_ _ _
by Rico Pfirstinger
Talk to Rico (open forum for questions & feedback) – Rico’s Flickr sets – X-E2 Sample Images Set – X-E2 Tracking AF Samples (private set, must use this link) – X-E2 Lens Modulation Optimizer (LMO) Examples (private set, must use this link) – XQ1 Sample Images Set – Mastering the Fujifilm X-Pro1 reading samples (65 free pages) – Order my NEW book (print or DRM-free eBook/PDF): Mastering the Fujifilm X-E1 and X-Pro1 (use code FUJISAVES30 to save 30%!)
Good news from Tokyo: Fujifilm has been expediting their efforts to provide lens firmware updates in order to fully support the new X-E2 with its PDAF/CDAF hybrid autofocus system and lens modulation optimizer. Click here to learn more about these features and read my First Look on the X-E2.
Here’s the plan:
On November 7, Fuji hopes to roll out PDAF and LMO firmware updates to the following lenses:
- XF14mmF2,8 R (V. 3.10)
- XF35mmF1.4 R (V. 3.10)
- XF60mmF2.4 R Macro (V. 3.10)
- XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS (V. 3.10)
- XF55-200mmF3.5-4.8 R LM OIS (V. 3.10)
- XC16-50mmF3.5-5.6 OIS (V. 1.10, PDAF update only, no LMO support)
By the end of November, Fuji plans to offer updates to the remaining XF lenses:
- XF18mmF2 R (V. 3.10)
- XF27mmF2.8 (V. 1.10)
The XF23mmF1.4 R supports PDAF and LMO out of the box with firmware 1.00, so no update is required.
The new XC50-230mmF4.5-6.7 OIS supports PDAF out of the box, too (firmware 1.00). However, there will be no LMO support for XC lenses.
X-E2 kits sold with the XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS kit zoom include lenses that have already been updated to firmware 3.10.
Of course, all future Fujinon XF lenses will automatically come with full PDAF and LMO support, and future XC lenses will support the PDAF.
Still no word if or when Zeiss will offer PDAF and/or LMO support for their Touit lenses.
Please note that these dates are semi-official, so they may still change. As usual, you heard it here first.
By the way, the tiny XQ1 contains an LMO, as well, and I’ve spent a few hours earlier today taking a bunch of sample images. Click here to access the sample set on Flickr.
For your convenience, here’s a TOC with links to my previous X-PERT CORNER articles:
Rico Pfirstinger studied communications and has been working as journalist, publicist, and photographer since the mid-80s. He has written a number of books on topics as diverse as Adobe PageMaker and sled dogs, and produced a beautiful book of photographs titled Huskies in Action (German version). He has spent time working as the head of a department with the German Burda-Publishing Company and served as chief editor for a winter sports website. After eight years as a freelance film critic and entertainment writer in Los Angeles, Rico now lives in Germany and devotes his time to digital photography and compact camera systems. His book “Mastering the FUJIFILM X-Pro1” (Kindle Edition) (Apple iBook Store) (German version) is available on Amazon and offers a plethora of tips, secrets and background information on successfully using Fuji’s X-Pro1 and X-E1 system cameras, lenses and key accessories.
