Iridient Developer 3.3.4 and X-Transformer 1.1.1 Updates

The Iridient Developer 3.3.4 and Iridient X-Transformer 1.1.1 updates are now available for download!

These updates fix an issue with the new D RANGE PRIORITY modes found on the X-T3 and X-H1 models. The X-Transformer update also brings the DNG baseline metadata values (color, white balance, exposure, etc) inline with the newest Adobe software values for recent camera models (X-T3, GFX 50R, XF10).

Iridient X-Transformer 1.1.1 for macOS and Windows can now be downloaded here and X-Transformer releases notes are here.

Iridient Developer 3.3.4 for macOS can now be downloaded here and full release notes for this Iridient Developer update.

Photokina 2019 Cancelled: Coming Back in May 2020 and Looking Back at Photokina 2018 with Fujifilm X Photographers Live Stages

Photokina 2019 2020

Kölnmesse has just issued an official press release (PDF here), that Photokina 2019 in May has been cancelled and will come back in May 2020.

It’s pretty sad, but it’ true: Photokina 2018 in September was the last of its kind.

Even US Fujifilm manager Steve said that from now on, Photokina will become more of a smaller regional show. And while in the past Fujifilm (and other companies) organized big launches in proximity to Photokina, it won’t be like this anymore in future.

I personally attended two photokina shows (2016 report here2018 report here). It was fantastic, because of the sheer magnitude of the event. Everybody with rank and name was there, and all the latest and greatest gear was launched at photokina. This magnitude will inevitably go lost now.

I don’t think it will be worth for me anymore to travel through half of Europe for a smaller regional show, so that was it. No more Photokina for me.

And to remind us of the good old days, I share the Fujifilm X Photographers Photokina 2018 live stages, which I was lucky to enjoy personally.

Photokina 2018 Live Stages

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DPReview Declares Fujifilm X-T3 Best Consumer Stills/Video Camera 2018 and Fujifilm GFX50R Runner-Up High-End ILC

Fujifilm X-T3

The Fujifilm X-T3 has been highly praised by all top review blogs and youtube channels out there. And if you take a look at the Fujifilm X-T3 customer reviews at AmazonUS you will also find overwhelmingly enthusiastic feedback.

Yes, the Fuji X-T3 a fantastic allrounder.

And now, after winning three categories in the DPReview buying guides, the DPReview team declared the Fujifilm X-T3 the best consumer stills/video camera of 2018, beating illustrious competitors like the Sony A7III, Fujifilm X-H1 and Nikon Z6.

DPReview writes:

At first glance very similar to its direct predecessor the X-T2, this year’s model is in fact a major upgrade, offering a substantially improved set of video and stills features. In fact, despite its lack of IBIS, the 4K/60-capable X-T3 is arguably a better 4K video platform than the nominal video flagship of the X-series, the X-H1. Its ability to capture 4K/60p footage in 10-bit even puts it ahead of the latest models in Panasonic’s video-centric GH series.

All of this is made more impressive by the fact that until quite recently, Fujifilm’s X-series lagged seriously behind its competition in terms of video. The X-T3 is the clearest indication yet that Fujifilm has well and truly joined the game.”

The Sony A7III, though, beats the Fujifilm X-T3 in the “Best midrange ILC” category, with the Fujifilm X-T3 grabbing the second spot, beating the Canon EOS R and Nikon Z6.

DPReview also nominated the Sony A7III best product of 2018, with the Fujifilm X-T3 runner up. They write:

Picking the single best product of the year is always a difficult task, and if we’re being honest, it’s impossible. Everyone’s needs are different. There has never been a better time to be a photographer, and in 2018 there are fantastic cameras, lenses and accessories out there for everyone.

But pick we must. This year’s shortlist is comprised of those products that represent, in our collective opinion, four of the best bits of gear released in 2018. Two of them really stood out, though. Runner-up is the Fujifilm X-T3 which – in case you didn’t already get the message – we really like. Fujifilm didn’t need to make the X-T3 as good as it is – hell, Fujifilm didn’t even need to replace the X-T2 yet – but they did, and they did. And the resulting camera is one of the best APS-C format ILCs money can buy, even rivaling some full-frame models.”

Compared to the Sony A7III, the Fujifilm X-T3 offers better weather sealing, less rolling shutter, less banding in electronic shutter mode, superior video specs, better EVF, better colors, dual UHS-II SD-card slot, video eye-tracking, blackout-less EVF at 30 fps and more for a cheaper price.

But, well, the Fujifilm X-T3 is not “full frame“, and these two little words just make the difference, probably more in our minds, than in real life shooting. But hey, that’s it. Now let’s talk medium format :).

Fujifilm GFX50R

When it comes to the best high-end ILC category, the Nikon Z7 wins and the Fujifilm GFX50R takes the second spot, beating the Panasonic GH5s and Panasonic G9.

This year’s runner-up spot is taken by the camera with the biggest sensor of all – the Fujifilm GFX 50R. Designed for active photographers, the 50R takes the best bits of the more costly 50S – including its most important feature – the excellent 50MP CMOS sensor – and packages them in a smaller, more affordable, rangefinder-style body. Medium-format has never looked more attractive.”

You can read the full list of 2018 DPReview awards at dpreview here.

Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 65mm f/1.4 for Fujifilm GFX Available Now and Reviews

 

Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 65mm f/1.4

The Mitakon Speedmaster 65mm F1.4 for Fujifilm GFX is now available now at AmazonUS (via third-party) and eBay (check the warranty). Expect it to be available soon also at BHphoto and Adorama. You can also grab it directly at zyoptics.net with 5 year warranty.

Beta testers of the Mitakon 65/1.4 like Jonas Rask have already shared samples at our Fujifilm GFX facebook group since several weeks, such as Jonas Rask, who who say here:

“It’s a fantastic lens that I’ve really enjoyed shooting the past months. Not as sharp as the GF63 counterpart wide open, but it holds up really nice when stopped down.

Wide open, corners are not as sharp as center – obviously. But it has minimal vignette. Just to be clear, I was told that this is NOT a converted full frame 50mm f/0.95.

What you will get with this lens is a really unique look to your images.

We’ve all heard the phrase “I love that medium format look” – which basically translates into “Wide field of view combined with narrow depth of field

This lens will make your full body portraits look like something out of a Pentax 67 with 105/2.4.

You can obviously achieve this look with other lenses (Voigtländer 58/1.4, Minolta 58/1.2 etc) But the Mitakon just feels right at home on the GFX with its native mount and size.”

Jonas Rasks’ full Mitakon 65mmF1.4 review can be read at jonasrask here.

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Press Release

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Fujifilm GFX50R Owner’s Manual Released. Good Sales, Slow Shipping!

Fuji GFX50R

The Fujifilm GFX50R owner’s manual is now available in html version and PDF version.

If you follow our fantastic Fujifilm GFX User Group, you will be able to chat with the first Fujifilm GFX50R owners out there, and enjoy their images.

At the moment it’s not that easy to find the Fuji GFX50R in stock. Adorama for example marked it as “backordered“.

I hear the demand for Fuji GFX50R is pretty good, and fulfilling all pre-orders might take longer than Fujifilm originally planed. So brace yourself with a bit of patience.

Fujifilm GFX 50R: BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS, FocusCamera