Top Fujifilm (Related) Gear 2024 – VOTE

Top Gear 2024

So we told: there are no more Fujifilm announcements in 2024

Maybe we might still get some third party manual of even autofocus lenses (maybe the X mount version of this lens here for example), but they’d come so late in the year that I prefer to include them in the 2025 list anyway.

The list includes only Fujifilm cameras and Fujinon or third party autofocus lenses (no manual focus), which are:

  1. Fujifilm X100VI
  2. Fujifilm X-T50
  3. Fujifilm X-M5
  4. Fujifilm GFX100S II
  5. Fujinon XF 16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II
  6. Fujinon XF16-50mmF2.8-4.8 R LM WR
  7. Fujinon XF 500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR
  8. Fujinon GF 500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR
  9. Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 X
  10. Sirui Aurora AF 85mm f/1.4 X
  11. TTArtisan AF 56mm f/1.8 X
  12. Meike AF 55mm f/1.4 X
  13. Meike AF 33mm f/1.4 X
  14. Brightin Star AF 50mm f/1.4 X
  15. Sirui Sniper AF 16mm f/1.2 X
  16. Sirui Sniper AF 75mm f/1.2 X

VOTE BELOW

My Top Fujifilm Related Product of 2024 was... (max. 1 Pick Only)

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

Sony A1 II Wins Praise for a Feature Fujifilm X-S20 Had First and I Hope to Get on X-T5 & Co via Firmware Update

So, I have looked at a few launch videos of the Sony A1II.

One feature that reviewers unanimously praised on the Sony A1 II is its automatic subject detection mode—a capability that the Fujifilm X-S20 has had for quite some time. However, Fujifilm has consistently declined to implement this feature in its higher-end models via firmware update.

Interestingly, while the Sony A1 II is now being lauded for this feature as though it’s the greatest innovation since sliced bread, the same reviewers largely overlooked it when the Fujifilm X-S20 introduced it. At best, it received a passing mention, with only a few exceptions like Johnnie from CineD, who both praised the feature and urged Fujifilm to roll it out to other cameras via firmware updates.

This disparity highlights Sony’s superior ability to engage with influencers compared to Fujifilm. Also, Sony likely emphasized this feature heavily in its launch materials, whereas Fujifilm seems to have neglected to draw attention to it.

That said, I completely agree that fully automatic subject detection is an excellent feature. Fujifilm has implemented it in the X-S20 and, I believe, also in models like the X-T50 and X-M5.

But for some reason, Fujifilm seems to treat this as a “beginner” feature, limiting it to models with full Auto mode, as if more advanced photographers wouldn’t benefit from it. However, with the Sony A1 II now receiving widespread praise for this capability, I hope Fujifilm will rethink their stance.

Here on FujiRumors we also suggested a very simple way to implement that feature on other 5th generation models:

Will Fujifilm give it to us via firmware update?

Well, Fujifilm had a similarly stubborn stance when it came to limiting Auto mode to JPEG-only recording. Thankfully, after persistent advocacy through several articles, they eventually listened and allowed RAW recording in Auto mode as well.

I hope Fujifilm will listen again this time and bring the fully automatic subject detection mode to all 5th generation cameras through a firmware update.

FujiRumors is happy to give Fujifilm patent-free access to our idea on how to implement it on current cameras. ;)

Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 Discontinued at Some Stores

It’s happening: one of the most popular Fujinon XF lenses of all time is about to retire.

In fact, the Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR starts to be marked as discontinued at stores in Japan as reported by the Japanese website asobinet.

This is inevitable since now we got the Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II, which is smaller, lighter and optically even a bit better. And it costs the same as the older version.

You can still find the XF16-55mmF2.8 MKI in stock in USA, Canada and Europe, but I guess these will be the last samples available and honestly quite hard to sell for Fujifilm if they do not decide to offer it with a substantial price drop.

Fujinon XC15-45mmF3.5-5.6 Firmware Update Released – Again

Just a few days ago Fujifilm issued a firmware update for the Fujinon XC15-45mmF3.5-5.6. Well, now we have another one. All details below.

Fujinon XC15-45mmF3.5-5.6 ver.1.12 – download here
The firmware update Ver.1.12 from Ver.1.11 incorporates the following issue:

The following software issue is supposed to be fixed with Ver.1.11, but it is observed that the same issue is still occurs in rare cases under some shooting conditions. This is the revised firmware to fix the bug even in the above conditions.

  1. “The lens initializes itself unintentionally and automatically retracts once and back to the original position frequently when using the latest X-T50 and X-M5 cameras.”

Fujinon XC15-45mmF3.5-5.6 Firmware Update Fixes Unintentional Sinking and Ejecting of Lens

It’s not the firmware we are all waiting for, but it is an important update for all those who purchased the Fujinon XC15-45mm as a kit with their Fujifilm X-T50 or Fujifilm X-M5.

Fujinon XC15-45mmF3.5-5.6 ver.1.11 – download here
The firmware update Ver.1.11 from Ver.1.10 incorporates the following issue

  • A software issue is improved that the lens Improved the phenomenon of the lens automatically sinking and ejecting unintentionally when used with X-M5 or X-T50.

Dear Fujifilm: If You Can Change Video Frame Colors, Why Not Focus Frame Color Too?

Back in 2018, FujiRumors made a simple request to Fujifilm: give us the option to change the color of the focus frame (the little square you move around on the screen to indicate where the camera should focus).

This request came from a common issue — while the default white box works fine most of the time, there are situations where it blends into the background, making it hard to spot. I sometimes end up moving it randomly around the screen until I can locate it again.

Six years later, that request has yet to be fulfilled.

Over time, we made peace with it and moved on. But with the release of the Fujifilm X-M5, our wish for a focus frame color change has resurfaced.

Why?

The Fujifilm X-M5 offers the usual red frame box when recording video. But when switching to slow motion mode, that red box turns green to avoid confusion — something we reported earlier. This got us thinking: if Fujifilm can adjust the frame color for video modes, surely their talented software engineers could implement a similar option for focus frames.

So, Fujifilm, if you can change video frame colors, why not give us the option to customize the focus frame color? It’s a simple tweak that could improve the user experience.

How Many Cameras and Lenses Does Fujifilm Release Every Year? And What it Could Mean for 2025

Some asked us how much gear Fujifilm releases every year.

So we decided to check back the last 3 years (2024 included, since there won’t be any more announcements) to see what the current pace at Fujifilm is. Below are the results.

Gear released in 2024 – 4 cameras and 4 lenses

Gear released in 2023 – 2 cameras and 4 lenses

Gear released in 2022 – 3 cameras and 4 lenses

So, overall we see: we get 4 lenses a year for X/GFX system combined.

2024 was more focused on the X series with 3 lenses for the X system and only one lens for the GFX system.

As far as cameras goes, we can get 2 to 4 cameras a year.

What does it mean for 2025?

CAMERAS in 2025:

As of today, the state of the rumors as far as cameras coming in 2025 goes is the following:

If Fujifilm maintains the pace it set in 2024, there could be room for one or maybe even two more camera releases in 2025, considering that the 1″ sensor camera might not be counted in the lineup we discussed earlier, which focused solely on APS-C and medium format models.

LENSES in 2025:

Fujifilm has quite consistently released around four lenses each year, combining both X and GFX series models.

So far I have no rumors about future lenses, which means you have four slots you can fill in with your wishes. :)

If anyone out there can maybe give us a hint on future X and GF lenses, feel free to reach out to FujiRumors. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Overall, 2025 remains a significant mystery, but I’m hopeful that our trusted sources (and maybe some new ones) will be able to shed light on some of the unknowns and provide insights that will make us even more excited for what’s to come.

Until then, keep shooting, keep enjoying life… and every now and then, keep checking in on FujiRumors ;).

Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 II vs I: Is the New Version Worth the Switch?

I guess the question these days for those, who already own the “old” XF16-55mmF2.8 is: should I upgrade the new XF16-55mmF2.8 II or stick with the old one?

In order to try to help you to find the right answer, I’ve searched for comparisons, but I was surprised to find that this particular comparison hasn’t been adequately addressed by reviewers at launch. If I missed them, please let me know in the comments, so I can add them to this article.

But now a new video has been released by FujiFanBoys that provides a quick comparison between the new Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 II and the previous XF16-55mmF2.8.

I will sum it up in bullet points for you, but if you want to see the sample images and get a few more details, check out the video above.

  • the new XF16-55mmF2.8 II is a bit sharper and has a bit more contrast
  • the new XF16-55mmF2.8 has a bit better bokeh
  • the new XF16-55mmF2.8 has a bit better autofocus
  • the new XF16-55mmF2.8 as virtually no focus breathing (the old one was good there too, but not as good as the new one)
  • the new XF16-55mmF2.8 is lighter and smaller
  • the new XF16-55mmF2.8 has a de-clickable aperture ring

So who is this lens for?

Well, if that’s your first XF16-55mmF2.8 lens, then go for the new one. It’s a lot lighter and smaller, it’s a bit better optically, and costs the same as the old one.

Things get more complicated if you already own the old XF16-55mmF2.8.

In this case, FujiFanBoys says that if you shoot mainly primes and already own the old XF16-55mmF2.8, then there is no need to upgrade. But if you rely a lot on the XF16-55 for your work, then size and weight alone are a good reason to upgrade.

And what was your decision? Feel free to let us know by voting the survey:

As an owner of the old XF16-55mmF2.8, I decided to...

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

Fujifilm Manager: X and GFX Series Hold 40% Market Share (Excluding Full Frame) but Struggle a Bit with Product Availability

image courtesy of Phototrend
image courtesy of Phototrend

The French website Phototrend had the opportunity to interview Franck Bernard, Director of the imaging division at Fujifilm France. You can read the full interview here and the summary below.

  • Fujifilm is doing very well, both X and GFX series
  • the only things Fujifilm suffers from a little is the availability of products
  • Based on GFK data (largest German market research company), outside of Full Frame, Fujifilm is market leader with 40% market share thanks to X and GFX system
  • X-M5: there was still demand for cameras in this price segment especially among young people
  • AI will only bring benefits to the photographic business in general, and especially on the print side. Facilitate the production of a photo album, with a minimum of clicks: AI will be able to help us a lot
  • XF16-55mmF2.8 II completely redesigned lens
  • next generation linear motors used on XF16-55mmF2.8 II  are smaller than the ones in the older generation
  • improvements in ED, Super ED and aspherical lenses has also allowed to reduce weight and gain compactness
  • no OIS because most Fujifilm cameras now have IBIS
  • X-M5 comes in brown package to reduce Co² emissions (reduce colors, packaging, carton consumption and, if possible, the number of cables)
  • film simulation contribute the the “return to film” trend. But while there is a notable resurgence of interest in film photography, especially among younger people, its impact should be viewed with caution, as the market remains limited to specific products like disposable cameras and film
  • Fujifilm has no new film camera on the agenda
  • success of X100VI was unimaginable. The X100VI is an iconic product
  • X100VI production has been increased, but supply is complex and deliveries are not made overnight
  • X100VI is not cannibalizing sales of other Fujifilm cameras

I don’t know if the GFK data is for France or Europe only, or if it is about worldwide data. But 40% market share outside of Full Frame might not be a horrible position to be in.

Unfortunately, Fujifilm has been heavily impacted by shipping challenges. Even if I were to underestimate the numbers, it’s likely that if all the X100VI, X-T5, X-E4, and other cameras ordered had been shipped in a timely manner, Fujifilm’s market share outside of full-frame cameras could easily be 60% to 70%.

But it is what it is.

I get that Fujifilm can’t suddenly build four new factories just because they’ve become a trendy brand. There’s the risk that, once the trend fades, they’d be left with four underused factories, turning it into a poor investment.

So they have to increase the production with what they currently have available in terms of manufacturing power.

But then I don’t understand decisions like keeping the old XF16-55mmF2.8 still in production (according to reports at CineD) even though there is now the new XF16-55mmF2.8 II on the market.

Wouldn’t it be better to focus the limited production capacity on making more lenses of the new version? Or stop making the old XF16-55 and free up manufacturing power to make the one lens that has become almost impossible to find all over the world, the Fujinon XF27mmF2.8 R WR.

With a few more strategic decisions, I believe Fujifilm could improve the ongoing supply shortage situation.

Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II Pre-Orders Now also at Amazon US

You can now pre-order the Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II also at AmazonUS here.

And look, I know it sucks to have to wait months to get your gear shipped, which has sadly become a standard with Fujifilm.

But since pre-orders just launched, Amazon likely has a short waiting list for now. So, if you’re interested in this lens and place your order on Amazon soon, you could secure a higher spot in the waiting list and potentially receive your lens sooner.

However, the list is bound to fill up quickly.

Also, it’s worth giving your local store a call to ask about their waiting list. Unfortunately, I can’t do that for you—I can’t check every store’s backlog worldwide. Instead, I try to provide the best info by comparing larger online retailers.

But if you work at a local store, feel free to inform our readers in the comments to this post on how the situation is at your store.