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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Five Reasons to Switch to Fujifilm for Weddings, From Full Frame DSLR to Fuji X, Worth it? and More Switch Stories

Fuji X Switch Stories

FujiRumors is a 100% independent space.

I don’t get free or discounted gear from Fujifilm, I don’t get special customer service, I don’t get invitations and free flights/hotels to launch parties, I don’t get free t-shirts or hats… and that’s good so.

I wake up, I go to work, I come back home, I blog and I write whatever I want.

This independency allows me to write for example articles like the ones below, that Fujifilm surely did not appreciate:

So actually I don’t think there is one brand out there, that we attacked more than Fujifilm ;).

But my job is not to make Fujifilm happy, but to be loyal to those of you, who decide to read this blog. And hence, I will report everything. Fujifilm does not pay me a penny, and if this blog runs at all, it’s only because you decide to support it.

On the other hand, I can’t hide that I simply fell in love with Fujifilm many years ago, and it’s a love that gets stronger as the years pass by.

So, while I will keep up delivering you everything, every now and then, I also feel like sharing some good switch stories of people, who talk so passionate about Fujifilm.

It’s the same enthusiasm that caught me many years ago, hence, I will share a few of these stories today.

Check them out or not, it’s up to you.

Enjoy your weekend, love you all (even if don’t shoot Fuji ;) )
Patrick

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FUJIFILM Mega Lens Deals Now also in EUROPE

I was just about to make the papers to get a green card for USA and go living there, because USA has always the best deals, but there is no need for that anymore.

Fujifilm has launched the big lens cashback deals also in Europe*.

These are cashback deals, meaning you pay regular retail price, then head over to fujifilm-connect, select your country and claim back your money.

*Only purchases directly from Amazon (with an Amazon invoice) are eligible for this promotion. Purchases from Amazon Marketplace are not eligible and will be rejected, unless the Marketplace Seller is also a Fujifilm Qualifying (Authorised) Retailer.

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Major Fujifilm X-T3 Firmware Update Coming in Spring 2019

Fujifilm X-T3 Firmware Update

Back on November 13, Fujifilm promised to release a major firmware update for Fujifilm X-T3 in December, which would, amongst the others, remove the 4GB file record limit.

Fujifilm did indeed release Fujifilm X-T3 firmware ver. 2.0 on December 17, but it did not include the removal of the 4GB recording limit.

All Fujifilm told us was:

“Regarding the new function “Recording over 4GB movie file as one file” which was planned to add to the firmware Ver.2.00, we will announce the schedule to release the firmware with the function in January 2019“

I started to get many requests on my Facebook and Twitter page, so, while waiting for Fujifilm to disclose more details, I reached out to some of my sources.

The initial feedback I got, is that currently Fujifilm plans a major Fujifilm X-T3 firmware update in spring 2019.

It should go well beyond the removal of the 4GB recording limit, hence there is hope we will be able to call it a big Kaizen firmware update. [UPDATE: the 4GB record limit will be removed with X-T3 fimrware 2.10 on February 7. The spring firmware should bring other improvements]

I’ll keep you posted as soon as I get more details, so make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, RSS-feed and Twitter

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B&H Photo Adds $50 Gift Card to Fujinon XF35mm f/1.4, XF 14mm and XF 27mm Purchase

Fujifilm has just launched massive discounts on some Fujinon XF lenses. Check out the full list here.

Not included in the official Fujifilm deals are the

But if you purchase the three lenses mentioned above at BHphoto, you now get at least a $50 gift card.

Not as spectacular as the $1,000 price drop on the XF200mm f/2 and the $500 savings on XF 8-16mm f/2.8, but better than nothing.

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Overpriced Fujinon Lenses at Launch? Fujinon XF 8-16mm (save $500) and XF 200mm (save $1,000) and More XF Lens Deals

Fujifilm XF Pricing

We recently compared here the Fujinon XF8-16mmF1.8 and XF 200mm F2 to equivalent full frame DSLR lenses, and we saw that the Fujinon lenses are generally cheaper.

However, the Fujinon XF 8-16mm f/2.8 LM WR was still more expensive than the Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 or the Sigma 12-24mm f/4. You can check out the specs comparison here.

With the latest rebate, though, the Fujinon XF 8-16mm f/2.8 price has been reduced by 25%, and it now beats in terms of pricing also the other full frame lenses.

So the question arose amongst the FujiRumors community: was the Fujifilm XF 8-16mm f/2.8 overpriced at launch?

Difficult to say, since the price is justified or not also depending on factors you can’t really read on specs papers, like image quality, build quality and more.

At the bottom of this article you will find a poll, where you can let us know what you think.

Regarding the Fujinon XF200mm f/2 LM OIS WR, (which is now $1,000 off), I believe the XF200mmF2 launch price was not overpriced, considering how it performs and that it comes with 1.4x teleconverter. But let us know in the poll below.

The launch price of $2,000 for the Fujinon XF 8-16mmF2.8 was...

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The launch price of $6,000 for the Fujinon XF 200mmF2 with 1.4x Teleconverter was...

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DEAL ALERT: Save Up to $1,000 on Fujifilm XF Lenses – Rebates Include XF 200mm f/2, XF 8-16mm f/2.8 and More

The best Fuji deals of the year are usually the ones between January and March, since the Japanese fiscal year ends in March, hence Fujifilm tries to sell as much as possible to show up with better numbers in front of investors.

So we get new Fujifilm deals, that will expire March 30.

Included in the deals is a $1,000 price drop on the XF200mm f/2 and the $500 savings on XF 8-16mm f/2.8. But there is much more, so check out the full list below.

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Price of Fujifilm X-H1 Falling Worldwide, but No Fujifilm X-H2 Coming in 2019

Fujifilm X-H2 Coming?

Lately I get many emails asking me if the Fujifilm X-H2 is around the corner, since the price on the Fujifilm X-H1 is dropping drastically all over the world (latest countries to join is the United Kingdom today here).

My answer is no, there will NOT be a Fujifilm X-H2 in 2019.

The reason for the price drop on the Fujifilm X-H1 is not because the X-H2 is coming, but because… well, I have a smart community, and I’m sure you can figure it out by your own ;).

  • read here: VOTE: Fujifilm X-H2 with 3 way Tilt Screen, Swivel Screen or X-T100 Flippy Screen?
  • read here: If the Fujifilm X-T3 had IBIS, would You Prefer it over the Fujifilm X-H2?

The only camera to get a successor very soon, is the Fujifilm X-T20, since the Fujifilm X-T30 is coming on February 14.

Check out the new prices on Fujifilm gear in your country*:

Fujifilm X-H1 body – $1,299 (includes battery grip!) / £1,199 / €1,299

Fujifilm X-H1 w/grip – $1,299 / £1,299 / €1,399

Fujifilm X-T2 – $1,099 / £999 / €1,099

Fujifilm X-T20 – $699 / £629 / €699

Fujifilm X-T100 – $499 / £449 / €499

Fujifilm X-E3 – $699 / £629 / €699

* in € price might change according to country. There might also be variations in €, £ and $ according to different shops

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EXPIRES SOON: Save $200 on Fujifilm X-T3 body ($100 Instant Rebate + $100 Gift Card) and Fuji X-T3 Bundle Deals

Fujifilm X-T3 Deal

There are a few special deals on the Fujifilm X-T3:

Just because it’s often asked in the comments: yes, Focuscamera is an authorized Fujifilm US seller.

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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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size/weight comparison by apotelyt