I just can't.

Recently, I wrote a blog trying to demystify the X-Pro 1, and concluded the camera as capable as it is, I did not find any special sauce, any magical charm to justify bearing with its limitations. I thought of putting it for sale, and started looking either for a replacement, or perhaps use the profits to pay some bills. (for more on that blog, click here: https://www.eddieruizphotography.com/blog/2021/7/18/what-is-it-about-the-fujifilm-x-pro-1). Indeed, I was looking into the Fujifilm X-E2S, or perhaps the X-E3, for a variety of reasons: faster autofocus, a fill flash, that useful trackpoint, similar ergonomics to the X-Pro line of cameras, and so forth. That has been my intent these past few days since the last blog.

But before pulling the trigger, I decided the X-Pro 1 and the XF 23mm 1.4 lens to become my companion gear for a family trip to the countryside this past weekend. I guess this would be my way to say good-bye to the X-Pro 1 and sing its last praises. But no, that did not happen that way. All the contrary, I couldn't put it down, I just wanted to never stop shooting with it. Besides, I started playing with some fuji recipes from the www.fujixweekly.com web site, and it was just so much fun.

Well, going down my own list of issues, the things that bothered me, like the speed of the autofocus, or the weak highlights for focus peaking, or the lack of magical film colors, at the end fell flat when compared to the usability and ergonomics of the camera. The X-Pro 1 just feels right in my hands, compact, portable, sturdy, strong, the buttons right where they should be, and for its limitations, I don't know what it is, but somehow my fingers became quick enough to change whatever setting I needed to get the picture, the way I wanted it. Limitations felt irrelevant.

And perhaps, there is one little thing I think causes me to love this camera: I got it on the cheap side, I was not worried about scratches, or bumps, not that I mistreat it, just that I feel worry free when using it, keyword being “free". Freedom to take it wherever I want, not worrying about humidity, wearing out the grip, or that stubborn spot on the sensor I can't get rid off, none of that matters, when I can get the picture I want. And man, being a Fujifilm camera, the colors are gorgeous.

What would I gain in replacing it? Not much. I already own a few other Fujifilm cameras, like the beautiful X-Pro 2, but if these past few days taught me a lesson is that camera usability is king, and whatever freedom it can provide is a welcome feeling. Truth is only photographers ask what camera are you using to take such pictures, everyone else just enjoy the pictures regardless of the brand name. For now, the X-Pro 1 is my guilty secret.

You are welcome to follow me on Instagram, @eruizmiro, and @panamastreetshooter. The pictures below are SOOC with minor adjustments, some using the fun recipes from fujixweekly, some just using in-camera film simulations. Enjoy.