x-e4 – Alwin Kok

Is minimalism equal to limitation? In a way, yes. Minimalism is by keeping things as simple as possible, limited yet still functioning as what it suppose to be. In this case, X-E4 has done it and did it right. It has the most minimalistic design Fujifilm has ever created. The design is a bold move. Fujifilm removes some of the hardware functions but still allows photographers to access them when needed via the “Q” menu, setting up the “My Menu” or mapping it to other buttons or dials. While I am not sure by removing the grip from the camera body is a wise choice but honestly speaking, the camera is aesthetically beautiful.

X-E4 is not designed in such a way that it will please everyone but rather, it does attract a niche group of people who adore simplicity. In other words, this camera is what represents the life of how the photographer live in. At least I am.

A little bit of history here. X-E4 was announced on 27 January 2021 and released a month later. And my first ever review post was actually about this camera together with the XF27mm f2.8. (The review can be found here.)

I love all the camera designs from Fujifilm, especially the X-Pro series but the X-E series still has a special place in my heart. I cannot explain specifically why I love this series so much. But I think a combination of aesthetic, compact and retro-style designs are probably the reasons.

Another short history here. I pick up my first X-E series (X-E3) back in 2019. It is a preloved unit but the overall condition is not heavily abused. It’s a simple camera that somehow I love using for my street shutter therapy more than my X-T3. It’s light, compact and less prominent among other camera designs. It does not look like a professional camera but in its gut, it is capable to meet my needs. X-E4, in my opinion, improves way better than its predecessor in many ways.

Back to X-E4. So how do I overcome the limitations of this camera? Well, I just simply preset the desired ISO auto setting (maximum ISO sensitivity and minimum shutter speed) and that’s all. Most of the functions that I need is actually available in the “Q” menu. Honestly, I rarely touch anything else besides the aperture value, exposure compensation value and of course the shutter button.

So who is this camera suitable for?

*Left: Fuji X-E4 . XF33mm f1.4*
Right: *Fuji X-E4 . Laowa 9mm f2.8*

Besides people who love simplicity, in my opinion, this camera is very suitable for someone who is a retro-style enthusiastic, an everyday camera for casual photographers and of course a good pickup camera for amateurs. Why so? Firstly, it is not as expensive as its other brothers (i.e. X-Pro and X-T series). Secondly, it is equipped with the X-Trans IV sensor, which is a very capable sensor and also not forgetting that this sensor is also equipped in all its other brothers as well. Thirdly, it has a lot of compact lenses to pair up with (both Fujifilm and third parties manual lenses).

To end this, I have been using this camera for months. In these few months of using it, I get to understand what this camera design philosophy is. In my interpretation, the answer is very straightforward. Fujifilm wants to let the photographer concentrate on shooting, enjoy the process of shooting and leave everything else to the camera to handle it. I am glad that Fujifilm dares to design something different from its current line-up of cameras. And I hope this X-E4 will encourage more photographers to bring it out and capture the moments in them. After all, it’s a beauty to hang out with.

Disclaimer:
1. The camera is a loan unit from Mr. Keitaro So, Divisional Head of Fujifilm Asia Pacific. By the time this review is online, the units had returned back to Fujifilm Asia Pacific.
2. All the shots taken here are shot by me.
3. Some of the shots are straight out of the camera while others are edited via In-Camera Raw Processing and Adobe Lightroom Classic.
4. The opinions are based on my experience. If there is any mistake, please kindly drop me a message and I will gladly make the amendment.
5. I reserve ownership of these images, if you wish to use my images, please notify me.

Thank you for reading.

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Before all else, I would like to thank Mr. Keitaro So, Divisional Head of Fujifilm for providing the loan for X-E4 and XF33mm F1.4. The units were loaned from Fujifilm Asia Pacific and had returned back to them.

Disclaimer:
1. All the shots taken here are shot by me.
2. Some of the shots are straight out of the camera while others are edited via In-Camera Raw Processing and Adobe Lightroom Classic.
3. I reserve ownership of these images, if you wish to use my images, please notify me.

XF35mm F1.4 is one of the “epic” lenses that Fujifilm ever created. On paper, it is not the perfect lens but to many photographers, it is much more than just perfect. I am one of them. XF33mm F1.4 is by no means to replace the magical characteristic of XF35mm F1.4. But I believe it will be the magical lens for the next decade.

In this review, I will discuss less technical and more on my personal experience with the lens itself. At the same time, as much as possible, I will try not to compare the XF33mm F1.4 with the XF35mm F1.4. It is not a fair comparison by any means. So I hope I can achieve a more independent review of this new lens.

Fuji X-E4 . XF 33mm F1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/2700″ . ISO 160 . Classic Neg

Fuji X-E4 . XF 33mm F1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/2500″ . ISO 320 . Classic Neg

Fuji X-E4 . XF 33mm F1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/1600″ . ISO 320 . Classic Neg

One last thing before I start my review, here is my suggestion to all the X-E4 users. If you are interested to buy this lens after reading this review, I will recommend you to use an additional grip to have better overall balance when you equip this lens with your X-E4.

Fuji X-E4 . XF 33mm F1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/160″ . ISO 1000 . Classic Neg

Fuji X-E4 . XF 33mm F1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/160″ . ISO 800 . Classic Neg

Fuji X-E4 . XF 33mm F1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/240″ . ISO 320 . Classic Neg

Build Quality

For a start, it is made in Philippines. But we should dismiss that the product is poorly produce if the product is made in other countries other than Japan. To be honest, this metal- built lens is fantastic and I can feel it is a great quality lens when I hold it in my hand. The manual focus ring has a gentle smooth rotation. The aperture ring has that same nice and gentle clicky feedback when you are rotating it. Like the newer lenses, it has also come with the “A” (Auto) position lock which locks the aperture ring and prevents any accidental movement. Also, it comes with a plastic hood instead of the metal square hood that XF35mm F1.4 has.

Fuji X-E4 . XF 33mm F1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/220″ . ISO 320 . Classic Neg

Fuji X-E4 . XF 33mm F1.4 @ 33mm . f2.8 . 1/4400″ . ISO 320 . Classic Neg

Fuji X-E4 . XF 33mm F1.4 @ 33mm . f4 . 1/2500″ . ISO 320 . Classic Neg

Fuji X-E4 . XF 33mm F1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/180″ . ISO 320 . Classic Neg

Fuji X-E4 . XF 33mm F1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/5000″ . ISO 160 . Classic Neg

It comes with a 58mm filter size. The weight distribution throughout the lens is good and I can’t really tell it actually weighs 360 grams when I am holding it. There are some 3rd party lenses that are slightly lighter than this lens feel heavier.

Weather Resistant

Like all the new XF lenses, the XF33mm F1.4 also equips itself with the weather-resistant. This is a good direction from Fujifilm because it does help the photographer to have one thing to less worry about.

Fuji X-E4 . XF 33mm F1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/125″ . ISO 1250 . Classic Neg

Fuji X-E4 . XF 33mm F1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/250″ . ISO 1000 . Classic Neg

Focusing

Fast, accurate, and silent are the 3 keywords that best describe this gem. It is probably one of the lenses that nail the subject so fast that I sometimes wonder if I have half-press the shutter. Even under dim light conditions, I did not notice the focusing speed slowing down at all.

Fuji X-E4 . XF 33mm F1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/2500″ . ISO 1250 . Classic Neg

Fuji X-E4 . XF 33mm F1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/420″ . ISO 320 . Classic Neg

I even test this lens with an X-E3 which has the previous generation X-Trans sensor. The lens performs is exactly the same as the one with X-E4. At least, I am not able to notice the difference in terms of speed.

Fuji X-E3 . XF 33mm F1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/200″ . ISO 200 . Classic chrome

Fuji X-E3 . XF 33mm F1.4 @ 33mm . f2 . 1/150″ . ISO 200 . Classic Chrome

Fuji X-E3 . XF 33mm F1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/125″ . ISO 200 . Classic Chrome

Fuji X-E3 . XF 33mm F1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/100″ . ISO 500 . Classic Chrome

Fuji X-E3 . XF 33mm F1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/100″ . ISO 2500 . Classic Chrome

Image Quality

The image quality coming out from this lens is absolutely stunning! The results coming out of this lens is incredibly crisp and sharp. Basically, I did not notice any flaw with these mind-blowing images.

Fuji X-E4 . XF 33mm F1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/160″ . ISO 640 . Classic Neg

Fuji X-E4 . XF 33mm F1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/160″ . ISO 1600 . Classic Neg

Fuji X-E4 . XF 33mm F1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/160″ . ISO 320 . Classic Neg

The foreground and background blur fall off very smoothly, creamy, and gently. This is one of the nicest bokeh that I can recommend photographers to use this lens to shoot wide open. Besides that, I also hardly notice any distortion, vignetting, and obvious chromatic aberration.

Fuji X-E4 . XF 33mm F1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/800″ . ISO 320 . Classic Neg

Minimum Focus Distance & Magnification

This is one of my favorite parts because this is one of the features when I am looking for a lens. Its minimum focus distance (MFD) is 30 cm which is pretty impressive. I love to shoot close up for certain subjects and understanding the MFD of this lens will allow me to visualize what result I can achieve.

Fuji X-E4 . XF 33mm F1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/3000″ . ISO 160 . Classic Neg

Fuji X-E4 . XF 33mm F1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/13000″ . ISO 320 . Classic Neg

Fuji X-E4 . XF 33mm F1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/3500″ . ISO 160 . Classic Neg

Side By Side

On photos, the XF 33mm F1.4 may look bigger than XF 35mm F1.4 but please do not deceive by its size. It is actually relatively small and compact when you look at it on its own. Nevertheless, the lens hood indeed makes the lens looks much taller than it is.

Fujifilm XF33mm F1.4 and Fujifilm XF35mm F1.4

Apart from that, XF35mm F1.4 is noisier, slower (depends on which camera body you are mounting with), and more retro style to me.

Who is this for?

XF35mm F1.4 is here to stay and will continue selling side by side with the XF33mm F1.4. Both lenses are fantastic and have their pro and con. As a wise photographer, you know what works best for you and your budget.

Fuji X-E4 . XF 33mm F1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/160″ . ISO 2500 . Classic Neg

From my standpoint, if you do not own the XF35mm F1.4 and you are into street, documentary, and/or portrait photography, then the XF33mm F1.4 is a wiser choice to have. Its accuracy, fast focusing speed, and fantastic image quality are something that I think you will love it. Yes. it is more expensive but I think it is worth to be part of your arsenal.

Fuji X-E4 . XF 33mm F1.4 @ 33mm . f1.4 . 1/160″ . ISO 1250 . Classic Neg

If you own the XF35mm F1.4, it is really up to you if you want to sell it away and purchase this lens. Personally, I will keep my XF35mm F1.4 a little longer with me.

Conclusion

XF33mm F1.4 is really excellent and I am undoubtedly impressed by its optical and focusing performance. This lens also show how much effort are the engineers in Fujifilm had put in and raises the bar of what flagship APS-C lenses can be. If I have to point out the disadvantage of this lens, it will be the price of this lens. Like Mr Shinichiro Udono said in the X Summit, the XF33mm F1.4 should become Fujifilm new “epic” lens.