The Magic of the Fujinon XF 35mm f/1.4 Explained and Why Fujifilm Should NOT Make an XF 35mm f/1.4 MK II

The Fujinon XF 35mm f/1.4 Magic

Why an article about Fujifilm’s oldest X-series lens, the Fujinon XF 35mm f/1.4, in 2019?

Because our recent poll has shown, that the XF35mmF1.4 is the most loved Fujinon lens overall, and I thought that, based on official Fujifilm statements, we try to investigate what makes this lens so incredible popular and loved.

Fujifilm said that, when designing the XF 35mmF1.4, they had 2 choices:

  • follow the MTF test criteria and create a lens that scores high at MTF charts
  • don’t care about specs & charts and design the lens thinking at the real life use

Fujifilm went for the real life use, and the result is a lens, the Fujinon XF35mm f/1.4, that is “decent” according to MTF charts, but amazing in real life. To know more about it, check out the XF 35mm f/1.4 development story at fujifilm-x.

Also Fuji Guy Billy recently said here, that Fujifilm did not want to create a clinically perfect lens, but a lens with character. We could call it a “perfectly imperfect” lens, a unique lens, or, in other words, a lens with a “magic touch“.

I also remember Fujifilm saying a few years ago, that while designing the Fujinon XF35mm f/1.4, they decided to go for a slower focussing lens, because they saw that, with a faster focus mechanism requiring a different internal design, the XF35/1.4 would have lost its “magic“. If I find the article, I’ll share the link here later on.

  • fuji-x-forum: That 35mm f1.4 magic in other Fujinon lenses?

XF 35mm f/1.4 MK II ?

And now comes the part that will make me extremely unpopular and you will probably ban me from FujiRumors. :)

While working on this article, I thought that maybe Fujifilm should NOT make an XF 35mm F1.4 MK II (which is your first choice for a MK II version according to this poll).

But before you destroy your keyboard while typing angry comments, give me a chance to explain why.

In the light of what Fujifilm officially stated, I agree with what FR-reader (and X-Pro line lover ;) ), PC1512 said here:

“People need to understand that the existing 35 1.4 will never be “updated” with a magic new motor and suddenly be quicker focussing; the optical formula people like so much is the reason that it’s a slower focussing lens, because of the weight of all the elements which are designed to be moved as one unit to achieve focus.

To speed that up significantly you need to change the optical formula, which means it becomes an entirely different lens. Effectively that’s what they did when they produced the 35 f2 – and wisely kept the 1.4 still available as an alternative.”

We love our Fujinon XF35mm f/1.4 for its “magic”… a magic that would probably go lost in a Mark II version.

Do you want weather sealing?

Well, when I destroyed my Fujifilm X-E2 (I had to jump into a river with all my gear), despite my desperate attempts to rescue my X-E2, the camera died forever, but my beloved Fujifilm XF35mm f/1.4 survived, and still today it works like a charm. So I am confident it will survive also if I am catched by some rain.

Do you want faster autofocus?

Try to get a Fujifilm X-T3, which breaths new life into older lenses in terms of AF speed.

I’d love to hear what you guys think about it… and yep, I have my shitstorm helmet on ;).

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Fuji Guy Billy: Fujinon XF 33mm f/1.0 Development Challenge, XF 16-80mm f/4 very silent AF, X-H1 Market Misunderstanding and More

Fuji Guy Billy Interview

Fuji Guy Billy joined the Fujilove podcast. For those of you, who are right now on the road or at work and you can’t listen to it all at iTunes, Stitcher or on fujilove, here are the key points:

Fujinon X Mount Lenses

Fujifilm X100, X-E3, X-T20 and X-T3

  • Fujifilm X100 was the game changer and started the X series success
  • When developing the X100, Fujifilm wondered who is going to buy a fixed lens camera at this price point, but it turned out to be a success
  • Fujifilm X-T3 is balance of size, weight and quality in a good price point, but for Billy even the X-T3 is big
  • Billy’s go-to camera is the Fujifilm X-E3, paired with XF35mmF2, XF23mmF2 and occasionally the XF50mmF2 because of portability
  • Fujifilm X-T20 with no joystick is a dealbreaker for him

Fujifilm X-H1

  • Fujifilm X-H1 latest firmware introduced lots of improvements and the new lower price makes it very tempting
  • The Fujifilm X-H1 maybe has been misunderstood by the market. It had a lot of new video features, so people considered it more a video camera. But it is also a better and more robust camera, and facilitates handling of bigger lenses. For Professionals weight is sometimes not a problem, but more durability. That’s why Fujifilm launched the Fujifilm X-H1. It should also appeal to DSLR customers, who were on the fence of switching to mirrorless. IBIS is quite nice also for photography, especially in low light
  • Shutter has an S1 (half press) and S2 (full contact to release shutter) position. Regarding the Fujifilm X-H1, you can contact your Fujifilm service and see if they have an option to adjust the S1 and S2 position to your taste (low, medium or high). There might be a charge for that service, depending on your country

IBIS

  • Fujifilm wanted to make an excellent IBIS system, and it is one of the best on the market. But the size of the system was too big to put it into other X-series cameras. At this moment, it can’t fit in other cameras, but hopefully one day IBIS can be designed smaller and make it fit on other cameras

Fujinon G Mount Lenses

  • Fujinon GF 50mm f/3.5 coming in 2019 and Fujinon GF 45-100mm f/4 in 2020
  • Fujinon GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR: If you look to move into medium format, you don’t have many lenses initially to choose from, so zoom lenses can cover various focal lengths. The GF100-200 is compatible with teleconverter. It’s a little bit heavier, but very sharp. At that focal length with medium format sensor, you can isolate your subject very well

External Battery Packs

Navigate Menu

  • Tips and Tricks: Best way to navigate the menu is using the front and rear command dial. Front dial jumps from page to page, and rear dial jumps from item to item

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Competition Compared: Sony a6400 vs Fujifilm X-T20 vs Fujifilm X-T3 vs Sony a6500 vs Fujifilm X-T30

Sony A6400

Sony announced the Sony A6400, which, given its price and features, we can consider the Fujifilm X-T30 competitor.

The Fujifilm X-T30 will be announced February 14.

Above you can find a specs sheet comparison between the Sony A6400, Fujifilm X-T20, Sony A6500, Fujifilm X-T3 as well as an initial list of Fujifilm X-T30 specs, assuming it has the same sensor/processor of X-T3.

Animal Face/Eye Detection

Fujifilm already has it! :)

In fact, this forgotten Fujifilm digital camera offered “pet detection” for cats and dogs already 8 years ago.

Of course Sony’s solution is much more sophisticated and potentially very useful for wildlife photographers, so let’s hope Fujifilm will catch up on that feature, improve and extend it, and bring it to us Fuji X series lovers via Kaizen love soon.

New Autofocus

The showpiece of the Sony A6400 is definitely the new autofocus system, but we have to wait real life reviews to see if it really lives up to the hype Sony created with its promo videos.

If so, then it’s definitely impressive.

The Fujifilm X-T30 will feature the new sensor and processor of the Fujifilm X-T3, hence we can expect an excellent performer in terms of autofocus and eye-AF. Can’t wait to see the first real life comparisons with Sony’s new AF system.

Dealbreaker Selfie Screen?

The Sony A6400 also targets vloggers. However, with an on camera microphone attached, you can no longer see yourself in the upwards tilting selfie screen. A possible dealbreaker for vloggers.

If the Fujifilm X-T30 has a selfie screen, then it could be the one of the Fujifilm X-T100, which I consider a brilliant solution for hybrid stills/video shooters, except for one downside, as we told you here.

You guys already told us which kind of tilt screen you prefer (for Fujifilm X-H2). Check out and vote the poll here.

Lack of APS-C Lenses

If Sony’s wants to create an attractive APS-C system, they need to add several high quality APS-C lenses, but sadly Sony didn’t announce any new APS-C lens.

To cover the gaps in their APS-C lens line-up, you must get the more expensive and bigger FE-mount full frame lenses, which kind of destroys the purpose of buying into APS-C.

The Fujifilm X-T30 has on its side a terrific lens line-up specifically designed for APS-C. You find from big, heavy and expensive glass to small, portable and afforable lenses. A mature system.

Sony Kaizen

The probably most exciting part of the recent announcements, was Sony’s promise to add the new autofocus system as well as new features (interval recording) via firmware update to the Sony A9, Sony A7III and Sony A7rIII.

Let’s hope Sony will permanently adopt Fujifilm’s Kaizen strategy, since customers will benefit so much from it (companies a little bit less, since they hold off people from upgrading more frequently to newer models).

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Fujifilm 2019 Camera and Lens Release Timeline (and a bit of 2020)

Fujifilm 2019 Timeline

It’s time to put some order in the myriad of rumors, and give you guys a timeline of the Fujifilm products that will come in 2019, as well as give a quick glance at 2020.

This is just an approximate timeline, that I will update as soon as I get new information.

January/April 2019

  • Fujifilm X-T30*
  • Fujinon XF16mm f/2.8 R WR*
  • Fujinon GF 100-200mm f/5.6 R LM OIS WR*

* based on our rumors

May/August 2019

  • Fujinon GFX100*
  • Fujinon XF16-80mm  f/4 R LM OIS WR**
  • Fujinon GF 50mm f/3.5 LM WR***

* based on our rumors
** our sources say XF 16-80 will not come in early 2019
*** just an educated guess by FujiRumors, but it could make sense to announce it along with Fujifilm GFX100

September/December 2019

  • Fujifilm X-Pro3*
  • Fujifilm X100F Successor*

* based on reports at techardar. I place them in the second half of 2019, because I do not think their release is imminent (if techradar is right about 2019 release)

Top Possible Bonus Gear in 2019/2020

  • Fujinon GF 80mm f/1.4 R LM WR*
  • Fujifilm X80**
  • older XF lenses refresh***

*based on rumor
** wishful thinking based on XF10 disappointment :)
*** no rumors. but please, FUJI, PLEASE!!!

Coming 2020

  • Fujifilm X-H2*
  • Fujinon XF33mm f/1.0 R LM WR**
  • Fujinon GF 45-100mm f/4 R LM OIS WR**

* our sources say it will not be released in 2019, hence must be sometimes in 2020, since I don’t think Fuji will wait until 2021
** based on official Fujifilm roadmap

Probably Not Coming in 2019/2020

  • Fujifilm X-E4

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This Guy Mounted the Fujinon XF 56mmF1.2 on Sony A7R and Shows it Covers Entire Full Frame Sensor Area

Fujinon Lenses on Full Frame Sensor

Back in 2015, John investigated the question if Fujinon X glass can cover larger sensors areas than APS-C, by projected the light passing through Fujinon lenses on a piece of paper (full report here). His conclusion:

“I could be wrong in my assumptions, […] but this difference between the Samyang and Fujinon lenses is proof enough for me that the X-mount can handle a larger sensor.”

But John’s test was only theoretical.

What happens if you really mount a Fujinon lens on a full frame camera? Will there be heavy vignetting or not?

Albert tried to answer this questions by modifying the mount of his Fujinon XF 56mm F1.2, and basically making a Sony E-mount lens out of it.

And it did work out very well. Albert writes:

“Lucky for me, it turns out to work pretty well, the XF56mm F1.2 covered the full frame sensor nicely, and the performance is on par with the popular classic lens, such as Canon FD 58mm f1.2 and Nikkor 50mm f1.2“

I wonder, which other Fujinon lenses would cover full frame, too.

I guess red badged lenses such as the XF16-55, XF50-140, XF200mmF2 and XF8-16 as well as fast primes like the Fujinon XF35mmF1.4 and XF23mmF1.4.

You can read the whole article all and see the pictures at foodgrapher here. The article is dated October 2018 but passed unnoticed to all, until a FR-reader (thanks) send me the link via anonymous rumor box and I can now share it on FR. Thanks for your support also in 2019 :).

Fujifilm will Never go Full Frame

And before you start suggesting Fujifilm should put a full frame sensor into the existing X mount…

In no way I want to suggest that Fujifilm will go full frame. I share this test only to show how big the circle of projection of certain Fujinon lenses is, and Fuji’s APS-C camera use only the central (and best) part of the light circle.

And don’t forget: Fujifilm boss (and FujiRumors “lover”) Toshihisa Iida said loud and clear: “Fujifilm will NEVER go Full Frame“. Hence, I can’t see Fujifilm going full frame in any form or shape.

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Fujinon XF200mmF2 Review by Kai Wong: “Fujifilm’s Full Frame Temptation? They are Killing it with APS-C”

Fujinon XF200mmF2

Kai Wong (video above) tested the Fujinon XF200mmF2, and he is impressed with it. He says:

  • no drop-in filters
  • smaller than equivalent FF lenses
  • with 1.4x teleconverter you get still very usuable images
  • crispy details
  • OIS works incredibly smooth, and combined with IBIS of X-H1 works very well
  • Focus is so so quick when used on Fujifilm X-H1
  • continous AF for stills and video is freaky reliable
  • Kai is sure there is a temptation for Fujifilm to go full frame, he’s sure they can. But with APS-C they are properly killing it
  • Bokeh: tree branches look a bit distracting
  • aimed for Pros and enthusiasts. Competing with Sony & Co in a smaller package

And here some more Fujinon XF200mmF2 reviews:

Fujinon XF 200mm F2: BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS, Focuscamera

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DPReviewTV Best and Worst of 2018: Fujifilm X-T3 Beats Sony A7III and Nikon Z6, but Fujifilm X-T100 and XF10 Fail

Best Gear 2018

Chris and Jordan from DPReviewTV just published their best and worst gear 2018 epsiode.

The GOOD News:

The Fujifilm X-T3 wins the award for the best camera of 2018, beating the full frame Sony A7III and Nikon Z6.

The Fujifilm X-T3 has already been declared best camera of 2018 by many big youtubers and blogs. Check out our recent best of 2018 overview here.

The BAD News:

The Fujifilm X-T100 has been declared worst video camera of 2018, with a useless 4K. The Fujifilm XF10 is the thrid worst camera of 2018. Bad and unreliable focussing. Slow, laggy.

Dear Fujifilm, this is what happens if you put an old and slow processor in cameras that otherwise would have a very nice sensor.

The MISSING News:

Strangly, not a single Fujinon lens makes it into the list.

I believe the Fujinon XF200mmF2 would have deserved a top spot, and not to forget the Fujinon XF8-16mmF2.8 or the Fujinon GF250mmF4.

And maybe also the medium format Fujifilm GFX50R should have gotten at least an honorable mention.

BEST CAMERA 2018

  1. Fujifilm X-T3
  2. Sony A7III
  3. Nikon Z6

WORST CAMERA 2018

  1. Yashica Y35
  2. Pentax K1 II
  3. Fujifilm XF10

BEST LENS 2018

  1. Canon RF 50mm F1.2
  2. Tamron 28-75mm F2.8
  3. Sony 24mmF1.4 FE GM

WORST LENS 2018

  1. Sony 18-135mm F3.5-5.6
  2. Nikon Z lenses, particulary the 50mmF1.8. Ugly bokeh

BEST VIDEO CAMERA 2018

  1. Panasonic GH5S (FYI: no IBIS camera. And why that is good, is explained by Panasonic here)
  2. Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
  3. DJI Mavi II Pro

WORST VIDEO CAMERA 2018

  1. Fujifilm X-T100

EXPIRES SOON: Fujifilm X-T3 + v. grip (save $130): BHphoto, AmazonUS, Adorama, Focuscamera

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Fujifilm X-T3, X-H1 and XF80mmF2.8 Firmware Updates Released and FUJIFILM PC AutoSave Software Update

Kaizen Time

Fujifilm just released firmware update 2.00 for Fujifilm X-T3 and Fujifilm X-H1. It brings lots of improvements, in Fujifilm best Kaizen tradition.

The firmware update removes the 4GB record limit for the Fujifilm X-H1, but not for the Fujifilm X-T3. The X-T3 will get this feature later on. Fujifilm will tell u when in January.

Down below you can read the full details of the various updates.

Fujifilm also released FUJIFILM PC AutoSave software update for Mac here. Compatibility with macOS Mojave is added.

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Fujifilm X-T3 firmware 2.00 details

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Top Fujifilm Product 2018 – VOTE NOW

Top Fujifilm Gear 2018

2018 was a fantastic Fujifilm year, with lots of great gear launched. But which one was the best Fujifilm product of 2018 according to you?

Let’s see if it will be an exciting head to head race like for the best Fujifilm product 2017, or if we will have a clear winner, like in the best Fujifilm product 2016 poll.

Vote the poll down below.

Not included the Fujifilm GFX100, since we don’t have final specs, as well as lenses that are only on the roadmap so far.

LAST SECOND HOLIDAY DEALS: AmazonUS, BHphoto, Adorama, FocusCamera, BestBuy

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The Top Fujifilm Product of 2018 is... (max 1 selection)

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Review of the Fujinon XF200mm f/2 for Motorsports Photography

Fujinon XF200mm f/2.0 LM OIS WR

Review of the Fujinon XF200mm f/2 for Motorsports Photography

by Stephen Scharf
Racing the Light Photography
www.stephenscharf.com

OVERVIEW

I had the pleasure to use and extensively test the newly released Fujinon XF200 f/2.0 LM OIS WR in October, 2018 while covering the Sports Car Club of America’s 2018 National Championships, also know as “The Runoffs” at Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma, CA, Oct 19-21, 2018.

Fujifilm North America graciously sent me the Fujinon XF200 f/2.0 along with an X-T3 and battery grip for approximately 10 days for motorsports photography testing to compare to my Fujifilm X-H1. The purpose of the test was to collect autofocus performance data for both cameras when used in a real-world professional motorsports photography use-case, and for this weekend long test-session, I used the new XF200 f/2.0 exclusively, as well as the new 1.4X teleconverter in some situations.

BACKGROUND: I’ve been a professionally accredited motorsports photojournalist for 15 years. I’ve was an official track photographers for Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca for 7 years, and have been shooting as an accredited photojournalist for Sonoma Raceway since 2003. I cover all their professional series races, including NASCAR, NHRA Professional and Indy Car, and my photographs have been published in numerous newspapers in the SF Bay Area, including the San Francisco Chronicle, as well as various motorsports websites and magazines.

INTRODUCTION

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