It’s the latest in a line of X100 cameras, but with a higher megapixel sensor and in-body image stabilisation. So what is not to like?
The problem with experience is that once you have it, you can’t un-experience something. And I had experience of the X100s, that I took everywhere with me.
It was, for me, the almost perfect travel camera because it was almost two dimensional. Instead of a big lens sticking out, the lens was almost flush with the body.
Plus, it had a dedicated leather case made by Fuji. With the camera in the case it was a neat package one could put in a travel bag knowing the camera was protected.
So with that history I bought the Fuji X100VI as a go-anywhere camera. Now I am wondering why on earth Fuji changed the design of the leather case.
First, you may have read that the case for the V fits the VI.
The Fuji site on this page says that it fits. It says ‘Compatibility X100VI / X100V’
And on this page for the VI it says the VI is compatible with ‘Leather case LC-X100V’
And it is true that the Fuji X100VI fits the leather case. That is, you can slip the camera into the lower part of the case and it fits.
However, the hinged flap at the bottom of the leather case should allow access to the battery/card compartment cover. It doesn’t because the leather case was designed for the V, and the VI is a tiny bit bigger.
So the leather cases does not allow one to open the compartment because the bottom of the leather case covers a couple of mm of the end of the battery cover.
To change battery or card one would have to take the leather case off. That’s not good but it’s not the end of the world.
And if that were the only problem I would put up with it.
On earlier X100 series cameras, the top of the case was attached to the lower part by two press studs. When one opened the case, the top part hung down. It didn’t obstruct anything and it was securely fixed in place.
When you wanted to close the leather case you just flipped up the top part.
But Fuji changed the design, and the top is not connected to the bottom part at all with this new case design.
Are you getting this? Do you see what the problem is?
Let’s suppose you are out with the Fuji X100VI (or the X100V) in its leather case. You don’t have a camera bag or any other kind of bag with you. You are just out walking and you have your camera with you. It is a summer’s day and you are in your shirt sleeves.
You come across something you want to photograph. To actually use the X100VI camera you have lift off the top part of the case. Then you have to think of somewhere to put it. And where exactly? Shove it in a pocket? It’s too big for that.
An important part of why I was attracted to this camera is that it is a good camera, has a viewfinder, and it has a lens that hardly sticks out.
And it has a case, which would mean I could carry it anywhere protected. But for some unfathomable reason, Fuji changed the design and ruined a perfectly good system.
I have searched reviews and forums for people discussing this huge design flaw, and I can’t find any mention of it. I am mystified. Am I the first person to have ever noticed this?
Of course, maybe a lot of people don’t even want to use a leather case. That’s OK – it takes all kinds to make a world. But I do like a case.
When I am carrying a more substantial camera like my Canon EOS R6, I carry it in a Billingham camera bag.
And if I am carrying a small camera like the Ricoh GRIII, I have the Ricoh leather case. It really does mean I can slip the Ricoh in a pocket. The case even has a belt loop, so I can carry it hands free and pocket free. Still, the camera only weighs 277g.
Back To The Fuji
The bottom line is that because of the design fault in the leather case, I returned the camera. and I am wondering what to do next. My head is all over the place. With a Canon R50 or R10 I I could put a small prime on the camera and that would be a tiny package. Or I could go for an Osmo Pocket Three or even use my phone. Or get some Fuji goodness with an X-T30.
As someone once said to me when I was trying to decide between two options, it’s a good question and it’s a choice between good and good.
