New firmware updates for camera and lenses: 56mm compatibility + improved OIS and AF speed

New firmware updates for bodies and lenses are available at Fuji’s website.

For all bodies:
Addition of compatibility with “XF56mmF1.2 R”.
Improvement of AE accuracy with “XF56mmF1.2 R”.

For all XF and XC zoom lenses:
Improvement of OIS function for movie shooting when panning and tilting a camera.
Improvement of OIS function for still image shooting.
Improvement of AF response during continuous shooting with X-E2 and X-T1.
You can check them all out at Fuji’s global site here.

Download, test and share your findings in the comments.

VOTE: the ultimate Kaizen firmware poll!

photo neukai_zps49f24beb.png

“Kaizen, continuous improvement philosophy. Japanese for “improvement” or “change for the best”, refers to philosophy or practices that focus upon continuous improvement of processes in manufacturing, engineering, and business management.” src-wikipedia

_ _ _

Do you remember Marco Ricci’s (website) firmware wish list the article “because we love Kaizen” here? Well, there where 163 comments with further suggestions for firmware improvements. I promised myself to look into it and sum them up in March, when I have a week of holidays and finally a bit more time to launch a new, updated firmware poll.

But I don’t have to, because, sometimes, it happens that FR-readers decides to surprise me and to help me.

So it happens that FR-reader DIS took a look at all firmware suggestions and summed them up into one big super-firmware-poll (divided in 3 blocks).

Everything is in there, even those firmware suggestions FR-reader DIS strongly disagrees with. So he said that, “the block “Other updates” has some strange or impossible to be realized things. It should be distinguished a lot from the main list. Otherwise it won’t be taken seriously by Fuji.”

Now all you have to do, is to vote the top 3 firmware updates you’d like to see in each poll (and add in the comments the one you miss).

Thanks a lot for your time DIS!

And also thanks a lot to Fuji for keeping this Kaizen spirit and improving even discounted Fuji cameras (even though it means sacrificing sales earnings for customer loyalty as a Fuji manager told us here). This is how you treat your customers base.

And here are the polls: 3 blocks, each one with a maximum of 3 selections.

For Flash Photography I prefer the...

View Results

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For Concert photography I prefer the...

View Results

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For Studio Work I prefer the...

View Results

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Bug reports

1. RAW/JPEG switch in Fn works only for the first shot. After the shot it’s back again.
2. Hot shoe instability: “So many times it is not working: getting frozen, not seeing the flash unit,… Both the X100 & X-Pro1 have very similar behavior. With third party stuff – transceivers – it gets even more wrong, sometimes working, sometimes not. I even had to perform a complete reset of the camera a few times, because the flash-shoe refused any operation. And Fuji, while you’re busy with this, make also the IR pilot light of the EF-42 work with the X-series to assist the AF in low light.”
3. Transfer of GPS coordinate from phones to X-E2 doesn’t work.
4. When your frame count reach the limit the only way to continue of making photo is to format card! Even if card is not full

Hands On the Zeiss 50mm f/2.8 with (1:1) samples at dslrmagazine.

photo zeiss_zps31548b25.png

The Spanish site dslrmagazine just posted its hands on review on the Zeiss Tuoit 50mm macro lens for your Fuji X-camera (with 1:1 ratio) here (translation). “Below are some samples taken with a final version of Touit 50 Macro mounted on a Fujifilm X-E1 body, incorporating a sensor X-Trans “old” generation without phase detection pixels. The images are taken at different apertures (f / 2.8 f / 5,6), the last three shots are 1:1. ”

You can pre-order it at BHphoto.

For Fujinon lovers, almost the entire XF-line is now very cheap due Fuji’s latest deal-attack. I read of German FR-readers, who order them in the States and pay shipping and taxes on it… and apparently it’s still cheaper than in Europe! Anyone out there who can confirm it?

[UDPATE: arkona said in the comments: “@patrick I live in Germany and ordered the 55-200 last week from amazon.com. I paid $453 for the lens + $138 import taxes and shipping, so that’s currently 432€. The lowest price I could find in Germany is 628€, so I saved about 200€ :) With the current deals in the US, the prices without taxes and shipping are 50% of the MSRP in Europe. It’s absolutely insane.“]

XF deals

XF 14mm: $200 off (price $700) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 18mm: $200 off (price $400) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 23mm: $150 off (price $750) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 27mm: $250 off (price $200) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 35mm: $150 off (price $450) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 60mm: $250 off (price $400) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 55-200: $200 off (price $500) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline

X-T1

X-T1 body only ($1,299): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
X-T1 with 18-55 ($1,699): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
X-T1 Vertical Battery Grip ($ 249,99): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / EU: wexDE / wexUK /
X-T1 Hand Grip ($129.95): USA: AmazonUS / Bhphoto / EU: wexUk / wexDE

HOT: The black X-E1 + 18-55 costs now ONLY $719 at BestBuy (the lens alone would cost you $695)!

X100/S tele converter lens available in late April or May (and more images).

photo tcl_zps15137497.jpg

Just a quick rumor update:

According to a new source, the tele converter lens, unveiled by Fuji at the CP+, will be available in late April or May. Another new source said “before summer”. Still no information about the price.

With the [shoplink 12893]WCL-X100[/shoplink] and TCL, X100/s owner will have a three-lens mini system (28mm, 35mm and 50mm) with leaf shutter, fast aperture and terrific IQ.

more images via cultofmac via dpreview

X-T1 reviews

– X-T1 hands in and impressions atKasyapa (translation here).

– X-T1 vs A7 ISO comparison at pcpop here.

– f/otographer: “I just wanted to let you know that I did a small write up on the X-T1’s place in the overall scheme of camera history and why I believe it is important. Some of your readers might find it amusing. (fuji-x-t1-return-of-king). f/otographer.”

– X-T1 review at fujivsfuji here: “The X-T1 is must-buy for any Fuji fan who shoots in poor weather, in low light, action, or all of these above, and it’s the camera to buy for serious photographer looking for a compact system.”

– Fujifilm X-T1 First Impressions Review at cameras.reviewed here: “We were able to lock on to moving subjects with ease, and the continuous AF mode worked a treat thanks to phase detection pixels baked into the X-Trans II sensor.”

Does the X-T1 meet your needs?

 Then feel free to purchase it using one of the links below. You will at the same time support this blog and my daily work on it with no extra costs for you… with your support, we could have an exciting rumor year in 2014.

X-T1 body only ($1,299): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
X-T1 with 18-55 ($1,699): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
X-T1 Vertical Battery Grip ($ 249,99): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / EU: wexDE / wexUK /
X-T1 Hand Grip ($129.95): USA: AmazonUS / Bhphoto / EU: wexUk / wexDE

 

[UPDATE: new image] Image of a New Tele Conversion lens for your X100/S (50mm equivalent)!

photo 1655945_697490266962660_1380325454_n_zpse428c82a.jpg

Fuji X-photographer Gianluca Colla (and member of the Italian X- series meetup fujixseries club) is right now at the CP+.

He just shared an image here, showing a new Tele Converter Lens for the X100/S. This lens will give you a 50 equivalent focal length. As you know, there is already a wide conversion lens for the X100/S, the [shoplink 12893]WCL-X100 f=19mm (equivalent to 28mm)[/shoplink].

[UDPATE: MJr wrote me: “I came across these shots noting “Used the teleconverter for most of these.” I don’t think it’s anything official though, i know he occasionally uses prisms in front of the lens as well to distort the image on purpose, so he wouldn’t mind using a low quality third party adapter so long as it does what he wants” Flickr here..]

With the WCL and TCL, X100/s owner will have a three-lens mini system (28mm, 35mm and 50mm) with leaf shutter, fast aperture and terrific IQ.

thanks for sharing this information, Valerio!

WCL-X100: [shopcountry 12893]

Fuji X100S (in stock also in black): [shopcountry 12883]

cheers
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[UDPATE] New image of the TCL here on twitter.

photo BgXTSiVCYAABpU4_zps9d5c1314.jpg

X-T1 pre-orders

X-T1 body only ($1,299): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
X-T1 with 18-55 ($1,699): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
X-T1 Vertical Battery Grip ($ 249,99): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / EU: wexDE / wexUK /
X-T1 Hand Grip ($129.95): USA: AmazonUS / Bhphoto / EU: wexUk / wexDE

HOT: The black X-E1 + 18-55 costs now ONLY $719 at BHphoto (shows when added in cart), AmazonUS and BestBuy (the lens alone would cost you $695)!

X200: 24MP, tilt screen, improved AF and wider detection area! (new source)

photo 71MDINyigAL_SL1500__zps617f6603.jpg

Lens deals

XF 14mm: $200 off (price $700) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 18mm: $200 off (price $400) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 23mm: $150 off (price $750) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 27mm: $250 off (price $200) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 35mm: $150 off (price $450) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 60mm: $250 off (price $400) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 55-200: $200 off (price $500) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline

X200 rumor

Hi all

2014 could be the year of the X200. Previous rumors (xjrumo) said it would be full frame.

Now, a new source (thanks a lot) shared more details with us. Here is what it wrote.

“X200 is a total upgrade of X100/X100s with tilt screen, fixed new lens, and bright new EVF (better than X100s but not as much as X-T1). 24 MP X trans sensor, very much improved AF (compared to X100S) with wider detection area [admin: wider phase detection pixels area]. Quite an exciting time !!”

Sure, take it with a grain of salt. The source contacted me via rumor box, so it’s anonymous, but it gave itself a nickname. I appreciate that, as it allows me to check the reliability of new sources in future.

So, if there is anyone out there who can already confirm it, don’t hesitate to contact FR.

Oh, and after the success of the X-T1, let’s try it again… here is the rumored specs list :-)

(TS= trusted source / NeS =New Source / AS = Anonymous Source / SRP = source who was right in the past, but not yet trusted / ORS = other rumor sites)

  • Full Frame (ORS – xjrumo)
  • 24MP X-Trans sensor (NeS)
  • faster AF than X100S (NeS)
  • tilt screen (NeS)
  • new fixed lens (NeS)
  • new EVF, better than X100S, but not as much as X-T1 (NeS)
  • wider detection area (NeS)

cheers
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X-T1 pre-orders

X-T1 body only ($1,299): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
X-T1 with 18-55 ($1,699): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
X-T1 Vertical Battery Grip ($ 249,99): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / EU: wexDE / wexUK /
X-T1 Hand Grip ($129.95): USA: AmazonUS / Bhphoto / EU: wexUk / wexDE

HOT: The black X-E1 + 18-55 costs now ONLY $719 at BHphoto (shows when added in cart), AmazonUS and BestBuy (the lens alone would cost you $695)!

X30 will come, but not already in February/March (anonymous source)

photo 71MDINyigAL_SL1500__zps12d7ce12.jpg

Lens deals

XF 14mm: $200 off (price $700) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 18mm: $200 off (price $400) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 23mm: $150 off (price $750) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 27mm: $250 off (price $200) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 35mm: $150 off (price $450) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 60mm: $250 off (price $400) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline
XF 55-200: $200 off (price $500) at BHphoto / Adorama / AmazonUS / Pictureline

_ _ _

X30

We first heard about the X30 thanks to xjrumo back in July  here.

On December 30th digicame-info confirmed that Fuji is ready to launch the X30. According to digicame-info it will be announced in February/March here.

Just now an anonymous source told me via rumor box that:

  • it’s correct, Fuji will launch the X30
  • it won’t come in February/March, but later (the source just said “summer”).

You know it: anonymous source = take it with a tiny grain of salt.

Both, the X20 and XQ1 are currently discounted until the 1st of March:

X20: get it for $499 (save $100) at AmazonUS, BHphoto and Adorama (+4% reward)
XQ1: get tit for $399 (save $100) at AmazonUS, BHphoto and Adorama.

Feel free to contact Fujirumors, also completely anonymously via rumor box, and to share your knowledge with the whole FR-community. You can give yourself an imaginary name, so that I can recognize you in future… or create a fake email account. Any help is really appreciated.

_ _ _

X-T1 pre-orders

X-T1 body only ($1,299): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
X-T1 with 18-55 ($1,699): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /

First Look: Fujinon XF10-24mmF4 R OIS

photo 10-24_zpsc32d12c2.png

PRE-ORDERS

USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / DigitalRev / EUROPE: DigitalRev / PCHstore / WexDE / WexUK

—

First Look: Fujinon XF10-24mmF4 R OIS

by Rico Pfirstinger

Talk to Rico (open forum for questions & feedback)

Rico’s Flickr sets

XF10-24mmF4 R OIS Sample Images – XF10-24mm Zoom vs. 12/14/18/23mm Prime Lenses

X-T1 Sample Images Set – X-T1 Predictive AF Tracking Samples
XF56mmF1.2 R Sample Images – XF23mmF1.4 R Sample Images
XQ1 Sample Images Set – X-E2 Sample Images Set – X-E2 AF Tracking Samples
X-M1 Sample Images – X-A1 Sample Images

Mastering the Fujifilm X-Pro1 Reading Samples (65 free pages)
Mastering the Fujifilm X-E1 and X-Pro1 – The Fujifilm X-E2 – Beyond the Manual (pre-order)

Thanks Everybody!

Let me begin by thanking you for the plethora of kind and motivating feedback you sent me in response to my First Looks on the XF56mmF1.2 R and the new Fuji X-T1. I have since returned the wonderful 56mm to Fuji (yep, I am still crying in my sleep). Luckily, I was able to mitigate the pain by being able to look at another hot new entry: the Fujinon 10-24mmF4 R OIS wide-angle zoom lens. Fuji had delayed this lens in order to further improve its optical performance, and I was curious to learn whether the wait paid off.

It’s Not Tiny

The build-quality of my pre-production sample is confidence-inspiring. Like most Fujinon lenses, it looks heavier than it actually is, but with a filter size if 72 mm, it’s certainly not tiny. On the other hand, it potentially replaces the 12mm Zeiss Touit as well as the 14mm, 18 mm and 23mm Fujinon prime lenses, freeing you bag of up to four primes without sacrificing a single focal length. This also puts the price tag of this zoom lens into perspective.

DSCF0215 – Iridient
Click on the images for full-size views!

Unlike its siblings, the wide-angle zoom lens keeps its size and doesn’t elongate when it’s zoomed in or out.

A Prime Replacement?

To make things short (pun intended): At f/9 with hyperfocal focussing from a tripod, my pre-production copy stands its ground against quality primes like the Zeiss Touit 2.8/12mm or the Fujinon 14mmF2.8 and 23mmF1.4 primes, and it handily beats the Fujinon 18mmF2 pancake prime. At least that’s my impression. As usual, I urge you to not blindly believe me. Make up your own mind: Here’s a private set with X-T1 SOOC samples showing the new zoom at various focal lengths and comparing it with the aforementioned lenses. Here’s another set with RAW (Photo Ninja and Iridient) and SOOC JPEG samples.

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

Get A Grip… again :-)! New X-E2/1 hand grip review at admiringlight + black X100S in stock again!

photo grip_zps2e05dded.jpg

The new X-E2/1 and X-PRO1 hand grips are here, and they allow you to access to the battery and memory card slot without removing the grip.

The grips should be available within days at BHphoto (click here) and AmazonUS (click here) for $129. (The X-PRO1 grip costs $149 and is available now at BHphoto, while it’s coming soon at AmazonUS).

Now, over at admiringlight here, you can read a first review about the X-E2/1 hand grip:

“Overall, Fuji righted a wrong with the MHG-XE, providing a solidly built grip that allows access to the battery door while adding a very nice feature in the integrated Arca-Swiss dovetail. It’s a pricey accessory at $129.  It’s not going to be for everyone, but I think it’s worth it if you want a little better hold on your X-E1 or X-E2, especially if you use an Arca-Swiss tripod head.“

black X100S in stock

The black X100S is in stock now at AmazonUS here (shipped and sold directly by Amazon) and at Adorama here.

X-DEALS

USA

X-E2: save $100 on the kit ($1,299) and also on the body ($899) at BHphoto, Adorama and AmazonUS.
X-E1: get the kit for $799 (save $300) or the body for $599 (save $200) at AmazonUS and Adorama (+6% reward on kit, 4% reward on body).
X-M1: Save $200 (price $599) on the kit and $200 on the body (price $499) at AmazonUS, BHphoto (+4%reward) and Adorama.
X-A1: get it for $499 with kit lens (save $100) at AmazonUS, BHphoto and Adorama.
X-PRO1: get the body for $999!! (save $200) at AmazonUS,  Adorama (+4%reward) and BHphoto (+4%reward).

Surprise. The Zeiss-deals didn’t end on January 31th on all stores. While Pictureline is now selling the 32 for $900 and the 12 for $1,250 again, you can still purchase the 12mm for $999 and the 32mm for $720 at AmazonUS,  BHphoto and Adorama.

CANADA

After the big clearout of last month, now some Canadian retailers have already begun dropping X-Mount lens prices again. Check out Henry’s, bccamera, vistek, donsphoto, merklecamera…

ITALY

AmazonITA is offering 15% additional discount on selected Fuji gear. Check it out here (via dealsrunner)

UK/ROI

Buy two lenses and claim £300/€360 cashback here.

X-T1 pre-orders

X-T1 body only ($1,299): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
X-T1 with 18-55 ($1,699): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
X-T1 Vertical Battery Grip ($ 249,99): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / EU: wexDE / wexUK /
X-T1 Hand Grip ($129.95): USA: AmazonUS / Bhphoto / EU: wexUk / wexDE

XF 10-24: release delayed because “it sold better than expected!”

photo asd_zps601911db.png

PRE-ORDERS

USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / DigitalRev / EUROPE: DigitalRev / PCHstore / WexDE / WexUK

_ _ _

The XF10-24 was scheduled for March 15 release, but now AmazonUS postponed the expected availability of two weeks, to March 31th (BHphoto says just “April”)… a pretty long wait for a lens announced back in December 18th!

Now, according to dc.watch (translation), the reason for this further delay is that, worldwide, the lens sold better than expected, so Fuji has to produce more units to fulfill pre-orders. Believe it or not, here is also Fuji’s official press release.

I don’t know if it can help you to manage your impatience (or if it will make things worst), but in the meantime you can check out Rico’s X-T1 + 10-24 full size images (RAW’s converted with Iridient) at Flickr here.

X-T1 body only ($1,299): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
X-T1 with 18-55 ($1,699): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline / EU: wexDE / wexUK / PCHstore /
X-T1 Vertical Battery Grip ($ 249,99): USA: AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / EU: wexDE / wexUK /
X-T1 Hand Grip ($129.95): USA: AmazonUS / Bhphoto / EU: wexUk / wexDE

cheers
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