The Rise of Fujifilm…

Fujifilm has announced the financial results for the first quarter of the fiscal year 2024 (April 1st, 2024 to June 30, 2024).

In short we can say the professional imaging division is growing strong with revenue up +33.8% compared to last year.

Always in terms of revenue, the professional imaging division (+33,8%) grew even stronger than the Instax division (+17.8%). Now the revenue difference between Instax and professional photography gear is of 18.5 billions of Yen (74.6 for Instax and 56.1 for X, GFX and Fujinon lenses) compared to the gap of 21.2 in 2023.

No wonder that the Fujifilm CEO called their photography business their new goldmine.

• Fujifilm CEO Teiichi Goto: “We Have Found a New Gold Mine in the Photography Business”

With all these great numbers, Fujifilm increased their imaging division financial forecast for 2024:

• + 6.3% revenue (from 480 to 510 billions of Yen).
• +12% operating income (from 100 to 112 billions of Yen).

Despite…

So all good and keep going like this, Fujifilm?

Well, not really. We will always find something to moan about. ;)

And particularly, it’s a pity to see that these wonderful data coming in despite Fujifilm having had much more trouble to ship their gear than any other brand.

I can only imagine how the numbers would have skyrocketed, if only Fujifilm would have been capable of matching the terrific demand there is for their cameras and lenses.

Dear Fujifilm:

you have to understand that meeting your sales targets is not enough. What you have to meet is the true demand for Fujifilm gear.

That’s why I can’t find huge joy in the numbers you’ve shared today: I keep thinking at the figures you could have achieved, if only you’d have been able to produce more gear with proper hard work and solid investments instead of trying out some creative solutions that brought no results.

• Fujifilm CEO: Supply is Normal, Overproduction Would Force Discounts and Reduce Brand Strength and Gear Value
• Fujifilm to Use Blockchain to Optimize Supply Network of Digital Camera Parts

The Report

Godox has just announced the new Godox AD600Pro II All-in-One Outdoor Flash.

A curiosity: anyone out there who has used both, Godox and Profoto speedlights? Because my impression is that the Godox gear is a no brainer, but maybe there are strong arguments in favor of Profoto gear.

One that comes to my mind is that it seems Fujifilm cooperates more closely with Profoto, because certain bugs happen only with Godox gear and not with Profoto gear.

Key Features

• One-Tap Sync with Optional X3 Trigger
• Compatible with Most TTL Systems
• 600Ws, 1/512 to 1/1 Power Output
• Up to 360 Full-Power Flashes
• Flash Duration: 1/220 to 1/11,760 sec
• 1/8000 sec High-Speed Sync
• 0.01-0.9 sec Recycling Time
• 40W Bi-Color LED Modeling Lamp
• Upgraded TFT Screen for Onboard Control
• Includes Battery & Charger

Godox AD600Pro II
BHphoto – Amazon – Adorama

Wait, a Fujifilm X-T4 infrared camera?

If that sounds new to you, here is recap:

• back in 2023 BHphoto shortly listed a Fujifilm X-T4 extended spectrum on their website
• BHphoto later on removed the X-T4 IR saying it is now discontinued
• Fujifilm X-T4, X-H2 and GFX100II Extended Spectrum appeared hidden inside the Fujifilm X App

Well, now the Fujifilm X-T4 IR Extended Spectrum is back at BHphoto, this time even more affordable than at its original listing (now $1,899 instead of $2,199).

I find dedicated IR version a great way to give “older” cameras a new life.

I just wish they were made available for the large public, since as of now sales restrictions apply that you can read at the dedicated BHphoto page (click “CONFIDENTIAL DOCUMENT”). Included in the list of people who can purchase it are “professional artists” and “professional qualified Buyers and videographers that intend to use the purchased Infrared and Extended Spectrum Products for the creation of fine art.”

Capture One has announced that REALA ACE support has been added in Capture One 16.4.4 for the following Fujifilm cameras: GFX100II, GFX100SII, X100VI, X-H2, X-H2s, X-S20, X-T5, X-T50.

You can download the latest Capture One 16.4.4 here and view the release notes here.

Of course I have the perpetual license, so no Reala Ace for me.

At the end I’ll have to give up on the idea to stick with perpetual licenses. I will start to rent my editing software. But I am not sure it will still be Capture One.

Cooling system for cameras are nothing new.

Of course there is Fujifilm, with its own (and best) offering, the FAN-001, but that one is limited to X-H2, X-H2S, X-S20 and GFX100II. It won’t work on other cameras.

Other brands jumped into this space and offer their own cooling systems, such as the Ulanzi cooling system for Fujifilm cameras. And also Tilta is known for its solutions.

Well, we now have more options available.

In fact, SmallRig just launched the SmallRig Cooling System.

• Rapid Cooling System
  Utilizes a high-efficiency fan paired with a TEC cooling module to swiftly cool down the camera, ensuring optimal performance.
• Intelligent Temperature Control
  Features an automatic temperature control design that intelligently regulates the camera’s temperature for consistent operation.
• Effortless Snap-On Installation
  Easily install and remove the device with a snap-on mechanism, enhancing compatibility with a wide range of cameras.
• Versatile Usage
  Can be used independently or with a camera cage, offering a lighter and more flexible shooting experience.
• Power Flexibility
  Compatible with the V-Mount Battery Mount Plate Kit 4064B/4063B, supporting V-Mount batteries and various power supply options for convenient use in diverse settings.

Notice that on their website, SmallRig only mentions the Fujifilm X-T4 and X-S10 as being compatible. So I am not sure if it will work with other Fujifilm cameras that have a selfie screen (X-S20 etc).

• SmallRig Cooling System
  BHphoto / Amazon / SmallRig
• Fujifilm FAN-001 Cooling Fan
  BHphoto / Amazon / Adorama

It’s Update Day

Fujifilm just released major firmware updates for several cameras and also for a lens.

But that’s not all.

There are updates also for Fujifilm X RAW Studio and also a brand new software has been launched, the Fujifilm Tether App.

So let’s look at what happened.

Fujifilm X RAW Studio

Fujifilm has released an update for the Fujifilm X RAW Studio software.

Fujifilm X RAW Studio Ver.1.24.0 – download here
The software update Ver.1.24.0 incorporates the following issues:

1. “REALA ACE” RAW development is now supported.
2. A software bug is fixed that the “COLOR TEMPERATURE” of “WHITE BALANCE” set in “Profile” is not reflected to the preview and recorded image correctly with macOS 14.

Fujifilm Tether App

We told you something new would happen also on the software front, and here it is: the brand new “Fujifilm Tether App”.

”FUJIFILM TETHER APP” provides functions to utilize digital cameras (GFX/X series) by connecting them to a computer. Even if your camera does not support the tethered shooting function, you can use the function to save/load camera settings.

You can read all the details below and download it here.

Compatibility Chart