.

Why Panasonic? Firstly, I wanted a full-frame sensor for low-light. And ‘affordable’. And strong video specs. Then it was really a comparison between the S5, Canon R6, Nikon Z6 and Sony A7. The Sony is an older design and my least favorite. The Nikon was my favorite physical design but I prefer the full rotating screen of the others. The Canon R6 seems a great camera but 3 things pushed me toward the Lumix: plastic build (the Lumix is alloy), overheating reports on the Canon, and price. An $800 difference is hard to ignore.

Fujifilm are still great cameras but it seemed the right time to move on.