Is the X100 Black limited edition available here, and if it, how much is the premium over the regular X100?

---

Added on October 25, 2012, 9:54 amThose are truly amazing shots in low light. The large sensor of the X100 definitely plays a part here.

This post has been edited by ryder_78: Oct 25 2012, 09:54 AM

Read about the Black being similarly priced as the normal version on Dpreview, and the extra premium comes from the additional accessories such as leather casing and other stuff. Not too sure how accurate is this piece of information.

The normal silver top looks retro, not as discreet (or cooler/elegant) as the black. To each his own. Also, there were some comments that the black has the tendency to get scratched with rough handling and bumps, and the scratches will reveal the silver finish underneath when the black coating comes off. As for the silver, scratches may not be too visible and it will age more gracefully. Something to ponder about.

The X200 rumours are in the air. Not too sure when it will be released and the additional upgraded features and specs, apart from pricing.

The X100 remains as the most affordable camera that comes with a large APC-S lens other than the costlier Sony at more than twice the price.

Nice images. May I ask what is the actual size of the pictures when they were taken? The pictures above cannot be enlarged ie. zoomed in, and the size of the pictures seems to be a bit small. Are the images above in their full size/resolution when the actual shot was taken? I wanted to zoom in to the images to have a look whether the clarity and detail will suffer but can't do so.

Similarly like the poster before me, I would also be interested to know if there is any post-processing carried out on the images above.

Thanks.

If it would be possible to upload images in their full sizes, the two photos which I have quoted above would be sufficient. Thanks. I am particularly interested in the X100's performance in low light, to see if there is a lot of noise in the pictures when they are enlarged and as such, more shots in low light to demonstrate the strengths of the large APC-S sensor would great. I've seen some low light sample pictures on dpreview, shots being taken in nightclubs and concerts where the background is near dark and the images come out superbly well.

Cheers.



This post has been edited by ryder_78: Oct 28 2012, 03:39 PM

Thanks. Would prefer unedited JPEGs.

Thanks Seech. Wonderful detail and clarity even though the images are blown up. The detail of the windows on the high-rise building is amazing as the sharpness is still intact. The images don't look soft but with a certain clarity and sharpness to them. Guess that is the strength of a large APS-C sensor on the X100.

By the way, do you have plans for the X-E1? Not too sure what will be the difference if the X100 is compared to an X-E1 with the 35mm lens. Also, I'm perplexed why folks still need to get a dedicated 18mm or 35mm lens for the X-E1 even though they already have a 18-55mm lens which already covered almost everything. Does this mean that the dedicated 18mm lens is capable of producing better results than the one on the 18-55mm? Or the dedicated 35mm lens is a more capable lens than the equivalent one on the 18-55mm lens? A bit confused, since 18-55mm has already covered the range, so why there is the need for dedicated 18mm lens or 35mm lens. I can understand the need for 14mm or 60mm lens since these are not in the range of the 18-55mm lens.

Setting these interchangeable lens on the X-E1 aside, the X100 is already seen as a pretty capable camera on its own. Wonderful pictures.

THanks for the reply. Much appreciated. Good to hear you will be getting the X-E1.

I am pretty new in this, and hopefully you can advise. Since you have mentioned that prime lenses (to me it means dedicated 18mm lens, dedicated 35mm lens etc.) are brighter than zooms(18-55mm) and "should" produce sharper images, can we say that the X-E1 with a 35mm prime lens will produce superior IQ than the X100 with 23mm lens(equivalent to 35mm on a 35mm camera)?

Assuming one does not need the zoom function ie. 18-55mm lens of the X-E1, which interchangeable lense(of the X-E1) will be the best compromise for most common shooting conditions in good light as well as low light? The 18mm or 35mm? I guess the 35mm?

Just to reiterate, the X-E1 with the 35mm lens will most likely produce higher levels of image quality than the X100 with fixed 23mm lens. Am I correct to say this?

Thanks again for the advice.

Nice shots there. I noticed you've used a different setting for each shot you've taken above. (1/800s, f8.0, ISO200 ; 1/105s, f4.0, ISO200 ; 1/120s, f2.0, ISO3200 etc.) For an experienced and seasoned photographer like yourself, guess you've mastered most of the functions of the X100. For a novice who is used to P&S for most part of his life, guess there is some training to be done.

Just checked out the pricing of the X100. Guess you are right that the current value of the X100 is pretty good. Just found out that one can be had at RM2,900 from DY Divine at Digital Mall PJ, and the price includes the leather casing (presumably LC-X100) and a 16GB SD Class 10 card.
Link : Fujifilm X100 from DY Divine, Digital Mall PJ

Just wanted to check with you. I noticed that the X100 has the LH-X100(lens hood) and AR-X100(adapter ring) as accessories. Any idea if these come together with the camera as standard items? What is the function of the adapter ring for the X100?

Just checking. For those who have bought any cameras from DY Divine, are the guys there knowledgeable or accomodating? Can customers try some of the cameras that are available for sale before making a choice? And lastly, is a 30 minute to 1 hour crash course(by the DY Divine guys) sufficient for the user to operate the basic functions of the X100? Of course he will have to read the user manual and learn to operate the more advanced functions slowly through time.

Yes, the price may have gone down throughout the months but I noticed the X100 was introduced in end of 2010 or early 2011. The X100 is nearly 2 years old by now, and it's holding quite well throughout the years, so some price reduction would be expected for 1+ year model.

Thanks for the information on the adaptor ring. So the adaptor is meant for mounting the lens hood and filters to the X100. Not too sure how that is done but guess a visit to the store will explain everything. So the lens hood and adaptor ring are not provided together with the X100. Is the lens hood necessary? I understand the hood is to prevent glare or lens flare under strong sunlight, perhaps useful in demanding shooting situations.

I presume the lens cap is provided(the silver metal lens cap, not black-coloured).

I am curious on your preference of not using the lens cap. My understanding is the lens cap will cover and protect the lens. I presume the lens cap cannot be used on the X100 if the UV filter is already fixed to the lens(via the adaptor ring). May I ask the reason of your preference to use the UV filter in place of the lens cap to protect the lens of the X100. Although I have not seen or touched the lens cap or UV filter in real life, I presume the lens cap offers more protection as the material is harder.

I would appreciate your thoughts and advice.

The new replacement model may be out anytime now, perhaps early next year or so. I'm still undecided whether to go with the X100 or wait for the replacement model(X200?). Not too sure what sort of improvements we can expect from the new model. If the technical improvements are not too significant for the premium charged, that will make the X100 and excellent choice. However, I guess camera manufacturers won't be too stupid to simply roll out a new model without much improvement from its predecessor.

Think the X100 will more than suit my needs than the XE-1. Some experienced photographers tried to steer me to the Sony RX100 due to its simple interface and controls, but I think it's time I get into some serious business, a camera with manual controls.

Thanks for the information. A short one since it's already quite late. Let say if the camera is not in use, and you want to keep it somewhere in the cupboard or drawer at home. How do we safe-keep it? Will the lens hood still be on the X100, or it will be uninstalled? I guess the lens hood will be dismantled from the X100, the lens cap installed on the camera and then the whole camera together with the lens cap goes into the leather case and perhaps kept inside the original box, only if the camera is not in use.

Thanks for all the information. Certainly useful.

I've narrowed down my choices to two models, the X100 and Sony RX100. That's it. Initially I wanted the X100 but there were some individuals, experienced photographers(one of them own both X100 and RX100) who tried to steer me to the RX100, citing that the simplicity and ease of use will suit me better. There were claims that the difference in IQ between the RX100 and X100 isn't too significant as what that has been claimed as the RX100 is a very capable P&S.

Anyone compared the RX100 to the X100 before?

I am fully aware about the learning curve of the X100 and the larger size of it in comparison to the RX100. Personally I may not bother about these aspects to much as long as the IQ is considerably or noticeably better than the RX100. But it appears that the difference may not be significant as I had hoped for, judging from the response of a guy who currently own both. Of course, everyone's expectations are not the same. One man's significant may be another man's subtle.

Will see how it goes. Good point that there is no end to the evolution of technology as new designs will keep rolling out. Will try out the X100 in the local store soon to see if it floats my boat. Otherwise it will be the RX100.

Thanks for all the useful responses. I do appreciate all the advice.

Cheers.

---

Added on October 30, 2012, 10:05 amHow much is the price for the original LH-X100 lens hood and AR-X100 adapter ring? Performance-wise is there any difference between these Fujifilm accessories and the JJC ones on eBay?

Lastly, the filter. I noticed Fujifilm did not include the filter as part of an item in their accessories. Why is that? Does DY Divine sell quality UV filters for the X100? I presume they don't since you've bought the JJC ones off eBay?

Thanks.

This post has been edited by ryder_78: Oct 30 2012, 10:05 AM

Thanks for the information. I have made up my mind on the X100 although I need to get a feel of it in store. Now the only issue is on the UV filter+lens hood+lens cap vs. UV filter+lens cap(no hood) vs. lens cap only(no hood and no UV filter). From your previous post as well as hidden's, it appears that UV filter and lens hood is the preferable choice. I was just thinking. What is the difference between UV filter+lens hood vs no UV filter+lens hood? Since the lens cap can cover the lens hood, is the UV filter still necessary?

Last question if you don't mind. Usually dust will accumulate on the lens with time or prolonged use. Is it a normal practice to clean the lens of the camera once in a while? If yes, what is the recommended way or the tools required without scratching the lens(or even make the lens even dirtier by spreading the dust/dirt on the lens while cleaning it)? If there is already a UV filter on the camera, do we still clean the lens of the camera that is protected by the UV filter, or we just clean the UV filter itself?

So far I"ve got mixed receptions from X100 users on dpreview as one guy didn't use the hood but just install a B+W filter instead. It appears that he could live without the lens hood. With just the UV filter on the camera, it can go into the leather case.

Pardon the questions.

Thanks.

---

Added on October 30, 2012, 12:59 pmAs a side note, I noticed there isn't any UV filter listings on DY Divine's site. Do they stock B+W filters?



This post has been edited by ryder_78: Oct 30 2012, 12:59 PM

Thanks for the information. Certainly useful.

I've just found out that DY Divine only stock Marumi filters. They do not have B+W filters which were used and recommended by many on dpreview. Any thoughts if Marumi is equally as good as the B+W filters? Will the difference be noticeable? (frankly I expect the differences to be subtle at best, if there is any). Otherwise, I will need to get the B+W filters from somewhere else instead.

If going with B+W filters, there are two types. The F-Pro and XS-Pro.

F-Pro :-


XS-Pro :-


Which is more suitable(or better) for the X100? I've checked the specs of both and both seem to be quite different.

The F-Pro at 5mm is slightly thicker than the XS-Pro as shown in the picture below.


The material of the F-Pro is made of alloy whilst the XS-Pro is made of brass. The glass thickness is also different between the two. The glass of the F-Pro is thicker at 1.8mm and the XS-Pro's glass is thinner at 1.2mm.

Any thoughts whether the F-Pro or XS-Pro is a better choice for the X100? If the expected differences between the B+W and Marumi are negligible, then perhaps I will just go with the Marumi since DY Divine sell them.

As for the lens hood and adapter ring, is price the only factor that people opt for non-originals? The original LH-X100 lens hood and AR-X100 adapter ring will cost around RM300+/- in total. I've checked around and most non-originals appear to be in black finish.

I can't seem to figure out if this one is in black or silver. I called the seller but the seller seems to be busy and didn't pick up. Anybody know if this lens hood and adapter ring is in black or silver? I prefer the original silver finish.


The best part about the ad from this seller is the (1) LH-x100 Lens hood with (2) adapter ring + (3) 49mm multicoated UV filter + (4) 49mm Multicoated adjustable CPL filter + (5) Lens cap only cost RM130?? Link (item no. 4) Two multicoated filters and a lens cap thrown in together with the lens hood and adapter ring? What a package!

This post has been edited by ryder_78: Oct 30 2012, 03:56 PM

I noticed the JJC hood on ebay is quite expensive. The only listing I can find for the JJC hood on eBay is this JJC 49mm LH-JX100 Lens Hood / LA-49X100 adapter ring, and the price is US$43.70 inclusive of shipping from Hong Kong. which will come up to about RM140. The price isn't far off from the original hood and adapter ring from Fuji if that's the case. Is there another JJC lens hood on eBay that is cheaper, or I am actually looking at the correct one?

There are some even cheaper options for the lens hood and adapter ring for the X100 on eBay, but not too sure about the quality. Click on the links below for more information :-

Ebay Link : US$5.50 for lens hood and adapter ring with Free Shipping (with a Make Offer option) - which comes up to around RM18

Ebay Link : US$6.90 for lens hood and adapter ring with Free Shipping - which comes up to around RM22

Anybody tried either of these cheaper alternatives? Does the hood stay firm on the camera ie. not loose, or the paint quality is comparable to the original ie. same silver finish, or the paint quality is poor and easily scratched or peeled off etc.

I am not suggesting cheap accessories for the X100 with a compromise in quality. Budget isn't an issue for most people that can afford the X100 I guess, and I suppose it's just that people hate paying for something that doesn't represent value for money. OF course the JJC may appear value for money next to the originals, but if the alternatives that are cheaper than the JJC by 6 times share an almost similar feel or look with the JJC, then why not. OF course if these cheap accessories are inferior in quality then it's not worth looking at.

Although the JJC hood/ring are cheaper than the Fuji originals, the price difference isn't really that significant, just about half the price of the originals. Some folks may be willing to fork out a bit more for the Fuji hood/adapter ring considering these are cheap accessories. Having that said, there are some folks on dpreview who have gone with the cheaper alternatives(RM20+/-) and felt that they were basically the same with the real mccoy. Not too sure how reliable this information was unless they have bought the Fujis and compare them back to back with the aftermarket options.

Yes, some accessories are not worth paying a premium for although some people still prefer the originals, to have the original Fuji box for these accessories although the real thing don't look or feel any different to the aftermarket options.

Case in point, the lens hood. Some pertinent points brought up by folks on dpreview. Fuji may have outsourced the manufacture of lens hood and adapter ring to a third party, just like Nissan vehicles obtaining their tyres from Yokohama etc. The lens hood is not a specialized equipment like a camera or lenses which require expertise(which is indicated by the "Made in Japan" stamp on the body). It is just a simple piece of metal(or plastic), and being part of Fuji "original" accessories, a premium is charged for this accessory.

I agree that cheaper aftermarket options for a lens hood are still appropriate in this context. Not too sure about SD cards or batteries though, as I noticed that the original batteries for the X100 are "Made in Japan", perhaps in the Fuji factory. Still I suppose the Taiwanese/Chinese alternatives may be still safe to be used on the X100 without compromising on the performance of the camera? Read about the many complaints of poor battery life on the Fuji X-series cameras. An average of 2 to 3 batteries are claimed to be required to run the camera for a whole shooting day.