Digital Fujifilm XPan in 2028? Fujifilm’s Latest Lens Patent Points to the Fujifilm TX-3 Panoramic Camera
A while ago, we shared that Fujifilm was considering launching a digital successor to the legendary XPan/TX series in 2028.
For now, let’s just call it the Fujifilm TX-3 — the spiritual digital follow-up to the Fujifilm TX-2 panoramic film camera.
Back in 2024, when we first reported on this, we clearly said it was just something Fujifilm was considering. If they decide to move forward, the plan would be to launch it in time for the 30th anniversary of the original Fujifilm TX-1 — a true 65×24 format panoramic camera introduced in 1998.
The last update I received dates back to September 2024, and it hinted at the possible sensor details. Since then… silence.
Until now.
Today, we may have a new clue to add to the Fujifilm TX-3 puzzle.
We just reported on a Fujifilm lens patent. And in this patent FR-reader Mistral spotted something interesting — something that might relate to the upcoming digital TX/XPan camera.
In fact, looking at all the examples included in the patent, Mistral noticed that they might be actually indicating lenses for a panoramic camera.
- very large angle of view: 90° to 110°, except for the last of the 21 examples, which is an outlier (35mm f/1,6 with a back focus of 21mm, designed for a 24×36 sensor)
- too short back focus for an interchangeable lens: 9mm to 13mm
- odd image circle diameter: 50mm, too big for a 24×36 sensor, too small for a 33×44 sensor but suited to the 24:65 crop of a 33×44 sensor.
Looking at the patent, we’d get something like a 21mm f/2.8. If you want to know the in-depth calculations and observations, make sure to check out Mistral’s post at the French forum chassimages here.
So will we really get a digital Fujifilm XPan in 2028?
Well, that would be a dream come true for many of us. And personally, I hope the rumor becomes reality.
And if anyone can pull this off, then it’s Fujifilm, because it’s a company that thinks differently.
A company with such a massive photographic culture that it understands that cultivating a niche means cultivating the true passion for photography.
If anyone can bring back the spirit of the XPan for a new digital age, it’s Fujifilm. And I truly hope they do.
But what about you? Happy about it or do you consider it a waste of resources?
Fujifilm TX-3 Rumors
