Camera Craniums: The Photography Community for Enthusiasts

Photography Equipment => Compact Cameras => Topic started by: Karen on April 22, 2014, 11:00:20 AM

Title: New Fuji XE-2
Post by: Karen on April 22, 2014, 11:00:20 AM
Just taken delivery of the new Fuji XE-2 with 18-55mm lens. Fuji have an amazing offer on at the minute. Buy the camera and they will give you the 55-200mm lens FREE. This has the reputation of being an exceptional lens and retails at Warehouse Express for £549.

I will post a review of the system when the bloody rain stops !
Title: Re: New Fuji XE-2
Post by: Andrew on April 22, 2014, 11:25:00 AM
Expect you'll have much joy with it once you get used to the way it works.
Until the XT1 came out, it was touted as the X-Pro 1 replacement - but I'm still extremely happy with mine.

As with any camera, any limitations that are put on it, are by the owners/ users and not the camera  :o

As for the lens - I find it amusing that the 18mm is now considered to be "not up to Fuji standards" - but to my knowledge all of them are extremely capable  :tup:
Title: Re: New Fuji XE-2
Post by: Karen on April 22, 2014, 11:36:03 AM
I toyed with the XT-1 but because I want a more compact camera went with the XE-2
Title: Re: New Fuji XE-2
Post by: jinky on April 22, 2014, 08:44:12 PM
I'm thinking xt1 when I get rid of some of my Nikon best next year and give up the weddings. Be interested in hearing how the XE performs.
Title: Re: New Fuji XE-2
Post by: Karen on April 22, 2014, 11:25:40 PM
Hopefully get out at the weekend with it. I got tired of lugging the canons around and in this day and age now with more choice decided there was no need.
Title: Re: New Fuji XE-2
Post by: Andrew on April 23, 2014, 12:38:25 PM
Well, the XE2 was the rave camera until the XT-1 appeared, and has pretty much all of the same image capturing technology, just not the weatherproofing and the 8fps with associated AF.

It's interesting to note how many pros are moving over the Fuji X systems becaue of the smaller compact lighter systems along with price. And with 16mp still getting the IQ that they need. What i find most interesting is how many are running on 3 prime lenses - usually the 14mm, 23mm and 56mm.

I still ponder over a second lens of either the 14mm or the 10-24. The 23mm still sits in there some where, but maybe as a 3rd lens. I don't have a need for a long lens. I just can't justify the cost for a couple of shots each year. It would be cheaper to rent than buy. Enjoy your weekend.
Title: Re: New Fuji XE-2
Post by: Karen on April 24, 2014, 02:10:35 PM
It was tempting to go for the xt-1 but given the xe-2 has all the specs i need and to be honest had i gone for the xt-1 i then would have been wanting the battery grip etc and i would have lost sight of my objective which was to go for a more compact camera body
Title: Re: New Fuji XE-2
Post by: Andrew on April 25, 2014, 07:02:34 PM
And sticking with your goal is what will make your photography what you want  :tup:

Hence I'm happy with my X-Pro 1.  I only I didn't need a second lens  :(

Just a shame you needed LR5, but at least the price is much cheaper now than in previous version  :dance:
Title: Re: New Fuji XE-2
Post by: Karen on April 26, 2014, 12:14:07 PM
Yeah was a bit of a bummer but at least i got the upgrade as already using 4. Very pleased already with the build weight etc of the camera.
Title: Re: New Fuji XE-2
Post by: Graham on April 26, 2014, 04:49:39 PM
Quote from: Andrew on April 25, 2014, 07:02:34 PM
And sticking with your goal is what will make your photography what you want  :tup:

Hence I'm happy with my X-Pro 1.  I only I didn't need a second lens  :(

Just a shame you needed LR5, but at least the price is much cheaper now than in previous version  :dance:

  What lens do you need? I have the 18mm f2.0 sitting here unused.
Title: Re: New Fuji XE-2
Post by: Oldboy on April 26, 2014, 06:22:39 PM
Quote from: Graham on April 26, 2014, 04:49:39 PM
What lens do you need? I have the 18mm f2.0 sitting here unused.

And unloved......shame on you!  :2funny: :legit:
Title: Re: New Fuji XE-2
Post by: Andrew on April 27, 2014, 01:34:17 PM
Quote from: Graham on April 26, 2014, 04:49:39 PM
Quote from: Andrew on April 25, 2014, 07:02:34 PM
And sticking with your goal is what will make your photography what you want  :tup:

Hence I'm happy with my X-Pro 1.  I only I didn't need a second lens  :(

Just a shame you needed LR5, but at least the price is much cheaper now than in previous version  :dance:

  What lens do you need? I have the 18mm f2.0 sitting here unused.

Graham,

my plan was always to go for the 10-24 or 14mm if the 10-24 was not up to scratch.

I keep looking at the 18mm because of the dropping prices - but can't seem to make my mind up. Clearly, the £800+ is noticeably more expensive than a s/h 18mm, and i think that's why i so mixed in my thinking. 18mm now, or 10-24/14 for Xmas! The WA/UWA definitely suits what I'm looking at nowadays...

If you want to DM me a price, I'll run it by Mrs B tomorrow for her take (read permission, ok, approval!)
Title: Re: New Fuji XE-2
Post by: Graham on April 28, 2014, 07:46:58 AM
Quote from: Andrew on April 27, 2014, 01:34:17 PM
Quote from: Graham on April 26, 2014, 04:49:39 PM
Quote from: Andrew on April 25, 2014, 07:02:34 PM
And sticking with your goal is what will make your photography what you want  :tup:

Hence I'm happy with my X-Pro 1.  I only I didn't need a second lens  :(

Just a shame you needed LR5, but at least the price is much cheaper now than in previous version  :dance:

  What lens do you need? I have the 18mm f2.0 sitting here unused.

Graham,

my plan was always to go for the 10-24 or 14mm if the 10-24 was not up to scratch.

I keep looking at the 18mm because of the dropping prices - but can't seem to make my mind up. Clearly, the £800+ is noticeably more expensive than a s/h 18mm, and i think that's why i so mixed in my thinking. 18mm now, or 10-24/14 for Xmas! The WA/UWA definitely suits what I'm looking at nowadays...

If you want to DM me a price, I'll run it by Mrs B tomorrow for her take (read permission, ok, approval!)

PM sent.   Sorry to hijack your thread Karen.  :-[
Title: Re: New Fuji XE-2
Post by: jinky on May 01, 2014, 11:57:34 AM
So how are you finding the Xe2 Karen? Wondering about low light capabilities. What lenses are you using with it as I`m seeing a great twin lens offer just now + new firmware release claining to match it up to XT 1 levels  in some aspects. Have you updated firmware?
Title: Re: New Fuji XE-2
Post by: Karen on May 01, 2014, 01:20:43 PM
I went for the twin lens offer and am awaiting my free 55-200mm lens now which retails at £549 in warehouse express so personally I think this is an excellent offer. The 55-200mm has been getting some superb reviews so looking forward to trying it out. Mines came with the 18-55mm kit lens which is a good solid weight, well built. The camera itself handles like "old school" cameras of the past being similar in size to my first pentax me super. The retro design is attractive ( I went for the all black model) The buttons are well laid out and its very easy to access menus.
I found the camera very intuative. I still feel like I have a "proper" camera in my hands which alaid my fears re selling my Dslr. The AF is fast and locks on quickly and the addition of an aperture ring on the lenses is inspired, it just makes taking the photograph one fluid movement of adjustments. The EVF took a little getting used to. The addition of eye detection is good and saves battery life. When you put your eye to the viewfinder it comes on and the screen goes out and vice versa. I have added a thumb grip to mine as I found I had nowhere to rest my thumb and this cheap fix has worked a treat. There is an option of a larger hand grip which I may look into in the future. The onboard flash is at best "an onboard flash" enough said. Fuji are found kind of lacking in the flash department at the minute.
The files write quickly to the camera even in raw mode. Shooting 3 different exposure I found I had to wait but not so that it was annoying. The colours are as always with fuji very pleasing.
There are many interesting features on it which I havent had time to get round to trying out yet mainly because of time and the weather.
I had to update the firmware on the camera and the lens when it came but it was a simple enough method and didnt take long.
I cant fill you in re low light yet as havent had opportunity. I'll probably add a wider lens in the future
All in all Im very pleased with it and most of all "excited" by it which to me is what you want to feel about your camera. So easy to carry around compared with my dslr I look forward to taking it everywhere with me.
Watch this space I'll add more as I get more experience with it
Title: Re: New Fuji XE-2
Post by: Karen on May 19, 2014, 10:25:21 AM
Went out yesterday with the new XF 55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS lens. To use it feels impressively refined, solid build, good weight with essentially silent autofocus and image stabilization. As with the 18-55mm it has an aperture ring It has sufficiently positive click stops that you're unlikely to change it accidentally, but it can also be operated quickly . Once you get used to it, this provides quick, fluid control. I found the focus quick and accurate and as you can probably see from my shots of the Heron..sharp as well.
All in all very impressed with it. Exceptional free offer from Fuji.
Title: Re: New Fuji XE-2
Post by: Andrew on May 19, 2014, 10:51:25 AM
Glad you're enjoying the new toy.

Fuji does seem to have thought it's X range through with both bodies and lenses being considered as havin very few down sides.

As I've said, I love my X-Pro 1 and could never see me returning to the big body systems with big lenses. The way they have been able to resolve issues via firmware updates is extremely amazing as well. When I got my X-Pro 1 the focusing was considered as akin to the speed of a tortoise, where as now it is certainly considered as almost as fast as the XE2 - and all via formware.

The other thing, is the compact and light nature of these systems. No more back breaking days out with a rucksack big enough to undertake a serious expedition in Africa, just to carry a couple of bodies, 3 or 4 lenses and a couple of flash guns with maybe a tripod. Though I am a bit concerned as to how I'm going to manage now that I have 2 lenses  :o
Title: Re: New Fuji XE-2
Post by: Karen on May 19, 2014, 11:08:12 AM
 ;D I was the same yesterday. The large lens doesnt fit in my small case now.
I think trailing less equipment around with you makes you think more about your photography.
Title: Re: New Fuji XE-2
Post by: Graham on May 19, 2014, 02:44:56 PM
  I got an X Pro 1 when I was made redundant a couple of years ago and love it to bits. It takes me back to when I used to be a proper photographer!
  I use it with primes only, because that suits the way I work, I've got the 23mm 1.4 the 35mm 1.4 and an adapter so I can use my old Nikon 85 1.4.
  Not only am I impressed with the system but with Fuji's attitude to firmware updates, they don't just release them to correct errors that should have been sorted prior to release, they release updates that positively enhance the way their cameras perform.  :tup:
Title: Re: New Fuji XE-2
Post by: Andrew on May 20, 2014, 05:37:19 PM
Quote from: Graham on May 19, 2014, 02:44:56 PM
  I got an X Pro 1 when I was made redundant a couple of years ago and love it to bits. It takes me back to when I used to be a proper photographer!
  Not only am I impressed with the system but with Fuji's attitude to firmware updates, they don't just release them to correct errors that should have been sorted prior to release, they release updates that positively enhance the way their cameras perform.  :tup:

+1  :tup:
Title: Re: New Fuji XE-2
Post by: Karen on June 02, 2014, 07:48:24 AM
Have sent off for a hand grip for it. Was going to pay £70 at WEX when I see those clever  people on ebay have made a lovely one to fit for £25 .http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171256768779?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649   Seen someone elses and its very good quality and fits great.
Title: Re: New Fuji XE-2
Post by: jinky on June 02, 2014, 08:15:26 AM
Nice one Karen - I resisted in the end with great difficulty but will be getting the XT1 when prices drop / offers come in if an XT2 comes out. Played with both last weekend and don`t know how I walkd out without one!
Title: Re: New Fuji XE-2
Post by: Reinardina on June 02, 2014, 08:21:00 AM
Quote from: jinky on June 02, 2014, 08:15:26 AM
Nice one Karen - I resisted in the end with great difficulty but will be getting the XT1 when prices drop / offers come in if an XT2 comes out. Played with both last weekend and don`t know how I walkd out without one!

Willpower, or the hope of an even better bargain in the future.
Title: Re: New Fuji XE-2
Post by: Karen on June 03, 2014, 12:57:53 AM
Im trying to resist the Fuji 10-24mm lens but given the fact its over £800 don't think that will be hard  :legit:
Title: Re: New Fuji XE-2
Post by: Andrew on June 03, 2014, 11:55:47 AM
yes, the Fuji 10-24 is a dream lens.

I have it on a wish list, but having got the 18mm off Grahm, I'm more thanhappy with that for now, and for a fraction of the price of the 10-24.
WEX has a nice supply of used lenses that can be had for a nice price.
Title: Re: New Fuji XE-2
Post by: Karen on June 04, 2014, 12:42:44 AM
yes sorry did mean to type "24" I used to use the Sigma 12-24mm on my canon and loved the versatility of it so I miss something that wide.
Title: Re: New Fuji XE-2
Post by: Karen on June 16, 2014, 10:49:03 AM
Took delivery of my handle/grip from Hong Kong at last...but surprise surprise I get the broken one..grrrrrr. Because they sent it assembled someone has obviously overtightened the screw that holds the upright part that you dont need for using just as a grip effectively "burring" the screw so the Allen key just turns in it. Bloody typical after waiting all that time. Waiting on communication. Otherwise the actual thing is very well made, solid and fits the xe2 very well.
Title: Re: New Fuji XE-2
Post by: Karen on June 16, 2014, 02:09:52 PM
This is what grip looks like on camera. The part on other side is what you should be able to unscrew :knuppel2:
Title: Re: New Fuji XE-2
Post by: Beaux Reflets on June 17, 2014, 02:02:01 PM

Karen,

Has the thread gone on the screw its self, or within / on the body part ?

Some screws are designed as captive screws - ie. to stay attached to the part so they do not get lost. Then its a matter of the sequence to attaching or lining up in the assembly process.

A close up shot of offending screw may give me a better idea     
Title: Re: New Fuji XE-2
Post by: Karen on June 17, 2014, 04:58:12 PM
Thread has gone and my friend thinks its been machined in so he's going to drill it out for me.
Title: Re: New Fuji XE-2
Post by: Beaux Reflets on June 17, 2014, 05:04:43 PM
Hope you get it sorted. If I was nearer I would do it for you.
Title: Re: New Fuji XE-2
Post by: Karen on June 17, 2014, 06:38:32 PM
Thank you will let you know
Title: Re: New Fuji XE-2
Post by: Karen on June 18, 2014, 01:58:58 PM
SORTED> The dremel did the job. I cut a groove in it. Even then was hard to dislodge but managed to get it out without damaging screw so able to use part again if necessary. Happy bunny  :dance:
Title: Re: New Fuji XE-2
Post by: Beaux Reflets on June 18, 2014, 02:50:35 PM
 :tup:  Glad you sorted it.
Title: Re: New Fuji XE-2
Post by: Karen on June 26, 2014, 09:28:04 AM
First order from new Fuji ready to be delivered 30" x 20" and even at this size quality excellent