Fujifilm X-Pro4 (X-Pro5?) Coming with Improved Hybrid Viewfinder (and What I Hope it Will be)

Today we have an update regarding the Fujifilm X-Pro4… or however it will be called, maybe even Fujifilm X-Pro5. That name would make sense, since Fuji Guy Billy said he can see the X-Pro line getting the 5th generation goodness, hence I think there is a possibility that Fujifilm could call it X-Pro5.

We have been informed by a source, who was right in the past (THANKS), that there will be an improved hybrid viewfinder on the X-Pro4/X-Pro5.

I don’t know yet what the improvement will look like. Is it just a higher resolution EVF? A larger viewfinder?

But what I really hope is the same what Thomas B. Jones said in his latest X-Pro5 whishlist video (see below in German): the return of the slot-in magnifiers.

So what’s that?

Well, if you are not familiar with the X-Pro line, up until the Fujifilm X-Pro2, the X-Pro line offered a slot-in magnifier for 0.36x and 0.60x magnification mode in the OVF.

This has been changed on the Fujifilm X-Pro3, which offers a fixed 0.52x magnification which is great if you are shooting with Fujifilm’s  23mm, 33mm or 35mm lenses (which most X-Pro users do).

However, with lenses like the Fujinon XF18mmF1.4, the image that hits the sensor is larger than the one that can be displayed on the OVF.

The return of the slot-in magnifier could solve this problem and make the XF18mmF1.4 the perfect match for the next X-Pro camera.

But again, I do not know what the change the hybrid viewfinder will have, nor if it will be something minor or major. But if I hear anything more, I will let you know here on FujiRumors.

Manufacturing Fujifilm’s Best Retro Dial: Complicated, Irrational, Expensive but Pure Photographic Pleasure

The Brilliant Dial – a Complicated Joy

When yesterday we published the comments of Fujifilm CEO, who said that it is very difficult to mass-produce Fujifilm cameras with retro dials, there were some who said that making a retro dial is just as quick and easy as making a PSAM dial.

Is it true?

Well, the CEO was referring to the production struggles of the Fujifilm X100VI, which uses the combined ISO/Shutter dial first introduced on the Fujifilm X-Pro2.

So let’s look at that dial. Is it really as easy as making a PSAM dial? Here is what Fujifilm writes about it:

Realizing the [dial] mechanism and manufacturing process were not easy.

Firstly, […] there are 22 positions in total, quite a lot of number for an internal dial. […]

Secondly, the dial is electronically linked. The analog dial operation is converted digitally to know exactly what the setting is.

And Lastly, this mechanism has to be weather-resistant.

In order to meet the requirement, the Shutter speed / ISO dial required 38 parts for its composition. This number is the fourth largest after the finder, shutter unit, and mount.

This is not only about number of pieces, some parts required highly tech solution to manufacture the piece.

For example, in order to achieve the accurate 22 positions, the piece needed to be very precise and durable regardless of its complicated form. This piece is realized by a method called Metal Injection Molding (MIM). It is not cost friendly, but the this method realizes the metal part to be durable even in its complicated form.

Why do we spend so much time on this one dial?

Unfortunately there is no economic and rational answer to that question. But it was something that the developing team of X-Pro camera had always dreamed of achieving. And it was also something that the passionate X-Pro users strongly wished for.

So please, don’t go around saying that making a dial like the one on the Fujifilm X100VI is just the same as making one for any PSAM dialed camera.

There is no other digital vintage-looking camera out there that uses that dial. And the reason why is explained above: it’s complicated, it’s expensive, and it makes no sense from a manufacturing efficiency point of view.

But we are lucky that Fujifilm thinks differently.

Fujifilm does not think that niche products with niche ergonomic solutions are just a waste of R&D. Fujifilm has such a massive photographic culture that they understand that cultivating a niche means cultivating the true passion for photography.

That’s why we get cameras with such a unique (and expensive) dial, and why I believe it absolutely possible that there will be ultra-nice products like the Fujifilm TX-3 in 2028.

And that’s why, even if slower refresh times, Fujifilm will give us the Fujifilm X-E5 and Fujifilm X-Pro4.

And speaking of Fujifilm X-E5, personally I hope it will have such a dial too, although I have little hopes since it is so expensive to make, and I guess Fujifilm does not want that camera to become too expensive.

With that said, you can read the full article about the combined ISO/Shutter dial development here.

Fuji’s Vintage Cameras

Fujifilm Managers Interview at DPR: “We Are Determined to Continue the X-Pro line” and About X100VI, AI and More

image courtesy: dpreview - full interview linked below
image courtesy: dpreview – full interview linked below

Japanese Fujifilm managers gave an interview to dpreview.

  • without the success of the Fujifilm X100, there would probably not be any Fujifilm X series
  • the success of the X100 gave Fujifilm confidence
  • It’s the younger generation (who currently uses smartphones) that will drive photography. There is huge potential there
  • Fujifilm must think about the differences between smartphones and real cameras and understand what could motivate younger generation to use cameras
  • smartphone connectivity is important. Joy and operability of using a real camera is important too
  • operability, image quality and quality of the product itself are important
  • they talk AI, subject detection that improved operability of cameras
  • AI might continue to provide benefit for autofocus
  • focus demand for video is different compared to stills. In video focus has to change smoothly at the speed set by the videographer
  • X100 will never have a flip-out screen, even though video features are enhanced. It’s a photography centric line
  • it’s useful for Fujifilm to have different ranges, also two lines like X-T and X-H line. It’s about finding the balance between these lines
  • Fujifilm is determined to continue the X-Pro line

You can read the full interview at dpreview here.

We remind you that Fuji Guy Billy recently said he expects the Fujifilm X-Pro4 to join the 5th generation platform, but that we will have to wait a little bit for that.

Read also:

X100VI In Stock Check

Fujifilm X-Pro4 not Coming in 2024: The End of Line or the Beginning of Something Very Special?

There is a Future…

As we told you from a beautiful lake before jumping into ice cold water: there won’t be any Fujifilm X-Pro4 in 2024.

Sadly many interpreted it as me saying that there will never be any Fujifilm X-Pro3 successor ever.

But as I told you from an ugly parking lot while waiting for my car to get fixed, I think that Fujifilm will never discontinue the X-Pro line, because it is a very prestigious line for Fujifilm. It was Fujifilm’s first mirrorless interchangeable lens camera and as such it is symbolically very important for Fujifilm.

And recently Fuji Guy Billy seemed to confirm that a Fujifilm X-Pro3 replacement with 5th generation goodness will come. It will just take a bit of time.

And he also said: it has to be something very special.

… and it’s Very Special?

So if all the 5th generation goodness is ready, why does it still take so long?

Well, let’s see some possibilities

  1. SIMPLE ANSWER: there is parts shortage. Fujifilm decided to use those parts for cameras that are more successful (X100VI, X-T5, etc), and the Fujifilm X-Pro4 must wait until the peak demand for those cameras is over
  2. BILLY’s PATH: Fuji Guy Billy said the X-Pro4 has to be something very special. Could it be a new design experiment (for example a screen-less camera). A monochrome or XPan sensor? Will they get rid of the mechanical shutter and go for a 26MP stacked sensor? Anything else that could make it “special”?

I personally hope that the result of this long wait will be a monochrome Fujifilm X-Pro. But again, that’s just a mere and random wish of mine (no rumor).

Feel free to let us know what your best guess is in regards to what’s going on with the long awaited Fujifilm X-Pro4 and why it’s taking Fujifilm so long.

Japanese Fujifilm Managers: X-Pro and X-E line Not Stopped, X-Trans is Here to Stay, PSAM vs RETRO, GFX Sports Photography and More

image courtesy: Phototrend
image courtesy: Phototrend

At the last CP+, the French Website Phototrend had the opportunity to talk to Japanese Fujifilm manager Jun Watanabe about the X series and to Japanese Fujifilm manager Makoto Oishi about the GFX series.

Down below you can find a quick summary. For the full French version check out the articles at Phototrend here (X series) and here (GFX series). Plus a little rant at the end.

X series

  • Fujifilm can not confirm if X-Pro4 will arrive soon or not
  • X-Pro line is not stopped
  • X-T and X100 series do not satisfy all customers who want a “pure photography” experience
  • Fujifilm is studying different possibilities
  • feedback and expectations are high for the next X-Pro
  • X-E line is not stopped
  • sports photography is a difficult market
  • other brands are long established there and for Fujifilm it’s new terrain
  • Fujifilm can not confirm anything about eventual future lenses for sport photographers
  • Fujifilm has received great feedback about the latest autofocus system, but they will continue to improve
  • renewing older lenses is something that Fujifilm has in mind
  • XF16-50mmF2.8-4.8 [admin note: will replace the XF18-55mmF2.4.8]
  • Fujifilm is not considering any option other than X-Trans for their APS-C cameras
  • its unique matrix offers the advantage of combining high definition and suppression of moiré and chromatic aberrations
  • for X100VI, Fujifilm has developed the smallest and thinnest IBIS unit to date
  • the X100VI IBIS wiring has been moved to the side – see here
  • IBIS system uses data from the image in addition to the gyroscope (motion blur is analyzed from the live-view image)
  • the grip of the X100VI is a tenth of a millimeter deeper than X100V for a better grip

GFX series

  • GFX100II market return (sales) is very good, not only among professional photographers, but also filmmakers and directors
  • GFX100II sales exceed Fujifilm’s expectations
  • GFX100S is still very popular because Fujifilm has lowered its price
  • GFX100S still very popular in some markets like China
  • professionals go for GFX100II, enthusiasts for GFX100S
  • Fujifilm never looked at its market share in medium format segment
  • other manufacturers have no announced so many new products, so Fujifilm thinks they are Nr.1
  • some expect a faster 50MP GFX. But Fujifilm thinks high definition is more popular
  • there are lots of FF cameras offering 50/60 megapixel, so offering 50MP now has become almost banal
  • Fujifilm focuses on improving the 100MP sensor performance
  • for professionals ergonomics are very important
  • first GFX cameras had dedicated dials but now they switched to a easier to operate PSAM dial layout
  • Fujinon GF 500 mm f/5.6: it’s time for Fujifilm GFX to approach wildlife and sports photography
  • normally APS-C lenses are compact than FF and MF (hence also smaller AF motors)
  • but regarding telephoto lenses, size primarily depends on diameter and aperture. Regardless of whether it’s for APS-C, FF or MF, the fundamental construction of telephoto lenses, particularly on the front lens side, is the same
  • Fujifilm tries to make the GF500mm as small and light as possible to obtain faster autofocus
  • tilt-shift lenses are the most difficult to design
  • Fujifilm started to develop its GF tilt shift lenses back in 2019
  • why not retro? High end high speed cameras need to be operated quickly, hence PSAM. Also good for hybrid shooters for video

Let me just say that I strongly, vehemently, vigorously and fervidly disagree with Fujifilm in regards to what they said why they stick with PSAM on their GFX lineup.

First: the GFX system is not know to be blazing fast and immensely popular among high end sports photographers. I actually feel the GFX system would be the ideal system to use a retro layout.

Second: maybe Fujifilm should watch my video so they learn how to operate their own cameras.

They will find out that one can operate their retro styled cameras exactly as any PSAM camera out there. It’s a marvellous and ingenious design that gives us photographer the best of both words: retro if I want to have fun shooting or want to actually operate the camera already before turning it on, and PSAM if one needs to make lots of adjustment all the time on the fly.

Retro Fujifilm cameras offer both options. PSAM cameras force you into one way to operate the camera.

And in my opinion not offering retro styled GFX cameras anymore is one of the all time biggest mistakes Fujifilm is doing.

C’mon Fujifilm, look at what is selling best in your X system. You’ll see that retro X cameras outsell PSAM cameras by very far. And Nikon had a colossal success with the Nikon Zf lately. It’s clear that in times where every camera is just so good, what people really look for is to have a different photographic experience thanks to dedicated vintage dials.

The joy of shooting sells better than any specs boost you can show off on paper.

An example?

The X100VI sells like hot cakes. The revolutionary global shutter ultra modern high speed blazing fast Sony A9III is selling way below Sony’s expectations (you could always find it in stock everywhere all the time because demand is not high… ask your local retailer).

Make sure to read/watch below: