Wake Up, Fujifilm: Ricoh GR IV Pre-Orders Soar, Monochrome on the Way – Where’s the X80 and X-Pro Monochrome?

Ricoh GR IV: The New and The Monochrome

Our sources told us already last year that the Ricoh GR IV would come in 2025. Well, technically we told you it would come earlier in 2025, and in fact the Ricoh GRIV was disclosed a couple months ago already. But it was only a development announcement. The full announcement just happened yesterday. So yes, I still regard this as a wrong rumor (development announcement is not a full announcement), but at the same time I trust the source.

Well, at this point we remind you that according to the same source, Ricoh is also planing to launch the Ricoh GR IV monochrome. It was originally planed for 2025, but I would not be surprised if there would be a delay due to the huge pre-orders the GRIV is getting right now.

Fujifilm – Wake Up

Yes, the Ricoh GR IV is now here and it enjoys absolutely stellar pre-orders.

At this time Fujifilm has not really a camera to compete with the Ricoh GR IV, because the Fujifilm X100VI might share the fixed lens concept with it, but for the rest I think it appeals to other people: those who appreciate a viewfinder, tactile controls, vintage aesthetic, whereas the Ricoh GR IV is all about being as portable as possible.

The true competitor would be the Fujifilm X80, but Fujifilm has so far never bothered to give the Fujifilm X70 a second chance (the Fujifilm XF10 is not the X70 successor). And in my view that’s an error. The Ricoh GRIV proves that pocketable and powerful fixed lens cameras are enjoying a revival, and Fujifilm is missing out on it.

So, dear Fujifilm, come out with the Fujifilm X80 as quickly as you can!

And while it’s true that the Ricoh GRIV pre-orders are great, I dare to predict that the Ricoh GRIV M (Monochrome) will match or even exceed those pre-orders.

Look, initially I was skeptical about a Monochrome Fujifilm. But after I have seen how even the Pentax K-3 III monochrome DLSR sold like hot cakes (so much so that they had to suspend pre-orders as we reported here), I concluded that the market for monochrome cameras is far from being saturated.

In short: I think Fujifilm should launch the Fujifilm X80 and a monochrome Fujifilm camera (possibly an X-Pro monochrome).

What do you think about it?

Kodak Struggles — Should Fujifilm License Its Legendary Film Names?

image by @fabiofrosio

Kodak is sending out mixed messages these days, first saying it isn’t sure it can survive further, then saying that they have a plan to make sure that they will continue to stay in the business.

Once the fiercest rival of Fujifilm, Kodak now serves as a stark reminder of how differently two giants handled the digital shift. Fujifilm reinvented itself and thrived. Kodak, sadly, struggles to survive.

I hope Kodak will find a way to survive, but if they were to close operations, then I think it would be wise from Fujifilm to license Kodak’s legendary film names and styles —Portra, Ektachrome, Tri-X— and add them to their arsenal of Film Simulations, before other brands do that.

SonyAlphaRumors for example is already pushing Sony to purchase them. Fujifilm should come first and not miss out on that opportunity.

What’s your take on this? Do you think it would be a good business move?

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RAW FILE CONVERTER EX 3.0 adds Fujifilm GFX100RF Support and X-E5 Compatibility is “Under Preparation”

RAW FILE CONVERTER EX 3.0 ver. Ver.8.1.18.0 – download here
The software update Ver.8.1.18.0 incorporates the following issue:

  • “RAW FILE CONVERTER EX 3.0 powered by SILKYPIX” becomes compatible with the new GFX100RF camera

NEWS: RAW FILE CONVERTER EX3.0″ compatible with FUJIFILM X-E5 is under preparation.

List of Fujifilm Instax Gear Price Increase Effective August 30

We told you which Fujifilm X and GFX gear will get a price increase on August 30. You can check out the full list here.

But also Instax gear will get a price jump in USA due to tariffs. Here is the list with the new price:

INSTAX NEW PRICE STARTING AUGUST 30

Fujifilm X/GFX NEW PRICE STARTING AUGUST 30

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