Thoughts on Fuji X-E-series camera for backpacking?

I am not currently using Fuji body/lens, but was very pleased with it when I was. I think it’s the sweet spot went going for maximum image quality while attempting to keep weight / volume down.  The only system that is similar (but way more expensive) is Leica M series.

Over the years I determined that I am not a great photographer… I am more of a snapshot taker, so these days I mostly make do with the camera on my photo which I am already carrying so it’s a no weight camera :)

A few years back I had a similar question, so over a period of several months I rented and borrowed a number of different camera systems including Sony, Fuji, Panasonic, and Olympus. I found that for me, weight and size were priorities, so I settled on m/43 cameras. Based on my priorities, I now shoot with a Panasonic G100, with either the Lumix 12-60 (not the Leica version) or a combo of the Lumix 12-32 and 35-100 (again not the Leica version). This makes for a wonderful small kit that covers a wide focal range. Having said all this though, unless I know I’m going to focus on photography, I usually take my Sony RX100.
To answer your specific question though. I used a Fuji X-E2 for awhile. While the body was small enough, the lenses, mainly zooms, were not. the image quality was great though, so I think your decision comes down to what you’re willing to carry. If I had my heart set on Fuji, in lieu of the X-E series, I would look at something like the X-T30 or the new X-S20. Check out http://www.camerasize.com and try their comparator tool. FWIW, there are some deals on ebay right now for new Panasonic G100s. Good luck with your decision.

I think that’s a very thoughtful approach, Paul. I actually moved away from Sony FF to Olympus as my main camera because of lens weight. I was tired of lugging around heavy glass, and I had a very weird use case: I needed a tough, water-resistant camera with compact lenses with long reach, because I started doing wildlife photography from a sea kayak. The Olympus m/43 fits the bill.

But the main body, an OM-1, is a bit of a pig that I don’t want to lug around in the backcountry. Nor do I really need a long lens for that purpose, since I’m doing mostly landscapes, trail shots, etc. And I want something small and discreet that I can also use for travel and street photography that puts people at ease (I find big, pro-looking cameras make people more awkward).

The GM1/GM5 could be perfect for the right person. Super light and small. Maybe I should just be happy with mine. I just find the lack of a functional viewfinder or a flip-screen makes them sub-par for street shooting, and I wind up not taking it with me except in the woods.

It turns out there are some very light and good mid-length lenses for APS-C now. Basically the same weight as a good mid-range zoom for m/43. So I’m tempted by the Fuji X-T30 or Sony A6600 paired with a mid-length zoom and a small, fast prime for street photos and Milky Way. Plus the larger sensor is handy for low-light and astro.

Or … I could just get an Olympus E-M5 and use the lenses I already have.

Too many good options in the camera world these days. Not a bad problem to have. Thanks for listening ;)

Unless you are ready to invest ( in dollars and the learning curve) in and support two different systems from two different vendors, I would stick with Olympus.   With the kind of photography you foresee yourself doing you want to be in full control of the camera’s features.

I take my OMD-EM5 mark 2 backpacking with a 25 mm lens. When I want to go lighter, I take my Sony RX100.

You could have a very small & light kit with the Olympus (OM Systems) M5 and a couple of primes which you can find used or buy from Japan on Amazon.

Thanks for your wisdom and insights about the M5. I’m taking your advice. Happy trails.