Trump Tariffs and How it Affects Fujifilm

Trump Tariffs

These days there is a lot of talk about how the Trump tariffs will impact the camera industry.

Some make more educated reasoning, others just use Chat GPT to fake themselves expert in this sector writing articles that contradict themselves.

Of course I have received lots of questions on how Fujifilm is going to react on tariffs, but I am not sitting in the Fujifilm HQ in Toyko, so I have no idea how they are preparing for it.

What I know, though, is that Fujifilm has mainly factories in China (34% tariffs), Japan (24% tariffs) and the Philippines (34% tariffs).

The factory in the Philippines is used for certain X series lens manufacturing, whereas Japan and China produce both, lenses and cameras.

Fujifilm Strategies

Fujifilm could try to move as much of the manufacturing to Japan as possible, to be subject to “only” 24% of import taxes rather than 34% of China and the Philippines.

But other than that, there is not that much Fujifilm can do (except for a very audacious move I’ll explain below).

And it remains a big question if Fujifilm will now make massive investments to move the entire manufacturing to USA.

Even Trump Tariffs Supporters Say: Pain is Coming

Now, FujiRumors is not the place for any political talk. I know some of you might consider this a brilliant move by Trump, others a very bad idea.

But whatever your idea is, there seems to be a consensus that there will be a moment of “pain” for consumers.

Trump supporters say “short term pain for long term gain“, and Trump foes will say the pain is here to stay for a long time.

But both agree: a period of pain is coming.

And pain, for consumers, means one thing only: prices will get higher!

How high?

That’s hard to say.

The tariffs probably do not apply to the final retail price, but more likely to the import price of goods. So if we buy a camera for $1,500, but it gets imported at $1,000, the 24% or 34% tariff will be applied to the $1,000 (at least that’s my understanding).

That’s still a hefty price increase, though.

Global Cost Redistribution

What Fujifilm could do (just an radical idea of mine), is to introduce what could be called “global cost redistribution“. So instead of raising prices by 24-34% only in USA (a crucial market for Fujifilm), they could let’s say increase prices by 7% only, but globally.

It would be a fairly contained price increase and protect the very important US market and at the same time marginally affect other markets.

Sure, the risk is to alienate customers and dealers in Europe and Asia, who will feel unfairly penalized for a US policy decision.

Maybe Fujifilm could have a more hybrid approach, so add a 15% increase to US products, and a 5% increase only at other markets.

Should You Buy Now?

But whatever is going to happen, a price increase (short or long term) is very likely to happen even according to the most fervent supporters of Trump tariffs.

So should you buy gear now?

Well, if you were considering to buy some gear anyway, then by purchasing now you’ll make sure to escape the very likely to happen price increases coming in the near future.

And if you do so, feel free to support FujiRumors by using our affiliate links.

What Would FujiRumors Do?

What will I do?

Well, the one gear I am REALLY interested in is not yet available (but will be soon). So I have no other choice than to wait and whatever the price will be, get it at that price.

But if I was located in USA and considering to purchase certain gear, I’d proceed and get it to secure it at the current price.

And once prices increase (which will happen even according to Trump supporters), second hand prices will go up too, just in case you want to resell your gear.

Fujinon XF23mm Pancake Specs Shared by Fujifilm and New Renderings

Back in early 2024 Fujifilm shared a list of 10 potential future Fujifilm X mount lenses.

And not only that, they also gave us approximately the main specs for such lenses.

One of those lenses already hit the market and it’s the Fujinon XF500mmF5.6. Now let’s compare the early Fujifilm specs to the final specs.

  • Super-Telephoto Prime lens XF 400mm or longer
    – 100-110mm diameter
    – 240-280 length
    – weight 1,300-1,400g
  • Fujinon XF500mmF5.6
    – 104 diameter
    –  255 length
    – weight 1,330g

We can see that the data provided back then by Fujifilm is very close to the specs of the final version.

So let’s see what the specs were that Fujifilm shared for the rumored to come in 2025 Fujinon XF23mm pancake lens.

Fujinon XF23mm pancake specs

  • size 20-40mm
  • 60-65mm diameter
  • Weight 80-100g

Let’s compare these specs to ones of the XF27mmF2.8 R WR and the XF23mmF2 “Fujicron”.

Looking at the specs it could be either a XF23mm replica of the XF27mmF2.8 R WR or be a bit larger, going more in the “muffin” direction as we can see in these XF23mm renderings.

FR-reader Hiergeist made a sketch based on the data provided by Fujifilm and you can see the result above.

You can see there is still quite some margin in terms of size (20 to 40mm length).

Feel free to let us know which size you prefer.

Also above you can see the silhouette of a potential XF23mm pancake as shared by Fujifilm early last year.

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CORRECTION: Fujifilm X Summit March 20 at 6AM New York Time (not 5AM)

The daylight saving time, which started on March 9 in USA, fooled me.

Because in early March I told you that the Fujifilm X Summit would start at 5AM New York time. But I did not factor in the time change, so let me correct it.

The Fujifilm X Summit will take place at:

  • 6AM New York TIme (EDT)
  • 11AM Berlin Time (no change here, as time will change only next weekend in Europe)

Sorry again. But good news for those who follow the event from America: you can sleep one hour longer ;).

Join Now!

Fujifilm X Summit March 20 at 5AM New York Time (11AM Berlin Time)

Ok, I noticed a bit of confusion after the X Summit announced on March 20 in Las Vegas at 10:30 AM here.

So let me clarify.

The “true” X Summit will take place in Prague (and live streamed on FujiRumors.com) on:

  • March 20 at 5 AM New York time
  • March 20 at 11 AM Berlin time

That’s when the Fujifilm GFX100RF will be officially announced.

The X Summit in Las Vegas is kind of a follow-up event for the Fujifilm GFX100RF launch. But at the time that Summit starts, we will know everything already about the Fujifilm GFX100RF.

Join Now!

DxO PureRAW 5 Announced: “X-Trans Has Never Looked This Good” with DeepPRIME XD3 X-Trans Beta

DxO PureRAW 5 has just been launched and it introduces, among the others, local adjustments and a new redesigned interface.

Learn more about DxO PureRAW 5 here.

DxO PureRAW 5 will be available on April 15, but if you pre-order DxO PureRAW 5 now, you will get a copy of DxO PureRAW 4 in the meantime.

Also introduced with DxO PureRAW 5: DeepPRIME XD3 X-Trans Beta. DxO writes:

Fujifilm fans will be delighted to see what’s included. X-Trans images have never looked this good

I also went though the launch material of DxO and noticed three before/after images taken with Fujifilm gear. For your convenience I have uploaded them on my Dropbox here.

Especially the X-H2S before/after looks quite impressive.

Get DxO here:

Press Release

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

Fujifilm Deals in USA and Europe – An Overview

USA Deals – Instant Rebates

GFX Gear

X Series

EUROPE Deals – Instant Rebates

X-T50 + Lenses

GFX Deals

Note 1: in UK you can buy X-T50 body or any kit, you’ll save £210 if you add XF23mmF2 or XF50mmF2 to you purchase
Note 2: Amazon IT is an authorized retailer, but make sure it is shipped and sold by Amazon. Amazon UK is not authorized. Also Amazon DE is not listed as authorized, but I see the X-T50 deal anyway (so far) at Amazon DE at the same price of authorized dealers

A Beautiful Film Simulation Recipe, Fujifilm X-T6 Talk, X-Pro4 Truth, the X-M5 Surprise and More – Best of 2024

Unless the rumor of the century drops today and leads to an unprecedented spike in traffic, then we are basically done with 2024 and we can look back at which were the most read articles in 2024.

  1. Fujifilm to Launch Three Cameras within First Half 2024 – But the Biggest Release is Another One ;)
  2. Surprise: Fujifilm X-M5 to be Launched in Second Half of 2024
  3. Fujifilm’s New Camera Coming with New Sensor Size (Never Used Before by Fujifilm)
  4. Fujifilm X-T6 in 2024? Let’s Talk about it!
  5. Fujifilm X-Pro4: Here is the Truth!
  6. This Recipe is Taking the Fujifilm Community by Storm – Classic Cuban Neg
  7. Fujifilm X-E5: The Truth!
  8. List of Fujinon XF Lenses that Get Maximum Benefit from Fujifilm X-H2 (and X-T5) with 40 Megapixel Resolution
  9. Watch Out Fujifilm: Ricoh GRIV Coming First Quarter 2025 and Monochrome Version to Follow Later On
  10. Forget About Fujifilm X-Pro4, X-E5, GFX100SII, X-T40, X80 & Co: the Only Camera Coming February 20 is the Fujifilm X100VI
  11. Fujifilm X-Pro4 not Coming in 2024: The End of Line or the Beginning of Something Very Special?
  12. Fujifilm’s Half Frame Camera has a 1″ Sensor
  13. Fujifilm X-Pro4 (X-Pro5?) Coming with Improved Hybrid Viewfinder (and What I Hope it Will be)
  14. Fujifilm Launches Dedicated Fujifilm Film Simulation Website
  15. CONFIRMED: Fujifilm X100VI Announcement on February 20 (and More?)

Did FujiRumors get it right?

I am surprised to see such a high interest for the Fujifilm X-M5.

A bit less surprising is to see film simulation content on the top of the ranking, especially with Classic Cuban Neg, which has quickly become a Fujifilm users favorite.

This article of 2022 still gets great views, too.

I hope you enjoyed checking out FujiRumors in 2024. And if you want, stick around also in 2025, because I have the feeling it could be a very interesting year.

Love you guys!

Fujifilm UK Manager on Niche Products Expansion, Instant Gratification with Film Simulations, Adapting to Market Habits and More

Part 2 of the interview Fujifilm UK manager Theo Georgiades went online (part 1) and can be read at amateurphotographer here.

In short:

  • Focus on reaching a new audience, including younger people and first-time photographers (hence not only younger people)
  • Quality straight out of camera is a bigger thing now
  • Instax and Film Simulations are so popular because many people want instant results
  • we’ve had film simulation for the last 10 years but it’s really taken off since 2023 with our recent cameras
  • New generation consumers exhibit different shopping behaviors.
  • Earlier camera launches (e.g., X-T1, X-T2, X-T3) led to corresponding spikes in lens sales.
  • Current buyers of camera kits seem content with the included equipment, showing less interest in additional lens purchases.
  • Smartphone generation tends to prefer owning one or two lenses.
  • Lens popularity now depends on the user type and the camera launched (e.g., 70-300mm X-Mount and primes remain popular).
  • Fewer people purchase multiple lenses upfront compared to earlier trends.
  • New users typically start with their camera and kit lens, investing in additional lenses over time.
  • Adapting to these new market habits is essential for the brand.
  • The X-M5 has gained popularity among new audiences, unlike earlier X-M or X-A models, which performed modestly in regions like the UK but thrived in Asia.
  • Traditional users often prefer cameras with viewfinders, like the X-T50 or X-S20, while newer audiences, such as content creators and step-up smartphone users, are accustomed to shooting via screens.
  • Shifts in shooting preferences, like not needing a viewfinder, have removed previous barriers, enabling product diversification.
  • This evolution allows Fujifilm to cater to a wider audience and explore niche features in future products.
  • Increasingly, people are gravitating toward dedicated devices like Instax, X Series, or GFX, moving away from reliance on smartphones to avoid distractions.
  • A new film camera? The manager has 25 years of experience with Fujifilm and has learned to “never say never”
  • Film photography is experiencing a significant resurgence, evidenced by increasing film sales.
  • Film cameras are gaining popularity
  • But businesses must differentiate between long-term opportunities and short-term trends.
  • Fujifilm continues to leverage its Instax range of instant film cameras and printers to meet market demand.
  • The GFX line was launched in 2016 with the goal of diversifying Fujifilm’s offerings.
  • The aim was to grow the medium format market, which had become stagnant, while also challenging the full-frame market.
  • The quality of video from the GFX sensor has continuously improved.
  • GFX remains a key focus for Fujifilm, and the company is excited about its future.
  • Fujifilm is committed to pushing the GFX line further and not becoming complacent (hence also GFX Eterna announcement)

I guess the part that got me pumped the most was when he talked about “becoming more adventurous with niche features in the coming years“.

We got hint of some of those “adventures” already:

And we have a Fujifilm X-Pro4 (or X-Pro5 or X-Pro6) that takes so much time to come, and this makes me think it could come with some “adventurous niche features” too.

Yes, I know. If I was in charge of Fujifilm, the company would go broke within a few months, because I am really just mostly drawn into their niche product lines. And I have zero interest in hybrid cameras, as my Fuji’s don’t shoot video at all. But in order to survive as a camera company, Fujifilm does have to offer more mainstream products too and “adapt to the market”. So I guess I have to put my heart in peace and accept that part of the R&D goes into products and features that I don’t care about (for example, I do not have any interest in the upcoming GFX Eterna).

But if adapting to the market helps Fujifilm to survive and maybe even thrive, than so be it. It’s just good to know that Fujifilm does not lose its soul and keeps niche products and features on their roadmap.

Fujifilm X-Pro6 in 2026 with 6th Generation Platform? Let’s Talk About it!

We told you that there won’t be any Fujifilm X-Pro4 or Fujifilm X-Pro5 in 2025.

The fact that it takes so long made many in the comments to this post speculate that Fujifilm might just skip the 5th generation platform and use the 6th generation platform for the Fujifilm X-Pro6.

And not only some of our readers, but also guys with excellent connections to Fujifilm such as Gordon from Cameralabs in the Petapixel podcast and Ritchie from FujiXWeekly speculate that Fujifilm will skip the 5th generation and go straight for the 6th generation with the X-Pro3 successor (X-Trans VI and X Processor 6).

Now, this goes against the pretty much only thing we have heard officially from Fujifilm about the next X-Pro, which is what Fujifilm Guy Billy said.

Billy said that he can see the X-Pro getting the 5th gen specs, but the reason for the wait was that it had to be something very special.

My take?

I try to avoid speculations in this matter, because I know it matters so much to many. Which is why I will stick to rumors. And for now, I have no rumors about the Fujifilm X-Pro4, X-Pro5 ro X-Pro6 (or however it will be called), except for the fact that it won’t come in 2025 but Fujifilm is working on an improved hybrid viewfinder.

Of course the fact that it takes so long for the X-Pro3 successor to come opens up the possibility for an X-Pro on 6th generation steroids. Or maybe Fujifilm will keep the 5th gen platform as suggested by Fuji Guy Billy, but look into other ways to make it “special”, with new ergonomic solutions, some of which we could see first on the Fujifilm GFX100RF as we rumored here.

But whatever it is, I will not make any speculations right now, because people tend to mistake my random speculations for solid rumors and then turn mad on me if those speculations do not materialize. That’s OK for me most of the time, but not in regards to the Fujifilm X-Pro3 successor.

But you guys can loosen your fingers, open your mind, and type all your thoughts and speculations in the comments below.

Top Fujifilm (Related) Gear 2024 – VOTE

Top Gear 2024

So we told: there are no more Fujifilm announcements in 2024

Maybe we might still get some third party manual of even autofocus lenses (maybe the X mount version of this lens here for example), but they’d come so late in the year that I prefer to include them in the 2025 list anyway.

The list includes only Fujifilm cameras and Fujinon or third party autofocus lenses (no manual focus), which are:

  1. Fujifilm X100VI
  2. Fujifilm X-T50
  3. Fujifilm X-M5
  4. Fujifilm GFX100S II
  5. Fujinon XF 16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR II
  6. Fujinon XF16-50mmF2.8-4.8 R LM WR
  7. Fujinon XF 500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR
  8. Fujinon GF 500mmF5.6 R LM OIS WR
  9. Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.7 X
  10. Sirui Aurora AF 85mm f/1.4 X
  11. TTArtisan AF 56mm f/1.8 X
  12. Meike AF 55mm f/1.4 X
  13. Meike AF 33mm f/1.4 X
  14. Brightin Star AF 50mm f/1.4 X
  15. Sirui Sniper AF 16mm f/1.2 X
  16. Sirui Sniper AF 75mm f/1.2 X

VOTE BELOW

My Top Fujifilm Related Product of 2024 was... (max. 1 Pick Only)

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