New Fuji XE-2

[Karen]

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.

[Andrew]

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 

[Karen]

  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.

[Graham]

  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. 

[Andrew]

  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. 

+1 

[Karen]

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.

[jinky]

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!

[Reinardina]

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.

[Karen]

Im trying to resist the Fuji 10-24mm lens but given the fact its over £800 don't think that will be hard 

[Andrew]

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.

[Karen]

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.

[Karen]

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.

[Karen]

This is what grip looks like on camera. The part on other side is what you should be able to unscrew

[Beaux Reflets]

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     

[Karen]

Thread has gone and my friend thinks its been machined in so he's going to drill it out for me.