Bert Stefani was part of the fellowship of the X-photographers selected by Fujifilm and invited to Tokyo in order to present them their own suggestions to make the X-series even better and more complete. They continue to share their experience on their blogs.
So, after Kevin Mullins (article here) now also Bert Stefani wrote about how the company listens to the feedback of customers to improve the X-system and he gives an insight of what’s going on behind the scenes. Read Bert’s blog post here.
“[…] What struck me most is that the technical part doesn’t seem the starting point in the development process. It’s not about: “let’s produce a sensor with as much pixels as possible”. Instead they start from what kind of colors, contrast and “feel” people like in pictures. And only then they start looking for a technical way to capture that. A fine example of this philosophy is the fact that one of the main guys in sensor development has been involved in the development of some of the iconic films that Fujifilm produced like Velvia, Astia and Pro. He moved from chemicals to microchips but his job is still the same: making sure the image is pleasing, has character and the right “feel” […].
We were presented with the question: “Which five lenses should we design next?”. This triggered a lengthy discussion. […]
Throughout our visit, we were given the chance to give feedback on top-secret prototypes in various stages of development, from early ideas to almost production ready products. We didn’t have to sign any NDAs or contracts but I’ll leave the honor of announcing new products to the people who design them with so much passion (so dear rumor sites, there’s no reason to keep e-mailing me). But I can tell you is that the future of the X-series looks very exciting. […]”
Now it’s our turn. As we’ll never be that lucky to be invited by Fujifilm to Tokyo, Fujirumors could be the place where you can raise your voice and let all your wishes arrive to the Fuji headquarters.
Feel free to give your own answer to the question at which five lenses should Fuji design next? Or what would be your dream camera? What should the next firmware bring?… the debate is open in the comments! And I know that someone in Tokyo will read it.
cheers
Patrick
P.S.: now lemme see if I can dig up something about the exiting X-series future for you 😉
Follow Fujirumors tomorrow via facebook, twitter and RSS feed.
103 Responses
I really wouldn’t think much more of fuji-X series , just a 35 f0.95 would be really really nice.
In the current APS-C line up I’d like to see following:
– proper 1:1 macro
– TS lens
For future body:
– FF
– sensor for which you don’t need several RAW developers to go through in order to get normal results
– weather sealing
– hybrid VF with digital split image projected in the OVF
– start with golden trio of primes (27-50-90)
– tethered shooting
+1
especially for the lens trio, but I would be happy with the 27 and 50 only.
Fuji’s key device is the hybrid viewfinder. It distinguishes Fuji from the EVF crowd. I would so much appreciate to see a very sophisticated OVF, like the one from the Zeiss Ikon but with an additional layer where all the infos would be displayed on, bigger and brighter than the actual finder.
For the interchangeable lens cams I wonder why nobody introduces the so called ‘focusing balance’ up to date; it is a simple horizontal line with a mark in the middle, where a moving arrow on the line shows distance and direction to focus (the middle mark). It does not get simpler than that.
Such a sophisticated viewfinder in a FF X100 with an f2.0 and fixed lens in the range from 35mm to 50mm, best 43mm, would be very attractive if small an rugged. Price, maybe around $2500.
And a black version, please! And better battery life! 🙂
Zack Arias would go completely nuts!!!!!
I’m his soul mate….
he is just paid to say good things about Fuji, that’s it.
if Sony pays more or even Samsung pays more , then he rave about it.
could be,
would make him a complete a..h…,
what would not fit the big picture,
so I don’t think your statement is true.
but you have to admit, his pics from the x100 are excellent.
+1 for exactly that
Greetings Patrick and all readers of Fuji Rumors,
Not sure that’s really the right place to post this info but feel free to move it anywhere you want if needed…
If you are a Street shooter and if your camera is one of the Fuji X Series, then this new group on Facebook might be just for you 😉
https://www.facebook.com/groups/streetlifefujix/
Thank you for your interest.
Cheers
Jeremy
i just want low ISO in RAW, iso 100, iso 50
Hi
Next lenses that would interest me
– XF 100mm 2.8 LM R OIS witnh 1:1 Macro function,
– XF 50-150 2.8 R LM OIS (or something similar that keeps its size smallish),
– XF 16-50 2.8 R LM OIS (or something similar that keeps its size smallish),
–
Next Camera
I would like it to at least be a APS-C version of this
– A professional grade camera X-Pro1 like but with XE-1 size.
– Very good Weather sealing,
– 5 axis In-Camera OIS,
– Better hand grip included,
– LCD movable in 3 axis
Thanks 🙂
Carlos
Lenses: 16mm-55mm f2.8, OIS (24-70mm Eqiv), 47mm-140mm f2.8, OIS (70-200mm Eqiv), 90mm f2 (135mm Equiv) OIS, and something in the 35mm Equiv of a fast 14mm-24mm, perhaps a f2.8. The only other addition would probably be just an updated 60mm f2.4 Macro to make it faster focusing and quieter. That’s it.
Would agree with that.
Cheers
Fuji became my favorite company. They treat customer well, and their product lineup is great.
I hope they can pay more attention on flash system, now that they have a very comprehensive set of lenses and bodies.
You are spot on with this comment. Not necessarily dumping blame on Fuji, but there’s been so much talk about bodies and lenses (and roadmaps for the future), but you never hear anything from anyone about flashes. Really would be great to see this area open up.
16-105mm f4 constant or even f2.8-4
18-200mm
85mm f1.4
+1
here is my voice:
16/18-135/200 mm
300 mm
I also agree 😉
16mm f1.4 lens
16mm is the focal length I also think is missing, though f/1.4 would probably make it too large a lens for my liking.
I also wouldn’t mind a second, more compact 23mm lens added to the lineup.
Actually, what I would really like is a 0.66x wide-angle converter for the X100S – the current 0.8x converter doesn’t make a significant-enough change to the field of view.
I would just like to see the x-pro or even the x100 style hybrid optical viewfinder integrated into the x-e sized interchangeable lens body.
Thumbs up for Simon!
Lens-wise i would wish for a 18-72 f/4 R, 23 f/2 R(compact) and v2 of the 18mmR, all with LM and HT EBC. Plus, get your filter diameters sorted!! Nothing wrong in sticking to say 58mm. This is a bit of a mess right now.
Featurewise, how would a flip-up display, in general more speed (including af, viewfinder, response), face detection and better build (i am looking at you, silver x-e1) sound? However, keep the menus as simple as they are currently..that is part of what drove me away from olympus.
Keep it up 🙂 Cheers
The problem with flippy screens, most people don’t realize, is that the buttons on the left have nowhere to go. Don’t want things to get cramped or lose usability. 🙁
MJr, good point. Yet I am believe someone could come up with a solution for it. A flippy screen greatly adds useability I have to say though..one of the things I really did like about the e-m5 – makes composing and trying different POVs so much easier. I am lazy (and need to see to see). Hence, I like trying alternative perspectives without going through a complete workout.
Yet you’re right about the buttons now that you mention it this would have been one of the reasons for the e-m5s cramped button layout
I’d love to have an X-E1, but there is no close focusing f/1.8 90mm lens (=135mm FF). This is my most used lens (75% +). A close focusing f/2.0 123mm (=180 FF) would also be good. Not everyone wants/needs wide angle lenses.
For the body I’d like to see a built-in finger grip like a Sony NEX, everything else is great.
I’d like to see a full frame X100s that can, you know, focus fast.
The X-E1 with digital split image focussing that works with legacy lenses and weather sealing. Also perhaps an M mount lens adapter with optical condenser like the speed booster.
I’d also love a compact x mount native 35mm manual only lens in a similar size to the voigtlander skopars (but I think I’m probably a minority on this!)
One last thing, the focus peaking to be much more visible in the EVF – otherwise everything is amazing.
No you are not alone….. 🙂
A manual only lens, would be great.
A full manual FF X100 type camera with an f2.0 fixed lens in the 35 to 50mm range, together with my described sophisticated viewfinder (see my former comment), no macro mode, no fluff, no everything, is my dream. I want an ‘I can’t do everything camera, but what I can do, I do perfectly.’ Todays CMOS sensors can fully replace the rangefinder. So we could get an OVF with focusing balance and focus confirmation in the finder.
After some GAS attacks over a couple of years I ended up with a Canon 6D and a 40mm Ultron from Voigtlander only. I learned that self-limitation leads to better photography. A full manual FF X100 type camera would be the completion to this insight.
Maybe you and me are alone….
I would love to see a update to the 35mm with a linear motor and a 1.2 aperture with better build quality. Next lens on my wish list would be a 50-150 2.8 lense or faster with the current lenses would be complete.
Full frame X-Pro same size as current X-Pro 1 starting with a new 35 and 50mm 1.2 or 1.4 lens, nicely sealed and i’ll buy at least 2 bodies and call it a day : )
Yes Please.
Also, COMPRESSED RAW! 🙂
That would be fantastic; and, it would be a smart move for Fuji…
I love my X-Pro 1, but many people, including myself, would love a full-frame option as well.
Would really love to see support for more image aspect ratios: 6×7, 4×5 !
This must be so simple to add in the firmware.
And a unique selling point.
+1…and a fixed wide prime lens around the 8-10mm f2.8 mark while keeping a small size would be a nice addition.
+2
+100
Would save allot of time recomposing in postprocessing.
With the possible exception of a tilt-shift wide angle (24mm FF equivalent and done in the proper orientation, not like Nikon’s, which has to be re-oriented by the factory to work properly), I don’t need any more lenses.
Other possible improvements, many having been mentioned by others:
C1 and C2 options on the shutter speed dial.
Flippable LCD on the X-Pro2 and/or the X-E2 – these old knees need it!
Maybe weather sealing, but not at the expense of much growth in size.
Decent focus peaking, both with X and M-mount lenses – that lack is what keeps me from using my M-mount lenses more.
Faster AF – especially useful for street photography and sports.
Full Frame and a workable program for fuji colors/light : raw = jpeg on camera PLEASE!! its a shame i must develop my raw with the camera on my desk in the jungle!
I think I would like a non x trans x-e1 w no AA filter. As nice as the x jpegs are the raw files are a bit burdensome. The jpegs seem to be largely software based anyway so if they could keep those and use a 16 mp bayer in the same form factor with same lenses I’d be pretty happy.
I’d like a FF fuji at some point since I mostly use manual m mount lenses on my fuji these days, but I realize that’s a bit of a pipe dream.
I’d love to see high speed flash sync (1/1000 s or faster) in new X models.
A Tilt/Shift lens would be great. I am an architectural photographer, and being able to switch to a smaller and lighter imaging system would be a real pleasure! I love the image quality coming out of the X series, and the increased depth of field of the APS-C size is a benefit when shooting buildings.
The day that lens arrives, (at LEAST 24 mm equivalent, if not wider), all my Canon equipment goes up on ebay.
Keep your eye on Samyang for this. They’ve already introduced TS for sony NEX and one other system and fuji is next…could be anytime.
I like the current size of the X Pro 1. Especially with any of the zooms on it. Don’t feel the need for a “FF” sensor. But would love a square format sensor so that no new lens designs or mounts need to be made. I shoot more 1:1 than any other format, and this would also allow for the other formats as options, that someone else suggested.
Lenses—2 mid teles—85 and 120 to 135ish, f2 for the 85, f2.8 for the longer. I already enjoy a zeiss 85/1.4, but it is large as has almost too small DOF at 1.4 even for most portraiture. And how about a 1.4 mutar? Small and great to have in the bag…
Yes—more flash system.
Also would love Fuji branded extension ring set—would put this over a true macro…
Square format: +1,000,000
I want at a fixed aperture and fixed shutter speed be able to set the ISO with roller.
Thank you FUJI
and AE Bracketing with wider range of at least ± 3 EV
seconded!
I would like to see a camera that focuses faster, has focus tracking, with less viewfinder and screen lags, has affordable lenses, its raw format is perfectly supported, is weather sealed, has a better grip, has longer battery life, is similar in price to similar cameras on the market, can reach ISO of 100, can reach a flash sync speed of similar cameras.
Has a better frame rate, has better controls in video, can reach speed of 1/8000, has IBIS, is more responsive, has stronger flash, its viewfinder covers more field of view.
Has screen resolution of similar cameras on the market, has a tilt screen.
Like any other mirrorless in the market I wish the next Fuji camera will show the exposure information in the viewfinder while you change your focus point and will not make me constantly switch modes.
A better ergonomics that will prevent me from accidentally pushing buttons and scrolling. Prevent from inserting battery the wrong way.
I wish that on the next Fuji camera the grip which is sold separately will not prevent me from changing the battery and the memory card.
I wish that the EVF will be less prone to extraneous light and that a direct movie record button will be added.
I wish I could set shutter speed limit in Auto ISO. I wish it will have touch screen and WIFI.
I wish it will require less firmware updates to work as advertised.
+1
If you think fuji lenses are unaffordable you are whacked.
Can we please have a moratorium on new stories here until we have a story who’s headline is “X100 firmware 2.0 released!!!”? :p
Seriously, I’ve had like two dreams about in the past two weeks, its killing me.
My wish:
Lenses:
16-55 f2.8
55-200 f2.8
10-24 f2.8
a new premium quality 35 f1.4 (like a Zeiss Lens)
100-400 f4-5.6 (for nature shooters)
16-85 f4 OIS with high optic quality
Camera:
-ultra fast AF system
-in body stabilization, so that we could have all the fixed lenses to use with crazy shutter speeds (like 1/2 or 1/3, it’s now possible with the 18-55 OIS if you are good enough)
-professional GRIP included
-a bigger viewfinder (big at least as the X100S or a little more)
-in camera sensor crop (like some micro 4/3 cameras, to have the double focal lenght for tele shooting)
I’m so passionate photography since I bought the Fuji XE1, but now I find so difficult to work with it because of it’s slow AF and its infinite bugs (external flash doesn’t work most of the times, and I’m shire it’s a software bug because it works well with the X100S). Viewfinder is too little and my eyes hurt after a few minutes shooting.
I hope for a completely new XE1 camera, with great improvements or I’ll have to buy a Micro 4/3 camera because of Fujifilm’s lack of Pro Lenses and reliable cameras.
thank you for reading Fuji!!
Fujifilm’s lack of Pro lenses?
Where did that come from? Have you noticed the STELLAR optical quality of the 14mm, 35mm, 60mm?And now the upcoming 23mm seems to be on the same quality level!
The 18-55mm is great as well…
And what about a “premium quality 35 f1.4 (like a Zeiss Lens)”?
In case you didn’t notice, the Zeiss lens is already here and the Fuji is exactly on par with it!
I don’t want to be a fanboy, but Jesus, some criticisms are really unwarranted!!
1) Pro Lenses also means zoom lenses. Fujifilm doesn’t have any extreme quality lenses. 18-55 is not as great as you hink, XF 55-200 is not clean like a Canon 100-400 and not fast like a 70-200 f2.8… and I guess the XF 10-24 will be very good but not exceptional.
to be honest, if you like naturalistic shooting, you can’t do anything with the X series. you have no lenses, and neither the opportunity to use an in body crop to have something like a 2X.
2) I mean a Fujifilm’s made 35mm. I know Zeiss 32mm is great, but I’d like to see something special by Fuji. the XF 35mm could have been better.
so, anyway, it’s not necessary a new 35mm, just a wish.
what is necesary is a new in body stabilization. you can’t do almost nothing with a fixed (great) lens and low light. you can have lower ISO using the XF 18-55 OIS at 1/3second hand helded.
Panasonic and Olympus have both in body stabilization and a crazy number of different lenses to choose: pro and cheap lenses. (…and crazy ISO performance. just take a look at the OMD eM5 at 1600 ISO, and compare it to the equivalent XE1 3200ISO. there’s no kind of possible comparison. but ISO is not everything)
the speach is simple: if Fujifilm doesn’t wake up soon, a lot of real photographers will move to other systems because of crazy technical problems, lenses/body lacks, software bugs and general performance
PS: the XE1 is the my favourite camera now, and probably there’s nothing I could love more, but I’m honest, Panasonic and Olympus have both many many many reasons to attract me more –>> I need a COMPLETE CAMERA SYSTEM, not just a little piece of it once a year.
WAKE UP!!
Too funny man. Hahahaha ha….. Thanks for the satire.
Wow! What a great opportunity for us to share what we would love for future Fuji gear! Thank Patrick!
I think Fuji is nailing their target audiences wishes for lenses and have an excellent setup so far but a girl can dream can’t she? I would love to mimic my Nikon DSLR zoom setup.
My wish list lenses:
* 9-16 f/2.8 (14-24 f2.8 equivilent on 35mm)
* 16-50 f/2.8 (24-75 f2.8 equivilent on 35mm)
* 50-135 f/2.8 (75-200 f2.8 equivilent on 35mm)
* 10 f/1.4 or 2.8 (Nice fast super wide prime!)
* 100 f/1.4 or 2.8 Stabilized macro (tele-macro with OIS would be an excellent compliment)
For the new X-Pro camera body:
* Reduced shutter lag
* Improved AF with some sort of 3D tracking
* flip screen on pro model
* lower iso capable (100)
* Bells and whistles that are not necessary: (better video with mic input, gps, wi-fi,)
* An option to customize the camera online with different metals and leathers to get a unique look.
After announcement of the 23 and 56mm release, the main lenses for me are a 105mm (ff equ) macro and a 10mm (apsc) fisheye.
My two dream x-cameras would be a fixed 35mm eq. lense FF like super x100s, around 20Mp and 1.8 (or 1.4^^) aperture
My interchangeable x-cam dream could be xpro2 with a 18-20Mp apsc sensor, improved DR (like 16 stops) and improved video quality (50mbps canon like) and a bit faster AF.
I think it’s not asking too much 😉
Lenses (XF primes – in 35mm equiv):
135mm
200mm macro
24mm
400mm
800mm
Please keep them small so do not have to be ultra fast f2.8 or even f4.
But even better – before you develop more lenses – lets have some more X100’s: a 24mm, a 50mm and a portrait camera somewhere between 75 and 90mm(all 35mm equivalents).
Full-frame X100s with 28mm f/2.8 lens.
A more solid body construction. On the order of how Voigtlander lenses are built and feel.
As far as lenses go, a longer portrait lens i.e. 75mm or 90mm f/2-2.8. And a fast telephoto on the order of a 180mm f/2.8.
Lenses
16-50 f2.8 (all XF to be Made in Japan please)
Camera
X100 Full Frame
X100 FM (Full frame Monochrome with specially designed BW sensor in shared body (Leica Mono pictures are amazing but camera is way to expensive)
Features
No basic oversights – like min iso shutter speed, spot exposure linked to focus point, live view (optional choice permanent or half press), face detection, additional exposure bracketing.
Move video features.
Love the new A1 auto shutter increase if movement detected by the way. Needed for when your taking family toddler shoots.
Oh, full case option for XE1, I’d like standard bottom half case but ability to take different full cover tops, for when I just take my camera with one lens, say 18-55 to prevent knocks on the tube (metro) or even undesirables seeing the camera or kids parties with sticky fingers when eating, or when cycling or in short rain showers, I end up carrying it in a Bennington digital, which nullifies the point of a small camera.
Forgot to add wouldn’t mind x100FF’s to have 42.5mm lens (or 28 in crop), sitting in between the 35 and 50. I lean towards 50, but know 35 is very popular and 50 doesn’t always give you the coverage. Plus is won’t duplicate the primes from the system cameras. (working on the premise that if you own the 27 Pancake you probably have it instead of the x100).
lenses: 16-80/2.8, 80-300/2.8-3.5, 100/2.8 macro, all sealed
body: sealed, tiltscreen, X-E1 with updated EVF and faster autofocus, five-axis IBIS like Olympus,
16 MPix are fine with me
A special underwater X-M1 with bolted on non-extending 16-65/2.8-4.0 for my snorkling “duties” 😉
Cheers
Who are these Bert Steffanis and Zach Arias’? Are these the high priests of the X mount?
Yes, more or less. They are the outlet for Fuji long established viral marketing effort, and since we hear from them again it means Fuji has a new camera pretty soon.
Its all a bit to giddy to be taken seriously.
Please Fujifilm:
LENSES:
1. A 23mm f/2.0 high-end lens, sharp corner-to-corner with push-pull manual focus ring and distance scale for my X-Pro 1 (which I by far favor over the X100/x100s because of the user interface, buttons and button placement)
CAMERAS:
1. The next X100 back/buttons/scroll wheel, etc. to be more like the X-Pro 1). To me, that’s the main weakness of the X100 series.
2. PLEASE do NOT change the buttons/operation of the next X-Pro camera (X-Pro 1s/2, it’s PERFECT just the way it is. Only one physical improvement could be raising the shutter speed dial so that it sticks up all the way around.
Just make the processor, read/write speed x2 of what it is now, and ZERO lag in the EVF and I’d buy it (currently own two X-Pro 1’s)
x100 (s)+
1) wireless remote (>8m)
2) functional histogram in manual mode
3) tele converter (>50mm)
4) mic input with manually adjustable sound level in better quality video
= dream come true!
A monochrom X100 would be nice (please). And an 85 f1.8 or 1.4 with a 50-150 f2.8. Thanks. Bert & Zack are pro photographers whose experience and advice are worth listening to. The alternative is a group of anonymous guys on forums! Take your pick 😉
Manual video mode, please. I’d like that 1/50s or slower in 24p.
I’d like a X100-style camera with:
FF bayer sensor at 24 mpix and DNG RAW format,
hybrid VF with the rumored 4 mpix Sony-EVF,
35mm or 40mm F2 lens,
Nikon 1 fast AF,
a grip more akin to the X-E1,
weather sealing,
min shutter speed of 1/8000,
base ISO of 50,
start up time of under 1 sec,
battery life upwards of 500 shots,
swivel LCD with 1,2 mpix,
screw-in diopter adjustments akin to the XPro1 (the one on my X-E1 gets knocked to easily),
centered tripod socket,
all black,
BlackRapid style shoulder strap and no strap loops for better holding comfort.
And for my X-E1 tree lenses:
23mm F2.5 R LM OIS
70mm F2.5 R LM OIS 1:1 macro
16-40mm F4 R LM OIS
I would really love to see a 23-75 2.8 (35-105mm equiv). My ideal ultimate travel photography lens.
I’d like to see a few things:
1. Weather-sealed X-Pro2/X-E2 bodies
2. Weather-sealed lenses
3. More longer focal lengths for zoom lenses, i.e. 300mm, 400mm
4. A line of manual only lenses (I know I’m not the only one that wants this)
5. Better RAW images
6. At least 20-24 MP sensor
7. Cases with a hole for the tripod mount and center the thing from the camera to the case
8. Fully articulated or tilting AMOLED screen
9. 3.0 million pixel EVF or more
10. Hybrid EVF like the X-Pro1
Shopping list is easy….
External GPS adapter using the USB port.
Lenses (in APS-C sizes):
Somewhere around a 90 or 100mm with macro focus range
f0.95 35mm
Super telephoto (whatver numbers work… 150-500mm maybe? Can we go longer? 1000 would be fun)
Body:
Software: would be nice to have the things that should have already come such as more adjustable focus peaking (3 settings at least) + different colours.
Can we have more frame rates for film without changing hardware? Better stitching?
Hardware:
Better movie modes and better stitching, including stitch + save RAW files.
Please don’t change sensor size. I’d like to not start from scratch on collecting glass.
Also, please don’t go away from X-Trans. It’s also the point.
And don’t reduce the number of buttons/controls on the XE-1. If you can push a tilt screen in there without reducing the number of buttons, that would be awesome.
Naturally, if you can get a better sensor technology in there, who would say no to that?
Although I do find it weird putting a wishlist on here after the meeting has already happened…..
Oh and a larger EV range, and faster shutter speed while you’re there….
Definitely would love to see 1/8000 shutter speed. 🙂
I am an X-Pro1 shooter, I would really like:
better AF (which I assume is coming regardless)
smaller, denser build, like the x100(s)
built in handgrip
tripod mount centered on lens
electronic remote capability
electronic shutter capability (like Panasonic GX7)
articulating screen
built in diopter
For lenses:
updated 35mm with faster, quieter AF
16mm f/2.0
90mm f/2.0
*those lens recommendations are without the crop factor applied, so the first lens would be a 52mm, the second a 24mm, and the third a 135mm
My wish list…
24mm (equiv) prime
Dedicated ISO dial
A true RF body (no EVF)
I would love an F2.8 or F4.0 200 or 300 mm equivalent prime lens. Maybe 150mm instead (F2.8 or F4.0).
Would love a telephoto pancake (F2.8 if possible or F3.2), of say, 75 to 100mm equivalency.
Make x200 with 50mm f2 (or faster) in black and You have a winner.
Another option would be x100s with a full frame. With this viewfinder you could eat Sony RX1 for a breakfast.
1. Most important: Better Focus support for the Optical Viewfinder: Including MF Split Image for OVF
2. True Manual Focus
IMO Manual Focus and the act of focusing using the OVF is the only thing holding these cameras back.
I was one of the first people to buy the X100 and X-Pro1 and love them dearly but the experience of shooting with them could be greatly enhanced with investing in the ability for the shooter to truly chose their focus while using the refreshing Optical Viewfinder. Too many of today’s cameras feel like video games with their EVF, Fuji was wiling to give us the best of both worlds but it could be handled even better. Please allow us to turn the lens instead of using a joystick.
As for lenses:
16mm 2.0
90mm 1.8
18mm 2.0 Mk II with internal focus and MF-mechanism
35mm 1.4 MKII with internal focus and MF-mechanism
Please don’t make the X Pro 2 smaller! Size and weight are perfect for working photographers.
I’d like a redesign of the 18 and 35mm lenses. In general terms, I’d like them to have internal focusing, weather sealing, and a clickable ring like on the 14 and 23mm lenses (even if it makes the 18 bigger). More specifically: regarding the 18mm, I’d like to see improved performances wide open and in the corners at all apertures, and, regarding the 35mm, I’d like to see improved performances wide open and a slightly shorter focal length (30 – 32) so that it becomes a 45mm lens (which is closer to a normal lens anyway).
The 27mm lens should have been a f2 lens, but I don’t see a redesign coming any time soon.
I know that’s a weird one, but I would also welcome a 28-50mm f2 or f2.8 zoom with outstanding optical performance (and I mean outstanding, that is, quite a lot better than the existing zoom) and internal zooming. Possibly because I loved to use a Leica tri-elmar when I had the chance to do so.
As far as cameras are concerned, this would take a 10 pages long essay, so I better abstain myself from writing it down.
X-Pro 1 user that would appreciate a way to remotely trigger the shutter not using a cable release.
++1
or, how about 2 flagship cameras, one for photographers and one more universal:
– photographer’s tool, no video, look at Leica MP (it’s film only I know), just basic stuff, no video, no features you never (or hardly ever) use, hybrid VF
– universal tool, look at new Olympus E-M1, which would have video and all that, EVF
Not sure if there is software already for X-E1. But I wish I could use laptop to view and control my X-E1. I want to use it for astronomy photography.
Does anyone know such software?
The lenses will come anyway, and they’re all great! It’s other pressing issues Fuji should iron out first like VF lag, af speed and video (less important for xf system).
Then and only then can the Fuji x system not only be an alternative to other systems but a true competitor in ALL respects.
I’m not a troll I assure you. My main systems
are traditional fourthirds and micro fourthirds but I decided to try fuji after downloading images shot with an x-trans sensor and I was absolutely smittened with the colour and quality.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the x-e1 and I only upgraded it’s firmware and lenses(18-55 + 35) firmware for the first time a few days ago since the cameras release and that has saved the camera and two lenses from being sold. A great improvement, for now.
Simply, the laggy viewfinder and what I would consider to be very average to okay af for travel or walkabout photography and more than adequate for landacape and inanimate objects is were real resources should be focused.
After the firmware improvements I hold on to this beautiful system in anticipation of an x camera with a fluid VF and fast and responsive af system.
My main system is m43 which has areas the Fuji system simply can’t compete with like af, speed, weathersealing etc…. Look at the OMD EM1 and you’ll find that as an overall working camera in terms of speed, af, weather sealing, features, IS etc it may be the closest thing to a complete mirrorless camera there could be.
For me Fuji can have the most gorgeous organic, natural and creamy colour that produces an aesthetic that few words can describe but a camera isn’t just a lens and sensor with a few classy dials, it’s an overall experience were the sum of ALL it’s parts work seamlessly together and it feels like a natural extension of your photography.
That can’t happen when you look into an evf that lags in it’s motion which causes the photographer to become conscious of this issue and at times reverts to using the rear panel instead. I’ve become very good at getting all kinds of shots by working with the x-e1’s limits and practicing to push it to it’s limits but the truth is Fuji has it’s areas of pure magnificents and areas of real weakness and denying it is not what Fuji wants and evidence of this is that Fuji being the calss act they are keep responding with firmware fix after another and that’s to be applauded.
If fuji was to ever iron out all this stuff and give me a camera with a fast VF and a super responsive cam in both af and operation I would start buying more lenses and it may take over as my main and favourite system.
At the moment it’s my 2nd system that has incredible colour and IQ with a lot of potential, most of which hasn’t come to fruition, yet!
nice words mate, I’ve seen the XE1 limits too: the best image quality ever in a sick body and in a sick system without accessories, lenses and so on.
I’ve made some shoots with it that could be the best of my life, but I can use the XE1 only on Holiday, not to work seriously
good luck!! 😉
I agree with you lone.samurai that the X-E1 VF update rate and the AF speed needs to be improved. I am spoiled with D800 PDAF and the speed and accuracy (including face detection PDAF) is excellent. I think that a well implemented PDAF may be the way to go for Fuji. Much better than X100S that is.
As it is today I only use the X-E1 + 18-55 for long distance travel (by air), because then I appreciate the portability, yet with high image quality and can live without PDAF, since most of my travel photos usually do not require finding exact focus rapidly, which is the use case where I would really miss the D800.
1. An x100s with a fixed 85mm 1.8 equiv.
2. An x100s with FF.
3. An x100s type to compete with M9, full frame, interchangeable lenses 28//50/90. At half the price of course.
I’m still waiting for a X100 series camera with a great 50mm equivalent, or even with interchangeable lenses.
Full frame absolutely with high sensivity sensor and with great dynamic range and not so much mpixel please.
16/24 megapixel maximum.
24-35-85 1.4 for FF
—–
For X-Pro a 300mm f/4 or a 200-400.
Great job Fuji!
P.s. I have the fantastic X100 and I’m waiting for FF.
200mmF2 please. More prime and less zoom.
#1: A leaf shutter 35mm or 50mm equivalent lens for the X series cameras to give the 1/2000 sync speed to the X Pro line. I would sell my gear and jump to Fuji entirely for this alone.
The following would be nice
#2: Better Battery Life
#3: Adjustable flash compensation up to 3EV – and more detailed information on the “commander” and other flash modes
#4: Adjustable Multiple exposure modes – especially one that is additive like is possible on the Nikon cameras and the Canon 5D3.
#5: Weather sealing.
HDR as implemented on the D800 is something I miss on the X-E1. It works by raising the mirror and then taking two photos in rapid succession while not lowering the mirror until after the second photo.
If Fuji would implement a ‘one shot’ HDR function it would be much appreciated. Note that the result should look natural as in the Nikon implementation and not ‘HDRish’.
Forget about the slow zooms and focus instead on fast primes. I would like the following:
– 100mm f/2.8 IS macro (1:1)
– 135 mm f/2 or f/2.8
– 24mm T/S lens
At the same time, a full frame X-Pro 1 with a set of fast primes (21mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, and 135mm). That would be a dream system…
If possible to fit while still keeping the X-E1 successor size reasonable, a fullframe size EVF like on the OM-D E-M1 would be nice.
Being used to fullframe sized viewfinders from the film era it felt very good when they came back in DSLRs and as we can see it was only a question of time before they appeared also as EVFs on smaller cameras.
The X-E1 viewfinder is unfortunately comparable in size to small APS-C DSLR viewfinders like in the 5200 and not even as big as in the 7100 which has a bigger kind of APS-C viewfinder (still not as big as FF though).
I would ‘kill’ (I barely exaggerate 😉 for an X-Pro1 or X-E1 with X-Trans sensor ‘full frame’ size!!!
With following non-exhaustive features :
– Better AF, best in its class (we can say what we want, still plenty of room for improvement, and then target ‘sport’ or ‘action’ photography)
– All weather sealing
– Tilt screen (at least)
– Full Wifi/bluetooth functionalities… Meaning I want to be able to control my camera (and settings) from my Google glasses! 😉 Phone or tablet if required
And all these without loosing a speck of dust of current X-Serie products quality/advantages!
Finally, for sure, a full range of corresponding lenses well born as per current X-range. If you could start with a 24-70mm F2.8 constant 😉
Tell me that you would like to see this dream coming true as well! Please! 😉 Beating Leica in performance, quality and price…
I would like the setting for how long an image is shown in the viewfinder after you took it to be the same for X-E1 as for X100S, i.e. that you can choose between off, 0.5 s, 1.5 s and unlimited, because I prefer to be able to set 0.5 s instead of 1.5 s and do not need 3 s.