Fujinon Lens Rentals Skyrocketed Showing 96% Increase in 2017

Things seem to go quite well for Fujifilm.

Their imaging division is healthy and registers “substantial increase in income“, some managers dream of 50% market share, and Fujifilm’s declared goal is to become Nr.1 mirrorless premium camera manufacturer within 2019.

Considering that from 2011 to 2013 Fujifilm sold overall only 700,000 X-series cameras, I’d say the company has made quite some significant step forwards from 2014 to 2017. The camera that changed everything, was the Fujifilm X-T1, which is now discontinued, and I dedicated an emotial farewell in this article.

And now we have some more significant data, that show that more and more people are looking at the Fuji X system.

According to data send out by lensrentals from the their press contact and reported by fstoppers, the Fujifilm X-system has seen huge rental increase in 2017. Fstoppers writes:

“Fuji lenses skyrocketed, showing 96 percent more rentals. Sony lenses also increased 22 percent, while Canon and Nikon decreased 8 and 10 percent, respectively.”

Some more significant data:

Thanks to FR reader VatArt Photo for spotting the news and sharing with us :)

A lot of the Fujinon glass (and cameras) is right now in offer, as well as Fujifilm GFX gear. Check it out below.

FUJIFILM X and GFX DEALS

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

Adobe Says “We Remain Committed to Invest in Lightroom Classic”

There is a new FAQ article up at the adobe.blogs, addressing some of the concerns from the Lightroom community that arosed after their latest announcements.

Is Lightroom Classic being phased out? How long will it be until Adobe kills Lightroom Classic?

No, we’re not phasing out Lightroom Classic and remain committed to investing in Lightroom Classic in the future. We know that for many of you, Lightroom Classic, is a tool you know and love and so it has an exciting roadmap of improvements well into the future. But please hold us accountable as we make updates in the following months and years to let us know if we’re meeting your expectations.

Help me guys… does he mean “indefinitely”? :D

Why did you abandon the Lightroom standalone version?

Customers are overwhelmingly choosing the Creative Cloud Photography plan as the preferred way to get access to Lightroom. We’re aligning our investment with the direction our customers have signaled over the last several years.

I translate it for you: “we make tons of money with the cloud… and now we want to make even more”

Some Lightroom Alternatives – Updated

via petapixel

Adobe NEVER Promised Lightroom Standalone Forever :: Lightroom Alternatives :: And More X-Trans Content

Did Adobe Really Promise LR Standalone Forever?

Now, I can get it that many people are annoyed by the fact that, unlike rumored elsewhere, Lightroom 7 will never come, and that now you have to pay a monthly subscription to get Lightroom Classic CC instead.

I’m with you: I don’t like monthly subscriptions, and I join the criticism.

But now I see websites claiming, that Adobe “promised” us to offer forever a Lightroom standalone version and these claims bring the hate and shitstorms against Adobe to a level where it should not be, since Adobe never promised such a thing.

In fact, here is their full official quote from blogs.adobe back in 2013:

“Future versions of Lightroom will be made available via traditional perpetual licenses indefinitely.”

I’m not a native English speaker (it’s actually my 4th language), but to my knowledge “indefinitely” does not mean “forever“, but more “for an unspecified period of time“. So let’s critizise Adobe based on what they do and not based on fake clickbait news.

With that said, the new reality is called Lightroom Classic CC… so let’s see how it works.

Some Lightroom Alternatives

  • Capture One is a great alternative, especially since they recently improved the X-Trans support (but we still wait for a few more things sich as Fujifilm GFX support and film simulation profiles). Check out also this Fujifilm-centric Capture One webinar.
  • Also ON1 has made progress in the Fuji X-Trans world. They improved the X-Trans demosaicing first on February 15 here, and then on June 7 here. They promised film simulation profiles on July 21 here and On1 Photo Raw 2018 is coming with a lot of new features.
  • MacPhun Luminar is coming big in the last few months, with versions for Mac and Windows. Definitely worth to check it out.
  • Iridient is a much-loved RAW demosaicing software by the Fuji X community.
  • The “RAW Power” App brings Aperture style interface & functions to MacPhotos. We reported about it here.
  • Another appreciated alternative is darktable. It’s free and is full of features (now also for windows). Moreover, the sourcecode is opensource and if the development stops, other people can go on with it.

X-Trans Zone

  • Image Editing Experiments With The Fujifilm X-T2 and Film Simulation JPEGS at thewanderinglensman
  • Image Editing Experiments With The Fujifilm X-T2 and Film Simulation JPEGS; Part II at thewanderinglensman
  • There’s a special offer at this moment to get DXO Optics Pro 11 Essential for free! Check it out at: dxo.com/us/practicalphotography. Keep in mind that DxO does not support Fuji RAW files, so you have to convert your files to TIFF to be able to use them. Offer expires November 30. Thanks to Arnoud for the link: www.arnoudlievense.nl
  • ApolloOne, a very popular photo viewer for Mac just got an update to version 2.0.0. Version 2 adds a number of new features. The most notable ones are: fast image tagging/culling with Auto Advance mode, new built-in RAW decoder (based on LibRAW, same as the one used by FastRawViewer), and the association of XMP sidecar files for RAW images (change rating, delete, rename). In addition, you can now view HEIC image files (and HEVC videos) on macOS High Sierra with complete EXIF info. The best part is that it is now free to download at the App Store here, so you can try before you buy. Check it out!

Super Fuji X Deals in Australia: CameraPro offers up to $200 on Top of Fuji X deals (Total Savings up to $500)

Now this one is crazy deal.

Australian residents can now get an additional $100 to $200 discount on top of the regular Fujifilm Cashback (which are up to $300) thanks to CameraPro here.

Expires on Sunday… so be quick :)

Fuji X and GFX deals in USA

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

Full List of Fuji X Camera Deals (X-T2 and X-Pro2 Body Only Included)

 

The Deals Are Here

UPDATE: Fujifilm Deals LIVE NOW. Save Up to $1,000 on Fujifilm GFX and Lenses and $200 on X-Gear

The Fuji X deals will officially start October 15 at 00:01 AM New York time.

However, some stores are already offering the discounts now at AmazonUS. You can already get the X-T2 and X-Pro2 rebated. Many lenses are discounted already too, like the XF50-140mm. Just check the list below.

I have also received (thanks) the full list of camera deals (in addition to the lens deals shared yesterday), which I will share down below.

Full List of Discounts

TIP: In the past some lenses run out of stock quickly for months. So grab yours as soon as possible to avoid long waiting times
HELP: feel free to grab your discounted X-gear using the affiliate links here on FujiRumors. No extra costs for you, and you will help me to keep the this blog running. Thanks for your support

Camera Deals

X-T2 Body (save $100): BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama, Focuscamera
X-T2 Graphite Body (save $100): BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama, Focuscamera
X-T2 + XF18-55 (save $100): BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama, Focuscamera

X-Pro2 body (save $200): BHphoto, AmazonUS, FocusCamera, Adorama
X-Pro2 Graphite + XF23/2 (save $200): BHphoto, AmazonUS, FocusCamera, Adorama

X-T20 body (save $100): BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS, FocusCamera
X-T20 + XF18-55 (save $100): BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS, FocusCamera
X-T20 + XC16-50 (save $100): BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS, FocusCamera

X-A3 + XC16-50 (save $50): BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS
X-A3 + XC16-50 + XF23/2 (save $100): BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS

Lens Deals

XF18mm (save $50): AmazonUS, BHphoto, FocusCamera, Adorama
XF27mm (save $50): AmazonUS, BHphoto, FocusCamera, Adorama
XF60mm (save $50): AmazonUS, BHphoto, FocusCamera, Adorama
XF35mmF1.4 (save $50): AmazonUS, BHphoto, FocusCamera, Adorama

XF14mm (save $100): AmazonUS, BHphoto, FocusCamera, Adorama
XF 16mm (save $100): AmazonUS, BHphoto, Adorama
XF23mmF1.4 (save $100): AmazonUS, BHphoto, FocusCamera, Adorama
XF56mm (save $100): AmazonUS, BHphoto, FocusCamera, Adorama
XF90mm (save $100): AmazonUS, BHphoto, FocusCamera, Adorama
XF10-24mm (save $100): AmazonUS, BHphoto, FocusCamera, Adorama
XF55-200mm (save $100): AmazonUS, BHphoto, FocusCamera, Adorama
XF18-135mm (save $100): AmazonUS, BHphoto, FocusCamera, Adorama

XF56mmAPD (save $150): AmazonUS, BHphoto, FocusCamera, Adorama
XF16-55mm (save $150): AmazonUS, BHphoto, FocusCamera, Adorama
XF50-140mm (save $150): AmazonUS, BHphoto, FocusCamera, Adorama
XF100-400mm (save $150): BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama

The future of the Deals

I can hear you say: they are not that great like deals in the past.

But guys, we better get used to it. A few years ago, hardly anyone owned Fujifilm X, and Fuji had to offer terrific deals to “convince” people to buy into the X system. But now, that Fuji X has become popular, there is simply no real need to launch such agressive deals anymore.

Hence, deals on X-system have become more rare, and when they come, like now, they will be less amazing as in the past.

On the other hand, GFX deals are now much better.

Neoprene Hood Hat Lens Protection :: Make the Lens Cap Stay Put on Lens :: Timelapse+ VIEW Intervalometer Fuji X Support (X Accessories Zone)

Protect lens and shade against dust, moisture and impact with the OP/TECH Hood Hat – Videos and Customer Reviews at AmazonUS

  • Fuji X mirrorless cameras now supported by the VIEW Intervalometer timelapseplus
  • New version of the eyecup adapter for the X-T10 that also works with the X-T20 and provides a generally improved fit. Check them out at shapeways.com

Fuji X-T2: Making the Lens Cap Stay Put on the Kit Lens at jbrish

  • Fuji X-T2 Kirk Photo L Bracket at Finding Middle Earth Youtube
  • Fujinomics – X-T2 and Polarizing Filter at jbrish
  • TESTED: Third Party Fuji Batteries? “Inflated capacity values. Some batteries almost Fraud!”… and the Winner is…? at fujirumors.com

Fujifilm X-shooter Mario and his good friend Jensen developed a new backpack that is now on kickstarter here. The FJORD 36 Action Pack by NYA-EVO.

Practical Guide on How To Choose Best Travel Tripod :: 5 Things That Make a Tip Top Tripod :: Top New Carbon Tripod for $120

Sirui T-025X, one of the best travel tripods according to the FujiRumors community

Tripod

I recently made shameless use of FujiRumors (and your time) for a personal carbon fiber travel tripod help request. Your feedback in the comments was terrific, and as the true review-holic I am, I had lots of work to do to compare your suggestions.

But just when I was about to push the checkout button for the highly recommended Sirui T-025x, Benro suddenly announced the brand new Benro TSL08CN00, a carbon fiber tripod designed for mirrorless cameras (and small DSLRs) and even more affordable than the Sirui T-025x. Folded, though, the Benro might be still too big for traveling purposes, so at the end, it will be the Sirui for me.

If you are also wondering which is the best tripod for your needs, here is a dedicated roundup with a few more useful links you should check out and that might help you to make your tripod decision.

Sirui T-025x: BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama, [shoplink 59802 ebay]your local eBay[/shoplink]

Benro TSL08CN00 : BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama, [shoplink 60220 ebay]your local eBay[/shoplink]

Clarification + Update Regarding the XF Lens Production Moving from Japan and China to Philippines

XF18-55 made in Japan (old) and made in Philippines (new)
XF18-55 made in Japan (old) and made in Philippines (new)

Lens Production Moving to Philippines

Ok guys, I went through your comments regarding the “XF lenses made in Philippines” article yesterday here, and I perceived some confusion. So I thought I take my time to clarify a few things:

  • ↓ A source told me that Fujifilm is moving the production of SOME lenses to Philippines. The same source also said that, in the long-term, MAYBE it could be even ALL X-mount lenses, but it was not sure about this. This is why yesterday I wrote: “A kind source (thanks) informed me that Fujifilm is moving the production of some X-mount lenses (maybe even ALL X-mount lenses), to the Philippines.” ↓

So the sure thing is, that the production of some lenses is moving from other countries to Philippines. As we could see in the last few days here on FR, this is happening now with the XF18-135 and XF27mm (which are made in China).

But also XF lenses made originally in Japan, are now moving (or already moved) to the Philippines. For example, take a look at the image above. You can see how my personal XF 18-55 is made in Japan, whereas the XF 18-55 a FR-reader purchased recently in Austria is made in the Philippines. The reader told me that her 18-55 is of impeccable quality, as well as her X-T20, which is made in China.

So the source is right: Fujifilm is moving the production of some lenses (made in China or Japan) to Philippines.

The part my source could not tell me for sure, was, if it will affect all XF lenses in future. It’s a possibility, but it’s not sure yet. I will write an update as soon as I can.

  • ↓ Made in Philippines is not bad at all ↓

Some people perceived my blog post yesterday, as if I would be worried, that quality will suffer if lenses are made in Philippines. But I am not worried at all. As long as Fujifilm keeps the same quality standards as in their Japanese factories, to me, that’s not a problem. And let me add, also as long as Fujifilm treats workers well.

I mean, many of you will probably read this article on a Macbook, iPad or iPhone… which are all made in China. Do you perceive them as badly assembled?

So “made in Philippines” does not mean we lose any quality. Fujifilm sets the quality standard in their factories, and I am sure, wherever they make their lenses, they will be high quality.

  • the XF 18-135 and XF 27mm MK II that popped up on several stores is only because of product number change

My post yesterday was also mainly a response to all the MK II versions we saw popping up on stores worldwide. I wanted to inform you that you should NOT expect any new lens, but that only the product number changed.

Ok… these were the two main clarifications I thought I needed to make.

take care, and enjoy your weekend :)
Facebook, RSS-feed and Twitter

Graphite/Silver X-Pro2, X-T2 and XF23mmF2 to Be Announced * Before * January 19th!

screenshot silver

The graphite/silver Fujifilm X-Pro2/X-T2 and XF23mmF2 will be announced before January 19th (when Fujifilm will launch the GFX, X-T20 and X100F). So we are going to have 2 separate announcements in January :)

It’s a Super-Fuji Month… so make sure not to miss anything by:

  • * NEW *: Allow Quick&Small Push Notifications in your browser window. Click the little ring icon on the bottom right of the browser window to join (or manage anytime) your subscription.
  • Join FR on Facebook – click here
  • Join FR on Twitter – click here
  • RSS-Feed – click here
  • Fuji X Forum – click here
  • Newsletter: Subscribe to the newsletter to get a weekly summary once a week.
[wysija_form id=”1″]

We Are Going to Have FUN !!! The Fuji Year 2016 was Great… but 2017 will ROCK! Join & Enjoy FujiRumors!

Fujifilm 2017: Massive Rumors Coming
… and how you won’t miss them (New Options!)

I hear whispers… secrets, too fragile to be unveiled at this stage. But whisper can become rumors, and rumors can become facts… and when the moment comes, I will take you with me into the deepest secrets of the Fujifilm rabbit hole. I hope somebody out there will follow me in this journey… and if you do, well, then we are going to have fun! :-)

All I can anticipate now, is that the Fuji year 2016 was great for sure… but you will also love to see what hits the market in 2017 ♥. Fujifilm X100F, GFX and X-T20 as well as new lenses… and, who knows… maybe some surprises. And I’m sure of one thing: even the last folks out there, who ignored Fujifilm so far, will hear the name of the cameras we’ve learned to love so much :-)

So it will be very busy in the next few months over here… and as usual, it’s easy to miss the news, when I will share multiple posts a day. But with a few simple steps, you can make sure not to miss anything. So feel free to…

  • * NEW *: Allow Push Notifications: it’s a new feature of the blog. Whenever a new article is online, a discrete small box will pop up shortly in your browser window and notify you that there is new content up on FujiRumors. You’ll see the box appearing on the top of FujiRumors, and you can accept or deny notifications. In case you already denied, but now decided differently, just click the little ring icon on the bottom right of the browser window. Once subscribed, you can use the “ring icon” anytime to manage your subscription.
  • Join FR on Facebook – click here: If you are a facebook user, this is also a quick way to check out new content on FujiRumors. 34,000+ fellow X-fans already joined FR on facebook, and the discussion in the comments there are just as lively as here on the blog. And every now and then, I also share some little personal tidbits on facebook… like my crowdfunding mission on the streets to earn the money I need for the GFX (which I badly want), pictures of what I teach at school or some little tidbits and images from my holidays… and more.
  • Join FR on Twitter – click here: One of the best ways to scroll through the Whirlwind of Rumors.
  • RSS-Feed – click here:
  • Fuji X Forum – click here: Another friendly space where all the rumors are shared and discussed.
  • Newsletter: Subscribe to the newsletter to get a weekly summary once a week.

stay tuned…

[wysija_form id=”1″]