Firmware Update Breaks Camera and Photographer Gets Asked $700 for a Fix… and a Fujifilm Bug Reports Article

The Flawed Firmware

A firmware update was released, and after some users installed it, they noticed the firmware was flawed and the camera is now buggy. So far, nothing new. This just happens.

But when one of these photographers contacted customer service, the representatives acknowledged that the issue could have been potentially caused by the firmware update. Despite this, they are asking customers to send in their cameras for repairs, which will cost (at least) $700.

That’s a shame and should not happen.

And luckily it does not happen to Fujifilm shooters, because this is what happened to a Sony shooter, whose Sony FX3 got apparently broken by firmware 5.00 (see video below).

The video made by Camera Nerds Media runs you through this unreal experience (including recorded calls with customer service).

Camera Nerds Media also went on various Sony forums and he saw that many other FX3 users got the same issue with firmware 5.00. He ends up saying:

I don’t think users should be responsible for faulty firmware updates. That is crazy. […] Now my camera does not work and I lost lots of functionality and I am required to pay for that.

[…]

I posted about this on a bunch of Sony Forums, and the overall theme is that nobody updates the firmware on their Sony cameras because it is historically unreliable and a lot of problems can happen”

To be clear: Camera Nerds Media is a Sony shooter and not a secret agent paid by Fujifilm or Canon or whoever to trashtalk Sony.

Sh*t Happens

Why this intro?

Well, it’s simple: we are used to look at our own garden (the Fujifilm world) and we rightfully moan when something goes wrong there.

For example when a firmware in April made Autofocus worst. Of course we did report about it on FujiRumors and said this is very annoying and Fujifilm released a bug fix firmware in June which certainly vastly improves things, but still is not on par with the situation before the faulty firmware as we reported here.

But here is the thing: we are so focused on our own world, that we don’t see what’s going on elsewhere.

The Sony issue we reported about today is just one of many. I saw posts with freezes on Sony camera and users have to remove the battery to make the camera work again.

The Canon R series “Err. 70 unable to shoot” freeze and lock-up issue is apparently so popular that it even got its own meme.

So yes, it’s good to moan, when something goes wrong in the Fujifilm world. But we should be at least aware that modern cameras are high tech computers with lots of complicated coding inside, and that every brand stumbles on that. That’s just normal.

What really matters is how brands react to those issues.

Fujifilm releases free firmware updates to fix errors, whereas in the story we shared today, we can see that this is not always the case with Sony cameras.

Fujifilm Bug Reports

But let’s go back to our little Fujifilm garden.

When I posted the article about a rare bug that drives me nuts, other fellow Fujifilm X shooters wrote me with their own bug reports.

And because I pay full price for my gear and have no connections to Fujifilm, I can freely report about those bugs here on FujiRumors, in the hope Fujifilm Japan will read this (they will), and possibly even release a fix in the near future (of course for free ;) ).

If you have your own bugs to report about, feel free to drop it in the comments.

by Michele – The Cause of the Freeze

I have the GFX 100S II and it happened to me it froze too a couple of times in the past month and yesterday I found when it happens:

Using the camera in portrait mode, but turning it 90 clockwise, not counter clockwise (as natural it is)

I know it happened in other models like the GFX 100 II, do you know if that bug has been resolved?

UPDATE: I took the camera to the store where I bought it and the seller said he would contact the Fuji rep about that. Then he sent the camera to be repaired. It Looks like there is an electronic problem, that is what he said to me a few days later. Hopefully the camera will be back soon.

by Cipulot – The Disappearing Indicators

I am sharing with you a pretty interesting thing that is happening with my X100VI with the latest 1.11 fw.

In particular, out of nowhere, in the OVF mode, the indicators stopped being shown even if I had them selected in the settings (video below).

Funnily enough, though, if I enable large indicators, they still do not show up, but if I half-press the shutter, they pop up and then go away as soon as I take a shot/release it.

I tried disabling them, re-enabling, power cycle, and even removing the battery, but the issue persists.

I forgot to mention that even when pressing the DISP BACK button multiple times, the issue persists, even tho that should fix it usually.

UPDATE: As a last effort I reinitialized the camera and it went back to working order. [if you encounter this issue too, reset your camera]

by Alan – the Silent Focus Priority Override in AF-MF

Your July 10, 2024 post entitled “This (Rare) Fujifilm Bug Drives Me Nuts…” got me thinking about the one Fujifilm bug that most bothers me. Actually, mine is more than a bug… because mine interacts with a known Fujifilm autofocus issue that can produce more out-of-focus images than expected. Combined, the bug and issue have the potential to badly effect the AF experience of users and, I expect, reviewers.

The Bug: With AF+MF* enabled, the camera will, without warning, override FOCUS/RELEASE PRIORITY** if it has been set to FOCUS.

Always, the camera will tacitly be in RELEASE mode if AF+MF* is enabled (Fujifilm acknowledges this, see attached screen shot from page 158 of the Fujifilm X-T5 Owner’s Manual).

Potential Bug Remedy: At the very least, Fuji should grey-out the RELEASE/FOCUS PRIORITY menu option when AF+MF is enabled.

The Issue and its Importance: The potential advantage of AF+MF* is paradoxically counterbalanced by the potential disadvantage of RELEASE PRIORITY**.

Fujifilm’s competitors allow their users to manually fine tune autofocus (with focus aids such as peaking and magnification), while maintaining control of when the shutter will release in AF-C or AF-S modes (ie, with or without autofocus confirmation/acquisition).

For example, if AF-C loses a bird amongst leaves, manual override will be necessary to regain focus. The rest of the time, when manual override isn’t necessary, the camera should be allowed to acquire focus before releasing shutter, should the user so desire.

Please feel free to post my note on FujiRumors if you think that it would be of interest.

* XT-5: MENU > AF/MF SETTINGS > AF+MF = “OFF
** XT-5: MENU > AF/MF SETTINGS > RELEASE/FOCUS PRIORITY

Which Fujinon GF lens do You Want Next?

All deals end January 8

I Solemnly Promised Myself… (and Failed)

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Wooden Camera Fujifilm X-H2S Accessories

Wooden Camera has released accessories for the Fujifilm X-H2S.

Get Yours:

Fujifilm X-H2 Concept Rendering

Fujifilm X-H2

There are some images of the Fujifilm X-H2 floating around on social media which are erroneously reported as the possibly first leaked images of the Fujifilm X-H2.

Well, here on FujiRumors we kept a cool head and did what we can do best: verify and check.

So it turns out that these are not leaked X-H2 images but renderings made by Fujifilm X shooter Steven.

And while not the real deal, Steven’s renderings could  be a nice way to start a discussion on how we’d like the Fujifilm X-H2 to be in terms of handling and ergonomics.

Which design choices made by Steven do you particularly like? And what other suggestions do you have? Feel free to contribute down below in the comments.

Steven shared his renderings on his instagram here and writes:

How do you think Fujifilm X-H2 would look like?

I imagine it would be a crossover between X-T4 and GFX 100s. As a video-centric camera, being in a less retro form factor makes sense. Adding more dials and buttons will be awesome too.

Also, it’s my first foray into 3D hard surface modeling, so it’s been quite a rough but fun ride.

Since X-H2 is going to be more video-centric, I figured the record button should be prominent, coupled with more function buttons around it. Or is it too many?

That rounded concave thing? It’s meant to be a joystick, so you can move the focus area without touching the LCD nor using the back joystick. That way your right hand doesn’t have to change position while holding the camera.

It would be awesome to have a screen with similar articulation as X-T100. That way the distance between the sub-monitor and the LCD screen is not far. I’m not smart enough to figure out how it works practically, but a man can dream hehe.

As far as solid Fujifilm X-H2 rumor goes, you can find the updated list down below.

Fujifilm X-H2 Rumor Recap

The Fastest Growing Fujifilm Group

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Vintage Battle: Nikon Z fc Retro-Styled APS-C Camera Coming to Challenge Fujifilm

Finally!

Finally Fujifilm is getting a competitor also in the retro-styled mirrorless vintage APS-C camera segment, which so far was dominated by Fujifilm as it had almost no competitors, except for some lovely MFT cameras and of course the expensive Leica offerings.

This time the “attack” on Fujifilm comes from Nikon, which is launching the Nikon Z fc APS-C camera, sort of the mirrorless version of the Nikon DF.

A quick overview and video on the Nikon Z fc can be read and seen here.

While this might put Fujifilm a bit under pressure, it is undeniable that for us customers competition is a great thing.

My hope is that the Nikon Z fc will be a huge success, so that Fujifilm will see itself forced to maybe even offer a retro styled Fujifilm GFX 100 Megapixel camera as soon as possible.

It will be interesting to see how serious Nikon will be with its vintage concept, and if they will offer several vintage bodies, like Fujifilm is doing with the X-T line, X-Pro, X-E and X100 line.

Still a strength of retro Fujifilm compared to the new Nikon Z fc are the various vintage film simulations, that will give not only to the cameras but also to the images they produce a nice nostalgic look out of the box.

Fujinon GF80mmF1.7 Technical Analysis, DOF Calculators, Comparison with GF110mmF2 and More

Fujinon GF80mm f/1.7 (vs GF110mmF2)

The Fujinon GF80mmF1.7 is currently not easy to find. A low stock is available at Adorama here and also at AmazonUS here.

And yet, slowly but surely, it is falling in the hands of photographers, who drop their (very positive) reviews on the various online sales platforms:

But also Jim Kasson is covering the Fujinon GF80mmF1.7 brilliantly in his technical tests, which we will share down below.

I did play around with the Fujinon GF80mmF1.7 too (and so did my son) when I met my friend, who sold all his Nikon Z mirrorless gear for the GFX system. So far he does not regret it at all and he is totally thrilled about his switch.

  • blog.kasson – Fujifilm 110/2, 80/1.7 slanted edge testing
  • blog.kasson – Fuji 80 mm f/1.7 on GFX 100S, Siemens star analysis
  • blog.kasson – Fujifilm 80/1.7 bokeh
  • blog.kasson – Fuji 110/2, 80/1.7 on GFX 100S, foliage
  • blog.kasson – Fuji 80/1.7, 110/2 chromatic aberrations compared
  • blog.kasson – Fuji 45-100 at 80 mm vs 80/1.7, foliage
  • blog.kasson – Fujifilm 80 mm f/1.7 field curvature for landscape use
  • blog.kasson – DOF calculators and pixel peeking. 80/1.7 on GFX 100S
  • blog.kasson – Low contrast slanted edge MTF testing: Fuji 80/1.7 GF on GFX 100S

Get Yours:

There is a Sensor, 70% FULLER than FULL FRAME and Here is Where it SHINES!

Promised!

There will be rumors, I tell you that!

We’ll talk about gear & specs. We will get mad at some, we will love others. But in any case, we are going to have fun.

And yet, that’s not how I’d like to start 2021 here on FujiRumors.

Nope, I’d like to start with an image roundup, because what I love most on my Fujifilm system, is not all the cameras and lenses that I have in my bag, but the images I was able to print big and put on my wall thanks to it.

And little it matters which gear you use, as long as it is fun to you.

May it be APS-C, full frame, or that sensor, that is actually 70% “fuller” or “bigger” than full frame and you find inside Fujifilm GFX cameras.

Every system has its strenghts, and the one of the Fujifilm GFX system is definitely portraits and landscape.

And that’s what we want to focus on today: the Fujifilm GFX.

You know, a new and amazing Fujifilm GFX100S is coming soon, so I thought we can give you guys a taste of its power, by sharing images fellow Fujifilm GFX shooters shared at our fantastic Fujifilm GFX group.

I hope you’ll enjoy the images as much as I did, and I wish you a fantastic weekend.

Fujifilm GFX Image Rounudp

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Fujifilm develops New “Pixel Shift Multi-Shot” function to Capture and Generate World’s Highest Resolution (*1) of 400MP images with Accurate Color Reproduction

Fujifilm develops the new “Pixel Shift Multi-Shot” function to capture and generate the world’s highest resolution*1 of 400MP images with accurate color reproduction

-Applying the FUJIFILM GFX100 mirrorless digital camera for digital archiving of cultural assets
-Providing firmware and software that enable the use of this function from today

Press Release

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Toshihisa Iida No Longer Fujifilm Electronic Imaging Division General Manager and Becomes new CEO of Fujifilm EU

Today I have a bit of mixed feelings, sad and happy at the same time.

Let me explain.

Fujifilm manager Toshihisa Iida is arguably the most representative face of the Fujiflm X/GFX series.

As general manager for Fujifilm electronic imaging products, he was the guy, who stood on the stage to introduce the most important new Fujifilm X/GFX gear, he lead the Fujifilm X summits, and his interviews were always the ones we read with the biggest care, as he was the guy, who, at the end of the day, had to take the final decision in which direction the Fujifilm X/GFX series should go.

For us Fujifilm lovers he was definitely a point of reference and one of those high ranked Japanese Fujifilm managers we loved most for his dedication, vision and passion for photography and the X/GFX series.

You’ll get an intimate looks into his life and work in this brilliant documentary.

And now the news.

Toshihisa Iida has just been promoted, and he is now the new President and Managing Director at Fujifilm Europe.

And while I am happy that such a competent person gets a step higher into his career, I am also a bit sad that he is now no longer dedicated to Fujifilm’s camera/lens development only.

In fact, in his new role as Fujifilm EU CEO, he will take care of Fuji’s medical systems, photo imaging, instax, electronic imaging, optical devices, graphic systems, recording media, industrial products, document solutions and more.

It goes without saying, that when you are in charge of the development, production, distribution, marketing, customer service and more for a total of 55 companies in 43 countries and 4.500 employees, than the time to dedicate to the Fujifilm X/GFX series will be limited.

Well, I guess I can speak for all of you, when I wish Toshihisa Iida (who is a FujiRumors “lover” ;) ) all the best for his new professional chapter.

The new electronic imaging general manager is Mark Yamamoto, who will also take up a new assignment as a Board Director for FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation in Tokyo, hence he’ll have a dual role within Fujifilm.

We wish Mark Yamamoto all the best, and may his guidance through this “mirrorless war” be as wise and illuminated as the one of Toshihisa Iida.

Press Release

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DPRTV Fujinon GF30mm f/3.5 Review: “Impressively Sharp, Who Needs a Wildlife Lens Anymore ;). Totally Recommended, Except for One Thing…”

DPReview TV has now published their Fujinon GF30mm f/3.5 hands on review, which was filmed with a GF30mm F/3.5 mounted on a Fujifilm GFX100.

The lens is another winner, and can easily keep up with the 100 megapixel of the Fujinon GFX100.

At some point of the video, he took a video of the forest, with a deer far away in the distance, and then cropped in and says “who needs a wildlife lens anymore“. Of course he said it as a joke, and the GF30mmF3.5 can’t replace a proper wildlife lens, but it was also a statement made to underline that with the combination GFX100 and GF30mmF3.5 you are in photographic crop-heaven.

The biggest problem with the GF30mmF3.5? Well, there is the GF32-64mmF4 (compare both lenses specs & price here).

You can find the video above and summary of the video down below:

  • 24mm full frame equivalent
  • is surprises how compact it is: just over 500g
  • 58mm filter thread
  • very chunky aperture ring and two-step phase between aperture ring and focus ring means you are not going to confuse where your fingers are
  • a very nice tactile experience
  • basically no real chromatic aberration and longitudinal chromatic aberration
  • about 32 cm minimum focus distance, hence you can get fairly close to objects and with that 3.5 aperture get nice and soft background
  • flare is pretty average, lots of ghosting. Sometimes you see rainbow pattern, but that’s not the lens, it’s reflection coming from the sensor, which you can see on a lot of modern cameras
  • autofocus speed is fine, it is not super fast, but on medium format you don’t need ultra fast focussing lenses
  • bokeh is not Chris’ favorite, not the greatest out there, a little bit busy around the edges, and gets more busy if you stop down the lens, but that’s not the end of the world on a wide angle lens
  • it’s a very sharp lens, especially wide open Chris was quite impressed. Very impressive at f/3.5 from center to corner, and corners sharpen up more really nicely if you stop down
  • he took a shot of a deer from far away and cropped in and said “who needs a wildlife lens” (of course joking, but to underline how sharp this lens really is)
  • like the other GF lenses, also this one is optically excellent lens
  • it’s capable of supporting the 100 megapixel resolution of the GFX100
  • nice compact lens, balance nice on GFX50R
  • as for video, the GFX100 got a recent firmware update that supports ProRes Video
  • in video, the lens has very little breathing
  • the entire episode was shot on the GF30mm f3.5
  • compact, fairly wide aperture lens for your GFX system, Chris would totally recommend it, except for one thing: there is also the excellent GF32-64mmF4
  • the GF30mmF3.5 is a little bit better optically compared to the the GF32-64, but the IQ of the 32-64 is great, too
  • but if you like primes, or if you maybe have already the GF45-100mmF4, this could be your lens

The Fujinon GF30mm f/3.5 is now in stock.

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