Fujifilm FinePix X100 12.3 MP Digital Camera - Black(UK version)

Ever since I made the transition from film to digital I have been waiting for a rangefinder style camera less expensive than Leica's M series. Fujifilm's X100 hit the spot and when I saw it earlier in the year at FOCUS at the NEC I very nearly paid full RRP there and then.
As it was so new to the market I decided to wait a while until the reviews had made their minds up about it and I began to consider if all the negative comments would effect my style of photography. I decided they wouldn't but thought I might wait until the camera hit the s/h market so I could save a few £s.
I bought my camera as 'nearly new' but since I have yet to find any software that reads the shutter count, I've no way of knowing how hard it had been used. Cosmetically it looks pretty good and everything functions so its probably not worth worrying about.
The first week I had it I attended a friend's wedding and decided to act as 'unofficial photographer'. It was certainly different to using my FF SLR gear and in hindsight wasn't the place to fathom a new camera. I got a lot of missed focus shots which I now know how to correct (focus point now moves with parallax in updated firmware) and a few other quirks made my efforts less than a super success (but then I didn't have to shine on this occasion).
However, when I got round to examining the files I have to say I was extremely impressed by the image quality. The little lens is nothing short of stunning, and combined with the large(ish) sensor, the potential for really high quality prints obvious.
I've now realised that the camera pushes me into a different method of working. IMO it's not a speedy machine to use and I now take much more time composing, assessing exposure and focus checking than I ever do with my SLRs. But I love taking pictures in this way. It takes me back to the old tripod days when life was a lot slower. The fixed focal length lens means you have to zoom with your feet, but again, I do enjoy the new found discipline.
As of now, it's one of those cameras that I hope I will keep for a long time. It's got so much going for it and it is such a joy to use. I know other owners have had some terrible troubles with sticky shutters, but fingers crossed, mine seems to be OK

My camera was returned to Fuji UK after 3 weeks and the entire lens shutter assembly replaced. I consider that Fuji should have replaced the camera and wonder if this is a known issue. Despite this I love using the X100 whenever I wish to travel light. It has foibles. The manual focussing system is next to useless due to the inconsistent behaviour of the fly-by-wire connection between focus ring and lens and the tendency for the aperture to close down when focussing. This is, frankly, silly. Fortunately the autofocus system is competitive for this type of camera and was further improved in the recent firmware upgrade. Personally I prefer that the recorded image does not interrupt the optical viewfinder after each shot. It can be turned off but then it does not appear at all. A histogram can be set to appear prior to shooting but, so far as I can tell, not afterwards. To see a histogram of the stored image you have to push the View button followed by the Display/Back button. Odd.
Notwithstanding the optical viewfinder, with frame lines, is excellent and the camera is a pleasure to use in aperture priority with autofocus. Hyperfocal distance photography is practical but not when accompanied by regular manual focus adjustments.
For me the latest firmware update addresses some problems I hadn't noticed and ignores some required improvements, but that view depends on how you approach the camera. If you photograph the way Fuji thinks you do, all will be well.
Don't be put off. There is nothing else quite like this camera at present and what it does, it does well.

The fuji x100 looks good & takes very good photos. Its not a camera for the impatient, It looks like an old film camera & has to be used slowly & carefully like one- then the results can be as good as almost any camera you can buy. It is not without niggles though- like the manual focus-is close to a disgrace, it dosent really work. The switch on the side that changes the focus type is like something that was forgotten in the original design & then hastily added on at the last minute. Macro focus (even with the latest firmware update)is not too hot either. Its a good camera for the man who has everything--like another camera to zoom in & out with & take fast shots without too much preperation & manual focus that works! I am that man & I still love the fuji X100.

Amazing camera. Besides all the functionalities, the quality of pictures is tremendous. Very easy to use on manual mode.