DPReview TV: What Happened to Fujifilm’s Kaizen

Fujifilm built a reputation for bringing continuous improvements to its products, a process frequently referred to as ‘Kaizen’.

In 2019, however, we saw major firmware updates from almost every camera company except Fujifilm.

So now Chris and Jordan ask, “What happened to Kaizen?”

Especially now, that the Fujifilm X-Pro3 is out with many major improvements (and the same sensor/processor of X-T3), many hoped for a big firmware update that will bring the X-Pro3 goodness also to other cameras.

But Chris remembers, that delaying the firmware love for the Fujifilm X-T3 and X-T30, is also a way to protect Fujifilm X-Pro3 sales for a little bit longer.

And guys, honestly, Fujifilm is a company that at the end of the day has limited resources and has to make profits.

So I understand if they delay their firmware, and I am fine to wait a little bit longer to get my firmware love. It’s a compromise: Fuji makes more money, and I still get what I want, just a bit later.

And as a long time Fujifilm lover (and blogger), I remember this discussion popping up so many times already.

In fact, back in 2015 I wrote this article, where we discuss the future of Kaizen already, as already back then, people were worried that Fujifilm abonded their Kaizen philosophy. Of course all discussions ended, once Fujifilm released again several huge updates.

The point is, there can’t be updates all the time and non stop. Sometimes, it just takes a bit longer.

Sure, it was not a great 2019 Fujifilm Kaizen year, but I am confident that in 2020, we will be able to “download a new camera” again ;).

I mean, Fujifilm also publicly asked us Fujifilm users, which firmware we would like next, and 14,000+ of you voted on their new favorite firmware features.

This alone shows that they do care, and that improving their cameras via firmware is always a goal Fuji has in mind, but they can that only do when:

  • they have enough resources to develop it
  • the firmware is mature and ready
  • the “market-moment” is right, meaning for example a new firmware won’t affect sales of a brand new camera all too badly.

So, be patient, and Kaizen love will be back :).

Brightin Star Lenses for Fujifilm X Mount – 7,5mmF2.8, 12mmF2, 25mmF1.8, 35mmF1.2, 35mmF1.7, 50mmF1.4

Brightin Star

FR-reader Paul directed my attention to some lenses available on Amazon, that I can’t remember I ever reported about: the affordable Brightin Star lenses for Fujifilm X Mount.

There are Brightin Star lenses for several mounts, and you can check them all out at the storefront page here.

As far as I can see, for Fujifilm X we have:

If you ever used one of these lenses, feel free to drop your feedback down below.

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Steelsring Nikon to Fujifilm GFX AF Smart Adapter Firmware and Autofocus Improvements for GFX100 Coming in Q1 2020

Steelsring has posted an update regarding its recently released Nikon F to Fujifilm GFX autofocus adapter.

1) Contrast based AF support to F-mount compatible type G, E and AF-P lenses
2) Auto aperture control for type E lens
3) Manual aperture lever for type G lens, real-time aperture control , nonadjustable from camera body, only the current max aperture is displayed in camera.
4) Full EXIF recording for supported lenses
5) Type D lens is not supported, AF is impossible with this adapter,EXIF is recorded.
6) Lens VR/OIS support
7) Support 35mm format mode of GFX
8) F-mount lenses AF performs better than EF lenses on GFX due to different AF driving mode.

Also, they say:

BTW: A high AF performance FW update will be available in Q1, 2020 for FUJIFILM cameras , especially for GFX 100s and latest FX cameras

It’s unclear if he refers to further improvements to the adapter, or to a Fujifilm firmware improvement for Fujifilm GFX100.

Check out all details at Steelsring here.

  • 2020/01/04 Steelsring EF-NZ v1.03 Firmware Update, improved lens compatibility and EXIF info recording, download it here, for details see release notes.

Fujifilm GFX 100: B&H Photo, AmazonUS, Adorama, Focuscamera

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Let’s Get to Know Each Other: Share Your Instagram in the Comments

Instagram

Back in the days, I made this Instagram account, that I never used.

However, one day I noticed how, even without sharing anything, 100 people started following me.

To honor the first 100 FR instagram follower pioneers, I started slowly to share some tidbits on my Instagram account.

But I made a choice:

I could do like other rumor sites, and focus on gear porn (which is absolutely fine and great), or give it a more personal touch.

I knew that the first would guarantee a faster grow, but I went for the second one, as I’d like to keep my Instagram space more personal.

Hence, on Instagram you could:

And I am very happy, that in a relatively short period of time, 7,800 people decided to join me on Instagram.

For the future, I will keep it this way: mostly personal images, not too many posts, and more of personal touch as opposed to my facebook page and twitter page, which are great ways to keep track of all the buzz.

If you want, head over to my Instagram, and give it a follow.

Also…

with 2020 just started, I thought this post could be also a great opportunity to get to know each other.

How? Well, share your instagram account here in the comments of FujiRumors, so that we can check out each others work. It might be nice also to give it a little description, such as “I focus on travel photography” or “I love black and white photography“.

So, welcome all, to another Fuji year 2020. :)

Top 5 FR Instagram Posts of 2019