I largely agree that new photographers won’t get the most out of the X100v. I actually mentioned to a friend that the Fuji came to me at a great point in my “shooting career” because I can sling it around with my seasoned understanding of light and the output simply sings. You don’t just show up there on day 1. I’ve spent dozens of hours creating my own film recipes and still tweak them in post. It is what it is. But what it IS is one of the most fun cameras I’ve ever used. All that said, there’s a lot more under the surface that you had didn’t scratch with this camera and I think that’s what we are seeing with people who buy it and are largely disappointed out of the gate with it. The leaf shutter and ND filter alone make it a game changer for various shooting scenarios.

You’re well on your way brother! Definitely got a good understanding of what you need to do to progress, and basically nailed everything on head! Keep it up.

Wow, such an honest and sobering review of this camera. You hit the hammer on the nail when emphasizing the need to develop one’s photography knowledge and experience.

The way you talk is soooo hypnotic. Loved it!

I bought the X100V last year as an iPhone photography upgrade. Agree with you about the learning curve … it’s a journey but this camera is so enjoyable and rewarding. I started taking B&W film photos as a kid back in the 60’s, developing and printing as a teen in the 70’s and now it seems I’ve gone full circle all these years later by shooting monochrome with my new Fuji. It’s great! 📷🙂

Purchased the X100F in 2018, loved it. Yet hated the fact that I couldn't change the lens and that the OVF wasn't really comfortable for my dominant left eye. Yet was so blown away by the colors the Fujifilm sensor produces and the JPG-only shooting, so I sold all my Nikon gear AND the X100V and purchased the X-T3, got a the 27mm WR pancake lens mounted on there and will never look back at the X100-series. I wish people (Tiktokkers, hipsters, 'influencers') would be more honest and highlight the range of Fuji camera's as a whole: they ALL have these film simulations, and almost all of them have the retro look when you buy the silver version. Buying a second hand X-T3/4/5, X-Pro2/3, X-E20 or X-T20/30 + the 27mm pancake lens you get the same image quality, the same creative freedom but keep the option of changing lenses in the future.

The premise here seems to be that the goal of the X100-V is to make film-like photos. That may be a part of the Fuji-X line in general but there are way more things that are important about the X100 series. It's compact with good sensor and lens so you can carry with you always. The Fuji controls let you control ever aspect of the exposure triangle easily or shoot in totally auto mode. The camera just looks and feels good. All that said- a fixed focal length camera is limiting by nature. That limit of a 35mm equivalent lens forces you to think a bit more about what you are doing.

Brilliant video. The kind of honest review I needed.

There quite a few things that I noticed. You didn’t mentioned the leaf shutter. This is probably one of the most important aspects of these cameras. The leaf shutter on this camera means it’s virtually quiet, and you can get creative with the flash. Another major aspect of this camera, to have a more close to analog experience is the optical viewfinder. That with the screen turned off and you will be more focused on shooting and not so much in reviewing the photographs all the time. Receipts are a major thing on Fujifilm cameras. All of them. Not only the x100 series. I have a xt4, x-h2 and a x-m1. All of them have receipts I adapted for my taste. I do agree with you about getting started with a cheaper camera for beginners before going after the latest and greatest. A XE1 to XE3 are fantastic choices. Also the xpro 1 and 2. You can get the 1 really cheap. And the x-t1, x-m1 are even cheaper. Finally fintou get a x/trans 1 sensor, with 16mp, you will get probably better colors and more filmic look and feel. The x-m1, x-t1 and x-pro 1 are very well known for that. As a final note I strongly recommend also the x100s.

Thanks for your honest feedback! Really appreciate it.

Good points and a very honest review! Your images are impressing!

One underrated aspect of the x100 series is how good they are as a family documentarian camera. I'm glad I have my iphone to take pictures of things I wouldn't otherwise get, but scrolling through my photos on my computer, I'm consistently impressed by much better my x100t photos look in comparison with the ones of the iphones that I've had along side it. Proneg Std (Noise Reduction -1, Highlights -1, Shadows +1) is just so good and is pure nostalgia. I honestly think it is a great beginner camera though. Everything you need to adjust is on the outside of it. You don't have lens choices. It can be a little punishing if you don't plan your shots, but on full auto using Provia or Velvia, you'll get enough cool looking pictures to hook you.

Great video. Nice to hear you balance out some of the hype on this camera and speak the honest truth about results. It won’t magically make amazing photos - like all great images, it’s a combination of light, composition, lens rendering, and editing. The series of photos from the bar are great. The fun you had shooting this is shown in the results. Nice stuff. 👍🏼

I love the shots you took with it!

Thanks for making this, I need to hear that I need to improve my photography not my gear

Throwing a black satin or a glimmer glass filter on the lens definitely helps too.

you are the best, dude. thank you foor your honesty!

It's the opposite of a beginner camera in fact. It exactly replicates those 35mm "Dad's cameras" of the 1960s and 70s, the Voigtlanders and Halinas, with their brown plastic cases. That's why I bought mine (amazingly at retail price in 2022). You need to know what the camera can do, and you need to know what you want it to do. It's a complex tool actually. It can do a lot. I'm sure I'll be tweaking recipes for 10 years but mostly I use my tweaked versions of Classic Neg, Kodak 400, and Acros, depending on the light. What I enjoy the most though is an Acros recipe, 1/250thsec, manual focus around 5 metres, added grain, and the glass viewfinder. I let Auto iso ride as high as it likes. It puts you in the moment, especially if you turn off the rear LCD, and only review your images back at home. That's as close to shooting 35mm film as I ever want to be again. No other camera makes me want to experiment as much.

Appreciate the candid review and advice.

I got the camera the other day, and I agree with your review 100% It’s a great camera, but it really boils down to your skill as a photographer and editor 📸

Man I wish I can learn from you in person! Love your videos man!

OMG, I can't believe that someone finally said it, great video!

I bought a X-T30 II and all you said could be applied to my camera too. I tried all film simulations and a few recipes and I didn't get the same results as the photos I see in the youtube videos. It's a great camera but don't expect miracles. Apart of the film simulations I still have more 7 custom settings which I can set my recipes. It's a lot of options and you get a bit lost, never know which one to use, try this one, try that one, take the same photo more than once using different recipes... At the moment I'm sticking with Astia film simulation, but I know that's a lot to learn and improve.

totally agree with you - it is not about the camera, but how good you are to take photos

Love the fact you're into fujifilm as well!! I use to shoot on a Canon and then started doing video with Lumix and a GH5 and G9 combo but switched to Fuji with an X-T3 and X-T4 combo 2 years ago. My X-T3 is still my bread and butter, run and gun video rig. I've put miles on that camera with corporate projects over the last few years!! My X-T4 is my favourite camera though, I've put in my own recipes and presets for photos. Just slap a 23mm F1.4 prime on the front and its a fantastic walk around/street combo. The X-T4 goes everywhere with me.

Looove the honest review Sam. You are one of my fav channels right now. I have the x100v but I find I can get similar images when I shoot with my sony zv1. Just dont take it out with me as much as I want to. Professionally I am a panasonic shooter, I want something for everyday use too. Keep it up man. Big thumbs up from me.

i subscribed because you said the TRUTH..love it ! keep them coming.. GREAT REVIEW

Thanks so much for the honest review Sam. You made a lot of great points. Yes so much hype on this camera and you have helped me decide to buy or not to buy. Thanks again

Good points Sam, I love the fuji cameras and with fuji weekly recipes (thanks Reggie) I have loved the new "filmic" looks I have achieved and become a better photographer because of it. I say win win.

Thank you!!!!!! One of the best videos!

So to summarize, if you dont know how to USE the camera and arent willing to invest the time to LEARN how to USE the camera stick to an iphone and some insta filters.... The camera doesnt create the image, the photographer creates the image... This camera is a great photographic tool in the right hands. The learning curve isnt difficult but does require the time required to gain experience.

Thank you so much for making this video.

Thanks for your honest opinion, and for not over-hyping the x100v with the craze that it went to on social media, that basically doubled its real price, up to about $2k used. I just bought a Sony RX1R mk II, because for the same $2k you get something that is even rarer and way superior in IQ, to the x100v.

I had the first one and sold it, regretted it and went and bought the x100s and love it these two have a great look as you go they get more digital. As you say too clean and nice, i think youd love the first two, if you get a chance to use one of them i think you'll like either one.

Awesome video! You just explained photography.

...from a perspective like no other....excellent!

Another great video, Sam! I really like that you put your honest opinion, not just simply following the trend. And the way how you speak and explain things is so somehow resonate with me )) It looks like if I explained something myself )) Also likes Panasonics cameras of course... and Sigma lenses by the way =))

Nice video Sam - 100% correct!!

I love the camera... kind of! It's expensive, the experience is good with it. It gives a look quicker! Great video man!

If you wants to improve your photography I actually recommend going full film for a few months. As long as you understand the basics of composition, exposure, focal lengths. When I first got into photography, using a film camera for a few months really forced me to consider all my shots, which made me think about my composition and exposure A LOT. When I do digital, I chimp a lot, and I don’t think that’s good habit. Not saying that digital is bad, but by forcing you to go full manual down to the film development, it really slows down your thought process and thinki through more of your shots, which really builds some artistic and technical character.

I bought the x100s to start on and I agree you need to practise a lot with the film recipes

Very good video, I had the x100t for a few months, and then I had to sell it for financial reasons. I'm saving up for the x100v now and I think it will be worth it, and there are things I think I'll really appreciate after having the T. I don't know what the x100v's screen is like, but with the x100t I preferred to use the electronic viewfinder, since it was much more representative of the final image.

I have a Sony a7iv, xt5 and x100v . I’ve owned a lot of camera through multiple systems . I’ve bought the x100v 3 times lol my girlfriend calls it toxic ex I can’t get over . It’s definitely over hyped but I really do love the camera and enjoy shooting it over anything I’ve ever owned . Yes it could be better but so can a Leica . I enjoy the experience.

I started in the 90s with a Canon AE1 and films inside (old school)- now I own a Sony A7III since it came out and I have some decent lenses and I'm happy with it. I had a Fujifil X-T5 for one day to be lighter, smaller and more with the film simulations for streetphotography. And after I tried it I decided to stick with my old A7III. :-D

I have had this camera now for some time; hold onto it and continue to use it. It’s more versatile than you know based on this video. That being said It’s not my go to camera since i got the Ricoh gr3 ( not recommended for the look and ease that your after). For the more retro / film look consider an m10/m240 and a low contrast lens.

You are correct about setting expectations. I reckon there are many disappointed users expecting instant results due to influencers. Your final comment is absolutely spot-on. I have no idea why people rave about Fuji *when they are only shooting RAW* and post-processing. I shoot straight out of camera JPEG with RAW only as a backup so I can later change the recipe in Fuji X RAW Studio. Coming from a DSLR it was a so refreshing not having to sit for hours post-processing RAW images on my PC. For a "better" film look, also reduce the clarity (the camera takes a couple of seconds to process the image) and add a pro-mist filter to suite your taste. On my X-E4 I shoot greater than 640 ISO to get the grain/noise and take advantage of DR400 which only works at or above 640 ISO. Don't be afraid of ISO noise, use it, especially for B&W images. When using a recipe based on Acros I shoot at least 1,600+ if possible. The higher the ISO, the greater the "grain" on Acros. I could not get on with the fixed 23mm so went from X100T to X-E3 then X-E4. I wish I started with my Fuji 35mm f2 rather than the 27mm f2.8 as 35mm on APS-C is more my style, the 35mm f2 is very quick and sharp. I got the cheaper plastic version without aperture ring, they are optically the same. The 27mm is useful for compactness. I love my Fuji for jpeg, but if you are just going to shoot RAW, then get a different brand and post-process the hell out of the image to your hearts content, you are wasting your money on a Fuji and the auto-focus is superior on other brands.

Hello there. Nice videos, by the way. I wonder where do you buy your green strap? I love it! Thank you and have a nice one

Sam i think one of the points you make near the begining about get a film camera if you want film is correct.The Fuji camera is very good , but i think its a photographers camera , and its brilliant for street , portraits etc . Its not a DSLR , it takes working and the dials etc make it like USING a film camera not film images .Thats the pleasure of using the Fuji .It will make you a much better photographer as you say if you stick with it .Its immensely satisfying as a photographer and the emulations are very very good, closer to film than some , but it is a digital camera not a film camera.I have used a lot of them and Canon top end DSLR cameras .The Fuji makes me smile and really enjoy photography. I never had the love of it the same when i was using DSLR cameras , as good as they are they have no mojo or real excitement they were just tools. I am 62 and started on film cameras , then DSLRs doing pro photography then sold the lot and got into the Fuji stuff and took the best pics i ever took in my life .

Great advice!

So many great photos you've taken 👍👌

Thank you for this video. People don’t understand the camera won’t make them a good photographer, you need to work on it. I feel the 100V is a specialty camera, and people how want it know what they are doing.

You got the Fuji! I still think my favorite photos with it are shot RAW and then I color them more like film 🤷‍♂️ the simulations are nice for quick shots, street photography. But I love my RAWs more. The softness of the colors and tones still comes through and that’s what I love about the Fuji look.

You can pull up your "film roll" through the viewfinder and see a good crisp representation. It's like a pocket sized light table and loupe.

What Recipes were you using in this video? Which was the B&W one?

Do you think it is possible to change with the color settings and get Canon's base colors?

Just have confidence in your photography. An alternative to this camera is the Leica CL

The journey is the best part.

I just bought a preowned one last night on eBay. I got the all-black version. I cannot wait for it to arrive. I already have a camera, but I wanted something that I could carry around on my way to work or when I go on walks with my dog. I have my Sony A7IV for the more serious work.

What an awesome, honest opinion.

The Fuji xe-4 is a wonderful cheaper alternative, with possibility to switch lenses! I enjoy shooting it and learning street photography with it.

..this creator so worth my sub...thnx

A lot of people who are buying the x100v are already fuji shooters and we know what these cameras can do. The reason they buy this camera is for its simplicity, same reason why you would get a Q2. If you aren't a fuji shooter, I would recommend to first get something like X-T30ii which is way cheaper as its a more versatile then x100v while having the same (or similar) sensor, and is still quite small, especially if you combine it with one of the fuji's F2 lenses or a pancake lens. I want to get x100v because I want a camera where i don't need to have the choice of which lens I will be using as well as being as small as possible. I will be having this camera as my daily family camera, as well as taking some BTS photos while I am filming videos for clients or weddings.

Do you have a link for that camera strap? It even looks cooler than the X100V :D

Wow. This is the first no-nonsense test of this phone I've seen and the first time someone even mentions the bokeh performance! It could as well be an ad for this phone. I'm looking for a replacement for my pixel and I'm curious about Sony, but you can't really learn much about them. And even when some tech reviewer decides to test one of their phones, it's usually 'the auto camera mode could be better' without getting into any details. This is exactly what I was looking for.

I've been shooting with the Sony A7 series for about 10 years and Conon before that & some film cameras along the way. I bought an X100f a few months ago mainly for the experience of using it plus the small/light form factor. I use it with OVF only & no image review and for general [non important] photos it is a joy to use. Yes, the A7Riii and 35GM produces much "better" images, but the X100f is still regularly used.

since you seem to be focused on making digital look like film, can you tell me who's work to look at to see film looking images?

Yes! This is the truth. I had this exact experience. You can also do a number on yourself by getting a new expensive full frame or a 3000$ lens. Great video.

The X100f I used for travel, family, and street photos had an accident in February and no longer functions. So I bought a Pixel 8 Pro cellphone thinking it could be an adequate replacement, instead of getting an X100VI. Surprisingly, images from the Pixel 8 Pro that I can compare to images taken with the X100f are comparable and often better. Now will it so the same job in all circumstances that the X100VI can handle with its leaf shutter and built-in ND filter? Not likely, but to be determined in the future.

Thanks for this amazing video! Really want this camera for the reasons you mention and mostly to have a good Jpeg shooter as I dont really like editing photos. That said you saved me some money being so honest. Will keep my M50 for now and use that more just to learn as Im still a newbie but then down the road if I keep taking photos I might switch to Fuji or something smilliar :D

Nice video. Thank you for making it. I have a Fuji X100s and like it a lot. When I decided to upgrade to the X100v, it was too late. There are none to be had, not at list price. I agree with someone else's comment that the goal of the X100v seems to be all about film simulation and recipes. This is the latest hipster trend; I don't care about this. I also don't care about the flip screen. If that was not there I would like the camera even more. The X100 sensor and processor are the things that make this camera excel. According to other information, the X100v lens has some improvements over previous models. You did not even mention that. In my mind, the sensor, processor, and lens make this a fantastic camera. If I can ever find one for MSRP I will buy one. Thanks again.

Have had mine for a year. Equipped it with K&F Concept magnetic UV which completes the weather sealing and supports the K&F magnetic CPL which nests in a cheap plastic lens cap on a lanyard of fly fishing line. Now I have what I want: a digital version of my ancient Leica III-f shooting in RAW on a fine sensor with full manual control of exposure and access to focus mag, peaking, shutter delay, ND filter without menu diving. I'm happy to give up the look and limitation of all film but prefer the tactile ergonomics of my relic Leica over the confusing and limiting automatic programs of many modern cameras, and that is where my fun factor is. This is a camera which can always be with me, walking, hiking, bicycling. I never use the film simulations and always shoot all cameras (other than my iPhone) in RAW. The lens is not a sharp as are my best FF lenses from Sony, Zeiss and Voigtlander, particularly when at MFD, but Topaz Sharpening and LrC texture recover that look, and I could never do that with film! Paid $450 over MSRP for an open box used x100v and no regrets.

I've been shooting for over 30 years and I have the camera for you that gets that filmic look right out of camera for really good price. Is the Olympus e500 or the e300 it has a Kodak TCD sensor which is the same as they have in the Leica cameras done

What camera strap is that?

Being a bit rangefinder shooter (Kiev 4a) I didn't like X100V nor X-PRO3. I'm quite pleased with my X-T3, but there's some major cons as well

10:00 Learn about the DR400 mode and highlight curves. You will never have to underexpose an image to preserve highlights.

Your journey will lead you to the camera doesnt matter, its the photographer🦉

Appreciate your frankness. I had one of the earlier x100s. And bought the X100v before all its hype came along. I opted to return it. They make too many concessions to form over function. For example, the limited size tabs on the aperture ring (hard to reach), and the need to add a thumb rest for a more secure grip on it. And i agree with you that the film presets are just ok, not more. Its not a bad camera, just over priced for what it is.

Mid Shin WHACK - ouch ! Couldn't Agree more it not about the gear until you have some IDEA - cracking watch buddy !

I think raw photos and then dxo film pack with any camera is amazing.

good points! Most of the photos can be taken with a smartphone. And dont buy it for recipies, you custom make your own anyways. If you dont shoot people alot and mostly buildings, go for x100t, x100f or ricoh gr3. I used to shoot with canon 5dmk2, and its not as close to sony a7r4 on technical stuff but it made you think different. We have become lazy and expect the camera to do the job for us. I do love mine x100VI and alot of stuff to learn

Get a cheap 49mm clear filter. Use black or silver spray paint and get a fine mist on the inside of the filter. This will soften the image a bit and create halation or glow. Now, your high-tech camera will look more like an old film camera with a old lens. Or just buy a pro mist or glimmer glass filter.

Try an Olympus Pen F (digital); fine tune it and you can emulate all sorts of film looks.

Hello from Burton upon Trent! Fellow X100V user :D

Thanks for the good video

Just saved me! Thank you...

Use a pro mist filter to get an extra analog look ;)

I’m just gonna stick with my Nikon Z8 and either edit the photos myself or use one of there built in picture controls. This camera doesn’t sound like it’s got me.. the size was the main selling point

Yeah I also had it and sold it after 6 days of use. I think that the best oldschool digital photo camera that shoots close to film is the Oly Pen-F.

You said jpeg's are not adjustable... "They can be adjusted quite a bit - though not as much as raw." (taken from DP review), I found the adjustment in exposure and colour was enough for shoting jpeg.

which do you prefer xe4 or x100v

If Ultramax 400 receipe jpg works well and the thing can focus decently I'm interested in it

Take the jpg/raw option. I know it takes more space but when you learned some editing you gonna love changing some shots to the better

cheers mate!

Ya I don’t know anything about photography, but I still want to get this camera. Been thinking about getting a good camera for a while. I’m going to try to take some time to learn though

Weird that the optical viewfinder is not mentioned. This is the one thing that this camera has that is unique to any other camera. Yes there is the Leica M_ but the Fuji hybrid optical viewfinder has digitral overlays so arguably could be described as more advanced.

I wish most KZfaqrs, especially Fujifilm centered ones, emphasized the fact that the thought behind and process of taking a photo is far more important than the camera itself which is what you're saying here. Unfortunately that doesn't get clicks or revenues, which a lot of other gear-averse channels say. Thanks for doing good for the community!

Hi Sam, thanks for your thoughts on the “V”. I have also just watched yours friends “V” opinion. It has become common to see options like yours and your friends about the “ film like” IQ, but you never say what film type you are comparing it to. I am not a film shooter so I am not experienced enough to be specific, but I think it’s unrealistic to compare an image taken in Astia(?) and compare it to an image shot on Kodachrome (?) I assume an experienced film shooter would load a specific film to suit the conditions of the day. And that if those conditions changed the results might not be real indications of what the film type is capable of. So those images might not be considered, relative to the specific film, film like. So short of carrying multiple cameras with multiple film types to make the best images the film type can produce you can’t guarantee the perfect “film” look. So as I said, you need to spacific if you are going to speculate on any given image. I think you would need to, to be far, bracket the film simulation, and then compare the results with images taken with the original film stock. This is an observation not criticism, I have owned the “F” and “V”.

About the white balance; you can even fix it in JPEG, it's really not much of a big deal, as long as it isn't too bad.

if your looking for the film look out of the camera rangefinder style, get a X-E1 / X Pro-1 or the OG X100

As I'm hearing your objectives about this camera, try Olympus EM5 mark iii. If you're up to retro design, the silver/black version is just gorgeous. You have tones of little inexpenses lenses to choose from - you can be more creative and experimenting with different looks. You can of course shoot RAW and/or JPG and download pics directly to your phone via build in wifi. You can tweek the curve for highlights and shadows and you can shoot directly with the BW filter on. 21mpx is enough if you want to shoot JPEG and image stabilization is just great. Hit the second hand markets for a great deal, this fuji is a bit of a hype racing the price higher.