Twelve years ago, I moved from the Canon system to the Fuji stable. This move coincided with a decision to develop a mindful approach to photography and move away from my professional social photography. I was keen to teach Mindful Photography and needed a lighter, simpler set up. That’s how I came to the FujiFilm XT-50.
From X100 to XT
One of the first Fuji cameras I used that convinced me to switch was the FujiFilm FinePix X100. I loved its weight, lens and vintage vibe. Its first iteration had a few teething problems and I soon moved on to the XT-2 plus prime lenses.
I’m still a Fuji user, currently with a XT-4, but I’ve been watching the X100 series evolve with interest. The current model, the FujiFilm X100VI, remains elusive, but there is a ready-made replacement – the FujiFilm XT-50. Maybe it doesn’t have the kudos of the classic compact X100, but hey, it’s got the same sensor (FujiFilm’s renowned 40.2MP X-Trans CMOS 5 HR BSI Sensor and X Processor 5). All it needs is a similar lens and we’re away. Aren’t we?
Full disclosure, I didn’t start out looking for a X100 replacement. My motivation was to find a camera/lens combo that would suit travel and street photography. Until autumn 2024, I had used my XT-4 and the 16-55mm f/2.8 Mk1. But lugging 1.2 kilo around was just too much. The quality was great, but I needed something lighter.
Fujifan
As a Fuji aficionado, I would have considered an X100VI, but we all know how that goes. Furthermore, I prefer to use the 35mm f/1.4 lens (50mm equivalent) as my travel and street focal length. Would the 23mm on the X100VI have worked for me? I wasn’t sure, but I did know that the XT-50 had Fuji’s new 40MP sensor and I could use all my X mount lenses.
I took the plunge in mid-October 2024 and started testing different lenses with my shiny Fujifilm XT-50. What follows are my first impressions of a range of lenses with the new camera. What would work best as a travel camera/lens combo?
First up was the XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS PZ. Are you familiar with this super light zoom? Its lightness is achieved by the use of plastics rather than metal. I imagine it would shatter on impact if it leapt out of my clumsy hands. But it’s light, a mere 135g, and that could provide a great travel option. Is it any good, though?
Super diligent
At this time, I was being super diligent. I downloaded JPEGs straight out of camera as well as my usual RAW edit in Lightroom. The next two images illustrate some of the lens’s features. The first one is of my dog, Mabel, retrieving the ball on Swansea Bay. It’s taken at f/16 and 15mm.
The contrast is acceptable, and it is reasonably sharp, nothing that a bit of editing couldn’t improve. However, the lens seemed to exhibit a tendency to lean a little to the blue side. Over the following days, I tested this with my XT-4 and other lenses. It was definitely a thing. I know, correctable in Lightroom, but still a thing.
The 35mm f/1.4
Next up was my trusty 35mm f/1.4. Below are a couple of unedited JPEGs taken wide open. I love the colours, bokeh, light, and feel of the photos. Yep, the 35mm would do me. On the new camera the two of them weighed in at 625g, just over 100g heavier than the X100VI, but not the same focal length. A travel camera combo for sure, but what of a wider focal length?
I also had a 27mm f/2.8 pancake lens I could experiment with. The pancake was first used on a winter birthday jaunt to Bruges. I admit that I had now fallen off the JPEGs ‘straight out of camera’ wagon. So undisciplined! But here are a few photos that demonstrate the lens’s versatility, and it’s only 84g. It’s excellent in a mid-range focal length, and wide open it produces reasonable bokeh. Equating to just over 40mm on a full frame camera, it’s a focal length I like and has its place in my arsenal.
More lens choices
What of the 23mm f/2 (similar to the X100 series) you may ask? I didn’t have one, but in January, I bought myself a late Christmas present. On the XT-50, the pair weigh 618g, marginally lighter than with the 35mm f/1.4. I didn’t go for the 23mm f/1.4, which is brighter, more expensive, and almost twice the weight.
I’m not comparing the combo directly with the X100VI, I don’t have one. I can only report on my experience of the first two months. Simply put, I like the 23mm f/2 a lot. I interchange it with my 35mm f/1.4. I used the latter for my daily dog walks in January and created photographs of mine and Mabel’s experiences. In February, I switched to the 23mm f2, to push my composition skills.
Mindful starting point
In both cases, my camera setup is the same. Auto-shutter speed, auto ISO and f /8. (I also use Fuji’s film simulation Vivid setting, just in case I need JPEGs straight out of the camera.) This is a mindful starting point. I can change the shutter speed when Mabel is at top speed and the light is dull.
In bright sunshine, I can change the ISO to 100 or less. I change the focal length dependent on creative intentions. Every day I return to the initial setup, knowing that all those changes I can be done without looking. Fuji’s external controls have become second nature.
The camera is slung round my neck, next to no weight. Whether I’m using the 23mm or 35mm, I am delighted with the results. Next trip, I’ll probably plump for the 23mm; go full on X100VI…almost.
The XT-50 and the 23mm f/2 are worthy of your consideration. They’re available (always a bonus), the camera lens can also be interchanged and the two cost around £1,514. The X100VI, if you can wait, will cost you around £1,599. Hmm. I know what I’d do. Oh yes, I did.
Have you been tempted by FujiFilm as an alternative to Leica?
More reading
Visit Lee Aspland’s website
Review FujiFilm X100VI
More on the FujiFilm XT-50
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I recently picked up an XT5, with the 16-50 kit lens, as my Leica X is ailing, and I needed a change from my legendary Nikon Df – I am finding the Fuji system an interesting journey – and I love the ergonomics, and have got a little addicted to messing around with the Jpeg recipes.
Thank you for pointing out a few new lens I have yet to consider – and I am sure i will eventually pick up.
Your photos make a great case for interchangeable lens cameras. I usually make an exception for the Leica D-Lux series, with their extendable zooms (though my D-Lux 6 stopped extending a month before I was due to visit Japan!).
However, I was wondering whether any of the other features of the X-T50 were important to either you or Bob: BSI, IBIS, 40MP sensor?
I did the same as you, I mean I bought an X-T50 in lieu of an X100VI, not go to Swansea Bay. I also own the wonderful little XC 15-45 which is as sharp as a pin at the wide end through to about 28mm, I like an aperture ring though, which this lens doesn’t have. As pairings for the X-T50 you could choose from any of the F2 trinity of Fujicrons; the 23, 35 or 50 each of which work well with the 40 MP sensor, or the 18mm f2 which is very nice too. An X100VI equivalent in your (large) pocket with another interchangeable lens, or two, in another (smaller) pocket! Or how about this; pair the X-T50 with the absolutely superb Fujifilm 18mm F1.4 and you have a camera that compares very favourably with the Leica Q3 at much less than half the price. Now I don’t own a Q3 so my comment may be a bit tongue in cheek, but the Fujifilm 18mm f1.4 is a seriously good lens, which paired with the Fujifilm 40MP sensor on the X-T50 makes for a stunning combination. All in, the little X-T 50 is an amazing launch pad for all kinds of photographic greatness.