Fujifilm X100F Review

Fujifilm X100F Review: Fujifilm launches X100F, the fourth generation.

The fixed focal length compact camera with optical-electronic hybrid viewfinder is reminiscent of classic Leica rangefinder cameras and not only established a successful camera series and market niche, into which other manufacturers followed, but also laid the foundation for the later interchangeable lens cameras of the Fujifilm X-System. With the X100F, Fujifilm is now introducing the fourth generation and bringing the chic retro camera technically up to date, for example with a 24-megapixel sensor. 4K-ideo, on the other hand, does not exist as with the X-Pro2.

Short evaluation

Pros

• Extremely rugged (although not waterproof) and solid housing
• Many knobs and knobs for “playful” photonatures
• Overall good image quality with high color fidelity
• Ingenious, unique hybrid viewfinder.

Cons

• Rear e-dial not handy enough, exposure correction wheel too easy to move
• Weak input dynamics
• Loss of resolution in the image corners
• Hide video function with too high compression

The “F” in the Fujifilm X100F stands for “Four” because it is already the fourth generation of the successful retro reportage camera that promises high image quality with an APS-C sensor and an F2 35mm lens (KB equivalent). Unique, however, is not only its solid retro design and corresponding operation, but also the hybrid viewfinder, which works either optically with electronic inserts or fully electronically. Now in its fourth generation, Fujifilm is taking the plunge from 16 to 24 megapixels.

The central distinguishing feature of the X100 series is certainly the optical-electronic hybrid viewfinder, which Fujifilm has now further improved. A lever makes it easy to switch between optical and electronic viewfinder mode, with the optical viewfinder controlling digital fades. An electronic viewfinder image can now be faded in, allowing the exposure and white balance to be checked. In addition to the Full Screen option, there is also a 2.5x or 6x magnification. The digital focus assistants such as the digital split image indicator or focus peaking can also be used in the optical viewfinder. By the way, the integrated parallax correction is done by means of illuminated frames. The electronic viewfinder resolves 2.36 million pixels and now offers an improved refresh rate of 60 fps. Moreover, in contrast to the 92 percent of the optical viewfinder, it covers 100 percent of the image field.

The new Fujifilm X100F now resolves 24 megapixels and features the proven 23 mm F2 lens with a 35 millimetre equivalent focal length. [Photo: Fujifilm]

The now used APS-C image sensor X-Trans CMOS III has a resolution of 24 megapixels, 50 percent higher than its predecessor. As usual, Fujifilm’s special color filter matrix is used, which is not susceptible to moirés and thus saves a resolution-reducing low-pass filter. The color rendering of this sensor is also very good, as it offers all three basic colors in each row and column, in contrast to the two basic colors of the classic Bayer filter. For image processing, the sensor is supported by the X Processor Pro. It also ensures fast focusing, for which the new image sensor is read twice as often as its predecessor. It is now also easier to focus in backlighting. The X100F has 91 AF points (a maximum of 325 points is possible). The 40 central AF points are supported by phase detection pixels that cover 40 percent of the image area. The contrast autofocus, which now works down to -3 EV, covers 85 percent of the image field. Autofocus offers different modes such as multi-field AF, zone AF or 1-point AF. The AF-C has also been further developed and now offers various tracking modes.

The 23mm fixed focal length (35mm 35mm equivalent) offers a luminous intensity of F2 and a mechanical aperture ring, as well as a swing-in neutral density filter that swallows three f-stops of light so that open apertures can be used for image design even in bright environments. The optical construction of the lens consists of eight elements in six groups, including a double asphere and a convex lens made of high refractive glass. The lens was specially designed for this camera series. Each lens is HT-EBC coated to effectively suppress ghosting and stray light.

Fujifilm has rearranged the X100F controls. All the buttons on the back of the monitor are now located to the right of the monitor so that you can operate them better without having to remove the camera from your eye. [Photo: Fujifilm]

There have been significant changes to the operating concept. In addition to the aperture ring, the lens has a steering wheel that can be fitted with various options. ISO and time wheel are combined on the top side, in addition there is an exposure correction wheel. The controls on the back of the camera are now all located to the right of the display to better control the camera by the eye. The top cap and the bottom plate of the case are made of magnesium alloy, the rest of the case is covered with a leather-like coating for a good grip. By the way, the X100F is completely “Made in Japan”, as Fujifilm points out. The rear 7.6-centimeter screen has a resolution of 1.04 million pixels.

Unfortunately, the X100F still records videos in maximum Full HD resolution. As with the X-Pro2, the processor is 4K-capable, but Fujifilm deliberately doesn’t use this function because the camera is supposed to appeal to classic photographers. The frame rate is 24 to 60 frames per second, the film simulation effects and the AF-C are also available during the film recording. An external microphone can also be connected. New is the black and white film simulation mode Acros. In addition, all film simulation modes can be combined with a grain size effect in two stages to simulate the film grain. A multiple exposure function, an integrated raw data converter and a time-lapse function are also available.

Thanks to integrated WLANs, the X100F can be connected to your home PC or a smartphone or tablet with Android or IOS to transfer pictures and videos. With the smartphone connection, geotags can also be transmitted and a remote control function via app including live image transmission is available. In addition, the camera can directly wirelessly transfer images to paper on Instax printers.

Fujifilm has rearranged the controls on the top of the X100F. For example, the ISO wheel was married to the exposure time wheel, as was the case with the X-Pro2. [Photo: Fujifilm]

The Fujifilm X100F will be available from mid-February 2017 at a price of just under 1,400 euros. The X100 was still at 1,000, the X100S and X100T at 1,200 euros. [Photo: Fujifilm]

Like the X100T, the Fujifilm X100F will also be available in black-silver as an alternative to black from the outset. The X100S and X100, on the other hand, were initially only available in black and silver. [Photo: Fujifilm]

Ergonomics and workmanship

Those who know the first three generations of the Fujifilm X100 series will feel right at home with the X100F. It has a robust looking metal housing in brick format, from which only the lens protrudes. At first glance, the camera, which weighs just under a pound, could be considered to be a Leica rangefinder camera, and its workmanship is similarly sophisticated. Generous leather-like applications adorn the housing. With mechanical rings the exposure parameters can be adjusted, the release even has a thread into which a wire remote release can be screwed. In detail there are already some innovations to the predecessor model seen from the outside. For the first time, the ISO sensitivity can also be adjusted mechanically. To do this, simply pull the outer ring of the exposure time selector up and turn it. Admittedly, this is a bit tricky, but those who like turning wheels and precision mechanics will enjoy it.

You could think the classic Fujifilm X100F is a Leica. It is also of high quality, but technically up to date and at an affordable price, even if this has increased in every generation. [Photo: Fujifilm]

The nice thing about the operating concept is that if you don’t like the mechanical wheels, you can adjust them accordingly and set the respective parameters with the thumb and index finger using multifunction wheels. Both wheels have a push and turn function. However, there are significant differences between the front and rear wheels, although both seem to be identical. Due to the arrangement in a housing bulge, the front wheel protrudes slightly more from the housing and thus offers more contact surface for operation. The rear wheel, on the other hand, is quite deep in the case. In addition, the ribbing is very fine and it is a bit too stiff, so that you have some difficulty actually turning it and not accidentally pressing it and thus triggering an unwanted function. That’s a real drawback compared to the other beautiful controls. The exposure correction wheel, on the other hand, is too easy to move for the exposed position, so you should check it again before taking a picture to be on the safe side.

Even more has been done on the back. For better operation when using the viewfinder, the controls have all moved to the right side of the display. New here is a joystick for controlling the many autofocus fields that the new image sensor brings with it. More about this in the “Equipment” section. In addition to the wheels and some direct selection buttons, there are also a few programmable buttons and an extensive Quick Menu. If you only want to photograph with the camera and know what you are doing, you will get along wonderfully with it. The operating concept without program selector wheel or motif programs, however, requires a rethinking of those who are already familiar with a modern camera and no longer know such an old operating concept. For each exposure parameter (ISO, aperture and exposure time) you can set the value individually or turn this parameter to automatic. If all three wheels are set to “A”, the camera operates with a fully automatic function.

The rear screen is fixed and offers good standard food with its almost one million pixels and a diagonal of 7.5 centimeters. However, the display is not touch-sensitive or movable. Actually, you buy an X100F, which costs almost 1,400 Euros, not only because of its retro design, but also because of its unique viewfinder. This works either optically or electronically or in useful mixed forms. The optical viewfinder can be used to fade in a luminous frame or exposure indicators. The illuminated frame is used for so-called parallax compensation, because the closer the subject is to the camera, the greater the deviation from the viewfinder image to the photo taken. In general, one must be aware of the fact that the viewfinder displays more than it actually records, namely only the content of the illuminated frame. This is a real advantage with action scene modes, as you can see a scene mode coming into the frame earlier and without any delay. Even manual focusing is no problem in the optical viewfinder, because an electronic magnifying glass of the focus field you are currently using can be faded in at the bottom right corner.

Those who prefer to see the image as the camera perceives it with its sensor, i.e. with exposure preview, white balance preview and focus preview in the entire viewfinder image, simply switch to the electronic viewfinder. With the residual light amplification, for example, it makes it easier to recognize your subject in dark environments. In high-contrast situations, it is easier to see when the dynamic range of the camera limits the image capture and, for example, the lights erode or the shadows drown. With the X100F, you get the best of both worlds of viewfinder technology. Switching from the screen to the viewfinder is automatic thanks to the proximity sensor.

The menus of the X100F are quite extensive, so that on the one hand you can adjust a surprising amount, but on the other hand you can also lose track. There are six menu categories with up to three pages, with a maximum of eight menu items per page. However, the tool menu is divided into seven further submenus, between which it jumps when the page is changed. That can be a little confusing sometimes. Fortunately, there are many buttons and wheels for recording parameters, as well as the Quick menu. In addition, the X100F has a favorites menu that you can populate with your favorite menu items, so you don’t always have to select them in the various menu categories.

With an F2 fast 35mm fixed focal length (in 35mm equivalent), Fujifilm is sticking to the classic reportage focal length of the X100F. Optically, however, the lens should have been adapted to the now 24 megapixel resolving sensor.

The interface equipment is not as spartan as you might think. Behind a beautiful plastic flap on the handle side there are three interfaces with five functions. The 3.5 mm jack plug functions not only as a cable remote release connection as an alternative to the cable release, but also optionally as a stereo microphone connection for video recordings. The micro-USB interface not only allows access to the memory card, but can also power the battery, so you can recharge the camera while on the move, even in the car or at a power bank. A micro HDMI interface can also be found here. Despite the USB charging function, Fujifilm also includes an external charging cradle. That’s very laudable, but in view of the price you can expect it, even if it has become a rarity.

The 8.7 Wh Li-Ion battery can be removed on the underside of the camera and provides juice for only 270 shots according to the CIPA standard. The SD card is also inserted in this compartment. The X100F is compatible with SDHC, SDXC and UHS-I but cannot use UHS-II. With a measured write speed of around 64 megabytes per second, however, the UHS-I standard is not fully exploited either; it offers a transfer speed of up to 95 MB/s. The UHS-I standard is also not fully exploited. By the way, the tripod thread is miraculously located outside the optical axis and very close to the battery and memory card compartment, so that it is already blocked by a normal quick-release plate.

Equipment 

The Fujifilm X100F looks like a retro camera and partly makes use of these looks as well, furthermore you have to do without modern recording programs, which a real photographer might not even miss, but inside there are a lot of modern functions. The film simulation modes, for example, serve retro and filter fans alike, because they imitate special old analogue films from Fujifilm, such as Velvia or Astia. This also includes modern creations such as the Classic Chrome with its brilliant images. Black and white fans will also get their money’s worth with an appropriate simulation mode including grain effect. The various row recording functions are also very powerful. In addition to bracketing, you can also record movie simulation bracketing, dynamic range bracketing, white balance bracketing, and more. Only a real HDR mode does not exist, but an interval recording function does.

The continuous shooting function is also modern and fast, up to eight frames per second are possible. For 76 JEPG or 26 raw images at a time, the X100F can withstand this high continuous shooting rate. In continuous operation there are 4 JPEG shots per second or 2.4 raw images, here the large 24 megapixel images on the one hand and the somewhat braking memory card interface on the other hand do not harmonize perfectly. But the X100F doesn’t want to be a sports camera either, although Fujifilm has integrated 325 phase AF points on the modern image sensor. The autofocus is supposed to be particularly fast. But you have to be careful here, because the camera is also set to shutter priority in the factory for single autofocus operation, actually the focus priority would be normal here, which ensures that the focus is really correct. In this mode the autofocus isn’t quite as fast anymore, especially if you switch off the annoying pre-autofocus. Then it takes just over 0.4 seconds from pressing the shutter button to taking the picture. Fast, but anything but record-breaking. In contrast, the shutter release delay without focusing or with stored focus or with manual focusing is extremely fast at 0.01 seconds. This is where the X100F plays off the advantage of the almost silent central shutter, which, however, only allows the shortest shutter speed of 1/4,000 seconds when stopped down. But there is also an electronic shutter with a speed of up to 1/32,000 second.

Regarding manual focusing: this is where the X100F once again plays its retro card and Fujifilm technically goes all out: The X100F offers everything a photographer could wish for, from focus peaking and focus magnifier to a focus scale with depth of field display, either in pixels or relative to photo size. At the touch of a button, the focus can be automatically adjusted at any time and the crowning glory of the whole is the digital simulation of a marker which works with the aid of phase AF sensors.

The Fujifilm X100F allows a complete setting of the exposure for playful photo thumbnails using the setting wheels, now also at ISO sensitivity. Alternatively, modern setting wheels can be used, but they are not so successful.

Although the stereo microphone connection is a great example of video features, even the many frame rates of 24 to 60 frames per second and the microphone level display with the option of modulation are not bad parents, but Fujifilm has completely hidden the video mode in the depths of the camera operation. Only after pressing the Drive button can the video mode be activated at all and only then can moving images be recorded. The X100F is first and foremost a photo camera, and Fujifilm has a very clear target group here. The maximum resolution is also limited to 1,920 x 1,080 pixels, which are no longer up to date, i.e. Full HD. 4K, on the other hand, could be easily done by the processor and the image sensor, because the same components are used in the X-T2. The X100F here is more in line with the X-Pro2, which was also deliberately limited in video functions. Another limitation is the relatively high compression of Full HD videos at 36 Mbps.

The playback functions, on the other hand, are not limited. For example, raw images can still be developed in the camera – including selection of film simulation modes and other image parameters. Thanks to WLAN, photos can be transferred wirelessly to computers or mobile devices, which also works smoothly and quickly with many recordings. A remote control app with live image is also available for iOS and Android. In addition, a permanent WLAN connection can be established to use the smartphone’s positioning functions for direct geotagging of the captured images.

The placement of the tripod thread in the optical axis was obviously not included in the specifications of the Fujifilm X100F designers.

Picture quality

The quality of a camera stands and falls with the image quality, which is especially high for a fixed focal length camera with APS-C sensor. Here the predecessor models did not necessarily stain themselves with fame, because the lens turned out to be an unexpected weak point, especially when the aperture was open and at the edge of the picture. The resolution of the X100F, which is 50 percent higher at 24 megapixels, does not bode well here. Despite identical key data, Fujifilm wants to have the lens reworked in order to do justice to the higher resolution sensor. On the other hand, the quality of the individual pixels must of course be increased at such a resolution jump in order to be able to keep up with the predecessor model even at high ISO sensitivity despite the smaller light-sensitive area.

Lens aberrations such as distortion, edge darkening and chromatic aberrations are excellently corrected in JPEG, the image format in which the laboratory test was performed. The distortion is less than half a percent of the ton form, the color fringes remain on average less than half a pixel wide and at maximum less than a pixel wide, and even the edge darkening with a maximum of 0.4 f-stops, which corresponds to 27 percent light loss in the image corners, is hardly visible. The resolution at 50 percent contrast in the image center scratches at the mark of 60 line pairs per millimeter (lp/mm) in 35mm equivalent, for which, however, you have to dim on F4. The open aperture weakness with a resolution of just under 50 lp/mm at F2 and F2.8 is as significant as with the predecessor model X100T and thus, in contrast to the first two generations X100 and X100S, barely matters. The diffraction starts only beyond F8 and reduces only at F16, the smallest adjustable aperture, the resolution somewhat more clearly to 44 lp/mm.

 

On the left side of the Fujifilm X100F case, the focus mode selector switch is located within easy reach.

Also the interface flap of the Fujifilm X100F is nicely disguised. Here you will find the Micro-HDMI connector, the Micro-USB socket with battery charging function and a 2.5 mm jack socket for either a stereo microphone or a cable remote trigger.

However, the drop in resolution to the edge of the image remains more or less pronounced at all apertures. After all, more than 30 lp/mm are consistently resolved at the edge of the image, the maximum of 40 and 42 lp/mm is reached at F8 and F11. As with the predecessor model, the following applies: Anyone who does landscape photography should dim on F8 or F11. After all, the open aperture resolution of the X100F, like that of the X100T, is also sufficient for larger prints, at least in the center of the image, where the X100F can even improve on the X100T in resolution. A slight drop in resolution will become visible at the edge of the image for formats larger than 20 x 30 centimeters. Sharpness artifacts hardly occur despite the high resolution.

The signal-to-noise ratio of the 24-megapixel X100F is significantly lower than that of its 16-megapixel predecessor, the X100T! Only at ISO 100 and 200 a good value of over 40 dB is achieved, and this only in the brightness channel, whereas the three color channels are below 40 dB at all ISO sensitivities. Even above ISO 1.600, the X100F falls below the critical 35 dB mark. The X100T reached over 40 dB up to ISO 800 and was only just below 35 dB at ISO 6,400. The brightness noise of the X100F increases slightly with every increase of the ISO sensitivity, but only becomes slightly visible from ISO 6.400 on, but increases steeper above that and becomes more than obvious especially at ISO 51.200. The curve is similar to that of the X100T, which only showed a slightly visible brightness noise from ISO 12.800 on. Nevertheless, the texture sharpness of the X100F up to ISO 1.600 is very good and acceptable up to and including ISO 6.400, only above that do the images appear significantly softer due to lost finest details. This is where the advances in noise reduction come into their own, as the predecessor X100T can keep up with ISO 1,600, but it drops more than the higher resolution X100F, which more than outweighs the disadvantages of the signal-to-noise ratio.

Even the X100T had to struggle with a somewhat lean input dynamic of only nine f-stops. This isn’t any worse for the X100F, but unfortunately it isn’t better either, so Fujifilm continues to lag behind the competition, which often has ten to eleven f-stops. In high-contrast shooting conditions, the X100F’s shadows already drown massively in slight underexposures and can no longer be saved by tonal correction. Thus, one should expose very precisely or rely on the raw data format with its finer tonal value gradations.

Speaking of tonal gradations: The X100F has a slightly, but not too exaggerated tonal value curve, which ensures crisp but at the same time natural looking images. The output tonal range decreases significantly with increasing sensitivity. At ISO 100 there are still a good 240 of 256 possible brightness gradations, but already at ISO 800 there are only just over 160. Above ISO 6.400 there are even less than 100 brightness gradations. Thus, fine brightness gradients can lead to unattractive brightness gradations in the images even with slightly increased sensitivity. Thus, the output tonal range is clearly worse than that of the predecessor model X100T.

The X100F can do well on the ground in terms of colour fidelity, where hardly any other camera can outdo it, not even the predecessor model X100T. The X100F records the chromaticity diagram extremely accurately, the deviations are minimal even at the maximum. The actual color depth is also very good with over four million colors up to ISO 1,600 and over two million colors up to ISO 6,400! Since the X100F has an integrated, albeit low-power flash, we have also measured its illumination. She’s relatively good. The edge darkening is only twice as high as without flash and thus remains clearly below one f-stop, which is not often found, but certainly also due to the relatively long focal length of 35 millimeters in the 35mm equivalent.

The fact that the battery and memory card are removed so close to the tripod thread on the underside is not optimal for all photographers.

Bottom line

The X100F is (once again) an outstanding compact camera with a solid housing, classic operation and the ingenious hybrid viewfinder that combines the best of both worlds (optical and electronic). However, the camera also shows a few minor weaknesses, such as the rear dial that is too stiff and the exposure correction dial that is too smooth. The price, which has risen again, is also anything but a cause for celebration. The processing speed of the camera is high, but the autofocus is really fast only with the “tricks” of the factory setting (trigger priority and pre-AF). Despite fewer weaknesses in individual disciplines, the overall image quality can be described as very good. The 24-megapixel sensor also has more strengths than weaknesses compared to the predecessor model, even if the balance is only minimally positive and perhaps a little in the eye of the observer. If you are looking for a puristic photo camera with many (mechanical) controls, the X100F is definitely the right choice for you. Videographers, on the other hand, might want to pick up a different camera.

Firmware Updates for the Fujifilm X100F: Function Enhancements and Bug Fixes

So after the update it is possible to backup and restore the settings of the X100F after the connection to the computer via USB cable with the free software Fujifilm X Acquire. In addition, some displays can be magnified in the viewfinder and on the screen, and the position can also be adjusted. However, some other displays are hidden for this purpose.

Fujifilm X100F Datasheet