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Alongside its new X-H2S camera, 18-120mm F4 LM PZ WR and 150-600mm F5.6-8 R LM, Fujifilm has released an updated lens development roadmap for its interchangeable XF lenses for its X-mount cameras. In the updated roadmap, Fujifilm reveals three new prime lenses: an 8mm F3.5, a 30mm F2.8 R Macro and an updated 56mm F1.2.

The forthcoming XF 8mm F3.5 will be the widest prime lens Fujifilm offers for its X-mount cameras, with aa roughly 12mm full-frame equivalent focal length. It will serve as the widest option in its ‘Compact Prime’ series, which also includes the 16mm F2.8 R WR, 18mm F2 R, 23mm F2 R WR, 27mm F2.8 R WR, 35mm F2, 35mm F2 R WR and 50mm F2 R WR. Fujifilm says the XF 8mm F3.5 will be released sometime in 2023.

The section of the full X-mount lens roadmap, with the new lenses highlighted.

The second new lens shown on Fujifilm’s updated roadmap is a new XF 30mm F2.8 Macro, which will offer a 45mm full-frame equivalent focal length. This will be the widest macro lens from Fujifilm, with the 60mm F2.4 R Macro and 80mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro being the other two. Fujifilm says the XF 30mm F2.8 Macro will be released by the end of the year.

The third and final lens Fujifilm has revealed in its latest roadmap is an updated XF 56mm F1.2, a large-aperture medium telephoto prime lens. It’s unclear how this will differ from the existing versions. It could be a question of adding weather-sealing, or if it will receive linear motor focus, like updated 23mm F1.4 R LM WR and recent 33mm F1.4 R LM WR, but we should know more by the end of the year, considering Fujifilm is planning on a 2022 launch.

Below is the full X-mount lens roadmap:

Click to enlarge.

Press release:

Fujifilm Unveils Latest Development Roadmap for Interchangeable Lenses in X Series of Mirrorless Digital Cameras

Addition of three new XF lenses creates an extensive 42-lens lineup, broadening the X Series’ reach

Valhalla, N.Y., May 31, 2022 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation today unveiled its latest development roadmap for interchangeable XF lenses in the X Series of compact and lightweight mirrorless digital cameras. The latest roadmap features the addition of three new lenses: a large-diameter mid-telephoto prime lens, a standard macro lens, and an ultra-wide-angle prime lens.

Fujifilm has been expanding the lineup of XF lenses to broaden the appeal of premium image quality and advanced mobility made possible by the X Mount system¹. As part of this expansion, a medium telephoto prime lens joins the new generation of large-aperture prime lenses, which will now cover broad focal lengths from 18mm (wide angle, equivalent to 27mm in the 35mm film format) to 56mm (mid-telephoto, equivalent to 85mm in the 35mm film format). These lenses will offer outstanding image quality and image-resolving power in an extremely broad range of photographic situations.

Additionally, as part of this roadmap, the compact prime series of XF lenses will have two additions: a standard macro lens and an ultra-wide-angle lens. These complement existing lenses in the XF Series by expanding the situations for suitable lens use, catering to users’ diverse needs.

Interchangeable lenses newly added to the roadmap:

XF56mmF1.2 Lens - A fast, medium telephoto prime lens

A mid-telephoto lens to join the new generation of “large-aperture prime lenses” in the XF Series.

XF30mmF2.8 R Macro Lens - A standard macro lens

A compact macro lens with a standard angle of view. Its compact and lightweight design makes it a perfect walkaround lens, covering a wide range of image-making situations including snapshots, landscape, portrait, as well as tabletop photography of foods and accessories.

XF8mmF3.5 Lens - An ultra-wide-angle prime lens

A compact ultra-wide-angle lens that will be the widest X Mount prime lens in the XF Series. Despite the ultra-wide-angle focal length, the lens is compact and lightweight, making it an ideal walkaround lens.

“We listened to consumers’ thoughts, wants, and needs, and responded with a comprehensive set of new lenses that will enhance any Fujifilm photographer’s kit,” said Victor Ha, vice president, Electronic Imaging and Optical Devices Divisions, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “With our versatile lineup now including 42 lenses, including the three that were just added to the development roadmap, Fujifilm continues to demonstrate its commitment to helping our community find new creative moments through lenses that allow the creator to see things differently.”

XF30mmF2.8 R Macro and XF56mmF1.2 are expected to be available in late 2022. XF8mmF3.5 is expected to be available in early 2023.

¹The X Mount is Fujifilm’s lens mount for its X Series of mirrorless digital cameras equipped with an APS-C sensor

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Fujifilm is hosting its X-Summit 2022 event in Omiya, Japan. We're live-blogging the latest announcements as they're made in the live-streamed event. Refresh and follow along to keep up with Fujifilm's latest products.

Fujifilm has announced a new 5th-generation sensor and processor.

The new stacked SMOS sensor is the X-Trans CMOS 5HS. It features a stacked layer structure and is four-times faster than Fujifilm's previous CMOS sensor.

This new sensor features a higher EVF rate, high-speed burst shooting, 'fast and reliable' AF and high-framerate video capture.

Fujifilm has also shown off a new camera, but hasn't explicitly mentioned the camera by name.

Fujifilm is now detailing its new image processor, the X-Processor 5. Fujifilm says this new processor is 30x faster than its predecessor while using one half the power. It also supports ProRes 422 HQ, H.265 and HEIF capture modes for stills and video.

The processor also supports CFexpress Type B memory cards.

Fujifilm has unveiled its latest camera, the X-H2S.

Fujifilm says it's extensively worked with professional photographers and filmmakers to make this new camera.

It's capable of 40fps (e-shutter) capture with AF and blackout-free shooting. 15fps with the mechanical shutter. The camera uses new algorithms, high-speed read-out and high-speed processing to process up to 120fps from the sensor, which allows for high-speed shooting while providing data for autofocus and other features.

The X-H2S has a wide-view EVF with 0.8x magnification, 5.76M dots and a 120fps refresh rate.

Fujifilm says it's focused extensively on the optics of the viewfinder, which uses an aspherical design to provide the clearest images possible, even when your eye isn't centered in the viewfinder.

The X-H2S will have a five-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system that's CIPA_rated for up to seven stops of compensation.

Fujifilm says its goal is to make the X-H2S the ultimate run-and-gun camera that doesn't require a dedicated gimbal.

The X-Processor 5 inside the X-H2S powers a slew of shooting modes, including internal ProRes 422 HQ, H.265 (All-intra 422 MOV) and Raw 6.2K/30p output (presumably with external recorders)

The X-H2S features one SD card slot and one CFexpress Type B card slot with read and write speeds up to 1700MB/s and 1500MB/s, respectively. ProRes 422 HQ will be limited to the CFexpress Type B card, based on the data rates provided.

The X-H2S will also be the first Fujifilm camera to feature F-Log2, a new gamma mode that offers 14+ stops of dynamic range.

The X-H2S will feature a full-sized HDMI Type-A port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, a 3.5mm microphone jack and a USB-C connector with cable lock screw.

Fujifilm has apparently learned its lessons by watching other camera manufacturers suffer from overheating while shooting data-intensive video. As such, the company has announced a dedicated (and optional) cooling fan for the X-H2S, which appears to screw onto the back of the camera when the rear display is folded out.

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The Laowa Probe lens was one of the most unique optics we've ever tested. It's now been updated with a periscope option that makes it even more versatile. See what fun shots we came up with using this bizarre lens!

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• Introduction
• Sample footage
• Design and functionality
• Vs. traditional macro
• Periprobe advantages
• Sharpness
• Periprobe limitations
• Should you buy (or rent) one?

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A new lawsuit, filed by representatives for cinema camera manufacturer RED, accuses Nikon of illegally using its patented data compression technology in its Nikon Z9 full-frame mirrorless camera.

According to the lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, the plaintiff, Red.com, LLC (RED), is accusing the defendant, Nikon Corporation (Nikon), of patent infringement. Specifically, RED is accusing Nikon of knowingly using technology described in RED’s patents pertaining to ‘highly compress[ed] video data in a visually lossless manner’ in its Nikon’s Z series mirrorless cameras, ‘such as the “Nikon Z9 with Firmware 2.0.”’

As we reported back in December 2021, Nikon is licensing intoPIX’s TicoRAW technology for the 8K/60p N-Raw video in its Z9 mirrorless camera. What’s interesting is that intoPIX describes its patented TicoRAW technology as ‘mathematically lossless and visually lossless down to 1 bit per pixel,’ which is incredibly similar to how RED describes its technology.

A screenshot from intoPIX’s website showing the benefits of its patented TicoRAW technology.

RED further alleges Nikon knew about these patented technologies and its ‘prior lawsuits involving one or more of the asserted patents.’ Specifically, RED mentions its complaints against Kinefinity, Nokia and Sony, with Sony going so far as to countersue RED for infringing upon its patents.

According to RED’s complaint, Nikon’s use of its patented compression technology is ‘likely to cause irreparable harm to RED, which cannot be adequately compensated by money damages,’ through ‘lost sales and profits, reduced business, and injury to its general reputation and industry standing.’ Despite alleging it 'cannot be adequately compensated by money damages, RED says it’s ‘entitled to an increase of damages up to three times the amount found or assessed at least due to Nikon’s willful and deliberate infringement [and] entitled to an award of its attorneys’ fees because Nikon’s infringement presents an exceptional case.’

RED is also seeking ‘a preliminary and permanent injunction enjoining Nikon from infringing the claims,’ meaning it wants Nikon to stop promoting and selling the products allegedly infringing upon RED’s technology. Below is the full complaint:

We have contacted both Nikon and RED for comments on this matter. As of publishing this article, only Nikon responded, but said it was ‘unable to comment on the matter.’

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Megadap has announced a new version of its Megadap Sony E to Nikon Z autofocus adapter, the ETZ21. Thanks to new chips and software protocols, the second-generation adapter promises to deliver improved autofocus speed and accuracy.

Megadap has developed an all-new software, and the mechanical team has delivered improved hardware in the ETZ21 adapter. The software protocols have been rewritten from scratch using protocols from Sony and Nikon. Megadap says that the ETZ21 adapter should 'simulate almost all the functions offered' by Nikon's official FTZ adapter for mounting F lenses on its mirrorless Z cameras.

Megadap ETZ21 AF adapter

Megadap has spent 'countless hours' optimizing its new adapter and promises much faster focusing speed when compared to similar adapters on the market and its original E to Z AF adapter. The ETZ21 supports manual lenses without electronic chips, too. In-body image stabilization is supported in AF-S/AF-C/AF-F/pinpoint/manual focus modes, and automatic aperture control and coupling are supported, meaning that you'll see the correct aperture value on your camera when using E mount lenses with compatible aperture couplings. The ETZ21 also supports real-time focus tracking, and you can take advantage of the face/eye-detect autofocus and subject tracking on Nikon's latest mirrorless cameras.

The ETZ21 supports shooting modes like interval timer shooting, time-lapse movie and focus shift shooting (focus stacking). As for vibration reduction (VR), you can use camera IBIS or lens VR for lenses with a vibration reduction switch on the barrel. For lenses without the switch, lens VR is on by default. For lenses without optical stabilization, the camera will default to using IBIS.

EXIF information, including camera model, lens focal length and aperture value, are recorded in EXIF data. However, the lens brand will not be included. You can expect to see most of the typical EXIF data when using the ETZ21. Megadap says that lenses from Sony, Sigma, Tamron, Zeiss, Voigtlander and Samyang are supported, while lenses from Viltrox and Yongnuo aren't. The adapter works with all current Nikon Z cameras.

You can also check the ETZ21 firmware on macOS and Windows or on the Z camera itself in the firmware version menu. Updating firmware is done using a USB adapter and connecting the ETZ21 to your computer.

The Megadap ETZ21 features improved build quality compared to the original ETZ11. The surface includes more advanced plating and better sealing around the circuit board. The ETZ21 AF adapter is built using a 2mm thin aluminum alloy. The release button should be easier to use, and the stainless-steel bayonet is said to be stronger.

You can purchase the Megadap ETZ21 AF adapter directly from Megadap for $249.

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Reto has announced a new Kodak-branded half-frame film camera, the Ektar H35. The simple half-frame film camera, first spotted by Kosmo Foto, allows you to capture 72 photos using a 36-shot roll of 35mm film and 48 images on a 24-frame roll. The half-frame design uses a typical 36 x 24mm film frame to capture two vertical 18 x 24mm frames.

The Ektar H35 is designed to be efficient and easy to use. Capturing twice as many shots on a single roll of film will allow photographers to shoot more and spend less. As for ease of use, the Ektar H35 is 'pocket-size' and includes basic, convenient controls. The camera also includes a built-in flash. You turn the flash on by rotating the silver ring around the built-in lens.

The lens is a 22mm F9.5 prime with two elements. It's listed as being made using 'optical grade acrylic.' The shutter speed is 1/100s. The camera's controls are simple, with only a shutter release, manual wind and rewind gear and the flash control. The camera weighs 100g (3.53 oz.) and its dimensions (W x H x D) are 110 x 62 x 39mm (4.33 x 2.44 x 1.54"). A single AAA battery powers the camera.

The camera is certainly not aimed at experienced film photographers. After all, you don't have manual control over settings, and you aren't able to switch out lenses. But for someone who wants a point-and-shoot film photography experience, the Reto Ektar H35 could be a stylish option.

Reto Ektar H35 (sage)

The Reto Ektar H35 is available in four colorways: sand (tan), sage (green), brown and black. The camera is $49.99 and will begin shipping in June. You can preorder it directly from Reto. Reto also sells a film case for 120/135 film in various colors with prices ranging from $25 to $29.

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About Film Fridays: We've launched an analog forum and in a continuing effort to promote the fun of the medium, we'll be sharing film-related content on Fridays, including articles from our friends at 35mmc and KosmoFoto.

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If you’re looking to add a little RGB flare to your photo accessory portfolio, look no further than Lexar’s SL660 Blaze, a new SSD that features integrated RGB lighting and respectable speed over its USB-C connection.

Lexar’s SL660 is marketed towards gamers, but its 2000MB/s read and 1900MB/s write speeds offer respectable performance in a sleek, compact form factor. To achieve these speeds, the drive is built around an NVMe SSD and uses a USB (Type C) 3.2 Gen 2×2 connection.

The case around the SSD is made of aluminum that’s been sandblasted and, presumably, anodized to a gunmetal grey color. The integrated lighting appears to be static in nature. So, if you were hoping to be able to customize what color the light glows, you’re going to be sorely disappointed as the blue and magenta gradient is what you’re stuck with.

The Lexar SL660 Blaze SSD comes with the drive, a USB-C to USB-C cable, a USB-C to USB-A cable, a neat little dock for keeping the drive upright on your desk and a carrying case. While it’s not the fastest SSD out there, it offers respectable performance and a colorful design for a rather reasonable price of $130 for the 512GB model and $200 for the 1TB model.

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