Fuji: X100 is the first of the X series cameras.

eleskin · 03-03-2011

Fuji has stated that the X100 is the first of the X series cameras. There are also rumors that Fuji is working on an interchangeable lens version. For those of us who own M mount lenses or rangefinder lenses in general, the future looks like it will have more digital choices beyond the m8/M9. I would imagine Fuji will price such a camera way lower than the M9, perhaps in the $2000-$3000 USD range. I would also expect either full frame or a 1.3x crop similar to the M8.

I really hope the rumors will pan out to a real alternative choice to the M9. Dont get me wrong. The M9 is a great camera, but it is not cheap, and quite frankly, I would be happier spending my money on lenses and less on the camera. One thing is sure: The X100's high ISO looks to be superior to the M9, so if Fuji does make a version with a larger sensor and a lens mount for the M lenses, I would suspect Leica will not be happy. I believe that the pressure from a future M mount digital from Fuji or anyone else wil finally put pressure on Leica to make a digital full frame CL type camera at a significantly lower price than the M9.

Would a digital CL mbe a disaster for Leica? I dont think so! Leica should market their lenses more than the cameras. That is what I consider important in Leica. The glass!!!! Cameras are just a means to use the lens, and Leica makes the best in the world in many cases, and I do not mind paying real money for that. The camera is a different story, especially in the digital age where things change so fast. Lenses do not!

By the way, has anyone checked the latest prices on used M lenses? They have skyrocketed!!! My M lens collection is worth twice as much as I paid as a whole, and in some cases for individual lenses, they have tripled in price!

viv · 03-03-2011

Amen to all that!

Zeiss ZM lenses are much cheaper than their Leica equivalents, with identical and simetimes better quality.

jsrockit · 03-03-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by eleskin

There are also rumors that Fuji is working on an interchangeable lens version. For those of us who own M mount lenses or rangefinder lenses in general, the future looks like it will have more digital choices beyond the m8/M9. I would imagine Fuji will price such a camera way lower than the M9, perhaps in the $2000-$3000 USD range. I would also expect either full frame or a 1.3x crop similar to the M8.

Where is this rumor coming from? RFF or a legit source (i.e. Fuji)?

eleskin · 03-03-2011

Yes,

Zeiss lenses (Cosina!) are a great value and have a great signature as far as "look". I always select lenses based on the "look" they create. I bought a used Noctilux based on it's unique "look" as well as the Voigtlander 35mm f1.2 Nokton , 15mm Super Wide Heliar, etc,,,, and yes, in some cases, they are cheaper.

What we are headed to I feel are universal camera bodies. If Fuji made the X in M mount with the EVF mode, you would be able to use any lens ever made. You could use the Nikon 50mm Noct f1.2, some of Minoltas classic jewels from the 1970's and 1980's, Olympus OM series pro lenses, etc...

Even though I own a full range of M lenses, I would love to use as many other makes on one camera body as I can. All of this is really exciting to me (I am rubbing my hands!!!)!!!!

gavinlg · 03-03-2011

I highly doubt that fuji will make an M mount x100. I highly doubt they'll even make an interchangeable lens model at all - the rear element on the 23mm f2 lens on the x100 sits only 5.6mm away from the sensor. The sensors microlenses had to be specifically tuned to suit that particular lens to get the IQ they wanted. How would they do that with interchangeable lenses?

btgc · 03-03-2011

Now many of those with hot cash in hand will slow down, some will cancel their reservations for X100...and wait.

Then Fuji will not get part of income they planned from sales of X100 and will decide market doesn't want X-series cameras

gavinlg · 03-03-2011

I would also like to know where these rumors have come from - none of the current reliable rumor sites have anything about this...

eleskin · 03-03-2011

Check out "Photorumors.com"

jsrockit · 03-03-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by eleskin

Check out "Photorumors.com"

Thank you sir.

gavinlg · 03-03-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by eleskin

Check out "Photorumors.com"

Okay I stand corrected, however I still don't think it would be for M mount lenses.

And that translation is pretty dodgy - they don't actually directly say that they're considering an interchangeable lens model.

Phantomas · 03-03-2011

Lenses are cash-cow of imaging companies - fact. No big company will put out a product knowingly giving major peripheral sales to a third party. Mind I said big companies, hobby projects like R-D1 don't count.
If Fuji will go down that road they'll have to prepare a small lens line behind the scenes before launching an interchangeable body.
And concerning Leica/Zeiss (M mount) sales for mirrorless as a major strategy, I'd suggest to wake up and smell the coffee and remember that RFF and our fascination with niche gear and exotic combos does not in the slightest reflect the general market.

bwcolor · 03-03-2011

Here is what came up with that link:

Quote:

Here are the latest Fuji X100 updates from a recent Q&A session:

The APC CMOS EXR sensor in the X100 is produced by Fuji
It took Fuji two years to develop the X100
X100 focusing speed is 0.16 seconds
Fuji is currently examining the option of developing an interchangeable lens camera
Fuji expects to sell 100,000 X100 cameras in the next 12 months

Read more on PhotoRumors.com: http://photorumors.com/#ixzz1FYJVZc2s

Now, I don't think they got the sensor part right.

So, this is them quoting a google translated source. A future full frame M camera seems much like hoping that the guy running for office will be honest and not self-serving. It is possible, but don't hold your breath. Given that they have recently introduced medium format film cameras, they certainly have this segment of the photographic population at heart, so they will probably come up with an attractive package from the price/performance point of view. Unfortunately, for those of us in the U.S., the dollar will keep eroding and the price will probably be high.

nex100 · 03-03-2011

looking through the lens will never be the same as looking through the rangefinder

Pickett Wilson · 03-03-2011

An M mount adaptable X??? isn't going to happen with an APC size sensor. It would take a completely redesigned camera built specifically for M mount lenses. I can't see that ever making sense for Fuji.

jsrockit · 03-03-2011

"Fuji expects to sell 100,000 X100 cameras in the next 12 months"

Wow... this expecting too much no?

sper · 03-03-2011

I don't even want an M mount Fuji. Fuji is fully capable of producing world calss optics. I'll take the AF and trust that they'll stick to this great design scheme.

Pickett Wilson · 03-03-2011

I hope they sell all 100,000 of them. That will mean more of them on the used market in six months at a better price point!

TimothyHughes · 03-03-2011

I plan to buy the X100 since a 35mm focal length is perfect for what I'm looking for. I have a feeling resale value will remain high on these even as new models come to market.

I can certainly see later additions including an interchangeable lenses, a 50mm option or a faster 35mm (wishful thinking there).

From all appearances, the X100 like Leicas and Rolex watches are bound to become heirlooms. I think this is pretty darned rare for digital cameras.

btgc · 03-03-2011

>>"Fuji expects to sell 100,000 X100 cameras in the next 12 months"

>Wow... this expecting too much no?

Did you multilply?

shashinka-ichiban · 03-03-2011

Rumors are just that, rumors and should be taken with a grain of salt. Pre-PMA, there were no such rumor that the X100 was on the board, but tons about a Nikon m43/ A few years ago the rumors were everywhere about ikons FF digital rangefinder.

Just for the sake of playing what if, assuming Fuji does make another X-camera, it could go an X-5o which has an aperture lens, but no shutter dial, or no aperture ring,m but a shutter dial. Who knows!? Maybe an X200, hat is M-mount designed for it's own line of Fuji lenses. It can be the first camera designed to make love to you!?

jsrockit · 03-03-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by shashinka-ichiban

Just for the sake of playing what if, assuming Fuji does make another X-camera, it could go an X-5o which has an aperture lens, but no shutter dial, or no aperture ring,m but a shutter dial. Who knows!?

True, never thought about the fact that they could make a dumbed down version of the camera and still be making a new X product.

palec · 03-03-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by btgc

>>"Fuji expects to sell 100,000 X100 cameras in the next 12 months"

>Wow... this expecting too much no?

Did you multilply?

Nice one