Fujifilm Manager Interview: Full Frame X100F Successor? More Megapixel on Fujifilm X-T3? Medium Format Fixed Lens? X-H1 and more!

Fujifilm Manager Interview

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MESSAGE TO SOURCE: In case you read this “CMJ”, the rumor box should work now. With your permission, though, I’d love to chat with you via email or any other way you decide. Of course I guarantee 100% anonymity. And last but not least… THANKS a lot :).

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Fujifilm Manager Mr. Udono had a live stream with Thai youtube channel กล้องกล้วยกล้วย. It’s a one hour talk, with questions made in Thai and English answers of the manager. But don’t worry, I listened it all for you, and I’ll make summary for you guys…. you’re welcome ;)

The focus is on the Fujifilm X-H1, of course. You will find a more detailed list of statements at the bottom of this article.

For the start I will focus on some of his answers, that are more related to questions he got about the future of Fujifilm.

Full Frame Interchangeable Lens System
As usual Fujifilm categorically excludes an interchageable lens system with full frame sensor. He says “No plans for FF. We have high quality APS-C sensor and Medium Format“

Full Frame X100F Successor
I know that a wide spread specualtion is that the Fujifilm X100F successor might get a full frame sensor, and it could make sense, since Fujifilm would not have to build up a complete new line of lenses, but also here, Mr. Udono seems to indicate that this won’t happen. He says:

“The most important is design and size. With full frame, the camera and lens will become bigger. Compactness is important factor of X100 line. We don’t want to miss such important point“

So, if you ever hoped for a full frame X100… these words don’t really make much hope for that.

On the other hand, the Full Frame Sony RX1RII is actually very compact, and comparing it at camerasize. But compared to the Fujifilm X100F, the RX1 has no hybrid viewfinder, which for sure needs its space too in the camera body.

Medium Format Fixed Lens Camera
The manager does not seem convinced by this idea. A fixed lens camera seems to make sense to him, if it is compact. A fixed lens MF camera would be much bigger than X100F.

Future APS-C Sensor Megapixel
Will Fujifilm offer APS-C sensors with more megapixel than the the current 24MP? The manager answers:

“We have to think at balance between image quality and speed. More pixel take longer time to process. 24MP is already enough. If we have opportunity to increase we will, but we have to think at speed and image quality. For high megapixel images we have Fujifilm GFX 50S.”

This fits with what we have already rumored about the Fujifilm X-T3 here, which we know will have still less than 30MP, so there won’t be a huge jump in terms of megapixel on the next generation X-Trans sensor.

IBIS Future
Just like Fuji Guy Billy in the TCSTV live stream here, also Mr. Udono confirms that the IBIS mechanism is currently quite big, hence it does not fit into smaller bodies. His words:

“in order to keep IQ, at the moment Fujifilm needs bigger IBIS unit“

Product Planing – How Long does it Take to make a Camera / Lens?
Mr Udono starts saying that they care of customer feedback when they design new products:

“We listen to customers and photographers. X-H1 we listened to photographers voice and added functions on top of X-T2. Especially for top end cameras we have lots of discussions with photographers. Direct comunication with customers, also via dedicated Fujifilm showrooms”

Then he shares more details about how long exactly it takes to develop and then launch a camera and lens to the market:

“Once we have a fix idea, it takes 1 year to make the camera. But before it takes another year of discussions. So 2 years in total. In case of lens development we need more time.”

And more:

  • 4:2:2 and 10bit: Limitation of processor. We tried to have more specifications, but at the moment it’s difficult
  • MK lenses: Cover 70/80% of film needs. For web-users who shoot video. Not for cinema or TV
  • ETERNA: If lots of request, Eterna might come to other X series cameras
  • Size: small and lightweight is still top key factor for mirrorless, also in future
  • Fujifilm X-T2 next firmware update: We will think of upgrading it
  • XF200mF2: coming later this year
  • Touch Screen: more functions and improvements possible
  • Articulating screen: The mechanical parts requested to make articulating screen would make the camera bigger

You can find the full Thai interview at กล้องกล้วยกล้วย Youtube

Fujifilm X-H1 – $150 Bundle Savings: BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama, Focuscamera
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Fujifilm X-H1 Coverage: X-H1 facebook group + X-H1 facebook Page

Full List of Deals on Fujifilm X-H1, X-T2, GFX 50S & More

Full List of Fujifilm Deals

February and March are usually the best months to go shopping in the Fujifilm world, because the Japanese fiscal year ends March 31, and companies want to boost the sales before they publish their yearly financial reports to investors.

Hence, Fujifilm is offering plenty of more or less attractive deals on X gear, including the brand new Fujifilm X-H1 and the medium format Fujifilm GFX 50s.

The full list of deals below:

Fujifilm X-H1 Deals

Fujifilm X-H1 Bundle Deals – Save $150
with XF 16-55: BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama, Focuscamera
with XF 50-140: BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama, Focuscamera
with XF 100-400: BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama, Focuscamera
with Vertical Grip + XF 16-55: BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama, Focuscamera
with Vertical Grip + XF 50-140: BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama, Focuscamera
with Vertical Grip + XF 100-400: BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama, Focuscamera

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

Fujifilm X-H1 Pre-orders
All combos: BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama, Focuscamera

Fujifilm GFX, X-T2 & more Deals

Fujifilm GFX 50S + Any GF lens* (save $1,000): BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS
* GF63mmF2.8 / GF45mmF2.8 / GF32-64mmF4 / GF120mmF4 / GF110mmF2 / GF 23mmF4

Fujifilm X-T2 Black + 1* or 2** XF lenses (save $200): BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS, Focuscamera
*14 / 16 / 23F1.4 / 27 / 35F1.4 / 56 / 56APD / 60 / 90 / 10-24 / 16-55 / 18-55 / 18-135 / 50-140 / 55-200 / 100-400
** 18-55 + 14 / 18-55 + 16 / 18-55 + 23F1.4 / 18-55 + 27 / 18-55 + 35F1.4 / 18-55 + 56 / 18-55 + 56APD / 18-55 + 60 / 18-55 + 90 / 18-55 + 10-24 / 18-55 + 16-55 / 18-55 + 18-55 / 18-55 + 18-135 / 18-55 + 50-140 / 18-55 + 55-200 / 18-55 + 100-400

Fujifilm X-T2 Graphite + 1* XF lens (save $200): BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS, Focuscamera
*14 / 16 / 23F1.4 / 27 / 35F1.4 / 56 / 56APD / 60 / 90 / 10-24 / 16-55 / 18-55 / 18-135 / 50-140 / 55-200 / 100-400

Fujifilm X-T20 + 16-50 + 50-230 + grip (save $429): BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama
* AmazonUS and Adorama include lots of freebies

Fujifilm X-T20 + 16-50 (save $100): BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama
* AmazonUS and Adorama include lots of freebies

Fujifilm X-E2S
with 18-55 + 14mm bundle deal (save $519): Adorama
body only (save $200): BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama
with 18-55 (save $319): Adorama

Fujifilm X-T1
black body (save $650): BHphoto
black body + free accessories (save $650): BHphoto
with 18-55 + Battery Grip (save $800): BHphoto
with XF 35mm f/2 (save $750): BHphoto
Graphite body (save $750): BHphoto
with XF18-55 (save $750): BHphoto

Fujifilm XF16mmF1.4 R WR + Free Accessory Bundle worth $296 at Adorama

Fujinon XF35mmF2 WR + $50.00 Gift Certificate at Adorama
Fujinon XF23mmF2 WR + $50.00 Gift Certificate at Adorama

Fujinon XF100-400mm
with Free Accessory Bundle (save $300): Adorama
with XF1.4X TC + Accessories (save $300): Adorama
with XF2.0X TC + Accessories (save $300): Adorama

Fujifilm XF50-140mm + XF100-400mm + Accessories (save $355): Adorama

New Creative Opportunities: Godox H1200 and Crossbrand Adaptations (on Fujifilm GFX 50S)

New Creative Opportunities: Godox H1200 and Crossbrand Adaptations

There are hundreds of modifiers out there with Bowens mounts…but which are any good?

gues post by Markus Klinko

With the emergence of the Fujifilm GFX medium format camera in January of 2017, I became very interested in high speed flash sync.

Until that time, for most of my work, I used medium format cameras with leaf shutters, that provided sufficiently fast flash sync, up to 1/1600, with certain configurations.
But flash duration really was always my main concern, and I simply did not worry about needing to sync at any faster shutter speeds.

Daphne Guinness for Muse magazine, New York, 2011. (photo by Markus Klinko) http://www.markusklinkostudio.com
Daphne Guinness for Muse magazine, New York, 2011. (photo by Markus Klinko) http://www.markusklinkostudio.com

As I started to explore how High Speed Sync (HSS) and/or Hyper or Hi Sync (HS) could open up new creative possibilities, in conjunction with a medium format mirrorless camera, I looked at all available options, offered by the established companies such as Broncolor, Profoto and Elinchrom.

It is important to be very clear that there are basically only 2 different ways to sync at high shutter speeds: With HS, as used by Broncolor and Elinchrom, a very long flash duration is needed to provide a flash long enough, where a portion of that flash can be efficiently synced up with the shutter at high speeds. With HSS on the other hand, (the brands that use this method, such as Profoto, Godox, Jinbei and many speedlites), a rapid sequence of pulsating flashes, creates a very even and reliable solution. While HSS provides a smoother and more even exposure, it can lack the power of a ‘normal’ flash.

For almost all of my career, I exclusively used Broncolor, and even collaborated with the brand for about 10 years, for many marketing and promotional campaigns, including their launch campaign for the original Para 330, in 1999.

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Fujifilm X-H1 Full Press Release and Specs Leaked. Price $1,899. Fujfilm X-T20 and GFX Firmware Coming too!

Fujifilm X-H1

Hey… the leaking never stops, this time it’s nokishita :)

We have already leaked the images of the Fujifilm X-H1 yesterday here. It great to see now confirmation from nokishita, who even leaks the entire specs sheet of the X-H1 :)

Also to be announced on the 15th, a firmware update for the Fujifilm GFX (will bring focus braketing) and X-T20 (improved AF)

via nokishita

** CLICK HERE to Read the Rest of the Article **

Fujifilm GFX 50S and Fujfiilm X-T20 Firmware Update Coming – Full Details

Along with the Fujifilm X-H1 and the MK lenses, Fujifilm will announce firmware updates for the Fujifilm GFX 50S and the Fujifilm X-T20.

We already reported about it here, now again the full details, google translated from German.

Fujifilm GFX Firmware Update (ver. 3.00) – Available end of February

  1. Focus bracketing
    With the update, the automatic recording of image series (up to 999 images) with different focus settings is possible. After each triggering, the camera independently shifts the focus plane by the previously set step value (1-10).
  2. Small picture format mode (meaning Full Frame Format)
    In the new 35mm format mode, the active sensor area is limited to a 36.0mm x 24.0mm (30.5 megapixel) area in the center of the image. As a result, interchangeable lenses whose image circle corresponds to the 35 mm format can be used even more conveniently. If desired, one of the function keys (Fn) of the GFX 50S can be assigned this function.
  3. Compatibility with H MOUNT ADAPTER G
    The new firmware also extends the compatibility of the H MOUNT ADAPTER G with additional lenses and other accessories. A list of compatible products is available on the Internet at:
    http://www.fujifilm.com/support/digital_cameras/compatibility/mountadapter/

Fujifilm X-T20 Firmware Update (ver. 2.00) – available beginning of April

  1. Improved AF tracking
    With the newly developed scene recognition algorithm, the camera can track even smaller moving objects twice as fast as with the previous firmware version.
  2. Improved touchscreen operation
    With the update, the X-T20 receives many of the touchscreen features already familiar from the FUJIFILM X-E3:
    1. Enlarge display: When you double-tap, the picture is magnified and centered on the focus point.
    2. Focus range selection: The user can move the focus point even when magnified.
    PRESS RELEASE
    Page 1 of 3
    3. Zoom in / out: If you split or contract two fingers on the display, you can now also change the thumbnail (9 pictures / 100 pictures).
    4. Select an image from the thumbnail view by tapping or dragging the image, or double-tap to full view.
    5. Function Selection via Quick Menu (Q)
    6. On-screen keyboard *
    * Except for some functions.
  3. Compatible with “FUJIFILM X RAW STUDIO”
    With the FUJIFILM X RAW STUDIO software, RAW data can be converted using the on-board X-Processor Pro when the camera is connected to the computer via a USB cable. Fast batch processing of several recordings in quick succession is also possible. “FUJIFILM X RAW STUDIO” is available as a free download on the FUJIFILM website.
  4. User-defined operation of the FUJINON XC15-45mmF3.5-5.6 OIS PZ
    After updating the firmware, the operation of the new zoom lens FUJINON XC15-45mmF3.5-5.6 OIS PZ can be configured as follows:
    1. Occupy focus ring with zoom function
    2. Maintaining the zoom position during time-lapse recording
    3. Maintaining the zoom position in playback mode (faster
    Readiness to reactivate the recording mode)
  5. More flash functions for radio remote control of studio flash units
    With the update, the high-speed flash synchronization and the TTL flash exposure mode can now also be used with radio remote control of compatible studio flash units from other manufacturers.
  6. Display RGB histogram and overexposure warning
    A function key can be used to fade in the RGB histogram as well as to activate the overexposure warning (blinking of overexposed areas).
  7. Enlarged and custom viewfinder display
    With the firmware update, the information displayed in the viewfinder and on the display can be enlarged. The position of the display can now also be selected by the user.

Sony A7rIII Vs. Fujifilm GFX 50s: “GFX Best IQ of Any Mirrorless. Speaking from the Heart, there is Something Special About the GFX”

Sony A7r III vs Fujifilm GFX 50s

Mirrorlessons shared their Sony A7rIII Vs. Fujifilm GFX 50S image quality comparison.

As usual, it is a very comprehenisve and well done test, so make sure to check it out here. From the conclusions:

“Certainly the Fujifilm GFX 50s delivers the best image quality I’ve seen from a mirrorless camera to date. Landscape, portrait, architecture or still life photographers who seek the ultimate sharpness, dynamic range and colours can find in the GFX the perfect companion.

However it is also true that the A7r mark III’s performance comes close and retains a few advantages such as the better high ISO output. So if you add in the additional versatility (fast AF, 4K video, etc.) as well as the lens choice and price, it is hard not to see the A7r III as the best option on the table.

But speaking purely from the heart, I admit that there is something rather special about the GFX. The distinctive look produced by the sensor, lenses and colour profiles working together is second to none in the mirrorless category. Yes, it is niche product and I would probably never buy one, but I can understand why some photographers wouldn’t hesitate to do so.”

Again, don’t miss the whole thing, and jump over to mirrorlesscomparisons.

And if the price point of the GFX 50S scares you, just wait a bit, and get the Fujifilm GFX 50R, which will be annonced very likely within 2018, but might hit the market only in 2019.

On the other hand, if what you need an overall snappier camera, wait for the GFX 100S in 2019, but that one will cost you quite a bit.

And make sure to join our terrific GFX facebook group as well follow our GFX facebook page.

Fujifilm GFX 50S + Any GF lens* (save $1,000): BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS
* GF63mmF2.8 / GF45mmF2.8 / GF32-64mmF4 / GF120mmF4 / GF110mmF2 / GF 23mmF4

Fujifilm Deals: Save $429 on X-T20 Double Kit, Adorama XF Lens Bundle Deals, Extended GFX and More

Fujifilm Deals

The Japanese fiscal year ends in March, and Fujifilm tries to boost sales last second with some deals.

We already reported about the extended Fujfiilm GFX deals, and a few more to the bunch, especially the Fujifilm X-T20.

Adorama has some sweet deals + freebies on XF lenses.

The full overview below.

Fujifilm GFX

Fujifilm GFX 50S + Any GF lens* (save $1,000): BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS
* GF63mmF2.8 / GF45mmF2.8 / GF32-64mmF4 / GF120mmF4 / GF110mmF2 / GF 23mmF4

X Cameras body only or kit

Fujifilm X-T20 + 16-50 + 50-230 + grip (save $429): BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama
* AmazonUS and Adorama include lots of freebies

Fujifilm X-T20 + 16-50 (save $100): BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama
* AmazonUS and Adorama include lots of freebies

Fujifilm X-E2S + 18-55 + 14mm bundle deal (save $519): Adorama
Fujifilm X-E2S body (save $200): BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama
Fujifilm X-E2S + 18-55 (save $319): Adorama

Fujifilm X-T1 black body (save $650): BHphoto
Fujifilm X-T1 black body  + free accessories (save $650): BHphoto
Fujifilm X-T1 + 18-55 + Battery Grip (save $800): BHphoto
Fujifilm X-T1 Mirrorless Digital Camera with XF 35mm f/2 (save $750): BHphoto
Fujifilm X-T1 Graphite (save $750): BHphoto
Fujifilm X-T1 with XF18-55 (save $750): BHphoto

X Mount lenses

Fujifilm XF16mmF1.4 R WR + Free Accessory Bundle worth $296 at Adorama

Fujinon XF35mmF2 WR + $50.00 Gift Certificate at Adorama
Fujinon XF23mmF2 WR + $50.00 Gift Certificate at Adorama

Fujinon XF100-400mm + Free Accessory Bundle (save $300): Adorama
Fujifilm XF 100-400mm + XF1.4X TC + Accessories (save $300): Adorama
Fujifilm XF 100-400mm + XF2.0X TC + Accessories (save $300): Adorama
Fujifilm XF50-140mm + XF100-400mm + Accessories (save $355): Adorama

DEAL: Get Fujifilm X-T2 with $100 Gift Card, Free Manfrotto Compact Light Tripod and 64GB SanDisk Extreme Pro Card

Fujifilm X-T2 Deal

Starting today until next Friday, February 2nd, FocusCamera has a sweet deal on the Fujifilm X-T2.

Buy a…

and get the following freebies:

  • $100 Focus Camera Gift Card
  • Manfrotto Compact Light Tripod (Black)
  • SanDisk Extreme PRO 64GB 95MB/s UHS-1 SD Memory Card

Fujifilm GFX Deals Extended

Fujifilm extended the GFX deals until March 31, 2018. The GF lens only deals are gone, though, as well as the deals on X-series cameras and XF lenses.

Fujifilm GFX 50S + Any GF lens* (save $1,000): BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS
* GF63mmF2.8 / GF45mmF2.8 / GF32-64mmF4 / GF120mmF4 / GF110mmF2 / GF 23mmF4

Fujifilm named Thomson Reuters 2018 Top 100 Global Technology Leaders… and the Road to No.1 in Premium Mirrorless Camera Market

Fujifilm has been named (again) amongst the 2018 Top 100 global technology leaders by Thomson Reuters.

In the camera segment, Fujifilm was indeed innovative, by launching a new line of mirrorless medium format cameras with the Fujifilm GFX 50S, that has all the potential to become a game changer in the industry, especially once the Fujifilm GFX 100S hits the market, with its new 8K capable 100MP BSI sensor and faster sensor readout. And also an affordable rangefinder version is coming, the Fujifilm GFX 50R.

On the APS-C front, the current effort is set to give customers a wider range of camera body offers, by adding for example the Fujifilm X-H1 to the lineup, which will have IBIS and is more oriented towards video shooters, as well as giving “older” cameras a refresh, first and foremost the Fujifilm X-T3 by the end of 2018.

And lenses… lots of lenses for both, ASP-C and MF line, as we reported here.

The goal of this huge effort is very humbly described in Fujifilm’s medium-term management plan Vision 2019: “work toward capturing No.1 market share in the premium mirrorless camera market” within March 2020.

An incredibly ambitious goal, but as we can see, Fujifilm has lots of great stuff in the pipeline for 2018/2019, that has all been rumored on FujiRumors already (+ some surprises I am sure ;) )

I am ready to cover Fujifilm’s rise to camera-world domination here on FujiRumors…

… and if you want, you can follow this journey with me, by joining us also on Facebook, RSS-feed and Twitter.

Here is a list of some stuff, we can expect, but there will be more…

stay tuned… we are going to have fun :)

Fujifilm named Thomson Reuters 2018 Top 100 Global Technology Leaders

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Testing the Fujifilm GFX in Extreme Conditions, Hcam Double Shifter for GFX, and Stunning Fujifilm Medium Format Images

Fujifilm GFX is Tough (Tougher Than Sony ;) )

We already reported here, how the Fujifilm GFX 50S faced an extreme blizzard, and came out with absolutely no problems ;).

And knowing that the Fujifilm GFX it’s so tough, also our fellow GFX owners at the facebook group are not scared to use it under extreme conditions.

John Rourke for example is not afraid to let his Fujifilm GFX in the snow, as you can see here. Here is what he says about his GFX.

“still shooting strong on everyday temperatures of -8 to -17 in Switzerland“.

Another GFX shooter, Graham Welland, took it out in the rain forest. He shares his experience here.

“Weatherproof testing in the rain forest, literally pouring rain and dripping camera.

Only problem area was the EVF. A drop of water blocked the eye sensor enough that the LCD flipped to the EVF. Took a minute to work out what had happened (ie camera hadn’t failed) and once I soaked that up we were back in action.”

Looks like the Fujifilm GFX is tougher than the Sony A7RIII, which failed in a recent weather sealing test made by imaging-resource here on youtube.

Hcam Double Shifter

Our Fujifilm GFX group is also a great resource to find any GFX related news, and inspiration of content not only for FujiRumors ;) .

Today we say thanks to Hcam manager Stefan Steib, who informed us in this GFX facebook post of January 22 about the new Hcam Shifter. Full details in this Hcam facebook post.

“For all the Fuji GFX Users –

here is our proposal for a double shift version with tilt –
using Mamiya 645, Pentax 645/ 67 or Hasselblad V/F lenses.

It´s a combination of our DRS Shifter for GFX
plus the perfectly matching Mirex M645, P645/ 67
or Hasselblad V/F adapters.

The Kitprice for both adapters is 1695,-€ for all versions.

For more infos please PM me at s.steib@hcam.de“

Of course Stefan is actively replying and answering all the questions regarding this adapter, so feel free to join the discussion here.

And before I leave you with some stunning images shared at our group, make sure to join not only our 16,000+ strong GFX facebook group, but also follow our dedicated Fujifilm GFX facebook page for 100% GFX news and rumors

Fujifilm GFX: BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS
Fujinon GF 45mmF2.8: BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS
Used G Gear AmazonUS used/refurbished, BHphoto used/refurbished

Images

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