Fujifilm X-Pro1: 5 Reasons I Still Enjoy This Classic Camera
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The quick answer
The Fujifilm X-Pro1 is an older mirrorless camera that I enjoy for its film simulations, vintage-lens flexibility and photography-first feel. Its slim body is comfortable in my hands, and pairing it with an adapted Canon FD lens makes me want to slow down and enjoy taking pictures.
That slower experience is also a tradeoff. The X-Pro1 is not my first choice if you need modern autofocus, fast action performance or a video-focused camera. And while price was one of my five reasons when I made this video in 2020, used prices change: compare current listings and the complete kit before deciding whether it is a good deal for you.
Check Fujifilm X-Pro1 body listings. Confirm the condition, included battery and charger, and whether a lens is included.
Watch my five reasons to consider the X-Pro1.
Fujifilm X-Pro1 specifications
| Feature | X-Pro1 |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 16.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS |
| Lens mount | Fujifilm X mount |
| Viewfinder | Hybrid optical / electronic viewfinder |
| Rear screen | Fixed 3-inch LCD |
| Photos | RAW, JPEG or RAW + JPEG |
| Video | Full HD 1080 at 24fps |
| Battery | NP-W126 rechargeable battery |
See the Fujifilm X-Pro1 owner's manual for the original specifications and controls. Firmware updates can change some features, so check the version on a used body.
1. The used price can make it interesting
When I made the video in 2020, I saw used X-Pro1 bodies around $350 to $500, with many around $400 to $450. That was a snapshot from the time, not a current price or a promise about a complete kit.
The value depends on today's market. Compare the body condition, seller's return policy and the price of a suitable lens, battery, charger and card. An older camera isn't automatically a bargain just because it costs less than it did when new. If the complete setup costs close to a newer camera that better fits your needs, consider both.
2. It's a comfortable size to carry
The X-Pro1 is a fairly slim APS-C mirrorless body. It doesn't have the deep grip of many DSLRs, but I found its taller, rectangular shape comfortable to hold. I wouldn't call its ergonomics perfect, and a large lens can change the balance, but I liked the combination of size and handling.
It isn't the smallest mirrorless camera around. If pocketability is your top priority, compare the body and lens together rather than looking at the body alone.
3. Fujifilm's film simulations make JPEGs fun
Film simulations change the camera's JPEG rendering, giving you different color or black-and-white looks without having to build the look from scratch afterward. I enjoyed experimenting with them because they add to the camera's vintage feel. They aren't identical to shooting actual film, and which look is best comes down to taste.
The X-Pro1's options include:
- Provia / Standard: a general-purpose color starting point.
- Velvia / Vivid: a more saturated, contrasty look.
- Astia / Soft: a softer color option.
- Pro Neg. Hi and Pro Neg. Std: two portrait-oriented color renderings with different contrast.
- Monochrome: standard black and white, plus yellow, red and green filter variations.
- Sepia: a warm monochrome effect.
Later Fujifilm cameras have additional simulations, so don't assume a recipe or look made for a newer model is available on the X-Pro1.
Can you use film simulations and RAW together?
Yes. In the video I said you have to shoot JPEG to use film simulations. The useful distinction is that the simulation is rendered into the JPEG, while the RAW file preserves image data for processing. The X-Pro1 also offers FINE+RAW and NORMAL+RAW, so you can save a styled JPEG and a RAW file from the same shot. Its in-camera RAW conversion can create another JPEG with a film simulation afterward. Check the owner's manual for the available settings.
4. The X mount works well for exploring vintage lenses
One of my favorite ways to use this camera is with an adapted vintage lens. In the video I mounted a Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 on the X-Pro1. The combination of the lens, film simulations and physical camera made the shooting experience feel especially fun to me.
The short flange distance of the X mount makes it possible to adapt many older lens mounts with the correct adapter. A Canon FD lens needs an FD-to-Fujifilm X adapter; it does not attach directly. With a basic mechanical adapter, expect to focus manually and control aperture on the lens. Enable the camera's Shoot Without Lens option when needed for a lens without electronic contacts, and check the adapter and lens combination before buying.
Check the Canon FD-to-Fujifilm X adapter from my video description. The listing is for a Fotodiox Pro adapter for Canon FD/FL lenses on Fujifilm X-series bodies. Confirm the selected mount and listing details before ordering.
The X-Pro1's APS-C sensor gives a 50mm lens a field of view roughly equivalent to 75mm on full frame, useful for tighter compositions and portraits rather than a wide view. For more on a different lens in the same vintage system, read my Canon FD 135mm f/2 review.
5. It makes me slow down and enjoy photography
This is the most subjective reason, but it's a real one for me. The X-Pro1's look, physical controls and deliberate pace make it enjoyable to pick up and use. I like the combination of a digital camera's convenience with a more old-fashioned way of working, particularly with a manual lens.
It also has a hybrid viewfinder that switches between optical and electronic views. The optical view is a different experience from looking through the lens; the electronic view shows a through-the-lens image. For adapted manual lenses, use the electronic view when you need to judge focus carefully. The camera's slower operation can be frustrating when you need to react quickly, so this strength depends on how you like to shoot.
What to know before buying an X-Pro1
- Autofocus is from an earlier generation. It can feel slow compared with newer cameras, especially for moving subjects or in dim light. Your lens and firmware version matter.
- Video is basic. It records Full HD at 24fps, but this is a stills-oriented camera. If video is a priority, compare newer options and their audio, focusing and recording features.
- The screen is fixed. Check it closely on a used example for scratches, coating issues or display damage, and test the viewfinder in both modes.
- Check firmware and power. Fujifilm released updates that add or improve functions. Check the camera and lens versions, and read Fujifilm's model-specific update instructions before changing anything. Confirm a working battery and charger are included.
- Test the whole kit. Inspect the mount, buttons, dials, shutter, card slot and sensor; take sample photos with the lens you plan to use. Check the seller's description and return terms.
Frequently asked questions
Does the X-Pro1 shoot RAW and JPEG at the same time?
Yes. Choose FINE+RAW or NORMAL+RAW. The camera saves a JPEG with the selected rendering alongside a RAW file for further editing.
Can I use Canon FD lenses on the X-Pro1?
Yes, with an appropriate Canon FD-to-Fujifilm X adapter. A simple adapter is generally manual: focus and aperture are controlled on the lens, and the camera may need Shoot Without Lens enabled.
Does the X-Pro1 have every modern Fujifilm film simulation?
No. It includes the older options listed above, but later models added others. Check the specific simulation and firmware before buying for a particular recipe.
Is the X-Pro1 a good video camera?
It can record 1080 at 24fps, but its strengths are its stills experience and JPEG rendering. For frequent video, a newer camera may be a better match.
My verdict
I like the X-Pro1 because it's a camera I enjoy using, not because it wins a modern specification contest. Its film simulations and ability to work with adapted lenses give it a lot of character. If you enjoy a slower approach to photography and find a working setup at a price that makes sense, it is worth considering. If speed, video or the newest conveniences matter most, compare other cameras first.
Keep reading
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