Sample footage
The SIGMA fp has finally arrived.
Before I knew it, the camera was already in my hands.
As part of my creative philosophy, I don’t write detailed gear reviews,
so I’ll skip the technical aspects. To put it simply, this camera isn’t for everyone, but for the right person, it’s incredibly enjoyable.
I’ve written before that compact cameras are ideal for street photography,
and that belief hasn’t changed. But the reality today is that compact cameras have become unreasonably expensive.
The Ricoh GR series and FUJIFILM X100 series are excellent cameras—GR II is something I used in the past and would still love to own again.
But honestly, isn’t 70,000–80,000 yen the reasonable limit for a compact camera?
When I bought my GR II years ago, the used shop had so many in stock that the staff told me,
“Take your time—there are plenty to choose from.” And it was around 50,000 yen back then.
My creative work is positioned separately from typical client work, but in society I’m still a company representative and business owner.
Because of that, I can’t help but feel uncomfortable with how FUJIFILM and RICOH market their cameras today.
Especially RICOH’s lottery sales system—it’s hard to feel good about it, even if they’re a large company.
So, back to the fp.
Why I Chose the SIGMA fp as My Personal Camera
- The size feels just right.
- The price range is reasonable.
- I like SIGMA’s philosophy of creating sharp, distinctive products.
- I’m a member of SPS (SIGMA Pro Service), so support feels reliable.
- RAW files are DNG.
- CinemaDNG is available, which is useful even for light client work.
- Despite its quirks, the fp offers far more value than its price.
The SIGMA fp was released in 2019, and even back then I thought,
“I really want this.”
But at the time, I wasn’t incorporated yet,
and most of my work was still photography with only occasional video jobs.
Spending about $1,300 on a camera I couldn’t use for client work just wasn’t realistic.
Now, the used prices have settled, and my desire for the fp hasn’t changed at all.
So I decided it was finally time to try it—not for work, but as my main personal camera.
I probably won’t buy L-mount lenses. For client work I use Sony, but for my personal photography—
my preferences, my sense of rendering, my zooming habits—I use SIGMA lenses exclusively.
Ideally, I wish I could adapt my old Contax lenses to the fp,
but the flange distance between E-mount and L-mount is only about 1mm, so adapters aren’t possible.
So instead of buying a full set of L-mount lenses, I’ll enjoy the fp with Contax (Yashica mount) lenses like the 40mm pancake,
adding pieces slowly over time.
Since I no longer own the Contax 28mm F2.8 MMJ I used to love,
I think I’ll start by searching for a good-condition copy again.
If you find one you think is nice, feel free to let me know.
