The Curse of the X‑E Line: Can the Fujifilm X‑E5 Break the Spell?

Fujifilm X-E – The Cursed Line

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.

X-E2 – The Struggles Begin

Let’s begin our tale of struggles with the Fujifilm X-E2, which btw I owned and destroyed when I had to jump into the Mekong river to avoid getting smashed by the Li Phi waterfalls.

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.

The X-E3 Problem

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BREAKING: First Leaked Image of the Fujifilm X-E5 — The Most Beautiful X-E Camera Ever Made!

Maybe you are having a barbecue with friends.

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
  • a viewfinder selector similar to the one on the X100VI, likely functioning like the one on the GFX100RF
  • a bit of a grip, unlike the flat front of the X-E4
  • back to the more traditional strap eyelets, instead of the rectangular and bigger ones on the X-E4.
  • a small wheel on the left side, maybe the diopter adjustment dial
  • no “X-E5” logo on the front left—replaced by a square AF assist lamp. Honestly, that’s a design decision I welcome
  • clearly the sexiest X-E camera ever made
  • and while you can’t see it in the image… trust me, this thing’s going to sell like hot cakes!

Make sure to stay tuned on FujiRumors on June 12 at 5AM New York time for the announcement.

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Fujifilm X-E5 and XF23/2.8 Official Teaser: “An Essential X Series Rangefinder-Style Camera is Coming”

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.

  • I guess we can see a command dial on the front
  • maybe there is an X100VI alike viewfinder selector on the front, just as the Fujifilm GFX100RF has it. If that’s true, then it will probably work like on the GFX100RF
  • 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

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RELAX: The Fujifilm X-E5 Film Simulation Dial Doesn’t Replace Any Existing Dial

We just told you that the Fujifilm X-E5 will have a film simulation dial.

Well, our sources would like to clarify one thing: the film simulation dial will not replace any of the current dials found on the X-E4.

That means you’ll still get all the classic, tactile controls we’ve come to love from the X-E line—dedicated dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation, just like on the X-E4, X-E3, and earlier models.

So don’t worry: nothing is being taken away. Fujifilm is just adding something new without removing what already works so well.

Now, I know some of you aren’t fans of the film simulation dial. I get it, it’s a controversial one.

But as I have said before (as you can read here) on the Fujifilm X-T50 for example I prefer having the film simulation dial over the drive dial. And I think the film simulation dial is perfect for the Fujifilm X-M5, too.

And to those who ask: “Why do we need a dedicated dial for film simulations?” — I’ll counter with: Why do we need a dedicated dial for shutter speed, ISO, or exposure compensation? Technically, all of that could be assigned to command dials or function buttons.

The truth is, dedicated dials aren’t a photographic necessity—they’re a design choice. Their value lies not in their function alone, but in how they shape your shooting experience. Whether a dial makes sense depends entirely on how you shoot and what kind of interaction with the camera you enjoy.

Fujifilm’s thinking seems to be: if they can offer one more direct and intuitive way to access film simulations—without removing any existing dials—why not do it?

Look, I’d have hated it if, let’s says, the shutter speed dial had been sacrificed for the new film simulation dial. But that’s not the case and I am fine with having the film simulation dial in addition to the existing classic controls.

So keep in mind: our trusted sources confirm that no classic X-E control has been removed. So you can look forward to the Fujifilm X-E5 knowing it still honors the design philosophy that makes the X-E series so beloved.

X-E5 Specs – Rumored

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Debunked: Fujifilm Will NOT Announce Two Cameras on June 12 – Only Fujifilm X-E5 Coming in the Next Weeks

The… Rumor… (Sort of..)

So we know, Fujifilm has currently registered three unreleased cameras:

  • FF250001 – Fujifilm X-E5 (maybe not? important note at the bottom)
    Multi-frequency Wireless
  • FF250002 – Fujifilm GFX Eterna
    Multi-frequency Wireless
  • FF250003 – unknown
    Single Frequency Wireless

Recently, the Chinese weibo account E8M claimed he received information that two new Fujifilm cameras will be announced within the next three weeks – see here.

Well, to my knowledge that’s not correct.

From what I know, only one X/GFX camera will be announced in that timeframe: the Fujifilm X-E5.

E8M also reported that both FF250003 and FF250001 have appeared in the Bluetooth certification database – see here -, and that this implies both cameras are launching soon.

But again — to my knowledge — that’s not the case.

I have huge respect for E8M, because he is the best in spotting camera registrations that are made public on the internet for everyone and this is why I follow him with great dedication.

However, when it comes to rumors, I’d take them with a grain of salt.

As a reference in regards to E8M rumors, check out this list of rumors here and the rumors about the new X-Trans V sensor.

So, I invite everyone to follow E8M since he is fantastic, but take his “rumors” with a grain of salt.

But of course take also my rumors with a grain of salt. It’s all just rumors and I can be wrong too. With that said… just trust me ;).

An Instax?

Bottom line: in terms of X and GFX gear, only the X-E5 will be coming in the next few weeks.

As for other gear like a new Instax camera — maybe. That’s possible. But Instax models usually don’t appear under “FF…” registrations, so that’s a different story.

The True Question – Fujifilm X-T6 and Co?

More interesting, however, is a question raised by FR-reader Mistral:

Could it be that FF250003 (with single-band Wi-Fi) is actually the Fujifilm X-E5, and FF250001 (with dual-band Wi-Fi) refers to an entirely different, possibly higher-end camera?

That’s a possibility. If that’s the case, then FF250001 might not be the Fujifilm X-E5 after all — and that could open the door again for exciting high-end cameras like the Fujifilm X-T6, Fujifilm X-Pro4, Fujifilm X-H3, or Fujifilm X-H3S to arrive later in 2025.

But as of now, my best bet is that the FF250001 is the Fujifilm X-E5.

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Fujifilm FF250002 Registration Surfaced… and I Think We Know What it is!

Yet another Fujifilm registration has surfaced on the web and has been shared by E8M at the Chinese social media platform Weibo here.

This time the camera comes with the code name FF250002.

We now have a total of three unreleased camera registered.

I guess the FF250001 is the Fujifilm X-E5, since that registration is the oldest one (spotted already months ago) and hence the most likely to come next. And we know the Fujifilm X-E5 will come on June 12.

The single band wireless of the FF250003 suggest that this is a lower end model.

The FF250002 could be pretty much anything. But before you rejoice for the arrival of the Fujifilm X-T6, Fujifilm X-Pro4, Fujifilm X-H3, Fujifilm X-H3S, Fujifilm X-S30 and what not, keep in mid that there is one camera we know for sure will come in 2025, and it’s the Fujifilm GFX Eterna (which is already listed at B&H Photo).

So it seems likely that the Fujifilm GFX Eterna could be the camera hidden behind this registration, but of course all options are always on the table, until gear has not been officially announced.

Fujinon XF23mm Pancake Coming with Fujifilm X-E5 on June 12.. and That’s a Problem!

So, Fujifilm has just announced the next Fujifilm X Summit on June 12.

FujiRumors readers know already know that on that day the Fujifilm X-E5 will be announced.

But according to our trusted sources, that’s not all.

In fact, also the Fujinon XF23mm pancake lens will be launched along with the Fujifilm X-E5 on June 12.

And I tell you why this might be a problem.

Remember when back in 2021 Fujifilm launched the Fujifilm X-E4 along with the Fujinon XF27mmF2.8 R WR?

Do you remember what happened?

Well, there was a X-E4 with XF27mmF2.8 II bundle option, and many people grabbed the kit because you saved $200 on the lens, as we reported here.

Although, if you bought the lens alone, you also got the LH-XF27 and the LHCP-27 included in the price, whereas with the bundle there was the lens only without LH-XF27 and LHCP-27. And yet getting the bundle was a fantastic deal, as purchasing them separately costs only a few bucks.

Ultimately many went for the bundle. And this meant that the lens only was very hard to find in stock, so much so that the Fujinon XF27mmF2.8 R WR will go down as the one lens in Fujifilm’s history that had the worst shipping ever, with stock being rather stable only now in 2025 (for a lens announced in 2021).

So, the combination of Fujifilm’s limited production capabilities with the fact that lots of lenses were reserved for the X-E4 bundle, made the lens impossible to find in stock for years.

Well, if Fujifilm decides to offer a bundle again this time, hence a Fujifilm X-E5 with XF23mm pancake kit, I am afraid we will experience the same mess had with the XF27mmF2.8 R WR, also considering that not only the Fujifilm X-E5 will sell like hot cakes (trust me!), but also because the Fujinon XF23mm is by far the most awaited lens in the Fujifilm community, as multiple survey has shown.

And if the lens comes with a hefty bundle discount as it was the case for the XF27mmF2.8 R WR, then those who want the lens only might have huge problems to get one.

Fujifilm X-E5 Announcement in June: Expectations, Wishlists and Hopes

So, we just told you that the Fujifilm X-E5 will be announced in June.

I thought it would be nice to update our wishlist for the Fujifilm X-E5.

I’ll make the start:
NOTE: I honestly have no idea about the X-E5 specs. Hence below I go totally with random wishes.

  • Must Have
    – 5th generation processor
    – latest AF
  • Nice to Have
    – 40MP
    – IBIS
    – combined shutter/ISO dial
    *** yes, I know that all of this would make it very expensive for an X-E camera. But we can dream here
  • Not Necessary (saves Money)
    – weather sealing
    – dual SD-Card slot
    – improved video features
  • No-Go
    – fully articulating screen
    *** fixed screen or simple 2 way tilt screen is all I need

So, that’s my quick list.

I guess only the fully articulating screen would make it a dealbreaker for me. As for the rest, I am willing to pay more to get what’s in my “nice to have” list. And with “pay more” I mean I find it OK if the price goes beyond 1K to have those features.

But I know some might disagree with me, as the Fujifilm X-E line is traditionally one of Fuji’s sub-1K cameras. And probably many want to keep it this way.

If out of everything in my “nice to have” list I’d have to pick one, I’d go for the combined shutter/ISO dial, which is Fuji’s most irrational and yet brilliant dial.

And yes, I know the 40MP and IBIS would give me a more “powerful” camera. But ultimate performance is not why the main reason why I chose to shoot with the X-E line in the first place.

I shoot with the X-E line because I like the experience. It’s simplicity and size, its look and feel.

So if I have to pick between features that make the camera more “powerful”, and others that make the camera more enjoyable to use, I go for the latter one. And the combined ISO/Shutter dial would be the perfect icing on that cake.

But feel free to make your own list in the comments.

Will I buy one?

Unless Fujifilm puts a selfie screen on it (although it has some good use also for stills images), I will get one for myself.

But I also won’t sell my X-E3 just yet… and you should not sell your X-E3 or X-E4 either for the reasons I’ve explained here.

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Fujifilm X-E5 – This is When it Will Be Announced!

It is a vibrant excitement and a vivid joy that I come to you to announce you when Fujifilm’s masterpiece, the Fujifilm X-E5, will be announced.

In fact, according to our trusted sources, the Fujifilm X-E5 will be announced in June.

The Fujifilm X-E4 will go down as the most epic failure of Fujifilm. Not because nobody wanted it. On the contrary, lots of people wanted one, but Fujifilm totally failed to deliver, so much so that they discontinued the X-E4 even before they where able to ship out all pre-ordered cameras.

The obvious consequence: second hand price for X-E4 skyrocketed to a price higher than the original launch price.

I hope Fujifilm has learned the lesson.

I hope they understood that the demand for the Fujifilm X-E5 will be huge.

And I hope they will have prepared accordingly.

Fujifilm FF250001 and FF250003 Registered: Fujifilm X-E5 and One More Camera

Two Fujifilm camera registrations have now surfaced (again) on the web and have been shared by E8M at the Chinese social media platform Weibo here.

One of the two has to be the Fujifilm X-E5, which will come this summer. More likely it will be the FF250001, given the better Wireless.

The other one could be pretty much anything else. The single frequency wireless suggest a lower end model, though. The Fujifilm X-M5 has single frequency, too.

There is also the FF240003 registered, but for that one we have detailed sketches and we know it will be the Fujifilm X Half.

B&H Photo has listed the Fujifilm X-Half teaser on their website.