The Incredible Fujifilm XT1 Today

I wanted this camera so badly when it came out in 2014. I finally picked one up a year ago, and it lived up to all my expectations. Some Fujifilm cameras are super pricey right now, but the X-T1 I think represents a ton of value. You really can't go wrong. I sold it anyway, and I explain that in the video. I hope the next owner enjoys it :)

Two more Fujifilm camera reviews coming soon. Even older than this one. Plus some other amazing content (if I do say so myself).

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[allankcrain]

Fun fact about the X-T1: If you put it in electronic shutter mode with a relatively fast exposure, you can twist/jerk the camera for creative effects with the rolling shutter. If you have one (or a similar older-generation Fuji), I recommend playing around with it. More modern cameras read out the sensor too fast to do that anymore.

[zrnki]

I SEE know what they were saying..."It's not about the gear what makes it great, it's who is behind it."
Beautiful pictures with character 🙂

[welcome]

I still have the silver version since 2014, I use it sparingly for portrait with 56mm f1.2, an amazing camera till now, thank you so much for sharing this video 👌👌👌

[TheRealUnconnected]

Really surprised this camera did not speak to you. I love my Fujifilm XT5, it is amazing for use with vintage glass as when combined with the film sims it is essentially the closest thing to film you can ever achieve in camera.

[XfarglesX]

The battery grip makes it a joy to shoot with plus gives you infinite battery. I still have my x-t1 and use my x-t2 super consistently. Have zero desire to ever upgrade the bodies they’re beautiful.

[ezekielkok]

I still have my xt1 as it was a wedding gift from my wife. Paired with the 18mm f2, it’s a beautiful WLF kit to walk around with. I still take it out every now and then.

[neeravnaik]

Been using an XT2 since 2016 and I feel I can reliably use it for years more since I have got few very good lenses. The whole system is really complete.

[just_eirik]

If you like that tilt screen you might love the one on the X-T2, 3 and 5. They also flip out like that, but also to the side so that you can look down at the screen when shooting in portrait orientation.
This video made me a little nostalgic, I got that camera in 2015 and I loved it.

[AnthonyJGianotti]

Did you ever shoot with the original 35mm f1.4? It’s a truly magical lens and is the primary reason I have always returned to Fuji. There’s just something intangible about the images it produces that I’ve never found in another lens. The field curvature is wonky, the bokeh is a bit busy, it looses contrast wide open, etc. but the images are somehow special. Other favorites include the 18mm f/2, 23mm f/2 and the Zeiss 32mm f/1.8. All of the newer glass is whatever sharpness is king fodder but those old lenses were made by someone with a deep passion for photography and it’s those lenses that are what make Fuji special for me. If you haven’t tried them I would circle back to Fuji at some point and give them a spin, especially the 35mm 1.4 R.

[poche]

This one deserves to be a favorite and will always be around.

[jbp]

Enjoyed the video. I've been wanting a Fuji for a long time, and I think 16mp is my favorite sensor size (I often pick up my K-5 over my K-3iii because I like the SOOC images better). So the X-T1 is probably the one I'll get once the price comes down enough.

[ahphotography]

Great video, James! I had no idea Auto 110 lenses could cover APS-C! Looking very forward to the S2 video as well.

[JeffCreates]

I think with so many cameras available that are perfectly good from a technical capability perspective, it is increasingly important to lean on that intangible feeling that will get you taking photos. For whatever reason, if it doesn't make you want to create, it's not right.

[Hey_Beau]

X-T1 Exposure compensation is my favorite especially compared to X-T3 & 4. The punch in on Fujis is so good, glad that got highlighted. On the newer cameras it's on the dials, just feels so intuitive.

[Princeton_James]

I still use my several days out of the week for video conferencing. Beautiful images.

[Deca.Knight]

Just got one as a gift! Super excited to see that you had a video about it!

[mooncheese]

The X-T1 is such an amazing camera, in fact probably one of the best second hand options available, especially if you don't need the latest features. Image quality is beautiful. I will say though, if you can find one cheap, the X-T2 is also a great option to consider.

[markbrown]

xt1 manual focus with old lens is second to none in 2024

[phillipgoldsworthy]

I'm back to the XT1 and X70 after upgrading a few times and trying different manufacturers. XPRO2 did not like the 'pull up' ISO dial and images had just lost something to me. Felt same with XH1 then had a year with Lumix GX9 and micro four thirds. Lightning fast af but felt uninspiring and wasn’t grabbing when going out like i used to. When going back through my past 5 years plus of captures, (street, portraits and urbex), came to the conclusion that my trusy old T1 and the XTrans 16mp sensor were the 'sweet spot' for me. Haven't got to be as patient as using the PR01 but if you get your head around it it's a peach of a camera and can find pretty good deals second hand and then have money for some decent glass. 👌

[neilgrover]

I always enjoy your reviews James. I also like how you typically adopt well used copies of older cameras. Something is usually broken, gaffer taped, or in this case has a "beautiful patina". Shopping for used gear in "poor condition" is counter to how I've typically gone about it, but recently I picked up a well-loved Olympus OMD EM5 II and it feels liberating to just chuck it in my bag without worrying about scratching the body. Well loved cameras make good friends. I'm coming around.