Lens News

Fujifilm has introduced two new macro extension tubes for its line of X-Series interchangeable lens cameras and a launch date for its major firmware update and PC tethered shooting software HS-V5 for the FUJIFILM X-T1 (Graphite Silver) and X-T1 (Black) cameras. The updates offering additional features and enhanced controls will also be made available for the Fujifilm X-E2, X-E1, X-Pro1and X30.

Here's a breakdown of the announcements from Fujifilm

 

Fujifilm Macro Extension Tubes:

The MCEX-11 and the MCEX-16 macro extension tubes—for extended close-up work— are intermediate rings for Fuji's X-series cameras. Attach the ring between a Fujinon XF (or XC) lens and the camera body to get high-magnification photography. With the macro extension tube attached, the focus range is limited and to find a focus point simply move the camera forward or backward.

The macro extension tubes have electronic contacts, retaining normal Auto Exposure functions and are designed to seamlessly blend into the look of the X-Series line of compact system cameras.

The Fujifilm macro extension tubes will be available in mid-December 2014, the suggested retail price is $99.95 each.

PC Tethered Shooting Software HS-V5:

The PC Tethered Shooting Software HS-V5 (Windows Ver. 1.0) features two modes, Camera and PC, and provides users with enhanced shooting controls. Camera mode lets users operate and adjust the camera’s settings, and the images are simultaneously transferred to a computer to view or save.

Adjusting the exposure (and other shooting settings) along with activating the shutter release, are carried out on camera. Users can switch to the PC mode where they can check the viewfinder image of a remotely set-up camera, operate the camera and adjust its settings on their computer and images are transferred to the computer to view or save. Adjusting the exposure and other shooting settings, or activating the shutter release, are carried out remotely on the computer.

The PC Tethered Shooting Software HS-V5 includes the Hyper-Utlity3 image browser that allows users to the view images, analysis, assessment, categorization and organization. Other features include an image analysis function using the histogram, a highlight clipping warning and EXIF data (Film Simulations, exchangeable Lens name and more) and displays an image assessment function that shows two images side-by-side for comparison. The PC Tethered Shooting Software HS-V5 will be available in January 2015.

The Firmware v3.0 update for X-T1 (Graphite Silver) and X-T1 (Black) will be available for download on December 18, 2014. The free, firmware update will include:

AF (Auto Focus) Area direct selection: Users can select the focus area with the 4-way controller, without pressing the Fn Button.

Function replacement for the AE-L/AF-L buttons: The currently locked AE-L/AF-L button function will now be interchangeable, depending on the user’s preference.

Focus Area size variability during MF (Manual Focus): Users will be able to change the focus area in Manual mode during One Push AF with the AF-L button.

Macro Mode direct selection: Users will be able to directly turn ON or OFF the Macro function in Auto Focus mode to expand the distance measurement range to the short-distance range. This will be possible without accessing the pop-up menu screen.

Q Menu customization: The update will render the items and layout of the Q Menu, used for quick access of frequently-used items, changeable to the user’s preference.

Video frame rate selection: In addition to the existing 60fps and 30fps selections, 50fps and 25fps, as well as a 24fps selection will become available to users. 50fps and 25fps allow video editing in the PAL region, such as Europe and elsewhere, without converting the frame rate. The 24fps will offer movie-like video capture and play back.

Video manual shooting: Users will be able to select ISO sensitivity prior to shooting videos, as well as adjusting the aperture and shutter speed during video shooting.

Phase Detection AF support for One Push AF: With One Push AF, operated by pressing the AF-L button during manual focusing, the update will enable Phase Detection AF with quicker focusing speeds.

Metering area focus area interlocking: The update will enable users to interlock the AF area position with the metering area when spot metering is selected.

Expansion of the Program Shift setting area: The update will enable the current Program Shift, in which the low-speed side is 1/4 second, to be shifted to a maximum of 4 seconds.

Electronic Shutter: Adds electronic shutter function to original X-T1 Black bodies with a maximum shutter speed of 1/32000 second.

New “Classic Chrome” Film Simulation: Film simulation that delivers muted tones and deep color reproduction.

Support for INSTAX Share Printer: Photos can be sent directly to the INSTAX Share Printer for instant prints.

Lock Function: Users can lock the camera to prevent unexpected dial and button operations.

AF+MF Setting: Users can half press the shutter to autofocus, and then make fine adjustments using the manual focus ring.

Three Custom White Balance options: Expands number of white balance users can store.

Expanded EVF/LCD display types in Manual Exposure Mode: Users can now customize the way the image is displayed on the EVF or LCD.

LCD Brightness and EVF/LCD Adjustment Control: Users can customize display brightness based on environment.

Flash Compensation in Fn Button Setting: Users can now add Flash Compensation to any of the six custom function buttons.

 

The firmware v3.0 update for FUJIFILM X-E2:

WLAN Remote Control in conjunction with the Camera Remote application.

Interval Timer Shooting.

New “Classic Chrome” Film Simulation.

AF+MF control for all X-mount lenses.

 

The firmware v2.4 update for FUJIFILM X-E1 and v3.4 FUJIFILM X-Pro1:

AF+MF control for all X-mount lenses.

 

The firmware v1.01 update for FUJIFILM X30 (available now):

The autofocus lock function. 

 

More info on the Tethered Shooting Software here.

More info on the Macro Extension Tubes here.

More info on updates here.