miXed zone: 16-55, Bokeh-Bomb 56 APD vs 56 vs 60 vs 50-140 vs 18-55 vs 55-200, Nikon D750 vs X-E2, Weddings & more!

photo 1655_zps455506f7.jpg

PRE-ORDER XF 16-55mmF2.8 WR
USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / EUROPE: wexUK / PCHstore /

MUST READ: First Look at the XF 16-55mmF2.8 WR / Hands-on photos at dpreview / Flemming Bo Jensen (photographers biography): Fujinon XF16-55mm F2.8 at Zouk Singapore: Notes & Pictures & Ferry Corsten at flemmingbojensen /

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

– Rreview at lenstip / Review at thephoblographer – it gets the “Editor’s Choice Award” / Concert Shooting with the Fujifilm XF50-140F2.8 at adamkingphoto / Asturias – Fujifilm XF at dslrmagazine (translation) / Mr. Big – The Fujinon XF 50-140mm review at jonasraskphotography / Working With The Fuji 50-140mm Zoom Lens at luminous-landscape / review at ephotozine / Hands on review at the Japanese site camera.itmedia (translation) /

XF 56mm f/1.2 APD + comparison with other FR lenses
USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / DigitalRev EUROPE: AmazonUK / PCHstore / WexUK / WexDE / DigitalRev AUSTRALIA: CameraPro / DigitalRev

MUST READ: Rico’s X-pert corner comparison XF 56 vs XF 56 APD /

Fujifilm 56mm, 56mm APD and 60mm primes plus 50-140mm, 55-200mm and 18-55mm zooms ~ compared at prophotonut /

XF 56mmF1.2 APD test at dslrmagazine (translation) /  Bokeh Bomb – Fujinon 56mm F1.2 APD Review at bokeh-monster /

X100T
USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / EUROPE: WexUK / WexDE / PCHstore / AUSTRALIA: CameraPro

– Review at thephoblographer / Video Review of the Fujifilm X100T for Street Photography at erickimphotography / Fujifilm X100t review at peterscottdavison / Winter Wonderland – Fujifilm X100T and TCL-X100 teleconversion lens at larsauthen / Studio update: X30 and X100T added to dpreview comparison tool / How I’ve Set The ‘Q’ Menu On The Fuji X100T at alikgriffin / Back in the bag: Fujifilm X100T at ivoscholz / Fuji X100T : Initial Thoughts at squonky / Field Test: Fujifilm’s X100T Is the Most Amazing Camera I’d Never Buy at gizmodo / A Couple of Weeks with the Fuji X100T at mirrorlessjourney / X100T review at indergaard / Fujifilm X100T Setup Guide at decisiveshot / Fuji X100T review at digitalcameraworld / X100T real world samples at dpreview /
Fujifilm X100T Extensive Testing Teaser at photolisticlife /

NEW FIRMWARE

USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / EUROPE: WexUK / WexDE / AUSTRALIA: CameraPro

– Fuji X-T1 25fps video and more on the reaction to THAT update at soundimageplus / The People on the Green Line at valeriejardin / Fujifilm Quietly ‘Fixes’ Continuous AF on X-T1? at slrlounge / REVIEW: Fuji X-T1’s New Electronic Shutter at macleancomms /

Fujifilm X-T1 + Graphite X-T1
[shopcountry 21553]

electronic shutter vs mechanical shutter

– Fuji X-T1 Mechanical vs Electronic Shutter High Speed Results at thedowntowncreative /

graphite edition

– Full review of the Fujifilm X-T1 Graphite Silver Edition with the 35mm f / 1.4 in French at evan-forget (translation) /

classic black

– Fuji X-T1 Custom Settings at cliftonbeard / Review at zachwheeler / X-T1 review at gieseyproductions / More Fuji X-T Video at soundimageplus / Living With The Fuji X-T1 at luminous-landscape / “Paris En Octobre” – From my visit in the French capital, all with the X-T1 and lenses of 14, 35, 56 and 55-200. See the story at jonasjacobsson / Fujifilm X-Photographer – Oliver Baer with the X-T1 on youtube / Ten tips for your Fuji XT1 at daveyoungfotografia / My fourth year with Fuji and the X-T1 at stockografie / X-T1 photo essay “Taming the Italian Stallion” at thesoftsaddle / Fujifilm X-T1 Mirrorless Camera Review at shutterbug / Fuji X-T1 Cold Weather Test at theonlinephotographer / Welcome Fuji X-T1 at naturbilder-digital (translation) / Custom settings for the Fujifilm X-T1 at erohne / Fujifilm X-T1…. Back to basics at kjetilkvienmadsen / Shooting the XF16-55mm F2.8 promo movie: the Fuji X-T1 filming experience at charlenewinfred /

Fujifilm X30
USA: BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / BestBuy / EUROPE: wexUK / wexDE / PCHstore

– Fujifilm X-30: the “cool” camera at photodanielm / X30 video at allaboutthegear / Fujifilm X30 Shooter’s Report: The retro compact gets modern features, keeps great image quality at imaging-resource /

X100/S + Converters
[shopcountry 12883]

– Making street portraits (with the Fuji x100) at theinspiredeye / Meet the Amateur Street Photographer Taking China by Storm at time / Fujifilm X100S Homemade Review at jorgevillalba / The Importance of Remaining Invisible at valeriejardin / Fujifilm X100S Travel Photography Review at vopoku / Fuji X100 Rethink 2015 at photo.rwboyer / facebook uses X100S for their short “untag” tutorial video / Fuji X100 – Destination Maui, Hawaii at briankraft /

other X-series cameras

– Nikon D750 vs Fujifilm X-E2 on test chart at stanleyleary and Nikon D750 vs Fujifilm X-E2 on shooting the moon at stanleyleary /  Fujifilm X-E2: The digital rangefinder without rangefinder at photodanielm / 55-200 review at leighmiller / The road to Shangri-La (X-E1) at thesoftsaddle / First Frost with the Fuji X-E1 at thomasfitzgeraldphotography / BERLIN, 25 YEARS ‘FALL OF THE WALL’ with Fuji xe2 at lumencamera / New Year on Kope (X-E2) at gregorharih / First time Fuji User. A Fuji X-E2 Review at diyphotography /

lenses

X-mount lenses

– FujiFilm XF60mm F2.4R vs XF56mmF1.2 R autofocus comparison (@ low light, low contrast) on youtube / “Elin Rigby” – an outside photoshoot exclusively with the 56 mm in the great Autumn light at jonasjacobsson / Fujinon XF 56 mm f1.2 R: análisis in Spanish at quesabesde (translation) / XF 18-135 review at thephoblographer /

other lenses

– Another Look at the Handevision IBELUX 40mm F/.85 at slrlounge /

RAW-conversion / processing / Jpeg

– Fuji photographs of an abandoned town in rural Arkansas, USA. Processed files in DXO filmpack or PhotoNinja to simulate Tri-X film at worldofdecay / third party RAW developers for Fuji X-TRANS files in Lightroom at wimarys /

Switch to the X… or mirrorless

– What Fuji X camera and lenses should I buy? ~ recommendations at prophotonut / Mirrorless Interchangable – Where does it go in 2015? Part 2 – Fuji X at soundimageplus / Welcome new X-shooter Doug Shobbrook and check out his great images at unsuburban /

Fuji X for Weddings

Montego Bay Wedding Photographer | Ashley & Garret at vopoku / Devonshire Wedding Photographer | Sarah & Karl at vopoku /

Acessories / Flash / Extension Tubes

Nissin i40 Flash for Fujifilm Cameras – Overview & My Thoughts (youtube)

– Closer MCEX-11 – MCEX-16 at kammah /

– Leather straps for your Fujifilm camera at nucisleather / Lee Filters: on my X100s at darcymoore / Review: Fuji X-T1 Vertical Grip at daveyoungfotografia / Fuji Grips HG-XE1 vs MHG-XE at derrenhodsonphotography / Fuji X-T1 Wired Remote Release for bulb mode – home made, $3 only at drozdi-foti / bamboo grips at petapixel /

a bit of everything

– German Sony vs. Fujfilm at digitaler-augenblick (translation) / Bekenntnisse eines Fujifilm X-Fotografen at christianahrens (translation) / Summary of 2014 and our favourite images of the year at olafphotoblog / Mirrorless Year in Review 2014 at admiringlight / 2014: A quick Review at daveyoungfotografia / Fujifilm Camera Remote at johncaz / Chasing the Milky Way – Star Photography for Fuji X Shooters at rosskennedyimages / Why Fujifilm users are so satisfied at inmybag / free photo hosting site just for Fuji cameras and lenses at fujifilmimages / The best camera is the one you love at theinspiredeye / 20 Best Photos of 2014 at brianedenphotography /2015 Fujifilm Student Awards Launched at ephotozine / Fuji X Adventures in North America – A Town Called Bradford at petetakespictures / HDR Bracketing with a Fuji at johncaz /

Dear Fuji… this is my wishlist for 2015 at eyesuncloudedphoto /

BREAKING DEALS: Save $170 on two XF 50-140 :: Save $150 on the 56APD :: Save $100 on the X30 :: Last X-deal day?

[shoplink 31565 ebay] photo as_zpsd7d3cf94.jpg[/shoplink]

Top rated ebayUS store Cameraland recently had an event…. pff, you know the story, here are the deals ;)

– Save $170 on the [shoplink 31565 ebay]XF 50-140mmF2.8 OIS WR[/shoplink] (JUST 2 LEFT)
– Save $150 on the [shoplink 31087 ebay]XF 56mm f/1.2 APD[/shoplink] – (JUST 1 LEFT)
– They also have the Fujifilm X30 $100 off [shoplink 31567 ebay]here[/shoplink] and [shoplink 31568 ebay]here[/shoplink]

REMINDER – – – LAST DAY

This is probably the last day to save a lot on plenty of X-gear

cameras

X-T1 body: BHphoto (save $100 + lots of freebies) / AmazonUS (save $100)
X-T1 + XF18-55: BHphoto (save $100 + lots of freebies) / AmazonUS (save $100)
X100S (save $450 – black version): BHphoto (free SD card and bag). The silver one comes for $973 at AmazonUS.
X-E1: BHphoto is offering the X-E1 + 18-55 for just $699.

XF-lenses

XF 18-135 WR : BHphoto (save $100) / AmazonUS (save $100)
XF 56mm f/1.2: BHphoto (save $150) / AmazonUS (save $150)
XF 23mm f/1.4: BHphoto (save $200) / AmazonUS  (save $200)
XF 14mm f/2.8: BHphoto (save $169) / AmazonUS  (save $169)
XF 35mm f/1.4: BHphoto (save $100) / AmazonUS  (save $100)
XF 60mm f/2.4: BHphoto (save $100)
XF 10-24mm: BHphoto (save $200) / AmazonUS  (save $200)
XF 55-200mm: BHphoto (save $150) / AmazonUS  (save $150)
XF 18-55mm: BHphoto (save $70)

Fuji’s first half 2015 (rumored) X-gear roadmap: 2 new X-series cameras, 1 more lens and a new flash!

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Do you remember 2013, when Fujifilm released the X100S, X20, X-M1, X-A1, X-E2, XQ1, XF 14mm, XF 55-200mm, XF 27mm, XF 23mm, XC 50-230mm and XC 16-50mm? Well, times seem to be over, when Fujifilm frantically released X-gear after X-gear in order to build up an entire system from zero.

Maybe in 2015 we won’t see such an avalanche of new products as in 2013… but it could nevertheless be very interesting year, especially because…

… because of the Fujiflm X-PRO2. All the eyes (especially mine ;-) ) are focused on it. However, I try to keep my radar finely tuned also on the rest of possible Fuji X-gear.

So I’ve summed up rumors shared here on Fujirumors, focusing, for now, on the first half of 2015.

I did NOT include the X-PRO2 in the first half of 2015 list because, at the moment, release dates are simply too contradictory. They go from early or first half 2015 to second quarter and even to fall 2015 (at least they all say 2015 :-) ). I’ll wait for trusted sources to find out the facts and will then post an update with the release date.

And of course, you can help my rumor sleuthing by sharing your knowledge. Just contact FR at fujirumor [at] gmail [dot] com (with fake email account, if you want), or 100% anonymously via rumor box (possibly with nick-name, so that I can eventually recognize you in future).

First half 2015 rumored X-gear

I think that CP+ this year (February 12 to 15) could be way more interesting than the CES. So what could come in these first 6 months? Here is the list:

2 new X-series cameras:

  • an entry-level camera: my personal guess, X-A1/X-M1 replacement/successor (trusted source – read rumor here)

  • a fixed lens camera (Anonymous Source – read rumor here). There were rumors in the past about an X70 (read rumor here), an entry level version of the X100 series with 23mm f/2.8 lens. It was definitely in Fuji’s plans in 2013, but such plans were dropped later on (information of trusted source). I have NOT heard of a comeback of the X70 until now, but it’s the only fixed lens camera I have heard about in the past. However, it could well be a completely new camera… if the anonymous source is right, of course.

2 new lenses:

New Flash:

stay tuned on Fuji Rumors
facebook, google+, RSS-feed and twitter

REMINDER – – – LAST DAY

cameras

X-T1 body: BHphoto (save $100 + lots of freebies) / AmazonUS (save $100)
X-T1 + XF18-55: BHphoto (save $100 + lots of freebies) / AmazonUS (save $100)
X100S (save $450 – black version): BHphoto (free SD card and bag). The silver one comes for $973 at AmazonUS.
X-E1: BHphoto is offering the X-E1 + 18-55 for just $699.

XF-lenses

XF 18-135 WR : BHphoto (save $100) / AmazonUS (save $100)
XF 56mm f/1.2: BHphoto (save $150) / AmazonUS (save $150)
XF 23mm f/1.4: BHphoto (save $200) / AmazonUS  (save $200)
XF 14mm f/2.8: BHphoto (save $169) / AmazonUS  (save $169)
XF 35mm f/1.4: BHphoto (save $100) / AmazonUS  (save $100)
XF 60mm f/2.4: BHphoto (save $100)
XF 10-24mm: BHphoto (save $200) / AmazonUS  (save $200)
XF 55-200mm: BHphoto (save $150) / AmazonUS  (save $150)
XF 18-55mm: BHphoto (save $70)

Fujifilm sells Film-factory in Europe + Graph shows how digital killed film and smartphones decimate digital cameras

MUST READ: First Look at the XF 16-55mmF2.8 WR

PRE-ORDER XF 16-55mmF2.8 WR: USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / EUROPE: wexUK / PCHstore /

_ _ _

Hard times for Film aficionados.

Not only Fujifilm is discontinuing their popular films like last the Fujichrome Velvia 100F 120, but they also closed important film factories. The one in Tilburg (Netherlands) was closed several years ago, and its equipment is now on sale via auction (look inside the factory and check the auctions at troostwijkauctions).

There seems to be just one last bastion for Fuji’s film: the booming world of Instax! As I told you here, Instax cameras and instax film are stable at the very top of the OVERALL AmazonUS camera & photo ranking,

Instax are winners! That’s why Fujifilm continues to develop new models. The latest one is the new INSTAX WIDE 300 camera, launched along with the X100T and graphite Fujifilm X-T1. My personal favorite is still the Instax Mini Neoclassic 90, launched about a year ago. The success of the Instax cameras pushes, at the same time, the sales of Instax Film.

The earnings from the booming Instax Business are also used for developing the X-line.

But film means also Instax SHARE Smartphone Printer SP-1. Since Christmas I’m a proud owner this little device and I have to say I love it.

However, as said, Instax Film is probably the last bastion, where film is still selling well.

Look at that:

Here is a graph (via Mirrorlessrumors) that shows the inexorable decline of film caused by the arrival of digital photography, and the ongoing decline of digital cameras due to the smartphone-selfie-era. But the interesting part is also that little red bar… curious to see how it evolves in future ;) .

Howard Curtis Smith commented this graph on facebook here and said:

“There are a couple of interesting things in this chart. Camera production while down significantly from its peak, is still ahead of 1999 which was the zenith of film camera production. There was a large run up in sales as customers purchased digital cameras in huge numbers rapidly causing market saturation. Now that the market is saturated it needs to find a new level. Sales growth of three fold over a 10 year stretch was not sustainable. Add to that the point and shoot market has been decimated by the camera phone and probably will not recover as camera phone quality is good enough for most uses and is only getting better.

The high-end DSLR market is hurting less, but still hurting as the newspaper/magazine industry is in free fall and so not replacing older equipment. The rate of improvement in DSLRs has slowed causing a slow down in customers upgrading. Mirrorless systems stand to gain share from prosumer DSLR and high-end P/S cameras, but they are still building out their lens lineups and feature sets. I would not be surprised if sales halved again before stabilizing. 4K video will probably be the next driver in the upgrade cycle.”

via petapixel via Mirrorlessrumors

First Look: Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR

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LIVE BLOGGING HERE

PRE-ORDER XF 16-55mmF2.8 WR: USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / EUROPE: wexUK / PCHstore /

_ _ _

First Look: Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR

by Rico Pfirstinger

Talk to Rico (open forum for questions & feedback)

Fuji X Secrets Workshops – Rico’s Flickr Sets

The Fujifilm X-E2: Beyond the Manual (use coupon XPERT40 for a 40% discount)

Istanbul Calling – XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR Sample Images

—

X-T1, XF50-140mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR, Lightroom

Hello again!

Yesterday, I brought you a comparison of the XF56mm lens and the new APD version. Today, Fujifilm officially announced its latest high-end general purpose zoom lens, the XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR, which is covering the popular 24-84mm full-frame equivalent.

This lens is quite substantial. It’s also fast, expensive and weather resistant, and it doesn’t feature any kind of optical image stabilization (OIS). So better use a tripod or shoot with faster shutter speeds.

X-T1, XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR, Lightroom

It’s no secret that the majority of Fujirumors readers voted for OIS in this lens, but it seems like Fuji is okay with selling it to the minority who’s happy without OIS. Or maybe we’ll see a “Mark II” version with built-in OIS in a year or two?

X-T1, XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR, Lightroom

It would have been possible to include OIS in this lens, but according to my Fuji sources, this would have resulted in an even larger, heavier and more expensive product. Alternatively, image quality would have suffered. So this lens appears to be a compromise of many things—except for image quality.

X-T1, XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR, Lightroom

The XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR is a well-built lens (anything else would be an insult) with snappy, silent autofocus. It also features Fuji’s new Nano-GI coating that was introduced in the XF50-140mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR. Excluding protection caps and the (plastic) lens hood, the zoom weighs 655 grams, which is still bearable. I recommend using an additional grip on your camera, though. For the X-T1, I prefer the vertical battery grip.

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

LIVE BLOGGING: Fujinon XF 16-55mmF2.8 WR lens (REFRESH THIS PAGE)

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refresh this page for the latest updates

PRE-ORDERS (and support FR)

Today you have the chance to support my work. It won’t cost you a single penny extra if you pre-order the XF 16-55mmF2.8 WR using the shoplinks posted here, and at the same time FR will get a small commission on it. Thanks in advance to those who decide to support FR this way.

PRE-ORDER XF 16-55mmF2.8 WR: USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / EUROPE: wexUK / PCHstore /

OFFICIAL SAMPLES & PRODUCT PAGE

Fujifilm XF 16-55 Product Page / Official Fuji Samples / Specs /

FIRST LOOKS and SAMPLES

RICO’S FIRST LOOK HERE

– Shooting Jodi with the 16-55mm f2.8 Fuji at ideasandimages / The XF 16-55mm f2.8 – King of the Mid-Zooms at ideasandimages / FUJI XF16-55mm F2.8 WR, the new PRIME zoom? at ivanjoshualoh / First Look at the XF 16-55mmF2.8 at thedigitaltrekker / Fujinon XF16-55mm F2.8 lens at Zouk Singapore: My first impressions at flemmingbojensen / Promo Movie at charlenewinfred / First Look at bjornmoerman / preview at photomadd /

PRESS RELEASES

Fujifilm press release / Spanish Presentation at dslrmagazine /

Fujifilm launches the FUJINON XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR

January 6, 2015

FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Shigehiro Nakajima) is proud to announce that a new FUJINON XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR will be added to the X Series interchangeable lens line-up in February 2015.

A weather-resistant zoom lens with a constant aperture of F2.8 across the focal lengths equivalent to 24mm at wide-angle through to 84mm at medium-telephoto, the XF16-55mm delivers ultra-sharp images even at wide open apertures across the entire zoom range!

The “FUJINON XF16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR” is a flagship “XF standard zoom lens” with a focal length equivalent to 24mm – 84mm (in 35mm format equivalent), and a constant F2.8 aperture throughout the range. The advanced optical design controls various forms of aberration to achieve edge-to-edge sharpness across the entire zoom range. The use of a newly-developed Nano-GI* (Gradient Index) coating technology effectively inhibits ghosting and flare, producing clear images. This is a convenient standard zoom lens that covers a wide range of shooting scenes from the wide-angle 24mm equivalent suitable for landscape photography, to the medium-telephoto 84mm equivalent, ideal for portraiture.
The XF16-55mm lens is driven with a linear motor, allowing comfortable shooting with fast, quiet autofocusing. Featuring a weather resistant and dust-resistant finish that can work in temperatures as low as -10°C and can be paired with the “FUJIFILM X-T1” premium mirrorless camera to take advantage of the fully weather-resistant system.

  • * Technology for forming a nano-sized irregular surface structure on the lens to reduce its surface reflection
1. Main Features
(1) Optically designed to draw out the maximum image quality as a flagship standard zoom lens
  • In order to achieve the best-in-class image quality, the fast standard zoom lens with a constant aperture of F2.8 consists of 17 elements in 12 groups. This includes three aspherical lens elements to control spherical aberration and distortion, and three ED glass lens elements to reduce lateral chromatic aberration (wide-angle) and axial chromatic aberration (telephoto), thereby achieving edge-to-edge sharpness across the entire zoom range.
  • Applying Fujifilm’s unique HT-EBC (High Transmittance Electron Beam Coating) to the entire area of the lens surface ensures ghosting and flare are controlled for sharp, clear images. Also, using the newly developed Nano-GI coating technology, which alters the refractive index between glass and air, ghosting and flare are effectively reduced for diagonal incident light.
  • Nine rounded aperture blades create a smooth, circular bokeh. The suppression of spherical aberration to the ultimate extent contributes to produce beautiful bokeh at both the front and back.
  • By combining this lens with an X Series camera body** with Lens Modulation Optimiser*** (LMO) technology, the performance from the lens is improved even further. LMO corrects for diffraction*4 to produce images with edge-to-edge sharpness and create a realistic three-dimensional effect, even at small apertures.
  • ** Supported by the “FUJIFILM X-T1”, “FUJIFILM X-T1GS” and “FUJIFILM X-E2” as of January, 2015.
  • *** Fujifilm’s own image processing function that corrects the optical effects of diffraction, based on the optical performance of each lens.
  • *4 Phenomenon that occurs when the shooting with a narrow aperture in which fine images that should originally be sharp become blurred.
(2) High-speed, quiet auto focus thanks to the Linear Motor
  • An Inner Focusing System*5 is used for high-speed AF. By reducing the weight of the focus lens and mounting the Twin Linear Motor, high-speed, quiet AF is possible. The fastest AF speed of 0.06 seconds brings comfort to your photo-shoot when by combining this lens with an X Series camera body** offering Phase Detection AF. Combined with the near-silent shutter sound, photos can be taken unnoticed in quiet locations.
  • As AF operates using a signal from the imaging sensor, extremely high-precision focusing is possible.
  • *5 Method for moving the small lenses in the middle and rear sections of the lens, without moving the large lenses composing the front of the lens.
(3) Weather resistant, dust-resistant and -10°C low-temperature operation
  • With weather-sealing at 14 locations, the lens is weather-resistant, dust-resistant and -10°C low-temperature operation, making it the perfect companion for the X-T1, which has the same levels of protection.
(4) High build quality and comfortable operation
  • Both the focus and aperture rings are metal, plus metal is also used on the exterior of the lens body for a high-quality finish. Thanks to long-term experience and broaden knowhow for other top-end professional lens fields such as Broadcasting and Cinema Scope, the texture and torque on the rings makes for comfortable shooting even for delicate manual focusing. The lens mount is made from brass for improved strength.
  • Combined with a camera body, the lens is approximately 60% of the weight of a full-size system*6, considerably reducing the burden on the photographer for astonishing ease of use.
  • The AF+MF function enables seamless manual focusing. After pressing the shutter to autofocus on the subject, fine adjustments can then be made using the manual focus ring.*7
  • *6 Fujifilm research.
  • *7 A function allowing seamless manual focusing by rotating the focus ring while pressing the shutter halfway during AF lock. A firmware upgrade is required for the camera body in order to use this function.
    (Applicable models: X-Pro1 / X-E1 / X-E2 / X-T1 / X-T1GS)
2. Main Specification
Type FUJINON LENS XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR
Lens construction 17 elements 12 groups (includes 3 aspherical and 3 extra low dispersion elements)
Focal length (35mm format equivalent) f=16-55mm (24-84mm)
Angle of view 83.2°～29°
Max. aperture F2.8
Min. aperture F22
Aperture control Number of blades 9(rounded diaphragm opening)
1/3EV (19 steps)
Step size
Focus range Normal：0.6m～∞ (whole zoom position)
Macro： 30cm～10m(Wide), 40cm～10m (Telephoto)
Max. magnification 0.16× (Telephoto)
External dimensions: Diameter × Length (approx.)
(distance from camera lens mount flange)		 φ83.3mm × 106.0mm (Wide) / 129.5mm(Telephoto)
Weight (approx.)
(excluding caps and hoods)		 655g
Filter size φ77mm

XF 56mm APD vs. XF 56mm

XF 56mm APD vs. XF 56mm

by Rico Pfirstinger

Talk to Rico (open forum for questions & feedback)

Fuji X Secrets Workshops – Rico’s Flickr Sets

The Fujifilm X-E2: Beyond the Manual (use coupon XPERT40 for a 40% discount)

Istanbul Calling – XF 56mm vs. XF 56mm APD Sample Images

—

^ Istanbul (X-E2 with 18-55mm kit zoom, SOOC JPEG Velvia)

Happy New Year everybody!

I hope you’ve successfully navigated through the sometimes stressful holiday season. I certainly did, and now we don’t have time to waste, as new Fuji product announcements are just around the corner. Not to mention that I’m supposed to submit the English and German manuscripts of my book on the X-T1 in less than two weeks. The book (which will be available as an ebook and eventually also in print) will incorporate all changes and new features of the big firmware 3.00 update from 18DEC.

^ Istanbul (X-T1 with 18-135mm kit zoom, Lightroom)

But wait, there’s more: Fuji X Secrets is going to Istanbul, a marvelous city for photographers of all genres. From 30APR to 5MAY, an exclusive group of only 5 to 7 Fuji X series fans will be able to explore this mesmerizing city along with Fuji X-Photographer Mehrdad Abedi and myself. Mehrdad’s stunning work as a travel photographer earned him the title story in a recent Fuji X Magazine edition, so check-out his portfolio here, and also have a closer look at what’s in store for you during this one-time event, which will be conducted in German language. As of today, three spots have already been taken.

^ Fuji X Secrets Workshop in Schwabach, 3OCT14 (X-T1 & XF56mmF1.2 R, Lightroom)

For those of you who want to stay closer to my current home in Germany, I am also offering a new Fuji X Secrets weekend workshop here in Nuremberg/Schwabach on 11 and 12APR. Two of only four available spots are currently available.

^ Santa Barbara (X-T1 with 18-135mm kit zoom, Lightroom)

If you are interested in an English language Fuji X Secrets workshop this summer (July) in Southern California (Santa Barbara area), please drop me a note at info@fuji-x-secrets.com, so I can keep you informed.

^ XF 56mm F1.2 R APD

Since Fuji is about to officially announce another high-end lens tomorrow, let’s use the build-up for a comparative look at Fuji’s new XF56mmF1.2 R APD lens. As many of you will remember, this lens was on display in September at the Photokina show in Cologne, and it appears that its announcement led to a few misunderstandings.

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XF 18mm for just $379 / £269 :: Full Discount on X-gear is back also at AmazonUS (after BHphoto)

photo 18mm_zpsd5aae9da.jpg

As Michael said, who passed me this deal, it’s something for the almost “too good to be true” category! Right now the XF 18mm is selling for $379 / £269 at DigitalRev (includes 1 year warranty, free shipping, and DigitaRev will cover all the duties and taxes).

REMINDER

The deals expired on December 27, but there is a little time window for stores to keep them unofficially running… but just for a couple of days at best. The state of the deals changes quickly. At the beginning BHphoto maintained the full rebate, while AmazonUS raised a bit the price. Then BHphoto raised the price, and AmazonUS lowered it, and now both offer the original full discount on plenty of X-gear again.

XF-lenses

XF 18-135 WR : BHphoto (save $100) / AmazonUS (save $100)
XF 56mm f/1.2: BHphoto (save $150) / AmazonUS (save $150)
XF 23mm f/1.4: BHphoto (save $200) / AmazonUS  (save $200)
XF 14mm f/2.8: BHphoto (save $169) / AmazonUS  (save $169)
XF 35mm f/1.4: BHphoto (save $100) / AmazonUS  (save $100)
XF 60mm f/2.4: BHphoto (save $100)
XF 10-24mm: BHphoto (save $200) / AmazonUS  (save $200)
XF 55-200mm: BHphoto (save $150) / AmazonUS  (save $150)

cameras

X-T1 body: BHphoto (save $100 + lots of freebies) / AmazonUS (save $100)
X-T1 + XF18-55: BHphoto (save $100 + lots of freebies) / AmazonUS (save $100)
X100S (save $450 – black version): BHphoto (free SD card and bag). The silver one comes for $973 at AmazonUS.
X-E1: BHphoto is offering the X-E1 + 18-55 for just $699.

photo COMIN6th_zpsf59b06c2.jpg

IN STOCK NOW: Fujifilm Extension Tubes 11 and 16

photo maas_zps027a6e61.jpg

BHphoto is right now shipping the Fujifilm MCEX-11 Extension tube. They are already in stock at Adorama here: Fujicilm MECX-11 and Fujfilm MECX-16.

REMINDER

The deals expired on September 27, but there is a little time window for stores to keep them unoffically running… but just for a couple of days at best. BHphoto is offering all the gear at with the original full discount. AmazonUS instead sells some gear with the original discount and you still save some bucks on the rest, but not that much as at BHphoto.

The state of the deals for now is this one:

XF-lenses

XF 18-135 WR : BHphoto (save $100) / AmazonUS (save $67)
XF 56mm f/1.2: BHphoto (save $150) / AmazonUS (save $117)
XF 23mm f/1.4: BHphoto (save $200) / AmazonUS  (save $167)
XF 14mm f/2.8: BHphoto (save $200) / AmazonUS  (save $169)
XF 35mm f/1.4: BHphoto (save $100) / AmazonUS  (save $75)
XF 60mm f/2.4: BHphoto (save $146) / AmazonUS  (save $125)
XF 10-24mm: BHphoto (save $200) / AmazonUS  (save $165)
XF 55-200mm: BHphoto (save $150) / AmazonUS  (save $137)

cameras

X-T1 body: BHphoto (save $100 + lots of freebies) / AmazonUS (save $66)
X-T1 + XF18-55: BHphoto (save $100 + lots of freebies) / AmazonUS (save $100)
X100S (save $450 – black version): BHphoto (free SD card and bag). The silver one comes for $995 at AmazonUS.
X-E1: BHphoto is offering the X-E1 + 18-55 for just $699.

2014 is (almost) Over :: Time for the BIG RUMOR CHECK-UP and to dart a glance at what will come in 2015 (X-PRO2)!

photo check_zps0160fc54.jpg

The year is over, so it’s high time to make a big summary of the rumors shared in 2014, but especially to see what will come in 2015.

NOTE about the 2014 rumor check-up. I have made 2 lists. A “fair list” and an “unfair list“. The fair lists consist in all the rumors shared by different sources at different times, each of them could have been right or wrong. On the other hand, in the unfair list I put everything into the same pot. So, for example, all the different rumors shared over several months by various sources about the X30, will result as just 1 correct rumor. It’s not fair towards the work of my sources, but I share it out of a pre-emptive self-defense from those who want to put every into the same pot.

And now let’s start:

THE 2015 PREVIEW

Here is the whole list of rumors, shared in 2014 and that might or might not become real in 2015:

HIGH RATING

– X-PRO2 with APS-C sensor
– No more X-PRO1S, all R&D placed into the X-PRO2
– Fujifilm Flash will come in spring 2015, guide no. 50 and wireless control
– Another entry level X in early 2015!

MEDIUM RATING

– XF 35mm MKII (As Fuji has first to complete its lens lineup, it could take a while before the 35 MKII hits the market… and Fuji can change plans in any moment regarding this lens.)  [UDPATE: A Fuji manager said in a dc.watch interview, that Fuji indeed planed a new version of the 35mm. A prototype with APD filter was tested. Apparently Fuji dropped plans for such a lens later on.] – Faster AF for the 35mm MKII (This rumor is separated from the first 35MKII rumor, as it comes from another source and was posted in another article)
– 35mm MKII announcement early 2015 [Could refer to the APD version (source – dc.watch interview). If I got it right, plans for such a lens were dropped. Let’s check it in early 2015] – X-PRO2 available in 2015
– New Fuji flash with remote communication, HSS etc. available within late 2014 early 2015

LOW RATING

– XF 16-55mm f/2.8 WR to be announced on January 6th
– Fuji Flash made with METZ, ABC grouping, off shoe TTL
– X-PRO2: available around “this time next year” with more than 16MP (the rumor was shared in late August 2014 by an anonymous source with nick name)
– X-PRO2 with 24MP
– X-PRO2 priced about 20% to 30% more expensive than the X-T1
– X-PRO2 will feature a dual SD card slot.
– Fujifilm will launch three non-interchangeable lens X-cameras within this winter… X100T, X30 and ? (winter 2014/2015)
– Sigma is looking at the X-system, but they still have to decide which lenses produce and when to launch them (shared 1 DEZ 2014).
– ORGANIC SENSOR problems to solve: too much battery drain and too much heat being generated
– Fujifilm to launch a new PRO-photographer service in 2015 like Nikon’s/Canon’s NPS/CPS!

THE 2014 CHECK

the fair list
(83% correct rumors)

CORRECT RUMORS IN 2014

1. Super-Bokeh lens Fujinon XF 56mm f/1.2 R APD! (for about $1400/$1500)
2. Bokeh Lens: New XF lens with super-smooth bokeh coming? (dual aperture lens / STF)
3. New X-T1 firmware: shutter speed will increase from 1/4000 to 1/32000 – better movie capabilities – faster/better AF (including phase detection on instant AF) – some other minor improvements (like new film simulation modes). Firmware updates will be released in October and December
4. Silver X-T1 at photokina
5. Multiple Announcements next week & Price: XF56mm APD lens and XF50-140 ($1500-$1600) 2.8 (shared September 5)
6. X100T: USB-charging system (+ battery charger), 7 FN buttons, bigger LCD than the X100S (1.04 dot 3-inch LCD screen) and WiFi!
7. X-T1 Graphite Silver Edition: deluxe accessories, 1/32,000 shutter speed & will cost $200 more than black X-T1! (anonymous source)
8. Fujifilm X100T first X-camera with electronic shutter (up to 1/32,000)
9. X100T no tilt screen
10. X100T same lens
11. X100T HVF: Real-Time Parallax in OVF
12. X100T with electronic overlay in OVF
13. XF 56mm f/1.2 Super-Bokeh lens
14. X-T1 new firmware update is coming (posted August 15)
15. X100T will have 16mp
16. X100T successor of X100S
17. X100T announcement September 10
18. X30 with 2/3 sensor, 12 MP, X-TRANS 2
19. X30 with 6 function buttons and view mode button
20. X30 won’t have an OVF
21. X30 EVF magnification same as X-E2, same resolution of X-T1/X-E2
22. X30 Announcement 26th of August. Quite different design compared to X20
23. X30 WiFi with remote control capability, +/-3 exposure compensation.
24. X30 with 3“ Tilt Screen
25. X30 Battery: more than 400 shots with one battery and USB-charging.
26. X30 Battery (part 2): Same battery of X100/S, the NP-95. (AS)
27. X30 lens: 28-112mm f/2-2.8 (same as X20)… but with dual ring!
28. X30 coming in summer (shared in Winter 2014)
29. “Classic Chrome“: Fuji’s new film simulation
30. XF lens deals coming tomorrow (August 10): discount on some XF lenses : : XF 27mm will drop from $449 to $299!
31. X-T1 bundle deal starting 3rd of August (with free vertical grip and spare battery)
32. XF 90mm f/2
33. XF16mm f/1.4
34. XF 18-135 coming June 16th
35. X-E2 deal
36. X-E2 firmware update with X-T1 EVF refresh rate coming soon (correct, it came a few days later)
37. TCL-X100 will be out end of May (correct. It’s available since then in Japan, now also in Europe. Still out of stock in USA)
38. TCL-X100 will cost €250 and be a bit cheaper than the WCL (correct. AmazonDE sells the silver version for €249, while the discounted WCL still costs €269)
39. TCL-X100 will cost $350/400 (correct, it costs $350 at Bhphot & Co)
40. TCL-X100 coming second half of April (correct, announced April 22)
41. Lightroom 5.4 coming next week
42. February/March lens deals with confidential Fuji document
43. With the next update, Adobe will support X-Trans film simulation
44. X30 won’t come in February/March as rumored by digicame-info
45. Image and size comparison of the 10-24 with a protype 18-135 (real image)
46. XF 16-55 and 50-140 will be weather sealed
47. X-T1 announcement in January 28th at 4:30 AM London Time
48. Improved WiFi for the X-T1
49. UHS-II SD card slot, but no double SD-card slot + 8fps with AF tracking (Fuji originally planed a dual SD-card slot. When the first X-T1 image leaked here on FR, it even looked like a dual SD-card slot, but the Japanese source said it has just a single SD-card slot)
50. X-T1 will cost $1300 / €1200
51. First images of a prototype X-T1
52. Firmware update for Zeiss will add PDAF support
53. Tilt screen for the X-T1
54. The name of the weather sealed X will be X-T1
55. X-T1 will have the best EVF on the market
56. black X100S will have a retail price of about £1000, about the same as silver version (the final retail price in UK is RRP £1099.99 for the black and £1049 for the silver version, according to wexUK. But now both are sold cheaper).
57. XF56mm announcement at January 6th
58. black X100S will be the only “new” X-camera presented at CES
59. Nissin i40: first lot of flashes available early September (the actual availability date will be various between countries, so in some countries it could come a little later). NOTE: The rumor, shared back on July 4th, was correct. Nissin itself confirmed it in September. But there was a last minute delay. Read more about at dc.watch here (translation)
60. Button Upgrade for the early produced X-T1′s with mushy buttons. (correct, at least in Japan at the moment for $75)
61. X-E2: different body colours/textures (service launched in UK)
62. Fujifilm X-T1 firmware scheduled for mid-December
63. X-E2 firmware of late 2014 won’t birng electronic shutter
64. X-E2 firmware: camera remote control firmware udpate coming for Fujifilm X-E2
65. Nissin i40 for Fuji coming to late fall (rumor shared on SEP12 here)
66. Nissin i40 shipping starts next week, but probably first in Asia (shared on NOV 12 here). Correcte, started in Hong Kong.
67. EXTENDED: Amazing X-DEALS will expire 27th of December (instead of NOV29) + XF 18-135 will be $100 off, too!
68. Silver X-T1 and Fuji X100T to be shipped in November

WRONG RUMORS IN 2014

1. X-T1P release with 4K viewfinder in July
2. XF 18-135 announcement on Memorial Day. NOTE: I excluded the rumor of an 18-135 f/3.5-4.8, as this was a typo by Fujifilm at the CP+ (see this image), and I just reported about it.
3. XF 18-135 will come in May
3. XF 18-135 in stores in February
4. X-PRO2 with FF sensor (wrong, and corrected a few weeks later by the top trusted Japanese source)
5. X200 with 24MP, tilt screen, improved AF and wider detection area (NOTE: The 24MP, tilt screen and new lens rumor, shared 7 months before the X100T announcement, have been corrected later on by the tursted Japanese source and by a source who was right in the past). The rest has been corrected a few weeks before announcement by other sources.
6. Medium Format Fuji
7. XF 120-400 (rumor shared 8 months before it was shown at photokina… it turned out to be a 140-400… pretty close, but still wrong)
8. Sigma X-mount coming at photokina
9. X-T1 hardware improvement. A limited edition X-T1 will be available with it pre-installed but existing models could be upgraded with the money worth of new parts. (maybe the source confused it with the premium edition “graphite X-T1”)
10. B&H should receive first batch of Fujifilm X100T cameras on November 18 (wrong, shipping started on the 13th.)
11. X-E2 firmware won’t bring Classic Chrome film simulation
12. X-E1 firmware coming by the end of the year 2014 with Classic Chrome (the firmware came, but it didn’t include Classic Chrome)
13. XF 50-140 f/2.8 WR & 56mm APD shipped in December (50-140 started shipping late November in USA/EU and 56 APD in early December in EU)
14. New flashes for Fuji X are on the way, coming “later this year“, probably presented at photokina (WRONG: flashes are coming, but in Spring)

the unfair list
(74% correct rumors)

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