Go to Minute 20:00 of the video for Tony’s Prediction about the Mirrorless Future

_ _ _

Out Of the Dark

Anyone out there, who, like me, switched to the X-system very early?

Then you’ll remember how in the first years, every financial Report of Fujifilm said the imaging division is losing money. In the first 2 years of existence, Fujifilm sold only 700,000 X-series cameras! (src- New York Times)… not really exciting numbers!

So we are all happy to read in the latest reports, that the X-series system, despite being still a niche, is selling better, and, along with the Instax World, is pushing Fujifilm’s imaging division into profits.

The New Lens Strategy

It was mainly the X-T1, to give Fujifilm hope that the dark times are over. But in the last months, there is also one lens, that is making Fujifilm very happy: the Fujifilm XF35mmF2 WR (which for a limited time costs only $299 at BHphoto / AmazonUS / FocusCamera / Adorama)

The success of the XF35mmF2 WR was far beyond any expectation. I mean, who would have bet that it would become such a best seller, when there are already two faster and great X-mount primes covering that focal length, the XF35mmF1.4 and the Zeiss 32mmF1.8?

But it happened… the 35mmF2 is selling like hot cakes and therefore made Fujifilm rethink their lens strategy! Smaller & Cheaper… that’s where the money is!

So here is a Recap of what changed in Fuji’s Lens Strategy:

• SMALLER: the XF120mm will be dropped and Fuji will make a smaller and OIS-less XF80mm Marcro lens – Rumor here
• SLOWER: Fujifilm has no hurry anymore to release the XF33mmF1.0 – Post here
• WEATHER RESITANT: the upcoming small and cheap lenses will be weather resistant, just like the 23mmF2 – Rumor here
• CHEAPER: there will be a XF50mmF2 lens, basically a cheaper version of the XF56mm and Zeiss 50mm – Rumor here

And where is the 200mm, huh? Or something even longer? Or a nice tilt-shift lens? And why not step on gas and give us a prestige lens like the ultra-fast XF33mmF1.0 now?

The answer is easy: they won’t sell good. These are niche lenses within the already contained Fuji X-series market and will hardly give Fuji the same profits like the XF35mmF2 WR currently does.

The Final Mirrorless Battle

As you can see in the Video I’ve shared above, Tony Northrup is confident: some MILC makers will fall, but Fujifilm will Survive the Mirrorless Battle.

A battle, that is already going on, and made his first “victim”: Samsung! And you can bet that others will follow in the next few years.

Will the next one be the Micro Four Thirds system, as Kai from DigitalRev thinks here? Or maybe even Fuji itself, if they can’t make the big breakthrough and finally go mainstream? And how sustainable is Sony’s business strategy? Will they really be able to keep up developing cameras and lenses for APS-C, Full Frame and maybe even Medium Format all at the same time? And how competitive will Canikon’s mirrorless offer be in future?

I don’t know what will happen, but if lenses like the 35mmF2, 23mmF2, 50mmF2 will help Fujifilm to grow and make more profits, then let them come… the mirrorless battle just started, and the more X-shooters there are out there (and the more they invest into the system), the brighter Fuji’s future will be.

Everybody, who reads the comments here on FujiRumors, will already know Stealthy Ninja, one of the X-shooter, who has fun to find always new ways to ask for the XF23mmF2WR and helps me to improve my clickbait skills.

Well, Stealthy Ninja is also an active member of the Fuji X Forum community and today’s FXF member guest here on FujiRumors.

If you also want to have the opportunity to be interviewed & featured on FujiRumors, all you have to do is to join our Fuji X Forum Community, share your pics & thoughts there, and you might be the next one :) .

X-Shooter Stealthy Ninja

Tell us something about you

Professional Photographer or Amateur or something in between?

I’m a part time/freelance pro.  I actually prefer to photograph for fun, but yeah, I’ve made money from photography before. LOL can you believe it? Someone actually paid me to press a button then do hundreds of hours of [shoplink 45925 ebay]photoshop[/shoplink] trying to make them look good… hahahaha someone get me some Lexapro®.

Fun fact: My real name is MAX DANGER… yeah nah, actually it’s Adrian Evans, a true blue, dinky di Aussie who have lived in Hong Kong for the last 16 years.  I plan to return to Australia this year if possible… so I’m looking for a job in Australia (hint hint).

What is your kind of photography? (Motives, Approach …)

I just want to continually get better (which is hard when you’re already pretty awesome).

I like all sorts of subjects, I’m particularly good at shooting events.  You see, being 190cm (that’s 6.2336 feet according to google)  I blend perfectly into the crowd, which makes me a terribly stealthy ninja (or is that “terrible”?) so no one ever notices me ever, it’s like I’m a ghost man (鬼佬 ßlittle Hong Kong joke there).  This super power allows me to get photos of people and stuff without them noticing… which was spoiled a bit by having a bulky camera like the [shoplink 45926 ebay]1Dx[/shoplink] with the [shoplink 45927 ebay]70-200 2.8L IS II[/shoplink] attached… gosh, suddenly people would look at me and do that stupid two fingers V sign thing.  Stop looking at me people I’m TRYING to be stealthy here!  Verily, therefore and hence I officially switched to Fuji.  Now I’m practically invisible. Plus I get to be a cool “X” photographer.

I also have dabbled in portraits and landscapes and some other stuff.  I just shoot what moves me on the insides.  Somewhere around the occipital lobe I guess. I’m no brain science guy.

Where can we find more about you on the web (website, Flickr, Facebook, portfolio)

You know if you click on these links: http://www.aevansphoto.com or http://www.aidavproductions.com it’ll be the best part of your day and you won’t believe what will happen next, it’ll be within the 10 ten reasons you have for living I’m sure.  (How am I doing with the clickbait Master Patrick?)

What’s your favorite image taken with a Fuji?

All of the ones I’ve taken ever.  They’re all works of art that could only be bettered by the 23mm f/2.

To be serious. One I particularly like is this one. [image on the top of this post]

This one was taken with the [shoplink 45870 ebay]Samyang 8mm fisheye[/shoplink].  I was messing about near where I USED to work (currently I’m looking for a job if anyone in Australia is reading this… double hint hint) and decided to take a photo looking up at the buildings while I was crossing the road.  Turned out way better than I thought it would.  I like it because it proves sometimes it’s the moment that counts (and a bit of luck).  I like it so much it’s on the main page of my photo website.

Your Move to Fuji

What’s the main reason for you to own a Fuji?

Honestly… size.  I was a bit wary about the sensor not being full frame, but after comparing images I found the difference to be nominal and not enough for me to worry about.  Kutar (my Turkish blood brother) needs a 33mm f/1 though… oh boy he’d love a 33mm f/1 on a medium format, he’d probably faint.

I used to have to wear a wrist brace and would have a really sore back after shooting all day with my DSLR.  These days I dance around like a fairy and never feel any pain at all (apart from pain to my pride from dancing around like a fairy).

Is there something you miss from your previous system?

I’ve shot Canon, Nikon and Sony.  What I miss most is: Giant cameras that hurt my wrist.

Honestly, the confidence it gives you in focusing.  The X-Pro 2 convinced me Fuji has reached a point where I don’t feel it made that much of a difference, but with DSLR you know what you’re gonna get.  It’s just they’re so damned boring yo.

What’s your favorite lens?

23mm f/2.  They probably exist right?

Seriously though, I love the 90mm it’s so special the way it renders.  The 23mm and 56mm combo is my fave two prime lens setup.  The 100-400 is super fun to use too.  I’d have to give my fave lens award to… the 100-400 just for the pure fun of it.

What’s your favorite camera bag?

Easy. [shoplink 45928 ebay]Billingham Hadley Pro[/shoplink]. I literally own two of these bags.

What’s in your bag?

Whatever I need usually.  But for daily stuff, X-Pro 2 with 35 f/2 and other normal daily stuff like keys, earphones and Mjölnir (keeps unworthy people from stealing my bag).

Which X-series camera and which X-mount lenses do you own?

X-Pro 2, 16-55 2.8, 50-140 2.8, 100-400, 23mm 1.4 (not f/2), 35 f/2, 56mm 1.2 and 90mm f/2.

I plan to get a X-T2 this year and then sometime ultra wide.  Let’s see what the 8-16mm is like (or will even exist).

Your Advice to Fuji

Which lens, that is not yet in the roadmap, would you like Fuji to make?

23mm f/2… oh wait, NOT yet in the roadmap… OK 10mm f/2 (non fisheye) I guess.  Though after the 23mm f/2 comes out, no one will ever need another lens ever.  They say the 23mm f/2 will morph into any lens you need automatically by reading your mind.

Tell Fujifilm what’s the main thing they should still improve in the X-series system via Firmware and/or Hardware

4K in the X-Pro 2 (if that’s even possible).  Allow “T” mode for ISO on the X-Pro 2 and the X-T2 (ideally press the front dial in to adjust ISO).  Keep peaking going when you’re recording a video (it’s hard to manual focus while recording video without it).  Improve wifi connectivity (faster, easier).  More/better video controls (Zebra for example), maybe some sort of Log recording. Add a 3.5mm headphone jack to the X-T2 (and a 3.5mm mic jack, not the 2.5mm one like on the X-Pro2). Don’t hide “shoot without lens” so much (X-Pro 2). It would be sweet to have a touch screen for video focus racking and stuff.

Decisive Questions

OVF, EVF or Display?

Usually EVF.  I use OVF for times when I think there will be people walking into the shot or when I want to anticipate people walking into the shot (streets usually). Display for landscapes and video.

Rangefinder style or DSLR shape?

I like Rangefinder for primes and streets, DSLR for zooms and for looking “pro”.  DSLR types have a huge advantage in that you can add a grip. “Wowee that’s so pro!!! Just take my money already, you super-pro guy” – is what people will say when they see your gripped camera.

RAW or JPEG?

RAW.  I like Fuji jpegs fine, but Adobe is doing a good job with RAWs these days.  Plus that guy with the Fro is slightly cooler than Ken R.

Curiosity & Customize you X

What’s Your favorite film simulation

Provia > Acros > Velvia.  All the rest are a bit boring.

Your favorite photography quote.

“Don’t be too proud of this technological terror you’ve constructed. The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force.” – Darth Vader.

This reminds me not to focus too much of technology but focus on photography skills… and not to be afraid of the Dark Side (don’t try and bring out all the details in shadows).

Previous “Behind the X-gear” Episodes:
Episode 1 – Milandro: A talk with X-shooters around the World… and about the X-series SOUL
Episode 2 – Trenton: A talk with “photoholic” X-shooter Trenton… and why the X-T1 is perfect for Lord Voldemort
Episode 3 – Mehrdad: A talk with Fuji X Forum member & official Fujifilm X-photographer Mehrdad
Episode 4 – Tom H: Meet Tom H, the X-shooter with the Coolest Office in the World
Episode 5 – quincy: Meet Quincy, the X-shooter, who made me drop my coffee with his amazing #1 Forum post!
Episode 6 – donpino: Meet Don Pino, the FXF member, who shared the Most Liked Images on the Forum!
Episode 7 -darknj: Meet darknj, the X-shooter, who goes Against the Flow and Declares the XF18-135 his Favorite Lens!
Episode 8 – yokosteel: Meet yukosteel, the X-shooter, who prepared a little Quiz for You (Mitakon 35/F0.95 Vs. Fujinon XF35/F1.4)

Fujinon XF100-400
USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / CANADA: AmazonCA / EUROPE: AmazonDE / AmazonUK / AmazonITA / AmazonFR / AmazonESP / PCHstore / WexUK

_ _ _

It’s a wonderful Sunday Spring day. I’ll soon go out for with my trusty X-T1 (and my nephew) to capture the rebirth of nature, and I hope you have the same plan, too.

So I won’t take much of your time today, and, in a day without Fuji news, I’d just like to quickly share with you my personal Fuji X switch story, give you an idea for your summer holidays and tell you why I love Fuji’s Cannons like the XF50-140 and XF100-400 even though I’d never buy them.

My Search for Lightness, My Switch to Fuji… and a tip for your summer holidays

I took the decision to switch to mirrorless after hiking for a few days, alone, from Albania to Montenegro, crossing the spectacular, wild and remote Albanian Alps starting from the fascinating Koman See, crossing the rural villages of Valbona and Theth and then all the way to Gusinje (I warmly recommend you this trip).

Trust me, after several days of walk, sleeping in a tent on high passes and up to 9 hours walk a day, carrying around the heavy Canon gear didn’t really help. Then, during the sunrise on a mountain peak between Valbona and Theth, I decided that from now on I’ll travel light!

When I arrived back home I started looking at the mirrorless cameras and bought the [shoplink 44354 ebay]Olympus Pen E-P1[/shoplink]… the first of a long series of mirrorless cameras (I’ve tried also Panasonic and Sony), until I finally stumbled on the Fujifilm X-series.

Why Big and Heavy XF-Lenses are Good

For me it’s still like the very first day: mirrorless is all about compact size & weight.

But with the switch of more and more Pro and Enthusiast photographers to the X System, all with different needs, Fujifilm had to react and to offer some bigger lenses too, like the [shoplink 28447 ebay]Fuji XF 50-140mmF2.8 WR[/shoplink], [shoplink 44358 ebay]XF16-55mmF2.8[/shoplink], [shoplink 44359 ebay]XF90mmF2[/shoplink] and the latest cannon, the [shoplink 44360 ebay]XF100-400[/shoplink]… lenses I’d never buy because, for me, it defeats the whole purpose of size&weight containment, but I consider them vital and very important for Fujifilm in order to make the breakthrough in the PRO’s and Enthusiast’s world… so let them come, Fuji (like the 120mm and the rumored 200mm).

It’s all about creating a system with more choice, a system, where everyone can find the lens he needs (71 X-mount lenses so far). Sure, there are still some gaps, but Fuji will fill them.

And the truth is that, if you invest in Fuji X, size and weight will always be more contained than the comparable DSLR System.

But hey, at the end, no matter which camera & lenses you going to use today, just have fun… and feel free to share your images at the Fuji X Forum and the FR-facebook page.

have a GREAT Sunday
Fuji X Forum, Facebook, RSS-feed and Twitter

The Golden Age of the Fujifilm X-T1 is Over… the Fuji X-T2 is Coming! :: Best Time to Save Big on X-T1 in USA/EU

Tibet 2015 shared by Xing

TOP FXF THREADS TOC

– Episode 19: Fuji X-T2 & Sony A6300 :: Why the X70? :: X-T10 firmware update wishlist :: MF & XF200mmF2 rumors & more – Episode 18: X-Pro2, X100T or X-T1? :: XF100-400 Dilemma :: Absolutely Stunning Selection of Images & more – Episode 17: X-T2 rumors :: X-E3 wishlist :: Lens Advice on Primes :: Move from 56mm to 60mm & more – Episode 16: Are Optical Viewfinders Really Necessary? :: Reuters Banned RAW :: Fuji Vs. Leica lens & more – Episode 15: X-Pro2 launch, keep or sell your X-Pro1 :: XF16mm Feedback? :: Is the Fuji X-T1 really water proof & more – Episode 14: For those of you who don’t trust the X-T1 autofocus :: Another thought on the X-Pro 2 :: Weddings with just primes & more – Epsiode 13: Medium Format Fuji Poll :: Fuji Fun Trumps Everything else :: Why is this Lens a Stupid One? & more – Episode 12: Ken Rockwell blasts the X-T10 : My Favorite Photography Quote : X100R Wanted & more – Epsiode 11: Help me thin my lens collection + X camera wishlist + Portable Solar Charging Solutions + the XF 27mm is Fuji’s best lens & more – Episode 10: Convince me not to dump my X stuff : Great X-T1 off camera flash setup : X-T10, Used X-T1 or Keep X-E2 & more – Episode 9: Is the Panasonic GX8 the X-Pro2 I’ve been waiting for? :: Your least used Fuji features :: GAS Problems & more – Episode 8: Will Fujifilm Be Seduced By the “Dark” side? :: Save me from my GAS! :: My main issue with FW4 & more – Episode 7: HELP ME choose my first FUJI X : Your fantasy Fuji X features : 23 vs 27 for Street Photography & more – Episode 6: 5 Things Fuji is doing Horribly Wrong – Firmware 4.0 Feedback (and bugs?) – Share your Workflow & more – Episode 5: The New Leica Q :: Firmware 4.0 Beta :: Fuji X Wedding Photography Chat :: LR 6.1 & more – Episode 4: POLL: No In Body Image Stabilization, do you bother? :: Old Lenses For Dummies & more – Episode 3: Which 3 primes combo is your ideal setup? :: X-PRO2 wishlist :: Be careful with thumb grips :: Sensor dust & more – Episode 2: CLASH of the FUJIS: X-PRO2 Vs. X-T2 :: X-T1 Vs. X-T10 :: 14mm Vs. 10-24 :: 16mm Vs. 23mm :: 90mm Vs. 56 APD & more – Episode 1: Why do (some) People Hate Fuji? * Mock-Up X-T10 Vs. Real X-T10 (with XF 35mmF2 WR) * X Lens wishlist & more

Fuji X Rumors

shared by Patrick FR XF33mmF1.0 rumors

shared by Patrick FR XF23mm F2 rumors

shared by Patrick FR 2.0 Teleconverter Rumor

General Discussion

– – – POLL – – – shared by FX Admin Which Fuji X cameras do you use?

– – – POLL – – – shared by fordfanjpn Poll: How do you use viewfinder, display, menus?

shared by Alf Leica

Fuji X System

X-Pro1 / X-Pro2

shared by vicmay Problem with my X Pro2.

shared by bitbonk 24 MP X-Trans III has the same resoution of 36MP Bayer sensor.

shared by Kate Rose X-Pro 1 Auto ISO and blue cast challenges…am I being a muppet?!

shared by Patrick FR X-Pro2 Review at TheCameraStoreTV (episode filmed on X-Pro2)

shared by Yosef Hamidi I have an XT1. Would you recommend an XPRO1?

X-T1 / X-T10

shared by petergabriel Buy cheap xt1 or wait for xt2 in June?

shared by Mevl so many cameras, how to decide?

shared by Woodworth So, what about an X-T2?

shared by oldfashioned1536 Tripod for Fuji X-T1

shared by davehutch Hopefully a useful reference guide for some – X-T1 vs. X-E2 Specs

shared by Daryl Chan Incorrect color displayed

X-E1/X-E2/X-E2S

shared by Jano X-E3 Concept – get rid of the build-in flash and make space for a larger EVF… do you agree with this idea?

shared by Marcin Petruszka X-E2 or X-Pro1?

shared by Jano X-E2 4.0 Applies 16:9 Crop to RAW Files in LR

Fuji X Lenses

shared by bhamx2 Travelling Combo X-T1 and Two Lenses (But Which Ones??)

shared by Mike K Fuji 100-400mm Received Today 1st Impressions

shared by xtrans Torn between 27mm f/2.8 and 35mm f/2.0 need your opinions please

shared by Raymond Sigarlaki 10-24mm F4 OR 16mm F1.4?

Adapting lenses to Fuji X

shared by tezza Old fujinon lenses

X100(S+T)/X70

shared by delmundo Will you buy a X100 (X200) with a 28mm equiv. lens?

shared by Michael Russell Fuji X100T or wait for X200 ?

shared by Andrej Jesenovec Request: X100S/T Crop mode framelines (42,50,65)

 

RAW PROCESSING

shared by Jackalized Lightroom/ACR – free ClassicChrome profile (.dcp) for X-Pro1 & X-E1!

shared by Joy Newbould Raw conversion topic VERY confusing! – can anyone clarify

IMAGES

shared by Alf Cuba

shared by Paul Crespel KIDS & TEENAGERS

shared by Burb Cityscapes with Fujifilm X

_ _ _

landscapes with fuji x shared by MrThePlague

Push the READ MORE Button to see more Top Liked Images

Tibet 2015 shared by Xing

TOP FXF THREADS TOC

– Episode 18: X-Pro2, X100T or X-T1? :: XF100-400 Dilemma :: Absolutely Stunning Selection of Images & more
– Episode 17: X-T2 rumors :: X-E3 wishlist :: Lens Advice on Primes :: Move from 56mm to 60mm & more
– Episode 16: Are Optical Viewfinders Really Necessary? :: Reuters Banned RAW :: Fuji Vs. Leica lens & more
– Episode 15: X-Pro2 launch, keep or sell your X-Pro1 :: XF16mm Feedback? :: Is the Fuji X-T1 really water proof & more
– Episode 14: For those of you who don’t trust the X-T1 autofocus :: Another thought on the X-Pro 2 :: Weddings with just primes & more
– Epsiode 13: Medium Format Fuji Poll :: Fuji Fun Trumps Everything else :: Why is this Lens a Stupid One? & more
– Episode 12: Ken Rockwell blasts the X-T10 : My Favorite Photography Quote : X100R Wanted & more
– Epsiode 11: Help me thin my lens collection + X camera wishlist + Portable Solar Charging Solutions + the XF 27mm is Fuji’s best lens & more
– Episode 10: Convince me not to dump my X stuff : Great X-T1 off camera flash setup : X-T10, Used X-T1 or Keep X-E2 & more
– Episode 9: Is the Panasonic GX8 the X-Pro2 I’ve been waiting for? :: Your least used Fuji features :: GAS Problems & more
– Episode 8: Will Fujifilm Be Seduced By the “Dark” side? :: Save me from my GAS! :: My main issue with FW4 & more
– Episode 7: HELP ME choose my first FUJI X : Your fantasy Fuji X features : 23 vs 27 for Street Photography & more
– Episode 6: 5 Things Fuji is doing Horribly Wrong – Firmware 4.0 Feedback (and bugs?) – Share your Workflow & more
– Episode 5: The New Leica Q :: Firmware 4.0 Beta :: Fuji X Wedding Photography Chat :: LR 6.1 & more
– Episode 4: POLL: No In Body Image Stabilization, do you bother? :: Old Lenses For Dummies & more
– Episode 3: Which 3 primes combo is your ideal setup? :: X-PRO2 wishlist :: Be careful with thumb grips :: Sensor dust & more
– Episode 2: CLASH of the FUJIS: X-PRO2 Vs. X-T2 :: X-T1 Vs. X-T10 :: 14mm Vs. 10-24 :: 16mm Vs. 23mm :: 90mm Vs. 56 APD & more
– Episode 1: Why do (some) People Hate Fuji? * Mock-Up X-T10 Vs. Real X-T10 (with XF 35mmF2 WR) * X Lens wishlist & more

Fuji X Rumors

shared by Patrick FR Medium Format Rumors

shared by Patrick FR XF200mmF2 Lens Rumors

shared by Patrick FR Fuji X-E3 rumors

General Discussion

shared by epscott Fuji X-T2 & Sony A6300

shared by epscott Why the X70?

shared by Patrick FR Panasonic Develops Organic Sensor with Global Shutter :: Impressive 123dB (!!!) dynamic range :: Made with Fujifilm

shared by LP26 Fujifilm Professional Service

Fuji X System

X-T1 / X-T10

shared by 9.V.III Should the X-T2 Have an Integrated Battery Grip?

shared by nutscracker X-T10 firmware update wishlist

shared by Alin Ciortea XF23/1.4 on X-T10 body or X100s

shared by Patrick FR Available :: X-T1 Firmware 4.30 / X-T10 FW 1.20

X-Pro1 / X-Pro2

shared by typeronin I’ve got an X-Pro2 right now…anything you want to know?

shared by Paul Crespel FUJI X-PRO2 MENU PROBLEM

X-E1/X-E2/X-E2S

shared by Patrick FR Available :: Fuji X-E2 Firmware 4.00!

Fuji X Lenses

shared by Mike K First Day with 27mm f2.8 on X -Pro1

shared by Maurice New rumors have already begun. Proof of the 32/33mm !?

shared by rilegail First lens for xt10?

ACCESSORIES

shared by Patrick FR New Flash for Fuji Announced: Metz 44 AF-2! Full Specs

shared by erikk Small flash for X-E2 – EF-20 or Meike MK320

IMAGES

shared by Paul Crespel PEOPLE AT WINDOWS

shared by Stefan A study on aesthetics in the Streets

shared by Ziggy Wildlife

shared by Ziggy Share your nature photograph’s

shared by Russ First time astro photography

shared by thienstravelography Around the world with the XT1

landscapes with fuji x shared by yeemiau

_ _ _

landscapes with fuji x shared by Don Pino

_ _ _

landscapes with fuji x shared by Stockografie

Push the READ MORE Button to see MORE Top Liked Images