Is The Fuji X-T1 Still Relevant In 2023? - An Unbiased Review

I love the xt1, I never used a dslr but took photography classes in college so the retro dials maked it easy for me to use and understand. I still dont know how you move around iso/ss with most dslr

Put a xt1 next to a xt5. The xt1 feels like it’s military spec compared to the xt5. It’s just this solid piece of metal compared to the plastic xt5

Thanks, Good info.

The rubber peeling is pretty annoying. It is glueable if you clean the old residue off as some have said. However if yhe rubber has started to swell there are more issues. Some people have just cut the edges to make them fit back in but honestly I just took the rubber off. Camera still feels great and looks interesting.

Alternate I did notice there are some sellers on Ali-express and ebay selling new kits to re-apply the rubber but its about 130 USD ish.

Does the service centres in your countries still service x-t1?

Good content but your video was waaaaay overexposed and the elevator music was distractingly loud

I‘m looking into starting photography but want to do film photography too someday.
As i think it‘s a massive waste of money to start photography with film(as it just costs so much and you need to take a loooot of photos to learn) i am looking for a digital camera.

Whats the cheapest fujifilm camera with manual dials for setting the exposure triangle, that you would recommend?
I might choose a fujifilm camera because of the film emulation settings.
I also own a few older lenses that i would want to adapt and and experiment with.

Camera prices seem to be extreme at the moment, but i hope to find a good price on a camera after christmas..

I was really surprised to hear about the autofocus being bad. I've had XT-1 few years and i loved the autofocus on it. I shot a lot of weddings with it and AF was never an issue. Zhe HUGE issue i've had with this camera is the moronic ADV feature, the poor battery life and poor ergonomic for pro use. The ADV feature is placed on a drive dial which is free to turn, no lock, and it puts a dumb toy camera filter in use while switching from RAW to JPEG. So basicly, i've had it switched on by accident in a wedding and i've made a 50ish photos in jpeg toy filter with no possibility to save the pitcures. That feature shouldn't even be on a camera, let along being this easily available. It's like a disaster button. I've had 8 batteries with a grip, the grip made the ergonomics of the camera a lot better. But the silent shooting was ground braking in wedding photography. I was able to blend in and get beautifull shots with XT1. I was shooting in church while DSLR photographers had to pause to be quiet.

Glue.

Ive Heard the xpro1 it's better for photos?

Hey Steven, thanks for your thoughts on the X-T1. I was considering getting one a few months ago but went with the X-T2. I got the X-T2 from MPB. Sadly, there was an issue with the camera. At times it would just all of the suddent go black and I would have to take the battery out and put it back in for it to work. Other times, the screen would go blue and even if you turned it off, it would stay blue. Only way to get it back was to take the battery out and put it back in. The other issue I had with it, is sometimes it would start shooting video even though I didn't put it on video and then I could not get it out of video mode. Also, I was supposed to get the compact flash with my order but they did not put it in my order. I got in touch with them and they finally sent me the flash I had paid for. Sadly, the camera kept acting weird so they gave me shipping labels to return it. I really didn't want to return it because it was a beautiful camera and when it worked it was great, but I could not keep it with all those issues, so I sent it back today. NOw I need to figure out if I should buy another X-T2, an X-T1 or and X-T3. I love the photos you got of your cats, but I want to make sure the camera's autofocus is decent, even though all the lenses I purchased are manual focus. Anyway, could you tell me what lens your friend has for shooting birds? I think you said 70 - 300 - and he uses it on the X-T2, right?

I did get some great pics from the X-T2 so i probably will try it again. Would love to hear others thoughts on the matter. I also need to watch your MPB video. I had good luck with their customer service. And this was the 2nd camera I bought from them. I also bought the Canon 5D classic. That camera is great. I have used KEH as well. I bought a lens for my Pentax from them and it did not work when I got it, so sadly I had to send that back. They had great customer service too. I like MPB for buying cameras because they photograph each one and you can see the one you buy, that means a lot to me, even though you can get a beautful looking camera that doesn't work perfectly anyway.

Ok, I have rambled on enough. I would love feedback from anyone that would like to share. Thanks!

Autofocus isn’t any good!?! Hmm, I’d get you one checked, unless you are trying to shoot sport or shooting birds. In everyday professional work it keeps up with the XT2 & XT3 in the real world.

I've just added an XE2s to my XT4 and im head over heels in love with it.

Cant say ive had any problems with focusing on my X-T1(stills images i dont do video). Lens /camera problem? look to see if firmware of both up to date?

Great

I honestly can't believe so many people are selling used X-T1's. I'd never let mine go, especially not for $400! Love this camera.

I’m buying one simply for the x trans 2

I still have my X-T1 together with XF 35f2 and XF18-55. I actually did reduced my lineup to give room for my Lumix GX8, Leica DG 25mm f1.4 and Leica DG 12-60 f2.8-4 and the most recent Leica T with Elmarit-TL 18mm f2.8. There is a lot of gems out there not just Fujifilm. Lumix GX8 for videos and the X-T1 and Leica T for photography.

My whole entire package is just €1800 all used but good as new condition plus extras. €1800 for a Fujifilm, Lumix and a Leica and all the lenses. Good as new 2nd hand is the way to go practically. Some professionals think differently of course.

Compared to Leica T, My X-T1 is blazing fast haha! Thanks for the video!

I like the Fuji X-T1 not for the retro looks but the colors and jpeg quality especially when you edit the photos in light room.

Tbh. I the autofocus seems okay for me. Probably because of the pictures I take. When paired with vintage lenses you get even more beautiful photos with character by also getting some grain on your photos if you want to. :)

I have had X100, XPro1, X-E2s*, X-H1, X-E3, X-T20. All have been sold. Why? The X-T1 of course. If you are not bothered about good continuous AF or video, it is a delight. Single point AF is perfectly fine and largely lens dependent. With or without a battery grip it's good to hold and operate. The XTrans II sensor produces nicer images IMO than all of the others. It's reasonably compact and discrete. You have a wide range of beautiful lenses at all budgets to choose from. Manual focus with adapted glass is a doddle. I also have an X-T10 (AF is a bit better) which produces the same images in a really compact body and X100T (for when I need fill flash or an OVF or just for a change of experience), but the 2 cameras I naturally gravitate to are the X-T1 for manual focus lenses or the X-T10 for AF ones. Sure the later models offer better AF and video capabilities (which some may need to be fair) plus other bells and whistles, but for me it boils down to that sensor and for my hands at least the perfect size (later models put on bulk to accommodate the extra features).
*This shares the same wonderful sensor and output, but its not much smaller than the X-T1 and the viewfinder is not as nice. I sold it at a profit as the used prices seem to be piggybacking off the RF look fad made so popular by the X100V.

I think if I had come into Fuji blind, I'd have been all over the XT1. As it is, I had been shooting with the XE4 for about a year before borrowing the XT1 from a friend. Could not hack the rollback on a lot of the creature comforts found in the later bodies. Not to say XT1 is bad. But it is a very spartan experience.

On mine I used loctite gel super glue. That was two years ago. Worked great. I use it nearly daily.

Reattaching the rubber skin is very easy. Contact cement will work fine. Clean off as much of the old glue as possible. Coat the metal and the rubber that you want to glue down with contact cement but, keep them apart. Let both surfaces dry then carefully press into place. You will only get one shot at it so be care full. Roll up any extra cement along the edges with your finger. You are done.

I got a new one. They are still being sold.

Still shooting with my X-T1 and all manual lenses 12mm, 35mm, 50mm & 500mm. If you want to shoot a camera and not a up-to-date computer it is still an amazing camera. I also shoot video with it although with limits. Just can't beat the censor in this camera. I also purchased an X-T2 when it came out and kept it for about a year but sold it.

Bought it new back in the day, still have it.

Nice review of the xt1, I totally agree with everything you’ve said about the camera. Sadly One notorious issue with the xt1 is the skin peeling off. I bought mine brand new in the box and to my greatest surprise the whole skin had come off leaving a sticky residue. After cleaning the sticky mess from the body of the camera and the skin,I used the B7000 glue because it’s viscous and runny at the same time. The trick is to apply both on the skin and body of the camera then allow for at least 1minute for it to become a bit tacky then put back the skin and apply pressure on the area until it dries which can take nearly two days for proper adhesion. Once dried,it’s never coming off. Any residue from the glue can be picked of leaving a clean finish. (Speaking from my experience) cheers👍🏼😊

Giant mirrorless camera? I must have missed them 😂

I using the Fuji FX-T1 and the 55-200mmF3.5-4.8 for wildlife and i do not work well with that combination

Please use manual Focus and try back button autofocus. It works perfect. I have 2 of them in 2023.

MPB is fine. Never an issue after many transactions of selling and buying with them.

Sorry just a quick correction, not all metallic, some parts are made of magnesium alloy

the X-T1 is a killer camera but honestly I don't think I would recommend it right now. Not because it's not good or whatever, but for the amount of money that X-T1s go for nowadays, you can almost get an X-T2 which is a tremendous upgrade over the X-T1 it's not even funny.

Video is unusable, both for dynamic range and sound quality. Video was clearly an after thought.

That being said, ther eis pretty compelling arguments for getting an X-T1 specifically (or should i say an X-Trans II camera), for the sensor and image processing. Not saying that the X-T2 is bad (I actually much prefer the color science and image rendering coming out of the X-T2), but it's definitely special and different from the other Fuji sensors when it comes to colors (especially editing RAWs).

I bought an X-T1 for about 250 bucks about 2 years ago, when the Fujifilm craze hadn't started yet, and it was a very good value then, but today I don't know why it's still around 400 bucks. I'm keeping it cause that's the camera I learned photography on and I don't really want to get rid of it. But to be completely honest, knowing what I know right now I would rather go another way. Probably X-T2, it really seems to be a sweet sport of price to performance nowadays.

I have an XE1, Xpro1, xpro2, x100s, and XT3

Currently, I shoot with an X-T1, GRiii and the X100F. Had the V, sold it.Had T3, T4 and sold 'em. Got the T5 just to see what's up....returned it almost immediately. T1 wins hands down for photography imo. No video here as an iPhone does perfectly fine for my use scenario. The tones, the textures, the colors, the clarity, the vibe, the feel... X-T1 wins all. And the F over the V just for the ease of use, buttons and dials and has sooooo much character.(brown one to boot). I have had every Fuji camera made at one point. The older cameras are by far the best options for me as a mostly photo shooter. Interestingly my X-T20 files were some of the sharpest and most character-filled frames even side by side with the T5. If the X-Pro4 / X100R goes with the 40mp sensor... I'll be staying right where I'm at... most likely indefinitely.

I have XT-1 since 2 years wirh 18-55 and 50-140 lens and man, the last one zoom lens in phenomenal in sharpens and IQ. Love this camera ❤

I love the images the sensor produces. Am an old time film photographer so only shoot manual focus and manual aperture, so love this camera!

Yes, for a photographer, it is still a very good choice. I use X-M1, X-E1, X-T1, X-T20 and old Fuji DSLR S5 Pro. All cameras used with vintage lenses.

I have a X-T1 with XC35, do you recommend any settings?

yes, it is relevant...I will use mine today....voigtlander works well with xt1

Yes it is 😀. I shoot a lot with older Fujifilm (and ccd) cameras and I think they are golden. Especially the X-trans II sensor is so good. I like it more then the newer Fuji sensors. Even better, I like it so much I got an X-T1, X100T and X-E2s, all with the X-trans II sensor. They tones are warmer, the image less digital, the highlights rolloff is better and I think 16mp is the sweet spot for Apsc. Don't bother with the jpegs though, edit the raw files and get your mind blown. So yes, it's more then worth it in 2023 but Don't tell everyone or there will be a X100V run on those older models 😉

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