When I heard that Fuji was going to be releasing an update to the popular fixed focal length X100 model camera, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. I went the preorder route and have been using the camera for the last month. Here are my quick thoughts on the 35mm (crop sensor) X100s.

It is a thing of beauty. The retro look and feel has been a conversation starter many times. I don’t think I’ve ever had this many strangers come up to me to ask me questions before. Most people believe it’s a film camera and are quite surprised when I show them it’s not.

Probably my favorite feature of the X100s is the aperture ring. Everytime you change an f stop, you have a satisfying soft click. It is somewhat addicting to just twist the ring back and forth when not using the camera. The lens hood adapter (and hood, not pictured) are available from Amazon. Just click the image to go to the product page.

Besides the aperture ring, you have the shutter speed and exposure dial. Again, the placement and look of the dials is just wonderful. The Fn button is quite handy as a button to quickly switch ISO.

The buttons on the back of the camera are almost entirely the same from the X100. Couple perks of the X100s include the Menu/OK button is more raised than on the previous version and the wheel is more responsive. The screen is protected by GGS screen protector. (Click the image to go to the product page.)

It’s a very solid feeling camera and pretty heavy for it’s size. I feel like if I do dinge the camera (which I plan never to do because this is my baby, though accidents happen), it won’t damage it.

The Q button is also a new feature of the X100s over the previous model. It pulls up the quick settings for the camera and lets you toggle through all your options on one screen.

I use the B+W filter for the lens, as added protection and to take care of lens flare. (Click the image to go to the product page)

I would recommend getting a soft release shutter button for this camera, as it makes taking photos that much more enjoyable. Without it, the shutter button is rather small feeling. (Click the image to go to the product page)

Finally, I use a Gourdy strap to keep the camera attached to me at all times. It adds a nice bit of flavor to the camera overall. (Click the image to go to the product page)

Well, now that we’ve gone through the looks and some of the features of the camera, let’s take a look at what it can do.

Focusing is fast. A much needed upgrade from the X100. Also, you can use the camera in all Auto mode and it will take gorgeous shots. (Onion rings from my favorite restaurant in downtown Orlando: Rusty Spoon. A place you must try if you’re in town.)

However, one problem you can run into is that, in Macro mode and/or in low light situations, the focus is very soft. The photos produced are almost dream like in feel. In some situations that can be nice and useful, but for me and my style I need crisp focus, which is produced most of the time.

Overall, I love this camera. It has actually become my main camera. Now, for a lot of people, going fixed length as a main shooter isn’t going to work out. Most photographers I know want to change lenses and have a wide variety of options. My style in the last year has become almost 35mm focused, in that I’ll move to get the shot I want, rather than fix a different length lens on the camera and shoot. There are many different options available with the X100s that I haven’t gotten around to trying out as I’ve been taking the last month to really just get used to the feel and shooting style of the camera. When I do get around to those features, I’ll make sure to post about them, either on Google+/Facebook or here.

All X100s photos taken with the Fuji X20, which I will be doing a review on in the near future. All photos processed with VSCO Film.