Getting a Grip on the New Fuji Offerings: X-E4

Yesterday Fuji introduced five new products, and I spent the day writing an "Open Mike" on a ridiculous subject that, in the cold gray light of morning, made me think what were you thinking? A hoary, stereotyped baby-boom-generation topic. Younger people would have thought, sheesh, you're livin' in the past, boomer.

Many years ago I had a student with the flat-out wonderful name of Lely ("lay-lee") Constantinople. Once, when she stuck her head out of the gang darkroom to look at her print in the light, I overheard her say to herself, "Lely, get a grip." The door swing shut and she disappeared back inside.

Get a grip, Mike.

Fuji has re-introduced the X-E series, which had been discontinued some time ago (had you noticed? I didn't think so). This series is Fuji's miniaturized "rangefinder-style" (no SLR hump, viewfinder window in the upper left as you face the camera from the back) cameras that are the same size as, and were meant to compete with, the Sony NEX cameras, which became the Sony A-6000 series, currently embodied by the high-tech A-6600 and the price leader A-6000. For some odd reason, the Sony cameras, which have never had a very complete or sensible APS-C lens line, sell well, whereas Fuji's competing offerings, which do have a complete and sensible APS-C lens line, do not sell well.

On the other hand, the X-E series is basically the interchangeable-lens variant of the celebrated X100 series, and that does sell well. So maybe it all balances out even though it doesn't make any sense.

Anyway: the new rejuvenated X-E4 is almost the same size as the old X-E3. Elsewhere on the Internet you will read that the X-E4 is the "smallest E-series ever," because that's how Fuji's plugging it, but c'mon, Internet, it's one millimeter shorter and has had its vestigial handgrip shaved off, that's all. (TOP serves it up straight, not filtered.) It's also 27 grams lighter, OK, but no one needed an X-E3 to be lighter. (Fuji doesn't give the weight for the optional MHG metal hand grip, but I bet it's more than 27 g.)

As with Fuji's last redesign of the X100 series, the design of the X-E4 is sleeker and cleaner. Fuji seems to have been influenced somewhat by Leica's small-camera aesthetics recently.

The usual range of incremental improvements have been applied; everything's the latest and bestest. It's got 18 film simulations, so this is a camera ideally suited to shooting out-of-camera JPEGs. However it does not have the new "Nostalgic Neg" film simulation that the new GFX 100S has. (Boomers like the sound of "Nostalgic Neg." All people older than 60 are either nostalgic or liars. It's been that way since the invention of human consciousness. Things aren't better because you're young when you're young, but things were always better when you were young once you're old.)

The X-E4 will be available with the new, redesigned 27mm pancake lens for only $200 more. That's in contrast to the longtime "normal" lens for the Sonys, a Zeiss-labeled 24mm that is exceptionally long for its spec and has never not been uncommonly expensive. I love that Zeiss 24mm, but it costs more than the new Fuji lens and this new Fuji camera together, which seems fairly nuts. Oh, and that now-missing grip? There's an add-on grip for the Fuji, so it's your choice. Of course, Sony's A6xxx grips are free; Fuji will soak you for an extra $90 if you want to get a grip on the X-E4.

(You see what I did there.)

On the good side, the grip has a built-in Arca-Swiss plate for your tripod. And no, it's not ridiculous to tripod the X-E4: this camera will be fully capable of providing objectively very high-quality results despite its diminutive size.

There's also a spiffy matching thumb rest.

The new 27mm ƒ/2.8 Mark II pancake lens (41mm equivalent) has an aperture ring. The original one didn't. The new lens is also weather-sealed, and has a new AF motor. Did I mention yet that you should buy the lens with the camera and the camera with the lens? You should.

Will the X-E4 be more popular than Sony's six thousand series? Should be. Probably won't be. That's the way the cookie crumbles.

Mike

Book o' This Week:

Eyes Over the World: The Most Spectacular Drone Photography, by Dirk Dallas. The above link will take you to Amazon.

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(To see all the comments, click on the "Comments" link below.)
Featured Comments from:

Dillan: "That X-E4 looks pretty sweet! Why do I want every Fuji camera that comes out? I'm supposed to be a Canon guy. Get a grip, Dillan!"

JoeB: "One thing the new X-E4 does not have is in-camera image stabilization. For this coffee drinker, that, I'm afraid, is what the web calls a deal-breaker. Checks all the rest of the boxes though."

Chris Bertram: "I'm confused, Mike. I though the X-Pro series was the interchangeable lens version of the X100, but you have it as being the XE. Was I wrong?"

Mike replies: Well, I think "wrong" is too strong a word. That sort of thing is all open to interpretation. To me the size of the X-E[x] and X100[x] is very close, and the X-Pro series seems more like the "rangefinder-style" equivalent of the X-T[x] "SLR-style" cameras. But this is just my take on it. I haven't got any special authority.

Kenneth Tanaka adds: "Chris Bertram is correct; the X-Pro camera line is the interchangeable lens answer to the X100 line. Both the X-Pro and X100 have that distinctive and complex hybrid reverse Galilean viewfinder, versus the XE camera line which features a simple off-center EVF located roughly where a Leica viewfinder would be. I also agree with Huw Morgan that Sony's Alpha 6000-series / NEX line was a master stroke. I still have two in a drawer along with a few lenses. They're brilliant, very capable hybrid design forerunners. And indeed, opening the mount for third party lenses made it far more durable in the marketplace."

Mike: Yes, I forgot about the similar X100/X-Pro viewfinders.

Richard Parkin: "Some possibly more interesting Fujifilm news is that in the U.K., the Novavax vaccine, which has just successfully passed its trials, will be manufactured by Fujifilm Diosynth in Billingham, Teesside. (I don’t know where it will be manufactured in U.S. and elsewhere.)"

Comments

[Dogman]

The Fuji 27mm was one of my first Fuji lenses when I bought my first X-Pro1. It was sharp and small and I hated it because it had no aperture ring. I sold it (along with the 60mm macro lens--I hated it for the awful AF). Those are the only two Fuji lenses I really ever disliked.

While the new camera looks nice, I'm an OVF guy so it has limited appeal for me. The new 27mm, however, looks very interesting.

[Chris Bertram]

I'm confused, Mike. I though the X-PRO series was the interchangeable lens version of the X100, but you have it as being the XE. Was I wrong?

[Well, I think "wrong" is too strong a word. That sort of thing is all open to interpretation. To me the size of the X-E[x] and X100[x] is very close, and the XPro series seems more like the "rangefinder-style" equivalent of the X-T[x] "SLR-style" cameras. But this is just my take on it. I haven't got any special authority. --Mike]

[Steve Biro]

I still have my X-E3 and the original Fuji 27mm f/2.8 pancake. I have to think about this but I suspect I'll end up buying the X-E4 and the new 27mm. If I sell the old camera and lens I should be able to lower my overall expense by a few hundred dollars.

The X-E3 still takes solid images and the old 27mm is a fine lens. But having Fuji's latest autofocus abilities, sensor and film simulations counts for quite a bit. And the aperture ring, new AF motor and weather resistance counts for a lot on the new lens as well.

Some don't like the new minimalist exterior of the X-E4. But, with dedicated shutter speed and exposure compensation dials, and aperture ring, it's all kind of relative. And it's still more than enough for casual shooting.

If anyone doesn't like the PASM dial on the X-S10, one can buy the X-E4 and add the grip. The guts of the two cameras are about the same.

[Albert Smith]

The X-E4 was a bit of a let down for me. I was reading of the rumors of the new camera for months and being a fan of my X-E3, was happy that the line continues.

The new model eliminates several buttons and switches, I suppose to streamline the exterior, but really, no front AF (S,C,M) mode switch? I hate and disable any touch screen function, too many times things change while simply carrying the camera, so I need those exterior buttons.

Removing any semblance of a grip on such a tiny body, and then offering a 100 Dollar a accessory is not winning any points from me either. But I really hate that they did away with strap lugs for slots. I only use rope style straps on my Fujis and they require lugs.

I guess I'll have to baby my X-T3 to keep it going longer. It will have the new 27mm mounted when it arrives from being pre-ordered. That will be my EDC camera.

[Huw Morgan]

I've had Sony APS-C cameras for a while (Nex 7, a6500, a6600) and the appeal is the excellent image quality, small size, fantastic auto focus and the good availability of third-party lenses (e.g. Sigma primes and Tamron zoom). Sony did a wise thing and opened the specification for the e mount and has been reaping the rewards for years.

[Stan B.]

The X-E3 looks a helluva lot better than the featureless block of an X-E4 rectangle. But where's the much needed, sharper, larger, heavier, more expensive 18mm which I probably won't get for the latter three reasons?

[Bill Poole]

Regarding that replacement 27mm lens, it does seem a coincidence that this is coming out just as I decide that my copy of the current version is dead. I've had repeated focusing and exposure issues --really weird stuff happening--while the camera worked fine with all my other lenses. I tried everything, cleaning contacts, reinstalling firmware, etc.--and finally decided that the electronics must be fried and that it was probably not worth fixing. I love the pancake size, so this new one is welcome, but still . . .

[This makes me wonder if Lensrentals has an overview article about lens reliability. I'm sure some do fail, but mostly, lenses are more reliable than cameras and are typically longer-term investments. I'd be curious to know if your 27 was one of the exceptions or if there were problems with that particular lens. I think Lensrentals would be about the only source that would know the answer to that. --Mike]

[John Camp]

Sorta reminds me of an old Yashica Electro 35 film camera. Remember those?

[John Krumm]

I'm a big, big fan of the old 27 2.8. Seems about perfect. Very tempted to get this new one despite having the old one. I would have no problem putting that tiny weather-sealed lens on my big weather-sealed X-T4. The X-E4 to me looks like my XT-30, a small, useful, capable, but slightly fiddly camera for any hands above medium-sized.

[hugh crawford]

I find the lack of a grip to be charming and refreshing.
While getting rid of historical artifacts like the bump that the film winding motor lived in, how about abandoning the fiction that there is a Leica style shutter curtain drum to which the shutter button is attached and place it in a more ergonomic location.

If the camera makers really want to mimic mid 20th century camera design conventions, they need to get the knobs and buttons to spin once for every exposure.

[Robert Pillow]

I hate to say this, but the E4 with the pancake is the poor man’s X-100V. With a 35mm lens, it would rock my world. The video specs are more than enough to make me think this and a couple of lenses would be a nice rig, especially on a gimbal-stabilizer.

[Brandon P]

Several years ago, my two primary lenses broke for my Rebel. I decided it was as good a time as any to jump ship and get an A6000. (Canon didn't have a mirrorless body available at the time). At that time, everyone was expecting the successor to the A6000, so I decided to bide my time and wait. And while I waited, I heard about the Fujifilm X-E2. I knew nothing about Fujifilm's mirrorless cameras. I read about the famed Kaizen. I read about the great glass. I read about the passionate photographers who had been converted to the system. So instead of waiting for the new Sony, I decided to go ahead and buy a three-year-old Fuji. I did not regret it.

What I did miss, though, was having a capable video camera for my occasional projects. When the XE-3 came out, I couldn't resist. Honestly, I preferred the XE-2 body, but I liked the improved grip (especially for the thumb), plus it had an additional command dial, and I actually liked the touchscreen implementation. (I still miss the D-Pad, however.)

I was sad when I heard the line was cancelled, so the news of the XE-4 was heartening. However, I feel like so many others seem to after the announcement. It's a gorgeous camera, yes, but it doesn't seem as functional. It's more style, less substance. The focus switch on the front is something I use a lot. The second command dial too. The introduction of the XE-3 made me feel like Fuji giveth so much. The XE-4 feels more like taketh.

I'm actually enjoying the unusual feeling. No need to try and figure out how to afford it. I just warm feelings thinking that there will be even greater deals on the XE-3 out there if the need arises.

That lens, though...it's always been the one that got away. I had it and didn't love it. But whenever I look back at my own photos taken with it, and I hear others continue to praise the 40mm focal length, I do feel a bit of regret. And I always spend some time looking for used deals, but never pull the trigger.

[cdembrey]

Living in the Past is a Jethro Tull song that I enjoy. But I have already actually lived in the past—been there done that, no need to repeat.

I've always preferred the bleeding edge. Not always safe, but ever stimulating! I'm no fuddy-duddy, no fiddly Fujifilm cameras are in my future.

BTW why would I want digital-faux-film? For me the lack-of-annoying-grain is the BIG selling point for digital. YMMV.

[Dane]

Sounds like a great new camera. Thanks for the excellent write-up.

[Patrick Dodds]

I wish I'd been christened Lely Constantinople.

[Brian Small]

"Things aren't better because you're young when you're young, but things were always better when you were young once you're old."

Added to my Quotes file!

[Stephen Scharf]

If you think that shaving a millimeter off a camera body while concomitantly adding a "flippable/tiltable" LCD is an easy engineering feat, you should go back...and think again.

[Patrick D Perez]

John Camp asked if anyone remembered thoYashica Electro 35. I do. It's lens can best be described by me as lovely. The shutter had a topspeedof 1/400", so somewhat limiting on when it could work to it's best, but within the envelope, it was great.

Patrick

[Dan Khong]

I won't ditch my X-E3 for the new kid in the block who looks like a block.
But I would be tempted to splurge some shekels on the new pancake lens - much influenced by this guy Mike who made mention of that crazily priced Zuiko 40mm/f2 lens recently.

[RayC]

Sony vs Fuji may also be a question of shekels (not a problem for you pool hustlers) a quick hunt shows Sony A6000 with the much reviled but still capable for many, 16/50 zoom for $648 compared to the fuji at $1049 w the 27mm. Even when I squint that seems like real money to me.

Obviously there are plenty of models/price points to consider but I'm just sayin... price plays a part for many in their photo decision process.

[And a good used A6000 can be an even better deal, too, for making your money go a long way. --Mike]

[Daniel]

If Fuji is actually being influenced by Leica give us the X-ProM. A monochrome camera. One dedicated to B&W only. No color other than in the operating manual - maybe? Make the box it comes in B&W only?

Leica sells them and is apparently doing well so why not the "poor mans Leica" folk?

[Mani Sitaraman]

This camera looks very similar to the fixed lens quality rangefinders the 1960s and 1970s, but for their view and rangefinder windows. Clearly, this camera's designer lives in the past. And a good thing, too.

[Brian Stewart]

Was the X-E[x] line ever actually discontinued? Back in last July, Fuji Rumours reported that the X-E3 was marked as discontinued by retailers, but clearly that wasn't the end of the line. There's going to end up being quite a long gap between the last X-H1 and the X-H2 when it eventually comes. Does a discontinuity necessarily mean discontinued?

Is this the first time that Fuji has offered an OEM thumb-rest? LensMate created the market for these - I've purchased a number of them for various Fujis - the fact that Fuji has joined the bandwagon seems to be an acknowledgement that thumb-rests are useful.

Which they are. I find it hard to use these small, grip-less cameras on their own, and my X-E3 has both a LensMate thumb-rest and a (third-party) grip.

I am please to see the X-E[x] line continue. I like the form factor - it's what attracted me to Fuji in the first place. It's a pity they're not more popular - the X-T[x] series seems to be the one to get if you want the latest hardware and the most regular firmware upgrades. And now IBIS.

[Christer Almqvist]

Mike said: "but mostly, lenses are more reliable than cameras and are typically longer-term investments".

Probably still true, but perhaps less so now than before with today's lenses having AF and IS and aperture blades moved by tiny electronic/electric devices.

[Dave Sailer]

Back, well over a decade ago, when I still had a Twitter account, I had a tiny bit of interaction with one Julie A. Hotz.

She was hiking the Pacific Crest Trail at the time. Made it to the Columbia River in Oregon and then silence. Every few years I'd look her up. After all, adventurous, capable, well-educated, intelligent, and also good looking. And then that trail name - Julie A. Hotz. Killer. Totally killer. I so do wish I was younger.

Eventually I found some newer info from her, after she had bicycled from Los Angeles to Glacier National Park, with all her backpacking equipment aboard, as preparation for (as preparation for) then hiking the Pacific Northwest Trail. Just before the second part of that trip, she did a couple of posts including photos of her father, Mr. Hotz (I forget his first name), and provided a link to his Twitter account. An actual, real Mr Hotz, no trail name after all. So, despite that, she's forever the real and enduring Ms Hotz in my book.

Good photographer too.

But I digress. This must be the one and only Lely Constantinople, no?: https://www.lelyconstantinople.com/

She appears to be doing well for herself. Maybe she even has time to write a guest post.

[John McMillin]

This camera makes me think that Fuji has divided its target market into two groups: those who hold a camera at eye level, and those who always use the rear screen for framing (or, at least, for aiming). The former are the real photographers who work old school. They value grips and twin dials. ergonomics. They're going to prefer a camera with a centered viewfinder, because all the pro cameras they see on TV look that way.

The latter buyers want compactness, and if carving off the grip makes it look more retro, fine! They prefer to control their cameras with touchscreens, or simply work in full automatic modes. They won't care if the EVF is centered, on the side, or gone completely. (This VF has nice specs, but it's small, with no hint of an eyeshade. The XE-4 might be just what they want.

As a former XE-2 user, nothing about this camera appeals to me. Just as well- I've left the X-system for Lumix MFT gear, which offers a better choice of compact lenses and bodies. Selling my XE-2, I got back a small profit over the used price I'd paid three years before. Seeing this successor, I wonder if I might have sold the XE-2 too early.

[Arg]

“Get a grip”.... for that X-E4, Fuji!

[Mike Ferron]

When I see a camera like this come out I go into the bag and pull out the Olympus Pen F. And yes the Panasonic 20 is mounted on it as we speak. Like this new Fuji it is a handsome camera that feels very well built as well. Despite the initial fanfare cameras like this seem to go by the wayside for reasons that escape me.

[Peter]

I love my X-E3 and was disappointed to learn the new model doesn’t have IBIS. Would have upgraded for sure. Now I would just be trading in a more ergonomic body for a new sensor. Tough call.

For anyone who hasn’t tried an X-E body, they are wonderful travel and carry cameras.

[Piotr]

Is that things were better when you were you were young because you didn't know better OR things were better when you were young because you were young?

[louis mccullagh]

Sony RX100VA has raw plus stabilisation and is a 1" sensor and a built in flash. I replaced my X100S with it. Amazing quality for a tiny camera.
I am fussy and have used canon including the 1DS and 5. Replaced them with Fuji XT and H1.

[David Comdico]

Fuji is selling the smaller size of the XE4 since, other than that, it’s hard to see the purpose of this camera. Upgrade for XE3 users? For everyone else it has the same sensor as existing models and no ibis. The big Fuji news is the GFX100S. That camera might shake things up. I probably won’t do it but the thought of selling everything else and using it as my sole digital camera has crossed my mind.

[Rob Campbell]

Things were better when one was young because with age and experience cometh maturity.

Maturity is to be avoided at all costs because it destroys the magic of hope.

When dreams come true, it's often only to reveal that the dream was better than the reality one discovers behind it.

Dreams are immaculate; realisation only enough so as to reveal the seeds of corruption that we inevitably manage to sow into everything that we touch. It's what drives us to the eventual killing of what we love. Photography is no different.

[Daniel]

If they want it to sell well forget the grip and thumb thing. Has to have a great Lady Bug or Lizard soft release shutter button. Everyone knows that will make your photos better.

[Edwin]

I bought a X-T1 when it was all the fanfare and king of retro. Then I stumbled upon a new X-E1 for $200. I always keep at least two cameras of the same mount so that I have a back-up. Funny thing is the X-E1 becomes the primary and the X-T1 the back-up. I never upgraded the X-T1 to any newer X-T(x), but I stumbled upon a special edition brown X-E3 for $300!! I think I got great deals for both X-Es. Other than AF being very slow, I still love my X-E1, particularly the files. The X-E3 produce clinically better files, but I prefer the 16M Fujifilm sensors. I miss my X100S, which I traded for the X100F. Newer may not be better..... so I'm not sure about the new 28M sensor.

[Stephen Scharf]

No mention of the new GFX100S? No. 1 Best Seller at B&H at present...

[Richard Parkin]

If you’re hunting bugs or lizards I’m sure Daniel is correct but otherwise get a Robert White Pup https://tinyurl.com/p6jakrwp

[Rob Campbell]

This is all very well and good, but for me, the best news would be a Nikon Mono based not on the F, but on the more comfortable body of the F2.

This camera would have a split-image screen, no af, no video, almost no bells and certainly be totally devoid of whistles. I believe that there exists a real market, at least with photographers who use cameras rather than collect them, of something that's truly basic and doesn't want to make the pictures on your behalf. I would purchase such a camers if it were no more expensive than a Z6.

I hope somebody influential at Nikon reads this plea.

[Jon Leatherwood]

I spent a few years with a Sony NEX-7, which I (at the time) loved, and which then died, followed by a Fuji XE-2 and an assortment of the Fuji lenses. The Sony and the Fuji replaced, in function and, to some extent, form-factor, my hoary old Leica M2. The Fuji is brilliant in every way, and has wonderful high-ISO performance compared to the NEX-7. I will probably buy the XE4.

[Ken Ford]

I tend to do poorly with small, overly fussy camera bodies. I have an X100s that, while providing pleasing images, is so sensitive to absolute hand and finger placement that it is actually stressful to use. My X-E3 is a little better in this regard, but not by much.

I’m definitely interested in this new body in large part because the reduced button set makes it more likely to fit my hand. I’d add the grip - the loss of the built-in front and back contours are actually an improvement in my book.

[Scott]

I have an X-E3, and I like it a lot. If the X-E4 had been the same camera with IS I probably would have paid a thousand dollars for it. But it's not, and I doubt that the marginally improved sensor would make any real difference to the 11x14 prints I make. So I'll wait for the X-E5.
That lens however is pretty attractive. I've owned two of the original 27mm; the first one developed a glitch that caused a "Turn the camera off and then back on" message on all my Fuji cameras. Not economically fixable. I'll likely be buying the new one with the aperture ring.