CHINESE X GEAR: Meike launches Fuji TTL Flash & 2 Vertical Battery Grips for the X-T1 + Kaxinda 35mmF1.7 Lens

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The Chinese photography accessories brand MEIKE, famous for battery grips, is going to release a TTL capable flash for Fujifilm cameras (the MK320 F Speedlite) and 2 Battery Grips for X-T1.

THE FLASH

It can be pre-ordered from Chinese e-commerce site Taobao for RMB 420 ($67). From the Flash product page (in English):

High GN: 32
TTL
Manual Flash (S1/S2 mode)
Adjustable Tilt & Swivel Head
LCD Lattice screen
LED-Assistive preview focus
Metal hot shoe
Support synchronization of front and rear curtains
Memory function

I can’t find anything about HSS. Here is a video (not Fuji version) of this flash.

THE GRIPS

There are 2 grips, the MK-XT1 Pro and the MK-XT1. There is no English version of the product description, but the FujiRumors reader, who passed me the news (thanks!) said that:

– The MK-XT1 Pro comes with a IR remote with an effective range of 100m.
– Can set delay time (selfie timer?)
– Can set exposure time, time between pictures and number of pics. I guess it mean full intervalometer features.
– Both are weather-sealed, but I am not sure if the NO remote version just does not come with a remote or is simply incompatible.
– 480 RMB ($76) is the SRP (suggested retail price) for the remote version. SRP of NO remote version unknown.

THE LENS

And here is a Chinese manual Fuji lens: 33 1.6 (there is also a 35 1.7 MKII and 50 2.4) from Kaxinda. The lenses are available for a good price at Alibaba here and here.

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XF 50-140: “Admirably fast AF […] best lens for action and sports among the Fuji lenses” (Jonas) + “Fantastic IQ” (engaged)

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image courtesy: jonasjacobsson (Review PART 1)

XF 50-140
USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / EUROPE: WexUK / PCHstore / AmazonUK

In PART 1 of his review, jonasjacobsson tested the autofocus speed of XF 50-140 (on a X-T1). The subject? A dog running full speed in any direction. So how did it work? From the conclusions.

“The toughest test was for sure the first one, when he came towards me, resulting in 5 missed shots. Otherwise, for the most part, the lens performed admirably. Fast and accurate. And like I stated above, some of the missed once are a result of me not being used to shoot fast-moving dogs and it was really hard to predict the movement sometimes, so do keep that in mind. Without a doubt this is the best lens suited for action and sports among the Fuji lenses. In terms of autofocus speed the XF 50-140 is miles ahead of the slower XF 55-200, along with many other advantages like weather sealing and a fast constant aperture of f/2.8. It is however also almost 2.5-3 times as pricy as the older sibling. Once you lock on target the lens tend to keep that focus very well unless you do a some drastic movement that might interfere.”

In PART 2 of the 50-140 review, jonasjacobsson judges the IQ of the lens.

_ _ _

Also engaged tested the XF 50-140 and they say:

“Image quality is fantastic throughout regardless of focal length, with pleasingly sharp details and accurate focus. Without Fuji’s current speed king, the X-T1, I wasn’t able to test out the upper end of its autofocus abilities, but it performed quickly enough on my trusty X-E2. As for bokeh, out-of-focus background elements were generally smooth and not distracting, meaning this should be a solid portrait lens if that’s your thing.”

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Can X mount and X series lenses support a larger sensor? The Answer at johncaz!

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Can X mount and X series lenses can support a larger sensor? Johncaz investigated this question, and you can read his tests here.

From the conclusions:

“I could be wrong in my assumptions, so if you know better, then please leave a comment below and enlighten me, but this difference between the Samyang and Fujinon lenses is proof enough for me that the X-mount can handle a larger sensor. I’m not sure about a full frame, but I would bet that a 1.2x crop factor sensor would be a perfect match.”

But tell me, what’s more important than the sensor size? Exactly, it’s to know how to make the best out of the camera you already own, no matter which sensor is inside! And today you can look deep into the secrets of the Fujifilm X-T1 thanks to Rico’s latest book “Fujifilm X-T1: 111 X-Pert Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Camera“!

It’s a must have… and a steal, since you can purchase it for just $12.

You can buy it also at AmazonUS, but just for Kindle and with DRM.

Download your copy now here

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“X-PRO2: Smaller than X-PRO1, HVF + X-TRANS evolution” (dslrmagazine’s conclusions after talk with Fuji Manager at CP+)

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Let’s be clear… this is not really a rumor, but the conclusions of the Spanish site dslrmagazine (google translation) after having had a talk with the Fuji Manager at the CP+ in Japan. They tried to read “between the lines” of his statements, and came to the following conclusions:

1) HYBRID VIEWFINDER: The XF 35mmF2 looks a lot like the Leica Summicron-M 50mmF2 [admin: let’s just hope it won’t be that expensive!!!… even with the [shoplink 32741 ebay]terrfic price drop at cameraland right now on the 50mm Summicron APO[/shoplink], this lens is worth about 1/3 of my yearly teachers salary!!… though this version costs “just” $2,100 (discounted)]. But back to the XF 35mmF2: the compact size makes it perfect for cameras with Hybrid Viewfinder – ERGO: the X-PRO2 will feature a Hybrid Viewfinder. In the interview, the manager also said that customers demand to keep the X-PRO1 concept. DSLRmagazine thinks that this statement is another hint for an X-PRO2 with Hybrid Viewfinder.

2) MORE COMPACT: After the talk with the manager, DSLRmagazine concludes that the X-PRO2 will have the elegance and great operability of the Leica CL… it won’t be as small as the Leica CL, but smaller than the actual X-PRO1.

3) X-TRANS: It will have an evolution (not revolution) of the X-TRANS sensor.

4) Not X-PRO2 related, but the manager says that the 56 APD version isn’t really selling well. You can find a [shoplink 32731 ebay]BIG $300 price drop on the 56mmAPD at cameraland[/shoplink].

5) The X-M line is dead. Long live the X-A line!

At the end they make clear again, that these are just their suppositions after the talk with the manager. Of course, there is much more to read at dslrmagazine (google translation).

FujiRumors says: HVF is a must, X-Trans evoltutions sounds interesting… but smaller? What do you think? Should the X-PRO2 keep the X-PRO1 size or become smaller?

For Pros: Will you buy the Fujifilm GFX?

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stay tuned on FujiRumors for more X-PRO2 rumors,
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P.S.: Thanks Trenton ;)

FYI, here is the rumored X-PRO2 spec list

Fujifilm X-PRO2 rumored specs list

(TS= trusted source / NeS =New Source / AS = Anonymous Source / ASwN = anonymous source with nick-name / SRP = source who was right in the past / ORS = other rumor sites)

– APS-C sensor (TS + ASwN + AS)
– 24MP sensor (ASwN) – More than 16MP (ASwN)
– dual SD card slot
– coming late 2015 (TS + ASwN)
– tilt screen (AS)
– WiFi (AS)
– Non organic ASP-C X-Trans sensor (ORS)
– Price about 20% to 30% more expensive than the X-T1 (AS)

 

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