Elinchrom ELC 500 / 125 TTL Studio Monolight Announced

Elinchrom has just announced the Elinchrom ELC 500 TTL Studio Monolight and the Elinchrom ECL 125 TTL Studio Monologht.

It is compatible with Fujifilm if used the Elinchrom Skyport trigger.

In addition they launched also new softboxes and other accessories:

Overview & Specs

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Fujifilm launches “FUJIFILM X100V”

Fujifilm X100V – Press Release

Fujifilm X100V
USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / Focuscamera
EU: AmazonDE / CalumetDE / WexUK / ParkcamerasUK / JessopsUK / AmazonUK / PCHstore

-New evolution of the X100 Series, the origin of premium compact digital cameras
-Sophisticated design that exudes functional beauty
-The newly-developed high-performance lens for premium image quality
-The world’s only viewfinder that switches between optical and electronic options in pursuit of the photography style of “shooting through the viewfinder”

Tokyo, February 5, 2020 ― FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Kenji Sukeno) is pleased to announce the launch of the premium compact digital camera “FUJIFILM X100V” (hereinafter “X100V”) in late February 2020. The X100V features a newly-developed high-performance lens on its camera body, designed with functional beauty and sophistication. It is equipped with the latest image sensor and image processing engine to deliver premium-quality images with the company’s signature color-reproduction technology. In addition the evolved version of the Advanced Hybrid Viewfinder offers inter-switchable optical and electronic options, in pursuit of the photography style of “shooting through the viewfinder.”

Fujifilm pioneered a new market segment of premium compact digital cameras in 2011 with the launch of the FUJIFILM X100, the inaugural model of the X100 Series. The X100 Series has established a distinctive market position as premium compact digital cameras. It has won great acclaim from users around the world for its sophisticated exterior design, facilitating intuitive operability, and advanced image quality based on Fujifilm’s signature color reproduction technology that has been refined over 80 years.

The X100V is the fifth-generation model of the X100 Series. While maintaining the Series’ popular design in principle, the new model uses aluminum for the top and bottom plates of the camera body, applying advanced metal processing technology. It has achieved sharp looks to the edges while keeping the surfaces smooth. The use of a tilting rear LCD monitor and dials on the top plate enables intuitive operations and gives the camera body design sophistication exuding functional beauty. A high-performance lens with ultra resolution has been newly developed for this model. The back-illuminated 26.1MP “X-Trans™ CMOS 4”*1 sensor and the “X-Processor 4” high-speed image processing engine are combined with Fujifilm’s unique color reproduction technology to produce premium-quality stills and videos in “memory colors,” i.e. vivid colors exactly as you remember. The X100V equips the Advanced Hybrid Viewfinder, the world’s only*2 viewfinder that can be switched between optical viewfinder (OVF) and electronic viewfinder (EVF). The EVF uses a newly developed organic electroluminescent (EL) panel with capability of high-resolution, high luminance, high contrast to provide enhanced immersiveness in photography shooting experience.

The X100V is a digital camera that integrates excellent design and operability, perfected with attention to detail, with functions that achieve outstanding image quality. It will give photographic pleasure and a sense of joy to own such excellent camera to a wide range of users including professional photographers and photography enthusiasts.

  • *1　X-Trans™ is a trademark or registered trademark of FUJIFILM Corporation.
  • *2　As of February 5, 2020. According to Fujifilm.

1.    Main product features

(1) Sophisticated design exuding functional beauty

This is the first X100 Series camera that uses aluminum for its top and bottom plates. Aluminum, highly shapeable metal, has been milled into shape to achieve sharp looks to the edges and fine blasting treatment produces smooth texture on the surface. The body has been further colored with alumite treatment to achieve a premium appearance.
For the first time in the X100 Series, this model features a two-way tilting rear LCD monitor that enables various shooting styles from high and low angles. The monitor’s excellent touch-response performance guarantees intuitive operability. The ultra-thin LCD monitor can be stored flush in the back panel to achieve an integral body design with a sense of style.
The X100V offers an ISO dial, built into the shutter speed dial, allowing users to check and adjust various settings without having to turn the camera on. When adjusting ISO sensitivity, users can pull the outer rim of the Built-In ISO Dial up to lock for added convenience.
The camera features a grip shaped for a comfortable hold and various buttons optimally positioned for easy operation, promising a great shooting experience.

2) Premium image quality achieved with the newly-developed high-performance lens combined with the latest image sensor and image processing engine

  • Using optical technologies developed through the industry-leading “FUJINON lenses,” including lenses for cinema cameras, Fujifilm has newly developed a bright prime lens with the focal length of 23mm (equivalent to 35mm in the 35mm film format) and the maximum aperture of F2. The lens, specifically designed for the X100V using two aspherical lens elements, delivers edge-to-edge sharpness in high resolution and high contrast.
  • The X100V uses the back-illuminated 26.1MP “X-Trans™ CMOS 4” sensor and the “X-Processor 4” high-speed image processing engine. They are combined with Fujifilm’s unique color reproduction technology, refined for over 80 years, to produce “memory colors,” i.e. vivid colors exactly as you remember.

(3) Evolved “Advanced Hybrid Viewfinder” in pursuit of the photography style of “shooting through the viewfinder”
  • The X100V features the world’s only “Advanced Hybrid Viewfinder,” allowing users to instantaneously switch between the optical viewfinder (OVF), which captures the photo subject exactly as it is, and the electronic viewfinder (EVF), which reflects exposure and other shooting conditions adjustments.
  • The EVF uses a high-resolution 3.69-million-dot organic EL panel for the first time in the X100 Series. It boasts the maximum luminous intensity of 1500 candelas and high contrast to display even intricate details in highlights and shadows, providing enhanced immersiveness in photography.
  • In the OVF mode, the viewfinder offers the Electronic Rangefinder function to display a small EVF window at the same time. The feature has been developed to bring out the maximum viewfinder potential, allowing users to capture the subject as it is while enlarging the focusing area in the small EVF. This function provides added convenience when taking snapshots.
(4) Expanded array of shooting functions
  • The use of the latest algorithm enables the camera to realize fast and accurate phase-detection AF at the minimum luminance of -5EV, which is close to pitch darkness. The performance of Face and Eye AF has also been improved. The Focus Limiter function, which limits the range of focal lengths for using AF, assists a smooth shooting experience with AF.
  • The X100V offers a total of 17 Film Simulation modes to provide versatile tonal variations. It enables a high contrast finish with three-dimensional definitions with the “CLASSIC Neg” mode, which simulates color negative film traditionally chosen for snapshots of day-to-day scenes. The “ETERNA” mode, which simulates the colors and tonality of Fujifilm’s motion picture film, allows users to record video in subdued colors and rich shadow tones.
  • The X100V also has the “Grain Effect” function for reproducing distinctive graininess seen in photographs taken with film cameras. Users can adjust size and strength settings to control the degree of grain.
  • The camera is capable of recording smooth 4K video at 30fps. In the Full-HD modes, video can be recorded at even smoother 60fps for premium video quality.
(5) Various optional accessories for expanding photographic enjoyment
  • The use of the adapter ring “AR-X100” and the protection filter “PRF-49” makes this camera dust and moisture resistant for users to enjoy shooting in light rain or dusty outdoor conditions.
  • Two conversion lenses are available to alter the camera’s focal length without compromising its optical performance or f-stop value, further broadening photographic pleasure.
    ① Wide conversion lens “WCL-X100 II”
    Mounting this conversion lens widens the focal length by 0.8x to 19mm (equivalent to 28mm in the 35mm film format), perfect for landscape photography.
    ② Tele-conversion lens “TCL-X100 II”
    Mounting this conversion lens extends the focal length by 1.4x to 33mm (equivalent to 50mm in the 35mm film format), ideal for portraiture taking advantage of a natural perspective.
  • The genuine leather case “LC-X100V” gives a premium appearance. A memory card or a battery can be replaced while the case is attached to the camera.

Fujifilm X100V
USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / Focuscamera
EU: AmazonDE / CalumetDE / WexUK / ParkcamerasUK / JessopsUK / AmazonUK / PCHstore

Thomas Heaton Fujifilm X-T3 Editing: “Capture One is Amazing, I can See Why Pros Use it, but if You Use Lightroom, Get This Plug-in!”

In his latest video (see below), Thomas Heaton talks about the photography software he use to process his Fujifilm X-T3 RAW files. He tested

→ Save 25% off on Capture One 20 all cameras and Capture One 20 for Fujifilm cameras using the coupon code “25EXTRA” (valid til February 5)

Here are some considerations:

  • Lightroom only: worm effect. Strange things go on. Images do not look great
  • Lightroom with enhanced details: cleans up files, no worms, initially files look better. But he realized he loses lots of details actually, and hence looks softer
  • Capture One: file looks fantastic. C1 does an amazing job. Nice clean file. He can see why Pros use that
  • Iridient X Transformer: simple to install. Converts Fuji RAW files to DNG file and takes care of sharpening. The results are very close to Capture One results. Image looks cleaner, better. Very impressed with Iridient X Transformer

And in real life? Thomas printed the same image using the 4 different methods. He can’t see any difference. You need a loupe and super close, to see difference.

The only real noticeable difference appears during the editing process. You look at high res monitor super magnified. But when printed, you don’t really see difference.

But although in real world you can’t see real difference, you want to work with the best file possible, enjoy the processing. He recommends Capture One or Iridient X Transformer.

Thomas Heaton decided to use Iridient X Transformer. It’s almost as good as Capture One, and he can keep all his Lightroom workflow.

But if you don’t have problems to switch, he would recommend Capture One.

→ Save 25% off on Capture One 20 all cameras and Capture One 20 for Fujifilm cameras using the coupon code “25EXTRA” (valid til February 5)

Documentary: How Fujifilm Creates Our Cameras – X-Pro3 Not a Product of Logic and About Managers Who Don’t Like Digital Cameras ;)

Fujifilm X Photographer Mindi Tan created a 90 minuted documentary, giving us a behind the scenes to the secret process behind the Fujfilm X-Pro3 creation.

It gives us a very close and also intimate look at Fujifilm’s camera creators and managers. The documentary reveals its team dynamics, beliefs and history inside the company with lots of exclusive interviews and footage.

It also features nine popular X-Photographers from all over the world who open up in their home environments to discuss what being a photographer and being connected with Fujifilm means today.

Down below you can find a summary of the video, but before that, I’d like to leave you with quick impressions I had.

It’s clear to see from the documentary, that behind our beloved Fujifilm cameras, there are not cold managers thinking at specs and profits, but really passionate photographers in the first place.

In fact, top manager’s Toshi Ilda first hobby was photography, and when his father asked him, what he wishes for his successful graduation, he said he’d like a camera.

Also, another top manager, Takeshi Ueno, deeply loves film photography, and straight out says he does not like digital cameras.

I guess this passion for the good old photography reflects perfectly in the vintage design and controls of Fujifilm cameras.

However, it comes even more surprising, that Fujifilm completely denied this “manual” DNA on the Fujifilm GFX100, which is the first Fujifilm camera I ever hold in my hands, that was not intuitive (for me) to operate, and required a look in the manual, to understand how it works.

I am sure there will be many, who love the more “modern” layout of the Fujifilm GFX100, and that’s perfect. I can understand. But it’s just not my style, not my preference.

I think Fujifilm should continue to offer what makes them unique, and part of that is not to give up vintage controls. And with the X-Pro3, they pushed this concept to its limits, by even hiding the LCD.

Also interesting:

They say the X-Pro3 is not a product of “logic”, but of instinct. In this case they did not listen to what the market dictates, but their intuition, that it was the right thing to do with the X-Pro3.

And that’s why I love Fujifilm.

If they would be like Sony for example, and just listen to market logic, Fujifilm would just offer one camera body. The same for everybody.

But Fujifilm knows photographers are not all the same, and so they offer niche products, that will never really become that profitable. By doing so, Fujifilm honors its photographic culture and heritage, it’s photo-DNA.

It’s a very lovely documentary, that I invite everybody to watch.

Video and Summary

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Fujifilm X-Pro3 Dura Silver Release Postponed to January 16

Fujifilm X-Pro3

Fujifilm has postponed the release of the Fujifilm X-Pro3 Dura Silver from mid-December 2019 to January 16, 2020.

Fujifilm writes:

Fujifilm X-Pro3 […] has a slight delay in production […] we have received orders from all over the world, and we will postpone the release date on January 16, 2020 in order to ensure sufficient supply.

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Press Release

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Fujifilm Lenses 2018: Top Picks, Reviews, Fujinon F1.4/1.2 vs F2 and in 2019 Fuji Needs Lower Cost Lenses and Redesigned 35/1.4

Fujinon Lenses Roundup

The Fujifilm year 2018 is over, and BHphoto decided to wrap it up in their 2018 Fujifilm lenses in Review blog post.

They go over all the announced lenses (maybe even over some you might have missed, like the Fujinon XC15-45 or the MCEX-18G and MCEX-45G), and look forward to all the good stuff coming in 2019/2020.

Check out the BHphoto blog post here.

And speaking of lenses, here is much more Fujinon lens-related content.

BLOG POSTS

  • alikgriffin – Fujifilm 23mm f1.4 vs. 23mm f2 | Lens Comparison
  • friendlyfireshots – Fujifilm Desperately Needs to Redesign Their 35mm ƒ/1.4 Lens Sooner Rather Than Later
  • thomasfitzgeraldphotography – Why I wish Fuji would release some lower cost lenses
  • dsphotoblog – Fujinon 18-55 – The king of street?
  • mfoto – Fujifilm XF 14mm f/2.8 R – Lens Review
  • expertphotography – Best Fuji Lenses – 6 Top Picks in 2018
  • medium – What lenses to bring to Patagonia!?
  • dc.watch – Popular type VS red badge. Listen to landscape photographer Tatsunoko san for telephoto zoom selection

VIDEOS

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Fujinon XF33mm F1.0 R WR: Clutch Focus? Price? AF-speed? and More – Multiple POLLS

Fujinon XF 33mm F1.0

We have pressed Fujifilm to give us the XF33mmF1.0 R WR, and Fujifilm listened: the dream lens of many X shooters will hit the market earliest 1.5 years from now, in 2020.

According to a recent poll we launched, 72% of FujiRumors readers are “interested” to buy this lens. 13% don’t know and only 15% are not interested at all.

But…

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FUJIFILM Announces On-Site Service & Support at Olympic Winter Games in South Korea 2018

Fujifilm has announced on-site Service & Support at the Olympic Winter Games 2018 in South Korea for the CINE LENSES.

On site service at big events is something that Canon and Nikon offer since a long time now for their systems and Fujifilm should offer such kind of support for their X and G system, too.

The real deadline for Fujifilm to make the final breakthrough in the world of professional sports photographer, are the Summer Olympis in Tokyo 2020. Fujifilm is working hard to have a nice offer of bodies and lenses ready to replace entirely DSLRs.

The EVF black-out less Fujifilm X-H1 is just the start. The XF 200mmF2 is will follow and more will come… and within 2020, the Fujifilm system should be mature enough also for professional sports photographers.

Press Release

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