The A position indicates the camera should automatically choose shutter-speed. The other dial on the top plate is the shutter-speed dial which is marked in full stops from 1/4000s to 1s. Most modern DSLRs and plenty of SLDs allow ±5 or at least ☓. The retro-price paid here is that exposure increments are hard wired to 1/3 EV and the EC range is minimal. The dial has good detents and is easily accessible with the camera at eye-level. There is an Exposure-Compensation dial, marked from +2 to -2 in 1/3 stops. Note that there is NO way to preview Depth-Of-Field without assign it it to the Fn button. It is tough call choosing what to put there but ISO and DOF Preview are the best candidates, since they are most likely to be used quickly. That button can be programed to activate: Multiple Exposure, DOF-Preview, ISO, Self-Timer, Image Size, Image Quality, Dynamic-Range, Film Simulation, White-Balance, AF Mode, Custom Settings Selection, Movie Mode or RAW capture. Only the Fn button here gives a hint of modernity. The top of the X-Pro1 is also clearly retro. Since the EVF and OVF experience are so different, we suspect most photographers will simply use one or the other. This one works well and is within easy reach of the forefinger when holding the camera. A bit below it a spring-loaded lever which serves to switch the hybrid viewfinder between its electronic and optical mode. Opposite is a yellow AF-assist lamp surrounded by the only modern touch on this side, a pair of microphones. There is a viewfinder window which opens up when the camera is off and in OVF mode. The front of the camera definitely looks anachronistic. The retro design also has a boxy shape which is not as comfortable as modern camera with curves and angled surfaces. Such controls predate camera menus and digital cameras as a whole and provide much more direct control over the camera. Going retro adds a sense familiarity and luxury while embracing more mechanical controls. Fuji designed the X-Pro1 with a strong resemblance to a range-finder camera, giving it a retro look.
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