Fuji X100S for Family Photos? A Candid Assessment

The Fuji X100S has been out for a while and there are already plenty of reviews for it.  Instead of being a general review, this user review will focus on the X100s' suitability for family and candid photos.  I will first discuss how a 35mm* lens is useful for candid shots.  Next, I will discuss how the X100S is different from other 35mm lens/camera combinations.  I will then discuss how the X100S performs.  Of particular concern is whether it can capture fast-moving subjects (e.g. kids and pets).  Lastly, I will also list some possible alternatives for those who are interested in this camera.

*By "35mm" I mean a lens and camera combination that has the same field of view as a 35mm lens on a full frame 35mm (36x24mm) sensor.

Yes, that's a shot of my daughter on a swing.  But you shouldn't jump to the conclusion that the X100S is good for candid action shots.  Because the truth is that capturing fast action on the X100S is possible but only under some circumstances.

Note: unless otherwise noted, the sample shots here were taken in raw, then converted in Lightroom, with minimal adjustments.  Shots of the X100S itself were taken with the Stylus 1.

Best Lens Hood for the Fuji X100, X100S, and X100T

Check out this lens hood for the Fuji X100, the JJC LN-RC49.  It's a clone of Pentax's lens hood for its DA 40 f/2.8 pancake lens (MH-RC 49mm).  It is sold as a complete set, with adapter ring and hood for around $30.  However, I got it for much less than that by buying a clone hood for the X100 (around $8) and using the adapter included with the hood (which is similar to the Fuji AR-X100), then I found the hood by itself on eBay for around $12.

Like the Fuji hood and most of its clones, this hood is also made of metal.  There is a silver version and a black version, although as a set I've only seen the silver version.

Compared to Fuji's lens hood, this hood:

• is more compact (smaller diameter)
• has a thinner profile
• obstructs less of the optical viewfinder
• doesn't block the flash
• shades the lens better from flare
• protects the lens better (because of the narrower opening)
• looks more stylish (in my opinion), and
• costs only a little more than a clone of the Fuji lens hood.

Note 1: like the Fuji hood, there is no vignetting from this lens hood.

Note 2: if you use this hood, you cannot put the included X100 lens cap over it.

To be fair, a Fuji lens hood or clone has the advantage of having a bayonet-style release (therefore it's easier to remove), and some may prefer its style over this one.  Another disadvantage is that although this hood protects the lens better from dust, if dust does get on the front element, you can't clean it off as readily as with the Fuji hood.  You'll either have to unscrew the lens hood first or else use a brush.  Or you can use a filter in front (see below).

There are two ways to use filters together with this hood.  Either you put a 49mm filter behind the lens hood, or you put a 30.5mm filter in front of the lens hood.  In the shot above, I have a UV filter (Hoya HD UV filter with hardened glass) installed behind the lens hood.  I should add that although the front element of the X100 lens moves in and out when focusing, it doesn't bump into the UV filter (the adapter is pretty deep).  Note: I haven't tried a 30.5mm filter, so I don't know yet for sure if there will be vignetting when doing that (but I've ordered one from B&H at a huge discount, so stay tuned).

UPDATE: I tried attaching different 30.5mm filters, and there was no vignetting, even with a Hoya circular polarizer that had a thicker rim.

You can get a lens cap for this hood in the 30.5mm size, like this one.  The Camera Hunter cap does not fit.  It is actually 30mm, not 30.5mm, so it's too loose.

Note: There's a similar lens hood that has a rounder appearance here though I think the one I got looks better, and I don't think you can mount a filter or cap over this rounder one.

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Favorite Black Friday Deal: Fuji X100S for $699

Out of the dozens of cameras and lenses I've owned, the camera I probably miss the most is the Sony RX1 because of the image quality, and the intimacy of the 35mm.  So I have been looking for a 35mm equivalent lens and had been contemplating the Zeiss 24 1.8 for my a6000, one of the sharpest lenses available for the Sony E-mount.  However, the 24 1.8 is quite expensive, even when bought used.  Moreover, the 24 1.8 is huge and I wasn't sure I wanted to stick it so close to my subjects, as I sometimes did when shooting with the RX1.  Meanwhile, just randomly the other day, I picked up my old Fuji S5, which had been one of my favorite cameras, and took a few shots.  I got reminded of the quirky interface, the slow speed, and the outdated high ISO performance, but the unique Fuji colors still appealed to me.

So, I thought that for the price of a used 24 1.8, I could try to look for a Fuji X100 or X100S instead and have an extra body.  The X100 is available for less than $500 on eBay but I really preferred the X100S, which has several improvements over the X100.  However, a used X100S still commands a relatively high price even with the release of the X100T.

Wouldn't you know it, I found a Black Friday deal for the X100S through Abe's of Maine, for $699 with free shipping!  That was less than any used X100S I've seen on eBay.  So I took the leap!  UPDATE: see below re possible 'bait and switch'.

EDIT; the page says that this is a "Brand New Factory Fresh Import Model" which sounds like it is a gray market camera and therefore Fuji USA will not provide complimentary service or warranty.

P.S. At the time of this writing, there's an additional 2% discount if you pay by check, wire transfer or money order.  The code is "save2".  Not sure how that works though.  I strongly recommend using a credit card instead of a check, wire transfer or money order.  If something goes wrong with the order (e.g. bait and switch -- see comment below, or they send you a demo instead of brand new, etc.) then you can dispute the charge through the credit card company.

NOTE: I'm not affiliated with Abe's of Maine, and receive no commissions from them. Please note Abe's of Maine charges 15% restocking fee for returns.

UPDATE 12/3/14: As of this morning, the order still hasn't been shipped.  So I called them.  The representative I spoke to said that "Roy" was handling my order and he is trying to handle several orders at the same time.  I asked if she could just send out the order and be done with it.  She said that Roy needed to "verify" my order.  I asked what was there to verify?  She said billing address, that kind of thing.  She said Roy would call me this afternoon.  I'll update this again if and when I hear back from Roy.

2nd UPDATE 12/3/14: So I got a call from Roy.  First he told me that only the black one was available (I had ordered silver).  I prefer the silver but I told him the black was fine.  Next he told me it was an import model (which I already know about).  He added that the US version has a 'better' battery, faster charger, and has a 1-yr warranty whereas the import version has a charger that takes overnight to charge, and has no warranty.  He asked me if I would like to know the price on the US version.  I said ok.  He initially offered it at $879.  I said I would still prefer the import.  He lowered the price to $799.  I still would prefer the import.  He asked if I wanted to know whether a lower price for the US version was available.  I said no thanks.  Finally he said, the import version is not in stock, and they would have to order it from Malaysia which would take 1.5 to 2 weeks.  I asked if they would bill me now or only when shipped.  He said they would bill only when shipped.  I said ok fine.  I will update if ever I get the camera.  Note: 7 years ago, I purchased a camera and flash from Abe's with no such attempt at upselling, so this is new to me for this store.

3rd UPDATE 12/4/14: This morning I checked the website again and it still showed the silver as being available.  So I called Roy to ask, why does it show available?  Why is he limiting me to black, and why make me wait a week or two?  Moreover, if he's going to order it anyway, then why does it matter whether it's black or silver (presumably you could order either color from overseas)?  To his credit, he didn't become confrontational.  He forwarded me to customer service and I spoke with Sally.  So I asked Sally the same questions.  Sally said their website information is not up to date and indeed they only have black.  But she said they do have the black import model in stock (2 units left supposedly) and they would ship it today.  She said I would get the tracking number today or tomorrow.  We'll see.

4th UPDATE 12/4/14: I got a shipment notification with tracking number.  Delivery is scheduled for December 10 via UPS.  I will update on the condition of the item (is it really brand new, etc.).

5th UPDATE 12/10/14: I got the camera.  Pretty much as described by Abe's.  Except that the battery and charger seem the same as a normal X100S.  Further info posted here.

Found another deal: Fuji X100s (Black).  $711 with free shipping (the listing says the shipping is not free but on checkout, it will show up as free).  This one comes from Hong Kong (therefore is definitely gray market).  I've never tried this seller.