Ricoh Beats Fujifilm, Firmware Love, GFX100RF Specs and More – Top 10 November Articles

Here are the top 10 articles for November. Interestingly, the rumor about the Ricoh GR IV and GR IV M is by far the most read article, which proves my point even further: we need a monochrome Fujifilm as soon as possible and we need a Fujifilm X70 successor. There is a huge interest for such cameras, and Fujifilm should grab a piece of that market share before it is too late.

  1. Watch Out Fujifilm: Ricoh GRIV Coming First Quarter 2025 and Monochrome Version to Follow Later On
  2. FINALLY: New Autofocus Firmware and New Features Released for Fujifilm X-H2, X-H2S, and GFX100 II
  3. Fujifilm GFX100RF is the Name of the Upcoming Rangefinder Fixed Lens Camera
  4. Firmware Updates for Fujifilm X-T2, X100F, X-T20, X-E3, X-Pro2 and GFX50S
  5. Fujifilm GFX Fixed Lens Camera “About the Size” of Fujifilm X-Pro3
  6. Fujifilm GFX Fixed Lens Camera Lens Patents Spotted – GF35mm F3.5, GF40mm F3.5 and GF50mm F3.5
  7. Fujifilm Autofocus Feedback: Mostly Positive and The Curious Case of the X-T3 (or the Root of All Autofocus Issues?)
  8. Fujifilm’s Upcoming Half Frame Camera: Welcome to Diptych Heaven!
  9. Fujifilm GFX100RF First Specs: No IBIS, GF35mmF4 Lens and Coming March 2025
  10. Fujifilm GFX Eterna Filmmaking Camera Development Announcement with Expected 2025 Release

Do Not Miss

Evergreen

BREAKING: Fujifilm GFX100RF First Specs: No IBIS, GF35mmF4 Lens and Coming March 2025

As we told you yesterday, an anonymous source contacted us with the details about the upcoming fixed lens Fujifilm GFX camera.

First off: THANKS for the help!!! And second: it’s all very accurate according to my trusted sources, except for one thing (and at this point you know what). If you want, we can chat 100% anonymously via Signal to talk about it.

So these are the first specs of the Fujifilm GFX RF.

  • Name: Fujifilm GFX100RF
  • 100 Megapixel
  • No IBIS
  • GF35mmF4 Lens
  • Coming March 2025 (it’s unclear if this is the date for the announcement of for the shipping… or maybe even both? I will let you know if I figure that out).

No IBIS makes sense, considering that it will be very compact for a medium format camera. In fact, we told you it will be “about the size of the Fujifilm X-Pro3“.

Also 35mm was to expect, as we always told you it will be a 28mm equivalent lens (hence 35mm on GFX). We also told you it will be an f/3.2 lens, but we were not sure if it was f/3.2 on GFX or f/3.2 Full Frame equivalent. Well, we can now say it will be f/3.2 FF DOF equivalent (hence f/4 of GFX)

Related articles:

BREAKING: Fixed Lens Fujifilm GFX Coming Within March 2025

According to our trusted sources, the fixed lens Fujifilm GFX camera will come within the end of this Japanese fiscal year.

We remind you that the Japanese fiscal year ends on the 31th of March 2025.

It will ship in 2027*
*just kidding, that would be way too fast for Fujifilm standards :D

RUMOR: Fujifilm GFX Fixed Lens Camera “About the Size” of Fujifilm X-Pro3

Today we have a rather important update regarding the fixed lens Fujifilm GFX camera.

Our trusted sources have told us that the fixed lens Fujifilm GFX will be “about the size” of the Fujifilm X-Pro3.

NOTE: our sources said “about” the size, not “exactly” the size. This means there will be a size difference, but it won’t be that big. On the contrary, they will be quite close in size.

Fujifilm Manager CineD Interview: Talking X100VI, the Need for Strong Competitors, In Camera Editing… and Internal Memory Storage?

Fujifilm US Manager Victor Ha had an interesting interview with CineD.

The interview is 1 hour and 20 minutes long. I strongly recommend you to watch it all. But if you are in a super hurry right now, here are the main takeaways:

X100VI Success

  • a lot of the X100VI success has to do with luck and timing
  • but also a lot of if has to do with the fact that the camera has gone through 5 generations
  • a lot of people want to make high quality images. Sometimes they are not really photographers, but artists in other areas, chefs, or a different profession or something that requires high quality imaging
  • in today’s world, no matter which you profession you are in, you do need a certain level of image quality that could exceed the phone
  • a large number of people who bought the X100VI are new to the Fujifilm brand
  • traditionally the X100 line always was also a camera that was grabbed by people who have other brands
  • customer base has expended a lot into first time buyers, first time users, first time camera owners
  • the X100VI is also a great product
  • all these things came together
  • Fujifilm has a great reputation in providing tools that are response to feedback of customers, and also balance it with what the market wants and what’s possible technologically
  • X100VI is special because it is a combination between esthetics, design, tactile feel
  • photographers (image makers) are moving towards the desire of having dedicated devices. You want to spend a certain amount of time engaging with a device where you can look through a viewfinder and there won’t be notifications popping up
  • the job of camera manufacturers is to create devices that offer the best image quality possible in different sensor sizes and from entry level to professional market
  • when asked about features like in-camera editing, Victor says the thought of it makes him sick. First, because the JPEG’s coming out of his camera are the best in the business. And there are some options in-camera like push and pull etc (admin note: via the internal RAW converter), so Fujifilm has at some degree on-device editing
  • Fujifilm wants to offer users different ways to get images off the camera, and that’s evolved in the last couple of years (Camera to Could, new XApp, etc)
  • but Fujifilm’s first mission is to provide the best image quality possible. For that you need a good lens, a sensor, processor, image science etc.
  • Fujifilm is very pleased in seeing how Camera to Cloud is being adopted and they see continuous growth and more users try the service
  • C2C is used by photographers and videographers
  • WiFi congestion interfere and create problems with Camera to Cloud
  • internal memory storage? Victor Ha says he would be reluctant to that. He was taught that it’s important to have physical backups. Also, in some cases taking a file from the card can be easier than getting it from the cloud. And taking the files through a cable when you do not have a reader is easier than pulling the card.
  • manufacturers must understand that they need to offer different ways to get files off from the camera, not just one
  • Victor is currently on a trip through Europe with his GFX100SII (+GF50mm and GF80mm) and shooting also street photography with it is very satisfying
  • he did not use GFX so much before, but during this trip he got in deep love for that camera
  • [when asked what if Hasselblad, now owned by DJI, comes out with an attractive MF camera] of course Fujifilm pays attention what other competitors are doing. Victor hopes that competitors come out with tools that challenge their tools.
  • he believes that Fujifilm’s tools will always win in the end because “we have great fans, we have great image science, great colors, great optics“
  • the industry needs to grow and make better tools. Fujifilm needs competition
  • Without a vibrant and strong industry, lots of things will go away and nobody wants that

There is more to the interview, so make sure to check it out in full.

Just a few quick comments:

As far as in camera editing goes, for me the internal RAW converter is one of the big reasons why I stick with Fujifilm (Sony for example does not offer it as far as I know). Because truth be spoken: for hard core editing nothing beats the RAW file and a proper editing software. But I am often around with busses and trains to do my day hikes, and one of the things I love is when, on my way back from a long day of shooting, I can sit in the train, go through the images and pass some time having fun editing the images with the internal RAW converter. By the time I am home, I might have already edited enough images to a point that I feel completely happy with it and I can upload them on my phone and share them… and of course without the need of edit them later on with an editing software.

In the interview they talk about having kind of Lightroom like controls directly in camera, like on the Zeiss ZX1, but personally I think that’s an overkill. I’ll just use my computer for more heavy editing. I prefer to have the simplicity and immediacy of the internal Fujifilm RAW converter to do quick adjustments.

As for the internal storage, I think that would be nice to have, if that would allow for even faster writing speeds over a CFexpress Card, but only if there would still be a memory card slot for a backup. I probably would be too scared to go on vacation with internal storage only, and maybe get my files corrupted 1 or 2 weeks into the holiday. So Victor Ha makes a great point when he talks about having a backup solution somehow.

Camera to Cloud on the other hand sounds like a great idea that faces some real life challenges when it comes to the transmission of those files. I don’t know if any of you uses it. If so, please let us know your experience with it.

Fujifilm Firmware Updates for Every GFX Camera, X-T4, X-T50 and a few GF Lenses (FINALLY)

As you know, I am a happy owner of the Fujinon GF50mmF3.5.

Well, happy until a certain point.

Because as I wrote in a complaint post here, the firmware for the GF50mmF3.5 had been suspended and remained so for many months (now years).

I did moan about it here on FujiRumors, but nothing happened.

Nothing until today! :)

Because FINALLY Fujifilm has released a new firmware for the previously suspended GF50mmF3.5 as well as the GF35-70mm.

And not only that.

Also the GF500mmF5.6 as well as every single Fujifilm GFX camera got firmware updates.

In the X series world, we get firmware updates for the Fujifilm X-T4 and the Fujifilm X-T50.

ATTENTION: Please update first the GFX camera firmware (no lens attached) and only after that you should update the GF50mm or GF35-70mm firmware.

＜Important Notice>

In the unlikely event that firmware update process for any of the above interchangeable lenses is interrupted and the message below appears, please claim “Repair Service Center” in your country to upgrade the firmware. You can read the full firmware instruction here.

Note-1：The followings are messages when the firmware update is interrupted (Messages vary depending on the model).

  • Customers with GFX100 II/GFX100S II/GFX 50R/GFX 50S
    “FIRMWARE UPDATE ERROR!!　PLEASE CONTACT YOUR LOCAL FUJIFILM OFFICE”
  • Customers with GFX100S/GFX100/GFX 50S II
    “FIRMWARE UPGRADE ERROR!!　CONTACT A SERVICE CENTER

Note-2：Repair Service Center

Firmware Details

*** Cameras ***

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Fujinon XF 16-55mmF2.8 Emergency Firmware Available

Fujifilm has released the emergency firmware for the Fujinon XF16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR that was promised to us a few days ago.

Fujinon XF16-55mm f/2.8 ver.1.31 – download here
The firmware update Ver.1.31 from Ver.1.30 incorporates the following issue:

We have found some malfunctions (Phenomenon in which the exposure of a captured image becomes abnormal in combination with a certain focal length and aperture value) in the firmware Ver. 1.30 released on 22 Jan 2024.
Customers who have updated to Ver.1.30 should update to Ver.1.31.
If you update to Ver.1.31, the functions will be the same as Ver.1.20 and the following functions (*) added in Ver.1.30 will no longer be available.
* Improved exposure tracking during zoom operation.

Now THAT was fast. Considering that I would love to update my Fujinon GF50mmF3.5 firmware, but that one is suspended since forever (same thing also for the GF35-70mmF4.5-5.6 WR). Dear Fujifilm, in case you don’t know, we also use your GFX gear. So we’d love a fix for that too.

SUSPENDED: Fujifilm Removes Latest XF16-55mmF2.8 Firmware and Promises Emergency Update

A couple of days ago Fujifilm has released several (also major) firmware updates. And they also promised Kaizen firmware updates coming.

The news today is that the firmware update for the Fujinon XF16-55mm f/2.8 R LM WR was flawed and has now been suspended from the Fujifilm download page.

Fujifilm is preparing an emergency firmware and FujiRumors will let you know as soon as it goes online.

In Ver. 1.30 released on January 22, 2024, it was confirmed that the exposure of images taken with certain focal length and aperture value combinations became abnormal.
For this reason, the firmware download has been suspended.
We are preparing an emergency firmware for customers who have updated to Ver. 1.30, so please wait for it.

You can access the note about the removed firmware update here.

Hopefully it won’t end up forgotten and suspended forever like the GF50mmF3.5 firmware.

My Experience with the Fujinon GF55mm f/1.7 – Crafted to Trigger GAS

On Saturday, Fujifilm had one of its Italian Roadshow gear presentation in the lovely town of Trento just 30 minutes car drive away from my home.

Much to my surprise, they already had the Fujifilm GFX100II and the Fujinon GF55mm f/1.7 R WR there for testing. And I could test it for about 30 minutes only.

Now, initially I wrote an article that contained both, my GFX100II and my GF55mmF1.7 first impressions.

But I decided to split it up in two parts for one reason: the launch of the Fujifilm GFX100II has overshadowed what I believe is a true gem of a lens: the Fujinon GF55mm f/1.7.

So much so, that I believe Fujifilm should have given this lens a separate launch date.

But that’s how it is.

And that’s why FujiRumors wants to bring the GFX system world into the right balance again by giving the wonderful Fujinon GF55mmF1.7 the space it deserves.

So, here are my first impressions without GFX100II distraction.

Fujinon GF55mmF1.7 R WR – Perfection Achieved

INSANE!

I shot everything at f/1.7.

The reason?

It was so sharp wide open, that I was scared to stop down and to hurt my eyes with even sharper images (if that is even possible).

The good thing?

If you need to take a rest from all that sharpness, then just look at the background of the image and enjoy a massive relaxation for your eyes thanks to a wonderful, dreamy-creamy and buttery-smooth bokeh.

And the autofocus?

Surprisingly fast autofocus for a lens without linear motor in it. I mean, I used it initially on my Fujifilm GFX100S, and my first reaction was to read on the lens front element if there is really not “LM” (linear motor) written on it. I was very positively surprised. Having had experience with the GF80mmF1.7, I can say the GF55mmF1.7 is a significant step up compared to it.

Sure, Linear Motor lenses might still be faster. But shooting with the GF55mmF1.7 won’t be a frustrating experience in terms of autofocus. Actually quite a pleasing one it was for me.

I have also made a tracking test using the Fujifilm GFX100II and GF55mmF1.7. I will share the results in the second part of the review where I talk about the Fujifilm GFX100II, because I need to talk about settings, test conditions to put the results in proper context. So watch out for that one coming soon.

Two problems!

  1. The depth of field is very shallow. Used on my GFX100S, I had images where the top of the eyelash was in focus and the eye pupil itself not (see sample below). If you are going to shoot it wide open it certainly will help to have the best autofocus possible. And the best autofocus possible you get is with the GFX100II.
  2. True story: after my third “wow” while I was testing it and reviewing the images, my wife said: “but you are not going to buy it, right?” So now we have a problem. A problem that hopefully a nice dinner in a fancy restaurant and a couple of flowers will be able to solve.

Overall Conclusion

Not the lightest lens on the world, but it is also not too big for an f/1.7 lens. Well balanced overall with my GFX100S.

At f/1.7 it is so sharp that, true story, my wife complaint when she saw the images because she could notice every single little imperfection of her skin.

They say Bokeh is subjective, but this one is objectively very good.

Fujifilm said during X Summit that they use the aspherical lens manufactured with ultra precision resulting in the reduction of axial chromatic aberration and onion ring effect. it is also their first GF lens with 11 aperture blades for near perfect circular aperture.

If you love the versatility of the 40mm-ish full frame equivalent focal length, then this is the one!

And look, I own the Fujinon GF50mm f/3.5 and love it for its fantastic portability. But versatility comes not only from size, but also from speed. And at f/1.7 the GF55mmF1.7 opens up other possibilities in terms of low light performance and subject separation that make it just more suitable and flexible for more use cases.

I can totally recommend this lens if all you want in your life is the humble need for optical perfection in your images :D.

That’s at least my impression after 30 minutes of use. I had no time to test chromatic aberration, focus breathing and what not. So if those are critically important things for you wait for further reviews. Although what I’ve read so far is that also chromatic aberration is well controlled and Fujifilm actually emphasised during launch at the X summit the “reduction of axial chromatic aberration” and “less color fringe“.

Samples

Down below I will share three samples. All taken at f/1.7 using the Fujifilm GFX100S.

  • Sample 1 + Crop = shows how impressively sharp the performance is at f/1.7
  • Sample 2 + Crop = shows how shallow the DOF is and how that can lead to slightly out of focus images
  • Sample 3 = enjoy the smooth bokeh background

Get Yours

And the Rest of the New Gear

Fujifilm GFX100 II IBIS Performance with GF Lenses (vs GFX100S)

Thanks to a new smart system that relies not only on the gyro sensor to stabilise the sensor, but also uses data from the image sensor itself to fine tune stabilisation (more about it in our X summit summary), the Fujifilm GFX100II is capable of achieving 8 stops IBIS.

But this peak 8 stops performance is achieved not with all lenses.

In the chart above shared by Ken L Photo (in text format below) you can see how many stops of IBIS you get on the GFX100II with each GF lens. Also, you get the IBIS performance comparison with the Fujifilm GFX100S.

Full Chart

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