Last Thursday Fuji UK unveiled that the new Firmware updates for the XPRO1, X-E1 and 35mm X lens would be released on January 18th (Click here to see the cached site). But the firmware release has been postponed because of a small software issue that will be fixed soon. As a reminder here you have them:

Fujifilm X-Pro1 – firmware version: 2.03 Changes:
* Allows compatibility with the new “XF14mmF2.8R” lens.
* Improved performance of Auto Focus under various shooting conditions.

Fujifilm X-E1 – firmware version: 1.04 Changes:
* Allows compatibility with the new “XF14mmF2.8R” lens.
* Shutter release button now works when an external remote release is connected.
* Improved performance of Auto Focus under various shooting conditions.
* Audio performance has been optimised for the new Stereo Microphone MIC-ST1 (sold separately).

FUJINON XF35mm – firmware version: 2.02 Change:
* Improved accuracy of Auto Focus performance.

• USER REPORT: My road to the Fuji X100 by Miroslav Mosko –> read it here
• Fuji X20 (pre-order here) Hands-On by Photography Bay –> read it here
• More impressions about the Fujifilm [shoplink 682]XF 14mm f/2.8 R(specs&price)[/shoplink]  –> read it here
• A Quick Look At Capture One’s [shoplink 6136]X-Pro1 (specs&price)[/shoplink] Support — Thomas Fitzgerald Photography –> read it here
• The First Frost (with the Fuji X100) — Thomas Fitzgerald Photography –> read it here
• Goodbye Sony Nex 6 … –> read it here
• Proccessor: X Story | FUJIFILM –> read it here
• Fujifilm 16 Megapixels [shoplink 678]X-E1 (specs&price)[/shoplink] Compact Review by NeoCamera With Rating 4/4 – –> read it here
• Antarctica with the [shoplink 678]X-E1 (specs&price)[/shoplink] and E-M5 | Cyril Dhénin –> read it here

The brand new Fujinon XF lens XF 14mm F2.8 R is in stock on eBay in Japan for [shoplink 6300 ebay]$1,097 (click here)[/shoplink].

More pre-order option for the Fujinon XF lens XF 14mm F2.8 R (expected availability January 31 2013): B&H | Adorama. You may also want to check Rico’s post about using the 14mm clicking here.

Specs:

• Fast, Ultra Wide-Angle Prime Lens
• 21mm Focal Length Equivalency
• f/2.8-22 Aperture Range
• Molded Aperture Diaphragm Blades
• Great Perspective, Minimal Distortion
• Fits Fujifilm X-Pro-1 Digital Camera

Product description from B&H’s page:

The XF 14mm f/2.8 R Ultra Wide-Angle Lens from Fujifilm is designed for its X-Pro 1 Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera System. This is the fourth prime lens Fujifilm has introduced for the X-Pro 1 and its widest focal length to date. Its 35mm focal length equivalency is 21mm and its angle of view is 89º. Landscape vistas, architectural shots, interiors and even street photography will benefit from the creative perspective and minimized distortion that this lens offers. Light is evenly distributed from the center to the edge of the frame and it retains excellent contrast and high resolution with little fall-off or distortion toward the edges. Its f/2.8 maximum aperture and wide angle mean fast shutter speeds are possible even in minimal light and fast, smooth autofocus is there when needed. The aperture diaphragm blades on all XF lenses are curved and the edge of each blade is rounded rather than cut-off creating a more pleasing effect to your image, especially in terms of the background bokeh. Focus distance and depth-of-field scales are printed on the focus ring to aid composition when emphasizing depth of field.

The XF 14mm f/2.8 lens offers high-quality optics and an extreme wide-angle perspective to explore your creativity with the Fujifilm X-Pro 1 digital camera.

Fuji related news and pictures…

• A city at sleep, All shots Fuji Film X-Pro1, 18mm, ISO3200, Handled at speeds 1/13-1/250th, see it here
• X100S (pre-order option) hands-on with samples –> see it here
• Mastering the Fujifilm X-Pro 1 (price & specs) — New from Rocky Nook –> see it here
•  Long exposure with the X-Pro 1 –> see it here
• [photographybay] Fuji X20 (price & specs) Hands-On: The Fuji X20 has a lot going for and, at first blush, appears to do a solid job improving on the popular Fuji X10 —> read it here
• Fujifilm [shoplink 684]XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS (price & specs)[/shoplink] Lens Review (Patrick Leong): This is one awesome lens, and in my opinion, Fuji shouldn’t label it as a kit lens because that’s very deceiving.  I love using this lens. –> read it here
• Quick Comparison: Sony RX1 (price & specs) vs Fuji X-E1 (price & specs) – IQ, AF Speed and ISO –> read it here or watch the video below

Fuji had a meeting with journalists in Barcelona and there is a full report of the event at Quesabesde (translation here). And as you see from the image Fuji showed at the event they claim that the new Fuji X20 2/3 inch sensor is even better than the Sony RX100 or current 12 Megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensors (like the one used for the Panasonic GF5). That’s an impressive performance for a tiny 2/3 inch sensor!

That said UK friends may be happy to know that preoders for the X100s are up at Amazon UK.