I am a rational guy with strong principles. I love taking photos, and my Fujifilm gear is still excellent, even though it is some years old. I am not interested in new photo equipment. I don’t need new gear, although my photos could be much better. But that’s my fault, not my camera’s fault. I am sure, I don’t suffer from G.A.S.*
I am still in love with my 7 year old Fujifilm X-Pro 1. I mean, I still love my X100, too (which I have given to my daughter recently). And my X100F, I love it too. And, of course, my old analog Contax ST. And all the glass, Zeiss and Fuji… I am an engineer, and being informed about new, fascinating technical gear is always very interesting, it is a must - but I don’t need to buy new equipment, I am well supplied.
On the other hand… nothing is wrong with having reliable gear, new gear, any camera could fail anytime, so a spare camera is absolutely vital! I did not look into the X-Pro 2 or any X-E or X-T model lately … but… the new X-Pro 3 is such a lovely camera, isn’t it? And this beautiful video from Patrick LaRoque is so convincing in every aspect: emotionally, technically and… the camera is so beautiful… and technically top-notch: fast autofocus, a new sensor with some more megapixels, a much better electronic viewfinder, a hidden fold down display on the back, usable for waist-level street shooting, a small rear status panel, and so much more new technical stuff! I am sure, the camera would let me re-open my eyes and senses for colors, details, feelings…would help me to get better as a photographer, to feel better… Did I mention that my X-Pro 1 is 7 years old now and may fail ANYtime?
Recently, something really unexpected happened. A lovely black X-Pro 3 sitting all alone in the window of a small camera shop, directly looking at me, when I strolled by aimlessly, just accidentially. So I had to get in, my heart pounding, just to take a closer look, just for technical reasons and just to remain confident that my gear is good enough…
After some seconds, the new camera in my hand, I could not resist. I failed. I failed completely, but I am happy :-)
The X-Pro 3 is so much better in every aspect than the X-Pro 1 - with one exception: the decision of Fujifilm to use a single magnification optical viewfinder (OVF) means you can't properly judge your framing though the OVF if you use a lens wider than 23mm. This isn't an issue for me, since the new EVF is excellent, and I have always been a lover of the EVF, but anyway, the new OVF is on the negative side.
Last week I have spent some time playing with the extended tone curve settings of the b/w Acros film simulation. With my other cameras I often use softer highlights (-2) and deeper shadows (+2). Finally I came up with a new favorite setting: highlights +2 or +3, shadows +4. I really like it…. All pictures are jpegs OOC, size adjusted, shot with the 2.4 60mm.
*) For those who don’t know G.A.S: Gear Aquisition Syndrome, wanting to buy new cameras, because you feel like your photos aren’t good enough, because your camera isn’t good enough. For those who really suffer: How To Conquer G.A.S.