Laowa finally announced the long rumored Laowa 9mmF2.8.

Venus Optics still did not discoles the price, however, we have rumored here, that it will cost $499 ex-VAT in USA.

BHphoto is selling Laowa lenses, and its great to know that soon also a Fujifilm version will join.

Laowa lenses are made by the Chinese manufacturer Venus Optics, but as already highlighted by TheCameraStoreTV in their Best/Worst 2017 epsiode, we see more and more quality products coming from China, and TCSTV specifically mentions Laowa lenses amongst those Chinese quality products.

google translated:
Product overview

Product name LAOWA 9 mm F 2.8 Zero-D
Suggested retail price Open price
Expected market price TBD
Scheduled release date around early April 2018

Main Product Features

• This product is the best lens for photographing landscape photographs, architectural photographs, interior photographs, star photographs and so on.
• 3 special low dispersion lenses (ED lens) and 2 glass aspherical lenses are used extensively. By adopting an optical design with extremely reduced distortion to zero, it is possible to take landscape photographs and architectural photographs without the influence of distortion.
• It is the widest angle lens (113 °) lens among the wide-angle lenses for APS-C cameras of the open F 2.8 which are on sale now. (*)
• It adopts metal enclosure with excellent robustness and luxury. Effective flower type hood is attached
• This product is the brightest, the most compact and lightweight lens among the same class products. Because it is very convenient to carry, it is also ideal for daily snapshot.
  (※) As of February 1, 2018 VenusOptics examined

Main specifications

• Focal length: 9 mm
• Maximum F value: F 2.8
• Viewing angle: 113 degrees (corresponding format: APS-C)
• Lens construction: 10 groups of 15
• Number of diaphragm blades: 7
• Shortest shooting distance: 12 cm
• Maximum magnification: 0.13 times
• Filter diameter: φ 49 mm
• Weight: ~ 215 g * Variable depending on mount
• Corresponding mount: FUJIFILM X, Canon EF-M, Sony E
  ※ Product specifications are subject to change without notice due to improvements etc.

via sightron via dc.watch

Product Images

Fujifilm has just published the fifth episode of its Fujifilm X-H1 development Story, and this time it’s again about the new ETERNA film simulation.

But while in part 4 time they described the characteristics of ETERNA, this time they investigate one questions: “Can ETERNA be used for still photos?”

“Can it be used for still photos?” We asked the image designing team who created ETERNA mode.

“It’s possible. It can work really well in some cases.” […]. We need to take ideology and the characteristics of ETERNA into account for a good result.

[…] The wide dynamic range and soft tonality will depict the subtle nuances of shadows created in the environment under controlled lights. It will also keep the subject from being oversaturated.

People often use Velvia for landscape photography, but it can be excessive if the subject”s saturation is high. Velvia is good when you need to enhance the saturation, but when the saturation is high enough, try ETERNA or Pro Neg. STD instead.

Another idea is to treat ETERNA in the same way as you would when you shoot cinema, to complement other elements of communication. In editorial, for example, the photographs are combined with texts to deliver a message. ETERNA is a good one to use in editorial as it would complement the text. The images with soft tonality and low saturation allow readers engage into the story seamlessly.

The soft tonality of ETERNA also looks great on matte paper. So when the editorial is printed on a matte paper, then it creates a further enhanced experience for the readers. When you think of the communication in a big picture, ETERNA has its use for sure.

Full story at fujifilm-x

Fujifilm X-H1 – $150 Bundle Savings: BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama, Focuscamera
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• X-H1 Development Story #1: The Re-inforced Frame
• X-H1 Development Story #2: Heat Dissipation, IBIS and Shutter Shock Reduction
• X-H1 Development Story #3: Weather Sealing and Super Coating
• X-H1 Development Story #4: Film Simulation ETERNA, or The Art of Omission
• X-H1 Development Story #5: Can ETERNA be Used for Still Photos?

Priolite Fujifilm Support

On Friday, the European studio strobe lighting company Priolite announced on their instagram here, that it is introducing a version of its RC-HS-F radio trigger for Fujifilm X-Pro2, X-T2 und GFX 50S cameras that will allow syncs at up to 1/8,000 of a second.

Priolite has just a small market share, but there are Fujifilm X shooter using their products, and who lookf forward to Priolite support, such as the FR-reader, who informed me about this news.

Elinchrom

Godox, Profoto, Nissin, Broncolor, Metz, Cactus, Priolite, Jinbei/Orlit, Conomark and more companies have already added Fujifilm support.

Anyone missing?

Oh right, Elinchrom! They don’t seem to be in a hurry to support Fujifilm.

As we reported here, Elinchrom should add Fujifilm support in 2018 according to a press release they made with Rotolight. But so far nothing has happened.

So I did search on their facebook page, and I have found the following Elinchrom statement, made last week: “We are working on it“.

Sooner or later….

FUJIFILM TO SHOWCASE NEW AND INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS AT WPPI 2018

Featuring the latest additions to the X Series Line, INSTAX Instant Cameras & Film and Digital Printing Solutions

Valhalla, N.Y., February 23, 2018 – As the leader in photo imaging, FUJIFILM North America Corporation will showcase a comprehensive portfolio of products that offer photographers the highest performance —from capture to print—at the 2018 Wedding and Portrait Photography International Conference & Expo (WPPI) from February 26-28 at Booth #1121 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada.

X Series and GFX Mirrorless Camera Systems

Fujifilm X-H1 in Nepal

Palle Schultz has published Part 2 of his Fujifilm X-H1 videos here on youtube.

While in his first X-H1 video, which we shared in our epic 48+ hours non stop live blogging here, Palle went over all the features in an interesting 20 minutes video, this second part will show you those features in action in Nepal.

Amongst the others, he shows

• how the autofocus behaves when you set focus speed and tracking independently for natural looking focus (more manual focus-like)
• lens flare
• ETERNA
• 120fps FullHD slow motion upscaled to 4K
• extreme shadow push
• AF tracking of a group of funny and adorable kids
• & more

Shooting Stills with ETERNA

Palle Schultz shows us some great video footage taken with the X-H1’s new ETERNA film simulation. And as also reported earlier today in the ETERNA development story, it is specifically designed for video use, where “time, the movement of performers, and the sounds and voices” have to create a “seamless flow” with the image itself.

So maybe ETERNA will, for most of us, not become our favorite film simulation for stills, but there are situation, where ETERNA can work well also in stills.

In his ETERNA dedicated article, with lot of ETERNA sample images, ivanjoshualoh writes:

“I must say initially I didn’t like Eterna. I find it’s a bit flat and the color are not its strongest feature. […] The more I shoot with it, I realize with all things; it has its weaknesses and strength. […] I feel not all pictures works beautifully with Eterna but a good number do. Its does give a beautiful mood to the feel. And I am beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel.”

& More

Thoughts on the Fuji X-H1 after hands-on with it at Zed ProMedia Youtube. He says:

• IBIS is really really good
• Linear focus mode is awesome for video. Wherever you put the lens and bring it back, it is going to be the exact same distance every single time. It will sync up your focus exactly where you want it to be.
• Fujifilm re-worked the camera. Has the same sensor/processor as X-T2, but it’s a completely different camera
• More a professional body
• It’s good that it’s bigger. There are tons of smaller options out there if you want a smaller camera
• Back-button focussing button feels perfect and is in perfect position. Works great
• Awesome shutter sound and feel
• This camera is THE camera for Fujifilm right now

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