p.1 #1 · X-Pro3 Drive Button and general thoughts on the control layout
It seems that none of the functions available when one calls the "Drive" menu with the Drive button can be assigned to a custom key. Why is that? It would be handy to have e.g. HDR assigned to a custom button, or the to switch quickly from single into continuous mode. The next iteration of the camera should have such an option, if technically possible.
And while I am at the control layout of the camera: If someone is right handed like me, all controls should be with the reach of the thumb and the index finger of the right hand. All function button should be to the right of the LCD, not above it. The one on the top plate can stay. I would also move the back dial down to where the buttons are and reorient it from horizontal to vertical. Much easier to use. Right of the LCD should be two rows of controls. And of course the front wheel should be clickable again so that one can easy switch between F-stop, EV and ISO control.
Leica did that when they designed the Q3. They moved the buttons from left of the LCD to the right. I remember Q2 users going crazy at the time when I suggested such a control layout in the dpreview Leica forum. Now, I am not saying that Leica listened to me :-) But it seems that there were like minded designers at work at Leica. And who knows, they may also be at Fuji (though I doubt that given how frequently and for no good reason Fuji changes the control layout of their cameras).
Jul 11, 2025 at 02:15 PM
FotoMayron Offline • [X]
p.1 #2 · X-Pro3 Drive Button and general thoughts on the control layout
Appreciate your thoughtful feedback and you’re definitely not alone in wanting more flexible customization, especially when it comes to Drive modes like HDR or switching between single and continuous shooting. As it stands, some Drive functions are restricted from being assigned to custom keys likely due to the way they’re handled at the firmware or UI level, but I agree, it would be a huge usability win if future iterations made those assignments possible.
Jul 21, 2025 at 06:49 PM
FotoMayron Offline • [X]
p.1 #3 · X-Pro3 Drive Button and general thoughts on the control layout
Your points on ergonomic layout are well taken too. Having all critical controls within reach of the right hand would streamline single handed operation, especially for quick adjustments while shooting. The clickable front dial suggestion is spot on as well, that kind of functionality really adds fluidity to the shooting experience. As for Fuji’s design consistency, yeah, it does sometimes feel like they’re reinventing the wheel a bit too often. Here’s hoping the right folks are paying attention and taking cues from what works in the real world, whether it’s from Leica, user forums, or sharp observations like yours.
