Digital Fujifilm XPan in 2028? Fujifilm’s Latest Lens Patent Points to the Fujifilm TX-3 Panoramic Camera

A while ago, we shared that Fujifilm was considering launching a digital successor to the legendary XPan/TX series in 2028.

For now, let’s just call it the Fujifilm TX-3 — the spiritual digital follow-up to the Fujifilm TX-2 panoramic film camera.

Back in 2024, when we first reported on this, we clearly said it was just something Fujifilm was considering. If they decide to move forward, the plan would be to launch it in time for the 30th anniversary of the original Fujifilm TX-1 — a true 65×24 format panoramic camera introduced in 1998.

The last update I received dates back to September 2024, and it hinted at the possible sensor details. Since then… silence.

Until now.

Today, we may have a new clue to add to the Fujifilm TX-3 puzzle.

We just reported on a Fujifilm lens patent. And in this patent FR-reader Mistral spotted something interesting — something that might relate to the upcoming digital TX/XPan camera.

In fact, looking at all the examples included in the patent, Mistral noticed that they might be actually indicating lenses for a panoramic camera.

  • very large angle of view: 90° to 110°, except for the last of the 21 examples, which is an outlier (35mm f/1,6 with a back focus of 21mm, designed for a 24×36 sensor)
  • too short back focus for an interchangeable lens: 9mm to 13mm
  • odd image circle diameter: 50mm, too big for a 24×36 sensor, too small for a 33×44 sensor but suited to the 24:65 crop of a 33×44 sensor.

Looking at the patent, we’d get something like a 21mm f/2.8. If you want to know the in-depth calculations and observations, make sure to check out Mistral’s post at the French forum chassimages here.

So will we really get a digital Fujifilm XPan in 2028?

Well, that would be a dream come true for many of us. And personally, I hope the rumor becomes reality.

And if anyone can pull this off, then it’s Fujifilm, because it’s a company that thinks differently.

A company with such a massive photographic culture that it understands that cultivating a niche means cultivating the true passion for photography.

If anyone can bring back the spirit of the XPan for a new digital age, it’s Fujifilm. And I truly hope they do.

But what about you? Happy about it or do you consider it a waste of resources?

Fujifilm TX-3 Rumors

 

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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LEAKED: First Image of Fujinon XF23mmF2.8 R WR

Maybe you’re out on a hike, catching up with friends, or simply enjoying the first days of summer with family. Whatever it is, I truly hope you’re having a fantastic time.

But if I may, let me gently knock on the door of your day with a small gift… something to add a little extra spark to your already great Sunday: a few fresh leaked images.

We start with the first image of the Fujinon XF23mmF2.8 R WR.

Oh, and make sure to stay tuned, as right now I am working on the Fujifilm X-E5 images.

Because yes, it’s Sunday… but you know by now: FujiRumors is always here for you ;).

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RUMOR: Fujifilm X-E5 Film Simulation Dial Comes with “New Design”

Just a little update regarding the Fujifilm X-E5 film simulation dial.

We confirm it will be there (despite the officially shared X-E5 teaser image not hinting at one), but it will have some sort of “new design”.

So, the Film Simulation dial will get its evolution. Feel free to let us know how you’d like it.

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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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