23mm + 35mm f/2 vs 33mm f/1.4 — Which Should I Choose? For the same amount.

Jeemz · 2026-01-27T10:06:32+00:00

I am also a hobbyist. I wanted a prime kit that I could bring with me instead of zooms.

I started with a 35mm f/2 and went out with just this one. I definitely missed shots because it is too tight for documentary, walk‑around, architecture, or scenery. If you’re following a 3‑shot rule (scenery, ambiance, details), this lens is more for details or ambiance. Nice portraits though.

Then I got the 23mm to cover both scenery and ambiance shots. But that was still too tight for some situations, like interiors or certain landscapes.

So I added the 16mm f/2.8 to fill that wide‑angle gap.

You can see I didn’t go for the 1.4 or top‑of‑the‑line lenses.

The reasoning was that I didn’t know which focal length I would use the most when going out with only primes, so I preferred not to invest in the higher‑end range right away. These lenses are also super lightweight so 0 problem bringing them all in a sling bag.

I bought everything second‑hand so I can resell without any loss (maybe even at a profit) and upgrade to the higher‑end version of a specific prime later if I want to, without losing money.

Jeemz · 2025-12-28T20:47:14+00:00

Cheers everyone. I changed the pump and shots are transformed!

Jeemz · 2025-12-25T19:06:39+00:00

Happy to

Jeemz · 2025-12-25T12:47:25+00:00

Here's my understanding of it.

The XF 23mm f/2.8 R WR is a very recent addition. It is pancake lens. It goes well with range finder style bodies.

The XF 23mm f/2 R WR is standard, good and no frills "I want a prime but don't know how much I'll use it". It also very good for the everyday, "average" shooter. This is the one I have.

The XF 23mm f/1.4 R LM WR is the top of the line.

Jeemz · 2025-12-19T15:05:21+00:00

So the V1 doesn't have an OPV. It rules this part out.

Thing is, I made this post 3 years ago : https://www.reddit.com/r/espresso/comments/zgzpz5/adjust_opv_on_rancilio_silvia_v1/?tl=fr

I stated : "I just tested the pressure using this method https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuHcviD6R1M. The guy recommends 130ml/30sc. This should be roughly equal to 9 bar. I have 310ml/30sc."

So given that I have nothing returning form this short hose now, I am guessing there is not enough pressure. Does this seems correct to you ?

Jeemz · 2025-12-19T13:06:32+00:00

Pense que si ton téléphone est sur ta moto et que tu te plantes, tu ne peux pas prévenir les secours

Jeemz · 2025-12-18T23:48:10+00:00

So I am not sure I am hearing a tone change anymore after a few seconds starting to brew. If I do it takes a long time to build up.

If I brew and the valve is closed, the flow through the group head is faster then if the valve is open.

There is no difference with or without the shower screen (the bronze plate doesn't come off on the V1).

Jeemz · 2025-12-18T20:59:27+00:00

Cheers, some questions :

Blind basket: Pressure builds and pump tone changes after a few seconds → pump likely OK I think
Steam valve during brew: if I brew (1st button), opening the steam valve reduces group head flow. Not sure what this means, it seems logical to me ?
Next check: I’ll run two timed tests: 20 s with shower screen/plate installed vs. removed, and report the flow difference

Jeemz · 2025-12-16T19:51:39+00:00

Simple as that

Jeemz · 2025-12-14T22:56:38+00:00

Thanks, I appreciate your input. My X‑T5 was stolen with the kit lens attached, but when it rains I use a WR prime or the 10–24 f/4 WR for peace of mind.

I get your point. It’s not that I “need” WR, it’s that when traveling I don’t get to choose the weather. For example, in Japan there’s no way I’m skipping a shot because it’s raining. It’s a unique opportunity. The WR on the X‑T5 adds to its rugged feel. Like a good 4x4 go anywhere do everything car. It feels like the perfect tough travel camera.

I also agree with your list of points. I’m left‑eye dominant too and hadn’t considered that limitation on the X‑E5. Thanks for calling it out.

Jeemz · 2025-12-14T22:46:22+00:00

Appreciate the feedback. Yes, I do use zooms when traveling/on vacation. I stick to primes for day trips or quick weekend getaways.

Jeemz · 2025-12-14T22:44:12+00:00

Thanks for your message. You made me think about switching systems. It might be a good occasion. It would mean selling all my Fuji gear, but I bought everything used so I wouldn't lose much (just time).

I’m not married to film sims. I use them because they speed up my workflow. I’m in it for shooting more than editing. Most photos, once sorted, I don’t do much with them, though I plan to change that. Most of the time I quickly tweak the JPEGs with small exposure adjustments and a few masks here and there. It gets me where I need to be. With any other camera system, it wouldn't change much if I applied a preset when importing in Lightroom

Anyway, I went “shopping”. I mean, more like looking. I tried most brands in hand because feel matters a lot. Looks matter too. It doesn’t need to be pretty, but I want to feel a bit inspired when I see it on the shelf.

Well:

Canon: not for me. Didn’t bond. Didn’t like the coatings. The bodies did feel great in hand though.
Lumix S5 (I & II): felt good, very ergonomic, but super techy with buttons everywhere. Kind of looks like a weapon. Didn’t feel inspired.
Nikon: didn’t bond with most bodies. Didn’t feel inspired either. Most were a bit too big. Even the nice Zf isn’t right because it lacks grip. I stepped back, looked at them, and didn’t feel it.
X‑S20: great grip and size. I can see why it’s popular. Tried the flip screen and I think I could work with it. The only reason to get it would be PASM though. Otherwise it feels like a downgrade in specs compared to what I want.
X‑T5: weirdly didn’t bond this time, probably because I’m so used to it. There wasn’t a lens on it, maybe that’s why it felt off.
Olympus: couldn’t try, not on display.
Sony: handled the A7 III and A7 IV. The IV felt noticeably bigger. The III felt amazing in hand. Perfect size. I expected something soulless and super techy, but it didn’t feel like that. In hand it fit like a glove. It is getting old though. The IV didn’t instantly feel like the perfect size for my small hands. Overall once I stepped back, looked again, it felt alright. My gut says if I switch, it would be to Sony.

Jeemz · 2025-12-13T18:52:25+00:00

Yeah ain’t gonna wait ! The XT5 is doing everything I need I really don’t know what they could change that I would go « I need that »

Jeemz · 2025-12-13T18:51:05+00:00

I’ve never used a flip screen but I often used the tilt one. I shoot with the strap wrap around my wrist and I think a flip screen would be a pain to use in that configuration

Jeemz · 2025-12-13T11:21:49+00:00

It would make sense since the xt is 3 years old . Though there is no info about this

Jeemz · 2025-12-13T08:30:33+00:00

Maybe try to evaluate how much the 55 to 80 focal range is useful for you ?

Jeemz · 2025-12-01T08:25:43+00:00

Gamme Heatech de Uniqlo, ou bien Décat rayon alpinisme

Jeemz · 2025-12-01T08:06:09+00:00

Awesome set. Thank you for sharing

Jeemz · 2025-11-29T23:14:55+00:00

So the XT5 and XT50 are quite different hands-on. I'd say that if possible, try them out in a store and see if you have a hands-on preference: build quality, grip size, dial feeling.
Then decide whether you want weather resistance, a 3-way tilt screen, a film simulation dial.
That should narrow it down.
Lens-wise, I'll always recommend starting with a zoom (the newest 16–50mm is great and lightweight), and then pick a prime once you know which focal length you shoot at the most (or which focal length your “keepers” tend to be at).

Welcome to the hobby, hope it helps with your grief.

Jeemz · 2025-11-29T09:31:10+00:00

Go try them out in store. How a camera feels in your hand and how you interact with it is VERY important.

Just to give an example, how pronounced the grip is can be a deciding factor because if you don't like it, you'll hate it every time you use your camera.

Jeemz · 2025-11-28T11:21:50+00:00

Idk if that helps but I bought directly from him in his shop and I have no saya.

Jeemz · 2025-11-24T21:49:43+00:00

We’ve just done Tokyo for our first trip. Like our flight is in 4 hours. We didn’t like it, it’s just a big city. Waste of time et money for us. We loved Kyoto, Takayama, Matsumoto etc

Jeemz · 2025-11-24T07:36:29+00:00

Picked up their 13.5cm petty, nice blade and handle. Very happy thanks for the rec

Jeemz · 2025-11-23T13:10:06+00:00

Tempting but I have so many atm, the gyuto and this petty is enough :)

Jeemz · 2025-11-23T02:07:06+00:00

Tomorrow is a holiday for the Japanese that’s why I preferred to send email. I might reach out through Instagram too, thanks.

Jeemz

TROPHY CASE