the “old” XF 35mm: still out of stock after the high demand at the X-deals of February-April
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First off: this rumor comes from a source, who was right in the past (SRP). If it is correct also this time, it will enter the elite team of trusted sources… until then, take it with a grain of salt!
The source told me that Fuji will launch a new 35mm f/1.4 lens. I do not know when it will be launched nor which improvements we can expect, but, as you may guess, I’m restlessly working on it even now on my lunch break from my day job (see facebook 😉 ). Once back at home this evening I’ll contact some sources and I hope to be able to give you an update soon.
Any help is highly appreciated and could make my work here a lot easier. You know how to contact me (via rumor box = anonymous (you can use a nickname so that I can recognize you in future) / via email at fujirumor [at] gmail.com)
cheers
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US-X May Deals
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X20 (save $50): AmazonUS / BHphoto / Adorama / Pictureline
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X-E2 body and kit (save $200): START MAY 25th
114 Responses
sounds great, for many it’s the most important lens. the recent release of the converter shows that fuji cares about the 50mill shooters. It’d be fantastic to get a smaller, faster af version
Weather sealed? That would be smart. And Fuji usually is.
(daydreaming) 35/1.2 maybe?
Or maybe even 35/1.0? 🙂
Size matter, but 35/1.0 with size of 56/1.2 will be really great!
well the canon 50 f1.0 and the canon 85f1.2 are the same weight , theoratically they can be the same weight…and I hope we see a 35 f 1.2 or f1
A weather sealed 35/1.2 with a quieter internal focus and push/pull manual, sell it for $999 but keep the existing 35/1.4 and drop the regular price to $449
I would prefer a 32mms 1.2 personally. But yes. I agree with this. Keep the old one and lower the price $100 and release a faster one. I’d love a 32mms 1.2 and I would spend 999 on it if it’s anything like the 56mm
Or even the exact same optics with quieter faster focus motor, push/pull manual focus, and possibly weather sealing, would make sense for version 2 of the lens. Keep what’s been well received, but refresh the things that have been improved since the first generation of lenses.
Fuji, please don’t make it bigger/heavier! I really liked the first batch of Fuji lenses (18, 35, 60mm) for their size but every lens since has been heavier and bigger…
faster AF & OIS will be fantastic
I don’t think Fuji will bring OIS to fast primes and I wouldn’t want them to. 😉
whatabout if you could turn it off? to heavy?
Still requires more moving parts with more tolerances that will potentially decrease average IQ.
Weather sealed only I bet. Maybe better corners since that’s where it is optically weakest.
wishlist:
– push/pull MF,
– weather sealing,
– faster AF
the same order for me as well as internal focusing. if they don’t make it WR, i’ll still get it, but assign my first gen 35 as my weather lens.
…just bought the “old” one. what a crazy focus sound it has, would be nice with a quieter lens, and ois..and waterproof 😉
Faster AF, multiple detents for aperture, and push/pull focus ring with distance markings like on the 23mm and 14mm would be great.
I expect IF like the new primes.
Weather sealed would be quite logical.
Is there any way, technically, that they build a leaf shutter inside (bypassing the main shutter automatically)? maybe a silly question…
That would be fantastic. If so, I would buy it in a second. I see no reason, technically, why they couldn’t; would just need a little extra space. Keeping in mind it would probably decrease maximum shutter speed, at least in leaf shutter mode…
I guess the only technical issue is wether the lens-camera bus can transfer a trigger signal with a low latency.
The X100s handles 1/4000th of a second, except wide open…
The X100s only goes to 1/4000th at f8-f16.
True…
Argh, mine is backordered since half a month back, still waiting! What to do, what to do, haha… If it’s “only” weather sealing I guess I could deal with it, but it’d really suck if the new one is really quiet and fast. :p
Considering this was one of the most sold of the Fuji lenses, a replacement will be a good thing (better iq and much better af than the current generation are required).
A real macro 1:1 lens to replace the actual 60mm 1:2 macro (a 70mm f2.8 with ois – 105mm equiv) is also a must for the system!
http://photobyandrei.wordpress.com/
Weather Sealing most likely I’d suggest – but hopefully wider circle image, i.e. possible FF coverage to confirm other rumours ….?
Weather sealing is a marketing gimmick. A show of hands, please: how many of you have had a lens that stopped working because of some rain?
If there is a new 35/1.4 I would like it to have internal focusing, since this is faster and quieter than what we have now. According to Fuji themselves, the 35 is the second slowest focusing lens in their lineup, only the 60 is slower.
What’s the point of making a weathersealed X-T2 without any available weathersealed lenses? As of now there are zero. A few zooms are planned, but no primes yet. A weathersealed prime would be essential in building out Fuji’s professional line.
Well, I never stopped shooting because of the rain, but I was definitely worried while shooting…
I also remember a vacation in India where my cameras took their share of dust! Weather sealing may not be critical, but it should definitely decrease the maintenance and increase the lifespan of the gear.
I’m sure weather sealing will be added to support the X-T1. But definitely needs fast AF.
IF and faster AF, that’s all I would wish for. Optically, I think that it’s already brilliant. Any info about the possible update to 18/2 lens? These are the most used lenses (and the only ones I have). I just hope that current hood will fit, don’t like those new petal shaped ones. X-Pro1 + 18 or 35 – one very sexy camera.
Faster AF. Better Sealing for sure…
That should be nice, though I love my 35mm already.
I am looking forward to the 100-400mm, as that lens and a 100mm 1:1 macro lens will fully shelf my DSLR. I already have the ultra-wide to 60mm covered.
100mm 1:1 macro lens
+1
33mm f1.0 or 35mm would be brilliant!
And Leica level expensive
Should be about the same cost as the 56mm 1.2
But not Leica level size…
In order of priority, I’m hoping for:
1. Faster autofocus
2. Bayonet-style, plastic hood that reverses onto lens
3. weather-sealing
i already assume it’s going to get the newer AFing. but i hope for WR.
I wouldn’t mind bigger, heavier, faster focusing, 62mm filter like 23mm and 56mm. And dare I say 1.2 but 1.4 is quite alright.
Pretty sure it would get the same design that the 23mm 1.4:
– Push/pull auto/manual focus ring
– Distance range manual focus ring
– 1.4-22 / A aperture ring
– Plastic hood…
23 goes to 16 only :/
yesyesyesyesyes
I would love internal, faster, more sure of itself focus. BUT I like the original hood and size. I don’t care a whole lot if it has better optics or the push/pull ring
I also hope it does NOT have the push/pull focusing selection as used on the 23mm lens. I always disliked this about Tokina lenses, and the new Olympus 12-40mm.
And to clarify, I like the look of the original hood, but it makes using a CP filter a chore. I definitely prefer plastic, Bayonet style hoods.
In my opinion it’s perfect. I don’t see what could possibly be bad about it.
what if…. just what if it wasn’t for the XF mount…
full frame Fuji 35mm 1.4 for the future X-Pro2?
Then it wouldn’t be a new XF 35mm as stated in the title of the article.
Why not, who said anything about equivalents. 🙂
XF lenses are APSC. Unless fuji does something stupid like naming a FF lens like XF.
if redoing an existing one then rather the 18/2.0…
f/.95 – Fuji has weird aperture ranges anyway
They read in my mind! Perfect Fuji!
Nobody mentioned LEAF SHUTTER yet?
Oh yes, 8 hours ago. 😉
Yes, I did 🙂 but with that many comments, it’s difficult to find!
It would be a very strong differentiator against all the other brands and maybe a unique solution on the market so far (?)
Given the super small size of the X100s lens, I guess it would not necessarily mean a bulky lens.
Oh dude. If they add a leaf shutter I would pee in my pants with joy!
Is that even technically (reasonably) possible?
Sure it’s possible, it would ‘simply’ be placed in front of the aperture i believe, some place in between the elements. I don’t know if it’s possible with the current design, but it could certainly be designed that way if they wanted to.
Currently it’s mainly professional medium format optics that use it (Leica S for example), or fixed lens cameras like the x100. So for a ‘consumer’ system camera to provide this would be quite something, and raise the Fuji X system to yet another level.
The X100 lens is tiny and the leaf shutter is right after the first two elements, and there’s a ND filter built in there too. So a big lens like the 35/1.4 should be a piece of cake. They just need to ‘do it’, make sure it’s reliable and reasonably priced, update all the camera firmware etc.
See this diagram:
http://www.finepix-x100.com/en/story/
And there’s plenty of room around the elements for a shutter mechanism, as the focus motor in the 35 only takes up one side:
http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/xf_lens/about/index.html
But it will be much more complicated than the x100. First, it has to get the trigger signal from the camera.
Second, it has to be way larger than in the x100. More than twice the size because the x100 is only 23/2 and the the 35/1.4 is, well, just that. 😉
The signal is there already, that’s what the contacts are for, just needs a firmware update with some new commands. 🙂 The size though, well yes that might be a small challenge. But if we were to just skip any innovation that might be challenging … where would we be. Medium Format lenses are much bigger than Fuji’s 35/1.4 though, even slow ones, so i guess it’s still relatively small.
This would be great, but keep dreaming!
Hopefully they add weather seals and improve AF.
Faster AF, weather sealed, OIS, f/1.4.
What I’ve always said, Fujifilm can’t do things first time right. A shame. A lifespan of 2 years for a lens – do we really buy this? I’m glad I’m back to Nikon Pro stuff. Best decision I’ve ever made.
You mean D600 right? ^^
or SB900 may be ? or the (admittedly less pro ) Nikon 1 line ?
So, it seems you are not a Fuji X user anymore as you went “back to Nikon Pro stuff”.
Just because a new version of a lens is announced does it mean the “old” one became useless? Or the “lifespan” ends with the said announcement?
As a Nikon user, at a Pro level as you suggest, do you think a Nikkor 50 mm F:1.4 Ais is just a paperweight?
A lot of Nikon users will disagree if you say so, and they still use good old manual lenses even the pré-Ai that the Df now accepts without modification.
I always read good opinions about the XF 35mm and it will continue offering the same performance from now on, and present users will not be forced to buy the new version as I didn’t give up my Nikkor 85 mm F:1.4 AF-D just because Nikon started to sell the AF-S version.
That’s a strange and bitter comment… do you know any brand that doesn’t refresh their products (even the stars) once in a while? If it makes you feel like being cheated, you won’t find peace anywhere…
So you think it’s better to update a lens in every 10-15 years?
Let’s take the Nikon 85mm F1.4 D lens, the company had the AF-S technology looooong time and only just recently updated this lens, but according to your logic they made a mistake.
I hope they won’t update the 105 and 135 DC anytime soon, that would make them look like a fool.
BTW, I only had Nikon pro gear before Fujifilm
85mm F1.4 D lens – very, very good lens and I would still pick it over AF-S one 😉 DC lenses are small batch releases as far as I remember (from my old slr days)
I also had FX Nikon gears, before switching to Canon and now I use Canon and Fuji. Now please tell me which “Nikon Pro” lenses are actually on par optically with Canon’s latest L (24-70 II, 70-200 IS II, 70-300L, etc) and Fuji prime offerings (14, 23, 35, 56)? Take your time…
The new Sigma Art & Zeiss glass beats any Fuji-lens hands down. Surely combined with the D800, another beast with no Fuji equivalent. But even some AF-D’s are far better than anything Fuji is doing. You’re all just dreaming – the one that needs to take his time and reconsider is not me… buying into an ecosystem that is outdated every few months is just crazy and only a poor investment. I’m saying this from the beginning, you won’t do 5 years with your XF’s due to FW compatibility issues – too much electronics and uncertain FW-future matters in between. There are many Nikon & Canon users using some of their glass for more than 20 years. Not to mention what some Leica guys are doing. Isn’t that desirable? Are the physical & optical laws maybe changing every 2 years?
Same can happen with any glass that is not fully manual. You always get problems adapting lenses if their zoom or focus or aperture is controlled fly by wire. The Sigmas and Zeiss are not better in that case…
I really fear that my fly by wire glass will be not usable anymore some time … can’t happen with full manual glass. But on the other side, I like autofocus too much.
My D800 still shines with even the first AF-D lenses. Even optically! Yes, the AF motor is located inside the body. Any fly by wire AF-G’s still works with any Nikon DSLR body, for 18 years now. I’ll you a beer if Fuji is still capable to maintain this kind of legacy support & compatibility – they can’t even now without the obligate firmware updates to the bodies – when that intensive support stops your beautiful XF-lens will immediately die when you purchase your next body. I keep on claiming a camera system is something to live a few years – call it rental if you want to – but lenses should be forever. If Nikon or Canon should stop this kind of support for their older glass, a whole world would collapse, a revolution would start in the streets. If Fuji leaves you abandonned, we all say ‘nice, let’s buy the next camera/lens? I get that kind of feeling when I read the posts over here – some must have a different pay check than I get ;-). Sorry, but once again: if Fuji would design and release things first time right I would have a complete different opinion about the system, which has indeed much potential but is still built a bit too much on loose sand, erasing the errors made in the first days.
Just ask NIKON to deliver your dream FF camera and lenses in size/weight of FujiX. I do not believe in next 15-20 years they will be able to do it. Our choice has always many advantages and disadvantages. Your dream camera/lenses are simply not dream for most fujiX owners (considering size/weight).
“if Fuji would design and release things first time right I would have a complete different opinion about the system”
last years I’m finding many complains also for Nikon expensive cameras D600, D800 related to poor quality control (sometimes wrong design). Sensor oil/dust maps, misaligned focus sensors , … It is surely not so rosy in Nikon camp as you pretend here.
And Fuji’s quality control is better? Look at all the hardware & software problems they had since the first X100-release. Never seen anything like this before, and we’re still not having everything solved (if it ever can be, see all those CFA RAW conversion-issues). Again, you’re all dreaming. Nikon – it’s a pitty – but a lot of cameras with a mechanical shutter have had similar problems. Even some extremely expensive, very reputated manufacturers. The Nikon story has just hit D600 the news a bit more that those.
I’m sorry not one single Nikon lens is on par with Canon, all are much better 😉 Lets talk about a 14-24mm in Canon land 😛 What about a 24mm f/1.4, 35mm f/1.4 or f/1.8, 50mm f/1.4, 58mm f/1.4, 85mm f/1.4 or f/1.8. Take your time, you will need it and a lot of patience … 😛
then… why are you still drooling at the Fujirumors site? go to the Nikonrumors and ignore us shameful Fuji followers.
He has a point … I doubt that any new version of my 35mm would make my photography better, but bringing out new versions of any lens is a desaster regarding resale value.
And that just after a short period… mhmm.
“short period”? The lens is already sold for more than 2 years. The new one is not even announced. Might well be the “old” 35 is 3 years on the market when the new one arrives.
I also guess that Fuji is not producing the old 35 anymore. They probably have it in stock and once it runs out they have to decide wether they want to produce the same old thing or give it a few much desired updates. For many people it is the best lens in the flock and getting rid of a few flaws will only make it better.
If you buy lenses for resale value you should buy leica or zeiss glass. Certainly nothing with electronics.
3 years means centuries for a body, but is damn short for a lens.
I don’t buy for resale value but for taking great images. My 35 does that, so i’ll keep it.
But if I HAD to sell it in a couple years for some reason, it’d make me angry if there’ll already be a 35mm Mk. VI or so and my Mk. I is worth zero.
just like digital bodies get updated pretty much yearly, maybe the new era is that we can’t expect lenses to not follow suit.
Well I mean they’ve sold out of the original 35mm and if they’re going to make more why not improve it? It’s probably only ergonomically anyways… What about the lens makes it bad?
Best troll ever. Every company should only ever release one version of everything, then dissolve the company because innovation is evil.
Faster focus and weather-sealing.
Not surprised. The obvious improvement is AF speed. I predicted this like a year ago, it makes so much sense.
Good for users who dont own one yet. However I would rather spend my money on lenses that I dont have yet
True.
hahaha I just picked my 35mm up a few days ago , awesome lens and super happy with it. I doubt they will bring this update out before 2015 so its not money wasted – I always used the Nikon 50 1.8D instead of the 1.8G because I was late to the new lens party
Good news for new fuji customers or potential ones in the future! Comme ci comme ca news for already existing fuji customers!
Its the beginning of updating their lens line-up or you could say the correction of a major strategical mistake /lens development …..! All other primes, high quality/grade zooms (no XC lens!) will follow step by step (in order to their release date /importance….)
They want all lenses to be weather resistant (what “pros” are seeking, outstanding feature in the competition!) Fuji is going to stop the production of the old non weather resistant lenses (first the 35) and the lenses gonna get a discount about 100 US Dollars, will be sold until the stocks are empty…..it doesn’t make sense to produce one cheaper non weather resistant lens and one WR version of each lens due to the fact of production capacities, gains and that most customers would always buy an WR version for 100 bucks more anyway!
All new lenses (16 1.4) will be WR from the beginning on….
But good for the used market and prices anyway, discount for “old” lenses and generally more lenses (wr, non wr versions) on offer –> cheaper the prices…–> good for us as costumers!!!
Bad for us who already bought into a few lenses and will find ourselfs with much less resale value when Fuji has updated those.
If you already think about selling it, why did you buy it in the first place?
I don’t get it either. I own the 20mm for M43 and I wouldn’t get rid of it for anything. I love the little thing. Besides, nobody is forcing you to upgrade, just shoot with what you have.
Anybody looking for their fuji glass to keep their value is collecting the wrong lenses and is in the wrong system. Leica is that a way…. —————>
Camera equipment isn’t an investment, it’s effectively a rental. A newer version doesn’t mean the current one stops working or suddenly gives bad results.
Hasselblad used to increase or at worst hold their value. As prices increased over the years, you could always sell your Hasselblad lenses and bodies for more than you paid for them. Digital nearly killed Hasselblad, and the values plummeted.
How do you know all of this?
He doesn’t.
Would rather have a pro version with f/1.
Please, don’t change the hood…metal hood is fantastic!!!
I wouldn’t be so sure to see this weather sealed. I’d imagine it will have the construction of the 14/23/56mm lenses.
56mm focus mode construction is already same as 35mm. 14/23mm have push / pull auto/manual focus. Whilst I really like 23mm MF feel I think there are advantages to 35/56 type operation (AF-lock press to AF then manual fine tune).
After the X-T1 firmware update the 23mm with the ring pulled towards me behaves like the 35mm Nikon f1.4 lens. Autofocus, then simply turn the focus ring to tweak the focus. No need to use the back button.
too many people with GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) complaining in here haha
Love my 35mm 1.4. Bokeh is great. AF not lightening fast, but then neither are some of Nikon primes (prioritise accuracy over speed).
I did read of interview with Fuji that said they choce IQ over focus speed. I wonder whether they are changing optical formula to use faster internal focusing. Or it could just be stronger AF motor and weather resistance improvements.
They so need to improve this lens, without sacrificing IQ. Make it quieter and quicker to focus. That’s all that’s needed.
Some tweaks to the hood shape wouldn’t hurt, so that you don’t need to have a different cover. I ended up buying a 3rd party hood.
Yes, faster AF and weather-sealed construction is all that’s needed.
I may be the only one, but I would like to see a weather-sealed 35mm f/2 instead. The smaller aperture would mean a smaller lens perfect for travel and photo-journalism.
GULP! Seems like somebody at FUJIFILM agrees!?
It has become the 35mm f2….. nice and smal, hope there will be a 55/2 and a 23/2 too. I would get a Pro2 body right away.