retrocameras Archives

Introduction: The X-Pro1 – A Love Letter to Analog Souls

Let’s get real: the Fuji X-Pro1 is the flannel shirt of cameras. It’s retro, it’s cozy, and it makes you look like you know what aperture means without actually having to explain it. But now Fuji’s waving the X-Pro3 in our faces like a shiny new toy. Should you upgrade? Spoiler: Probably not.

Sensor Showdown: “16MP vs. 26MP? Who Cares?”

X-Pro1: 16MP APS-C, no low-pass filter (because Fuji said, “Let’s make photos crispy”).
X-Pro3: 26MP APS-C, also no low-pass filter (because Fuji said, “Let’s make photos slightly crispier”).

Here’s the truth: unless you’re printing billboards of your cat’s whiskers, 16MP is plenty. The X-Pro1’s sensor is like a vintage vinyl record—flawed, charming, and way cooler than Spotify.

Pro Tip: If you’re upgrading for pixels, just zoom in on your existing photos and pretend.

High ISO? More Like “Why ISO?”

The X-Pro3 boasts better high-ISO performance. But let’s be honest: if you’re shooting in the dark with an X-Pro1 and the XF 35mm f/1.4, you’re already winning. This lens is so fast, it could outrun a toddler on sugar.

X-Pro1 at ISO 6400: Grainy, moody, artistic.
X-Pro3 at ISO 6400: Less grainy, slightly less moody, still not a night-vision goggles.

Introduction: When “Quirky” Is a Feature, Not a Bug

Let’s get one thing straight: the Contax TVS II is the eccentric uncle of the compact camera world. It’s sleek, it’s stylish, and it’s got more quirks than a Wes Anderson movie. Released in the ‘90s as part of the TVS (Titanium Vario Sonnar) series, this little gem is a testament to the golden age of compact cameras—when engineering met artistry, and every button click felt like a tiny rebellion against the digital future.

Is it perfect? No.
Is it ridiculously fun to use? Absolutely.

Design: “Titanium Chic, But Make It Functional”

Specs:

Build: Titanium body (because plastic is for peasants).
Size: Compact enough to fit in a jacket pocket, but heavy enough to remind you it’s there.
Aesthetic: A mix of retro charm and futuristic minimalism.

Power On/Off:

The TVS II’s power switch is the lens ring itself. Twist it to turn the camera on, and twist it back to turn it off. It’s like a combination lock, but for photography.

Pro Tip: Be gentle with the lens ring. The TVS series is notorious for fragile ribbon cables, and you don’t want to be the person who breaks it.

Lens Cover:

The automatic lens cover is a thing of beauty. Twist the lens ring, and the cover slides open like a curtain at a Broadway show. It’s so satisfying, you’ll find yourself turning the camera on and off just to watch it.

Optical Performance: “Zeiss Magic in a Tiny Package”