Leaving Fujifilm

Summary

In this video, a content creator explains why they’ve decided to switch from Fujifilm to Sony and Leica as their primary camera systems. After over seven years with Fujifilm, they highlight frustrations with the brand’s lack of innovation, poor autofocus performance, and declining build quality in newer models. The creator also discusses their need for a fresh creative challenge, the desire to reach a broader audience, and the appeal of new professional opportunities. Ultimately, the shift is driven by the pursuit of better tools for both personal growth and business success, while remaining neutral to brand loyalty.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker clarifies that their decision to switch from Fujifilm to Sony is not financially motivated or sponsored by any company. It’s a personal choice, with all gear purchased independently.
• 😀 The speaker feels that Fujifilm has not made significant innovations in recent years, especially in areas crucial for professionals, like autofocus and camera features.
• 😀 Build quality in newer Fujifilm models has declined, with cameras feeling more plasticky compared to older models, which negatively impacted the speaker’s experience.
• 😀 Autofocus performance on Fujifilm cameras, particularly in fast-paced environments, has been inconsistent, leading the speaker to seek a more reliable system.
• 😀 The speaker found themselves overly reliant on Fujifilm’s color science for editing, which hindered their ability to freely express their own style across different brands.
• 😀 By switching to Sony and Leica, the speaker hopes to reach a wider audience and attract more freelance job opportunities, which will help grow their business.
• 😀 Despite the change, the speaker plans to continue offering updates for their presets, including those adapted for Sony, Leica, and Hasselblad cameras.
• 😀 The speaker acknowledges that some followers may feel alienated or disappointed by the switch, but they respect anyone who chooses to unsubscribe due to this change.
• 😀 After seven years of using Fujifilm, the speaker felt a sense of boredom with the gear and desired a new challenge to refresh their creative process.
• 😀 The speaker intends to remain unbiased and avoid being overly associated with any one brand, as they believe this will help maintain their independence and credibility as a professional.
• 😀 The speaker will continue to create content around their new setup, including gear comparisons, reviews, and tests, to engage both current and new audiences.

Q & A

Why did the creator decide to move away from Fujifilm as their main camera system?

The creator felt that Fujifilm was no longer innovating enough, especially with autofocus and professional features, and the build quality seemed to deteriorate over time. Additionally, they wanted a new challenge and to diversify their work by switching to Sony and Leica.

Did the creator have any commercial interests or sponsorships involved in their decision to switch brands?

No, the creator emphasizes that there were no commercial interests or sponsorships involved. They paid for all their gear out of pocket and made the switch solely for personal and professional reasons.

What specific issues did the creator experience with Fujifilm's autofocus system?

The creator experienced slow autofocus performance, particularly when using lenses like the 18mm f1.4. In autofocus continuous mode (AFC), the camera felt lethargic, which made it frustrating to use for professional work.

How did the creator feel about Fujifilm's software updates over time?

The creator felt that Fujifilm's software updates did not offer much value for professionals. While they introduced new film simulations and features that might appeal to amateurs, there were no substantial updates that improved performance for professional photographers.

What were the creator's thoughts on the build quality of Fujifilm cameras over time?

The creator noticed a decline in build quality, especially with models like the X-T5. While earlier models like the X-T2 and X-T3 felt solid and well-built, the newer models seemed to feel more plasticky and less durable, which was disappointing given the high price of Fujifilm cameras.

What role did the creator's dependence on Fujifilm's color science play in their decision?

The creator became overly reliant on Fujifilm's color science for editing, using the film simulations as a base in Lightroom. This reliance made it more difficult and time-consuming to edit photos from other camera brands, leading the creator to seek a system that would allow for more creative freedom and less dependence on a manufacturer's preset color profile.

Why does the creator think switching brands will help grow their audience?

Switching to Sony and Leica offers the creator an opportunity to reach a broader audience, especially those interested in these brands. By diversifying their content, they hope to attract more views, which could lead to more freelance work and business opportunities.

How did the creator feel about being labeled as a 'Fujifilm photographer'?

The creator felt boxed in by the 'Fujifilm photographer' label and wanted to break free from this identity. They believed that switching camera systems would help them move away from being associated with one brand and focus more on their own work and creative vision.

What is the creator's view on the role of camera brands in their work as a freelance photographer?

The creator views camera brands as just tools to achieve their vision and not something to be overly attached to. They believe that as a freelance photographer, it's important to remain unbiased and not be tied to one brand, unless there is a financial arrangement or ambassador role involved.

Why did the creator refer to their boredom with Fujifilm after using it for seven years?

After using Fujifilm cameras for over seven years, the creator felt uninspired and bored with the system. They likened it to a job where, after many years, the excitement fades, prompting them to seek new challenges and different perspectives in their photography.