FR-reader Hallvard spotted an interview with Fujifilm’s Imaging Division Sales Department Manager at the Japanese site dc.watch (thanks, I’ve missed that one!). It’s dated December 17th.
It’s available google translated here. Hallvard was so kind to decipher it for us:
I stumbled upon an in-depth interview with two Fujifilm representatives on the japanese site DC Watch (dated December 17.) which may be of interest to your readers (and which I don’t think you’ve quoted yet?). It’s not easy to make sense of everything in the Google Japanese-English translation, but a few points can be extracted:
1) He confirms that Fujifilm has no plans for a X-Pro1 replacement at the present
[admin: he also says that the X-PRO2 will remain Fuji’s flagship, so it will be released once a major breakthrough is obtained… or in the words of google translator: “It was not the only model change this year only X-Pro1, but thought at the time (as a top model) is obtained major breakthrough, X-Pro1 and want to do the appropriate model change.”]
2) He promises at least a total of about 20 lenses “as soon as possible”.
[admin: as there are actually 10 lenses available, and two more in the pipeline (the 10-24 (specs&price) and 56), there should be about 8 more lenses. 5 are already rumored to come: 16-55mm 2.8, 50-140mm 2.8, 18-135mm 3.5-5.6, Large-diameter wide-angle lens, Super-telephoto lens 200mm or more. With these rumored lenses there is a total of 17 Fujinon lenses.]
3) He elaborates on the X philosophy quite a bit, and if I’m not too far off, Fujifilm are aiming to make an industry reference” for digital imaging, like Kodak did with the silver halide film, the unquantifiable “three-dimensional appearance and feeling of air”. He emphasizes the perceived image quality, tone and color reproduction, over measurable features like S/N ratio and resolution. And he observes that the number of people who have “a deeper understanding of the X-Series” is slowly increasing. He sits tight, committed to their product, not industry trends.
I’m guessing I’m not the only one who would have liked to read a proper translation of this interview. But anyhow, I hand it over to you. Please feel free to use it as you like.
[UDPATE] Here is another translation, shared via facebook by FR-reader Levels Of Detail:
– No expectation in the short term to update the x-pro1. It’s the flagship model, so they’ll continue to upgrade it through firmware updates. They expect to upgrade the flagship model when they can time it to deliver a major technological breakthrough.
– They see the latest features like wifi or miniaturization as competitive realities that they need to address, but fundamentally they view their strengths to be around image quality and color processing.
– They don’t think they’ll be done with the lenses until they’re at about 20 choices. They focus a lot on high quality glass, and they prioritize optically corrected lenses rather than software post-processing.
– A very interesting anecdote: they mention how the 35mm f/1.4 uses an essentially 100-year old 8-element design, which requires all elements to move when performing AF. They acknowledge that by changing the design, they could improve from 400ms to 200ms for AF time, but they choose to prioritize the IQ over the extra 200ms improvement.
A lot of what they talk about really jives with my impression of the X-E2. Great IQ, some really great color processing (I really like the B/W modes), but AF is not the highest pri.
In case you missed it, there is also a nice interview with Fuji manager Mr. Kawahara here.
76 Responses
Counting in current and future Zeiss offerings, there will be more than 20 native X-Mount AF lenses by the end of 2014.
plus the Samyang X-mount lenses, and the superfast Ibelux 0.85… Anyway, I think he was referring to Fujinon lenses.
Judging from Fuji’s marketing so far and the inclusion of the Zeiss offerings in official advertisement materials, I would assume, we already know all the lenses to come…
We already have 10 Fujis and 2 Zeiss. If you add the 10-24mm F4, the 56mm F1.2 and the already pre-announced Zeiss 50mm macro there are only 5 lenses left to fullfill the managers promise – exactly the number you already posted in the rumoured new road map.
If the road map materialises – and due to your excellent track record on rumours so far, I don’t see why it shouldn’t – the only misteries left are how wide the ultra wide prime will be and how long the tele will be?
Just speculation, but I would say the ‘large-diameter wide-angle lens’ has a large diameter because it’s fast, not wide! My money is on a 16mm F1.4 which would complement the fast prime trio of 23mm, 35mm, 56mm superbly, covering all classic Leica focal lenghts of 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm. Only the 28mm would be missing, but that gap is somehow filled by the 18mm F2.
I’m puzzled by that ‘super-tele lens’ entirely, however. Judging from the user forums, the most needed tele prime would be somewhere in the 85-100mm range, but that’s hardly super tele. Maybe the rumor is supposed to be a super-FAST-tele, like a 90mm F1.4 or a 100mm F2?
A longer prime would need to be at least 300mm to make sense (longer than the 55-200mm, a bit faster, e.g. F4 or F4.5). That would mean a big gap in the prime line-up though. I’m also not sure if a long tele makes much sense with Fuji’s AF… BIF? Sports? Really?
A super-tele zoom doesn’t make much sense either in my book. We already have a 55-200mm and a 50-230mm, meaning Fuji would need to produce something like a 100-400mm to not canibalize it’s current offerings. But who’s going to mount such a monster on any of the current bodies? Or is it strictly meant for the new, weather-sealed, DSLR-style body? With m43-AF-speed?
Patrick, could you please find out already?! 😛
Thanks for all your hard work!
Mike said: “I’m also not sure if a long tele makes much sense with Fuji’s AF… BIF? Sports? Really?”
I find a long prime lens useful for nature, landscape and portraits too – I really like the compressed view. If it’s as sharp as the other XF lenses I’d definitely buy it. Not at all interested in a long zoom though.
Al, haven’t thought of this. I’m not much of a tele guy… The 55-200mm has more than enough reach for me when it comes to landscape or portrait, as I never even get close to the 200mm setting for those purposes.
As for nature, especially animals, I think a zoom works better but would think 400mm is the bare minimum which in turn makes the lens big and – in my view – awkward in terms of handling on a X-E or X-Pro. But again, this is just my point of view.
But how many of them under $1,000 and not in similar focal lengths to Fuji’s offerings? 😉
Zeiss are designing lenses for Sony mirrorless and then just adapting them to Fuji X in case they sell a few. So far I don’t count them as options for purchase due to specs and price. But who knows, maybe they’ll surprise me in the future.
I love the last bit, “they sit tight committed to their product, not industry trends. ”
This is what makes niche products so great. It helps keep their thoughtful customer service alive, and ultimately the most important thing for any company in these times of austerity.
Who is going to mount such a monster? Me. I am. Right now I am figuring out which OTHER camera to buy so I can do wildlife photography as that is an area completely impossible (within any decent realm of ergonomics) to do with Fuji X cameras.
To me, there could be no more logical lens to announce alongside a “weather sealed slr-like” camera than a long zoom suitable for basic wildlife photography. 100-400? 80-400? 120-300/2.8? 150-600? Dunno. What I can tell you is that the absolute minimum FL for this genre is 400mm effective with at least f/5.6 for reasonable shutter times (1/1600s+ for moving animals) without too high of ISO and that’s just for entry level daylight wildlife shots.
Fuji wants to build a complete system so they should make a 100-400 class telephoto zoom.
Fuji wants to make money with their X system? They need to appeal to one of the largest sources of high spending enthusiasts which is amateur wildlife photographers.
Canon sells a ton of their Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens and emulating that for APS-C would make it smaller and lighter as well. Presumably, a fair price would be charged, 1200-1500, which I would pay assuming it was a decent quality product, hopefully with less distortion than the 55-200.
Zachery will eventually get what he wants.
That would be great. I would definitely buy a super telephoto X-mount lens, the brighter the better. I enjoy the wildlife photography and I want to stick to the X-mount system only. Thank you for the good news Rico.
Of course, this was meant as a reply to Mike above. Silly proprietary comment systems and their counterintuitive placement of command links. 🙂
I’m not sure the Fuji X system, in its current incarnation, is appropriate for wildlife photography. If Fuji do release that rumoured SLR shaped camera, and make a vertical grip available for it…then that’s a different story. But do they want to stray so soon from the camera style that made them unique in the camera business? What can they offer the wildlife photographer that Canikon don’t do better already?
That’s an easy one. I don’t have to buy another expensive and heavy system that I do not understand. Instead, I can use my existing Fujifilm system that I know and understand.
As the size of a tele lens is mostly limited by the FL and max aperture, I don’t think it can be made much smaller just because it’s APS-C only. The short flange distance doesn’t help with the size of a tele lens either, AFAIK. Therefor I don’t think a Fuji 100-400mm could be much smaller than the Canon you mentioned if it’s supposed to deliver equal IQ. That would leave us with a 1,4 kg lens on a 0,4 kg body (X-E1). Even with an ad-on grip it isn’t the best combo ergonomically, I think…
But this is solely my view. And judging from Rico’s reply, Fuji thinks there are enough people thinking your way to warrant such a lens, so enjoy 😉
I just hope, they’re not loosing too much on imaging department. I’d be very unhappy to see the product line end because they are not profitable. Especially since those wonderfull lenses are electronic only and can’t be adapted on anything else!
Niche product is great, especially when customers are listened like we are with Fuji, but at some point they need to make money.
how about a nice, slim 35 1.4 manual focus lens with focus tab? something to compliment this retro, compact system.
Already available from third parties, so not gonna happen.
There are some from SLR-Lenses too 🙂
I was a Canon fan, Was. I like everything they are doing but not as a fanboy but as the camera shot and what I am getting at its out put. My one wish no one address yet is way to run two battery packs at the same time in some kind of pack and grip.
Hi Patrick,
What about the weather sealed fujica styled body? Will it be coming anytime soon?
yep, I think we will see within late January / early February
I like that they are waiting until they have a “real” improvement for the X-Pro2. But I am surprised, in the mean time, they aren’t doing an X-Pro1S or something. As of now the X-E2, in my use anyways, is a significantly better camera than the X-Pro1, other than the metal body and OVF. I like the dedication to lenses, though. 🙂
Any relation between the launch of a X-Pro2 and the results of the “organic sensor” project that Fujifilm was said to be developing in association with Panasonic?
If that’s the case will this new sensor continue to be a X-trans or a brand new concept?
Maybe off topic.
I really hesitate between 10-24 and 14/2.8. I do like both, but my budget can support only one. Any suggestion? Most of shots are about sea-scape and city-scape.
Hello: Thommy
I have the 14mm and it is a great lens. It’s very compact and fun to use. I would think the 10-24 lens would be more then twice the size of the 14mm. I have a D800 and many lenses, the reason I got into the X-system is for their compact size. If I want to carry big glass around I can use the Nikon.
I’ve had to make the same decision. You also left out the Zeiss 12mm option, the Samyang 16mm option and the upcoming Samyang 10mm option.
10, 12, 14, 16….
To me there are three reasons to pick a prime in this class over a zoom. Size, quality, and brightness. In other systems, you don’t have to compromise on brightness or quality. For example, the best ultrawide lens available with autofocus is easily AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8. Very wide, very bright, but also very large.
In SLR APS-C, you have the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8. High quality bright optics but, again, somewhat large.
In mirrorless we haven’t been so lucky. The zooms are usually not bright. f/4 at best. So if the maximum aperture is so important to you, then you already have the answer about the 10-24mm lens. If you don’t care about the maximum aperture, then only size and quality remain.
The 14mm f/2.8 is very small and very, very high quality. It has only one flaw, which is somewhat strong vignette. This isn’t a big issue for most uses of a bright ultrawide, which is to get up close and get crazy distorted images. It is an issue for any kind of long exposure or astrophotography where exposure is need as you are losing well over a stop of exposure in the periphery at f/2.8. That’s counterproductive.
As for the 10-24, we don’t know yet if it will be high quality. What we do know is that the main set of Fuji zooms so far have been good quality. The 18-55 especially. The 55-200 is good except some distortion which is autocorrected and that causes some loss of sharpness. Without the autocorrection in the picture, it’s very sharp at all settings.
So history suggests the 10-24, which is pretty big (supporting this conjecture), will be a high quality optic.
If we assume it will be good quality, and you don’t have a need for f/2.8 for compositional purposes (since we can rule out using it for exposure purposes due to heavy vignette), you merely need to decide if size is an issue.
The one possible wildcard for the 14mm is the manual focus style, with the clutch ring mechanism. If THAT is important to you, then you’ll have to factor that in. Personally, I would ignore such gimmicks.
To me it came down to usefulness over size. I am going to get the 10-24. I did own the 14mm, btw, and it’s a nice lens, but, it’s just 14mm. That is not particularly wide and I have no special need for f/2.8 on that lens, not with OIS on the zoom. So for me it was an easy decision. It’s just a little annoying to have to wait so many months for it.
As a side note, some advantages of the 10-24 over all the primes include: 1) Obviously, it’s a zoom, so no compromise for focal length in one lens 2) It’s an ultrawide with optical stabilization which means you’ll be able to handhold extremely long exposures. I’ve done over 2s easily with past stabilized ultrawides. 3) It spans 15mm equivalent to 35mm equivalent. This is actually an extremely useful range for close quarters event/editorial shooting, especially if you have some flash bouncing around. It’s a very commonly used FL for the paparazzi, believe it or not, as you also have huge DoF and can just sorta shove the camera out there and fire off the shots, correct distortion later and crop and voila. Pictures! yay.
Anyway, my advice would be to get the 10-24 unless you have a special need for something offered by the prime.
Zeiss and Fuji superwides are of no use to me. No distance scale for zone focus, Fuji has no aperture markings. The lens are terrible for documentary and street use.
I have a feeling we will never see the X-Pro2. Sucks.
The 14mm Fuji is optically a very fine lens, but it is definitely not a small lens (even without the hood). And the focus clutch is kind of silly too.
This should have been in reply to leocat and Zachery.
The 14mm is very small for an ultrawide-angle lens.
Ever seen the nikkor 20mm 2.8 AF-D ?
To all those worried about when an X-Pro2 will be announced, and disappointed that it is not now, all I have to say is Photokina, which will be happening in Cologne from September 16-21, 2014.
Given the target market for the X-Pro, it is natural that Fuji would probably want to announce at this venue and not CES. While they did announce the X-Pro1 in January 2012, I always felt/knew that they would not announce a successor until September 2014 in order to convince with Photokina, which happens every two years.
And to those wanting updated bodies every year, bear in mind that if this is a “professional” camera and being used to make money, so to speak, then you would need at least 3 years (I would think) to allow a tax write-off through depreciation.
At least that’s my thinking.
XPro 2 is of no interest to me. I use X-E1’s. X Pro is too big, too complex and don’t need the extras on it anyway.
Fuji, I’d suggest you copy Samyang lenses for mechanical design. Their lenses are solid and have all the traditional markings (distance and aperture) for ease of use when on the fly. Their aperture rings are solid and I don’t have to tape it in place like I do with your lenses Fuji. Your lenses are a nightmare to use for serious documentary use Fuji.
Your sensors are outstanding Fuji. No complaints there. Good goal…Fuji sensors will the standard that all others must aspire to!
Now all you need is to develop the ‘Fleica’…a FF Leica knockoff by Fuji.
then buy a Leica…
Wait what? No X-Pro1s then? *sadface*
At least there’s the weather-sealed X, that sounds like a good alternative.
When we can have the X-pro upgrade ? It’s little bit strange, X-E2 (not flagship for FUJI) has a best sensor, best af and also best functions than X-Pro1. Sorry Fuji, We need (us, pro-photographer) an X-Pro with the last technology you can offer…
Good things come to those who wait. The current bodies within the X lineup should more than serve your purpose until the X Pro2 arrives . Its probably best if people can wait a little longer and end up with a superior product rather than just complain about how long it’s taking. I want the Pro2 a.s.a.p also but I want it properly ready,well thought out,well designed/executed in good time before it goes on sale.
Most rational reply in a long time…
Im sure they will and sure this time it will be the best. I bet the New Pro 2 will not need a bunch of updates and will surpass the others.
I have to say I’m disappointed that there is no Xpro-2 on the immediate horizon, but that’s not because I actually NEED it, it’s only because I want the updated features of the XE-2 on an Xpro-1 body. The truth is the Xpro-1 is more than adequate for me, even before the firmware updates but so much better since. The limiting factor in my photography is me, not the camera.
I am very excited about their philosophy of image quality over features, I believe this will lead to defining an industry standard, as they state. I think the next iteration of their ‘flagship’ camera will be amazing. And I’ll buy it.
Out of ignorance, I’ll have to ask a question:
What is a “large-diameter wide-angle lens?”
Physically large? 16mm 1.4?
Something like Nikon 14-24
Think of a funnel the faster a lens the wider the funnel to bring in more light.
The fact that they are focusing (no pun intended) on producing more lenses gives me a little more hope that they will stick to improving the current x line of bodies and not go FF. I have the xpro with 14, 35, and 60mm lenses (all amazing!!)…and am waiting to see what the weather sealed body looks like before I get the xe 2 or possibly the x100s. (It is almost impossible to find a review of the x100s without the word “love” in it!!! )
I do hope that they can continue to make some firmware improvements to the xpro. I am totally glad that I landed in the Fuji camp after messing with Canons and Sony’s as I re entered the photography world from my 35mm days. Somehow or other Fuji has managed to harness some sort of Fairy Dust in their sensors!!! Other camera felt like science – – Fuji feels like ART!
To only release the XPRO2 when they have a technological breakthrough, like a new sensor or processor, that totally makes sense and for me it just shows commitment to what flagship really means.
Fuji is not releasing a new flagship just because people want them to, instead they are releasing the Fujica-styled weather sealed camera. They could release a XPRO2 weather sealed now, but would that really be a flagship camera? Probably not, it takes much more than just weather sealing, so XPRO2 should come with a new sensor, a new processor as well and possibly new feats as well.
But the question is, qhen are they intend to release it? Photokina? With a X-E3 by the end of the year? So far Fuji has not released multiple cameras at once and I wonder if they are going to keep the X-M/X-A line as well.
Even more: Launching a new product is a huge expense: tooling, promotion, distribution, ancillary products and documentation, support, training…
Unless the cost can be justified by a decent return, why bother. Why bother to launch it with just incremental features to please a few anonymous interweb fans who may or may not buy it?
The company needs to survive, not wear people out by a new launch just for the sake of a new launch every year or two. Sort of the anti-Sony.
I think this is a wise approach, and takes more of a long term view. Let’s take pictures, not keeping buying new toys. Photographers, not Consumers.
‘Photographers, not Consumers.’
That’s worth remembering.
Stronger, more interesting photographs, independent from better more advanced cameras.
Hmmm… black X100S, that sounds interesting. My X100 got SAB flu (just registered it for repair).
A bit surprised that they’re not planing at least X-Pro1S with the features from X-E2, not that my X-Pro1 is bad but surely would like to get stuff like LMO, PDAF and updated EVF. And I don’t want X-E2, too small for me and I use OVF with 18mm lens quite often (my holiday setup is 18mm lens) – it’s a beast with the grip and handles beautifully even with legacy lenses.
Not a full translation, but I highlighted some similar high level points here: https://www.facebook.com/LevelsOfDetail/posts/690152637686242
Thanks! That 35mm note was very interesting!
I don’t know what kind of organic sensor will appear in the X-PRO2, but it is definitely a breakthrough technology, perhaps not even requiring AA filter and CFA. If they can resolve production problem with APS-C size organic sensor, then we should see X-PRO2 in 2015, otherwise, even a rangefinder camera with 1inch organic sensor would be a sensational breakthrough.
I´d like to discuss the: Fuji image quality philosophy.
“the unquantifiable “three-dimensional appearance and feeling of air”. He emphasizes the perceived image quality, tone and color reproduction, over measurable features like S/N ratio and resolution.”
They want to build a brand recognition similar to what Leica earned many years ago and slowly are loosing.
I think Fuji has something in their image processing that is unique, be it X-trans or X-A1 bayer files. I made some tests with an X-A1 vs Olympus EM5 using the respective kit lens. One example was a house in very paled mint green and white panels. Made basic postprocessing on hardware calibrated screen and printed on an Epson 3000. It took 2 sec to see that the Fuji print was better:
Better “punch”, more contrasty. The most interesting thing was the mint green – visible in the Fuji image but in the Oly image just light grey.
After a second postprocessing session, the Oly print came out having better punch and contrast – but there was no mint green to be found in that image, how I tried.
This shows Fuji strong side is the color rendering. This is unique. The rest is really about postprocessing, by Fuji or by the photographer.
My take is I dont want people to view my work and say: “Oh that typical Fuji look”. I want them to ´say: Oh, that typical Kylberg look!”….
If it is about 3D look, my D800 outperforms the X-E1 and X-A1 100 times of 100.
I will not join the X-trans religion.
Sorry, I did not catch it. 2 questions:
1) Are you saying you like the Fuji images or not?
2) I am not sure, but as far as I understood, you think that the Fujis might overwrite your style and therefore you don’t use them?
Thanks in advance.
1. I like the Fuji images, especially color rendition/definition. This is what makes Fuji different.
2. The Fuji style that is really just in-camera RAW (over)processing is disturbing to me. While it makes images pop a little (contrast), it also reduces resolution and dynamic range. It is not much but it is there.
Sorry, Surab to be unclear in my writing.
Oh yes – I really like the X-A1! Very nice simple, intelligent designed camera. I like it better than the slouch X-E1. I wonder what kind of images it could give me with the upcoming 56mm fitted – or the 23mm, or the 14mm…..
Now, I got it. 😉 Thanks.
Leica loosing???? Please provide some hard data there. I question that statement. The red dot is picking up if anything with the I’m rich so I buy the best crowd
As far as look goes every camera, paper, film, software, persons eye creates/adds a unique look to the end result.
Mr Gecko, my way of thinking is that the Leica cameras are becoming less unique as the change from CCD sensor to CMOS. They more and more add the same features as others already have. When they get more the same, they can be more easily compared to other cameras. And do not always come out on top. Still, lenses are unique. But the day Leica goes AF……
Not in the short term, but in 5 to 10 years, Leica will not be a real alternative for real photographers.
I own a (film) Leica, but today I would not buy a Leica M even if I could afford it. I have a Nikon D800 with some great lenses. It does everything better than a Leica M, image quality included. – At a fraction of the cost.
Still your preference and theory are just that, yours. I believe that the data shows otherwise, sales are up and popularity is growing.
…..and you can put an M in your jacket pocket.
To your credit, see below. But I see this as just Leica going after a popular and growing market, not dropping anything they are doing now.
Leica: Leica will launch a new mirrorless system with EVF and AF lenses. Primes will be designed and fabricated in Germany. The zooms are made by Panasonic in Japan. The camera should cost close to $2000 and have a bigger than ASP-C sensor (FF or less big). Source: Mirrorlessroumors
Wonderful to read Fuji statements like this, and responses like this. I love my xp1. Sure I’ll love the xp2 when it comes out. And in the meantime seriously thinking about an xe2 on which to mount my 55-200 zoom, since it absolutely requires the EVF. Otherwise the OVF is everything for me. And by the way, what other camera manufacturer in the world is so committed to their ALREADY SOLD product that they issue such serious firmware updates? Ummmm……..
Well what a sad bit of info that has come through, that being that there won’t be a x pro2 (s) at next weeks show so looking forward to seeing and buying one all this waiting for nothing. Obviously 2 year gap between models is not proving correct It seems the XE-2 has more going for it that the Pro1.So i’ll lug my Canon 5D around for a bit longer, and go to church and pray!!!
Whilst i’m here and a bit thick who can explain what an “organic Sensor is”or does it matter?
Why waiting for the X-Pro2? I mean it will have a better build, OVF (but not like on SLR) and no flash. But it will take a long time to come. Why not settle with the X-E2?
The organic sensor uses pixels that are not based on regular inorgonic matrials like halfmetalls (e.g. Si) and instead use organic materials (based on carbon). It is said that those new generation sensors will have a much improved dynamic range and S/N ratio.
http://www.dpreview.com/news/2013/06/12/Fujifilm-and-panasonic-organic-CMOS-sensor-industry-leading-dynamic-range-and-sensitivity
I think it’s quite obvious by now that the breakthrough X-Pro1 replacement, when it finally comes, will have the infamous organic sensor: twice the DR of any sensor so far, a far more truthfull color reproduction, a well tested and matured X system with a lineup of at least 20 excellent Fujinon lenses + a handfull non-Fujinon alternatives. It may be worth waiting for.
Jesus. Instead of concentrating on 20 new lenses just fix the darn autofocus and horrible horrible horrible JPEG skin smoothing of the X-E2 and you’ll have a winner on your hands!
I can only totally agree to the latter.
The JPEG film simulations are optional. You don’t have to use them. Many like them though.
I don’t shoot RAW, so I’m bound to what Fuji offers me in terms of jpeg and I’ve got very high expectations in that respect after shooting with an X-E1 for over a year.
If you’re set on shooting JPEG, why not set your NR to -2 (or even just -1) then?
I got my X100 in the first set of shipments, prior to the Fukushima indecent. Still love it but WANT an upgrade. I have been holding out until I could see a clear picture of where Fuji is going. The signs:
* New lens facility built and still not at full utilization means many more lenses (and potentially lower pricing). Now confirmed with this post
* Product cycle suspected at three years average now confirmed (XPro, X30 etc)
* Sensor production moving away from Sony
* I think they now have a good idea on demand and inventory management. I bet we will see one more round of great sale pricing this Spring
All I need now is to see what the CES event reveals and I will upgrade. Whatever I do get will take me out at least two to three years when the X Pro 2s/3 would be launching. Probably will go with the XE2 unless there is a X200 FF as that would be a cool piece of gear, but a major longshot.
….counting the days to CES
Fuji’s camera division seems run by a group of believers. They have a clear point of view and stay with it. I understand they can’t be just another camera producer, competing directly with Canon and Nikon, and Sony. However, they strategy seems a gamble. It may work, and could be a dead end as well. But I think Fuji needs to invest on advertisement, let people know their philosophy. Just counting on word of mouth won’t keep them alive for long.
It’s not so unlikely that Fujifilm is more focused on investing in developing and improving the X System for now and laying the ground for what comes later. They actually seem to be more interested in creating a reputation among photographers and in the industry than conquer the market. If their long term plan is to turn the industry with a truly innovative camera system, they certainly know why they believe it can be done and how. I’m sure they’re well aware of the risks involved.
Dear Fuji Design Engineers,
If more lenses are on the horizon then please make an 85 – 90 mm f 1.4 or f 2 Fuji auto-focus lens. If all my Leica stuff hadn’t gotten stolen I would be using my trusty 90 mm f 2 Summicron on my X Pro 1. 90 = 135 in film standards which was usually the first “telephoto” that most people bought in the good old film days.
Regards,
F William Baker
Dallas, Texas
Great post and insight into Fuji philosophy.
I think the mayor breakthrough Fuji has in mind is a PROFIT!
No profit in 2014, no xp2 in 2015 … With the system now complete if Fuji can’t turn a profit then expect a new direction, new management and new owner/partner :/
I’m guessing Fuji is waiting on an updated sensor before they launch a X PRO II. Maybe they don’t want to put the same sensor in their flagship camera, with a updated engine.
Could it be the sensor that Fuji has been collaborating with Panasonic?