Fujifilm X-H1 Development Story

Fujifilm just published part 1 of their Fujifilm X-H1 development story.

“Let’s examine the X-H1. The product planner requested the developers to make the body more robust so that new devices could be installed and the expected camera performance could be realized. In order to make the body more robust, the frame, which is made of magnesium alloys, needed to be strengthened by adding extra thickness. The frame is 125% thicker for X-H1, meaning that the frame has almost doubled in volume (1.25 x 1.25 x 1.25 = 1.95). The strength of the frame is almost twice as strong.

Portability and lightweight are the charm of the X Series. This should always be taken into account even when considering an exterior design that is more robust. The designer examined the frame closely and learned where the stress is most/least applied and where the extra strength is most/least needed. With the study, the following structure with pillars jointing the exterior part has been realized, which helped minimize the effect on body size.

[…] In near future there will be lenses that weigh more than 2kg. [note: given that they show the XF200mmF2 in the article, it’s save to assume they meant the 200mm]

To withstand the stress, the mount part is reinforced ribs as shown below.”

Read the whole article and see all images at fujifilm-x

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Fujifilm X-H1 + XF 100-400: BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama, Focuscamera
Fujifilm X-H1 + Vertical Grip + XF 16-55: BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama, Focuscamera
Fujifilm X-H1 + Vertical Grip + XF 50-140: BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama, Focuscamera
Fujifilm X-H1 + Vertical Grip + XF 100-400: BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama, Focuscamera

Fujifilm X-H1 + Free Domke Bag – Worth $229
Fujifilm X-H1 : Adorama
Fujifilm X-H1 + Vertical Grip: Adorama

In the video above you can see how much the X-H1 sensor wobbles, going behind the front plate. That’s impressive.

And you will remember, how Fujifilm said that X-mount is not compatible with IBIS, right?

So people wonder, how did Fujifilm manage to make it compatible and to make IBIS work on X-cameras without introducing to heavy vignetting?

Good question.

What we know, is that newer X-series cameras have a newly designed front plate. Just check out my old X-T1 with sharp 90° angle compared to my new X-E3 with a much more rounded angle. UPDATE: Older X-T2’s and X-Pro2’s have a very angled mount, while newer ones more rounded. Check it out, it’s documented also on dpreview ;) .

Most likely, Fujifilm did it to fix (or at least signficantly reduce) the purple grid artifacts we wrote about it here.

However, I heared another fascinating theory, that I want to share here on FujiRumors,.

The rounded angle could allow the light to filter better in the corners, and hence reach the sensor even better, when it goes behind the mount.

Wait… I hear you say… the X-E3 has no IBIS!

But, so the theory, since Fujifilm had to redesign the mount to accomodate IBIS on X-H1 anyway, it just hugly simplifies and speeds up the production line, if you use one front plate design for all cameras, instead of manufacturing 2 different ones.

However, this theory does not convince me fully, since the front plate on the X-H1 seems to be more similar to the one of my old X-T1 than the one of my X-H1.

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Fujifilm X-H1 Pre-orders
Fujifilm X-H1 (all combos): BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama

Fujifilm X-H1 Bundle Deals – Save $150
Fujifilm X-H1 + XF 16-55: BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama
Fujifilm X-H1 + XF 50-140: BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama
Fujifilm X-H1 + XF 100-400: BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama
Fujifilm X-H1 + Vertical Grip + XF 16-55: BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama
Fujifilm X-H1 + Vertical Grip + XF 50-140: BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama
Fujifilm X-H1 + Vertical Grip + XF 100-400: BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama
*on Adorama click “create your bundle” to see the deals

Fujifilm X-H1 + Free Domke Bag – worth $229
Fujifilm X-H1 : Adorama
Fujifilm X-H1 + Vertical Grip: Adorama