New Firmware Features (1): Using AF+MF

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New Firmware Features (1): Using AF+MF

by Rico Pfirstinger

Talk to Rico (open forum for questions & feedback)

Fuji X Secrets Workshops – Rico’s Flickr Sets

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This Thursday (18 DEC 2014), Fuji is releasing new firmware for the X-Pro1, X-E1, X-E2 and X-T1. This is the first of three articles explaining the changes and enhancements brought to you by these updates. Let’s begin with the single new feature that affects all four X camera models: AF+MF.

What is AF+MF?

AF+MF allows you to autofocus in AF mode, then adjust the focus manually by turning the focus ring while holding the shutter button half-depressed.

In order to access this feature, the camera needs to be updated with the latest firmware (at least version 3.40 for the X-Pro1, 2.40 for the X-E1, 3.00 for the X-E2 and 3.00 for the X-T1). Then select SHOOTING MENU > AF+MF > ON to enable the new feature.

How to apply AF+MF

In order to use AF+MF, your X-T1 or X-E2 have to be in AF-S autofocus mode. Users of X-E1 and X-Pro1 cameras may also select AF-C using the focus mode selector switch that is located at the front of the camera.

Here’s how AF+MF works, step by step:

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Zack Arias Fuji X Buyer’s Guide :: Part 2 :: Lenses

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And here is part 2 of Zack’s Fuji X Buyer’s Guide… this time it’s all about the lenses. No XC lenses and XF 18-135 in this Buyers Guide (since he doesn’t use them).

At the end he recommends the ideal kit for:

1) Casual Enthusiast
2) Serious Enthusiast on a budget
3) Serious Enthusiast with a budget
4) Emerging Pro – Pro secondary system
5) Wedding – Event photographer
6) Pro Portrait photographer
7) Travel – Documentary

Check it out at dedpxl and let us know what would be your perfect kit for those categories in the comments down below.

Next post will cover accessories.

Plenty of lenses are right now in offer in USA, Europe and Australia. Check out the deals below:

DEALS OVERVIEW

USA DEALS

– X100S (save $450 – black version): BHphoto (free SD card and bag). The silver one comes for $934 at AmazonUS.
– X-E1: It was supposed to expire on DEC 9, but it is still live: BHphoto is offering the X-E1 + 18-55 for just $699.
– X-A1: You can’t enter the MILC Fuji X-world cheaper than with this offer: Adorama is selling the blue X-A1 with 16-50 & 50-230 for ridiculous $499!

XF-lenses
(expires DEC 27)

XF 18-135 WR (save $100): BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / Pictureline /
XF 56mm f/1.2 (save $150): BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / Pictureline /
XF 23mm f/1.4 (save $200): BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / Pictureline /
XF 14mm f/2.8 (save $200): BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / Pictureline /
XF 35mm f/1.4 (save $100): BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / Pictureline /
XF 60mm f/2.4 (save $150): BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / Pictureline /
XF 10-24mm (save $200): BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / Pictureline /
XF 55-200mm (save $150): BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / Pictureline /

cameras
(expires DEC 27)

X-T1 body (save $100): BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / Pictureline /
X-T1 + XF18-55 (save $100): BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / Pictureline /
X100S (save $450 – black version): BHphoto (free SD card and bag)
X-PRO1 + 18mm (save $300):  Adorama / AmazonUS
X-E1 + 18mm (save $300): Adorama / AmazonUS
X-M1 + 18mm (save $300): Adorama / AmazonUS
X-E2 + XF18-55: Adorama

UK DEAL

– Claim up to £600/€750 Cashback on Fuji lenses and cameras
– Trade in your old DSLR to get £100/€125 off a new Fujifilm X-T1 or X-E2 Compact System Camera.
– Free XC50-230 when you buy a Fujifilm X-A1 or X-M1 with XC16-50mm kit or an X-E1 with XF18-55mm kit

Check the deals at Fuji’s site here.

Expire 11th of January

AUSTRALIAN DEAL

Big Cashback Deals in Australia, where even the brand new 50-140 and 56 APD are included in the offer. Check the deals out at CameraPro here.

Expires 24th of December

GERMAN / DUTCH DEAL

Cashback offers also in Germany, where you can save up to €150 in camera and lenses. Check out the deals at Fuji’s site here.

Expires 31th of December

ITALIAN DEAL

Cashback in Italy, too. Buy a lens, and get back €100, buy 2 lenses and get back €300, buy 3 lenses and get back €500! Also cameras like the X-T1 and X-E2 are in offer. See the deals at Fuji’s site here.

Expires 31th of December

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Fuji manager Hisashi Toshi: “The future is High-End!” XF 16-55 will cost around 120,000 yen. FujiUK says: “NO OIS”

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image courtesy: heraldcorp (translation)

Hasta la vista, OIS. The XF 16-55 won’t have it.

THE TWEET

NO OIS 1: After the 16-55 with OIS at the Fuji magazine, I’ve contacted FujifilmUK/FRA and the Fuji Guys via twitter and asked for a clarification. Just now I’ve received the answer from FujiUK (thanks). It’s just a typo, the OIS was removed from the magazine. They also said:

“The IQ of this lens is going to be amazing. OIS takes physical space which means the lens elements can’t be precisely where they need to be to allow for the absolute best image quality. We feel that it will be a better lens without it.“

My advice to Fuji: make an X-PRO2 with IBIS, and you could still sell plenty of these lenses. But for now, I’m afraid no OIS will be a deal breaker for many.

THE SHOWROOM

NO OIS 2: FR-reader Antoine was at the Fuji showroom in Tokyo and said that the mockup of the 16-55 f2.8 is not OIS, neither on the tag nor on the lens itself.

THE INTERVIEW

NO OIS 3: Korean interview (dated 12.12.2014) at heraldcorp (translation) with Fuji manager Hisashi Toshi. The journalist didn’t ask Mr. Hisashi Toshi about the OIS, but you can see a mock-up of the lens… no OIS marking on it.

THE PRICE: The XF 16-55mmF2.8 will cost around 120,000 yen ($1,010). This would make it the most expensive lens in Japan after the XF 50-140 (164,000 yen = $1,381) and XF56mm APD (160,000 yen = $1,347). src – Amazon Japan

“In the first half of next year, the flagship product? ‘ ASPHERICAL LENS FUJINON Nano-GI XF 16-55mm. Fujifilm released as a lens technology-intensive products will launch later this year. The price is based on the 120,000 japanese yen in Japan.”

In Europe the price could be of €1.049 (see artencraft)

THE FUTURE: Mr. Hisashi Toshi also said that the future is High End Mirrorless. Seems like actioncamerarumors was right when they said Fuji will ditch the entry level segment… finally, focus on high-end X-series cameras, everything else is just distraction.

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PRICE IN EUROPE

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“THE NEW PORTRAIT KING!” :: Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 APD :: VS :: XF 56mm f/1.2

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ivanjoshualoh tested the 56mm APD vs the classic 56 f/1.2 and posted many comparison samples. At the end he concludes that:

“Finally the million dollar question; or rather the five hundred dollar question. The difference between the great and the greater is always just abit. To me as a portrait photographer, that extra sharpness,contrast plus a even creamer bokeh means a lot to my final photo. Will I get the APD? Its will be a resounding YES. A new Fuji king is crown; at least for me.”

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

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