Fujifilm has released major firmware updates for 5th generation Fujifilm cameras as well as a minor one for the Fujifilm X100VI and the Fujinon GF80mmF1.7.
It brings Reala Ace to older 5th generation cameras, fixes the autofocus bug and more.
A final note: In recent weeks, numerous videos have surfaced online highlighting issues with Fujifilm’s autofocus. While I covered this topic, I also urged YouTubers to clarify that these problems are limited to a few specific Fujifilm camera models and they are the result of a buggy firmware update.
The problem?
Well, now Fujifilm fixed it, but those videos will remain online forever as they are, with general statements about the overall AF performance of Fujifilm cameras being worst than 10+ years old Sony cameras. And people who watch those videos, will not be aware that this was caused by a bug in a the firmware that has been fixed by Fujifilm within a few weeks.
I mean, I am all in favour of reporting about issues, as long as the proper context is given.
I did not report about it in a dedicated article, because this was part of what was included in the Fujifilm GFX100S II press release. But given the emails I am getting I thought I dedicate it an own article.
So yes, Fujifilm is going to bring C2PA / CAI content authenticity to X and GFX cameras via firmware update to several cameras in future. C2PA / CAI is an initiative formed to address the widespread issue of digital content manipulation by establishing standards for certifying the source and authenticity of media.
Membership of C2PA*1 and CAI*2 and development of a system*3 to provide context and history for digital media
We just told you that Fujifilm is currently developing a fixed lens Fujifilm GFX camera.
So obviously the questions now flood my Inbox. And I can’t say much more at this point, except for that it will be released in 2025!
Another question was if it will have the hybrid viewfinder. This is something I honestly have no idea about. I hope it has one, but I would not be surprised if, in order to contain costs, Fujifilm would just go with a digital EVF.
In terms of features, we can expect the Fujifilm X100VI to be superior, given it has a smaller sensor which comes with key advantages like a faster sensor readout and less heat generation.
One big question is the lens: at this point I have heard a lot of options, but I have narrowed it down to two options that I consider the most likely one. And if you allow me to speak frankly to you: at this point I am a bit confused since both options I’ve heard come from higher ranked sources (and a few anonymous sources who also give me different options). This is why I prefer to wait a bit, get some clarity, and once I am sure of what I say I will let you know.
If anyone out there can help me out, feel free to contact me. You can do it also 100% anonymously, here is how:
Scalpers on their Discord are quite pissed off now that their orders got canceled by Fujifilm USA.
And they are also not happy about the fact that the vigilant eyes of FujiRumors are watching what they write.
And we keep being vigilant, hence would like to highlight for Fujifilm one comment:
Fuji Raffle Module soon
Now, Fujifilm USA has not yet announced how the raffle will be organized (but they told us when, see below). But in any case I advise them to keep their attention high.
18K X100VI LE
And just for fun: we got information about a guy, who pictured himself with two limited edition Fujifilm X100VI cameras on Instagram and wrote:
What a beautiful piece. The limited edition Fujifilm x100vi. Going for $18k each!
You can check out his Instagram page here and make up your own mind. But my advice to the guy: rephrase your IG post to make sure no misunderstandings arise, because write this way it is not surprising if people thing that both of the cameras are sold for 18K (as we can notice from the comments, where people think he is selling them for 18K).
Fujifilm US Raffle
In the meantime Fujifilm USA has announced here the date for the Fujifilm X100VI LE raffle. It will take place on April 18 and further indications will follow next week.
And when somebody called them out and said that Fujifilm USA is looking manually into every order, they just gave a cheeky reply that Fujifilm is bluffing and they won’t care, as you can see from this screenshot.
And look, I get their mindset. I mean, Fujifilm couldn’t care less who bought the cameras. Bots or not, Fujifilm cashed in its money and could move on happily.
But sadly for scalpers, Fujifilm actually cares about its customers and on their social media they announced they have looked into every order, canceled a large number of them and will offer a raffle in future to give a fair chance to loyal fans.
Sorry guys, this is what happens when a company actually cares about its customers!
What’s Good Customer Service
It’s when things go wrong, that you really see how good a customer service is. And things definitely went wrong in many countries with the limited edition X100VI sale.
And I call it great customer service that Fujifilm USA admitted that things went wrong, then manually checked every single X100VI LE order, canceled all suspicious orders and found new ways to distribute the X100VI LE.
Here in Europe (except for UK) we might have had the same scalper issue judging by the sheer speed all the X100VI LE sold out all across Europe. And I can find lots of X100VI LE now sold in Europe at a higher price on eBay. But I have no information on which steps Fujifilm Europe took (if any) to minimise the scalpers issue.
Today the limited edition Fujifilm X100VI was available for sale in almost all European countries.
And guess what?
It sold out within a few minutes everywhere.
The system Europe has set up: who comes first, gets the camera!
Of course this system is dream come true for scalpers, and I’d not be surprised if in a few days we will find 90% of the purchased limited edition X100VI cameras highly overpriced on eBay. Let’s see if somebody will be able to top the 18,000 USD X100VI limited edition.
Fujifilm UK Goes a Different Path
Fujifilm UK instead has decided to take a different path. A path that will make life to scalpers a bit more difficult.
Here is how Fujifilm UK will distribute their 110 units of limited edition X100VI cameras:
At the last CP+, the French Website Phototrend had the opportunity to talk to Japanese Fujifilm manager Jun Watanabe about the X series and to Japanese Fujifilm manager Makoto Oishi about the GFX series.
Down below you can find a quick summary. For the full French version check out the articles at Phototrend here (X series) and here (GFX series). Plus a little rant at the end.
X series
Fujifilm can not confirm if X-Pro4 will arrive soon or not
X-Pro line is not stopped
X-T and X100 series do not satisfy all customers who want a “pure photography” experience
Fujifilm is studying different possibilities
feedback and expectations are high for the next X-Pro
X-E line is not stopped
sports photography is a difficult market
other brands are long established there and for Fujifilm it’s new terrain
Fujifilm can not confirm anything about eventual future lenses for sport photographers
Fujifilm has received great feedback about the latest autofocus system, but they will continue to improve
renewing older lenses is something that Fujifilm has in mind
XF16-50mmF2.8-4.8 [admin note: will replace the XF18-55mmF2.4.8]
Fujifilm is not considering any option other than X-Trans for their APS-C cameras
its unique matrix offers the advantage of combining high definition and suppression of moiré and chromatic aberrations
for X100VI, Fujifilm has developed the smallest and thinnest IBIS unit to date
the X100VI IBIS wiring has been moved to the side – see here
IBIS system uses data from the image in addition to the gyroscope (motion blur is analyzed from the live-view image)
the grip of the X100VI is a tenth of a millimeter deeper than X100V for a better grip
GFX series
GFX100II market return (sales) is very good, not only among professional photographers, but also filmmakers and directors
GFX100II sales exceed Fujifilm’s expectations
GFX100S is still very popular because Fujifilm has lowered its price
GFX100S still very popular in some markets like China
professionals go for GFX100II, enthusiasts for GFX100S
Fujifilm never looked at its market share in medium format segment
other manufacturers have no announced so many new products, so Fujifilm thinks they are Nr.1
some expect a faster 50MP GFX. But Fujifilm thinks high definition is more popular
there are lots of FF cameras offering 50/60 megapixel, so offering 50MP now has become almost banal
Fujifilm focuses on improving the 100MP sensor performance
for professionals ergonomics are very important
first GFX cameras had dedicated dials but now they switched to a easier to operate PSAM dial layout
normally APS-C lenses are compact than FF and MF (hence also smaller AF motors)
but regarding telephoto lenses, size primarily depends on diameter and aperture. Regardless of whether it’s for APS-C, FF or MF, the fundamental construction of telephoto lenses, particularly on the front lens side, is the same
Fujifilm tries to make the GF500mm as small and light as possible to obtain faster autofocus
tilt-shift lenses are the most difficult to design
why not retro? High end high speed cameras need to be operated quickly, hence PSAM. Also good for hybrid shooters for video
Let me just say that I strongly, vehemently, vigorously and fervidly disagree with Fujifilm in regards to what they said why they stick with PSAM on their GFX lineup.
First: the GFX system is not know to be blazing fast and immensely popular among high end sports photographers. I actually feel the GFX system would be the ideal system to use a retro layout.
They will find out that one can operate their retro styled cameras exactly as any PSAM camera out there. It’s a marvellous and ingenious design that gives us photographer the best of both words: retro if I want to have fun shooting or want to actually operate the camera already before turning it on, and PSAM if one needs to make lots of adjustment all the time on the fly.
Retro Fujifilm cameras offer both options. PSAM cameras force you into one way to operate the camera.
And in my opinion not offering retro styled GFX cameras anymore is one of the all time biggest mistakes Fujifilm is doing.
C’mon Fujifilm, look at what is selling best in your X system. You’ll see that retro X cameras outsell PSAM cameras by very far. And Nikon had a colossal success with the Nikon Zf lately. It’s clear that in times where every camera is just so good, what people really look for is to have a different photographic experience thanks to dedicated vintage dials.
The joy of shooting sells better than any specs boost you can show off on paper.
An example?
The X100VI sells like hot cakes. The revolutionary global shutter ultra modern high speed blazing fast Sony A9III is selling way below Sony’s expectations (you could always find it in stock everywhere all the time because demand is not high… ask your local retailer).
