A Plea to Fuji :: X-Pro2 Survives Hard Crash :: That Fujinon XF 35mmF1.4 Magic in Other Fuji Lenses? ** Top FXF Threads & Images

Image by Xing

Tibet 2015 shared by Xing

TOP FXF THREADS

shared by Robert de Bock X-Pro2 fell really hard, although scratched, x-pro2 is doing fine!

shared by Woodworth A plea to Fuji …

shared by petergabriel That 35mm f1.4 magic in other Fujinon lenses?

shared by Patrick FR Fujifilm Will Announce a “Never Rumored Before” X-series Camera in 2016!

shared by milandro Petzval 58mm Bokeh Control( adapted to Fuji?)

shared by synthesaur X-T2: Is it just me or the lowish light files are too noisy?

shared by Sarawak L Bracket for X-T2???

shared by Filip Hermelin Owning both 18-55 and 35 f/2

shared by Tom H. Video editing recommendations

shared by dv. Samyang/Rokinon 300mm f6.3 mirror lens

shared by bjorke 23mm f2 – on backorder from the pre-order?

shared by NPR S-Speed not displayed in Aperture Priority

shared by Haswell Billingham bag – Musty smell.

shared by Sator-Photography GFX 50S: Autofocus Points????

shared by entropic remnants How about the Nissin i40 with the new X-Pro2 firmware 2.0?

Streetphotography (open thread) shared by Cornelson

Image by Cornelson

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Top Of The Shots… at the X-Shooter Facebook Zone!

Okan Yilmaz‎: Lighthouse X-T1, 10-24mm www.okanyilmaz.net

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NOTE :: HOW TO SEE THE IMAGES
To see, add and vote images click on “Photos” and then “See All“

See All

Here are the most liked images of the Fujirumors facebook page… and keep it up, share and vote your absolute favorite X-shot… and here is how to do it:

1) SHARE & DESCRIBE: go to the Fujirumors facebook timeline and submit your favorite X-shot (and a short description) in the timeline by selecting “Photo/Video” .
2) VOTE & COMMENT: All the images will be displayed at the Fujirumors facebook photo page (click “See All”). You can vote, share & comment the images there.

NOTE: The next selection will start from those images shared starting from October 23!

Enjoy the X-shots ;)

Push READ MORE… and Get Inspired!

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Sony’s Fast & Furious Hardware Updates Vs. Fuji’s Kaizen Philosophy :: What’s the Better Strategy to Win the Mirrorless Battle? – POLL

fuji-sony

INITIAL NOTE: In all these years of blogging, I’ve learned that every time you compare brands/cameras, the shitstorm is just around the corner. So I’ll say it clearly now: I like the innovation Sony is bringing in the mirrorless market. This article is not to bash on Sony, but just to ask you if you would like Fuji to adopt the same strategy of Sony. If you find something I wrote not accurate, please let me know… you know I’m open for critics and willing to correct statements that are wrong.

Rico’s Fuji X-workshop in Thailand
only 1 space left for English / only 2 spaces left for German

The Fast and The Furious Sony Strategy!

Holy Moly!

Sony just announced the Sony A6500 (BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS), and it comes just a few months after the launch of the Sony A6300. The sensor in both cameras is the same, but Sony build in IBIS, touch screen and improved the AF-performance on the A6500 (reports say the X-T2 AF is superior to the A6300. The A6500 might catch up again). It remains to see, if Sony managed to control overheating better.

Sony shooters might already got used to such a fast camera release rate. Take for example at the Sony A7 series:

Sony A7 + Sony A7r (October 2013)
Sony A7s (April 2014)
Sony A7II (November 2014)
Sony A7rII (August 2015)
Sony A7SII (September 2015)
Sony A9 (planed for 2016, but the April earthquake that hit their sensor factory created a major sensor shortage. Sony even had problems to ship the A7rII)

It’s just crazy how many hardware changes Sony has launched to the original A7/A7r in just 3 years! Basically 2 new Full Frame Mirrorless cameras a year (except 2016 – due to the earthquake): more Megapixel, less Megapixel, Ibis, no Ibis, Phase Detection Pixels, no Phase Detections Pixel… you name it!

This strategy must be quite successful for Sony, because they now adapted it also for the A6000 series. Just 8 months after the release of the Sony A6300, Sony launched the A6500, with hardware and firmware improvements. The question remains open, if the firmware improvements will make it also into the Sony A6300, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Sony would decide to leave the A6300 firmware untouched and “force” customers to buy the A6500 for even faster AF.

Fuji’s Kaizen Strategy… “ for longer camera lifespan“

Back in December 2013, the godfather of the X-series, Manager Mr. Kawahara (now retired), said in an interview that Fujifilm will focus on Firmware updates, because “we want you to use our camera longer and longer in your life.” And the press release to the X-T1 Firmware 4.20 reinforced this strategy, since Fuji wrote here: “New X-T1 firmware V.4.20 delivers updated Auto Focus system features, along with several other key upgrades for longer camera lifespan.” I also remember Toshihisa Iida and Fuji Guy Billy confirming the Kaizen Strategy in two video interviews, but I can’t remember where (I’ll update the article if I find the videos).

However, I found another statement by Top Fuji Manager Toshihisa Iida regarding Fuji’s Firmware policy here:

“Of course there’s an argument whenever we introduce a new firmware upgrade that it’s damaging the existing product. So there are pros and cons, but we decided that we really needed to take care of the existing customer first before thinking of the new customer. […] So I think that’s right, to show our customer loyalty for their purchase. […] Because now the camera is costing somewhere around several hundred to a thousand dollars. So it’s ridiculous for us to ask customers to upgrade every two years or so.”

So let’s take a look at Fujifilm’s flagship cameras lifespan, the X-Pro and the X-T line

Fuji X-T1 → Fuji X-T2 = 2½ years
Fuji X-Pro1 → Fuji X-Pro2 = 4 years

However, the X-T1 has actually changed a lot in these years, thanks to many (free!!!) Firmware updates. I’ll mention the 3 major ones, that gave us electronic shutter, new AF-system, new film Simulations, Customizable Q menu… and much more!

18 December 2014 – FW 3.00
29 June 2015 – FW 4.00 + 11 Tips to make the most out of it
17 December 2015 – FW 4.20

Also the X-Pro1 and X-E1/2 got several major Firmware updates. And the X-Pro2 just received a huge update yesterday.

But is this really the right strategy? The development of Firmware updates is expensive and Fujifilm doesn’t make a dime out of it. Actually they hurt sales of newer X-series cameras by upgrading older ones. Sure, it might be good for us customers (longer camera lifespan), but it’s definitely not good for Fujifilms’ finances!

That said, as a customer, I’m obviously a Kaizen-fan and hope Fujifilm will keep this philosophy. But I also hope this won’t affect their business too negatively, because I want them to survive the mirrorless battle… and that brings me to today’s Poll

The Poll

The mirrorless battle has just begun, and it’s clear to me that some companies will perish, regardless how amazing their products are (Samsung died despite having a terrific camera, the Samsung NX1).

Only those companies with the best strategy will survive the mirrorless battle.

That’s why I’d like to know from you, what do you think would be better for Fujifilm: keep focussing on Firmware updates or do it like Sony?

The best strategy for Fuji is to...

View Results

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Top Sony Manager Confirms The Fast Focussing Fuji X-T2 is a Threat for Sony A7 series Customers. “We Don’t Have This Weapon Right Now”

Fujinon XF23mmF2 WR is Shipping at Some Stores!

Ok… we all were a bit distracted lately, because of some minor things, like the X-T2 hitting the market worldwide and the announcement of the Fujifilm GFX Medium Format camera.

But now let’s get back to the real core of the X-system… the Fujinon XF23mmF2 WR.

I’m pleased to announce you that it is right now available at Foto Keller and a FR-reader also told me that Top Foto just shipped his lens today.

In USA,  BHphoto, Adorama and AmazonUS expect the lens to be available on September 29.

Fujinon XF23mmF2 WR: USA: BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS /  EUROPE: AmazonDE / AmazonUK / AmazonITA / AmazonFR / AmazonESP / PCHstore / WexUK / AUSTRALIA: CameraPro

An Ordinary Day at Photokina…

Fujifilm GFX Camera and Lenses

So here I am… after a long, very long day, at Photokina.

As a mere mortal visitor, I sadly couldn’t visit the Fujifilm backstage… that’s where the real fun is. I could only stare at the Medium Format Fuji closed in a glass box. I couldn’t touch it, I couldn’t test the AF, I couldn’t look through the viewfinder, I couldn’t hold that wonderful baby in my hands. This is a privilege reserved to the press like our fellow FXF admin Andreas (see here), or others (see this post).

I really just attended the event as a mere mortal visitor… invisible… like… like… a stealthy ninja ;)

But I have “met” quite some “famous” people we all know from the internet. And I must say, I really did appreciate the fact to be be 100% anonymous.

At the end, I joined a Fujifilm Photowalk, and it was the most relaxing way to close an intense day. Hanging out with fellow X-shooter taking some shots… probably the very best part of the day… and it’s a pity I had too leave earlier.

At the Photowalk, there was one guy, who had the X-T2 with the 56mmF1.2 attached. When a runner passed along, he shot a burst @1.2. We checked the images, and no joke, 100% of the images where in focus!!! I tell you… whatever Fuji did with the X-T2, it really can compete with THE BEST DSLR’s.

I’ll let you just with some random impressions from my day… I’m going to grab a beer soon, to share with a student, who passed an important test ;)

take care fellow X-shooters,
Patrick

P.S.: I asked Metz about their new M400 flash. They Rep told me they do not know for sure if their current protocols work with the X-T2. The flash will be available shortly after Photokina for €250. And if it doesn’t work for X-T2, they will work for a firmware fix, which should take no longer than a few weeks.

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Medium Format Fuji: Body + Lens About the Price of the Hasselblad X1D Body Only!

medium-format-fuji

– – – I accept mock-ups from the X-shooters out there :) – – –

MEDIUM FORMAT FUJIFILM

I’ve started the rumor series about the MF Fuji back in May 2015. Since then, we were able to get our hands on some specs of both, the body and the lenses. And this long rumor story will end very soon, on September 19, when the Medium Format Fujifilm will be officially persented to the world.

It will be the shining start at this years’ Photokina :-)

But how much will it cost? I already told you it will be cheaper than the Hasselblad X1D. Behind the scenes, Fujifilm can change (and did change) the estimated price Tag anytime. Just like it happened with the Fuji X-T2, which price has been raised just shortly before its announcement, due to the Kumamoto earthquake and the currency fluctuations following the Brexit vote.

At the moment, the most “safe” thing I can say (via trusted source), is that Fuji should keep the price of the Medium Format Fuji + Lens at around the same price you pay for the Hasselblad X1D body only. But I don’t know if in this regard the final decision has yet been made by Fujifilm. Fujifilm can wake up and change everything tomorrow morning. And always keep in mind that the actual release is planed, according this rumor, only in 2017.

cheers
Fuji X Forum, Facebook, RSS-feed and Twitter

Trusted Source

Source Right in The Past

  • Will be launched along with 3 lenses (rumor here)
  • Will be mirrorless with interchangeable lenses (rumor here)
  • No X-Trans Sensor (rumor here)
  • PRIME: Around 100-120mm Macro. PRIME: Around 50mm. ZOOM: Around 20-60 (rumor here)

New Source/Anonymous Source

New Zhongyi Mitakon 35mmF0.95 Mark II

Zhongyi Mitakon 35mmF0.95 Mark II

Zhongyi Mitakon 35mmF0.95 Mark II

With all the buzz surrounding the X-T2, I missed this news, so I catch up now: there is an updated version to the original Zhongyi Mitakon 35mmF0.95, the Zhongyi Mitakon 35mmF0.95 Mark II. It promises “drastic improvement of sharpness and better control of chromatic abberations“

You can find the first lenses at eBay US here, eBay Germany here, eBay China here and eBay Honk Kong here.

FXF Member Yukosteel compared the original Mitakon 35mm f/0.95 Vs. the Fujinon XF35mm f/1.4 in this Post.

Press Release Here

Zhongyi Optics (ZY Optics) has released an improved version of their first f/0.95 lens, Zhongyi Mitakon Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 Mark II. The mark II verison features a drastic improvement of sharpness, better control of chromatic abberations and much compact size. The new version comes with a Fuji X / Sony E / EOS-M mount and is able to cover the image circle of APS-C sized sensors.

Zhongyi Mitakon Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 Mark II is a ultra-fast prime lens which provides a 35mm-equivalent focal length of around 53mm in APS-C cameras. A maximum aperture of f/0.95 makes it extremely convenient to shoot at a low light conditions without flash. The new optical design incorporates a 11 elements in 8 groups structure, including 1pc of Extra-low disperson elements, 2 pcs of Extra-high Refractive Index elements and 3pcs of High Refractive Index elements. This structure effectively improved the image resolution by 30% compared to the previous version from corners to corners. This also controls the chromatic abberations very well and deliver excellent image sharpness even at f/0.95.

The new Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 is light and compact. The total weight is reduced from 680g to 460g, making it an ideal companion for the compact mirrorless cameras. Manual focus design and a click-less, silent aperture ring promote smooth handling and are especially well-suited to video applications. The lens is built in metallic enclosure with additional protective process and finest finishing, which gives extra durability and aesthetic.

NEWS FLASH :: Fuji EF-X500 Flash Release Sep. 29 + Instax SHARE SP-2 Firmware Released (Direct Printing from Camera)

EF-X500

It was an ultra-long wait, with several delays, Metz insolvency and what not… but it seems it could soon be over. In fact, the Fujifilm EF-X500 flash will be released on September 29 (via dc-watch).

But I tell you… I’ll believe it only when I see it!

EF-X500 Flash: USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / CANADA: AmazonCA / EUROPE: AmazonDE / AmazonUK / AmazonITA / AmazonFR / AmazonESP / PCHstore / WexUK / AUSTRALIA: CameraPro

Instax Share SP-2 Firmware Udpate

Fujifilm also released a new firmware for the Instax Share SP-2 Printer (VER 01.19). This new firmware makes it possible to send images from Fujifilm digital cameras via Wi-Fi to an instax SHARE Smartphone Printer SP-2 for instax instant film prints. Applicable X-series Models : X-Pro2, X-T2, X-T1, X-T10, X-E2S, X-E2, X-M1, X-A3, X-A2, X-A1, X100T, XQ2, XQ1, X70, X30.

A step by step guide on how to update your Instax SP-2 Printer here.

Fujifilm Instax Share SP-2 Printer: USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / EUROPE: AmazonDE / AmazonUK / AmazonITA / AmazonFR / AmazonESP / WexUK / AUSTRALIA: CameraPro

This Guy Tested the XF23mmF2 WR at a Fuji Event: “Autofocus Faster than XF35mmF2. Half an Inch Longer than XF35/2”

23mmF2

*** ALL USA X DEALS HERE *** ALL EU X DEALS HERE ***
Reminder: Price increase on X-Gear coming in September (EU)

XF23mmF2 WR Hands On

Zed ProMedia could try out the new Fuji X-T2 at a Fuji event. At the same event, the Fuji Rep also brought the new XF23mmF2 WR, which, as I told you here, will come on August 25 along with the X-A3.

Here is his feedback about the XF23mmF2 WR:

  1. Focus Speed is as fast, if not faster than the XF35mmF2 WR
  2. AF-moter is super-quite
  3. Aperture Ring has about the same resitance of the one in the XF 35mmF2
  4. Focus Ring about double the thickness of the one in the XF35mmF2 WR – See This Leaked Real Life Image
  5. The XF23mmF2 WR is about half an inch (1,3 cm) longer than the XF35mmF2

For the XF23mmF2 feedback, go to minute 04:55 of this youtube video

Off Brand :: Images of Hasselblad’s New Medium Format Mirrorless Camera (price $9000)

Medium Format Mirrorless Camera

Hasselblad X1D

So here it is, the first Medium Format Mirrorless Camera… and it comes from Hasselblad. The camera is called X1D and will cost a cool 9000 dollar.

The new lenses launched along with the camera are the XCD 45mmF3.5 lens ($2,295) and XCD 90mmF3.2 ($2,695).

Also leaked: an X1D image gallery (check out google.cache here).

As long time FujiRumors followers know since 13 months now, Fujifilm has its own Medium Format Mirrorless Camera in the works. It will be very interesting to see how much Fuji’s Medium Format Mirrorless offer will cost.

Some of you speculated that Hasselblad and Fujifilm are likely working on the same camera (they already cooperate with the Hasselblad H system, where Fujifilm manufactures the lenses). For now I can’t confirm this speculation.

via mirrorlessrumors

we are going to have fun :-)
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++ BREAKING ++ Fujifilm X-T2 Vs. X-T1 SIZE COMPARISON :: Real Life Side by Side Image !