So I’ve been shooting with my X100V for a few months now, mostly just messing around in Seattle, but I really want to try a proper prime lens. Everyone keeps raving about the WCL-X100 conversion lens online, but honestly, it looks kinda bulky and I dont love the idea of adding extra glass to a fixed lens camera. Then I saw people talking about the TCL but that seems too tight for street stuff. Im super confused because I just want that crisp look for candid portraits. Is there a better way to get a different focal length without ruining the compact feel of the camera? Should I just stick to the built-in lens and practice more...
Honestly, skip the converters. They ruin the balance. Try the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/2 R WR or Fujifilm XF 35mm f/2 R WR on a different body. Sadly, the X100V is just limiting.
@Reply #2 - good point! Honestly, I went down the converter rabbit hole last year and it was just a headache. I picked up the Fujifilm WCL-X100 II Wide Conversion Lens hoping for more environmental shots, but it felt so front-heavy. The added weight really killed the magic of walking around for hours. Then I tried the Fujifilm TCL-X100 II Tele Conversion Lens for portraits, and while it is sharp, it basically made my X100V feel like a clunky brick. You lose that quick, candid vibe entirely. My take? Youre probably better off using the digital teleconverter or just cropping in post. It isnt perfect, but it saves you the cash and the hassle. If you really crave that prime lens experience, maybe look at a used Fujifilm X-E4 Mirrorless Digital Camera with a Fujifilm XF 27mm f/2.8 R WR Pancake Lens. It stays tiny, feels like a real street rig, and you dont have to worry about clunky glass adapters. The X100V is fantastic, but its meant to be a standalone tool. Dont force it to be something else. Stick to your 23mm, get closer to your subjects, and honestly, keep it simple. If you find yourself constantly wanting more reach, that second body route is way less frustrating than dealing with those conversion lenses.
My buddy told me the exact same thing last week. Guess he was right lol.
Honestly, you should be careful about chasing extra glass. I have been using the X100 series for years, and the whole point of that camera is keeping it pocketable. If you start bolting on heavy conversions, you basically turn it into something it was never meant to be. My advice is to stick with the built-in glass for a bit longer.
- The native lens is actually quite sharp if you learn how to handle the focus peaking and zones.
- You might want to consider just moving your feet more instead of changing the focal length.
- Make sure to practice your framing because street photography is about anticipation, not just the gear. If you really crave a different look for portraits, maybe look at some Fujifilm prime lenses on a different body. I would suggest checking out their line of fast primes if you ever decide to jump to an interchangeable system. You can never go wrong with their glass. Just stay patient with the current setup. I remember being frustrated early on, but once I figured out how to shoot candidly at that specific focal length, everything clicked. Its a classic length for a reason. Dont overthink the gear too much, just keep shooting.