After several months on the waiting list, our own Fujifilm X100VI arrived last month. My fingers were itching as I unpacked the box but, unfortunately, they had to continue to itch. August, unusually, has been a busy month for camera reviews at Macfilos. Consequently, there really was no time to get to grips immediately with the market-stopping 35mm compact.
We reviewed the Fujifilm X100VI on August 2. No sooner had the story been put to bed than attention turned to the Leica D-Lux 8. The review was published on August 16. Busy days, lots of travelling and many, many photographs. I enjoyed my time with both cameras. As I get older, I am increasingly drawn to smaller, compact cameras that make travelling easier. And both the Fujifilm and Leica, in their very different ways, are ideal contenders for the attention of anyone seeking an effective, light travel companion.
Volte-face
But it was time for a complete about-face, from lightweight travel cameras to Leica’s flagship SL3 mirrorless system. The Leica press office provided an SL3 for review, and that’s been keeping me away from the X100VI.
During the two-week trial, I became very familiar with the SL3. It’s a fascinating camera and one that has changed my perspectives on the L-Mount mirrorless world. The review will be published shortly, but meanwhile I’ve moved over to the neglected Fujifilm X100VI. I wonder how many buyers of this coveted camera carry home the box and then do not use the new toy for almost a month. It’s a tough life at Macfilos.
Fujifilm X100VI itch satisfied
At last, the itchy fingers have been prodding our own X100VI instead of the press loan camera VI which we entertained for a couple of weeks in July. While the press camera was in silver, our choice for the office hack was black. Strangely, when it comes to Leica M models, I invariably admire the silver finish but usually end up buying the black. It’s almost a default choice, but the decision on the Leica M11 is much easier because the black model is lighter, as you know.
Back to the Fujifilm. The set-up process took longer than I had anticipated, despite recent acquaintance with the press camera. After immersing myself in the simple Leica menu system for much of August, Fujifilm’s more detailed and rather obtuse layout got me thinking. It also got me reaching for my glasses, thanks to the annoying habit of condensing long descriptions of functions to get them to fit one line. How about INTERVAL TIME SHOOTING EXPOSURE SMOOTHING, for starters? Put it in 6-point Univers Ultra-Condensed caps and see how you get on. It’s a three-diopter job if ever there were one.
Menus aside — and, once set up, it isn’t necessary to delve too deeply — the X100VI was soon ready for action. The black finish is gorgeous and the detailing, both in the engravings and in the diamond milling of the lens ring and dials, is superb.
Custom as custom does
First, though, a little customisation. Conscious of the need to protect the lens, I purchased Fujifilm’s ventilated hood (which includes the adapter necessary for fitting). The hood also houses a clear filter to provide total protection to the lens. As long as you keep the filter glass clean, the arrangement is better (in my opinion, others may disagree) than using lens caps. I hate lens caps. This was the most expensive purchase after the camera — £76, although the 49mm filter was already in stock here in the office. One word of warning, though. The hood can easily fall off since the fitting is rather slack. I’ve solved this by adding a small piece of black tape underneath the hood to stop it turning.
The rest of the titivation of the Fujifilm X100VI comprised a Match Technical soft-release bug (again, already in stock) and a JJC black thumb grip which cost all of £16.99, with free shipping. There are cheaper grips, but I’ve had good experience with JJC before. Completing the ensemble is one of Gordy’s robust and very practical and inexpensive wrist straps which, again, was lurking in the office parts bin.
Fujifilm X100VI and 35mm
As I brought out in the review of the X100VI, my major concern with this camera is the 35mm focal length. The Leica Q and Ricoh GR have accustomed me to the benefits of the wider 28mm focal length for urban photography, and the little D-Lux more than meets that goal with its very useful 24mm wide angle. The two conversion lenses are accessories to consider enhancing the X100VI, if you seek a bit more latitude.
The WCL-X100 II wide-angle conversion lens turns the 35mm into a 28mm (at 35mm equivalence, of course) is definitely on the radar. I am less interested in the TCL-X100 II tele conversion lens which takes the focal length to 50mm. My experience with the camera so far is the that crop zoom is very effective at the nifty fifty focal length.
Result? Perfection in appearance. The Fujifilm X100VI really does fit its role as a compact travel camera, one that is especially suitable for street photography (a general term which is often overused, but which I regard as general walk-around photography, usually in cities and towns).
Now that the Leica SL3 is safely returned to Leica in Mayfair, I can now turn my attention back to compact cameras. I will be taking a representative sample of cameras to Greece for a couple of weeks.
Comings and goings
As the Fujifilm X100VI comes off the shelf to join the Leica D-Lux 8 and the Ricoh GR III, there have been changes on the Leica front. For the first time ever, there is only one Leica in the Macfilos cupboard (apart from a clutch of film cameras and some ancient digitals). It’s the most recent addition, the D-Lux 8.
There will be exciting developments on the Leica front before the end of 2024 and that’s why I’m keeping the cupboard shelves as free as possible. I expect at least two new cameras from Wetzlar in the near future. Keep up to date with Macfilos.
Our review of the Leica D-Lux 8
Signing up for the Macfilos newsletter
The SUBSCRIBE button (below) is now working again. If you have recently been unable to register for the Macfilos newsletter, please try again now. We apologise for the error which crept in during the recent site redesign. If you have any other queries or wish to contact us, use the CONTACT button.
Hello Mike
Your story if having to leave the Fuji sone3/4 weeks reminded me of my experience of many years ago when my M sat in the box for a similar period.I was very busy and wanted to savour the moment.
Keep up the good work.
It’s hard. But worth it in the end.
I was lucky enough to get an early VI and hoped I might have got over the awful menus on two previous models I had owned. Sadly, with all the love in the world for it, I hadn’t. I sent it back, the only benefit being to shorten somebody else’s waiting time perhaps. so near but so far. Des
A fair comment, Des, and I understand your point of view. I find the menus to be a vast contrast with Leica’s excellent system and the jury is still out. We shall see if it becomes a permanent part of my toolbox.
There is much to like as you know Mike. It sits comfortably in the hand and is easy to use at a top level of speed, aperture and ISO without deep diving into the dark pools of the system. Good luck. I am sure overall it will be a great experience.
I have owned every iteration of the Fuji X100 series and should… insert laugh here… be taking delivery of number six within the next few days. For people who have owned previous models, set up should be a snap. For those new to Fuji… my condolences. That said , the rewards for your efforts should be high as the X100V is a gem and packs less horsepower than the VI. The answer to the question… “ well … if the V is a gem… why did you unload it?” … is… I bought a Q3 which is , in some regards, even gemmier… that is an actual word… right? Thanks to all here at Macfilos. It’s good to be in your company.
Thank you Terry. I’m sure you will love the Six when it arrives. I have just been in Greece for three weeks with the Fuji, Ricoh GRIII and Leica D-Lux 8 in the bag, so I gained a lot more experience and really enjoyed the Fuji. I won’t spoil the story, however!
I have owned every iteration of the Fuji X100 series and should… insert laugh here… be taking delivery of number six within the next few days. For people who have owned previous models, set up should be a snap. For those new to Fuji… my condolences. That said , the rewards for your efforts should be high as the X100V is a gem and packs less horsepower than the VI. the answer the question… “ well … if the V is a gem… why did you unload it?” … is… I bought a Q3 which is in some regards, even gemmier… that is an actual word… right. Thanks to all here at Macfilos. It’s good to be in your company.
As you know, I love my silver X100VI. I find it a joy to use and love the rendering of images. Most importantly, it is so lightweight, it encourages use. For me, it makes photography a pleasure.
I am currently spending a couple of weeks on the island of Mykonos, with three compact cameras in my bag: Fuji, D-Lux and Ricoh GR III. Already I’m thinking it was a mistake because I always have the wrong one in my hand at any given moment. I need to discipline myself!