I finally snagged a silver X100V after hunting for months and I'm honestly so hyped I can barely sit still lol. I'm taking it to Japan in about three weeks for a two-week trip through Tokyo and Osaka and I really want to make sure I have everything I need before I go. I've been doing a ton of reading online and everyone says you HAVE to get a filter for weather sealing but I'm getting conflicting info. Some people say the NiSi UHD UV filter is the best because it fits under the original cap but then other folks say the official Fuji adapter ring and a regular 49mm filter is more reliable if it actually starts raining in Shinjuku.
My budget for extra bits is around $150 since the camera already cost me an arm and a leg. I'm also looking at:
Do I really need a lens hood if I have a filter on there? I want to keep it pocketable but I dont want to ruin the sensor if a stray splash hits it. What are you guys actually using day-to-day when youre traveling?
Coming back to this thread after checking my gear bag from my last trip. When I was in Kyoto last year, I spent hours shooting in that heavy mist you get around the temples and I was super satisfied with how my setup held up. I actually went with the NiSi UHD UV Filter for Fujifilm X100V specifically because it doesnt need an adapter ring. It screws directly onto the lens threads after you pop off that front ring. Technically, it maintains the internal focus movement while sealing the front element, and the best part is the original Fuji lens cap still fits perfectly over it. No complaints about image quality either, the glass is top tier. Since you are worried about the battery, honestly you should be. Fuji ratings are a bit optimistic for a long day in Tokyo. I have been really happy using the Wasabi Power NP-W126S 1400mAh Battery 2-Pack which comes with a dual USB charger. Being able to charge two at once from a portable power bank while you are eating ramen is a total game changer. I have tracked the discharge rates and they are basically identical to the expensive OEM ones for a fraction of the cost. For the grip issue, I am using the Lensmate Thumb Grip for Fujifilm X100V and it makes the camera feel way more secure. It has a little hinge so you can still get to the back command dial without it being in the way. If you want to see the actual weather sealing tests people have done, check out the forums on DPReview or FujiLove. They have some technical deep dives on why the filter is enough. Ngl, I would skip the soft shutter button. I have heard too many stories about them snagging on bags and putting weird torque on the shutter mechanism. Better to play it safe.
> Do I really need a lens hood if I have a filter on there? I want to keep it pocketable but I dont want to ruin the sensor if a stray splash hits it. Saw this earlier but just getting home... I've put my X100 series cameras through some pretty rough conditions over the years, including a week of constant drizzle in Osaka. Regarding the weather sealing, the NiSi UHD UV Filter for Fujifilm X100V is visually the cleanest since it retains the original lens cap, but honestly, if you're worried about reliability, I prefer the Fujifilm AR-X100 Adapter Ring paired with a high-quality B+W 49mm 010 UV-Haze MRC nano filter. The B+W glass has better transmission rates and the MRC nano coating is way more resilient against salt spray and oils than the NiSi glass. Plus, having a filter is usually enough protection unless you're hitting direct sunlight at harsh angles, so you can skip the bulky hood to keep it pocketable. Since you mentioned safety, be careful with those soft shutter buttons. I've seen folks actually strip the internal threads or even damage the shutter mechanism because the button got caught on a camera strap while in a bag. It acts like a lever and puts tons of torque on the pin. Not worth the risk on such a pricey body imo. For your $150 budget, definitely grab one extra OEM Fujifilm NP-W126S Li-Ion Battery and spend the rest on a Nitecore FX1 Dual Slot USB Travel Charger. The Nitecore is a lifesaver because it shows real-time battery health and voltage data on the screen... super helpful for making sure your cells aren't degrading. If you want a grip but the high-end ones are too pricey, the Haoge THB-X100V Thumb Grip is solid aluminum and fits the hot shoe perfectly. Enjoy Japan, its a killer place for street photography.
Re: "Totally agree that weather sealing is the priority..." - honestly, after carrying these cameras across three continents, I've learned that the sealing is only half the battle. You definitely need that filter to close the gap, but the official kit is bulky. Over the years, I've switched to a more streamlined setup.
Totally agree that weather sealing is the priority here. Its essential.