VOTE NOW the SIGMA Lens You Want for Fujifilm X

In a recent interview, Top Fujifilm manager Toshihisa Iida said that Fujifilm is opening X mount to third parties, and that Tokina will be the first company to offer autofocus lenses for the Fujifilm X system.

To be fair, Fujifilm had an exclusive agreement with Zeiss back in the days, when the Fuji X system was at the beginning (and almost nobody bought it). Fujifilm needed to extend their lens offering and they did it with the help of Zeiss, who released Zeiss Touit X mount trinity (with the first 1:1 macro lens for the X system among them).

But that cooperation failed, and Fujifilm went on making lenses for the X system all alone, never sharing protocols with anybody else again.

Fast forward March 2019, when pressed by questions, Top Manager Toshi Iida confirmed that Fujifilm does not need to share their protocols, as they offer lots of lenses already.

This statement raised strong reaction in the FujiRumors community, with hundreds of comments disagreeing with Fuji’s decision.

Shortly after that, Sigma CEO Kazuto Yamaki literally said in this interview: “Fujifilm customers would be our ideal customer, but Fujifilm does not disclose their protocols”.

And so, another wave of critics reached Fujifilm.

It seems Fujifilm listened, as just recently Fujifilm completely changed position, saying they will open X mount to third parties.

We like to believe, that all our critics helped Fujifilm to change their mind about this subject ;).

Now, it remains to see, what “opening X mount” means for Fujiiflm. In fact, I agree with Trenton, when he wrote in the comments to our previous post:

Only time could tell what that “open to third parties” means in reality. It could come loaded with prohibitive licensing costs. It could come with a non-compete clause.

For todays’ article, we will just assume, that Fujifilm will open for everybody, who wants to join, for a reasonable price. And that Sigma, who said that Fuji’s protectionism was the reason they can’t make X mount lenses, will now be on board and start releasing lenses for Fujifilm X.

Now the question is: which lenses should Sigma make first?

Of course Sigma has currently a massive lens selection.

I decided to check out the current Sigma mirrorless lenses offering that are listed at BHphoto here as well as all current Sigma lenses for DSLR cameras listed at BH.

Of course some lenses are for APS-C and others for full frame. I will list them all down below.

Now, the FujiRumors community is always extremely happy to help out managers to make decisions. So, in case Sigma is right now thinking at which lenses they should offer first for the Fujifilm X system, we launch a survey, so that you guys can tell them what you want, and Sigma can make their decision.

And if you think I am crazy… remember those times, when Fujifilm had no roadmap, and we launched a mega-survey with lens suggestions, and Fujifilm took 1:1 our top recommendations and put those into the roadmap?

Sometimes, those guys in Japan do listen ;).

Now, back to the survey.

We remind you that at Sigma, DG lenses are full frame lenses, and DC lenses are APS-C lenses.

Full Frame Lenses

APS-C Lenses

Vote The Poll

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Viltrox 33mm f/1.4 Quick First Impressions and Comparison

Mattias Burling started its coverage about the Viltrox 33mm f/1.4.

He just shared his very first impression about the lens. Here they are:

  • all metal lens hood
  • pretty small but long. Would feel a bit long on something like an X-E camera
  • it can’t cover full frame, which is why size is contained (compared to the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8, which also fits on full frame cameras, hence the lens is bigger than it would be, if designed only for APS-C)
  • autofocus: it’s good. Single AF is quick and snappy. It’s much more quiet than the XF35mm f/1.4.
  • continuous AF seems to work well too. At least in bright conditions, which is where he tested it
  • aperture ring is step-less. He’d have preferred 1/3 stop clicks on aperture ring. It does not feel very smooth, unlike the focus ring, which is smooth like butter.
  • nice image quality. Fringing is under control but present. Vignetting behaves very well. Decently sharp at f/1.4 and of course much sharper when stopped down
  • it can easily catch haze when shooting strongly backlit subjects (also Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 behaves like that)

He then compares it to the Fujinon GF63mm f/2.8 mounted on the Fujifilm GFX 50R as well as to the cheap Canon 50mm. The Viltrox 33mm f/1.4 was the fastest focusing lens in the test.

The Viltrox 33mm f/1.4 AF is the second AF lens for Fujifilm X by Viltrox. Other two lenses, the Viltrox 23mm f/1.4 and Viltrox 56mm f/1.4 will follow later on.

We remind you that Tokina will also launch a 23mm/1.4, 33mm f/1.4 and 56mm f/1.4 lens in 2020, as we reported here. They look like re-branded Viltrox lenses. It will be interesting to see, though, if also the Tokina lenses will have a clickless aperture ring, too.

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FR-readers Wishlist Corner: Fujifilm X-TSony, Firmware Upgrade Suggestions, Lens Wishes and Much More

Here on FujiRumors I get many, really many thousands of emails and personal messages a year.

There is no team behind FujiRumors. It’s me, Patrick, that’s it. And I try to reply to every single one of you, in my spare time from my day job.

I feel very privileged that such a large community comes together here on FujiRumors… but with huge fellowship, comes also huge responsibility and work.

Hence, for as much as I try, sometimes I am not really able to answer you all in a super-comprehensive way.

But I think everybody gets a reply, and surely I read ever single message I receive.

Among those messages, there are many, who express lens wishes, firmware wishes, improvement ideas and all possible things.

Today I decided to collect many of those messages I get, and put them all in one big FujiRumors readers wishlist roundup.

I would like to honor your participation as good as I can, and this little wishlist roundup, is a little sign, that whatever you tell me, I listen…. and I share :).

Have a wonderful Sunday,
Patrick

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FR-readers Wishlist Roundup

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Fujifilm X-T4 vs X-T3 Eye Autofocus with Fringer AF EF-FX Pro II Adapter, X-T4 IBIS Tests, Reviews and More

Fringer has published a follow up video to the one shared yesterday here, where he compares the autofocus performance between the Fujifilm X-T4 and Fujifilm X-T3 using the Fringer EF-FX Pro II smart AF adapter.

Here are Finger’s findings:

In addition to the Fringer video, you’ll find more Fujifilm X-T4 videos below.

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→ Top X-T Community: Fujifilm X-T facebook group
→ Top X-T Page: Fujifilm X-T Page

Fujifilm X-T4 Roundup

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Fujifilm Wins the Internationally Prestigious Red Dot Design Award with 23 Products

News is news, so I share it. But I wrote a very informative piece about these awards in the past. So, if you want to read how the business around (some of these) awards goes, check out this article.

Fujifilm wins the internationally prestigious Red Dot Design Award with 23 products

– In recognition of good design quality and functionality in products of various business fields
– High precision lens film for inkjet printing is awarded the “Innovative Product Award,” given to products with outstanding innovation potential

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Meet the Dolomites, Home of FujiRumors

If you you think at Italy, my home, you probably think at Rome, Florence and Venice.

And in fact, probably 70% of the tourists coming to Italy, visit those three cities and leave.

But there are many more beautiful spots to visit here in Italy, and one of them is definitely my hometown, the Dolomites.

After I unveiled my location a couple of days ago here, I got a significant numbers of emails from readers, asking me information about the Dolomites. I tried to reply to everybody as good as I can.

One recurring question was: do I recommend visiting the Dolomites also to people, who are not so fit and used to mountains.

My answer is a very clear “absolutely yes!“.

There are tons of cable ways, that bring you everywhere. For example, you can reach the highest peak of the Dolomites, the Marmolada, at 3,300m (10,800 feet) without walking a single step and enjoy views like this.

And if you are more on the adventurous side, of course there are tons of tracks and hikes of all kind of difficulties.

Old or young, single of family, fit or lazy, there is a lot ot enjoy for everyone.

Needless to say, also photographically speaking you are in paradise here, as the images below show.

So, if you ever plan a trip to Italy, try to put the Dolomites on your “to do” list.

I can’t wait these days of lockdown and isolation to be over and get a beer on the Dolomites again.

Today I decided to go through our Fujifilm X-T and GFX group and pick a couple of images that members shared of the Dolomites, in the hope this article inspires you for you next photographic journey.

Stay safe, let’s go through these challenging times together, and done that, enjoy life again as never before!

stay strong, healthy and happy
Patrick

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Fujifilm launches mirrorless digital camera “FUJIFILM X-T4”

Fujifilm launches mirrorless digital camera “FUJIFILM X-T4”

– Capturing a precious moment with the world’s fastest* 15fps shooting and quick AF as fast as 0.02 seconds
– Incorporating high-performance in-body image stabilization in a compact and lightweight body
– Capable of recording premium-quality video with ease
– Catering to professional needs with the new high capacity battery that lasts approx. 500 frames per charge

Fujifilm X-T4: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / FocusCamera
NP-W235 Battery: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / FocusCamera
Vertical Grip: BHphoto / Adorama

Full Press Release

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CP+ 2020 Show Canceled and Fujifilm Pulls Out from WPPI Show

The CP+ in Japan has just been canceled due to the coronavirus. You can read more here.

Also, a FR-reader informed me (thanks), that after many years, Fujifilm will not be at the WPPI wedding & portrait show in Las Vegas. I checked, and indeed they do not show up in the exhibitors list. There will, though, a Fujifilm rep at the B&C Camera booth.

I remind you that Fujifilm will skip Photokina, too.

Get ready to see Fujifilm less at big trade shows, and more on dedicated Fujifilm X Summit events.

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Fujifilm X Summit LIVE STREAM Starts NOW – WATCH LIVE on FujiRumors!

Fujifilm X100V
USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / Focuscamera
EU: AmazonDE / CalumetDE / WexUK / ParkcamerasUK / JessopsUK / AmazonUK / PCHstore

Fujifilm X Summit Live Stream starts now. You can follow it here on FujiRumors.

Our Owners Groups

LIVE EVENT COVERAGE BELOW

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Fujifilm launches “FUJIFILM X100V”

Fujifilm X100V – Press Release

Fujifilm X100V
USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / Focuscamera
EU: AmazonDE / CalumetDE / WexUK / ParkcamerasUK / JessopsUK / AmazonUK / PCHstore

-New evolution of the X100 Series, the origin of premium compact digital cameras
-Sophisticated design that exudes functional beauty
-The newly-developed high-performance lens for premium image quality
-The world’s only viewfinder that switches between optical and electronic options in pursuit of the photography style of “shooting through the viewfinder”

Tokyo, February 5, 2020 ― FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Kenji Sukeno) is pleased to announce the launch of the premium compact digital camera “FUJIFILM X100V” (hereinafter “X100V”) in late February 2020. The X100V features a newly-developed high-performance lens on its camera body, designed with functional beauty and sophistication. It is equipped with the latest image sensor and image processing engine to deliver premium-quality images with the company’s signature color-reproduction technology. In addition the evolved version of the Advanced Hybrid Viewfinder offers inter-switchable optical and electronic options, in pursuit of the photography style of “shooting through the viewfinder.”

Fujifilm pioneered a new market segment of premium compact digital cameras in 2011 with the launch of the FUJIFILM X100, the inaugural model of the X100 Series. The X100 Series has established a distinctive market position as premium compact digital cameras. It has won great acclaim from users around the world for its sophisticated exterior design, facilitating intuitive operability, and advanced image quality based on Fujifilm’s signature color reproduction technology that has been refined over 80 years.

The X100V is the fifth-generation model of the X100 Series. While maintaining the Series’ popular design in principle, the new model uses aluminum for the top and bottom plates of the camera body, applying advanced metal processing technology. It has achieved sharp looks to the edges while keeping the surfaces smooth. The use of a tilting rear LCD monitor and dials on the top plate enables intuitive operations and gives the camera body design sophistication exuding functional beauty. A high-performance lens with ultra resolution has been newly developed for this model. The back-illuminated 26.1MP “X-Trans™ CMOS 4”*1 sensor and the “X-Processor 4” high-speed image processing engine are combined with Fujifilm’s unique color reproduction technology to produce premium-quality stills and videos in “memory colors,” i.e. vivid colors exactly as you remember. The X100V equips the Advanced Hybrid Viewfinder, the world’s only*2 viewfinder that can be switched between optical viewfinder (OVF) and electronic viewfinder (EVF). The EVF uses a newly developed organic electroluminescent (EL) panel with capability of high-resolution, high luminance, high contrast to provide enhanced immersiveness in photography shooting experience.

The X100V is a digital camera that integrates excellent design and operability, perfected with attention to detail, with functions that achieve outstanding image quality. It will give photographic pleasure and a sense of joy to own such excellent camera to a wide range of users including professional photographers and photography enthusiasts.

  • *1　X-Trans™ is a trademark or registered trademark of FUJIFILM Corporation.
  • *2　As of February 5, 2020. According to Fujifilm.

1.    Main product features

(1) Sophisticated design exuding functional beauty

This is the first X100 Series camera that uses aluminum for its top and bottom plates. Aluminum, highly shapeable metal, has been milled into shape to achieve sharp looks to the edges and fine blasting treatment produces smooth texture on the surface. The body has been further colored with alumite treatment to achieve a premium appearance.
For the first time in the X100 Series, this model features a two-way tilting rear LCD monitor that enables various shooting styles from high and low angles. The monitor’s excellent touch-response performance guarantees intuitive operability. The ultra-thin LCD monitor can be stored flush in the back panel to achieve an integral body design with a sense of style.
The X100V offers an ISO dial, built into the shutter speed dial, allowing users to check and adjust various settings without having to turn the camera on. When adjusting ISO sensitivity, users can pull the outer rim of the Built-In ISO Dial up to lock for added convenience.
The camera features a grip shaped for a comfortable hold and various buttons optimally positioned for easy operation, promising a great shooting experience.

2) Premium image quality achieved with the newly-developed high-performance lens combined with the latest image sensor and image processing engine

  • Using optical technologies developed through the industry-leading “FUJINON lenses,” including lenses for cinema cameras, Fujifilm has newly developed a bright prime lens with the focal length of 23mm (equivalent to 35mm in the 35mm film format) and the maximum aperture of F2. The lens, specifically designed for the X100V using two aspherical lens elements, delivers edge-to-edge sharpness in high resolution and high contrast.
  • The X100V uses the back-illuminated 26.1MP “X-Trans™ CMOS 4” sensor and the “X-Processor 4” high-speed image processing engine. They are combined with Fujifilm’s unique color reproduction technology, refined for over 80 years, to produce “memory colors,” i.e. vivid colors exactly as you remember.

(3) Evolved “Advanced Hybrid Viewfinder” in pursuit of the photography style of “shooting through the viewfinder”
  • The X100V features the world’s only “Advanced Hybrid Viewfinder,” allowing users to instantaneously switch between the optical viewfinder (OVF), which captures the photo subject exactly as it is, and the electronic viewfinder (EVF), which reflects exposure and other shooting conditions adjustments.
  • The EVF uses a high-resolution 3.69-million-dot organic EL panel for the first time in the X100 Series. It boasts the maximum luminous intensity of 1500 candelas and high contrast to display even intricate details in highlights and shadows, providing enhanced immersiveness in photography.
  • In the OVF mode, the viewfinder offers the Electronic Rangefinder function to display a small EVF window at the same time. The feature has been developed to bring out the maximum viewfinder potential, allowing users to capture the subject as it is while enlarging the focusing area in the small EVF. This function provides added convenience when taking snapshots.
(4) Expanded array of shooting functions
  • The use of the latest algorithm enables the camera to realize fast and accurate phase-detection AF at the minimum luminance of -5EV, which is close to pitch darkness. The performance of Face and Eye AF has also been improved. The Focus Limiter function, which limits the range of focal lengths for using AF, assists a smooth shooting experience with AF.
  • The X100V offers a total of 17 Film Simulation modes to provide versatile tonal variations. It enables a high contrast finish with three-dimensional definitions with the “CLASSIC Neg” mode, which simulates color negative film traditionally chosen for snapshots of day-to-day scenes. The “ETERNA” mode, which simulates the colors and tonality of Fujifilm’s motion picture film, allows users to record video in subdued colors and rich shadow tones.
  • The X100V also has the “Grain Effect” function for reproducing distinctive graininess seen in photographs taken with film cameras. Users can adjust size and strength settings to control the degree of grain.
  • The camera is capable of recording smooth 4K video at 30fps. In the Full-HD modes, video can be recorded at even smoother 60fps for premium video quality.
(5) Various optional accessories for expanding photographic enjoyment
  • The use of the adapter ring “AR-X100” and the protection filter “PRF-49” makes this camera dust and moisture resistant for users to enjoy shooting in light rain or dusty outdoor conditions.
  • Two conversion lenses are available to alter the camera’s focal length without compromising its optical performance or f-stop value, further broadening photographic pleasure.
    ① Wide conversion lens “WCL-X100 II”
    Mounting this conversion lens widens the focal length by 0.8x to 19mm (equivalent to 28mm in the 35mm film format), perfect for landscape photography.
    ② Tele-conversion lens “TCL-X100 II”
    Mounting this conversion lens extends the focal length by 1.4x to 33mm (equivalent to 50mm in the 35mm film format), ideal for portraiture taking advantage of a natural perspective.
  • The genuine leather case “LC-X100V” gives a premium appearance. A memory card or a battery can be replaced while the case is attached to the camera.

Fujifilm X100V
USA: BHphoto / AmazonUS / Adorama / Focuscamera
EU: AmazonDE / CalumetDE / WexUK / ParkcamerasUK / JessopsUK / AmazonUK / PCHstore