Fujifilm Killed Off Their Beloved Custom Settings - What's Next?
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Sorry for the hyperbole in the title but Fujifilm has been making some surprisingly drastic changes in their latest X & GFX camera designs.
The X-S10 was the first to ditch the controls we were all familiar with and went with a "standard" PSAM dial.
The X-E4 doesn't seem to have any controls at all (relative to the rest).
Then along came the GFX50S II, followed shortly by the X-H2S, joining the GFX100 & 100S as cameras unrecognizable as Fujifilm cameras. No shutter speed dial, no exposure compensation dial, just a PSAM dial and an "exposure compensation button" like the flop X-H1 had.
These new PSAM dials are also inscribed with C1-Cx, to help you quickly rotate to one of your saved Custom Settings. As if doing so in the Q menu wasn't fast enough?
So let's talk about these Custom Settings - what they were and where they're going.
Building the brand
Look at any Fujifilm blog or YouTube video from the early years of Fujifilm X cameras. They all share two common points of enthusiasm, other than just "looking cool":
- The analog exposure controls get the "tech" out of the way, making the photographic process feel more creative, moving the photographer closer to the core of photography.
- The custom settings enable you to get outstanding JPEGs in the camera, negating the need for hours of post-processing.
This departure from what their competitors were doing built an extremely loyal following of passionate photographers.
It really carved out a niche for the brand, appealing to photographers who wanted to get back to the roots of photography. This built the brand.
Nowhere, at least that I'm familiar with, did any of these enthusiastic photographers say, "I really love these cameras, but man I wish they had a PSAM dial." On the contrary, photographers praised the brand for not having one.
Likewise, no one said, "I really wish these custom settings would allow me to save an exposure mode."
The story of the Custom Settings
Fujifilm's custom settings differed from other brands. And their photographers loved this.
They were all about customizing the Film Simulations so you didn't have to post-process your photos. Ritchie Roesch over at Fuji X Weekly built an entire website and app around this capability.
Out on a nature walk? Use your personal Vibrant setting to photograph flowers and then quickly switch to your personal Black & White setting to photograph dramatic clouds and shadows over a distant mountain. See a street protest on your way home? Select your subdued Documentary setting. Get home, transfer them to your computer, and you're done.
Those other brands? All their custom settings were about focus & exposure modes.
That's because, in order to adjust those things, you usually have to go into menus or press certain combinations of buttons. Their custom settings let you quickly save those combinations depending on what your focus/exposure needs were so you didn't have to spend too much time in these menus.
But Fujifilm didn't need their custom settings to do this.
The exposure triangle was at your fingertips with the aperture ring, shutter speed dial, ISO dial, and Exposure Compensation dial. You could set them with the camera powered off. Focus mode switches and a plethora of customizable controls meant you didn't have to go into the menus to change much of your daily settings at all.
This ease of control meant that Fujifilm's custom settings could be about the creative side of photography and not the technical.
At least, that's how it used to be.
Note: Fujifilm did listen to all this outrage and brought the "original" custom settings back, a la the X-E5 Film Simulation Dial.
A departure from the norm
My first experience with Fujifilm's new custom setting system was with the X-S10, which I purchased for video use. I didn't really pay much attention to or even program its C1-C4 modes, located on the new mode dial.
Then I tried out the X-E4, which I promptly returned, and had my first real frustrations with the new custom settings. I couldn't wrap my head around it. Later, in updating my secondary body to the X-T30 II, I forced myself to learn the new custom settings system. It's remarkably different than my primary body, an X-T4.
Fujifilm's new custom settings force you to save everything in your Shooting & Focus menus. Now you must have an MF assist mode, drive mode, AF area, etc., associated with your creative choices, even though they're irrelevant to that. And on cameras with a PSAM dial, you must have an exposure mode tied to a custom setting.
This really drove me crazy when I first took out the GFX50S II. I wanted to shoot in a certain style but couldn't figure out how to change exposure modes while using that style. I had saved Aperture Priority to that style but wanted to go to Manual. It was later I discovered I could change exposure modes in the Q menu, but what an ordeal to go through.
And with the X-T30 II, I'm using the Auto Update feature so these saved shooting & focus settings don't bite me in the ass; you can read this article for more on that. But I lose my saved styles doing that - the whole reason for using these custom settings in the first place.
Where is Fujifilm going?
I don't want to say Fujifilm's business decisions are wrong; I'm not in a place to do that. I don't have their research, numbers, or reports. I'm not on their board. And I fully understand that the digital camera market is in a strange, awkward place right now.
And I also don't want to sound like my dissatisfaction is going to make me leave the brand. I'm still happy when I pick up a Fujifilm camera. I know they have their reasons for making these changes, but I have yet to understand why they've seemingly abandoned Kaizen.
Perhaps they see their only way to survive is being able to poach photographers from other brands, and having familiar control layouts will make them more appealing. Maybe research has shown that to appeal to beginner photographers purchasing their first camera, this new layout will be more successful. And maybe manufacturing costs are unsustainable, forcing them to minimize the moving parts. Maybe it's all of the above.
In changing how their physical controls are laid out, and removing many of them, now you must go into the menus to change basic settings. Hence why they're now part of custom settings like other camera brands that similarly lack those exterior controls.
But by doing this, it seems they might be abandoning the entire reason that a loyal group of photographers brought them this far. The photographers who preached about how liberating it is to have physical controls for the basic exposure triangle, and the photographers who sang about how amazing it is to not have to post-process photos thanks to the custom settings abilities. The photographers who loved Fujifilm precisely for the reason that they were so unique. They are no longer unique.
In removing those controls, and fundamentally changing the reason for the custom settings, the photographers who built the brand will have to go back to "square one" if they upgrade. New cameras aren't operationally that much different from any other brand. Hang on to your old cameras as long as possible, or forget the reason you fell in love with the brand in the first place.
Where's the joy in that?
Not exactly the news I wanted to hear. Looks like I need to hold on to my X-100T forever.
I've been on the upgrade train since the X-T1 only because each new generation brought features that would help me as a photographer - why I chose the brand to begin with. It seems to be going in the opposite direction so I'll be hanging on to my X-T4 as long as I can! Rumor is that the X-T5 will retain the same controls, but I have a feeling that the custom setting system will be standardized with the other new cameras.
Well said !
I'm quite worried about the "new" controls layout on the new Fuji cameras too.
My journey with Fuji began with the very first X100. How have I struggled with that little camera (had Canon 5d's as main gig)...
But with each iteration (X-Pro1, X-T1, X100S) those cameras - and particularly their controls - draw me deeper and deeper into the Fuji system. Finally I transitioned completely, selling all my Canon gear.
Now I have three cameras: X100V, X-Pro3, and GFX50R.
I use each one for specific purposes and on specific situations. Occasionally carrying two of them and switching frequently.
And I absolutely love the fact, that despite being quite different beasts, their control layouts are more or less the same on all three bodies.
JPEG recipes can be the same on all three as well (mostly).
I can't see myself changing that setup in the next few years.
Particularly when new cameras present themselves as massive departure from the controls I use on the other bodies.
Of course a GFX100S would be nice. But it would break my muscle memory when switching cameras. Can't have that.
And looking at the new layouts... meh... I'll buy a Sony A1 or A7 if I want that layout, getting camera and sensor from the same vendor and a superior AF too.
Cheers,
Robin
Yeah I've been having some problems between my X-T4 (primary), X100V (walkaround), X-T30II (secondary), and GFX50SII (bigger projects). Aside from the X-T4 & X100V, they all operate differently. It drives me nuts. Maybe I'll just get a few more X-T4s instead - hang on to yours!
@John Peltier, That's all very good to know. I've got 2 X-T4s and a X100V --- looks like I'm good to go.
Excellent insight, I agree. I don't want H2s with no top dials. I don't want an XT-5 with 40 megs; I want an XT-5s, with the stacked sensor for wildlife photography.
I don't think Fuji wants this, as when they released their so-called flagship H1, sales fell as soon as the XT-3 came out. I'd like to know the total units sold between the two cameras.
H2s are being touted again as their flagship camera. They are trying to offer different models to give buyers more choices. If I had to go back to a one-dial system, I would choose an other brand. Once you embrace the top manual controls, why would you ever want to go back to programming custom settings?
Why is Fuji abandoning the photographers that made Fuji great?
Mark
Exactly the reason I left Sony for Fujifilm years ago - I wanted something with manual control that helped me feel like an actual photographer and not a computer operator. Had I originally been with Sony now, I don't see myself ever switching to Fujifilm like I did with the current cameras.
In April 1985 Coke Cola changed its recipe to taste like Pepsi Cola. The biggest marketing blunder of all time. A short time later the Corporation reintroduced "Classic Coke!" Fuji, keep your identity.
Good comparison, I hadn't thought of that 🙂
From my point of view, it is more than somewhat disheartening to see Fujifilm's new models with a "me too" approach favored by the rest of the industry. I suppose the PASM dial approach has it's merits, but, like John stated, I left Sony because I felt like I was operating a computer.
The first time I held my X-T4, I felt like I was actually taking photographs again! It took me back to the 1970's when I first started shooting 35mm film in my Pentax K1000 (man, I loved that camera!). I know I've just dated myself, but shooting with the X-T4 is an absolute joy and, it makes me want to go out and take more photographs as I can actually focus on the creative side and not the technology. And that is truly what this hobby/passion/profession should be about, at least to my way of thinking.
I loved my X-T4 so much, I went out and bought my wife a used X-E3, which is a nice little camera. It turns out that I've actually purchased myself a backup camera as she favors her cellphone (which is absolutely fine, as she has captured some amazing photos with it). Now, I have tamed my urges to continually search for the "latest/greatest" camera and learn as much as I can about "photography" (thank you, John, for your invaluable assistance on that front!). I truly enjoy taking photographs again!
Who knows where Fuji may take us, but for now, I'm all about learning all I can and just enjoying the results of my efforts.
Fuji has sold its soul to poach canikony users.
I have progressed from an X-E2s through X-Pro1 to X-Pro3 and I have loved them all, despite their faults. After spending a day with an GFX50S II recently I bought one, thinking I could ignore the PASM knob. How wrong could I be: it interferes with everything I do, its an abomination; I've had the camera five weeks and its off to MPB!
Amen to that.
I’m hanging on to my 50S II for now since it works for studio work; for other fast-paced assignments and projects I just can’t use it.
@John Peltier,
I think the C1 through C6 custom dial is perfect for saving and using the simulations. I have them all programmed with custom film profiles and the settings I use for a given situation.
Yes, it works great for saving the film simulation profiles, as you've always been able to do with Fujifilm cameras, but my problem now is that I have to save everything else that I don't tie to a film simulation profile.
Example: I'm using a C1 film simulation profile for street photography. I have all of my focus and shooting settings set up for that particular situation - because those things do change from one situation to the next. Then I want to go to a different film simulation profile and select C2 - as I've done with a dozen other Fujifilm cameras I've owned over the past 6 or so years. But now all of my focus & shooting settings are "reset" to whatever was saved in C2 and I have to fumble to get them back to how they need to be for that situation. This system was never "broken" and I wish they never tried to "fix it" because now it is broken for the majority of people who have been using these cameras for nearly a decade - those who just wanted to save film simulation profiles to style their photos.
I use a X-T4, it has been having the dreaded "Turn Camera Off And Back On Again" error almost since it was new. I have been dealing with Fuji Repair Canada, they were unable to find what was causing the error. Even though the camera is no longer under warranty Fuji replaced it with what I'm assuming is a refurbished camera.
I was considering the X-H2 as a replacement. I was so disappointed when I was able to test one. Happy that Fuji provided a replacement for me - those controls make photography fun for me.
John, thanks for the YouTube and blog.
Sorry to hear about your troubles with the X-T4.
Hopefully, Fujifilm is listening to the large, passionate "original" user base who want to keep the controls the way they were.
@John Peltier,
Interesting that so many people embrace top mounted digital displays and not the "traditional " dials of yesteryear.
There must be a growing market for "retro" style cameras though, take for example the Nikon Zfc.. A manufacturer renowned for its top plate displays...
Nikon was trying to take one from Fujifilm's playbook and it's actually doing quite well. I think a lot of photographers are wanting the convenience of digital but the "control experience" of analog. Myself included. I want a camera, not a computer!
I’m an X-T4 user (having also run the gambit from t1 to t4!) and have just purchased the X-h2s. The reason? I have the delicious xf200mm f2 and shoot sports so I want the tracking, advanced AF and, oddly enough, the image protect so that I can tag photos quickly for Photomechanic.
I’ll be honest, if I didn’t have the XF 200 I wouldn’t have bought this camera as I use the Sony a9II for my heavy lifting but Sony doesn’t have a 300 f2.8. I digress.
A lot of the complaints people have are ok with me.
No AF-S/M/AF-C button? I never take mine off AF-C so no problem.
The one MAJOR problem with having the ISO on a button is that when you look in the view finder to adjust it, there is no exposure meter so you have to set it, go back to your shooting mode, see where exposure is, and repeat. I don’t have the luxury of adjusting the shutter speed to get proper exposure and low light means that the aperture will remain wide open.
Unless someone knows something I don’t?
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear ...
Such a shame ...
I was actually crying while reading this.
I agree with you in every single point. And yes, analog controls were the main reason of purchasing Fujifilm camera to me too. And yes, I wanted a camera since i already have a rather good computer. And yes, i wanted to photograph, not to serve as a self-driving tripod for the AI device.
I just really really hope my X-T4 will live as long as i live. Again, it's a tragedy that my son, which is one and a half year old, seems to have no chance to fall in love with photography as we did. He's just gonna have to move with a pretty smart camera around and let her do the job.
Yeah, it makes me wonder if I will be able to continue to use a digital camera that brings me as much joy as the X-T series, or if those will evolve into something as ugly as the X-S10 or X-H2. Or do I need to go back to film at some point in order to use a camera that is fun to use?
By the way, if i'm not mistaken, Fujifilm promised that X series will always have manual controls. Or did i dream it?
I don't know about that, but if they did, they had to make changes to survive in this tough market.
Dear John
As a quite happy new owner of a X-S10 I am a newcomer to the Fuji system. I did not select the X-S10 due to the "mainstream" PASM dial or the new layout in general. On the contrary, I would have preferred the "traditional" Fuji layout. But the features/price combination of the X-S10 is perfect for my intended use case.
BUT: Why do you say that you cannot switch from Aperture priority to Manual in a Custom Setting (e.g. C1 set to A)? I can switch between P/A/S/M modes using the QUICK MENUE without having to leave the Custom Setting I am in (e.g. C1) on my X-S10.
Am I missing something? Please tell me if I do.
Otherwise very instructive. Thank you.
Besides, may present setup is to use the QUICK MENU a lot, also for selecting the film simulations etc., and to assign the Quick Menu to the video button, because it is the easiest button to be found in a purely tactile manner, as opposed to the standard Q button (right next to the ISO button).
Also, I have assigned the ISO values to the left wheel. Certainly not as good as the original Fujifilm wheel, since you can not see the set value from the exterior.
Kind regards,
Thomas
Oh yeah thanks for pointing that out - I "accidentally" discovered I could change the exposure mode in the Q menu shortly after publishing this article but never updated it. Thank you for your comments!
This really surprised me with the X-S10. The whole reason I got the camera was to play with those “film recipes” over at Fuji X Weekly.
The craziest things are stored in C1-C4 custom settings. I just learned that even Auto ISO sub-settings are stored per custom setting. So instead of 3 different auto ISO settings (more than enough!!) you actually have something like 12.
Another biggie is the “mount adapter setting” which tells the camera what focal length you’re using with “dumb” lenses or 3rd party adapted lenses. This is relevant not only for EXIF data, but I believe it also helps optimize IBIS. Imagine switching out your vintage prime lenses, taking the time to set the mount adapter setting, then having to do that *all over again* when you switch to your black & white film recipe.
Yes, everything needs to be saved and gets changed when you switch custom settings. I've been surprised way too many times by this, and your third-party lens is a great example.
I would add, it would be nice to have which film simulation and custom settings used in the metadata info section that you could review. If you are shooting two different BW films and different K temperatures this would greatly help.... just saying.
Hi John
I'm a bit like Thomas and recently bought an X-S10 as I wanted a proper camera again after having had some DSLRs a few years ago. I wasn't familiar with the Fuji system but I liked the look of the film styles, and maybe the PASM dial subconsciously meant I thought it would be less of a learning curve, the X-S10 ticked a lot of boxes.
So I hadn't used the old custom settings but I think of the new custom system as being designed for saving "situations" rather then just creative styles... e.g. a setting for landscape, family snaps, low light; where you can save the desired focus, metering, ISO profile etc... I don't know if that's what Fuji were thinking. I expect if I had used the old system I would think differently! I still learning...
One thing that annoys me is that if you twiddle with many settings while in one of the PASM modes on the dial, I can't see an easy way to zero them all back to start from scratch again ( the reset menu resets too many things) - any ideas?
Thanks
Martin
Yeah for people coming into the Fujifilm system now, not having used the custom settings in old cameras, it’s not a big deal. Just a huge headache for the rest of us 🙂
One of the new problems is like you mention, there’s no good way to track your changes. I keep a spreadsheet with my original settings in case it gets too far gone.
@John Peltier,
I’m thinking about upgrading from my x-t2 to the x-t5. Is the “new” custom settings process in the x-t5 or has Fuji retained the one I’m used to?
Thanks.
Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it?) Fujifilm has implemented this new custom setting interface in the X-T5. I've been trying to get used to it for a year with not a lot of luck.
Ugh, I "upgraded" from the xt3 to xt5, mostly because of ibis and better autofocus. I hadn't even realized the change in custom settings! This explains why I have a lot of weird blurry shots, since my min auto iso shutter speed is not synced across custom slots. What a disappointment ? I've owned xt1, xt2 and xt3 and also have the 100v. I think I might go back to the xt3 for now.
Fujifilm, are you listening? Your choices here to join the bandwagon have crippled your long-time, loyal users!
Sorry to hear that, you're not alone, and it's been happening to me too - old habits are hard to break!