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 Announces X Summit on June 12 – Fujifilm X-E5 Launch Event

Fujifilm has just announced that the next Fujifilm X summit will take place in Shanghai on June 12 with the theme “Classic”.

We will be showcasing exciting updates inspired by the concept of classic photography

FujiRumors readers know already that this event will be for the Fujifilm X-E5 :).

Pre-Orders

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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LEAKED: Fujifilm X Half Specs and USD Price (After Tariffs)

TO THE SOURCES: Thanks for sharing and for giving yourself a nickname. By using the rumor box I can’t contact you back, so in case you decide to share anything in future, feel free to specify what can be shared on FujiRumors and what not. There is always the 100% anonymous Signal option. This way you are anonymous, but at the same time we can chat and exchange information and also see what to share and how to share it. But also using rumor box is fine and highly appreciated. Thanks for the help. :)

In the last hours, we have received additional specs and image about the Fujifilm X Half from two anonymous sources (with nickname, THANKS!).

As far as the images goes, I am downloading them and I prepare a dedicated article for them. I will share them as soon as I am done.

In the meantime, here are the specs for you:

  • Fujifilm X Half
  • $849 – originally planed for $700 but 21% price increase due to tariffs, which on Chinese products are currently set at 30%
    Note: price in Euro will be €800
  • 13 film simulations
  • 12 filters as we know them from the Instax Evo, such as
    – Light Leak
    – Expired Film
    – Double EX
  • NP-W126S battery
  • Weight: 243g (with battery and SD-Card)
  • 10.8mm lens – (6 elements in 5 groups, includes 3 aspherical elements)
  • 10cm minimum focus distance
  • Size: 105mm x 64.3mm x 30mm
  • Frame Advance Lever (we explained here)
  • 1″ inch 20 MP sensor but effective use of 17 MP due to 3:4 aspect ratio
  • built-in LED light
  • Diptych Modes to combine still+still, still+video or video+video
  • analogue mode: 36, 54 and 72 frames
  • “dumb” OVF – no info displayed on it
  • New X Half App coming
  • direct connection to Instax printers possible
  • JPEG only
  • cold shoe only
  • shipping mid June

The Fujifilm X Half will be announced in a few hours.