So, I guess I’m going to reduce my dependency on the EVF and get used to just using the LCD screen now.
One of the reasons I’m still unsure about getting the Ricoh GR is because it lacks an EVF, but others have told me hat I’ll just get used to it.
And now I’ve just had a quote from Fujifilm Canada to get the EVF on my X-T5 repaired: $800!
I can get a whole new camera for that money and I’m finding it very hard to justify spending it.
Any other options or should I just start enjoying life with just an LCD screen? It will open up other camera options for me at least, such as a Fuji X-M5 or Sony ZV…
I should note that the EVF is still usable, although there’s a blurry glow to the highlights now.
This is a desired look for the kids, i think that means you should sell it
If you can try and just use the LCD, why not give it a go? You’re not loosing anything. Maybe you get a camera hood and pretend its a large format film camera.
No words Seems to be a common issue. I fear that Fuji has really cheapened on the X-T5. My X-T3 has viewfinder has been cleaned with all kinds of fabric, has had snow/ice thrown in it and it’s still perfectly fine
Although I can’t prove it now, I’m fairly certain that it’s poor build quality rather than me being careless. I’m usually very careful about my gear and cleaning, so I can’t imagine I was ever too heavy-handed with this EVF.
It’s definitely made me reconsider my approach for future purchases: first, I’m not necessarily going to stay with fujifilm and might be more tempted by brands that pride themselves on durability, such as OM System; and second, I’m probably just going to shop used or at the cheaper end of the market. Much as I’d love a fancy-pants camera, I just don’t want to have to baby my gear and live in dread of damaging it.
Yep, reading this makes me question future Fuji purchases. The glass sunk cost fallacy is too big. I’ve read that some X-T5’s are fine and others suffer from this, so hopefully a bad batch of coating or EVF glass. I saw that they replaced lots of user’s EVF under warranty, but they should’ve owned it for out of warranty cameras too.
Yes, if it’s a known issue, they should just cover it, although I doubt they have accepted it as a “known issue”. Fuji are riding too high at the moment to feel they need to do this kind of thing.
I’m also disappointed by the repair quote. It just seems so expensive for just some glass coating. I know they probably have to replace the whole unit, but that’s such a waste of resources and money.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the prices are deliberately high to make you question whether to buy a new camera instead. Although if that’s the case, it’s backfiring with me because I’ll probably try another brand.
If the camera is under warranty, consider contacting a consumer protection agency / arbitration / going to court / etc.
In the EU, AFAIK the burden of proof is on the seller if there is a dispute, and I would look at ADR legislation, but I don’t know where you bought the camera.
I have heard great things about the official OM System shop in Budapest (look at their Google reviews, almost all 5 stars, consumers got a replacement camera while their own was being repaired, etc), but explore country-specific information first.
FWIW, I always prefer buying at a brick & mortar store where they handle warranty themselves, even if it is a bit less convenient or more expensive.
I understand why you wouldn’t want to use the EVF, it would bug me sooo much if it happened to me. I’d most likely consider a third-party repair and see if it’s any cheaper.
Does this even exist for cameras or fixes of this kind? The only way to realistically fix it seems to be to get a donor camera and replace that specific part. AFAIK it’s a similar problem with de silvered prisms, people don’t have the tools to fix these kinds of issues. Given how Fuji replaces the whole top, that might be the only way to do it and would end up as expensive as the official channels
This is critical. I saw that some people had used zeiss lens wipes(alcohol based) which obliterated the coating quite quickly. Some even used paper towels I still wonder why the coating in some x-t5s, but not others, is so fragile compared to regular lens coatings, which Fuji seems pretty good at since they have been making optics for decades including cine and broadcast lenses.
how intensively they are rubbing could be a reason. are they using any cleaning fluids? how much heat was the camera exposed too. i mean something might have weakened the glue.
This. Modern lens coatings (anything from the last 20 years or so) are incredibly durable. You need persistence and hard objects (metal, sand, etc) to actually damage a modern lens coating, they shrug off paper towels and similar.
It is a reasonable expectation from the consumer that similar coatings are applied to other optical parts of a modern, $1000+ camera.
How you enforce this is another question and depends on the applicable local laws.
I’ve heard that those disposable wet glasses cleaner tissues can cause damage… so you’re saying that a camera lens coating should handle it just fine? Or is perhaps the solution of the cleaning tissue a bigger risk?
I would definitely consider this if it were an option, but I haven’t found any options so far. The camera shops in my area don’t offer the service and others would all send repairs to the Fuji service centre.
Still looking for an independent repair service. Not a lot of options where I am.
The camera is no longer under warranty. We only get 1 year here in Canada, and I bought this camera in 2023. I’ve already been in touch with Fuji Repair and they gave no indication that they may be lenient or generous. As far as they’re concerned, it’s user error.
I have one, but not sure how this coating came off. I just sort of noticed it recently after a hike up a mountain in drizzle.
I think this is my main gripe. Even if I did use a t-shirt, which I can’t remember doing, I would have thought it could handle that no problem. It’s not a cheap camera and I expect good materials to be used.
Seems to be a common issue. I fear that Fuji has really cheapened on the X-T5. My X-T3 has viewfinder has been cleaned with all kinds of fabric, has had snow/ice thrown in it and it’s still perfectly fine
I still wonder why the coating in some x-t5s, but not others, is so fragile compared to regular lens coatings, which Fuji seems pretty good at since they have been making optics for decades including cine and broadcast lenses.