Skip to content

Documenting the War in Ukraine with Fujifilm X and GFX Gear

Eric Bouvet

Fujifilm X Photographer Eric Bouvet is also a war photographer who has ben to Ukraine already a few times, for example to photograph the “Heroes from Maidan” and to other war zones such as in Iraq here.

Now he is back in Kyiv to document the war unfolding in Ukraine.

So, if you want to see what is happening in Ukraine also through the eyes of Eric Bouvet with his Fujifilm GFX, make sure to follow him on Instagram here.

Ron Haviv

Also on the field with his Fujifilm X-T4 is Ron Haviv.

Over at his instagram here he is sharing powerful, touching and dramatic images that show who really loses in wars: the civil and innocent people, who just want to live their lives in peace.

Be aware that these are strong images coming from a war zone.

I guess at this point I should say something about the fact that people use X and even GFX gear to photograph the war proving that you can well do documentary style photojournalism with Fujifilm gear (even though many on forums and youtube say that’s impossible), but I am not in the mood for any further comment on that.

All that matters is that there are some incredibly courageous photographers are out there, documenting what is happening, no matter which gear they use. Because what we need these days is more information, not less.

 

Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an

 

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Ron Haviv (@ronhaviv_vii)

Fujifilm X/GFX New Firmware Updates Released and How to Update (Panic-Free) via Camera Remote App

Earlier today Fujifilm has released firmware updates for six Fujifilm X and GFX cameras. You can read all details and access the download links here.

According to a survey we have launched recently, most of you guys prefer to use the good old-fashioned SD-Card way to update your gear.

Personally I’ve switched to updating via camera remote App. The reason is simple: it’s much faster, easier and convenient than updating via SD-Card.

So I definitely recommend to give it a try.

But how does it work?

Well, Fujifilm has given precise instruction on how to do it, but there is one thing that should be mentioned in addition to Fuji’s instruction to avoid updating via App becomes a frustrating experience.

Don’t make the error to connect your phone to the camera the same way you do it when you want to transfer images from your camera to your phone (hence connect via Wifi and fiddle around with the App and Camera to establish a connection).

Nothing of all that is needed.

You can simply leave your camera in live view. Just make sure that it has Bluetooth enabled. Everything will happen automatically and needs just few clicks once you have downloaded the firmware file on your phone.

So the process looks like this:

  1. make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your camera and on your smartphone
  2. download the firmware for your camera on your smartphone
  3. once downloaded, click “update” on your phone first and then “OK” on your camera
  4. you camera will ask you to connect via WiFi to your phone. Click “Connect” on your phone [in my video below you read “verbinden”, which is the German word for “connect”]
  5. once connected via Wifi, your phone will start to transfer the firmware file to your camera
  6. as soon as your camera has received the full file, it will automatically start with the firmware update [you don’t need your phone anymore once the firmware upgrade started on your camera]
  7. switch off the camera when the camera tells you to do so

It’s very easy, and for your convenience I have made a short video that shows the process down below.

Many are afraid that there could be issues due to network instability or what not. But don’t worry about that. You only need Wifi connection to quickly transfer the firmware file from your phone to the camera. The firmware update itself is performed by your camera independently only once it has received and saved the full firmware file from your smartphone to its own memory. So don’t be afraid of losing connection with the phone during the firmware update itself. Your camera is doing its stuff by its own at that point and the smartphone is not needed anymore.

Remember:

  • use a fully charged battery on your camera
  • updates are cumulative, so no matter what firmware update you currently have on your camera, you can right away update to the latest version (hence skip intermediate firmware updates)

Fujifilm X/GFX Firmware Fixes macOS SD-Card Bug and Do You Prefer to Update Your Gear via SD-Card or Camera Remote App?

As we reported earlier today, Fujifilm has issued a firmware update for six X/GFX cameras. It fixed the issue we reported about in early February here.

You can read all the details and get the download links in this article.

And here comes my curiosity: I recently started using the Camera Remote App to update my cameras, and I find it so comfortable, that I was wondering if anyone else is using it. Hence, down below is a little survey where you can tell us if you use the App or go old-style via SD-card.

To Update my Fujifilm Cameras I prefer to use:

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

Follow FujiRumors on Patreon, Facebook, Instagram, RSS-feed, Youtube, Flipboard and Twitter

The Fastest Growing Fujifilm Group

Join Our Owners Groups

Join Our Facebook Pages

Important Notice: Firmware Bug on Fujifilm X/GFX Cameras can Block Access to Files Saved on SD Cards (Fix Coming Shortly)

Press Release

Feb.2.2022 
FUJIFILM Corporation

FUJIFILM Corporation has identified a firmware incompatibility between specific X and GFX series cameras listed below. This incompatibility can result in macOS users being unable to directly access files if they were initially saved to SDXC memory cards in-camera.

To address this anomaly, Fujifilm is creating a firmware patch, which is expected to be available for free download by X Series and GFX System users soon.

In the interim, please review the following information carefully for further information and recommended next steps.

I. Firmware Incompatibility Overview

** CLICK HERE to Read the Rest of the Article **

Top 10 Features of Modern Fujifilm X/GFX Cameras that Actually Have their DNA in Older Fujifilm Cameras

Did you ever wonder why Fujifilm cameras are so fun to use?

The short answer could be: because (unlike other brands – as SonyAlphaRumors itself admits) Fujifilm has a massive photographic culture that they cherish and honor also in their newest cameras.

Well, inspired by our recent article about the top 10 digital cameras since the launch of the X mount, FR-reader Patrik Roos decided to make a real all time top 10 list looking at the entire Fujifilm heritage.

With one important distinction, though.

He did not simply pick 10 cameras, but indentified 10 aspects of older Fujifilm cameras that form the basis for the current Fujifilm mirrorless offering.

So, what do our modern X and GFX cameras have in common with older Fujifilm cameras? Patrik will answer this for you down below.

Related Articles

guest post by Patrik Roos – Repair service Svensk Cykelservice – repairs mostly bikes but also cameras on demand

I have had a look at some of the features that make up the DNA of the current X and GFX lines and have tried to pinpoint the Fujifilm cameras that introduced those ideas into the Fuji realm. I decided on these 10 points that together form the basis of what the current Fujifilm mirrorless systems are:

** CLICK HERE to Read the Rest of the Article **

Celebrating 5 Years of Fujifilm GFX Series

5 years ago Fujifilm’s decision became obvious to all of us: unlike everybody else, we are going to skip full frame, build up the best APS-C system in the known universe and offer as an alternative to full frame a medium format mirrorless system. The result: the Fujifilm GFX system.

And well, the Fujifilm GFX series turns 5 years old today.

It all started with the launch of the original Fujifilm GFX50S on January 19 and the slogan “The Game has Changed”.

I remember at that time lots of skeptical comments, especially by influencers who believe that only full frame matters.

But looking back, I guess much of that skepticism has dissipated by now, given that Fujifilm is now offering medium format mirrorless cameras (GFX100S) that are smaller than some full frame mirrorless cameras (Panasonic S1 series) and offer more megapixel at a more affordable price than some full frame mirrorless cameras (Sony A1).

Sure, all the cameras we mentioned above have other strengths, such as video or speed, but all I want to say is that the Fujifilm GFX series is finding a solid ground on which to flourish.

So here we are, 5 years, 5 GFX cameras and 13 lenses later (with more to come) to celebrate a wonderful system that has a terrific potential for the future, as I explained here.

Congratulations Fujifilm.

 

Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an

 

Ein Beitrag geteilt von FUJIFILM X WORLD (@fujifilmxworld)

New Steelsring EF/GFX PRO Edition Launched

Steelsring is launching the Steelsring EF/GFX PRO Edition smart autofocus adapter. In addition to the multifunctional button there is also an aperture ring with A/C switch like we find it on Fujinon GF lenses.

FUJI Lens Mode Switch Simulation

FUJIFILM GF lens support mode C (Aperture priority by camera command dial) , mode A (Programming auto mode by camera) and Aperture dial mode.

For Steelsring EF/GF I/II/III adapters, with the help of short click of adapter’s MFB (multi-function button), it is able to simulate the mode switch simulation between C and A modes. initial mode simulation is mode C.

For PRO edition, with the add-on control ring in aperture body, it is possible to simulate an aperture dial too, the mode will cycle in C->A->Aperture Dial for PRO edition via short click of MFB, initial mode simulation for PRO edition is aperture dial instead of C for I/II/III adapters.

Lens mode switch simulation works always, is not relevant to adapter’s working mode as Adapter or GF lens simulation.

About MFB(multi-function button)

  • Activate firmware update mode for I/II/III and PRO adapters.
    Press and hold MFB, then connect to PC/MAC via USB cable, then release the button will enable adapter enter firmware update mode.
  • When mounted on camera body with lens combination, after camera power on normally
    1. Short click MFB once, will start lens mode switch between C and A for I/II/III adapter, or C->A->Aperture dial for PRO adapter.
    2. Press and hold MFB for 5 secs or longer, then release MFB, will trigger adapter’s mode switch between Adapter mode and GF lens simulation mode, camera body will reboot EF/GFX adapter to be effective immediately.

About Manual Focus Ring (PRO edition only, not available for I/II/III adapters)

When lens mode switch simulation is in C or A mode, aperture control is done via camera body dial, then we use the control ring to simulate a manual focus ring, it is more like power focusing of curtain EF lenses. To be effective, lens body AF/MF mode switch must be set to AF, and camera body focus mode dial set to MF. Turning control ring, it will activate camera’s MF assistant automatically.

About Automatic Focus Bracketing (PRO edition only, not available for I/II/III adapters)

When PRO adapter’s control ring can function as manual focus ring, it is able to set the begin and end positions of auto focusing bracketing depth now. So before entering Auto Focusing bracketing setting in camera body menus, please make sure adapter’s lens mode switch simulation is in C or A mode, and set Lens body AF/MF mode to AF, then turn the adapter’s control ring to set the position accordingly. Please do not turn lens body’s manual focus ring, it is useless because lens won’t report any distance change after focusing position changed, but FUJI’s algorithm need that value.

After finishing automatic focus bracketing positioning setting, control ring can be set to aperture dial simulation again.

You can read more at the Steelsring page here.

FUJIFILM 2021 “GFX Challenge” Program Closes Tomorrow: Get up to $10,000 for Your Photo/Video Project

The Fujifilm GFX Challenge Program 2021 closes tomorrow.

To know what the GFX challenge is about, check out our previous coverage here.

In short, you submit your project to Fujifilm, and Fujifilm will give selected projects up to 10,000 USD to support them.

The Global Grant Award recipients will receive: 
– Complimentary use of a GFX System camera body and two GF lenses for the duration of their project
– Mentoring and technical assistance from Fujifilm technicians / product experts
– $10,000 USD grant

The Regional Grant Award recipients will receive: 
– Complimentary use of a GFX System camera body and two GF lenses for the duration of their project
– Mentoring and technical assistance from Fujifilm product experts
– $5,000 USD grant

Learn more about it (and apply if you want) here.

TASCAM XLR Audio Adapter for Fujifilm X/GFX Full Specs Online and Coming End of December for €490

Back in August, TEAC announced the development of TASCAM XLR Audio Adapter for Fujifilm Mirrorless Cameras, the Tascam CA-XLR2d-F.

Note that a future firmware update coming in 2022 will make the X-T4, X-S10 and GFX100S compatible with the Tascam CA-XLR2d-F.

Now, in the original press release the expected shipping date was “end of 2021“. Now Tascam confirmed that they will release it at the end of the month.

Now the full specs and the price have been shared and you can find them down below.

As for the price, some stores already list it on their website. For example German Videodata lists it for pre-order for €490 without VAT. In Japan the price will be of 65,780 Yen (converted to $579)

Tascam XLR CA-XLR2d – Features at a Glance

** CLICK HERE to Read the Rest of the Article **

BHphoto Top 10 Mirrorless Cameras of 2021: the GFX Medium Format Consecration Continues

We are approaching the end of the year, hence we will be bombarded by 2021 top and flop gear posts and videos.

DPReview shared their top and flop gear already, and we reported about it here.

Now also BHphoto has put up their list for the top 10 mirrorless cameras of 2021.

Once again the latest GFX gear enters the ranking at the very high positions. But the GFX system gets its consecration not only in the year-end rankings, but also at the box office, where especially the Fujifilm GFX100S is causing headache to Fujifilm due to a high demand they simply can’t match.

And what about Fuji’s APS-C series? Well, things look good, very good for the X system in 2022.  Just keep an eye on the latest X-H2 rumors ;).

BHphoto Explora – Top 10 Mirrorless Cameras of 2021

  1. Nikon Z9
  2. Sony A1
  3. Fujifilm GFX100S
    Not too long ago, the thought of a 100MP camera sounded like very wishful thinking, considering 36MP was high-res and 24MP is still a go-to standard for many cameras today. FUJIFILM’s GFX 100S isn’t the first 100MP camera, it’s not even FUJIFILM’s first, but it represents the first time 100MP has been available sub $10K and in a camera body that’s portable and reasonable for walkaround shooting use. It redefines medium format and breaks down the barrier that’s made medium format, especially high-resolution medium format, so inaccessible for virtually everyone until now. What’s even more impressive about the GFX 100S is that it has also benefitted from full-frame and APS-C mirrorless development, too, and features many of the same imaging assets you’d expect from other current cameras, like IBIS, DCI 4K 30p video, and even phase-detection AF. Unlike medium format cameras of the past, which were notoriously slow and outdated in performance, but you’d suck it up for the amazing image quality, the GFX 100S doesn’t need these excuses anymore as it meshes high-resolution medium format quality with current mirrorless performance.
  4. Canon R3
  5. Sony A7IV
  6. Fujifilm GFX50SII
    Accessible and medium format are no longer mutually exclusive terms with the GFX 50S II; the second-gen compact medium format mirrorless with a new integrated design and the same 50MP sensor that put the GFX system on the map. Late summer saw FUJIFILM release the second generation of their first mirrorless medium format camera, the GFX 50S II. Compared to what a conventional second-gen camera is, though, this new GFX trended in a new way, with a focus on becoming even more accessible than the first generation of cameras, meaning medium format is now a realistic consideration for people shopping for full-frame systems. And with that in mind, the GFX 50S II presents a truly interesting choice for photographers who value image quality above all other camera specs. Beyond value alone, the GFX 50S II also saw some physical changes, bringing it in line with its 100MP sibling and featuring a fully integrated viewfinder and forgoing the more modular nature of the first GFX 50S.
  7. Nikon Zfc
  8. Sony ZV-E10
  9. Sigma fp L
  10. Panasonic Lumix GH6 (or GH5 II, for the time being)

You can read the full list here at B&H.