Fujifilm X-H3/S Design Concept: The Manual Dial Film Camera?

guest post by Francisco

Hey Patrick,

Fujis video capabilities are getting better and better. And since Fuji is the “manual-Dial brand”, I think Fuji should try a dedicated video-body with manual dials. We see the hybrid bodies getting the PASM Dial, which is fine, because it is usable for stills and videos. But a videocentric could be cool, and having no dials (like the Sony FX3, Nikon ZR or Canon C50) would just not be Fujis DNA.

Maybe there are videographers who like to adjust some settings on haptic dials. Something special, that only some nerds would appreciate. Not the ones that do professional video work, but the ones that like to get into video. I don’t have Photoshop anymore, but I wanted to create something to help visualize the Idea. I took the X-H1 as a starting point and adjusted the dials how i would imagine it. The X-H1 has a display, many manual dials and great ergonomics. Since this was only done with Paint and GIMP, it has his flaws and the Idea has some issues, but let me present it and tell you what I changed:

** CLICK HERE to Read the Rest of the Article **

Sigma GF 24mmF2 Lens Patent for Fujifilm GFX

Back in 2023, Sigma’s CEO said that Fujifilm GFX users would be their ideal customers, while also making it clear that Sigma had no plans to produce G-mount lenses at the time.

Then in 2024, the tone changed. Sigma’s CEO stated that if Sigma truly wants to become the “master of optics,” it would eventually need to make lenses for the Fujifilm GFX system.

That statement raised expectations that Sigma GFX lenses could arrive sooner rather than later. However, in 2025, the message shifted once again: Sigma currently has no concrete plans, and GFX lenses are something that might happen “maybe in the distant future.”

So, what’s the situation now?

A newly surfaced Sigma patent may provide a small but interesting clue.

The patent describes an optical design for a 24mm f/2 lens that appears to cover a sensor larger than full frame. Based on the technical specifications, the Japanese website Asobinet speculates that this design could be intended for Fujifilm GFX (44×33mm).

And the fact that Sigma is even investigating and patenting optical designs for GFX-sized sensors is noteworthy.

It suggests a few things:

  • The GFX system’s market share is growing, possibly approaching a point where Sigma sees long-term potential
  • There likely isn’t any “mount protection” preventing third-party manufacturers from producing G-mount lenses, meaning Fujifilm appears open to external lens makers

These are undeniably positive signals.

However, a strong reality check is needed. Over the years, I’ve shared hundreds of patents on FujiRumors. Only once did I spot a patent before it turned into a real, shipping product. In all other cases, patents either surface after a product is announced—or never materialize at all.

We’ve seen this countless times:

So while today’s Sigma patent is encouraging—especially because it shows third-party interest in the G mount—it does not mean Sigma GFX autofocus lenses are just around the corner.

For now, this is best seen as a first signal, not a promise. The road to third-party G-mount AF lenses may still be long—or may never happen at all.

Patent Details

** CLICK HERE to Read the Rest of the Article **

7Artisans Teases New LITE APS-C Autofocus Lens Series

7Artisans is teasing a brand-new “Lite” series of APS-C lenses, set to be officially unveiled later this month.

So far, the company has released a teaser image showing the silhouette of three lenses. According to 7Artisans, each lens in the Lite lineup will weigh no more than 180g, clearly targeting photographers looking for compact and lightweight setups.

The teaser was shared on 7Artisans’ official Weibo account, where the company wrote here:

  • Light to no burden: 180g lightweight body, no pressure on the pocket or bag, finally no need to carry “bricks” when going out to create;
  • Three different focal length lenses: street sweep / travel shooting / daily recording full cover, the creative rhythm is not interrupted;
  • APS-C frame adapts to mainstream micro-singles;
  • AF autofocus + small size;
  • New series – LITE series.

I have the feeling we are getting Viltrox Air rebranded versions :).

Currently 7Artisans offers these three autofocus lenses for Fujifilm X:

Fujifilm 2026 Predictions by PetaPixel: All Reasonable… Except One!

PetaPixel shared their predictions for 2026. Regarding Fujifilm they say:

  • PetaPixel says that is not a bold prediction, because they strongly believe it is going to happen: X-TransVI and new processor on X-Pro4 in early 2026
  • Hope: keep X-Trans VI at 40MP but make it faster
  • Fujifilm has too many camera lines, which are more based on design changes rather than hardware changes, so they did hold off on X-Peo4 for so long because they need to make a big hardware change to it
  • Fujifilm could merge X-H2 and X-H2s into one line featuring a faster 40MP sensor
  • X-H3 will come after the X-Pro4
  • Fujifilm will make a digital panorama camera stacking 2 APS-C sensors next to each other. It would sell absolute crazy

Thoughts:

There is a lot of talk these days about the DGO sensors:

I think staying in the 40MP range but using a faster sensor readout is a prediction that makes sense. Although I have no info about X-Trans VI so I have no insight to confirm that or not.

The idea of merging the X-H/S lines into one single X-H3 is something we discussed here. There are Pros but also important Cons to consider with such a move, so make sure to read this article.

As far as X-Pro4 goes, the X-Pro is certainly the one camera most in need for a refresh, so it’s understandable that they think it will be next.

So far all PetaPixel predictions seem reasonable.

All but one!

PetaPixel predicts the Fujifilm TX-3 panorama camera in 2026. To my knowledge, if Fujifilm will make one, then it would come in 2028, because 2028 marks the 30th anniversary of the Fujifilm TX-1. But at this point I don’t know if Fujifilm has decided to really make it or not.

What we know for certain will come in 2026 are the Fujifilm X-T6 in the second half and a compact camera with 1″ sensor.

But let us know your predictions in the comments below.

To Split, or Not to Split: Should Fujifilm Merge the X-H2 and X-H2S Into One X-H3?

Merging the Lines?

I recently asked you whether you’d prefer a DGO or DCG sensor on future Fujifilm cameras.

The results of the survey is here.

But while reading through the comments, something else caught my attention. FR-reader TammyLieJohnes wrote:

But I believe there will be just one Fujifilm X-H3 camera, no ‘S’ and ‘non-S’ model.
It’s going to be stacked 40MP sensor, I hope DCG so we don’t loose so much on e-shutter

That comment raises an interesting and very relevant question: should Fujifilm merge the X-H line into a single flagship model?

Two X-H Cameras, Two Different Philosophies

** CLICK HERE to Read the Rest of the Article **