To add to the point above: waiting for a price drop on the T5 probably wont happen before October. If you need to stay under budget, compare these instead:

• Fujifilm X-T50 40MP Mirrorless Camera Body
• Same sensor as T5 for $1399. Pro: Fits budget. Con: Tiny battery.
• Fujifilm X-S20 Mirrorless Digital Camera Body
• Pro: Great grip and battery. Con: No vintage dials. Honestly, getting a T50 now is a decent option compared to missing the trip window.

> Unfortunately, finding a Fujifilm X-T5 40MP Mirrorless Body under $1600 is really hard right now. I ran into the exact same wall when I was upgrading for my trip to Ireland last year. The reality is Fuji production just cant keep up with the current demand, so the MSRP is basically the floor for new units. I actually spent months stalking the Fujifilm X-T5 Mirrorless Digital Camera Body Black before I realized that waiting for a tiny $100 discount was just wasting my time. The 40MP sensor and the updated IBIS system are the main reasons why the resale value stays so high. Most people aren't trading these in yet because there isnt a clear upgrade path above it for street photography. Used listings on eBay are usually people just trying to recoup their sales tax. If you absolutely have to stay under that $1600 mark, you might want to look at the Fujifilm X-S20 Mirrorless Digital Camera Body. It shares the same processor and battery, even if you lose those dedicated vintage dials you like on the X-T series. When I finally grabbed mine, I noticed that smaller regional shops like Kenmore Camera or Glazers sometimes have open box units that dont show up on the big aggregate sites. They usually drop the price to around $1530 for those. I also found that picking up a used Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2 R WR lens separately saved me way more money in the long run than any bundle deal ever would have. Just keep refreshing those smaller shop pages every morning at like 8am.

Re: "To add to the point above: waiting for a price drop on the T5 probably wont happen before October." Saw this earlier and gotta weigh in because I honestly wouldnt settle for the T50 for a huge trip like Tokyo. The X-T50 is a letdown for travel because it lacks weather sealing and that tiny battery is a total pain. Youll spend half your time in Japan worrying about your power level instead of shooting. If you want the T5 without getting ripped off on eBay, try these instead:

• Look for an open-box Fujifilm X-T5 Mirrorless Camera Body Black at Best Buy. I have seen them go for $1530-$1580 and they still carry the full manufacturer warranty which is crucial for reliability.
• Check MPB Used Fujifilm X-T5 Body Excellent Condition. They actually inspect the gear and give you a six-month warranty, unlike those random eBay sellers asking for retail prices.
• Call smaller shops like Glazers Camera or Mike's Camera. Sometimes they have stock that isnt listed on their websites and they wont gouge you. Its super frustrating that Fuji stock is still this messy a year later, but dont compromise on the body you actually want just because of the wait. The T5 is way more reliable for a heavy shooting trip.

Unfortunately, finding a Fujifilm X-T5 40MP Mirrorless Body under $1600 is really hard right now. I keep getting disappointed by backorders.

• check refurbished outlets
• try local stores Its rough tbh.

Same here!

Just wanted to say thanks for everyone chiming in. Super helpful discussion.