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2017 X Workshops :: 7 RAW Converters Compared :: Fuji Guys F-Log/X-T20 Videos :: XF50/2 First Look :: From Canon to Fuji (miXed zone)

 

2017 WORKSHOPS

I’d light to highlight a few workshops that could be interesting for you. And just to be clear: I’m not affiliated with any of these workshops. If you join them or not, I won’t make a penny out of it. However, from my own experience, I can tell you that workshops can help way more to improve your photography than purchasing new gear.

Streets of Vancouver Photography Workshop
+
Simplicity In Seeing Online Training & Inspiration

It’s a few years now, that I follow Olaf’s work with admiration. Definitely a talented X-shooters. And I’m happy to see he is now willing to share his talent not only through his images, but also to share his knowledge and experience with workshops and online trainings

  1. The Streets of Vancouver Photography Workshop, his first photography workshop ever (3 days in July). For more details, please check out his website here.
  2. Olaf also launched his educational and mentoring platform, Simplicity-In-Seeing. The platform was created to go beyond what is currently available in photography education. His focus is on the craft of seeing, on all the elements that help photographers to develop, maintain and challenge their seeing. Check out his website here.

More Workshops & Trainings

  • There is a Fujifilm “X” Photographers Travel & Nature Summits at fujifilmxphotosummits with 3 ½ days of presentations, talks etc. by 4 Fuji “X” Photographers + technical and corporate from the FUJIFILM headquarters in New York. Jack Graham and Bill Fortney also offer a few workshops over the year in USA. Full details at fujixphotoworkshops.
  • Rico Pfirstinger Workshops: Go To New Zealand (or Guernsey) to Learn How To Master Your Fujifilm Camera at Rico’s Ultimate X-Secrets Workshops 2017. More here.
  • X-Shooter Ian offers workshops and online educational. More at ianmacdonaldphotography. Vancouver Street Photography Workshop here + Toronto Street Photography Workshop here.
  • NEW – UPDATE  (NSFW): X-photographer Jiri is offering Group Nude Art Photo Workshop in Prague (click here) and 1-on-1 Nude Art Photography Courses in Prague (click here)

COVER STORIES

Fujifilm GFX

Fujifilm 100F

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Fujinon XF 33mm F1.0 No Longer on Fujifilm’s Internal Roadmap … GAME OVER for Fuji’s Super Fast Lens?

Fujinon XF 33mm F1.0

Back in 2015, I told you here that Fujifilm had plans to develop the Fujinon XF 33mm F1.0 lens.

But something changed in 2016, when I told you here that the terrific success of the XF35mmF2 WR convinced Fujifilm to focus on compact and weather sealed lenses. Also, the GFX + GF lenses came along, and Fuji had to put lots of R&D into the development of a complete new system.

As a consequence, the development of the XF33mmF1.0 had been pushed back (as well as the one of the XF8-16 and 200mm).

So, in these days, I’ve tried to understand what happened with these 3 long rumored lenses. I was able to confirm, that the XF 8-16 is on Fujifilm internal roadmap and is scheduled to be the lens to come after the XF80mmF2.8 1:1 Macro.

But here comes the bad news:

I had a talk with a long-term trusted sources about the Fujinon XF 33mm F1.0. The source told me, that, at this stage, the XF33mmF1.0 is no longer on Fujifilm’s internal roadmap. Hence, the source has big doubts it will ever come.

If you have something to say to Fujifilm about it, this is the moment to say it…. because remember… they do read you ;)

So what do you think… should we start to make some pressure just as we did with the X-E3?

Fujifilm GFX: USA BHphotoWin $3,000 by pre-ordering at BH via FR*, Adorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, AmazonUK, WexUKParkCamerasUKPCHstore AUS: CameraPro
*Pre-order the GFX at BHphoto using the FujiRumors B&H link to enter the contest. Price: $3,000. Sweepstake Overview & Rules can be found here. Full Terms & Conditions here.
Fujifilm X100F: USA BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, AmazonUK, WexUK, ParkCamerasUK, PCHstore AUS: CameraPro
Fujifilm X-T20: USA BHphotoAdorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, AmazonUK, WexUK, ParkCamerasUK, PCHstore AUS: CameraPro

cheers
Fuji X Forum, Facebook, RSS-feed
and Twitter

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GFX + 2 Lenses Fit Billingham Hadley Small :: 56mm Disassembly :: Olympus E-M1 II Vs. Fuji X-T2 :: X-Trans Promise & Problem (miXed zone)

WORKSHOP

  • Fujifilm “X” Photographers Travel & Nature Summits at fujifilmxphotosummits with 3 ½ days of presentations, talks etc. by 4 Fuji “X” Photographers + technical and corporate from the FUJIFILM headquarters in New York. For the workshops check out fujixphotoworkshops
  • Go To New Zealand (or Guernsey) to Learn How To Master Your Fujifilm Camera at Rico’s Ultimate X-Secrets Workshops 2017. More here.

Cover Stories

GFX + GF 32-64 + GF 63 + X70 fit Billingham Hadly Small – via Ivan Joshua Loh at GFX Facebook Group

  • Fujifilm XF56mmF1.2 Disassembly at Andrew’s Flickr
  • Olympus OM-D E-M1 II vs. Fujifilm X-T2 – The complete comparison at mirrorlesscomparison
  • X-Trans: The Promise and the Problem at medium (NOTE: I share this article, because it is creating quite a buzz. Experienced X-shooters will know to take it with a grain of salt. The waxy skin tones problem, for example, is no issue at all in RAW and significantly reduced with X-TransIII. Moreover, Iridient has proven to be superior with the demoisaicing than Darktable (used in this review). X-TransIII now also gives better results overall, due to the reduced distance between the repeating RGB patterns, reducing certain types of artifacts and improving the results with Adobe. Also, unlike stated in the review, Fujifilm NEVER said that X-Trans “eliminates” moiree, they say it “reduces” it.)

Fujifilm GFX
USA BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, AmazonUK, WexUK, ParkCamerasUK, PCHstore AUS: CameraPro

Fujifilm 100F
USA BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, AmazonUK, WexUK, ParkCamerasUK, PCHstore AUS: CameraPro

Fujifilm X-T20
USA BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, AmazonUK, WexUK, ParkCamerasUK, PCHstore AUS: CameraPro

Fujifilm X-T2

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Fujinon XF 8-16mm F2.8 WR will Be The Next X-mount Lens Launched after the XF80mm Macro – Source Right in the Past

Fujinon XF 8-16mm F2.8 WR

I’ve shared the first rumor about the Fujinon XF 8-16mm F2.8 WR in May 2016. Since then, we haven’t heard much about it anymore.

All we know, is that Fujifilm delayed the release of the XF8-16mm, because they prioritized smaller WR lenses, such as the XF35mmF2, XF23mmF2 and the XF50mmF2… and of course Fujifilm invested a lot of time also in the medium format G-mount system.

But here is an update for you today.

I hear from a source, right in the past, that once Fujifilm completed the current roadmap with the release of the XF80mmF2.8 1:1 Macro later this year, the next X-mount lens to be released will be the Fujinon XF 8-16mm F2.8. But… please take long term rumors always with …. you know what ;)

Stay tuned on FujiRumors…. because apparently rumors never take a rest ;)

Fujifilm GFX: USA BHphotoWin $3,000 by pre-ordering at BH via FR*, Adorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, AmazonUK, WexUKParkCamerasUKPCHstore AUS: CameraPro
*Pre-order the GFX at BHphoto using the FujiRumors B&H link to enter the contest. Price: $3,000. Sweepstake Overview & Rules can be found here. Full Terms & Conditions here.
Fujifilm X100F: USA BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, AmazonUK, WexUK, ParkCamerasUK, PCHstore AUS: CameraPro
Fujifilm X-T20: USA BHphotoAdorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, AmazonUK, WexUK, ParkCamerasUK, PCHstore AUS: CameraPro

cheers
Fuji X Forum, Facebook, RSS-feed
and Twitter

Fujifilm Managers: “We are Aware of the Many Requests for Fujifilm X-E3. Rangefinder GFX is an Option. GF Lenses Design Challanges & Future”

Join 5,100+ Super Active Members at the Fujifilm GFX facebook group

Dpreview Interviews Fujifilm Managers

Dpreview interviewed Fuji Guy Billy (Manager for the Technical Marketing and Product Specialist Group) and two more Fuji Managers, Makoto Oishi, manager of Fujifilm’s Sales and Marketing Group and Yuji Igarashi, general manager of Fujifilm’s Electronic Imaging Division.

They talk about the latest big Fuji announcements. If you are in a hurry, here some of the highlights:

  • GFX TARGET: Fashion, commercial and landscape photographers. And especially when it comes to landscape, it’s not just professional photographers, but also amateur photographers. The tonality and dynamic range also mean it’ll appeal to wedding and architecture photographers.
  • NEW GF LENSES (besides the 6 already announced): We have some ideas but haven’t decided yet. For example maybe a wide-angle zoom for landscape photographers or maybe something like a 200 or 250mm and so on. We want more feedback from users about what to make next.
  • AUTOFOCUS: Some of the first [GF] lenses have linear motors, whereas the 63mm has a different motor, more like the one used in the 23mm F2. The autofocus speed is already very good: we haven’t had any complaints. Instead we’ve had some users surprised by how fast the contrast-detection system is. From a technical point of view, maybe in the future we might incorporate phase-detection pixels. On the other hand, we’re already developed advanced CDAF algorithms.’ There’s no image quality cost to using phase detection.
  • GF LENS DESING CHALLANGES: As the sensor becomes bigger, that means chromatic aberration becomes bigger: it’s proportional to the size. In GFX we’ve minimized aberrations optically and the used digital compensation only to refine then final result, and it depends on lens
  • GFX 50R RANGERFINDER?: The GFX 50S is one style: the ‘S’ means ‘SLR-style.’ Another way to do it would be a rangefinder style camera. Maybe an ‘R’ could be a rangefinder: we’re always considering other options and possibilities.
  • X100F: The X100 series presents a great opportunity: the body size means it works as a second camera for anyone: not just Fujifilm users. If they fall in love with your system then maybe they’ll consider your cameras in future.’ […] X100 is about design. Even making it a couple of millimeters thicker to incorporate a touchscreen or tilt screen would make a big difference. It could change the design completely
  • X-E3: ‘XE is an important series for us,’ Oishi says: ‘There are so many XE1, 2 and 2S users in the world. We are always thinking about the next model, whether that’s XT, XE or X-Pro. Obviously we can’t confirm anything at this point but we are aware there are many requests for this type of camera [see these FujiRumors Polls]

So there is hope for the X-E3… and I like it to believe we, the Fujirumors community, were able to make enough pressure on Fujifilm in all these months… as we already did with other products in the past apparently.

You can read the whole interview at dpreview here.

Fujifilm GFX: USA BHphotoWin $3,000 by pre-ordering at BH via FR*, Adorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, AmazonUK, WexUKParkCamerasUKPCHstore AUS: CameraPro
*Pre-order the GFX at BHphoto using the FujiRumors B&H link to enter the contest. Price: $3,000. Sweepstake Overview & Rules can be found here. Full Terms & Conditions here.

Fujinon GF63mmF2.8: USA: BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, AmazonUK, WexUK, PCHstore AUS: CameraPro
Fujinon GF32-64mmF4
: USA: BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, AmazonUK, WexUK, PCHstore AUS: CameraPro
Fujinon GF120mmF4 Macro
: USA: BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, AmazonUK, WexUK, PCHstore AUS: CameraPro

Fujifilm Professional Service To be Launched Also in USA (NEW SOURCE)

I just recently told you, that Fujifilm will launch a professional GFX and X-series Service in Europe in March. I have now received feedback from a new source (thanks), that there are also plans to launch the Pro Service in USA. It will cover both medium format and X series cameras.

Join the (very active) Fujifilm GFX Facebook group here is (5,000 members) and X100F facebook group here (2,500 members).

Fujifilm GFX: USA BHphotoWin $3,000 by pre-ordering at BH via FR*, Adorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, AmazonUK, WexUK, ParkCamerasUK, PCHstore AUS: CameraPro
*Pre-order the GFX at BHphoto using the FujiRumors B&H link to enter the contest. Price: $3,000. Sweepstake Overview & Rules can be found here. Full Terms & Conditions here.

Fujifilm X100F: USA BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, AmazonUK, WexUK, ParkCamerasUK, PCHstore AUS: CameraPro

Fujifilm GFX Vs. Canon 5DS R Vs. Sony A7rII: “Incomparable. GFX IQ Far Better Than My Canon. Dynamic Range Surpasses My Sony”

Fujifilm GFX Nr1 Seller at BHphoto!

Fujifilm GFX First Looks

As many of you guys, I’m also waiting for GFX reviews. Right now it’s still quite early, but we already have a bunch of first impression shared here in the live blogging. And new ones are coming in. So here are two more:

Adrian C Murray owns a 5oMP Full Frame Canon 5DS R and also the Sony A7RII. He had quite some time to make deeper tests on the GFX and published his First Impression here. Some excerpts:

  • Fuji GFX Vs. Sony A7RII Vs. Canon 5DS R: While the digital resolutions of both these cameras [GFX and 5DS R] are similar I did notice that the actual image quality was far better on the 50S. So much so that I’d pretty much say the two cameras are basically incomparable […] The 50s offers far more dynamic range than I’ve had on any of my Canon cameras and also surpasses my Sony A7Rii
  • AF SPEED: I was happily surprised with the autofocus […] I was able to obtain focus on some of the most difficult subjects in the world, children. Not just any children, but hyperactive toddlers. While I probably wouldn’t do any sport shooting with this camera, it’s autofocus is still very capable in the right hands.

Stuff.tv that has spend a few hours with the GFX. Here are some excerpts of their first impression:

  • Full-frame photographers watch out – there’s a new high-end champion to get jealous over
  • IQ: With the right lighting and camera settings, you’ll get billboard-quality shots right off your memory card – especially as the GFX shoots in 14-bit RAW, which is perfect for capturing wide dynamic range.
  • AF SPEED: Motion wasn’t a problem, tracking two dancers as they moved across the frame and delivering crisp shots every time […]. It really is amazingly fast. […] I’ll need to see how it deals with faster action
  • Tethering: The GFX 50S will do tethered shooting with Adobe Lightroom, too – as long as you buy the optional Pro plugin.
  • Initial Verdict: It’s smaller than full frame DSLRs from the likes of Nikon and Canon, but packs in a larger sensor, and is arguably easier to use. Fuji’s fantastic control layout is easy enough for newcomers to learn, and instantly recognisable for anyone stepping up from an X-series camera. […] The GFX 50S might be the camera that pushes medium format into the mainstream

Fujifilm GFX: USA BHphotoWin $3,000 by pre-ordering at BH via FR*, Adorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, AmazonUK, WexUKParkCamerasUKPCHstore AUS: CameraPro
*Pre-order the GFX at BHphoto using the FujiRumors B&H link to enter the contest. Price: $3,000. Sweepstake Overview & Rules can be found here. Full Terms & Conditions here.

And then I Thought: “Stop Waiting for the X-E3, and get the X-T2/Zero (X-T20)” … Did Fujifilm Hit the Sweet Spot with the X-T20?

The more I read about the recent epic Fujifilm announcement day (live blogging here), the more I start to think, that, in the shadow of the mighty Medium Format GFX and the sexy X100F, I completely underestimated the power of the little and inconspicuous Fujifilm X-T2/zero… or X-T20.

Yes… X-T2/Zero. Because it is really almost like if someone would have shrinked the X-T2 into a smaller and much more affordable body, just as Palle Schultz showed in his humorous and entertaining X-T20 video here. And this is why Palle calls it the X-T2/zero.

It has the nice 24MP X-TransIII sensor, the X-Processor, the tilting touch screen, up to 325 focus points, it shoots 4K video (!!)… and has even the AF-C Custom settings of the X-T2….that’s a lot of stuff for a camera that costs about half the price of the X-T2 and X-Pro2.

And suddenly a tought came in mind: “Stop waiting for the X-E3 and get that X-T20“.

Now, the only thing that prevents from making the switch to X-Trans III is my infinite love for the design of the X-E line. My resistance is strong… but is also slowly crumbling…

The Fujifilm X-T20 might just have hit the sweet spot in the X-line and be the best value for money today in the X-world.

Fujifilm X-T20: USA BHphotoAdorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, AmazonUK, WexUK, ParkCamerasUK, PCHstore AUS: CameraPro

5 Things You Will Love & Hate About the Fujifilm GFX … … But It’s Frankly Fujifilm’s Best Product Launch Ever ;)

Join 5,000 Members at the Fujifilm GFX Facebook Group

Fujifilm GFX: BHphoto – Win $3,000 by pre-ordering at BH via FR*, Adorama, AmazonUS
Fujinon GF63mmF2.8: BHphotoAdorama, AmazonUS
*Pre-order the GFX at BHphoto using the FujiRumors B&H link to enter the contest. Price: $3,000. Sweepstake Overview & Rules can be found here. Full Terms & Conditions here.

5 Things You Will Love and Hate about the GFX

Holy Moly! That was a heck of an annonucement.

And after the massive live blogging (that still continues!!!), I’m slowly finding the time to go through the various first look reviews. And I invite you to check out the live blogging, too. A lot of great stuff to find there also about the X-T20, X100F and XF50mmF2.

But now I want to focus on the GFX, and make a list of 5 things you are going to love & hate about it. I’m basing the list on the first looks I’ve read.

LOVE:

A hard list, because there is so much to love about it.

  1. Image Quality “deserves to be printed“: Astonishing Sharpness (see for example the video at minute 3:30 at thedigitaltrekker). Excellent high ISO (Read also High ISO… Noise, What Noise? at Damien Lovegrove’s prophotonut) and great dynamic range.
  2. Dual Operation: Command dials or dedicated Shutter/ISO/Aperture Dial? You can use whatever you prefer. Extremely customizable camera overall.
  3. Despite the Beta Firmware, the AF speed is snappy and seems to be already as fast as the X-T1 (read ivanjoshualoh).
  4. EVF: A “monster of a viewfinder“, says jonasraskphotography. Huge (0,85x magnification), high resolution, tilting… awesome!
  5. You can create TIFF files in camera

HATE:

I think that, with the GFX, Fujifilm made the best product launch ever (much better than when they launched the X-system). It comes with tons of features and 6 lenses in just 1 year. So it’s hard to find the “Hates” and I’m streching the list quite a bit. The GFX is an awesome camera, but I’ll challange myself and pick out 5 points:

  1. Price: You get the kit for $8,000. Considering that we are talking of a Medium Format camera, this is actually a more than fair price, but it’s still $8,000… and most of us won’t be able to afford it.
  2. There is an adapter for HC lenses. So you can get the leaf shutter. And there are electronic contacts for aperture. But no Autofocus.
  3. The file size is big. And with the new Super-Fine JPEG setting, you have little compression. But when it comes to workflow, rendering a preview can be cumbersome (up to 10 seconds according to thedigitaltrekker – Video minute 4:25)
  4. 14 bit color depth. That’s what the specs say. But a Swiss Manager, who said it would have 16 bit color depth, was wrong. But from all the samples I could see until now, I think we might easily get over it ;)
  5. 1/125th sync speed (but you can adapt leaf shutter lenses on it… and HSS can help here, too)

And how would your “5 Loves & Hates” list look like? I’d be curious to read it in the comments.

Oh, and remember you can win $3,000 if you pre-order it at BHphoto after clicking on the GFX BH Link on FujiRumors ;)

Fujifilm GFX: BHphoto – Win $3,000 by pre-ordering at BH via FR*, Adorama, AmazonUS
Fujinon GF63mmF2.8
: BHphotoAdorama, AmazonUS
Fujinon GF32-64mmF4
: BHphotoAdorama, AmazonUS
Fujinon GF120mmF4 Macro
: BHphotoAdorama, AmazonUS
*Pre-order the GFX at BHphoto using the FujiRumors B&H link to enter the contest. Price: $3,000. Sweepstake Overview & Rules can be found here. Full Terms & Conditions here.

Fujifilm X-T20: BHphotoAdorama, AmazonUS
Fujifilm X100F
: BHphotoAdorama, AmazonUS
Fujifilm XF50mmF2 WR
: BHphotoAdorama, AmazonUS

The Fujifilm GFX Facts & Specs Updated… + Join Damien Lovegrove & Co at the Fujifilm GFX Facebook Group!

Join 5,000 Members at the Fujifilm GFX Facebook Group

Do you want to discuss the Fujifilm GFX with people, who actually already own it? Well, then you might just join the 5,000 members strong Fujifilm GFX facebook group.

You will find some big shots like X-photographer Damien Lovegrove, Jonas Rask, Piet Van den Eynde, Ivan J. Loh (& more) sharing their impressions and reviews about the Fujifilm GFX. You won’t find such a concentrate of Fujifilm GFX Fans AND Owners anywhere else on the web.

Needless to say, with such great photographers on board, we are having a well informed and factual discussion at the facebook group… so join us over there :)

Fujiflm GFX Facts

I’ve recently made a complete and comprehensive overview over all known and rumored facts about the Fujifilm GFX. Well, I won’t bother you with the whole list again, just highlight a few aspects (and correct others) that are new and final.

Most of it comes from the Fuji Guys GFX first look, which you can find in the Live Blogging (that is still updated).

  • New Super Fine JPEG setting. Little compression, but huge files (takes 10 seconds to render a preview in Lightroom according to thedigitaltrekker – see Live Blogging)
  • The Top LCD Panel is customizable and also changes if you are in video or stills mode
  • The Top LCD Panel colors can reverse colors, to make them easier to read in low light
  • 14 bit RAW files (and not 16 bit, as the Swiss Fujifilm Manager said)
  • You can create TIFF files in camera
  • Electronic shutter up to 1/16000 sec
  • The focal plane shutter allows to make cheaper lenses without leaf shutter. The GF lenses are therefore less expensive to produce.
  • Pinch to zoom capable touch screen
  • First curtain electronic shutter reduces shutter shock, decreases shutter lag time. But over 1/1000 you have issue of vignetting and also bokeh is affected. But in the electornic first curtan shutter mode the camera automatically switches to mechanical shutter when it goes to 1/1000.
  • Up to 9 frames bracketing
  • You can chose between 117 or 425 AF points
  • GFX body + 63mm weight 1230 g
  • GFX body + memory card + battery weight 825g
  • shipping Feb. 23 according to Amazon
  • shutter endurance supporting up to 150,000 shots
  • Fujifilm has already developed a bridge software where testers could tether and open pictures with Capture One – via ivanjoshualoh
  • Shooting rate of 3 frames per second for a burst of 13 frames (compressed RAW)

Fujifilm GFX: BHphoto – Win $3,000 by pre-ordering at BH via FR*, Adorama, AmazonUS
Fujinon GF63mmF2.8
: BHphotoAdorama, AmazonUS
Fujinon GF32-64mmF4
: BHphotoAdorama, AmazonUS
Fujinon GF120mmF4 Macro
: BHphotoAdorama, AmazonUS
Fujifilm GFX EVF-TL1 Tilt Adapter: BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS
Fujifilm H Mount Adapter G for GFX: BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS
*Pre-order the GFX at BHphoto using the FujiRumors B&H link to enter the contest. Price: $3,000. Sweepstake Overview & Rules can be found here. Full Terms & Conditions here.

Fujifilm X-T20: BHphotoAdorama, AmazonUS
Fujifilm X100F
: BHphotoAdorama, AmazonUS
Fujifilm XF50mmF2 WR
: BHphotoAdorama, AmazonUS