This Guy Broke His XF 10-24 (Again) Shooting Waterfalls… And Why That Fujinon XF 8-16mm WR Can’t Come Soon Enough!

The Fujinon XF10-24

The Fujifilm XF10-24 is one lens I always lusted after. I also almost bought it, but at the end went for the smaller and much cheaper Samyang 12mmF2.

Regarding the XF10-24, I remember how it was launched just a two months before Fuji’s first weather sealed camera, the Fujifilm X-T1. At that time, here on FujiRumors I already told you that a the WR X-T1 would come in January 2014. So, when Fujifilm decided to launch the XF10-24 in November, we all hoped it would be weather sealed… but it wasn’t.

Now, I know that there are tons of X-shooters out there enjoying this lens day after day. But if you are like Jim, and bring it out into some really tough conditions, then you might be interested to read to rest of the story :)

Why That Fujinon XF 8-16mm WR Can’t Come Soon Enough

Jim drove several hours to reach a simply stunning waterfall in Portland, at the Columbia river gorge. The gear he used is the Fujifilm X-Pro2, the Fujinon XF 10-24mm F4 OIS, the Feisol CT-3442 Tripod, the Really Right Stuff ball head… all packed into his Mindshift Rotation 180 Horizon.

Now, Jim is completely in love with the X-system. He loves the image quality, the form factor, the size, the usability, the dials… just everything. He says it “fits my style of photography”

But he also says that “photography is adventure” and that it is “completely unaccetable” that the only wide angle zoom lens in the Fuji system is not weather sealed.

In fact, after a while shooting in the very wet and humid waterfall envoriment, he couldn’t take pictures anymore, because “the lens gets wet and causes a lens communication error“. He says this is not the first time it happens to him. That’s why he owns two of these lenses and changes them, when one stops working. And once at home, he has to dry the lenses.

Jim apparently reads FujiRumors, since he knows about the XF 8-16mm F2.8 WR lens, which will come in early 2018 (I’ve shared the first rumor back in May 2016 (!) here). But he said he’s not sure he can wait that long for the XF 8-16. Hence, despite him loving Fujifilm’s image quality and usability, he is considering to switch to another brand.

At our immense future APS-C lens poll, with over 11,000+ voters, the XF 8-16mm F2.8 WR is the most wanted out of the 30 lenses in the voting-list.

Just a curiosity, on the way back, he uses a Beta version of an App, called “The Really Good Photo Spots“, which I think he’s developing right now. Based on your location, it shows you the best spots to photograph in your area.

See the video “I Broke My Lens….Again!” at Improve Photography Youtube

Considerations

Of course, Jim is using the XF 10-24 in an enviroment it is not planned to be used (rainy/wet conditions). But if he wants to get the shot he wants with a Fuji camera, then he currently has no other choice than to go with the XF10-24. The next widest weather sealed lens in the Fuji line-up is the XF 16mmF1.4…. and evidently not wide enough for certain landscape photography.

So, Jim might do well to switch, because Fujifilm currently does not offer the lens he needs the most… unless he is willing to dry his two XF 10-24 for a few more months, until the XF 8-16 will be out.

Or, maybe, just use a plastic bag around your lens in the meantime ;)

And What About You?

So what about you? Do you own the Fujinon XF 10-24mm F4 OIS? Did you have the same experience as Jim? Are you also waiting for the weather sealed XF 8-16mm F2.8 WR or are you just fine with the Fujinon XF 10-24?

Feel free to drop you thoughts and considerations in the comments :)

cheers
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VOTE :: The Ultimate Fujifilm APS-C Lenses Poll ** 30 Lenses, 3 Votes… and Let’s Fuji know What We Want ;)

First Image (and Video) of X-Mount Fujinon MK 18-55 mounted on Fujifilm X-T2 (Prototype) + Interview With Fujifilm Manager

Fujinon MK 18-55 T2.9 Fuji X-mount – Newsshooter at NAB 2017 from Newsshooter on Vimeo.

Fujifilm already said in this official press release, that the X-mount versions of the MK18-55mm T2.9 and MK50-130mm T2.9 will come in late 2017.

An anonymous source now send me the first image of a MK18-55mm T2.9 X-mount prototype mounted on the Fujifilm X-T2 (thanks a lot).

If you want to see, how Fujifilm’s MK lenses are manufactured (and also other X-mount lenses and cameras), feel free to check out this article about the Fujifilm factory tour.

UPDATE: Interview with Fujifilm Manager about the MK lenses. They talk about and show also the Fujifilm X-mount version. The manager says that the price can’t be very different from the E-mount version and that they try to come out with X-mount version within this year (2017). More at newsshooter (thanks to the FR-reader for sharing the link in the comments).

cheers
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Fujifilm Factory Tour: Manufacturing Our Beloved Fujifilm Gear (GFX, X-T2, X-mount lenses, MK lenses more)

Manufacturing our beloved Fujifilm Gear
Manufacturing our beloved Fujifilm Gear

Fujifilm Factory Tour: Manufacturing Our Beloved X-gear :)

Hey guys,

A kind FR-reader (thanks) dropped me the link to a nice read for the weekend.

But before I share it, just allow me say a quick (but big) “thank you” to all FR-readers, who share with FR the interesting Fuji-stuff they find on the web.

You make it possible that FujiRumors is always the first to break the news and rumor, and also the first to share links in live bloggings and much more. I don’t know any other way to return you guys the favor you do to me, other than keep this blog running with enthusiasm, joy and dedication.

I’m so positive, motivated and full of energy like never before. So thanks so much to everybody for your help and support :)

And now to today’s story :-)

Jon Fauer had the pleasure to visit the Fujifilm headquarters, as well as the Fujifilm factory where the new cinema MK glass and the Fujifilm X-T2, Fujifilm GFX 50s and other X-mount lenses are made.

At the end they visit the very best place of all the tour… but read further below, to discover what it is :)

The tour starts at the Fujifilm Omiya Headquarters, where Jon talks with a Fujifilm manger about the Fujifilm GFX 50s. and especially about the new Cinema MK lenses, the MK18-55mm F2.9 and MK50-130mm T2.9. As we already reported here, X-mount version of the lenses will come by the end of the year 2017.

A curiosity, why Fujifilm called their new cinema lenses “MK” lenses:

“M for Movie, Manual, Mobility, Marvelous, Multiple-use! Also, perhaps it can be said that in Video you “take the shot.” In stills, you “take” a photograph. But in movies, you “make” a film. You are a film maker. So MK.”

Then they continue to the Fujifilm Taiwa Factory:

“More than 1,000 people work in the vast Fujifilm Taiwa Factory, assembling X-series and GFX cameras, components and other products. A new, dedicated area has been set up for a highly skilled team to build Fujinon MK lenses.”

Regarding the MK lenses, they say:

“The philosophy of the MK lenses is affordablity for independent productions. To keep the cost down and the manufacturing yield high, Fujinon has combined techniques from their experience in high-yield manufacturing (still cameras and lenses) and high-precision, high-end lens crafting. The trick seems to the their use of molded, composite lens barrels and mechanical sub-assemblies. Traditionally, these components have been milled on CNC machines from metal. Advantages of composites include speed of manufacturing, resistance to temperature variations in the field, and advanced structural possibilities.”

And what’s the best way to end a hard day visiting factories and interviewing Fujifilm managers? Right, get a good Whisky :). So the tour ends at the Nikka Whisky Miyagikyo Sendai Distillery.

Check out the whole tour at filmanddigitaltimes (4.5MB PDF – 20 Pages)

enjoy your weekend ;)
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Fujinon GF 23mm F4 R LM WR Announcement on April 19, 2017

Fujinon GF 23mm F4 R LM WR
Fujinon GF 23mm F4 R LM WR

Fujinon GF 23mm F4 R LM WR

The Fujinon GF 23mm F4 R LM WR will be announced on April 19, 2017.

Just as rumored yesterday, on April 19 Fujifilm will also announce the Fujinon GF 110mm F2 WR LM.

To me this means just one thing: I have to recover good from my birthday party on April 17, since on April 19 I want to be fit for the Live Blogging here on FujiRumors :).

And in case you missed it, I am selling a “FujiRumors” personalized wooden hand grip (for X-T1), a “FujiRumors” hot shoe cover and also a leather strap here. The value is of $110, and currently the highest bet is of $155. 100% of the money goes to charity to support free education in Cambodia at KNGO, the NGO we collected $3,500 last year with the sale of the fair trade recycled X-shirts.

So help me to make my brithday party awesome, and bid for a good cause (and awesome products) at the auction here (exp. April 17).

Oh, right, also the new Instax Square cameras, the Instax Square SQ and Instax Square SQ10 will be announced on April 19. The Instax Square SQ10 will be a hybrid digital/film camera. All details here.

Feel free to join other fellow 11,000 GFX owners and fans at the Fujifilm GFX facebook group. Follow the Fujifilm GFX facebook page for 100% GFX news and rumors.

Fujifilm GFX 50s: USA BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, AmazonUK, WexUK, ParkCamerasUK, PCHstore AUS: CameraPro

stay tuned for more :)
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Fujifilm Plans Fujinon XF 18mm F2 Mark II Lens (SRP)

Fujinon XF 18mm F2 Mark II

According to a source, right in the past (SRP), the Fujinon XF 18mm F2 Mark II is high on Fuji’s “To Do” list.

We recently launched the Ultimate X-Series Lens Poll here on FujiRumors. In case you missed it, check out the results here. All I will anticipate now is that the Fujinon XF 18mm F2 Mark II is indeed very high on the FR-community wish-list (currently #5 out of 30 lenses).

I owned the XF 18mm F2, but sold it to get some money to buy the 12mm Samyang and the Fujinon XF 18-135. My reasoning was that I don’t really need it anymore, owning the 18-55 and 18-135 that cover the 18mm focal length. However, I have to say that I regret selling it, since I miss the compact size of the 18/2. I was almost about to pull the trigger on the 27mm pancake to finally have a very compact lens again, but after this rumor I guess I will hold on a little bit more… ;)

The XF18mmF2 was also Nate’s choice for his One Year, One Lens World Travel.