Fujinon XF18mmF1.4 R LM WR ePHOTOzine Review: “Outstanding Sharpness and Delightful Lens to Use”

The Fujinon XF18mmF1.4 keeps up its victory parade.

After getting the Gold Award by DPR, it is now also highly recommended by ePHOTOzine with a long list of virtues and just minor negatives (none of them has to do with image quality).

In fact, in their latest review they write:

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Sony to Release New 127 Megapixel Large Format Global Shutter CMOS sensor

This is not really fresh news, as we covered the sensor already here in August 2020.

In that article, we already made clear that this is a 3.6 type sensor, whereas the GFX uses a minimally smaller 3.4 type sensor.

What this means and how this translates into GFX, we explained it here.

What’s new today, is that we have an official press release by Sony that you can read below.

Press Release

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Top 5 Forgotten Fujinon X Mount Lenses

When I shared the rumor that Fujifilm will release another f/1.4 prime in 2021, the comment section exploded with 300 comments about dreams and wishes what it could or should be.

Today I was reading through your comments, and truly enjoyed the vivid discussion.

But when I arrived to the end of it, I realized that while it’s fun and nice to watch ahead and see what the future might bring us in terms of gear, sometimes it’s also worth to stop for a moment and look back at what we already have.

So, today, I’d like to bring back the attention to five Fujinon XF lenses that I call “forgotten“, but not because people don’t own and love them, but just because they have slipped under the radar overrun by the buzz about the latest and greatest and therefore don’t get the coverage they’d deserve anymore.

So FujiRumors would like to bring back balance in the Fuji Universe and gives to 5 lenses the revival they deserve.

The 5 “forgotten” lenses

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How My Baby made me Forget My Gear, Changes in My Job and Talking FujiRumors

 

Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an

 

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Fuji_Rumors (@fuji_rumors)

Fellow FR-readers,

at the risk of getting emotional, I owe you an update.

I told you a few days ago that I was about to become father. And I noticed that in the comments people rightfully asked if I am father now or not.

The answer is yes.

And faster than any Fujifilm camera can focus, my son became the biggest joy of my life.

It was like all those moments of happiness I missed in my life, that have been taken away from me or that I was not able to catch, all that happiness I’ve lost on my way until today, the universe did not throw that happiness away, but stored it somewhere in a secret place and decided to give it back to me all at once the moment my son was born.

Or to say it in an even more poetic way: it felt so good like Fujifilm would have released the X-H2 ;).

Sadly, though, during the birth and now also in his first days of life, my son has some struggles and he has to fight a little bit. But he is in excellent hands. They check him constantly, and always give him the treatments he needs. I am confident that in a few days, I will finally be able to bring them home.

Images of my baby?

Well, something strange happened.

We were at 4 hours after the birth, when my wife noticed I hadn’t taken a single image. She asked me if did not want to take pictures. That’s why I brought my gear with me, right? After she told me this, I took a few images, but then stopped immediately and told her “I just want to be in this moment now, I’ll take pictures tomorrow!”

This alone, shows the magnitude of the event… I forgot my gear! ;).

There is another big change: I don’t teach anymore!

No, I didn’t quit, but I took daddy-time off until the summer break (with part of my teacher salary still paid to me). My top priority now is my family. I keep my teaching job, still get some salary, but can be at home and take care of everybody.

And FujiRumors?

Well, I promise you that FR-readers will always be the first to know everything. Don’t worry about that. And you’ll still get your 1,000 free articles a year. What eventually will change, is that I won’t be able to reply to all 7,000 emails I get a year. I’ll try, but I can’t promise.

Certainly it helps that I have a few months off from teaching. This frees up much time, which will mostly be used for my family, but I will surely re-invest some of the added time also into FujiRumors.

So, that was it already.

I am totally happy.

I wish you all the best and see you soon again on FujiRumors :)

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FujiRumors 2020: Most Read Articles, Top/Flop Blogger Moments, Most Used Gear and a MASSIVE Thanks!

FujiRumors 2020

There are wines, that get better only with the years. And there are years, that get better only with wine. I guess 2020 was such a year and so I hope you have a glass of wine ready to celebrate the end of this unreal year ;).

But let’s quickly look at what happened it 2020 here on FujiRumors.

Now, I already thought you were amazing, but in 2020 you did even better than in 2019!

  • 63,000+ comments on FR-articles (average 172 a day – was 145 in 2019)
  • 156,370 votes in our polls

Your massive participation is the reason why Fujifilm reads us with greatest care, as proven multiple times such as here, here and here.

As you know, I run FujiRumors alone in my spare time from my teaching job.

So it was not always easy, especially this year with the extra workload I had to do to switch to online-teaching, but I have tried to honor your fantastic participation by delivering you in 2020:

  • 967 blog posts written in 2020 (average of 2.65 articles every single day of the year)
  • 90 rumors shared
  • 94% correct rumors (rumor check here)
  • at least 7,000+ personal messages written to you via fujirumor@gmail.com, Facebook and Twitter and Instagram Direct (about 20 messages a day every day, holidays and weekends included)
  • 750+ replied comments in the various FujiRumors articles
  • 100% Free ;)

Phew!! :)

Most Read Article

Most Read Non Rumor Article

Most Read Guest Post

Day with most Contacts

Top & Flop Blogger Moment

FLOP

Anyone out there knows what a burn-out is? I hope not, but I am afraid yes.

As if all the hours I spend every day on the computer to work on FujiRumors weren’t enough, in 2020 I also had to make my entire teaching work on the computer. Correcting homework on PDF files, prepare online-teaching friendly material, cutting video lessons on Final Cut, writing tons of emails to give constant feedback to students and parents. So much work, it just squeezed the last drop of energy out of me.

I ended up staring at the screen for so many hours a day, that as a consequence, my eyesight declined to a point that I had to buy new glasses. But no complaint here… we have seen much worse things happen to people this year… sadly. So I consider myself lucky.

Anyway, somehow I managed to handle all the work anyway and I’ve always tried to deliver creative and fun lessons to my little students. And given the enthusiastic feedback of students and parents (and also my school principal), I’d say I did a decent job with that.

And I hope I did a good work also on FujiRumors. In this case, you are my judge and you’ll give your vote to me :).

TOP

If anything was good at all in 2020, then the fact that it helped to realign my priorities.

And so, all the things that I took for granted, like getting a beer with a friend, a coffee with a colleague, a hug with my mom, all those “normal” things suddenly revealed themselves as the real important things in life.

And hence, just like this, when inevitably the usual haters insulted me, the biggest achievement for me was that I could lightheartedly say to myself “who cares!”. It just didn’t bother me at all. On the contrary. I really would like to wish also to FR haters all the best 2021. We are in this unreal situation all together, and hence, from human to human, I truely wish you to come out of this as soon and as good as possible so that you can get back to your normal life and fully enjoy it again. And if after that you still don’t like me, that’s ok. Important is, that you and your families are safe and happy.

Top Instagram Post

My Most Used Gear

I got the Fujifilm X-T4 this year for these 5 reasons, and it became my most used camera. Mainly because it’s brand new and hence I wanted to test it and shoot with it more, leaving my X-E3 more often at home. And I must I say it definitely balances better with my most used lens, the Fujinon XF18-135mm.

But overall, I passed 5+ months in lockdown anyway, I worked a lot and had little time to take pictures, sadly. I hope this changes in 2021.

And 2021…

I don’t know in terms of global pandemic…. but surely in terms of Fujifilm stuff, 2021 will be fantastic! :) Don’t worry, we are going to talk about it soon on FujiRumors.

Social Media Boom

Our social media and pages have reached new heights compared to 2019:

And our facebook groups grew massively compared to 2019:

These are the Top Sellers 2020 on FujiRumors

In 2019, smartphones killed the entry level market forcing Fujifilm to discontinue the X-T200 and also the Fujifilm X-A7 in a record-time of just a few months after release.

And in 2020, a worldwide pandemic and global recession had a terrible impact on sales of mid/high-end gear, which was the segment Fujifilm (and other brands) were focusing on to escape the stranglehold of smartphones.

And yet, it’s not all bad for Fujifilm.

In fact, statistics show that Fujifilm was the one brand, who could resist best to COVID-19, with just a slight decrease in sales compared to the previous year. Also Fujifilm managers confirmed that Fujifilm is holding on better than other brands in 2020, especially thanks to the Fujifilm X-T4 and X100V.

And in fact, the X-T4 and X100V where the best selling cameras also here on FujiRumors in 2020.

But let’s look at it closer and see which gear was the most successful among the FujiRumors community.

Top Sellers 2020

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Focus On Glass: Fujinon XF 50-140mmF2.8 Even Better with Future X Bodies and Why no OIS on XF 16-55mmF2.8

We already reported in this post, about the first episodes of the Fujifilm series “Focus on Glass“, which included the XF8-16mmF2.8 and the GF30mmF3.5.

Now new episodes have been uploaded at Fujifilm Spain, this time about two lenses, that we can define the “workhorses” in the X mount lens lineup, the Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 and the Fujinon XF50-140mmF2.8.

It includes statements made by Fujifilm managers and engineers about those lenses, which I will report in written form here, to make you safe some time ;)

Fujinon XF50-140mmF2.8

  • no excuse is allowed for this lens:
    – autofocus has to be fast
    – image quality has to be impressive
    – weight has to be light
    – size has to be compact
    – it has to tick all boxes
  • it has outstanding resolution
  • a flawless lens
  • clear color reproduction
  • minimal chromatic aberration
  • Fujifilm is proud of the result
  • 23 glass elements inside with many ED lenses
  • the more the Fujifilm X bodies evolve, the more the potential of this lens is executed
  • an engineer says he can see its performance extended even further in future

Regarding the better performance in future, they probably refer to autofocus speed, but possibly also to sharpness. We know from this Fujifilm manager statement that Fujifilm X glass can resolve at least 32 megapixel, hence, Fujifilm might hint that the XF50-140mmF2.8 is one of those lenses that is currently underperforming on the 26 megapixel X-Trans sensor.

Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8

  • in order to maximize optical performance, Fujifilm decided to remove OIS, it was not an easy decision
  • it’s a must have lens
  • you can attempt any photo shoot with this lens
  • a reliable partner
  • no excuses are allowed, when making a red badged lens
  • Fujifilm would give it 5 stars

I have been told in the past by my sources, that the optical performance at the wide end did not satisfy Fujifilm completely, hence they decided to remove OIS. At that point in time a strongly debated discussion, but now that Fujifilm offers cameras with IBIS, we can say that in the long term this was the right decision.

You can see both videos down below.

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FOCUS ON GLASS – VIDEOS

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Sony launches A7rIV and Says it Rivals Medium Format Image Quality – Signs of Confidence or Nervousness?

Sony launched the Sony A7rIV. You can read the facts and see the live stream again here.

It has a 61 MP full frame sensor, that offers 26 MP in APS-C crop mode. Anyone knows an APS-C Fuji camera with 26 MP out there? It’s all the same sensor wafer, just cut in differnt sizes for X-T3 (26 MP), A7rIV (61 MP) and GFX100 (102 MP).

The Sony A7rIV is a very fine camera, and I know at least one guy, who won’t be able to resist the temptation of buying it.

But one thing really grabbed my attention during the official presentation: the regular reference to medium format image quality.

The first reference comes from a Japanese Sony manager, who says:

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FujiRumors 2018: Most Read Articles, My Most Used Gear, Top & Flop Blogger Moments and HAPPY NEW YEAR 2019!

? Are You Guys Crazy? ?

I don’t know where the heck you find the time to do all this, but here is what you guys did in 2018:

  • 53,889 comments on FR-articles (147 comments a day – average 53 comments on each article)
  • 327,831 votes in 86 polls
  • 698,112 hours spent on FujiRumors (all of you combined passed 80 hours a day on FR)

Your incredible participation explains very good, why Fujifilm reads us with greatest care, as proven multiple times such as here, here and here.

? Am I Crazy? ?

I feel so privileged to host such a wonderful community here on FujiRumors, that I’ve tried honour your fantastic participation by delivering you in 2018:

I gave my best in my communication to you also in 2018:

  • about 4,500 emails written [fujirumor@gmail.com]
  • well over 1,000 private messages written on Facebook and Twitter
  • 1,214 replied comments in FujiRumors articles

Phew!! :)

? The Impossible is Possible Thanks to… ?

FujiRumors is FujiRumors, only thanks to…

  • ALL SOURCES who helped me also this year with the rumors. Your support was once again incredible. Being a Fujifilm X shooter is so much more fun thanks to your help, and in a world with strong competition from SONY, CaNikon and Co, you help to keep the eyes of the internet world glued also on the Fujifilm X world
  • ALL READERS who decided to support FujiRumors by commenting the articles, by dropping me a link to interesting content, news, deals and by sharing our content on social media and forums. You make this community unique on the world-wide web.
  • ALL SUPPORTERS who decided to purchase products using our affiliate links and who clicked on the banners on our website. I do put heart and soul into this blog, but without your support, I would have to close FujiRumors tomorrow morning.
  • ALL CONTRIBUTORS who decided to write a guest post for FujiRumors. You do enrich the FR-experience with your great content
  • ALL PEOPLE AT FUJIFILM who worked hard to keep up designing, developing and crafting wonderful cameras and lenses and for covering us also in 2018 with Kaizen love

? Top Blogger Moment 2018 ?

The moment I realized, that the new XF lens roadmap disclosed by Fujifilm Japan featured exactly the top prime and top zoom lens we wanted back in February 2017. We explained how we influenced Fujifilm Japan in this article.

Now, I keep my feet well set on the ground, and I know we can’t always influence Fujifilm’s decisions. But the fact that in this case Fujifilm “copied” our Fujinon XF lens wish list and made it become reality, filled my heart with joy.

It’s a recognition that Fujifilm listens closely to what the lively FujiRumors community says and wants. So, dear readers, thanks for your immense participation, it means everything to me, and it makes everything possible :).

Runner Up: My photokina 2018 visit. It was once again super busy, but fantastic.

? Flop Blogger Moment 2018 ?

The moment I realized that Fujifilm would have made several announcements during my European road trip with my grilfriend in July (some images on my Instagram).

So it happens that I was on the road through France and Italy, trying to figure out the exact announcement dates, changing my travel schedule and hostel bookings, cancelling some day trips and so forth.

But that’s how it is. FujiRumors is a one man show. If I don’t write on it, nothing happens here.

At least the July announcements were hot! A new lens roadmap, new lenses, new cameras. So the blogging itself was exciting for me.

And regarding my girlfriend, well, a few romantic dinners later on fixed everything ;).

 ? Most Read on FujiRumors ?

Most Read Article

Most Read Category

Most Read Non Rumor Article

Most Read Guest Post

Day with most Contacts

? Most Used Gear ?

Most used camera:

It’s game over for my lovely Fujifilm X-T1. I have maybe used it for 5% of my images since I own the Fujifilm X-E3.

I got an offer from a friend to buy my X-T1, but I am still hesitant to sell it.

My X-T1 followed me on my travels, snapped my all time favorite image, climbed the highest peaks and so much more, that I just still love it, and it’s hard for me to get rid of it.

Rationally speaking I should sell, emotionally I still can’t.

Most used zoom lens:

The Fujinon XF18-135. My copy is astonshing good. It’s the swiss army knife in my line-up. And the excellent OIS helps for low light handheld shots.

I rarely travel without my XF18-135. For example, this is one of my favorite images of 2018, and it’s taken with the XF18-135 during my road trip in France.

And since I own it, I basically never used my XF55-200 and rarely used my XF18-55, and at some point in 2019 I might sell them. The only zoom lens that I still use fairly enough to justify to keep it, is my Fujinon XF10-24.

Most used prime lens:

In late 2017, I bought the Fujinon XF27mmF2.8, probably the most underrated lens in Fuji’s line-up. At the beginning I used it all the time.

But at some point during 2018, my good old Fujinon XF 35mmF1.4 pretended its attentions, and ended up to be still my most used prime lens. That lens has some magic, I can’t explain. And that’s why it’s still my most use lens.

But I still use and love the XF27mmF2.8 quite a lot, and it’s in fact my Nr.2 prime, well ahead of my Nr.3 lens, the Fujinon XF23mm F1.4.

 ? Happy New Year 2019 ?

2019 is here…

Now you guys promise me to keep up having fun with your photography, and I promise you to put my best into FR also in 2019.

A wonderful, healthy and fun 2019 to everybody out there reading these lines.
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? Social Media Boom ?

Our social media and pages have reached new heights:

And our facebook groups exploaded: