From Near-Perfect to Imperfect: Exploring Fujifilm’s Latest Autofocus Issues and a Surprisingly Simple Fix

The AF Issues Seen from a Pro Sports Photographer

Back in April, a flawed firmware update triggered many YouTubers to release videos about how bad the Fujifilm autofocus is.

Fujifilm did release a “fix” in June.

So all good now?

Well, not really.

While things have improved with the latest firmware, there are still some issues.

In a nutshell we could say: the older firmware of Fujifilm’s 5th generation gear is superior to the newer firmware.

Andrea Cimini for example explains how with firmware 1.00 in his X-H2S he got awesome results compared to the ones he is getting now with firmware 7.00.

Same goes for Thierry Gibralta, who compared X-H2S firmware 1.03 vs 7.00, and you can clearly see that, side by side, the 1.03 firmware is much more solid, with great tracking, little to no pulsing and definitely a very solid autofocus that can be easily trusted.

And it’s also this initially solid autofocus, that convinced Andrea Cimini to buy the Fujifilm X-H2S for his sports photography.

The Problem in Depth

Here is a summary:

  • in the last year, the firmware updates of Fujifilm were not reliable
  • when he tested the X-H2S with firmware 1.00, he was stunned and thought Fujifilm finally caught up with the best
  • he tried the X-H2S at several sport events and in one bicycle race with 400 people participating
  • he took 2,300 pictures and only 27 were out of focus (98.8% in focus)
  • over time, the more he updated the firmware, the more the autofocus got worst
  • with eye detection, some times the eye detection says the eye is in focus, but it is not
  • the hit rate at 10-15 fps drops a lot
  • in sports photography, when in 5 to 8 fps, the hit rate is between 80% to 95%
  • in sports photography, when in 10 to 15 fps, the hit rate is between 30% to 50%
  • if the situation in sports photography are particularly difficult (backlight, inside a forest, etc), the hit rate drops further
  • linear motor lenses don’t focus so “linear” in video. He compares the 16-55mm with LM vs the 18mm with LM and the 16-55 is smooth, but the 18mm is jerky
  • firmware 7.00 improved things and the hit rate went up. But it’s still not where it was with the initial firmware

So why does he still stick with Fujifilm?

  • best value for money ratio
  • he shares a chart where he compares a Sony and Fujifilm system, and a Sony system would cost him 5,000 Euro more than a Fujifilm system
  • moreover, he grabbed the flagship Fujifilm X-H2S vs the non-flagship Sony A7IV
  • The X-H2S has better EVF, better LCD, faster bursts, better video specs, etc.
  • With Sony A7IV he would make an upgrade in terms of Autofocus, but a downgrade on pretty much all the rest

He ends up saying that Fujifilm Italy contacted him asking all the details about the problems he is encountering, the settings etc, and that they would forward everything to Fujifilm Japan.

He still believes in the brand, there are lots of reasons he wants to stay with it (which he quickly lists in the video). So please Fujifilm, do something about the autofocus.

The Easy Solution

So, Andrea Cimini and Thierry Gibralta have shown that the first iterations of Fujifilm’s 5th generation autofocus was solid and significantly superior to what we have now.

Solid tracking, incredibly high hit rates at fast fps, smooth focus transitions with little to no pulsing and so forth.

So the solution could be actually a pretty easy one: Fujifilm should take that older AF algorithm and just put it back into their 5th generation cameras.

But as of now, the choice users have is: should I upgrade to the latest firmware to get all the other goodness that Fujifilm has generously given us for free (Reala Ace, red frame indicator, etc), or downgrade at my own risk, give up on Reala Ace & Co, but have again the great autofocus of almost 2 years ago?

I made the choice for myself already. I upgraded. But I don’t really shoot critical sports photography. And for my use, the latest X-T5 June firmware has fixed the issues that arose with the April firmware. In fact, I used it for a family travel in Rome and Tuscany and it worked just great for me. So I rather keep Reala & Co, as the autofocus is good for my type of use.

And honestly, I do not recommend anyone to make DIY downgrades. If anything goes wrong, you won’t be covered by warranty.

The way to go is to ask Fujifilm to give us the autofocus solidity they once already had. Take that older algorithm and give it to us. And then, build up even better from there.

B&H Strikes Back at Amazon: Huge Deals Including 15% Rebate on Viltrox X Mount Lenses

If you need one more proof about how competition is a good thing for us customers, then check out this.

Amazon has just launched its huge Amazon Prime deals.

But B&H Photo does not want to leave the deal show to Amazon alone, and has launched its own huge 2 days deals.

Worth a special mention, there is a 15% rebate on pretty much all Viltrox X mount lenses. I’ll list a few below

More BHphoto Deals

Amazon Prime Selected Deals

Refurbished Deals – save 20%

Amazon US is now offering a 20% discount on selected Fujifilm Open Box gear, as you can see from the screenshots above. As far as I could find, the items on offer are:

Storage Media

Batteries & Chargers for Fujifilm

SmallRig Deals in USA

General Deal Pages

Amazon Prime is in FULL SWING with TONS of GREAT DEALS now also in USA

 

Now the Amazon Prime deals are running also in North America.

I will share below a couple of deals that are potentially interesting for photographers and especially for us Fujifilm photographers.

I did get myself the SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 4TB. It’s my first Samsung External SSD, but from what I have read it is a very good one.

Amazon Prime General Deal Pages

Selected USA Deals

Storage Media

Batteries & Chargers for Fujifilm

Third Party Autofocus Lens Deals

Note: You have to use the general discount code PRIMEDAY24 to access the rebate.

SmallRig Deals in USA

Amazon GERMANY

Amazon UK

Amazon IT

Amazon FR

Amazon ES

Fujifilm X-T50 Bug Fix Firmware Released

Now that was fast!

Last time there was a bug, Fujifilm needed two months to issue a fix. This time they needed 2 days. Now that’s what I call an improvement ;).

Anyway, the Fujifilm X-T50 bug we reported here has now been fixed. Happy download!

Firmware Details

Fujifilm X-T50 ver. 1.02 – download here
The firmware update Ver.1.02 from Ver.1.01 incorporates the following issues:

  1. The firmware bug is fixed that the error message, “THIS FIRMWARE IS NOT FOR THIS MODEL TURN OFF THE CAMERA” is displayed on the LCD during the firmware update from Ver.1.00 to Ver.1.01 for specific serial numbers and the firmware update cannot be performed.

    Note-1: Refer to the “Notice and apology to FUJIFILM X-T50 users” for the details.
    Note-2: Although there are no differences of features and performance of the camera itself between Ver.1.01 and Ver.1.02, all X-T50 users can update this firmware (ver.1.02) even who had already completed the update to Ver.1.01.

Fujifilm X App 2.1.2 released

Fujifilm has updated the X App software to version 2.1.2 for iOS. Down below are all the details.

Btw, what’s you experience with App? For me it is working quite well so far. Definitely a more pleasing experience than the old app. I actually also used it to update the firmware on my X-T5 the other day.

What’s New

  1. The following software bugs are fixed.
    (1) Live View is not displayed in the correct aspect ratio depending on the smartphone settings.
    (2) The “Number of lifetime shots” is not displayed correctly in “Equipment Status” When using X100VI.
  2. The item name is revised as follows.
    (1) The item name, “MECHANICAL SHUTTER (current module)” displayed in the “Equipment Status” is changed to match the “Number of shutter movements” used in some camera menus.

You can download the latest Fujifilm X App for iOS here and for Android here.

Fujifilm CEO: Supply is Normal, Overproduction Would Force Discounts and Reduce Brand Strength and Gear Value

Recently Fujifilm published the latest financial results, which were very positive for the entire imaging division.

Along with the financial result, they also published a Q&A section (you can find it below in English).

During the Q&A, Fujifilm CEO Mr. Goto has been asked about the shortages and limited inventory.

And I want to be very precise here, so I will copy and paste the answers of the CEO.

QUESTION

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Fujifilm June Announcements: New Firmware Updates (Reala Ace), New Tether Software and New GFX Challenge Grant Program 2024

Fujifilm is back with three announcements:

You can see all details in the video above.

Usually Fujifilm also teases new X summits in these videos, but this time they did not say or hint anything about future X summit.

Personally I am so excited to finally be able to shoot in Reala Ace. Will it be able to dethrone Astia as my favorite allrounder film simulation? I will let you know here on FujiRumors. :)

New Fujifilm Tether App Launched and X RAW Studio Updated

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

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About the Retro Revolution and The Impact of Fujifilm Film Simulations on Today’s Photography Scene

We recently reported on a cheap and low-quality Kodak camera that has surprisingly become the best-seller in Japan.

At first glance, this might seem like a random trend. However, it’s clear that this phenomenon is part of a broader, ongoing trend that has been gaining momentum for years, one that has significantly contributed to the popularity of Fujifilm.

Today’s younger generation isn’t really focused on specs, crazy autofocus performance, or insane video capabilities. Instead, they are drawn to cameras that have a film-like charm. This charm can manifest in the camera’s aesthetic appeal, as seen with models like the Fujifilm X100VI, or in the optical results they produce – results that are not clinically perfect but have elements of imperfection as in case of the low-quality Kodak camera.

These film-like imperfections add a layer of authenticity that modern, high-spec cameras often lack.

Fujifilm understood this trend very early and has built most of its success upon it.

This is also why Fujifilm incorporates film-like looks directly into their digital systems through various film simulations.

And so it happens that in a photography world obsessed with eliminating grain from images, Fujifilm takes a different approach with simulations like Acros, which actually introduces imperfections by digitally and selectively adding grain to the image. They craft distinct looks, from the amber tones of Nostalgic Negative, inspired by artists like William Eggleston, Stephen Shore, Joel Sternfeld and Richard Misrach, to simulations that mimic actual film stock, such as Reala.

Many of these film simulations, especially those that Fujifilm calls the “individualistic styled” ones, do not aim to recreate reality as perfectly and accurately as possible. Their goal is to give images a unique character that draws from the history and roots of film photography itself.

So, for example some might consider Nostalgic Negative to be imperfect, because it distorts the reality with its amber tones. But that amber glaze resembles the film-like look of the American New Color Photography in the ’70s (William Eggleston & Co), hence bringing into the digital era the look, feel and charm of older film-photography.

Fujifilm wisely captures this need of blending old with new thanks to their film simulations and stylish vintage-styled cameras and this resonates as authentic and original with the younger generation.

This strategy is also why I believe the Fujifilm X-T50‘s film simulations dial is a brilliant idea. Consider the younger generation who walks into a photography store looking for a camera. They pick up an X-T50, turn a dial, and instantly experience the vintage and film-like charm of simulations like Classic Chrome, Nostalgic Negative, and Classic Negative, making it easy and engaging to explore these creative options right on the spot.

The combination of aesthetically pleasing, vintage-styled cameras and film-like outputs thanks to these simulations positions Fujifilm well to attract the younger generation. This is a promising prospect for Fujifilm’s future.

And it is a great prospect also for us long term Fujifilm shooters. Brands that successfully engage the younger generation are more likely to thrive in the future. And if Fujifilm flourishes, then all the camera lines we currently love will have a higher change to continue and be developed in future.

Of course now also other started to try to emulate the film simulation success, as we can see with the LUT button on the Panasonic S9.

But Fujifilm has such a vast photographic history and experience with colors, that their film simulations are still the best and most unique in the market. Additionally, their ownership of iconic film stock names like Velvia, Provia, Astia, Reala Ace, Acros, etc., provides a powerful marketing advantage, as they can leverage the rich legacy and nostalgia associated with these iconic film stocks, setting them apart from competitors who may struggle to replicate such authenticity and brand recognition.

In summary, there is a surge in popularity of cameras with film-like charm. Fujifilm’s early recognition of this shift has positioned them as leaders in this market segment, thanks to their innovative film simulation technology and vintage-styled cameras. As competitors seek to emulate their success, Fujifilm’s rich photographic history and iconic film stock legacy give them a distinct advantage, ensuring continued appeal to the younger generation and long-term enthusiasts alike.

Film Simulation Articles:

  • click here – How 3 Dollar Saved my Fujifilm X-T5 and Re-Discovering Classic Negative in Vietnam
  • click here – Why Fujifilm’s Film Simulation Matter also for RAW Shooters
  • click here – REALA ACE – The Best Fujifilm Film Simulation So Far
  • click here – Welcome to the World of VELVIA Film Simulation
  • click here – An Introduction to Fujifilm’s Film Simulation Modes
  • click here – I photographed my first wedding and here are the Film Simulations I loved most
  • click here – Vote Your Favorite Film Simulation!
  • click here – Fujifilm Colors Science: GFX vs X Series, From Superia to Classic Negative, More Film Simulations
  • click here – Fujifilm Managers Talk Film Simulations: Origins, Evolutions, Goals, Misunderstandings, Bold Classic Negative and Much More
  • click here – The Power of Fujifilm Colors: Why I LOVE Fuji Colors and See Them in Action at Our Film Simulations Group
  • click here – Meet Minami-San, Fujifilm’s Color Guru Since 50 Years and Now Bringing Fuji’s Color Science from Film to Digital
  • click here – Fujifilm asks what’s your favorite film simulation (and I tell you mine)
  • click here – Fujifilm Rethink RAW :: JPEG is Your Friend and Fuji’s Film Simulations Rock
  • click here – This Guy Fine Tuned his Fujifilm Film Simulation Settings Inspired by the Work of Great Film Photographers. See “Chrome Eggleston” & More
  • click here – An Ode To ACROS: “A Game Changer, My Favorite Film Simulation by far!” :: And about the Best ACROS (or B&W) Settings!
  • click here – Fujifilm Launches Dedicated Fujifilm Film Simulation Website
  • click here – Fujifilm launches Film Simulation Noodles

Fujifilm Firmware Updates for GFX100II and GF55mmF1.7

Fujifilm has released firmware updates for the Fujifilm GFX100 II and the Fujinon GF55mm f/1.7.

These are not the two main updates we are waiting for, which are:

You can find all the details about today’s firmware below.

Firmware Details

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