I remember Fuji Guy Billy saying, at the launch of the Fujinon XF50-140mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR lens, that this will be a “legendary” lens. First full size samples were already shared on Fujirumors here weeks ago, but now we have the first official Fujifilm high-resolution samples online. Check them out the three images here (shot by Zack Arias).

And also Rico Pfirstinger is testing the XF 50-140. He posted some samples at his Flickr page here.

Fujifilm XF 50-140F2.8 WR: USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / EUROPE:WexUK / WexDE / PCHstore / 

XF 56mm f/1.2 APD
USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / EUROPE: WexUK / WexDE /  AUSTRALIA: CameraPro

The Japanese site dc.watch (translation) published an interview with a Fuji Manager mainly talking about the APD version of Fuji’s fastest lens, the XF56mm f/1.2… and the fist lens ever with apodization filter which still allows you to use AF.

If I understood correctly the cryptic google translated version, the Manager also talks about the quality and the concept behind the Fujinon lenses. He denies any FF camera, as Fuji’s priority is to complete the APS-C lineup. In this regard, they also talked about plans for a super-telephoto prime (google translated: “because you have to understand the needs of our customers have come a super-telephoto lens of a single focus, on the consideration of the future of the lineup“) and he revealed that there was a prototype of the XF35mm with APD filter. If you may remember, sources told me that the XF35mm could be updated, but the improvement won’t be the weather sealing. Maybe, at the time of the rumor, Fuji was testing the APD version of this lens. However, Fuji has dropped plans to release such a lens (if I interpreted correctly the google translated version).

If there is any Japanese FR-reader, who could make a more accurate summary of the most important parts of the interview, feel free to drop it in the comments down below.

FR-reader Douglas told me via twitter, that he got the shipping confirmation for his silver graphite Fujifilm X-T1. And Christographer Dao is probably first US-resident, who already received his silver graphite Fujifilm X-T1. He posted an image on his facebook account here.

Anyone else out there who got the shipping confirmation?

Graphite Silver X-T1: USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / EUROPE: WexUK / WexDE / PCHstore /  AUSTRALIA: CameraPro

classic black X-T1 body (save $100): BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / Pictureline /
classic black X-T1 + XF18-55 (save $100): BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / Pictureline /

SAVE up to $200 on XF lenses: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / Pictureline
MORE X-camera savigns: X100S (save $200): BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama /Pictureline X-PRO1 + 18mm (save $300):  Adorama / X-E1 + 18mm (save $300): Adorama / X-M1 + 18mm (save $300): Adorama / X-E2 + XF18-55: Adorama

Back in September I reported that the real winner for Fujifilm are the Instant Cameras, especially the Instax Mini 8, which was (and still is) stable at the very top of the OVERALL AmazonUS camera & photo ranking, second only to the GoPro.

A source also reported that the demand for Instax Film is very high, especially in Asia. In fact it is so high that there is not much instax Film left for N.America and if it runs out of stock it could need a couple of moths before stores will be ready to ship the next batch of film. No surprise that Fujifilm writes in their latest financial report that “in the photo imaging business, overall sales increased owing to continued favorable sales of instant cameras.” Also the Instax SHARE Smartphone Printer SP-1 sold well.

And what about the X-series? Here is an excerpt:

“In the electronic imaging field, sales of premium interchangeable lens camera, FUJIFILM X-T1, which was launched in February 2014, and others were strong. Looking ahead, Fujifilm is expanding the product lineup and stepping up marketing of FUJIFILM X100T premium compact digital cameras and large-diameter telephoto zoom lenses, including the FUJINON XF50-140mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR . Launches of these items are scheduled in November 2014.”

So, instax cameras & the Fujifilm X-T1 absorbed the huge losses of compact camera segment and pushed the imaging division into profit! It is basically what most FR-readers always suggested to Fuji: focus on the premium market… the X-series entry level market is dead.

Check out Fuji’s earnings presentation here.

X100T: USA: BHphoto  / AmazonUS / Adorama / EUROPE: WexUK / WexDE / PCHstore / AUSTRALIA: CameraPro

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It shouldn’t take long for the shipping of Fujifilm X100T to start (and let’s hope it won’t be as problematic as the X100S shipping-odyssey). Those who pre-ordered it can start to get to know their new camera by reading the English version of the Fujifilm X100T owners manual at Fuji’s support page here. You can select other languages at this page.

REMINDER: At the moment, you can save $200 on the X100S at BHphoto, AmazonUS. Adorama and Pictureline. The silver X100S is discontinued at BHphoto.

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SAVE up to $200 on XF lenses (including the XF 56mmf/1.2): BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / Pictureline
SAVE $100 on the X-T1 body & kit: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / Pictureline /
MORE X-camera savigns: X100S (save $200): BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama /Pictureline X-PRO1 + 18mm (save $300):  Adorama / X-E1 + 18mm (save $300): Adorama / X-M1 + 18mm (save $300): Adorama / X-E2 + XF18-55: Adorama