There was a time, when Fujifilm was only offering rangefinder X series cameras.
Well, that’s if you don’t consider this camera here, which I guess we’ll never know why Fujifilm called it an X series camera.
But anyway, rangefinder was Fujifilm’s quiet re-entry in the mid-higher end digital camera market (their previous attempt was this one).
And silently, on tiptoes, Fujifilm carved out its very small niche of truly passionate photographers.
The X-E1 is Born
The Fujifilm X-E1 was definitely one of the best expressions of this understated approach into the mirrorless camera market: no thunders, no specs brags, just beauty and joy encapsulated in a wonderful camera body.
But the Fujifilm X-E1 would become the last X-E camera with a relatively quiet and tranquil life.
Because Fujifilm’s priorities started to shift, their ambitions to grow, and the X-E line started to be on the edge of survival.
Fujifilm had the brilliant idea to launch the Fujifilm X-E2 just 3 months before they announced the Fujifilm X-T1, which came in the more popular SLR styled package and offered superior specs like weather sealing, UHS-II card slot and the largest EVF on any mirrorless camera.
The X-T1 was Fujifilm’s statement to the photography world: we want to go more mainstream now! And as a consequence it stole the show (and sales) to the X-E2.
The Fujifilm X-E2 was followed by the Fujifilm X-E2S, which is basically an X-E2 with an auto button. So we can ignore that one.
Back in 2024, when we first reported on this, we clearly said it was just something Fujifilm was considering. If they decide to move forward, the plan would be to launch it in time for the 30th anniversary of the original Fujifilm TX-1 — a true 65×24 format panoramic camera introduced in 1998.
The last update I received dates back to September 2024, and it hinted at the possible sensor details. Since then… silence.
Until now.
Today, we may have a new clue to add to the Fujifilm TX-3 puzzle.
We just reported on a Fujifilm lens patent. And in this patent FR-reader Mistral spotted something interesting — something that might relate to the upcoming digital TX/XPan camera.
In fact, looking at all the examples included in the patent, Mistral noticed that they might be actually indicating lenses for a panoramic camera.
very large angle of view: 90° to 110°, except for the last of the 21 examples, which is an outlier (35mm f/1,6 with a back focus of 21mm, designed for a 24×36 sensor)
too short back focus for an interchangeable lens: 9mm to 13mm
odd image circle diameter: 50mm, too big for a 24×36 sensor, too small for a 33×44 sensor but suited to the 24:65 crop of a 33×44 sensor.
Looking at the patent, we’d get something like a 21mm f/2.8. If you want to know the in-depth calculations and observations, make sure to check out Mistral’s post at the French forum chassimages here.
So will we really get a digital Fujifilm XPan in 2028?
Well, that would be a dream come true for many of us. And personally, I hope the rumor becomes reality.
And if anyone can pull this off, then it’s Fujifilm, because it’s a company that thinks differently.
A company with such a massive photographic culture that it understands that cultivating a niche means cultivating the true passion for photography.
If anyone can bring back the spirit of the XPan for a new digital age, it’s Fujifilm. And I truly hope they do.
But what about you? Happy about it or do you consider it a waste of resources?
It seems that in terms of size the new Sigma 17-40mmF1.8 DC ART will sit somewhere in between the two Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 lenses.
As a reference: the Fujinon XF16-55mmF2.8 II weights 410 gram whereas the Sigma 17-40mmF1.8 weights 535 gram.
If the optical quality is very good (and we will find it out on June 17), then the Sigma 17-40mmF1.8 could be a game-changing lens for some fellow Fujifilm APS-C shooters.
Maybe you’re out on a road trip, music on, windows down.
Or maybe you’re just enjoying a quiet Sunday, far from work and deadlines.
Whatever (hopefully pleasant) activity you’re up to, I hope you’ll forgive me for briefly interrupting, because I’ve got something exciting to share: the first leaked image of the Fujifilm X-E5.
You can see it in all its beauty above. And for a larger more detailed view, check out the image below.
We notice:
the return of the MCS switch (like on the X100VI)—missing on the X-E4, and I’m glad to see it back
Maybe you’re out on a hike, catching up with friends, or simply enjoying the first days of summer with family. Whatever it is, I truly hope you’re having a fantastic time.
But if I may, let me gently knock on the door of your day with a small gift… something to add a little extra spark to your already great Sunday: a few fresh leaked images.
Fujifilm has just released a teaser video (see below) for the upcoming Fujifilm X-E5, set to be officially announced on June 12 at 5AM New York time. In the video, Fujifilm says:
there is another rangefinder-style series that’s just as essential when telling the story of our X series history
I am so happy to hear these words from Fujifilm. The Fujifilm X-E line is my favorite in the lineup, and the fact that they now call it “essential” for the X series somehow touches me, especially considering how close it once came to being discontinued.
I think I’m emotional about this video because it feels like a promise: a sign that Fujifilm is committed to continuing the X-E series going forward. And the X-E line is a huge reason why still I shoot Fujifilm today.
Sorry for this little rush of emotions. Let me recollect myself and focus on rumors.
And what we can see based on the underexposed image shared by Fujifilm is… well, actually not much.
if that’s the XF23mmF2.8 pancake lens mounted on the X-E5, then we can say it is really super compact. Probably weighting around 80 gram, so more or less like the Fujinon XF27mmF2.8
These are not rumors, just speculation based on the image shared by Fujifilm.
And yes, we rumored it has a film simulation dial in addition to existing X-E4 dials. But on these images we can’t notice anything. But it has to be somewhere on the Fujifilm X-E5.
→ feel free to join the X-E5 Live Blog on FujiRumors on June 12 at 5AM EDT
Well, I guess we can now say they went for the ultra compact version.
In fact, according to our trusted sources, the new pancake lens coming June 12 will be the Fujinon XF 23mm f/2.8.
As a very happy owner of the Fujinon XF27mmF2.8 R WR, I think it is a great move to keep the lens as compact as possible and give it an f/2.8 aperture.
But feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
