Kolarivision has disassembled the Fujifilm X100VI that they pre-ordered back in February and have just received recently.
You can see the teardown in the video above and access the article at kolarivision
The “Surprise”
Three screws fastened the sensor cover to the frame
This turned out to be a huge surprise. We thought we would be able to access the sensor after removing those screws, but we found that this part, the sensor cover, was just another layer of removal that needed to be done. What’s more—there is a PCB right behind the sensor! We have never seen this in a camera before
Lo and behold, the PCB part was simply a part of the sensor itself
The Simplicity
Fujifilm mirrorless cameras are typically hard to disassemble due to complex internal designs.
The Fujifilm X100VI is an exception, with a quick and easy teardown process.
Modern fixed-lens mirrorless cameras are generally simpler in design compared to older fixed-lens models.
Theo Georgiades, general manager of Fujifilm Imaging Solutions UK, gave an interview to amateurphotographer which you can read here.
Most surprising to me: this camera here is the 3rd best selling Fujifilm camera in UK after the X100VI (1st) and X-T5 (2nd)
In short:
Market Share
Our recent product launches have really set us apart from other brands… we’ve always been a bit different.
(Fujifilm launched the Fujifilm X100VI, X-T50 (with film simulation dial), GFX100SII (medium format) and X-M5
We’re trying to create our own niche in the marketplace
Especially in the UK, Fujifilm has proven that we can be strong on our own without having a full-frame offering.
Fujifilm is now number three the UK market in terms of sales value, behind only Canon and Sony
That includes all camera types, including compacts
X100VI Demand
X100VI was a huge success and GFX system is growing
The demand for the Fujifilm X100VI was not underestimated but exceeded expectations.
Forecasting for a new product launch is approached prudently to avoid overstocking.
The launch day response for the X100VI was unprecedented, with overwhelming orders globally.
Criticism of planning is deemed unfair, as it overlooks the complexities of the background processes.
Fujifilm quickly recognized the unexpected demand and acted swiftly to increase production.
Developing and launching a camera takes up to two years, making rapid supply increases challenging.
Fujifilm began ramping up production within days of the X100VI’s announcement.
Since September, allocations to retailers have increased, and waiting times have significantly decreased.
Customers now experience shorter wait times of a couple of months instead of six, despite high demand.
Best Sellers
in UK, the X100VI surpassed sales of X-T5, although they are pretty close
X-T30 II is third, which went viral similar to X100VI
X-T50 had a really good start, then a bit of a dip, and has now started to pick up again
Film Simulation Dial
film simulation dial has attracted lots of new users
X-Pro and X-E line
Fujifilm has plans for new X-Pro and X-E cameras.
The Covid lockdown caused semiconductor costs to skyrocket, impacting production timelines.
Rising costs forced all brands to reprioritize product development cycles
The X-Pro and X-E series remain important to Fujifilm and are valued by the company and enthusiasts alike.
Development takes time, but Fujifilm is committed to these camera lines.
So the Fujifilm X-Pro and X-E line will both continue and Fujifilm says “we love those lines“. So they both will continue.
Back to us: Fujifilm has just released the firmware update that they promised would come within this year. Right in time for Christmas ;).
Down below you can check out which cameras got a firmware update and what they bring.
*Note: Sony is great and fantastic. I just made this joking comment to show that all brand can mess it up with firmware updates. We just tend to look only at our little small Fujifilm world, but if we were to look around elsewhere, we would find issues with firmware at any brand. This does not change the fact that Fujifilm messed it up and acted slow.
If all you need is the Kindle version, then you can get it also at Amazon here.
But for most we do recommend you to purchase it at DPunkt here if you want to get it in multiple formats (PDF and ePub). I am not affiliated with DPunkt. I just say it because I think it is the better way to go for most.
There will be also a printed version of the book available by the end of this month.
The English version of the book will be available a bit later and you can pre-order it below.
Freewell has launched some stuff for X100VI and X100V owners.
Let’s start with the two lenses for the Fujifilm X100VI and the X100V.
But first a note: while it’s great to have more options over the original screw-on lenses, I do recommend to wait for real life reviews before to see how the image quality of these lenses is.
Freewell 1.5x Telephoto Lens for Fujifilm X100VI and X100V Cameras Additional details at BHphoto here and Adorama here
1.5x Closer Views
Capture distant subjects with greater clarity using this telephoto lens, offering enhanced detail and sharpness.
Designed for Fuji X100VI & X100V
Engineered to work seamlessly with your Fuji X100VI and X100V cameras for optimal performance.
Premium Optical Quality
Crafted with high-quality glass to minimize chromatic aberrations, ensuring crisp, high-resolution images.
Lightweight & Portable
Weighing just 250g, this lens is perfect for travel and on-the-go photography.
Easy Installation with Adapter Ring
Includes an adapter ring for seamless mounting on your camera, along with a 62mm front thread for attaching filters effortlessly.
Freewell 2-in-1 Wide-Angle & Macro Lens for FUJIFILM X100VI & X100V
Additional details at BHphoto here and Adorama here
Versatile 2-in-1 Lens
Combines macro and wide-angle functions, offering flexibility for stunning close-ups and wide shots. Use the macro lens alone for detailed close-ups or thread the wide-angle lens on top for broader scenes.
Superior Image Quality
High-quality lens construction reduces distortion and chromatic aberrations, delivering sharp, clear images in all conditions.
Compact & Lightweight
Weighs just 155g, adding versatility to your Fuji X100VI/X100V without extra bulk, ideal for travel and on-the-go photography.
Enhanced Magnification
Achieve 0.75x wide-angle and 2x macro magnifications, perfect for capturing vibrant, detailed images with minimal focusing distances.
Easy Installation with Adapter Ring
Includes an adapter ring for seamless mounting on your camera, along with a 62mm front thread for attaching filters effortlessly.
There is the new Freewell Filter Kit for Fujifilm X100 cameras listed at BHphoto here.
Innovative Hybrid Filter: This filter combines the benefits of a Circular Polarizer (CPL) for glare reduction and color enhancement with the soft-focus and glow effects of a 1/4 glow mist filter, ensuring both clarity and a cinematic touch.
Adjustable Polarization: The CPL component is rotatable, allowing you to control polarization levels for customized glare reduction and enhanced color saturation, perfect for various lighting conditions.
Lens Protection with Hood: The included lens hood reduces unwanted light and lens flare, while offering robust protection against scratches and impacts, extending the lifespan of your lens.
Comprehensive Kit: The set includes an adapter ring, the hybrid CPL/GMIST (1/4) filter, a protective lens hood, and a lens cap, ensuring you’re equipped for immediate use.
Effortless Installation: Designed for quick and effortless installation, the kit allows for fast adjustments, making it ideal for dynamic and fast-paced shooting environments.
First: for a long time the Fujifilm X-T5 order were suspended in Japan in 2023. And also in 2024 the supply struggled since July. Now that supply seems to be more stable, the X-T5 jumps back to the top of the ranking.
Also, the X100VI is high up in the ranking and takes the 2nd spot (out of rank previously). And that’s despite the fact that orders are still suspended in Japan and the units shipped come from pre-orders placed months ago.
Recently we published a bunch of gear/hardware related wishes we have received from the Fujifilm community.
Now it is time to share a bunch of firmware wishes.
by Oli
Here is a link to my blog post about my experiences with the X100Vi and the WCL as a “poor man’s Leica Q”.
I guess you might be able to read German: shashindo.de/fuqi/ (google translated).
There is actually ONE reason why the Leica Q3 is “better” than the Fujifilm X100VI: The handling of the metadata!
Leica writes the crop focal length and crop pixel size in the metadata!
It’s too bad that Fujifilm doesn’t also set the crop focal length in the metadata!
It would also be nice to find the name of the custom setting (aka film simulation) here in the EXIF data. Well, you can still have wishes…
Thought you might be interested ;-)
Or in case you do have access to Fuji Development department somehow, maybe you can drop this there… :-D
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.
And the point now came in which I thought I should not even talk about these awards anymore here on FujiRumors.
However, I also noticed that every time I post about them, there are quite a few out there who in the comments on social media rejoice about Fujifilm winning an award.
And who am I to take away such an easy and genuine joy to people. It’s a messy world that needs more joy, not less.
So, let’s be happy and celebrate the fact that EISA declared the Fujifilm X100VI the best compact camera.
