Shooting film is an amazing experience, if you haven’t tried it before, I really recommend giving it a go. However it is super expensive these days and shooting film is becoming harder and harder to justify, especially for personal projects.
A couple of years ago, decided I needed a change in my process. Developing black and white film and going through the scanning process had become tiresome. So, after spending some time exploring the various digital camera options available, I ultimately chose the Fujifilm X-Pro 2.
Now, I know it’s not the newest camera on the market. In fact, the X-Pro 3 had just been released when I purchased it. On paper, the X-Pro 2 didn’t necessarily have all the features I was looking for in a digital camera. However, when it came down to it, this camera made the most sense for me, given my background with film camera systems.
The first reason I opted for the X-Pro 2 is that it functions very similarly to a film camera. I absolutely love the dedicated dials for shutter speed, ISO, and aperture. Being able to physically adjust these settings is so reminiscent of using a film camera, making the camera incredibly intuitive and enjoyable to use.
The second reason is the rangefinder-style viewfinder system. Doesn’t it look fantastic? It’s a visually appealing camera, and I believe that a significant part of the allure of film cameras is their retro styling and mechanical feel. Working with a camera that inspires and encourages you to use it is essential.
The third aspect that drew me to the X-Pro 2 is its perfect blend of old and new technology, both in terms of aesthetics and functionality, as well as image quality.
Film vs Digital
Let’s consider some aspects of shooting film:
- Only 36 images per roll of film
- You often need to take numerous photos to capture a good street shot
- While film is said to make you slow down and think about each picture, the reality is that you still need to shoot a lot to capture great shots
So, I found myself weighing the options. Should I continue shooting film, spending a lot of money and time on developing and scanning? Or should I try to find a digital camera that can produce images close enough to what I’m satisfied with while retaining the same emotional response I get from shooting film?
After carefully considering this balance, it made more sense to invest in the X-Pro 2 : a camera that allows me to take more photos. Its image quality is phenomenal and has a very filmic look, especially with the Fujifilm presets built into the camera.
I won’t claim that it looks exactly like film, but it’s close. Really close. What matters most to me is that I experience the same excitement using this camera as I do with a film camera.
Summary
So, here’s the thing: If you’re interested in getting the X-Pro 2 and you’re concerned about it being a good alternative to film, I would say that it more than fulfills what I was looking for in a digital camera. Sure, it may not have the highest megapixel count or the best high ISO performance, but the X-Trans sensor produces incredibly beautiful, detailed, and sharp images with fantastic colors.
It’s a fantastic choice, even for relative beginners. The physical dials on the camera can assist you in mastering the controls more effectively.
I’ve been shooting with the X-Pro 2 for 3 years now and I’ve found it to be a great companion camera that can handle anything I’ve thrown at it. It’s shot street, portraits, a couple of weddings and I even used it for a video project.
If you’re one the fence about buying what is now quite an old digital camera, let me reassure that you wont be dissapointed. It’s more than capable of handling most every photographic challenge you’ll come accross.